false 0001449488 0001449488 2021-11-10 2021-11-10

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (date of earliest event reported): November 10, 2021

 

 

CSI Compressco LP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   1-35195   94-3450907
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File Number)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

24955 Interstate 45 North

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (281) 364-5029

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange
on which registered

Common Units   CCLP   NASDAQ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2). Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 


Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

Contribution Agreement

On November 10, 2021, CSI Compressco LP (the “Partnership”) entered into a Contribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) by and among the Partnership, CSI Compressco GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the Partnership (the “General Partner”), Spartan Energy Partners, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Contributor”), and CSI Compressco Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Compressco Sub”). Pursuant to the terms of the Contribution Agreement, Contributor contributed to the Partnership 100% of the limited liability company interest in Treating Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Treating Holdco”), 100% of the common stock in Spartan Terminals Operating, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Spartan Terminals”), and 99% of the limited liability company interests in Spartan Operating Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Spartan Operating” and together with Treating Holdco and Spartan Terminals, the “Holdco Entities”) (such interests in the Holdco Entities, the “Contributed Interests”) in exchange for 48.4 million common units representing the limited partner interests in the Partnership (“Common Units”). We refer to the acquisition of the Contributed Interests as the “Acquisition.” In addition, the General Partner agreed to cancel its incentive distribution rights in the Partnership within 60 days of the Acquisition. The Common Units issued as consideration for the Acquisition were issued in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof.

The amount and composition of the consideration for the Acquisition was approved by a conflicts committee (the “Conflicts Committee”) consisting of independent members of the board of directors of the General Partner. The Conflicts Committee retained legal and financial advisors to assist it in evaluating and negotiating the Contribution Agreement. In approving the terms of the Contribution Agreement, the Conflicts Committee based its decision in part on an opinion from its independent financial advisor that the consideration to be paid by the Partnership for the Acquisition is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Partnership and the Unaffiliated Common Unitholders (as defined in such opinion).

The Contribution Agreement contains customary representations and warranties regarding the Acquisition as well as customary covenants and indemnity provisions.

The foregoing description is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Contribution Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K (this “Current Report”) and incorporated herein by reference.

Management Services Agreement

In connection with the Contribution Agreement, the Partnership entered into a Management Services Agreement, dated November 10, 2021, by and among the Partnership, the General Partner, Contributor, Spartan Energy Partners GP LLC, the general partner of Contributor (“Spartan GP”), and Spartan Operating (the “Management Services Agreement”). Under the terms of the Management Services Agreement, the General Partner, Spartan Operating and Spartan GP will provide certain services reasonably necessary for the operation of the businesses of the Partnership and its subsidiaries, Contributor, Spartan GP and the Holdco Entities, including certain corporate and general and administrative services. Pursuant to the Management Services Agreement, the General Partner and Spartan GP will allocate any costs and expenses incurred on a reasonable basis, and the parties will reimburse such other parties for costs and expenses allocated to them.

The foregoing description is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Management Services Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report and incorporated herein by reference.

Common Unit Purchase Agreement

On November 10, 2021, the Partnership closed a private placement of 39,050,210 Common Units to certain investors for gross proceeds of $52.7 million, pursuant to a Common Unit Purchase Agreement (the “Unit Purchase Agreement”) (the “Private Placement”). The proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for general partnership purposes, including the repayment or redemption of indebtedness.

The Partnership issued the securities in the Private Placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and/or Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act, as a transaction not requiring registration under Section 5 of the Securities Act. The Private Placement did not involve a public offering, and the investors

 

1


made representations to the Partnership regarding their status as an “accredited investor” and/or their knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment. The investors represented their intentions to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution and appropriate restrictive legends were reflected in restricted book entry with the Partnership’s transfer agent. The parties also had adequate access, through business or other relationships, to information about the Partnership.

Jefferies LLC acted as placement agent in connection with the Private Placement.

The Unit Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of the Partnership and the Investors. The Partnership, on the one hand, and each of the Investors (severally and not jointly), on the other hand, have agreed to indemnify each other and their respective affiliates, officers, directors and other representatives against certain losses resulting from any breach of their representations, warranties or covenants contained in the Unit Purchase Agreement, subject to certain limitations and survival periods.

In connection with the closing of the Private Placement, the Partnership entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with the investors in the Private Placement, pursuant to which the Partnership agreed to, among other things and subject to certain restrictions, file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission providing for the registration of the resale of the Common Units to be issued in the Private Placement.

The foregoing descriptions of the Unit Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Unit Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement, which are filed with this Current Report as Exhibit 10.2 and Exhibit 4.1, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

Second Lien Notes

On November 10, 2021, the Partnership and the Partnership’s wholly owned subsidiary, CSI Compressco Finance Inc. (“Finance Corp” and, together with the Partnership, the “Issuers”) entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Issuers, on November 16, 2021, issued $10 million in aggregate principal amount of the Issuers’ 10.000%/10.750% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026 (the “New Second Lien Notes”) to the purchasers party thereto. In connection therewith, the Issuers entered into a First Supplemental Indenture (the “Second Lien Supplemental Indenture”), by and among the Issuers, the subsidiary guarantors named therein, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral trustee, to the Indenture, dated June 12, 2020, by and among the Issuers, the subsidiary guarantors named therein, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral trustee (the “Second Lien Base Indenture” and, together with the Second Lien Supplemental Indenture, the “Second Lien Indenture”). On June 12, 2018, the Issuers issued $155,529,000 in aggregate principal amount of 10.000%/10.750% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026 (the “Existing Second Lien Notes” and, together with the New Second Lien Notes, the “Second Lien Notes”) pursuant to the Second Lien Base Indenture. The New Second Lien Notes will be issued as “additional notes” under the Second Lien Indenture and will be treated as a single class with the Existing Second Lien Notes.

The foregoing description of the Second Lien Supplemental Indenture does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the First Lien Supplemental Indenture, which is filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 4.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Also on November 10, 2021, the Issuers delivered a notice of redemption with respect to their 7.25% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) calling for redemption on December 13, 2021 all of the outstanding 2022 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of the 2022 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2022 Notes (the “Redemption”). The Issuers intend to finance the Redemption with the net proceeds from the Private Placement and the issuance of the New Second Lien Notes, among other sources of cash.

Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement

On November 10, 2021, the Partnership and Compressco Sub, as borrowers, entered into the Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement (the “Amendment”) amending the Loan and Security Agreement dated June 29, 2018 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent, issuing bank and swing line issuer (“Administrative Agent”), and the other lenders and loan parties party thereto.


The Amendment provided for changes and modifications to the Credit Agreement as set forth therein, which include, among other things, changes to certain terms of the Credit Agreement as follows to permit:

(i) the consummation of the Acquisition pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, and after giving effect to such Acquisition, Spartan Terminals and Spartan Operating shall become Immaterial Subsidiaries (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and Treating Holdco and its subsidiaries shall become Unrestricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Credit Agreement), in each case under the Credit Agreement and related loan documents;

(ii) the sale by CSI Compressco Leasing LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a subsidiary of the Partnership, and subsequent leaseback by CSI Compressco Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and subsidiary of the Partnership, of certain compressor units with Treating Holdco and/or its subsidiaries occurring on or about the date of the Amendment (the “Spartan Sale/Leaseback”); and

(iii) the consummation of the Redemption within 45 days following the date of the Amendment utilizing proceeds from the Spartan Sale/Leaseback, the Private Placement and the issuance of the New Second Lien Notes.

The foregoing description of the Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Amendment, which is filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.3 and is incorporated herein by reference.

First Amendment to Spartan Credit Agreement

On November 10, 2021, certain unrestricted subsidiaries of the Partnership, Spartan Energy Services LLC, as borrower, and Treating Holdco, as new guarantor, entered into the First Amendment to Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement (the “Spartan Amendment”) amending the Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement dated January 29, 2021 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Spartan Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as agent, and the other lenders and loan parties party thereto.

The Spartan Amendment provided for changes and modifications to the Spartan Credit Agreement as set forth therein, which include, among other things, changes to certain terms of the Spartan Credit Agreement as follows:

(i) increase in Commitments (as defined in the Spartan Credit Agreement) from $55,000,000 to $70,000,000;

(ii) permit the consummation of the Acquisition pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, and after giving effect to such Acquisition, the release of each of Contributor, Spartan Terminals and Spartan Operating as Obligors (as defined in the Spartan Credit Agreement) and the joinder of Treating Holdco as a Guarantor (as defined in the Spartan Credit Agreement), in each case under the Spartan Credit Agreement and related loan documents;

(iii) revise Change of Control (as defined in the Spartan Credit Agreement) to allow for Control (as defined in the Spartan Credit Agreement) by the Partnership and the General Partner; and

(iv) permit the Spartan Sale/Leaseback.

The foregoing description of the Spartan Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Spartan Amendment, which is filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.4 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.01

Completion of Acquisition or Disposition

To the extent required, the information regarding the Acquisition set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.03

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

To the extent required, the information regarding the issuance of the New Second Lien Notes and the Amendment set forth under item 1.01 of this Current Report is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 3.02

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

To the extent required, the information regarding the Common Units as consideration for the Acquisition and in the Private Placement, each set forth under Item 1.01 above is hereby incorporated into this Item 3.02 by reference.

In addition, on November 10, 2021, the Partnership issued 2,962,963 Common Units to Contributor for $4 million. Such Common Units were issued in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof. The proceeds from this sale will be used for general partnership purposes.

 

Item 3.03

Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders

To the extent required, the information regarding the Registration Rights Agreement set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired.

As permitted under this item, the Partnership will file the historical financial statements required to be filed by this item by amendment to this Current Report not later than 71 days after the date this Current Report is required to be filed.

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.

As permitted under this item, the Partnership will file the pro forma financial information required to be filed by this item by amendment to this Current Report not later than 71 days after the date this Current Report is required to be filed.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description

2.1*    Contribution Agreement, dated November 10, 2021, by and among the CSI Compressco LP, CSI Compressco GP LLC, Spartan Energy Partners LP, and CSI Compressco Sub Inc.
4.1    Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 10, 2021, by and among CSI Compressco LP and each of the holders party thereto.
4.2    Second Lien Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 16, 2021, by and among CSI Compressco LP, CSI Compressco Finance, Inc., the Guarantors named therein, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral trustee.
10.1    Management Services Agreement, dated November 10, 2021, by and among CSI Compressco LP, CSI Compressco GP LLC, Spartan Energy Partners LP, Spartan Energy Partners GP LLC and Spartan Operating Company LLC.
10.2    Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated November 10, 2021, by among CSI Compressco LP and the purchasers party thereto.
10.3    Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 10, 2021, by and among CSI Compressco LP, certain of its subsidiaries, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, issuing bank and swing line lender, and the lenders party thereto.
10.4**    First Amendment to Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement, dated November 10, 2021, by and among Spartan Energy Services LLC, Treating Holdco LLC, Spartan Energy Partners LP, Spartan Terminals Operating, Inc., Spartan Operating Company LLC, Bank of America, N.A., as agent for the lenders, and the lenders party thereto.

 

*

Schedules to this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any omitted schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

**

Portions of this exhibit (indicated by asterisks) have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K. A copy of the omitted portions will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.


SIGNATURES

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

 

   

CSI Compressco LP

 
    By:   CSI Compressco GP LLC  
      its general partner  
Date: November 16, 2021     By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

 
      John E. Jackson  
      Chief Executive Officer  

Exhibit 2.1

 

 

 

CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

by and among

SPARTAN ENERGY PARTNERS LP,

CSI COMPRESSCO LP,

CSI COMPRESSCO GP LLC,

and

CSI COMPRESSCO SUB INC.

dated

November 10, 2021

 

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

 

Section 1.1

  Definitions      2  

Section 1.2

  Rules of Construction      2  
ARTICLE II

 

CLOSING AND RELATED MATTERS

 

Section 2.1

  Contribution of Contributed Interests and Operating Interests; Cancellation of Incentive Distribution Rights      3  

Section 2.2

  Consideration      3  

Section 2.3

  Closing      3  

Section 2.4

  Deliveries at Closing      3  
ARTICLE III

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING CONTRIBUTOR AND THE CONTRIBUTED COMPANIES

 

Section 3.1

  Organization      4  

Section 3.2

  Authority; Enforceability      5  

Section 3.3

  Title to Contributed Interests      5  

Section 3.4

  No Conflict; Consents and Approvals      5  

Section 3.5

  Legal Proceedings      6  

Section 3.6

  Ownership      6  

Section 3.7

  Real Property      6  

Section 3.8

  Material Contracts      6  

Section 3.9

  Taxes      7  

Section 3.10

  Financial Statements      7  

Section 3.11

  No Undisclosed Liabilities      8  

Section 3.12

  Tangible Personal Property      8  

Section 3.13

  Brokerage Arrangements      8  

Section 3.14

  Trademarks      8  

Section 3.15

  Disclaimer      8  
ARTICLE IV

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MLP

 

Section 4.1

  Organization      9  

Section 4.2

  Authority; Enforceability      9  

Section 4.3

  No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals      9  

Section 4.4

  Legal Proceedings      9  

Section 4.5

  Delivery of Fairness Opinion      9  

Section 4.6

  Brokerage Arrangements      10  

Section 4.7

  Unit Consideration      10  

Section 4.8

  Independent Investigation; Waiver of Other Representations      10  

 

i


ARTICLE V

 

COVENANTS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS

 

Section 5.1

  Tax Matters      10  

Section 5.2

  Cancellation of Incentive Distribution Rights      11  
ARTICLE VI

 

INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 6.1

  Survival      11  

Section 6.2

  Indemnification      12  

Section 6.3

  Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings      12  

Section 6.4

  Limitations      13  

Section 6.5

  Exclusive Remedy      14  
ARTICLE VII

 

GENERAL

 

Section 7.1

  Entire Agreement; Successors and Assigns      14  

Section 7.2

  Amendments and Waivers      15  

Section 7.3

  Notices      15  

Section 7.4

  Governing Law      16  

Section 7.5

  Dispute Resolution; Waiver of Jury Trial      16  

Section 7.6

  Disclosure Schedules      16  

Section 7.7

  Severability      17  

Section 7.8

  Transaction Costs and Expenses      17  

Section 7.9

  Rights of Third Parties      17  

Section 7.10

  Counterparts      17  

Section 7.11

  Specific Performance      17  

Section 7.12

  Publicity      17  

Section 7.13

  Further Assurances      17  

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    Definitions
Exhibit B    Form of Interest Conveyance
Exhibit C    Form of Trademark Assignment Agreement
Exhibit D    Form of Common Unit Purchase Agreement
Exhibit E    Form of Securities Purchase Agreement

DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES

 

Schedule 1.1(a)    Excluded Assets
Schedule 3.4    Contributor Approvals and Consents
Schedule 3.5    Legal Proceedings
Schedule 3.7    Real Property
Schedule 3.8(a)    Material Contracts
Schedule 3.8(b)    Exceptions to Material Contracts
Schedule 3.14    Trademarks

 

ii


CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

THIS CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (including the exhibits and schedules hereto, this “Agreement”), dated as of November 10, 2021, is by and among Spartan Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Contributor”), CSI Compressco, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“MLP”), CSI Compressco GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of MLP (the “General Partner”), and CSI Compressco Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Compressco Sub”). Contributor, MLP, and Compressco Sub are collectively referred to as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party.”

RECITALS

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof (a) Contributor owns 100% of the limited liability company interests in Treating Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Treating Holdco”), 100% of the common stock in Spartan Terminals Operating, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Spartan Terminals”), and 99% of the limited liability company interests in Spartan Operating Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (Spartan Operating”), (b) Spartan Terminals owns 1% of the limited liability company interests in Spartan Operating, (c) Treating Holdco owns 100% of the limited liability company interests in each of (i) Spartan Energy Services LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Spartan Services”) and (ii) Spartan International LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Spartan International”), and (d) Spartan Services and Spartan International collectively own 100% of the limited liability company in Gas Services Manpower, LLC, an Egyptian limited liability company organized under the Laws of the Arab Republic of Egypt (“Gas Services”);

WHEREAS, prior to the Closing, Contributor caused Spartan Services to assign all of Spartan Services’ rights, title, interest, liability and obligations to those certain assets set forth on Schedule 1.1(a) (the “Excluded Assets”) to Contributor;

WHEREAS, Contributor desires to contribute to MLP 100% of the limited liability company interests in Treating Holdco (the “Contributed Interests”) in exchange for the consideration, and on the other terms and conditions, set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, Contributor desires to contribute to MLP 100% of the limited liability company interests in Spartan Terminals and 99% of the limited liability company interests in Spartan Operating (collectively, the “Operating Interests”) in exchange for the consideration, and on the other terms and conditions, set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, Contributor desires to contribute to Spartan Services all of its rights, title, and interests in and to the Trademarks in exchange for the consideration, and on the other terms and conditions, set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS, immediately following the contribution of the Contributed Interests and Operating Interests to MLP, MLP shall contribute the Contributed Interests and Operating Interests to Compressco Sub; and

WHEREAS, the General Partner owns all of the Incentive Distribution Rights (as defined in the Partnership Agreement);

 

1


WHEREAS, the Partnership, the General Partner and Contributor have agreed to the cancellation of the Incentive Distribution Rights following Closing in exchange for the consideration, and on the other terms and conditions, set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Conflicts Committee (the “Conflicts Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the General Partner has (i) received an opinion of Evercore Group L.L.C., the financial advisor to the Conflicts Committee (the “Financial Advisor”), dated as of November 9, 2021, to the effect that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations of the review undertaken in rendering its opinion as set forth therein, the Unit Consideration to be paid by MLP pursuant to this Agreement is fair, from a financial point of view, to MLP and the Unaffiliated Common Unitholders (as defined in such opinion) and (ii) determined in good faith the Transaction, including the Transaction Documents, and the exhibits and schedules thereto, taken as a whole, is in the best interest of, MLP and the unaffiliated holders of Common Units.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:

AGREEMENTS

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

Section 1.1 Definitions. In addition to the terms defined in the body of this Agreement, capitalized terms used herein will have the meanings given to them in Exhibit A. Capitalized terms defined in the body of this Agreement are listed in Exhibit A with reference to the location of the definitions of such terms in the body of this Agreement.

Section 1.2 Rules of Construction. All article, section, schedule and exhibit references used in this Agreement are to articles, sections, schedules and exhibits of and to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. The schedules and exhibits attached to this Agreement constitute a part of this Agreement and are incorporated herein for all purposes.

(a) If a term is defined as one part of speech (such as a noun), it shall have a corresponding meaning when used as another part of speech (such as a verb). Terms defined in the singular have the corresponding meanings in the plural, and vice versa. Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise, words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa. The term “includes” or “including” shall mean “including without limitation.” The words “hereof,” “hereto,” “hereby,” “herein,” “hereunder,” and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section or article in which such words appear. The phrase “ordinary course of business” shall mean, with respect to a particular Person, the ordinary course of business of such Person consistent with past practice in all material respects. Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to Laws, contracts, agreements, and instruments refer to such Laws, contracts, agreements, and instruments as they may be amended from time to time, and references to particular provisions of a Law include any corresponding provisions of any succeeding Law.

 

2


(b) The Parties acknowledge each Party and its attorneys have reviewed this Agreement and any rule of construction to the effect any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party, or any similar rule operating against the drafter of an agreement, shall not be applicable to the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

(c) The captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.

(d) All references to currency and “$” herein shall be to, and all payments required hereunder shall be paid in, United States dollars.

(e) All accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings given to them under GAAP.

ARTICLE II

CLOSING AND RELATED MATTERS

Section 2.1 Contribution of Contributed Interests and Operating Interests; Cancellation of Incentive Distribution Rights. Subject to the express terms and conditions hereof (a) at the Closing, Contributor shall contribute, convey, assign, transfer, and deliver the Contributed Interests and Operating Interests to MLP, whereupon MLP shall immediately contribute, convey, assign, transfer and deliver the Contributed Interests and Operating Interests to Compressco Sub, and (b) the Partnership, the General Partner and Contributor agree to cancel and waive any rights any such Party may have in the Incentive Distribution Rights pending such cancellation, in accordance with Section 5.2, in exchange for the consideration set forth in Section 2.2.

Section 2.2 Consideration. As consideration for the Contributed Interests and Operating Interests and other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, but not limited to, cancellation of the Incentive Distribution Rights, (a) at Closing, MLP shall issue and deliver 48,400,000 Common Units (the “Unit Consideration”) to Contributor or its designee and (b) immediately prior to Closing, Spartan LP acquired and took ownership of the Excluded Assets.

Section 2.3 Closing. The closing of the Transaction (the “Closing”) will take place at 10:00 a.m. local time at the offices of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., 1001 Fannin Street, Suite 2500, Houston, Texas 77002, on the date hereof (the “Closing Date”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Transaction Documents, for accounting purposes only, title to, ownership of and control over the Contributed Interests and Operating Interests shall pass to MLP or Compressco Sub, as applicable, effective as of 12:01 a.m., Eastern Time, on the Closing Date.

Section 2.4 Deliveries at Closing.

(a) By Contributor. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, Contributor shall deliver or cause to be delivered to MLP each of the following items:

(i) a counterpart to the instrument of transfer with respect to the transfer of the Contributed Interests and Operating Interests to MLP in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Interest Conveyance”), duly executed by Contributor;

 

3


(ii) the trademark assignment agreement assigning the Trademarks to Spartan Services in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Trademark Assignment Agreement”), duly executed by Contributor and Spartan Services;

(iii) a properly completed and signed IRS Form W-9 from Contributor; and

(iv) all filings or recordations necessary to perfect any liens pursuant to the Spartan Credit Documents with respect to the Assets of the Contributed Companies.

(b) By MLP. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, MLP shall deliver or shall cause to be delivered to Contributor (or to the extent specifically set forth below, to Contributor’s designee) each of the following items:

(i) evidence of the issuance by MLP of the Common Units comprising the Unit Consideration;

(ii) a counterpart to the Interest Conveyance, duly executed by MLP; and

(iii) all filings or recordations necessary to perfect any liens pursuant to the Spartan Credit Documents with respect to the Assets of the Contributed Companies.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING CONTRIBUTOR AND THE

CONTRIBUTED COMPANIES

Contributor hereby represents and warrants to MLP as follows, except as otherwise described in the Disclosure Schedule to any representation or warranty in this Article III:

Section 3.1 Organization.

(a) Contributor is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Contributor has all requisite limited partnership power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and to perform its obligations under, and consummate the transactions contemplated by, the Transaction Documents, including this Agreement.

(b) Each of the Contributed Companies is a limited liability company duly formed, validly existing, and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Each of the Contributed Companies has all requisite limited liability company power and authority to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each of the Contributed Companies is duly qualified or licensed to do business in each jurisdiction in which the ownership or operation of its Business as presently conducted makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except in any jurisdiction where the failure to be so duly qualified or licensed would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

4


Section 3.2 Authority; Enforceability. The execution and delivery by Contributor of this Agreement and the performance by Contributor of its obligations hereunder have been and, as of Closing, the execution and delivery by Contributor of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the performance of its obligations thereunder will have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary limited partnership action. This Agreement has been, and as of Closing such other Transaction Documents will have been, duly and validly executed and delivered by Contributor. This Agreement constitutes, and as of the Closing such other Transaction Documents will constitute, the legal, valid, and binding obligations of Contributor enforceable against Contributor in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, arrangement, moratorium, or other similar Laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, or by general equitable principles.

Section 3.3 Title to Contributed Interests.

(a) Contributor owns, holds of record, and is the beneficial owner of the Contributed Interests, which represents 100% of the limited liability company interests of Treating Holdco, free and clear of all Liens and restrictions on transfer other than (i) those arising pursuant to (A) this Agreement, (B) Treating Holdco’s Organizational Documents, (C) the Spartan Credit Documents, or (D) applicable securities Laws or (ii) Liens for Taxes that are Permitted Liens. There are no outstanding options, warrants, rights or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for limited liability company interests of Treating Holdco issued or granted by Treating Holdco, and there are no agreements of any kind which may obligate Treating Holdco to issue, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its limited liability company interests, except as may be contained in its Organizational Documents.

(b) Treating Holdco owns and is the beneficial owner of 100% of the outstanding limited liability company interests in of each of Spartan Services and Spartan International and Spartan Services and Spartan International collectively own and are the beneficial owners of 100% of the outstanding limited liability company interests in Gas Services, in each case, free and clear of all Liens and restrictions on transfer other than (i) those arising pursuant to (A) this Agreement, (B) the Organizational Documents of Spartan Services, Spartan International or Gas Services, as applicable, (C) the Spartan Credit Documents, or (D) applicable securities Laws or (ii) Liens for Taxes that are Permitted Liens. There are no outstanding options, warrants, rights or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for limited liability company interests of any of Spartan Services, Spartan International or Gas Services issued or granted by Spartan Services, Spartan International or Gas Services, as applicable, and there are no agreements of any kind which may obligate any of Spartan Services, Spartan International or Gas Services, as applicable, to issue, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its limited liability company interests, except as may be contained in their respective Organizational Documents.

Section 3.4 No Conflict; Consents and Approvals. The execution and delivery by Contributor of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the performance by Contributor of its obligations under this Agreement and such other Transaction Documents do not and will not: (a) violate or result in a breach of the Organizational Documents of Contributor or any of the Contributed Companies; (b) assuming all required filings, waivers, approvals, consents, authorizations and notices disclosed in Schedule 3.4 (“Contributor Approvals and Consents”) and other notifications provided in the ordinary course of business have been made, obtained or given, (i) violate or result in a default in any material respect under any Material Contract to which Contributor or any of the Contributed Companies is a party, or (ii) violate or result in a breach in any material respect of any Law or order applicable to Contributor or any of the Contributed Companies, (c) require any Governmental Authorization applicable to Contributor or any of the Contributed Companies, the absence of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (d) result in the imposition of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on the Contributed Interests, other than Liens created by or on behalf of MLP.

 

5


Section 3.5 Legal Proceedings. There are no Legal Proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Contributor, threatened against Contributor or any of the Contributed Companies that (a) challenge the validity or enforceability of the obligations of Contributor or any of the Contributed Companies under this Agreement or the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, (b) seek to prevent or delay the consummation by Contributor or any of the Contributed Companies of the transactions contemplated herein or in the Transaction Documents, or (c) except as set forth on Schedule 3.5, would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect any of the Contributed Companies. There is no order, judgment, or decree issued or entered by any Governmental Entity imposed upon Contributor or any of the Contributed Companies that, in any such case, (i) challenges the validity or enforceability of the obligations of Contributor or any of the Contributed Companies under this Agreement or the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, (ii) seeks to prevent or delay the consummation by Contributor or any of the Contributed Companies of the transactions contemplated herein or in the Transaction Documents, or (iii) would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the Business or any of the Contributed Companies, taken as a whole.

Section 3.6 Ownership. Except for the limited liability company interests in Spartan Services and Spartan International owned by Treating Holdco and the limited liability company interests in Gas Services owned by Spartan Services and Spartan International, none of Treating Holdco, Spartan Services, Spartan International or Gas Services has any subsidiaries or owns equity interests in any Person.

Section 3.7 Real Property. Schedule 3.7 contains a complete list of all the real property and interests in real property owned in fee by any of the Contributed Companies. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.7, there are no leases, subleases, or licenses of real property to which any Contributed Company is a party or by which it holds a leasehold interest. The Contributed Companies have good and marketable title to each real property described therein and the improvements thereon, free and clear or all Liens other than (a) Permitted Liens, (b) Liens pursuant to the Spartan Credit Documents, and (c) Liens created pursuant to this Agreement.

Section 3.8 Material Contracts.

(a) Schedule 3.8(a) sets forth all Material Contracts.

(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8(b), each of the Material Contracts (i) is in full force and effect in all material respects and (ii) represents the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Contributed Companies or Contributor (as applicable) and, to the knowledge of Contributor, represents the legal, valid and binding obligation of the other parties thereto, in each case enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other Laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought at law or in equity). None of the Contributed Companies, Contributor or, to the knowledge of Contributor, any other party is in breach of any Material Contract in any material respect, and none of Contributor or any of the Contributed Companies has received any written notice of termination or breach of any Material Contract.

 

6


Section 3.9 Taxes.

(a) For U.S. federal income tax purposes, each of the Contributed Companies is disregarded as an entity separate from Contributor. No election has been made under Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-3 to treat any of the Contributed Companies as any type of entity other than a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal, state, or local income tax purposes.

(b) All Tax Returns that are required to have been filed by, or with respect to, the Contributed Companies or any of their respective operations and Assets have been timely and properly filed with the appropriate Taxing Authority.

(c) All Taxes that are required to have been paid by or with respect to the Contributed Companies or any of their respective operations and Assets, regardless of whether such Taxes were shown on a Tax Return, have been timely and properly paid in full to the appropriate Taxing Authority.

(d) There are no Liens (other than Permitted Liens) on any of the Assets of the Contributed Companies that have arisen in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any Tax.

(e) None of the Contributed Companies has in force any waiver of any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency.

(f) There are no pending or active audits or legal proceedings regarding any of the Tax Returns described in Section 3.9(b) or any Taxes of or with respect to any of the Contributed Companies or any of their respective Assets or, to Contributor’s knowledge, threatened audits or proposed deficiencies or other claims for unpaid Taxes of any of the Contributed Companies.

Section 3.10 Financial StatementsSection 3.11 . Contributor has delivered to MLP copies of the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Contributed Companies as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and the related audited consolidated statements of operations and cash flows of the Contributed Companies for the twelve-month periods then ended (such statements, including the related notes and schedules thereto, are referred to herein as the “Financial Statements”). The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated and fairly present in all material respects the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Contributed Companies as at the dates and for the periods indicated therein. The audited balance sheet of the Contributed Companies as at December 31, 2020 is referred to herein as the “Balance Sheet” and December 31, 2020 is referred to herein as the “Balance Sheet Date.”

 

7


Section 3.11 No Undisclosed Liabilities. The Contributed Companies have no Indebtedness for Borrowed Money or Liabilities (whether or not required under GAAP to be reflected on a balance sheet or the notes thereto) other than those (i) incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, (ii) adequately reflected or reserved against or otherwise described in the Balance Sheet or the notes thereto, (iii) incurred in the ordinary course of business since the Balance Sheet Date, or (iv) that are immaterial to the Contributed Companies.

Section 3.12 Tangible Personal PropertySection 3.13 . The Contributed Companies have good and valid title to all of the items of tangible personal property used in their Business, free and clear of any and all Liens, other than Permitted Liens. Other than the Excluded Assets, the assets of the Contributed Companies constitute all of the material assets used in or held for use in the Business and are sufficient for the Contributed Companies to conduct the Business as currently conducted. All such items of tangible personal property which, individually or in the aggregate, are material to the operation of the Business are in all material respects in operable condition and repair (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and are suitable for the purposes used.

Section 3.13 Brokerage Arrangements. Neither Contributor nor any of its Affiliates has entered, directly or indirectly, into any contract or arrangement with any Person that would obligate MLP to pay any commission, brokerage or “finder’s fee,” or other fee in connection with this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

Section 3.14 Trademarks. Schedule 3.14 lists all registered trademarks and pending trademark applications that are owned or purported to be owned by Contributor which relate to the Business (the “Trademarks”). Contributor owns all rights, title and interests in and to all Trademarks, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens. The Trademarks are not subject to any Legal Proceedings.

Section 3.15 Disclaimer.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Contributor makes no representation or warranty (i) in any provision of this Agreement, the Disclosure Schedules or otherwise, other than those expressly set forth in this Article III, or (ii) with respect to any date or period after the Closing.

(b) EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN ARTICLE III, THE CONTRIBUTED INTERESTS, THE CONTRIBUTED COMPANIES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE ASSETS ARE BEING SOLD THROUGH THE SALE OF THE CONTRIBUTED INTERESTS TO MLP, “AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH ALL FAULTS” AND CONTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE CONDITION, VALUE OR QUALITY OF THE CONTRIBUTED COMPANIES, THEIR RESPECTIVE ASSETS, OR THE PROSPECTS (FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE), RISKS, AND OTHER INCIDENTS OF THE CONTRIBUTED COMPANIES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE ASSETS. THE STATEMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS MADE UNDER THIS SECTION 3.15 EXPRESSLY SURVIVE THE CLOSING DATE.

 

8


ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MLP

MLP hereby represents and warrants to Contributor as follows:

Section 4.1 Organization. MLP is a limited partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware.

Section 4.2 Authority; Enforceability. MLP has all requisite limited partnership power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by MLP and the performance of its obligations have been duly and validly approved by the Conflicts Committee and authorized by MLP. This Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligations of MLP, enforceable against MLP in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other Laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought at law or in equity).

Section 4.3 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals. The execution and delivery by MLP of this Agreement and the performance by MLP of its obligations hereunder and the consummation by MLP of the Transaction do not: (a) violate or result in a breach of the Organizational Documents of MLP, (b) violate or result in a breach or default under any material contract to which MLP is a party, except for any such violation or default which would not reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse effect on MLP’s ability to consummate the Transaction, (c) violate or result in a breach of any Law or order applicable to MLP, except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse effect on MLP’s ability to consummate the Transaction, or (d) require any Governmental Authorization, other than, (x) with respect to Governmental Authorization, any filings pursuant to the Exchange Act and listing of the Unit Consideration on the Nasdaq Global Market “NASDAQ”) and (y) in each case, any such consent or approval which, if not made or obtained, would not reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse effect on MLP’s ability to consummate the Transaction.

Section 4.4 Legal Proceedings. There are no Legal Proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of MLP, threatened against MLP that (a) challenge the validity or enforceability of the obligations of MLP under this Agreement or (b) seek to prevent or delay the consummation by MLP of the transactions contemplated herein.

Section 4.5 Delivery of Fairness Opinion. The Conflicts Committee has received an opinion of the Financial Advisor, dated as of November 9, 2021, to the effect that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations of the review undertaken in rendering its opinion as set forth therein, the Unit Consideration to be paid by MLP pursuant to this Agreement is fair, from a financial point of view, to MLP and the Unaffiliated Common Unitholders (as defined in such opinion).

 

9


Section 4.6 Brokerage Arrangements. Neither MLP nor any of its Affiliates has entered, directly or indirectly, into any contract or arrangement with any Person that would obligate Contributor to pay any commission, brokerage or “finder’s fee,” or other fee in connection with this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

Section 4.7 Unit Consideration. The Unit Consideration, when issued in consideration for the contribution by Contributor of the Contributed Interests as provided by this Agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required by MLP’s Organizational Documents) and nonassessable (except as nonassessability may be affected by the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act) and free of any preemptive or similar rights (other than those set forth in MLP’s Organizational Documents).

Section 4.8 Independent Investigation; Waiver of Other Representations.

(a) MLP HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES CONTRIBUTOR MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY IN ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES, OR OTHERWISE, OTHER THAN THOSE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN ARTICLE III (SUBJECT TO SECTION 3.15).

(b) MLP ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT, WITH RESPECT TO THE PROJECTIONS, ESTIMATES AND OTHER FORECASTS, AND CERTAIN BUDGETS AND BUSINESS PLAN INFORMATION PROVIDED TO MLP, (i) THERE ARE UNCERTAINTIES INHERENT IN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE SUCH PROJECTIONS, ESTIMATES AND OTHER FORECASTS AND PLANS AND IT IS FAMILIAR WITH SUCH UNCERTAINTIES, AND (ii) EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, IT IS TAKING FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAKING ITS OWN EVALUATIONS OF THE ADEQUACY AND ACCURACY OF ALL PROJECTIONS, ESTIMATES AND OTHER FORECASTS, BUDGETS AND PLANS SO FURNISHED TO IT AND ANY USE OF OR RELIANCE BY IT ON SUCH PROJECTIONS, ESTIMATES AND OTHER FORECASTS, BUDGETS, AND PLANS SHALL BE AT ITS SOLE RISK.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS

Section 5.1 Tax Matters.

(a) To the extent Transfer Taxes may be due and payable in connection with the Transaction, such Transfer Taxes shall be borne equally by Contributor and MLP. Contributor and MLP shall reasonably cooperate in obtaining applicable exemptions from, or taking other actions to reduce, Transfer Taxes in accordance with applicable Law.

(b) Contributor shall prepare (or cause to be prepared) and file (or cause to be filed) all Tax Returns for the Contributed Companies for all periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date that are filed after the Closing Date. Contributor shall timely pay or cause to be paid all Taxes shown as due on such Tax Returns. MLP shall prepare all Straddle Period Tax Returns and shall timely pay or cause to be paid all Taxes shown as due on such Tax Returns. To the extent required or permitted by applicable Law, Contributor and MLP shall each include any income, gain, loss, deduction or other Tax items for such periods on its Tax Returns in a manner consistent with the manner in which Contributor included such items for such periods.

 

10


(c) If any Governmental Entity issues to any of Contributor, Contributor’s Affiliates, MLP, or MLP’s Affiliates a notice of deficiency or any other type of proposed adjustment of Taxes of any Contributed Company or with respect to any of their respective operations or Assets that could give rise to a claim for indemnification under Section 6.2(a) (a “Tax Contest”), the party receiving such notice shall notify the other within fifteen (15) Business Days of receipt of the notice of deficiency or other proposed adjustment; provided, however, failure to give such notification shall not affect the indemnification provided pursuant to Section 6.2(a) except to the extent MLP shall have been materially prejudiced as a result of such failure. Provided Contributor notifies MLP of its intent to control such Tax Contest within fifteen (15) Business Days after receipt of notification from MLP or delivery of notification to Contributor as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, Contributor will have the right, at its expense, to control the defense of such Tax Contest. With respect to any Tax Contest for which Contributor exercises its right to control, Contributor shall (i) notify MLP of significant developments with respect to such Tax Contest and keep MLP reasonably informed and consult with MLP as to the resolution of any issue that would materially affect MLP and (ii) give MLP a copy of any Tax adjustment proposed in writing with respect to such Tax Contest and copies of any other written correspondence with the relevant Governmental Entity relating to such Tax Contest. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the provisions in this Section 5.1(c) shall apply to any Tax Contest and the procedures in Section 6.3 shall not be applicable to a Tax Contest.

(d) The Parties intend that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and for purposes of any applicable state or local income Tax that follows U.S. federal income tax treatment), (i) the contribution of the Contributed Interests and the Operating Interests by Contributor to MLP be treated as a contribution of property to MLP under Section 721(a) of the Code; and (ii) the contribution of the Contributed Interests and the Operating Interests by MLP to Compressco Sub be treated as a tax-deferred contribution of property to Compressco Sub in exchange for interests in Compressco Sub pursuant to Section 351 of the Code.

Section 5.2 Cancellation of Incentive Distribution Rights. Within 60 days of Closing, Contributor shall cause the General Partner to amend the Partnership Agreement to effect the cancellation of the Incentive Distribution Rights. Pursuant to and effective upon such amendment, the Incentive Distribution Rights shall be cancelled.

ARTICLE VI

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 6.1 Survival. The representations and warranties of the Parties contained in this Agreement or in any certificate or other writing delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall survive for a period of twelve (12) months following the Closing Date, except that:

(a) the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.9 (Taxes) shall survive until thirty (30) days following the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations; and

(b) the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.1 (Organization), Section 3.2 (Authority; Enforceability), Section 3.3 (Title to Contributed Interests), Section 3.6 (Ownership), Section 3.13 (Brokerage Arrangements), Section 4.1 (Organization), Section 4.2 (Authority; Enforceability), Section 4.6 (Brokerage Arrangements) and Section 4.7 (Unit Consideration) (the “Fundamental Representations”) shall survive indefinitely or until the latest date permitted by Law.

 

11


Upon the expiration of any representation and warranty pursuant to this Article VI, unless written notice of a claim based on such representation and warranty shall have been delivered to the Indemnifying Party prior to such expiration, no claim may be brought based on the breach of such representation and warranty. The covenants made in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and remain operative and in full force and effect indefinitely or until the latest date permitted by Law.

Section 6.2 Indemnification. From and after the Closing, and subject to this Article VI:

(a) The Contributor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless MLP, its Affiliates, and its and their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, counsel, agents and representatives (collectively, the “MLP Indemnitees”), to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, from and against any and all Damages incurred or suffered by any MLP Indemnitee to the extent caused by, resulting from, arising out of, or relating to the breach of any of (i) the representations or warranties, or (ii) the covenants, in each case, of the Contributor contained herein; provided, however, such claim for indemnification relating to a breach of a representation or warranty is made prior to the expiration of the survival of such representation or warranty as set forth in Article VI.

(b) MLP shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Contributor, its Affiliates and its and their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, counsel, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Contributor Indemnitees”), to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, from and against all Damages incurred by or suffered by any Contributor Indemnitee arising out of or relating to (i) the breach of any of (A) the representations or warranties, or (B) the covenants, in each case, of MLP contained herein; provided, however, such claim for indemnification relating to a breach of a representation or warranty is made prior to the expiration of the survival of such representation or warranty as set forth in Article VI, or (ii) any demand, assertion, claim, action or proceeding, judicial or otherwise, by any third party against any Contributor Indemnitee that pertains to the business or operations of the Contributed Companies or the ownership of the Contributed Interests, except to the extent of any matters for which Contributor is obligated to indemnify any MLP Indemnitee under Section 6.2(a).

Section 6.3 Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings.

(a) If any Legal Proceeding shall be brought or asserted against any MLP Indemnitee or Contributor Indemnitee and such Person is entitled to indemnity hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”), such Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Person from whom indemnity is sought (the “Indemnifying Party”) in writing, and the Indemnifying Party shall assume the defense thereof, including the employment of one counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party and the payment of all fees and expenses incurred in connection with defense thereof; provided, however, the failure of any Indemnified Party to give such notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations or liabilities pursuant to this Agreement, except (and only) to the extent that it shall be finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction (which determination is not subject to appeal or further review) that such failure shall have adversely prejudiced the Indemnifying Party.

 

12


(b) An Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such Legal Proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party unless: (i) the Indemnifying Party shall have failed promptly to assume the defense of such Legal Proceeding or (ii) the named parties to any such Legal Proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any such Legal Proceeding effected without its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, effect any settlement of any pending Legal Proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Party is a party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such Legal Proceeding and does not contain any admission of wrongdoing or illegal conduct.

(c) All reasonable fees and expenses of the Indemnified Party that are Damages for which the Indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification hereunder (including reasonable fees and expenses to the extent incurred in connection with investigating or preparing to defend such Legal Proceeding in a manner not inconsistent with this Agreement) shall be paid to the Indemnified Party, as incurred, within ten (10) Business Days after written notice thereof to the Indemnifying Party; provided, however, the Indemnifying Party may require such Indemnified Party to undertake to reimburse all such fees and expenses to the extent it is judicially determined that such Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification for such fees and expenses hereunder.

Section 6.4 Limitations.

(a) Neither Contributor nor MLP shall be required to indemnify any Indemnified Party for any Damages for any breach of a representation or warranty under Section 6.2(a)(i) or Section 6.2(b)(i)(A), as applicable, unless and until the total of all of the Damages properly asserted against such Indemnifying Party under Section 6.2(a)(i) or Section 6.2(b)(i)(A), as applicable, exceeds $800,000, at which time the applicable Indemnified Parties shall be entitled to recover the aggregate amount of all Damages in excess of such threshold; provided, however, the aggregate liability of each of MLP or Contributor for indemnity for any breach of a representation or warranty under Section 6.2(a)(i) or Section 6.2(b)(i)(A), as applicable, shall not exceed $8,000,000. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, the limitations contemplated by this Section 6.4(a) shall not apply to any claims (i) for Damages arising out of or relating to the breach of any covenant pursuant to Section 6.2(a)(ii) or Section 6.2(b)(i)(B), as applicable, (ii) for fraud or intentional, criminal, or willful misrepresentation or misconduct, or (iii) for Damages arising out of or relating to the breach of any Fundamental Representation or any representation or warranty of Contributor set forth in Section 3.9; provided, however, the aggregate liability of each of MLP or Contributor, in each case, for Damages arising out of or relating to the breach of the Fundamental Representations or pursuant to Section 6.2(a)(ii) or Section 6.2(b)(i)(B) for the breach of a covenant shall not exceed $80,000,000.

 

13


(b) For purposes of determining the amount of Damages, with respect to any asserted claim for indemnification by a MLP Indemnitee, such determination shall be made without regard to any qualifier as to “material,” “materiality” or Material Adverse Effect expressly contained in Article III (except in the case of the term Material Contract); provided, however, this Section 6.4(b) shall not so modify the representations and warranties for purposes of first determining whether a breach of any representation or warranty has occurred.

(c) NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY IN THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY AGREE NEITHER CONTRIBUTOR NOR MLP SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY PARTY FOR ANY EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, REMOTE, OR SPECULATIVE DAMAGES, SAVE AND EXCEPT SUCH DAMAGES PAYABLE WITH RESPECT TO THIRD PARTY CLAIMS FOR WHICH SUCH INDEMNIFYING PARTY IS OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE INDEMNIFICATION UNDER SECTION 6.2.

Section 6.5 Exclusive Remedy. The indemnities in Section 6.2 shall survive Closing. The indemnities provided in Section 6.2 and the provisions of Section 7.11 shall, from and after Closing, be the sole and exclusive remedy of MLP and Contributor against one another and their respective Representatives relating to this Agreement and the transactions that are the subject of this Agreement; provided, however, no limitations set forth in this Article VI shall apply to any claim for Damages arising from fraud, willful misconduct, criminal acts, or knowing and intentional breach of this Agreement.

ARTICLE VII

GENERAL

Section 7.1 Entire Agreement; Successors and Assigns.

(a) Except for the other Transaction Documents, this Agreement supersedes all prior oral discussions and written agreements among the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement (except to the extent specifically incorporated by reference herein). This Agreement contains the sole and entire agreement among the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

(b) All of the terms, covenants, representations, warranties, and conditions of this Agreement will be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

(c) Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests, or obligations hereunder shall be assignable by either Party without the prior written consent of the other Party; provided, however, MLP may assign its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder to a wholly owned subsidiary of MLP without the prior written consent of Contributor; provided, further, no such assignment by MLP shall relieve MLP of any of its obligations hereunder.

Section 7.2 Amendments and Waivers. All amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by the Parties. A Party may, only by an instrument in writing, waive compliance by the other Party with any term or provision of this Agreement. The waiver by any Party of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no failure to exercise, delay in exercising, or single or partial exercise of any right, power, or remedy by a Party, and no course of dealing between the Parties, shall constitute a waiver of any such right, power, or remedy.

 

14


Section 7.3 Notices. Unless otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, consents, approvals, demands, and other communications to be given hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given upon (a) confirmed delivery by a reputable overnight carrier or when delivered by hand, addressed to the respective Parties listed below at the following addresses (or such other address for a Party hereto as will be specified by like notice), (b) actual receipt, (c) the expiration of four (4) Business Days after the day when mailed by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), addressed to the respective Parties listed below at the following addresses (or such other address for a Party hereto as will be specified by like notice), or (d) delivery by electronic mail to a Party at the electronic mail address set forth below (or at such other address as such Party shall designate by like notice):

If to Contributor, addressed to:

Spartan Energy Partners LP

9595 Six Pines Drive, Suite 4000

The Woodlands, TX 77380

Attn: Jonathan W. Byers

Email: Jbyers@csicompressco.com

with a copy to, which shall not constitute notice:

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

1001 Fannin Street, Suite 2500

Houston, TX 77002

Attn: David P. Oelman

Email: doelman@velaw.com

If to MLP, addressed to:

CSI Compressco LP

c/o CSI Compressco GP LLC (as General Partner)

24955 Interstate 45 N

The Woodlands, TX 77380

Attn: Chair, Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors

Email:

with a copy to, which shall not constitute notice:

Shearman & Sterling LLP

Bank of America Tower

800 Capitol Street, Suite 2200

Houston, TX 77002

Attn: Bill Nelson

Email: Bill.Nelson@shearman.com

 

15


Section 7.4 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware without reference to the choice of Law principles thereof.

Section 7.5 Dispute Resolution; Waiver of Jury Trial.

(a) Each of the Parties (i) consents to submit itself to the exclusive personal jurisdiction and venue of any U.S. federal court located in the State of Delaware or any Delaware state court with respect to any suit relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) agrees it will not attempt to defeat or deny such personal jurisdiction or venue by motion or otherwise, (iii) agrees it will not bring any such suit in any court other than a U.S. federal or state court sitting in the State of Delaware, (iv) irrevocably agrees any such suit (whether at law, in equity, in contract, in tort or otherwise) shall be heard and determined exclusively in such U.S. federal or state court sitting in the State of Delaware, (v) agrees to service of process in any such action in any manner prescribed by the Laws of the State of Delaware, and (vi) agrees service of process upon such Party in any action or proceeding shall be effective if notice is given in accordance with Section 7.3.

(b) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES ANY SUCH CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTION.

Section 7.6 Disclosure Schedules. The inclusion of any information (including dollar amounts) in any of the Schedules delivered by Contributor pursuant to this Agreement (collectively, the “Disclosure Schedules”) shall not be deemed to be an admission or acknowledgment by any Party that such information is required to be listed on such section of the relevant Disclosure Schedules or is material to or within or outside the ordinary course of business of such Party. The information contained in this Agreement, the Exhibits hereto, and the Disclosure Schedules is disclosed solely for purposes of this Agreement, and no information contained herein or therein shall be deemed to be an admission by any Party hereto to any third party of any matter whatsoever (including any violation of any Law or breach of contract). The listing (or inclusion of a copy) of a document or other item under one Disclosure Schedule to a representation or warranty made herein shall be deemed adequate to disclose an exception to a separate representation or warranty made herein if it is reasonably clear such document or other item applies to such other representation or warranty made herein. For the avoidance of doubt, all information contained in the Disclosure Schedules is subject to Section 3.15 and Section 4.8. Unless the context otherwise requires, all capitalized terms used in the Disclosure Schedules shall have the respective meanings assigned in this Agreement.

 

16


Section 7.7 Severability. In the event any of the provisions hereof are held to be invalid or unenforceable under applicable Laws, the remaining provisions hereof will not be affected thereby. In such event, the Parties hereto agree and consent such provisions and this Agreement will be modified and reformed so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible with respect to those provisions that were held to be invalid or unenforceable.

Section 7.8 Transaction Costs and Expenses. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, the Parties will bear all of their own costs, fees, and expenses, if any, incurred by or on their behalf in connection with the Transaction.

Section 7.9 Rights of Third Parties. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the Parties, any right or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement; provided, however, each of Contributor Indemnitees and MLP Indemnitees is an express, intended third-party beneficiary of this Agreement.

Section 7.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by electronic mail exchange of .pdf signature pages and in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each Party hereto and delivered (including by electronic mail exchange of .pdf signature pages) to the other Parties hereto.

Section 7.11 Specific Performance. The Parties agree if any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached, irreparable damage would occur and money damages may not be a sufficient remedy. In addition to any other remedy at law or in equity, each of Contributor and MLP shall be entitled to specific performance by the other Party of its obligations under this Agreement and immediate injunctive relief, without the necessity of proving the inadequacy of money damages as a remedy.

Section 7.12 Publicity. All press releases or other public communications of any nature whatsoever relating to the Transaction, and the method of the release for publication thereof, shall be subject to the prior consent of each Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed by any Party; provided, however, nothing herein shall prevent a Party from publishing such press releases or other public communications as such Party may consider necessary in order to satisfy such Party’s obligations at Law or under the rules of any stock or commodities exchange or the SEC after consultation with the other Party as is reasonable under the circumstances.

Section 7.13 Further Assurances. The Parties agree, from time to time after the Closing Date and without any further consideration, each of them will execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such further agreements and instruments and take such other action as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions, purposes, and intents of the Transaction Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Contributor and MLP shall from time to time after the Closing, execute, deliver, acknowledge, file and record, or cause to be executed, delivered, acknowledged, filed and recorded, such further instruments of sale, conveyance, transfer, assignment or delivery and such further consents, certifications, affidavits, and assurances as Contributor or MLP may reasonably request to vest in MLP or its designees and their respective successors and assigns all right, title and interest in the Contributed Interests and the Business, or otherwise to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents upon the terms and conditions set forth herein. The Parties will coordinate and cooperate with each other in exchanging such information and assistance as any of the Parties may reasonably request in connection with the foregoing.

[Signature page follows.]

 

17


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

 

CONTRIBUTOR:
SPARTAN ENERGY PARTNERS LP
By: Spartan Energy Partners GP, LLC
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

Name:   John E. Jackson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
MLP:
CSI COMPRESSCO LP

By: CSI Compressco GP, LLC,

       as its sole general partner

By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

Name:   John E. Jackson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
COMPRESSCO SUB:
CSI COMPRESSCO SUB INC.
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

Name:   John E. Jackson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
GENERAL PARTNER:
CSI COMPRESSCO GP LLC
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

Name:   John E. Jackson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Contribution Agreement]


EXHIBIT A

DEFINITIONS

Affiliate” means with respect to an entity, any other entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with such entity. As used in this definition, the term “control,” including the correlative terms “controlling”, “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 or policies of an entity, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Notwithstanding anything in this definition to the contrary, for the purposes of this Agreement, (a) (i) prior to the Closing, each of the Contributed Companies shall be considered to be an Affiliate of Contributor and not an Affiliate of MLP and (ii) on and after the Closing, each of the Contributed Companies shall be considered to be an Affiliate of MLP and not an Affiliate of Contributor; and (b) other than with respect to the Contributed Companies, none of MLP and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Contributor and its subsidiaries, on the other hand, shall be considered to be Affiliates with respect to each other.

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Assets” of any Person means all assets and properties of every kind, nature, character and description (whether real, personal or mixed, whether tangible or intangible and wherever situated), including the related goodwill, which assets and properties are operated, owned or leased by such Person.

Benefit Plan” means any plan, policy, understanding, arrangement, written contract or agreement that provides or is designed to provide compensation or benefits to or with respect to employees or individual service providers.

Business” means the business of the Contributed Companies as conducted as of Closing, as applicable, and the activities incidental thereto.

Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday, or holiday on which banks are generally open for business in New York City; provided, however, banks shall be deemed to be generally open for business in the event of a “shelter in place” or similar closure of physical branch locations at the direction of any Governmental Entity if such banks’ electronic funds transfer system (including for wire transfers) are open for use by customers on such day.

Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.

Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any amending or superseding tax Laws of the United States of America.

Common Unit Purchase Agreement” means a Common Unit Purchase Agreement, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit D, to be entered into by MLP and the purchasers thereof, pursuant to which MLP will would issue up to 39,050,210 common units representing limited partner interests in MLP.

 

A-1


Common Units” means common units representing limited partner interests in MLP.

Compressco Sub” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Conflicts Committee” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Contributed Companies” means, collectively, Treating Holdco, Spartan Services, Spartan International and Gas Services.

Contributed Interests” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Contributor” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Contributor Approvals and Consents” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.

Contributor Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(b).

Contract” means any agreement, purchase order, commitment, evidence of indebtedness, mortgage, indenture, security agreement or other contract, entered into by a Person or by which a Person or any of its Assets are bound.

Damages” means any and all debts, losses, liabilities, duties, Taxes, claims, damages, obligations, payments (including those arising out of any demand, assessment, settlement, judgment, or compromise relating to any actual or threatened Legal Proceeding), costs, and reasonable expenses, including any reasonable attorneys’ fees, and any and all reasonable expenses whatsoever and howsoever incurred in investigating, preparing, or defending any Legal Proceeding, in all cases, whether matured or unmatured, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, liquidated or unliquidated, known, or unknown. For the avoidance of doubt, Damages includes both inter-party damages (i.e., between the Parties) and third-party damages.

Disclosure Schedules” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6.

Equipment Lease Agreement” means the Equipment Lease Agreement dated November 10, 2021, by and between Spartan Energy Services LLC and CSI Compressco Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Excluded Assets” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Financial Advisor” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Fundamental Representations” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(b).

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or its predecessors or successors, as of the date of the statement or item to which such term refers, applied on a consistent basis during the period involved.

 

A-2


Gas Services” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

General Partner” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Governmental Authorization” means any franchise, permit, license, authorization, order, certificate, registration, plan, exemption, variance, decree, agreement, right, or other consent or approval granted by, or subject to approval by, any Governmental Entity.

Governmental Entity” means any court, governmental department, commission, council, board, agency, bureau, or other instrumentality of the United States of America, any foreign jurisdiction, or any state, provincial, county, municipality, or local governmental unit thereof, including any Taxing Authority.

Indebtedness for Borrowed Money” means with respect to any Person, at any date, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money (including intercompany obligations), including all principal, interest, premiums, fees, expenses, overdrafts and penalties with respect thereto, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid under a letter of credit or similar instrument, and (d) all indebtedness of any other Person of the type referred to in clauses (a) to (d) above directly or indirectly guaranteed by such Person or secured by any assets of such Person, whether or not such indebtedness has been assumed by such Person.

Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).

Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).

Interest Conveyance” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a)(i).

Issuers” means MLP and CSI Compressco Finance Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Laws” means all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, variances, judgments, injunctions, orders, and licenses of a Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over the Assets of any Person and the operations thereof.

Legal Proceeding” means any judicial, administrative, or arbitral action, suit, hearing, inquiry, investigation, or other proceeding (public or private) before any Governmental Entity.

Liability” means any debt, loss, damage, adverse claim, fine, penalty, liability or obligation (whether direct or indirect, known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, matured or unmatured, determined or determinable, disputed or undisputed, liquidated or unliquidated, or due or to become due, and whether in contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise), and including all reasonable costs and expenses relating thereto (including all reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of legal counsel, experts, engineers and consultants and reasonable costs of investigation).

Lien” means any lien, mortgage, pledge, preferential purchase right, option, security interest, or encumbrance of any nature whatsoever.

 

A-3


Material Adverse Effect” means a change, effect, event, or occurrence that has a material adverse effect on the Business, properties, financial condition, or results of operations of the Contributed Companies (and calculated net of insurance proceeds), or prevents or materially delays the ability of Contributor to consummate the Transaction; provided, however, in no event shall any change, effect, event, or occurrence that arises out of or relates to any of the following be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, a Material Adverse Effect: (i) compliance with the terms of, or the taking of any action required by, this Agreement or actions or omissions of Contributor that MLP has requested or to which MLP has expressly consented, or the pendency or announcement of the Transaction, (ii) changes or conditions affecting the oilfield services industry (including the prices of oil and natural gas) generally or regionally, to the extent not having a disproportionate adverse effect on any of the Contributed Companies as compared to similarly situated businesses, (iii) changes in general economic, capital markets, regulatory, or political conditions in the United States or elsewhere (including interest rate fluctuations), (iv) changes in Law, GAAP, regulatory accounting requirements, or interpretations thereof, to the extent not having a disproportionate adverse effect on any of the Contributed Companies as compared to similarly situated businesses, (v) fluctuations in currency exchange rates, (vi) acts of war, insurrection, sabotage, or terrorism, (vii) the failure of any Contributed Company to meet any budgets, projections, forecasts, or predictions of financial performance or estimates of revenue, earnings, cash flow, or cash position, or (viii) pandemics or disease outbreaks (including the COVID-19 virus and any mutation of the COVID-19 virus), or any other health crises or public health events, or the worsening of any of the foregoing, in each case to the extent not having a disproportionate adverse effect on any of the Contributed Companies as compared to similarly situated businesses.

Material Contracts” means those material Contracts comprising each of the following types of Contracts related to the Business, including those set forth on Schedule 3.8(a) (which to the actual knowledge of Contributor, represent all of such Contracts other than any such Contracts contemplated to be entered into in connection with the Closing or otherwise referred to herein:

(a) any Contract for Indebtedness for Borrowed Money, except for any that will be cancelled prior to Closing;

(b) any Contract involving a remaining commitment to pay capital expenditures in excess of $200,000 per month;

(c) any Contract (or group of related Contracts with the same Person) for the lease of real or personal property to or from any Person providing for lease payments in excess of $200,000 per month;

(d) any Contract between Contributor or any of its Affiliates (other than any Contributed Company), on the one hand, and any Contributed Company, on the other hand, that will survive the Closing;

(e) any Contract that limits the ability of any Contributed Company to compete in any line of business or with any Person or in any geographic area during any period of time after the Closing;

 

A-4


(f) any partnership or joint venture agreement (other than the limited liability company agreement or any other organizational documents of Contributor, the Contributed Companies, or their respective subsidiaries);

(g) any Contract granting to any Person a right of first refusal, first offer, or right to purchase any of the Contributed Companies which right survives the Closing (other than any of the Transaction Documents); and

(h) any other Contract (or group of related Contracts with the same Person) not enumerated in this definition, the performance of which by any party thereto involves consideration in excess of $200,000 per month, other than Contracts for the purchase of consumable inventory parts and for service and maintenance relating thereto, to the extent entered into in the ordinary course of business.

MLP” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

MLP Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(a).

Operating Interests” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Organizational Documents” means, with respect to any Person, the certificate of incorporation, articles of incorporation or association, certificate of formation, by-laws, limited liability company agreement, operating agreement, limited partnership agreement, or other governing documents and agreements that establish the legal personality of such Person.

Parties” and “Party” have the meanings set forth in the preamble.

Partnership Agreement” means the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated August 8, 2016, as amended to the date hereof.

Permitted Liens” means (i) statutory Liens for current Taxes or other governmental charges not yet due or delinquent or the amount or validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings by Contributor or any Contributed Company, (ii) mechanics’, carriers’, workers’, repairers’ and similar statutory Liens arising or incurred in the ordinary course of business for amounts which are not delinquent and which are not, individually or in the aggregate, significant, (iii) zoning, entitlement, building and other land use regulations imposed by Governmental Entities having jurisdiction over the real property of any Contributed Company and not violated by the current use and operation of such Contributed Company’s real property, (iv) covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements and other similar matters of record affecting title to any Contributed Company’s real property that do not materially impair the occupancy or use of such Contributed Company’s real property for the purposes for which it is currently used or proposed to be used in connection with MLP’s or any Contributed Company’s businesses, (v) public roads and highways, (vi) matters that would be disclosed by an inspection or accurate survey of each parcel of real property, (vii) Liens arising under worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, social security, retirement and similar legislation, (viii) purchase money liens and liens securing rental payments under capital lease arrangements, (ix) other Liens arising in the ordinary course of business and not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money, and (x) Liens contained in the Organizational Documents of any Contributed Company.

 

A-5


Person” means any individual or entity, including any corporation, limited liability company, partnership (general or limited), joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, incorporated organization or Governmental Entity.

Purchase Agreement and Bill of Sale” means the Purchase Agreement and Bill of Sale dated November 10, 2021, by and between CSI Compressco Leasing LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and Spartan Energy Services LLC.

Representatives” means, as to any Person, its Affiliates and its and their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, partners, members, stockholders, controlling persons, counsel, agents, accountants, advisers, engineers, and consultants.

Responsible Officer” means, with respect to any Person, any vice president or more senior officer of such Person, or, if such Person is a partnership, any vice president or more senior officer of the general partner of such Person.

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange C promulgated thereunder.

Securities Purchase Agreement” means a Securities Purchase Agreement, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit E, to be entered into by Issuers, the Guarantors (as defined therein) and the purchasers thereof, pursuant to which (i) the purchasers will purchase the Issuers’ new 10.000%/10.750% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026 and (ii) MLP will issue Common Units to the purchasers.

Spartan Credit Documents” means “Loan Documents” as defined in that certain Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2021, by and among Spartan Services, and certain affiliates of Spartan Services party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as agent for the lenders, and as amended by that certain First Amendment to Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among Spartan Services, Treating Holdco, Spartan Terminals, Spartan Operating, the Contributor, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as agent for the lenders.

Spartan Services” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Spartan International” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Spartan Operating” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Spartan Terminals” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Straddle Period” means any taxable period that includes, but does not end on, the Closing Date.

 

A-6


Tax” or “Taxes” means (i) any taxes and similar assessments imposed by any Taxing Authority, including income, profits, gross receipts, net proceeds, alternative or add-on minimum, ad valorem, value added, sales, use, real property, personal property (tangible and intangible), environmental, stamp, leasing, lease, user, excise, duty, franchise, capital stock, transfer, registration, withholding, social security (or similar), unemployment, disability, payroll, employment, fuel, excess profits, occupational, premium, windfall profit, severance, actual or estimated, or other similar charge, including any interest, penalty, or addition thereto or otherwise relating to a Tax Return, whether disputed or not and (ii) all liability for the payment of any amounts of the type described in clause (i) as the result of being (or ceasing to be) a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group (or being included (or required to be included) in any Tax Return related thereto).

Tax Contest” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(c).

Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

Taxing Authority” means, with respect to any Tax, the Governmental Entity or political subdivision thereof that imposes such Tax, and the agency (if any) charged with the collection of such Tax for such entity or subdivision, including any governmental or quasi-governmental entity or agency that imposes, or is charged with collecting, social security or similar charges or premiums.

Trademarks” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.144.

Trademark Assignment Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a)(ii).

Transaction” means the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, the Interest Conveyance, the Common Unit Purchase Agreement, the Purchase Agreement and Bill of Sale, the Equipment Lease Agreement, the Securities Purchase Agreement, and each of the other documents and instruments to be delivered hereunder.

Transfer Tax” means all sales, use, goods, services, transfer, stamp, recording, and similar Taxes and fees incurred by or on behalf of a Party as a result of the Transaction, as imposed by applicable Law.

Unit Consideration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

 

A-7


EXHIBIT B

FORM OF INTEREST CONVEYANCE

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

B-1


EXHIBIT C

FORM OF TRADEMARK ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

C-2


Schedule 1

Trademarks

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

C-3


EXHIBIT D

FORM OF COMMON UNIT PURCHASE AGREEMENT

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

D-1


EXHIBIT E

FORM OF SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

E-1


SCHEDULE 1.1(a)

Excluded Assets

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

1


SCHEDULE 3.4

Contributor Approvals and Consents

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

1


SCHEDULE 3.5

Legal Proceedings

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

1


SCHEDULE 3.7

Real Property

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

1


SCHEDULE 3.8(a)

Material Contracts

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

1


SCHEDULE 3.8(b)

Exceptions to Material Contracts

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

1


SCHEDULE 3.14

Trademarks

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

1

Exhibit 4.1

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

CSI COMPRESSCO LP

AND

EACH OF THE PURCHASERS

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

  

Section 1.01

  Definitions      1  

Section 1.02

  Registrable Securities      3  

ARTICLE II REGISTRATION RIGHTS

  

Section 2.01

  Mandatory Registration      3  

Section 2.02

  Failure to File or Become Effective; Liquidated Damages      4  

Section 2.03

  Blackout and Delay Rights      5  

Section 2.04

  Sale Procedures      5  

Section 2.05

  Cooperation by Holders      8  

Section 2.06

  Expenses      8  

Section 2.07

  Indemnification      8  

Section 2.08

  Rule 144 Reporting      11  

Section 2.09

  Transfer or Assignment of Registration Rights      11  

ARTICLE III MISCELLANEOUS

     12  

Section 3.01

  Communications      12  

Section 3.02

  Successor and Assigns      12  

Section 3.03

  Assignment of Rights      12  

Section 3.04

  Recapitalization, Exchanges, Etc. Affecting the Common Units      13  

Section 3.05

  Aggregation of Registrable Securities      13  

Section 3.06

  Specific Performance      13  

Section 3.07

  Counterparts      13  

Section 3.08

  Headings      13  

Section 3.09

  Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction      13  

Section 3.10

  Waiver of Jury Trial      14  

Section 3.11

  Amendment      14  

Section 3.12

  Entire Agreement      14  

Section 3.13

  No Waiver      14  

Section 3.14

  No Presumption      14  

Section 3.15

  Obligations Limited to Parties to Agreement      15  

Section 3.16

  Independent Nature of Purchaser’s Obligations      15  

Section 3.17

  No Inconsistent Agreements      15  

Section 3.18

  Interpretation      15  

 

 

i


REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of November 10, 2021, by and between CSI Compressco LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), and each of the Purchasers listed on Schedule A to the Purchase Agreement (as defined below) (each, a “Purchaser” and collectively, the “Purchasers”).

WHEREAS, this Agreement is made in connection with the Closing of the issuance and sale of the Purchased Units pursuant to that certain Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2021, by and between the Partnership and each of the Purchasers (the “Purchase Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, the Partnership has agreed to provide for the registration of the Registrable Securities and to grant other rights set forth in this Agreement for the benefit of the Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by each party hereto, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings given to them in the Purchase Agreement. The terms set forth below are used herein as so defined:

Agreement” has the meaning specified therefor in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Effective Date” means the date of effectiveness of any Registration Statement.

Effectiveness Deadline” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.02(b) of this Agreement.

Effectiveness Period” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.01 of this Agreement.

Holder” means the record holder of any Registrable Securities.

Indemnified Party” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.07(c) of this Agreement.

Liquidated Damages” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.02(a) of this Agreement.

 

 

1


Liquidated Damages Multiplier” means the product obtained by multiplying (x) the Common Unit Price by (y) the number of Registrable Securities held by the relevant Holder that may not be disposed of without restriction and without the need for current public information pursuant to any section of Rule 144 (or any successor rule or regulation to Rule 144 then in force) under the Securities Act.

Losses” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.07(a) of this Agreement.

Mandatory Shelf Filing Date” has the meaning specified therefore in Section 2.01 of this Agreement.

Partnership” has the meaning specified therefor in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Partnership Indemnified Persons” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.07(b) of this Agreement.

Purchase Agreement” has the meaning specified therefor in the recitals of this Agreement.

Purchaser” and “Purchasers” have the meanings specified therefor in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Registrable Securities” means the Common Units to be acquired by the Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and includes any type of interest issued to any Holder as a result of Section 3.04.

Registration Expenses” means all expenses incident to the Partnership’s performance under or compliance with this Agreement to effect the registration of Registrable Securities on the Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2.01, and the disposition of such Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, all registration, filing, securities exchange listing and NASDAQ fees, all registration, filing, qualification and other fees and expenses of complying with securities or blue sky laws, fees of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., fees of transfer agents and registrars, all word processing, duplicating and printing expenses, any transfer taxes and the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Partnership and independent public accountants for the Partnership, including the expenses of any special audits or “cold comfort” letters required by or incident to such performance and compliance.

Registration Statement” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.01 of this Agreement.

Selling Holder” means a Holder who is selling Registrable Securities pursuant to a registration statement.

Selling Holder Indemnified Persons” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.07(a) of this Agreement.

Trading Day” means any day on which the Common Units are traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, or, if The Nasdaq Global Select Market is not the principal trading market for the Common Units, then on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which the Common Units are then traded.

 

2


Section 1.02 Registrable Securities. Any Registrable Security will cease to be a Registrable Security (a) when a registration statement covering such Registrable Security becomes or has been declared effective by the Commission and such Registrable Security has been sold or disposed of pursuant to such effective registration statement; (b) when such Registrable Security has been disposed of pursuant to any section of Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in effect) under the Securities Act; (c) when such Registrable Security is held by the Partnership or one of its subsidiaries or Affiliates; (d) when such Registrable Security has been sold or disposed of in a private transaction in which the transferor’s rights under this Agreement are not assigned to the transferee of such securities pursuant to Section 2.09 hereof or (e) when such Registrable Security becomes eligible for resale without restriction or limitation pursuant to Rule 144 and without the need for current public information pursuant to any section of Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in effect) under the Securities Act, assuming the Holder of such Registrable Security is not an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144(a)(1)) of the Partnership.

ARTICLE II

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

Section 2.01 Mandatory Registration.

(a) Following the date hereof, but no later than 45 days following the Closing Date (such date, the “Mandatory Shelf Filing Date”), the Partnership shall prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act to permit the public resale of Registrable Securities then outstanding from time to time as permitted by Rule 415 (or any similar provision then in effect) under the Securities Act with respect to all of the Registrable Securities (the “Registration Statement”). The Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section 2.01 shall be on such appropriate registration form or forms of the Commission as shall be selected by the Partnership so long as such form permits the continuous offering of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 415 (or any similar provision then in effect) under the Securities Act at then-prevailing market prices. The Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective as soon as practicable after filing. Any Registration Statement shall provide for the resale pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and reasonably requested by, the Holders of any and all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement. The Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to be effective, supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that it is available for the resale of all Registrable Securities by the Holders until all Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement cease to be Registrable Securities (the “Effectiveness Period”). The Registration Statement when effective, supplemented or amended (including the documents incorporated therein by reference) will comply as to form in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of any prospectus contained in such Registration Statement or documents incorporated therein by reference, in the light of the circumstances under which a statement is made). The Registration Statement shall contain “Selling Holders” and “Plan of Distribution” sections in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Holders. As soon as practicable following the Effective Date, but in any event within two (2) Trading Days of such date, the Partnership shall provide the Holders with written notice of the effectiveness of a Registration Statement. By 9:30 a.m. Eastern time on the Business Day following the Effective Date of any Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment to any such Registration Statement, the Partnership shall file with the Commission in accordance with Rule 424 under the Securities Act the final prospectus to be used in connection with sales pursuant to such Registration Statement.

 

3


Section 2.02 Failure to File or Become Effective; Liquidated Damages.

(a) If the Partnership has not filed the Registration Statement with the Commission on or prior to the Mandatory Shelf Filing Date, then each Holder shall be entitled to a payment from the Partnership, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, in an amount equal to 0.25% of the Liquidated Damages Multiplier of such Holder for the first 30-day period and (ii) an additional 0.25% of the Liquidated Damages Multiplier of such Holder with respect to each subsequent 30-day period, up to a maximum amount of 1.00% of the Liquidated Damages Multiplier of such Holder (the “Liquidated Damages”), which shall accrue daily until such date that the Partnership has filed the Registration Statement with the Commission.

(b) If the Registration Statement is not declared effective by the Commission on or before the earlier of (i) if the Registration Statement is subject to review by the Commission, ninety (90) days following the date on which the Partnership has filed the Registration Statement with the Commission and (ii) if the Registration Statement is not subject to review by the Commission, ten (10) days following the date of receipt of such notice from the Commission (such earlier date, the “Effectiveness Deadline”), then each Holder shall be entitled to a payment, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, of Liquidated Damages of such Holder, which shall accrue daily until such date that the Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission; provided, however, if the Effectiveness Deadline occurs during a period when the Commission is not declaring registration statements under the Securities Act effective (e.g., during a shutdown of the U.S. federal government), then the Effectiveness Deadline shall be extended to the third Business Day following the date that the Commission can again declare such registration statements effective.

(c) The Liquidated Damages shall be paid to each Holder in cash within ten (10) Business Days following the last day of each 30-day period that the Holders are entitled to such Liquidated Damages. Subject to Section 3.06, any payments made pursuant to this Section 2.02 shall constitute the Holders’ exclusive remedy for such events. Any Liquidated Damages due under this Section 2.02 shall be paid to the Holders in immediately available funds. The obligation to pay the Liquidated Damages to a Holder pursuant to this Section 2.02 shall cease at such time as the Registrable Securities become eligible for resale by such Holder under Rule 144 under the Securities Act without regard to any volume or manner of sale restrictions and without the requirement for the Partnership to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144(c)(1).

 

4


Section 2.03 Blackout and Delay Rights. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein:

(a) the Partnership shall not be required to file a Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto) or, if a Registration Statement has been filed but not declared effective by the Commission, request effectiveness of such Registration Statement, for a period of up to 45 days, if (A) the General Partner determines in good faith that a postponement is in the best interest of the Partnership and its equityholders generally due to a pending transaction involving the Partnership (including a pending securities offering by the Partnership, or any proposed financing, acquisition, merger, tender offer, business combination, corporate reorganization, consolidation or other significant transaction involving the Partnership), (B) the General Partner determines such registration would render the Partnership unable to comply with applicable securities laws, (C) the General Partner determines such registration would require disclosure of material information that the Partnership has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential, or (D) audited financial statements as of a date other than the fiscal year end of the Partnership would be required to be prepared; provided, however, that in no event shall any such period exceed an aggregate of an aggregate of 60 days in any 180-day period or 120 days in any 365-day period; and

(b) the Partnership may, upon written notice to any Selling Holder whose Registrable Securities are included in the Registration Statement or other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement, suspend such Selling Holder’s use of any prospectus which is a part of the Registration Statement or other registration statement (in which event the Selling Holder shall discontinue sales of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement or other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement but may settle any previously made sales of Registrable Securities) if (i) the General Partner determines that such use would require disclosure of material information in the Registration Statement or other registration statement that the Partnership has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential or (ii) the Partnership has experienced some other material non-public event the disclosure of which at such time, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, would adversely affect the Partnership; provided, however, in no event shall the Selling Holders be suspended from selling Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement or other registration statement for a period that exceeds an aggregate of 60 days in any 180-day period or 120 days in any 365-day period. Upon disclosure of such information or the termination of the condition described above, the Partnership shall provide prompt notice to the Selling Holders whose Registrable Securities are included in the Registration Statement or other registration statement, and shall promptly terminate any suspension of sales it has put into effect and shall take such other reasonable actions to permit registered sales of Registrable Securities as contemplated in this Agreement.

Section 2.04 Sale Procedures. In connection with its obligations under this Article II, the Partnership will, as expeditiously as possible:

(a) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to the Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective for the Effectiveness Period and as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement;

(b) make available to each Selling Holder (i) as far in advance as reasonably practicable, but in any event at least two (2) Business Days, before filing the Registration Statement and any related prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement and any related prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, copies of reasonably complete drafts of all such documents proposed to be filed (including exhibits and each document incorporated by reference therein to

 

5


the extent then required by the rules and regulations of the Commission), and provide each such Selling Holder the opportunity to object to any information pertaining to such Selling Holder and its plan of distribution that is contained therein and make the corrections reasonably requested by such Selling Holder with respect to such information prior to filing the Registration Statement and the prospectus included therein or such other registration statement and the prospectus included therein or any supplement or amendment thereto, and (ii) such number of copies of the Registration Statement and the prospectus included therein or such other registration statement and the prospectus included therein and any supplements and amendments thereto as such Selling Holder may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement or other registration statement;

(c) if applicable, use its commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Selling Holders shall reasonably request in writing by the time the Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission; provided, however, that the Partnership will not be required to qualify generally to transact business in any jurisdiction where it is not then required to so qualify or to take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

(d) promptly notify each Selling Holder in writing (provided that in no event shall such notice contain any material, nonpublic information), at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered by any of them under the Securities Act, of (1) the filing of the Registration Statement or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement or any prospectus or prospectus supplement to be used in connection therewith, or any amendment or supplement thereto, and, with respect to such Registration Statement or any other registration statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become effective; and (2) the receipt of any written comments from the Commission with respect to any filing referred to in clause (1) and any written request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or any other registration statement or any prospectus or prospectus supplement thereto;

(e) promptly notify each Selling Holder in writing (provided that in no event shall such notice contain any material, nonpublic information), at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of (i) the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus or prospectus supplement contained in the Registration Statement or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of any prospectus contained therein, in the light of the circumstances under which a statement is made); (ii) the issuance or express threat of issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement, or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose; or (iii) the receipt by the Partnership of any notification with respect to the suspension of the registration or qualification of any Registrable Securities for sale under the applicable securities or blue sky laws of any jurisdiction. Following the provision of such notice, the Partnership agrees to as promptly as practicable amend or supplement the prospectus or prospectus supplement or take other appropriate action so that the

 

6


prospectus or prospectus supplement does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing and to take such other commercially reasonable action as is necessary to remove a stop order, suspension, threat thereof or proceedings related thereto;

(f) upon request and subject to appropriate confidentiality obligations, furnish to each Selling Holder copies of any and all transmittal letters or other correspondence with the Commission or any other governmental agency or self-regulatory body or other body having jurisdiction (including any domestic or foreign securities exchange) relating to the public offering of Registrable Securities;

(g) otherwise use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 promulgated thereunder;

(h) cause all such Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement to be listed on each securities exchange or nationally recognized quotation system on which similar securities issued by the Partnership are then listed;

(i) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registrable Securities to be registered with, qualified by or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Partnership to enable the Selling Holders to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

(j) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement not later than the effective date of such registration statement; and

(k) if requested by a Selling Holder, (i) incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as such Selling Holder reasonably requests to be included therein relating to the sale and distribution of Registrable Securities, including information with respect to the number of Registrable Securities being offered or sold, the purchase price being paid therefor and any other terms of the offering of the Registrable Securities to be sold in such offering and (ii) make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment after being notified of the matters to be incorporated in such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment.

The Partnership will not name a Holder as an underwriter as defined in Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act in any Registration Statement without such Holder’s consent. If the staff of the Commission requires the Partnership to name any Holder as an underwriter as defined in Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act, and such Holder does not consent thereto, then such Holder’s Registrable Securities shall not be included on the Registration Statement and the Partnership shall have no further obligations under this Article II with respect to Registrable Securities held by such Holder (except with respect to Section 2.08).

 

7


Each Selling Holder, upon receipt of notice from the Partnership of the happening of any event of the kind described in subsection (e) of this Section 2.04, shall forthwith discontinue offers and sales of the Registrable Securities by means of a prospectus or prospectus supplement until such Selling Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus or prospectus supplement contemplated by subsection (e) of this Section 2.04 or until it is advised in writing by the Partnership that the use of the prospectus or prospectus supplement may be resumed and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings incorporated by reference in the prospectus or prospectus supplement, and, if so directed by the Partnership, such Selling Holder will deliver to the Partnership (at the Partnership’s expense) all copies in its possession or control, other than permanent file copies then in such Selling Holder’s possession, of the prospectus or prospectus supplement covering such Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice.

Section 2.05 Cooperation by Holders. The Partnership shall have no obligation to include Registrable Securities of a Holder in the Registration Statement who has failed to timely furnish such information, including a customary selling holder questionnaire, that the Partnership determines, after consultation with its counsel, is reasonably required in order for the Registration Statement, prospectus or prospectus supplement, as applicable, to comply with the Securities Act. To the extent the Partnership requires any information from any Holder for inclusion in a Registration Statement, it shall deliver a written notice to such Holder requesting such Holder to deliver such information within three (3) Business Days of the receipt by such Holder of such written notice.

Section 2.06 Expenses. The Partnership will pay all reasonable Registration Expenses as determined in good faith. In addition, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.07 hereof, the Partnership shall not be responsible for legal fees incurred by Holders in connection with the exercise of such Holders’ rights hereunder.

Section 2.07 Indemnification.

(a) Indemnification by the Partnership. In connection with any registration of any securities of the Partnership under the Securities Act pursuant to this Agreement, the Partnership will, and hereby does agree to, indemnify and hold harmless the seller of any Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement, its directors, officers, managers, partners, employees, members, representatives or agents and each other Person who participates in the offering or sale of such securities and each other Person, if any, who controls such seller, within the meaning of the Securities Act (collectively, the “Selling Holder Indemnified Persons”), against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) (collectively, “Losses”), joint or several, to which such Selling Holder Indemnified Person may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such Losses (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any registration statement under which such securities were registered under the Securities Act, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, summary prospectus contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto or any free writing prospectus relating thereto (including, in each instance, any documents incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein), or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or

 

8


necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of any prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which such statement is made) and the Partnership will reimburse each such Selling Holder Indemnified Person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating, defending or resolving any such Loss or actions or proceedings, provided that the Partnership shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such Loss (or action or proceeding in respect thereof) arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such registration statement, any such preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, summary prospectus, free writing prospectus, amendment or supplement in reliance upon and in conformity with information regarding such Selling Holder Indemnified Person furnished by such Selling Holder Indemnified Person (or any representative of such Selling Holder Indemnified Person) to the Partnership in writing or electronically specifically stating that it is for use in the relevant registration statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, summary prospectus, free writing prospectus, amendment or supplement. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Selling Holder Indemnified Person and shall survive the transfer of such securities by the applicable Selling Holder.

(b) Indemnification by the Sellers. To the extent permitted by law, each Selling Holder agrees severally and not jointly to indemnify and hold harmless (in the same manner and to the same extent as set forth in Section 2.07(a) above) the Partnership, the General Partner, each director of the General Partner, each officer of the General Partner and each other Person, if any, who controls the Partnership or the General Partner within the meaning of the Securities Act (collectively, the “Partnership Indemnified Persons”), with respect to Losses incurred as a result of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement in or omission or alleged omission from any registration statement under which Registrable Securities were registered under the Securities Act, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, summary prospectus contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto or any free writing prospectus relating thereto, to the extent such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information regarding such Selling Holder furnished in writing or electronically by or on behalf of such Selling Holder to the Partnership specifically stating that it is for use in such registration statement, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, summary prospectus contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto or any free writing prospectus relating thereto. The maximum liability of each Selling Holder for any such indemnification shall not exceed the dollar amount of proceeds received by such Selling Holder from the sale of his/her/its Registrable Securities (net of any commissions or similar fees incurred by such Selling Holder). Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Partnership Indemnified Persons and shall survive the transfer of such securities by such Selling Holder.

(c) Notices of Claims, etc. Promptly after receipt by a Selling Holder Indemnified Person or Partnership Indemnified Person (hereinafter, the “Indemnified Party”) of notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding involving a claim referred to in Section 2.07(a) or (b) above, such Indemnified Party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party, give written notice to the latter of the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding; provided that the failure of any Indemnified Party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations hereunder, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is materially prejudiced by such failure to give notice. The indemnifying party

 

9


shall have the right to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party. After written notice from the indemnifying party to the Indemnified Party of its election to assume the defense of such claim or action, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to the Indemnified Party under this Section 2.07 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation; provided, however, that the Indemnified Party shall be entitled (i) at its expense, to participate in the defense of such asserted liability and the negotiations of the settlement thereof and (ii) if (1) the indemnifying party has failed to assume the defense and employ counsel or (2) if the defendants in any such action include both the Indemnified Party and the indemnifying party and counsel to the Indemnified Party shall have concluded that there may be reasonable defenses available to the Indemnified Party that are different from or in addition to those available to the indemnifying party or if the interests of the Indemnified Party reasonably may be deemed to conflict with the interests of the indemnifying party, then the Indemnified Party shall have the right to select a separate counsel and to assume such legal defense and otherwise to participate in the defense of such action, with the expenses and fees of such separate counsel and other expenses related to such participation to be reimbursed by the indemnifying party as incurred. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the indemnifying party shall not settle any indemnified claim without the consent of the Indemnified Party, unless the settlement thereof imposes no liability or obligation on, and includes a complete release from liability of, the Indemnified Party.

(d) Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in this Section 2.07 is held by a court or government agency of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to any Indemnified Party or is insufficient to hold such Indemnified Party harmless in respect of any Losses, then each indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such Losses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party, on the one hand, and of the Indemnified Party, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, however, that in no event shall any Selling Holder be required to contribute an aggregate amount in excess of the dollar amount of proceeds received by such Selling Holder from the sale of his/her/its Registrable Securities (net of any commissions or similar fees incurred by such Selling Holder). The relative fault of the indemnifying party, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Party, on the other, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact has been made by, or relates to, information supplied by such party in writing, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this paragraph were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid by an Indemnified Party as a result of the Losses referred to in the first sentence of this paragraph shall be deemed to include any legal and other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with investigating, defending or resolving any Loss that is the subject of this paragraph. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who is not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

10


(e) Other Indemnification. Indemnification similar to that specified in Sections 2.07(a), (b) and (c) above, and contribution similar to that specified in Section 2.07(d) above (in each instance, with appropriate modifications) shall be given by the Partnership and each seller of Registrable Securities with respect to any required registration or other qualification of securities under any Federal or state law or regulation of any governmental authority other than the Securities Act.

(f) Indemnification Payments. The indemnification required by this Section 2.07 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or expense, loss, damage or liability is incurred.

Section 2.08 Rule 144 Reporting. With a view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the Commission that may permit the sale of the Registrable Securities to the public without registration, the Partnership agrees to:

(a) make and keep public information regarding the Partnership available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, at all times from and after the date hereof;

(b) use its commercially reasonable efforts to file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Partnership under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act at all times from and after the date hereof; and

(c) so long as a Holder owns any Registrable Securities, furnish, unless otherwise available via EDGAR, to such Holder forthwith upon request a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Partnership, and such other reports and documents so filed as such Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing such Holder to sell any such Registrable Securities without registration.

Section 2.09 Transfer or Assignment of Registration Rights. The rights granted to the Holders by the Partnership under this Article II may be transferred or assigned by any Holder to one or more transferees or assignees of Registrable Securities; provided, however, that (a) unless the transferee or assignee is an Eligible Transferee, the amount of Registrable Securities transferred or assigned to such transferee or assignee shall represent at least $1.0 million of Registrable Securities (based on the average closing price on The Nasdaq Global Select Market (or any other principal trading market on which the Common Units then trade) for the Common Units for the ten (10) Trading Days preceding the date of such transfer or assignment), (b) the Partnership is given written notice prior to any said transfer or assignment, stating the name and address of each such transferee or assignee and identifying the securities with respect to which such rights are being transferred or assigned, and (c) each such transferee or assignee assumes in writing responsibility for its portion of the obligations of such transferring Holder under this Agreement.

 

11


ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 3.01 Communications. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by facsimile, electronic mail, courier service or personal delivery:

(a) if to a Purchaser:

To the respective address listed on Schedule A to the Purchase Agreement

(b) if to a transferee of a Purchaser, to such Holder at the address provided pursuant to Section 2.09 above; and

(c) if to the Partnership:

CSI Compressco LP

24955 Interstate 45 North

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Attention: Derek Anchondo

Electronic mail: danchondo@csicompressco.com

with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

1001 Fannin Street

Suite 2500

Houston, Texas 77002

Attention: David Oelman

Electronic mail: doelman@velaw.com

or to such other addresses as the Partnership or such Purchaser or transferee of such Purchaser may designate in writing. All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been received at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when receipt is acknowledged, if sent via facsimile or sent via electronic mail; and when actually received, if sent by courier service.

Section 3.02 Successor and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Partnership, each of the Purchasers and their respective successors and permitted assigns, including subsequent Holders of Registrable Securities to the extent permitted herein.

Section 3.03 Assignment of Rights. All or any portion of the rights and obligations of any Purchaser under this Agreement may be transferred or assigned by such Purchaser only in accordance with Section 2.09 hereof. The Partnership may not assign (except by merger) its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of 66 2/3% of the then-outstanding Registrable Securities.

 

 

12


Section 3.04 Recapitalization, Exchanges, Etc. Affecting the Common Units. The provisions of this Agreement shall apply to the full extent set forth herein with respect to any and all Common Units or other securities of the Partnership or any successor or assign of the Partnership (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) and to any other securities that may be issued in respect of, in exchange for or in substitution of, the Registrable Securities, and shall be appropriately adjusted for combinations, exchanges, unit splits, recapitalizations, pro rata distributions of Common Units or such other securities and the like occurring after the date of this Agreement.

Section 3.05 Aggregation of Registrable Securities. All Registrable Securities held or acquired by Persons who are Affiliates of one another shall be aggregated together for the purpose of determining the availability of any rights and applicability of any obligations under this Agreement.

Section 3.06 Specific Performance. Damages in the event of breach of this Agreement by the Partnership or by a Holder may be difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain, and it is therefore agreed that each such Person, in addition to and without limiting any other remedy or right it may have, will have the right to an injunction or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction, enjoining any such breach, and enforcing specifically the terms and provisions hereof, and the Partnership and each Holder hereby waives any and all defenses it may have on the ground of lack of jurisdiction or competence of the court to grant such an injunction or other equitable relief. The existence of this right will not preclude any such Person from pursuing any other rights and remedies at law or in equity that such Person may have.

Section 3.07 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile or “.pdf” signature page were an original thereof.

Section 3.08 Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

Section 3.09 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction. THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM OR DISPUTE OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS. ANY ACTION AGAINST ANY PARTY RELATING TO THE FOREGOING MAY BE BROUGHT IN ANY FEDERAL OR STATE COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION LOCATED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY FEDERAL OR STATE COURT LOCATED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK OVER ANY SUCH ACTION. THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION WHICH THEY MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE

 

13


LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH DISPUTE BROUGHT IN SUCH COURT OR ANY DEFENSE OF INCONVENIENT FORUM FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH DISPUTE. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH DISPUTE MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.

Section 3.10 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, AND AGREES TO CAUSE ITS AFFILIATES TO WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (a) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (b) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

Section 3.11 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only by means of a written amendment signed by the Partnership and each of the Purchasers party hereto.

Section 3.12 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the other Basic Documents and the other agreements and documents referred to herein and therein are intended by the parties hereto as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto and thereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and therein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein or therein with respect to the rights granted by the Partnership or a Purchaser set forth herein and therein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties hereto with respect to such subject matter.

Section 3.13 No Waiver. No failure or delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power, or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, or remedy. Except where notice is specifically required by this Agreement, no notice to or demand on the Partnership in any case shall entitle the Partnership to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

Section 3.14 No Presumption. If any claim is made by a party relating to any conflict, omission or ambiguity in this Agreement, no presumption or burden of proof or persuasion shall be implied by virtue of the fact that this Agreement was prepared by or at the request of a particular party or its counsel.

 

14


Section 3.15 Obligations Limited to Parties to Agreement. Each of the parties hereto covenants, agrees and acknowledges that no Person other than the Purchasers (and their permitted transferees and assignees) and the Partnership shall have any obligation hereunder and that, notwithstanding that one or more of the Purchasers may be a corporation, partnership, trust or limited liability company, no recourse under this Agreement or under any documents or instruments delivered in connection herewith shall be had against any former, current or future director, officer, employee, agent, general or limited partner, manager, member, shareholder or Affiliate of any of the Purchasers or any former, current or future director, officer, employee, agent, general or limited partner, manager, member, shareholder or Affiliate of any of the foregoing, whether by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any applicable Law, it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on or otherwise be incurred by any former, current or future director, officer, employee, agent, general or limited partner, manager, member, shareholder or Affiliate of any of the Purchasers, as such, for any obligations of the Purchasers under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection herewith or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligation or its creation, except in each case for any transferee or assignee of a Purchaser hereunder.

Section 3.16 Independent Nature of Purchasers Obligations. The obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Purchaser, and no Purchaser shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Purchaser under this Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed that each provision contained in this Agreement is between the Partnership and each Purchaser, solely, and not between the Partnership and the Purchasers collectively and not between and among the Purchasers. Nothing contained herein, and no action taken by any Purchaser pursuant hereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Purchasers as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of group or entity, or create a presumption that the Purchasers are in any way acting in concert or as a group for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that it is acknowledged that a Purchaser may be under common management with one or more other Purchasers. Each Purchaser shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including without limitation, the rights arising out of this Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other Purchaser to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.

Section 3.17 No Inconsistent Agreements. The Partnership represents and warrants that none of the Partnership Entities, nor any of their respective subsidiaries, has entered, as of the date hereof, nor shall the Partnership Entities, nor any of their respective subsidiaries, on or after the date of this Agreement, enter into, any agreement with respect to its securities that would have the effect of impairing the rights granted to each of the Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflict with the provisions hereof.

Section 3.18 Interpretation. Article and Section references are to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. All references to instruments, documents, contracts and agreements are references to such instruments, documents, contracts and agreements as the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, unless otherwise specified. The word “including” shall mean “including but not limited to.” Whenever any determination, consent or approval is to be made or given by a Purchaser under this Agreement, such action shall be in such Purchaser’s sole discretion unless otherwise specified.

[Signature pages to follow]

 

15


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

 

CSI COMPRESSCO LP
By:   CSI COMPRESSCO GP LLC, its general partner
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

Name:   John E. Jackson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement


PURCHASERS
AIM INVESTMENT FUND (INVESCO INVESTMENT FUNDS), ON BEHALF OF ITS SERIES INVESCO STEELPATH MLP SELECT 40 FUND
By:  

/s/ Brian Watson

Name:   Brian Watson
Title:   President
ATHILON CAPITAL CORP. LLC
By:  

/s/ Thomas G. Rock

Name:   Thomas G. Rock
Title:   Authorized Representative
PETER H. KAMIN GST TRUST
By:  

/s/ Peter H. Kamin

Name:   Peter H Kamin
Title:   Trustee
ORVIETO FUND LP
By:  

/s/ Tim Caffrey

Name:   Tim Caffrey
Title:   COO/Partner
TRANSAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Rishi Goel

Name:   Rishi Goel
Title:   Vice President
GREENTREE ENTERPRISES, LLC
By:  

/s/ Connie Hale

Name:   Connie Hale
Title:   Manager

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement


 

HILL CITY CAPITAL MASTER FUND LP
By:  

/s/ Michael Richards

Name:   Michael Richards
Title:   CFO
RED OAK ASSOCIATES, L.P.
By:  

/s/ I. Jon Brumley

Name:   I. Jon Brumley
Title:   President
By:  

/s/ Jon S. Brumley

Name:   Jon S. Brumley
By:  

/s/ James Cook

Name:   James Cook
MCD INVESTMENTS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Mark C. Demetree

Name:   Mark C. Demetree
Title:   Manager
GARDNER FAMILY INVESTMENTS LLC
By:  

/s/ Ted Gardner

Name:   Ted Gardner
Title:   Authorized Person
By:  

/s/ Alexander Wellford Tabor

Name:   Alexander Wellford Tabor
By:  

/s/ Vincent Foster

Name:   Vincent Foster
By:  

/s/ Don A Sanders

Name:   Don A Sanders

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement


DON A. SANDERS 2003 CHILDRENS TRUST
By:  

/s/ Donald V. Weir

Name:   Donald V. Weir
Title:   Trustee
By:  

/s/ Barry C. Pullin

Name:   Barry C. Pullin
By:  

/s/ James R. Gill

Name:   James R. Gill
By:  

/s/ Scott A. Gill

Name:   Scott A. Gill
By:  

/s/ Brett Taylor Gill

Name:   Brett Taylor Gill
By:  

/s/ James A. Redmond

Name:   James A. Redmond
P2P INVESTORS, LLC
By:  

/s/ J.C. Demetree, Jr.

Name:   J.C. Demetree, Jr.
Title:   Manager
FRANK P. BRADY TRUST
By:  

/s/ Frank Brady

Name:   Frank Brady
Title:   Trustee
By:  

/s/ William H. Parkerson

Name:   William H. Parkerson
CHRISTINE M. MALONEY TRUST
By:  

/s/ Christine M. Maloney

Name:   Christine M. Maloney
Title:   Trustee
By:  

/s/ William S. Byers, MD

Name:   William S. Byers, MD

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement


WEBBIE’S FAMILY HOLDINGS
By:  

/s/ Gerald J. Weber

Name:   Gerald J. Weber
Title:   Manager
By:  

/s/ J. Joseph Gardner

Name:   J. Joseph Gardner
MARK J. DONNELLY TRUST
By:  

/s Mark J. Donnelly

Name:   Mark J. Donnelly
Title:   Trustee
MICHAEL S. YIM REVOCABLE TRUST
By:  

/s/ Michael S. Yim

Name:   Michael S. Yim
Title:   Trustee
YIM FAMILY INVESTMENTS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Michael S. Yim

Name:   Michael S. Yim
Title:   Manager
LAUREG INVESTMENTS LLC
By:  

/s/ Gregory K. Crooker

Name:   Gregory K. Crooker
Title:   President
By:  

/s/ Dennis Michael Wood

Name:   Dennis Michael Wood
By:  

/s/ Gregory T. Bertovich

Name:   Gregory T. Bertovich
By:  

/s/ Katherine B. Broom

Name:   Katherine B. Broom
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

Name:   John E. Jackson

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement


By:  

/s/ Jonathan Wood Byers

Name:   Jonathan Wood Byers
By:  

/s/ David L. Edelmaier

Name:   David L. Edelmaier
By:  

/s/ Robert W. Price

Name:   Robert W. Price
By:  

/s/ Michael Moscoso

Name:   Michael Moscoso
By:  

/s/ Allison Tinker

Name:   Allison Tinker
By:  

/s/ Riplee Parkening

Name:   Riplee Parkening
By:  

/s/ Eric Garcia

Name:   Eric Garcia
By:  

/s/ Sheraz Islam

Name:   Sheraz Islam
By:  

/s/ Jennifer Roemershauser

Name:   Jennifer Roemershauser
By:  

/s/ Steve Hyche

Name:   Steve Hyche
By:  

/s/ Rodney Pruski

Name:   Rodney Pruski
By:  

/s/ Jorge Rolando Abreu

Name:   Jorge Rolando Abreu
By:  

/s/ Colby Meyer

Name:   Colby Meyer

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement

Exhibit 4.2

FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

This supplemental indenture, dated as of November 16, 2021 (this “First Supplemental Indenture”), between CSI Compressco LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Company”), CSI Compressco Finance Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Finance Corp.” and, together with the Company, the “Issuers”), the guarantors listed on the signature pages hereto (the “Guarantors”), U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Trustee under the Indenture referred to below.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Trustee have heretofore executed and delivered an Indenture, dated as of June 12, 2020 (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of $155,529,000 aggregate principal amount of the Issuer’s 10.000%/10.750% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026 (the “Existing Notes”);

WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that the Issuers may issue Additional Notes under the Indenture subject to compliance with the provisions set forth therein;

WHEREAS, the Issuers wish to issue an additional $10,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.000%/10.750% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026 as Additional Notes under the Indenture (the “New Notes”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01(6) of the Indenture, the Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Trustee may execute and deliver this First Supplemental Indenture to supplement the Indenture, without the consent of any Holder;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of the Notes as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1. Defined Terms. Unless otherwise defined in this First Supplemental Indenture, terms defined in the Indenture are used herein as therein defined.

ARTICLE II

ISSUANCE OF NEW NOTES

Section 2.1. Amount of New Notes. The aggregate principal amount of New Notes to be authenticated and delivered under this First Supplemental Indenture on November 16, 2021 is $10,000,000.


Section 2.2 Terms of New Notes. The New Notes are to be issued as Additional Notes under the Indenture and pursuant to this First Supplemental Indenture and shall:

 

  A.

be issued as part of the existing series of Existing Notes previously issued under the Indenture and the New Notes and the Existing Notes shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture;

 

  B.

be issued on November 16, 2021 and will accrue interest from October 1, 2021; interest on the notes will be payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year, with an initial payment for the notes on April 1, 2022.

 

  C.

be issuable in whole in the form of a 144A Global Note, bearing the CUSIP number of 12652H AE8.

Section 2.3 Authentication of New Notes. The Trustee shall, pursuant to an Authentication Order delivered in accordance with Section 2.02 of the Indenture, authenticate and deliver the New Notes for an aggregate principal amount specified in such Authentication Order.

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 3.1. Parties. Nothing expressed or mentioned herein is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, firm or corporation, other than the Holders and the Trustee, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this First Supplemental Indenture or the Indenture or any provision herein or therein contained.

Section 3.2. Governing Law, etc. This First Supplemental Indenture shall be governed by the provisions set forth in Section 12.08 of the Indenture.

Section 3.3. Severability. In case any provision in this First Supplemental Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 3.4. Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indenture Part of Indenture. Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. This First Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby. The Trustee makes no representation or warranty as to the validity or sufficiency of this First Supplemental Indenture. The recitals contained herein may be taken as the statements of the Issuer and the Guarantors, and the Trustee does not assume any responsibility for their correctness.

Section 3.5. Duplicate and Counterpart Originals. The parties may sign any number of copies of this First Supplemental Indenture. This First Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

 

-2-


Section 3.7. Recitals. The recitals contained herein may be taken as the statements of the Issuers, and the Trustee does not assume any responsibility for their correctness.

Section 3.8. Headings. The headings of the Articles and Sections in this First Supplemental Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered as a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

Section 3.9 Successors. This First Supplemental Indenture shall be binding on the Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders and their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of such parties and their respective successors and assigns.

 

-3-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

ISSUERS:
CSI COMPRESSCO LP
By:   CSI Compressco GP Inc.,
  its general partner
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

  Name: John E. Jackson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
CSI COMPRESSCO FINANCE INC.
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

  Name: John E. Jackson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
GUARANTORS:
CSI COMPRESSCO SUB INC.
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

  Name: John E. Jackson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
CSI COMPRESSCO OPERATING LLC
By:   CSI Compressco LP,
  its sole member
By:   CSI Compressco GP Inc.,
  its general partner
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

  Name: John E. Jackson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture


CSI COMPRESSCO FIELD SERVICES INTERNATIONAL LLC
By:   CSI Compressco Operating LLC,
  its sole member
By:   CSI Compressco LP,
  its sole member
By:   CSI Compressco GP Inc.,
  its general partner
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

  Name: John E. Jackson
  Title:   Chief Executive Officer
CSI COMPRESSCO INTERNATIONAL LLC
By:   CSI Compressco Operating LLC,
  its sole member
By:   CSI Compressco LP,
  its sole member
By:   CSI Compressco GP Inc.,
  its general partner
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

  Name: John E. Jackson
  Title:   Chief Executive Officer

Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture


CSI COMPRESSCO HOLDINGS LLC
By:  

CSI Compressco Operating LLC,

its sole member

By:   CSI Compressco LP,
  its sole member
By:   CSI Compressco GP Inc.,
  its general partner
By:   /s/ John E. Jackson
  Name: John E. Jackson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
CSI COMPRESSCO LEASING LLC
By:   CSI Compressco Operating LLC,
  its sole member
By:   CSI Compressco LP,
  its sole member
By:   CSI Compressco GP Inc.,
  its general partner
By:   /s/ John E. Jackson
  Name: John E. Jackson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
CSI COMPRESSION HOLDINGS, LLC
By:   CSI Compressco Sub Inc.,
  its sole member
By:   /s/ John E. Jackson
  Name: John E. Jackson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture


ROTARY COMPRESSOR SYSTEMS, INC.
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

  Name: John E. Jackson
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
By:  

/s/ Michael K. Herberger

  Name: Michael K. Herberger
  Title: Vice President
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Collateral Trustee
By:  

/s/ Michael K. Herberger

  Name: Michael K. Herberger
  Title: Vice President

Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

by and among

SPARTAN ENERGY PARTNERS LP,

SPARTAN ENERGY PARTNERS GP LLC

CSI COMPRESSCO LP,

CSI COMPRESSCO GP LLC

and

SPARTAN OPERATING COMPANY LLC

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article I DEFINITIONS

     1  

Section 1.1

  Definitions      1  

Article II SERVICES

     3  

Section 2.1

  Services and Personnel.      3  

Article III MISCELLANEOUS

     4  

Section 3.1

  Choice of Law; Submission to Jurisdiction      4  

Section 3.2

  Notice      4  

Section 3.3

  Entire Agreement      5  

Section 3.4

  Termination      5  

Section 3.5

  Effect of Waiver or Consent      5  

Section 3.6

  Amendment or Modification      5  

Section 3.7

  Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries      5  

Section 3.8

  Counterparts      6  

Section 3.9

  Severability      6  

Section 3.10

  Gender, Parts, Articles and Sections      6  

Section 3.11

  Further Assurances      6  

Section 3.12

  Withholding or Granting of Consent      6  

Section 3.13

  Laws and Regulations      6  

Section 3.14

  Negation of Rights of Limited Partners, Assignees and Third Parties      6  

Section 3.15

  No Recourse Against Officers or Directors      6  

 

 

i


MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

THIS MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT is entered into on, and effective as of, November 10, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), by and among, CSI Compressco, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), CSI Compressco GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the Partnership (the “General Partner”), Spartan Energy Partners, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Spartan LP”) Spartan Energy Partners GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and general partner of Spartan LP (“Spartan GP”) and Spartan Operating Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Spartan Operating”). The above-named entities are sometimes referred to in this Agreement singularly as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.

RECITALS:

The Parties desire by their execution of this Agreement to evidence their understanding:

1. As more fully set forth in Article II, with respect to the reimbursement or allocation of expenses among the Partnership Group, the General Partner, the Spartan Entities and Holdco Entities, including personnel and other services related to the operations of such entities;.

In consideration of the premises and the covenants, conditions, and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 Definitions.

(a) Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings given them in the Partnership Agreement.

(b) As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

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

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

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in Houston, Texas are authorized or are obligated by law, executive order or governmental decree to be closed.

Closing Date” has the meaning given to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

Common Unit” has the meaning given such term in the Partnership Agreement.

 

1


Compressco Sub” has the meaning given to such term in the definition of the Partnership Group.

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

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, consistently applied.

General Partner” has the meaning given to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

General Partner Services” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(a).

General Partner SG&A Services” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(b).

Holdco Entities” means Treating Holdco and any Subsidiary of Treating Holdco; and “Holdco Entity” means any one of the Holdco Entities.

Intellectual Property” means all of the following intellectual property: (a) patents and patent applications; (b) registered and unregistered copyrights and copyright applications; (c) trademarks, service marks, trade names, and trade dress, together with the goodwill associated therewith, and any applications for the foregoing; (d) domain names; (e) trade secrets and confidential information; and (f) the right to sue and collect for past, present and future infringement and misappropriation of all such intellectual property.

Partnership” has the meaning given to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

Partnership Agreement” means the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of August 8, 2016, together with any amendments to and/or restatements thereof.

Partnership Entities” means the General Partner and each member of the Partnership Group; and “Partnership Entity” means any of the Partnership Entities.

Partnership Group” means the Partnership, CSI Compressco Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Compressco Sub”), , and any Subsidiary of the Partnership or Compressco Sub.

Party” or “Parties” have the meanings given to such terms in the preamble to this Agreement.

Person” has the meaning given to such term in the Partnership Agreement.

Services” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(c).

Spartan GP” has the meaning given to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

Spartan LP” has the meaning given to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

2


Spartan Entities” means Spartan GP and Spartan LP; and “Spartan Entity” means any one of the Spartan Entities.

Spartan Operating” has the meaning given to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

Spartan Operating Services” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(a).

Spartan SG&A Services” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(b).

Spartan Terminals” means Spartan Terminals Operating, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Subsidiary” has the meaning given to such term in the Partnership Agreement.

Treating Holdco” means Treating Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

ARTICLE II

SERVICES

Section 2.1 Services and Personnel. On and as of the Closing Date, all of the employees providing services to the Partnership Entities and the Holdco Entities will be employees of the General Partner or Spartan Operating. The General Partner and Spartan GP shall be entitled allocate all direct and indirect expenses incurred by the General Partner, the Spartan Entities or Spartan Operating on behalf of such other Persons and, if appropriate, such Persons will reimburse such expenses, on the following terms:

(a) The General Partner shall provide the Partnership Group with personnel and other services reasonably necessary to manage the Partnership Entities’ operations and conduct the Partnership Group’s business (such personnel and services, the “General Partner Services”). Spartan Operating shall provide the Holdco Entities and the Partnership Entities with personnel and other services reasonably necessary to manage respective operations of the Holdco Entities and the Partnership Entities and conduct the respective business of the Holdco Entities and the Partnership Entities (such personnel and services, the “Spartan Operating Services”).

(b) The General Partner shall provide the Holdco Entities with certain corporate and general and administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the business of the Holdco Entities, including (without limitation) secretarial and general office services and facilities management services (the “General Partner SG&A Services”).

(c) Spartan GP shall provide the Partnership Entities and the Holdco Entities with certain corporate and general and administrative services reasonably necessary for the operation of the business of the Partnership Group and the Holdco Entities, which services may include (without limitation) insurance and risk management services (such services, collectively, the “Spartan SG&A Services” and, together with the General Partner Services, the Spartan Operating Services and the General Partner SG&A Services, the “Services”).

 

3


(d) In connection with providing the Services, the General Partner and Spartan GP shall be entitled to allocate to the Partnership Group, the Holdco Entities or the Spartan Entities any costs and expenses incurred by the General Partner, the Spartan Operating or Spartan GP, as the case may be, on any reasonable basis determined by the General Partner or Spartan GP, as the case may be.

(e) The Parties hereby agrees to reimburse such other Parties for all costs and expenses allocated to them in accordance with Section 2.1(d).

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 3.1 Choice of Law; Submission to Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, excluding any conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state. Each Party hereby submits to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in the State of Delaware and to venue in Delaware.

Section 3.2 Notice. All notices, requests or consents provided for or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement must be in writing and must be given by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, facsimile, electronic mail, air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery or personal delivery to such Party. All notices, requests and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; upon actual receipt if sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested; when receipt is acknowledged, if sent via facsimile or electronic mail; and upon actual receipt when delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery. All notices to be sent to a Party pursuant to this Agreement shall be sent to or made at the address set forth below or at such other address as such Party may stipulate to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 3.2.

For notices to any of the Spartan Entities:

Spartan Energy Partners, LP

9595 Six Pines Drive, Suite 4000

The Woodlands, TX 77380

Attn: Jonathan W. Byers

Email: Jbyers@csicompressco.com

with a copy to, which shall not constitute notice:

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

1001 Fannin Street, Suite 2500

Houston, TX 77002

Attn: David P. Oelman

Email: doelman@velaw.com

For notices to any of the Partnership Entities:

CSI Compressco LP

c/o CSI Compressco GP LLC (as General Partner)

24955 Interstate 45 N

The Woodlands, TX 77380

Attn: General Counsel

Email: DAnchondo@csicompressco.com

 

4


For notices to Spartan Operating:

Spartan Operating Company LLC

c/o CSI Compressco GP LLC

24955 Interstate 45 N

The Woodlands, TX 77380

Attn: General Counsel

Email: DAnchondo@csicompressco.com

Section 3.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties relating to the matters contained herein, superseding all prior contracts or agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the matters contained herein.

Section 3.4 Termination. This Agreement, other than the provisions set forth in Article III hereof, shall terminate upon the third anniversary of the Closing Date, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.

Section 3.5 Effect of Waiver or Consent. No waiver or consent, express or implied, by any Party to or of any breach or default by any Person in the performance by such Person of its obligations hereunder shall be deemed or construed to be a consent or waiver to or of any other breach or default in the performance by such Person of the same or any other obligations of such Person hereunder. Failure on the part of a Party to complain of any act of any Person or to declare any Person in default, irrespective of how long such failure continues, shall not constitute a waiver by such Party of its rights hereunder until the applicable statute of limitations period has run.

Section 3.6 Amendment or Modification. This Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time only by the written agreement of all the Parties; provided, however, that the Partnership may not, without the prior approval of the Conflicts Committee, agree to any amendment or modification of this Agreement that the General Partner determines will adversely affect the holders of Common Units. Each such instrument shall be reduced to writing and shall be designated on its face an “Amendment” or an “Addendum” to this Agreement.

Section 3.7 Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries. Any Party shall have the right to assign its rights under this Agreement without the consent of any other Party, but no Party shall have the right to assign its obligations under this Agreement without the consent of the other Parties. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3.14, each of the Parties hereto specifically intends that each entity comprising the Spartan Entities, each entity comprising the Holdco Entities and each entity comprising the Partnership Entities, as applicable, whether or not a Party to this Agreement, shall be entitled to assert rights and remedies hereunder as third-party beneficiaries hereto with respect to those provisions of this Agreement affording a right, benefit or privilege to any such entity.

 

5


Section 3.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, with the same effect as if all signatory Parties had signed the same document. All counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute one and the same instrument.

Section 3.9 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance shall be held invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.

Section 3.10 Gender, Parts, Articles and Sections. Whenever the context requires, the gender of all words used in this Agreement shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter, and the number of all words shall include the singular and plural. All references to Article numbers and Section numbers refer to Articles and Sections of this Agreement.

Section 3.11 Further Assurances. In connection with this Agreement and all transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each Party agrees to execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments and to perform such additional acts as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, carry out and perform all of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement and all such transactions.

Section 3.12 Withholding or Granting of Consent. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, each Party may, with respect to any consent or approval that it is entitled to grant pursuant to this Agreement, grant or withhold such consent or approval in its sole and uncontrolled discretion, for any reason, and subject to such conditions as it shall deem appropriate.

Section 3.13 Laws and Regulations. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no Party shall be required to take any act, or fail to take any act, under this Agreement if the effect thereof would be to cause such Party to be in violation of any applicable law, statute, rule or regulation.

Section 3.14 Negation of Rights of Limited Partners, Assignees and Third Parties. The provisions of this Agreement are enforceable solely by the Parties, and no shareholder, limited partner, member, or assignee of Spartan LP, Spartan GP, the General Partner or the Partnership or other Person shall have the right, separate and apart from Spartan LP, Spartan GP, the General Partner or the Partnership, to enforce any provision of this Agreement or to compel any Party to comply with the terms of this Agreement.

Section 3.15 No Recourse Against Officers or Directors. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this Agreement shall not give rise to any right of recourse against any officer or director of any Spartan Entity or any Partnership Entity.

(Signature pages follow.)

 

6


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

 

SPARTAN ENERGY PARTNERS LP
By:   Spartan Energy Partners GP, LLC
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

Name:   John E. Jackson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
SPARTAN ENERGY PARTNERS GP LLC
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

Name:   John E. Jackson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
CSI COMPRESSCO LP
By:   CSI Compressco GP LLC, its sole general partner
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

Name:   John E. Jackson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
CSI COMPRESSCO GP, LLC
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

Name:   John E. Jackson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
SPARTAN OPERATING COMPANY LLC
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

Name:   John E. Jackson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

Signature Page to

Management Services Agreement

Exhibit 10.2

COMMON UNIT PURCHASE AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

CSI COMPRESSCO LP

AND

EACH OF THE PURCHASERS NAMED ON SCHEDULE A HERETO

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article I. DEFINITIONS

     1  

Section 1.01

  Definitions      1  

Article II. SALE AND PURCHASE

     6  

Section 2.01

  Sale and Purchase      6  

Section 2.02

  Consideration      6  

Section 2.03

  Closing      6  

Section 2.04

  Deliveries at Closing      6  

Section 2.05

  Independent Nature of Purchasers’ Obligations and Rights      7  

Article III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTNERSHIP

     8  

Section 3.01

  Formation and Qualification of the Partnership Entities      8  

Section 3.02

  Power and Authority of the General Partner, Ownership, Valid Issuance of Purchased Units      8  

Section 3.03

  Ownership of Subsidiaries      10  

Section 3.04

  SEC Documents      10  

Section 3.05

  Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms      11  

Section 3.06

  No Material Changes      11  

Section 3.07

  Legal Proceedings      11  

Section 3.08

  No Conflicts      11  

Section 3.09

  No Defaults      12  

Section 3.10

  Authorization, Execution and Delivery of this Agreement      12  

Section 3.11

  Authorization, Execution and Delivery of the Registration Rights Agreement      12  

Section 3.12

  Authority      13  

Section 3.13

  Drop-down Agreement      13  

Section 3.14

  No Consents      13  

Section 3.15

  Investment Company Status      14  

Section 3.16

  Offering; No General Solicitation      14  

Section 3.17

  No Integration      14  

Section 3.18

  No Disqualification Event      14  

Section 3.19

  No Registration Rights      14  

Section 3.20

  Certain Fees      15  

Section 3.21

  NASDAQ Listing      15  

Section 3.22

  Title to Properties      15  

Section 3.23

  All Necessary Permits, etc      15  

Section 3.24

  Intellectual Property Rights      15  

Section 3.25

  Compliance with and Liability Under Environmental Laws      16  

Section 3.26

  Insurance      17  

Section 3.27

  No Unlawful Contributions or Other Payments      17  

Section 3.28

  No Conflict with Money Laundering Laws      17  

Section 3.29

  No Conflict with Sanctions Laws      18  

Section 3.30

  Disclosure Controls and Procedures      18  

Section 3.31

  Accounting System      18  

 

i


Section 3.32

  Related Party Transactions      18  

Section 3.33

  Tax Law Compliance      19  

Section 3.34

  MLP Status      19  

Section 3.35

  Compliance with Labor Laws      19  

Section 3.36

  Cybersecurity      19  

Section 3.37

  No Side Agreements      19  

Section 3.38

  Absence of Price Manipulation      20  

Article IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EACH PURCHASER

     20  

Section 4.01

  Corporate Existence      20  

Section 4.02

  No Conflicts      20  

Section 4.03

  Investment      20  

Section 4.04

  Nature of Purchaser      21  

Section 4.05

  Receipt of Information      21  

Section 4.06

  Authorization, Execution and Delivery of this Agreement      21  

Section 4.07

  Authorization, Execution and Delivery of the Registration Rights Agreement      22  

Section 4.08

  Restricted Securities      22  

Section 4.09

  Certain Fees      22  

Section 4.10

  Legend      22  

Section 4.11

  Reliance by the Partnership      23  

Section 4.12

  Placement Agent Reliance      23  

Section 4.13

  Short Selling      23  

Section 4.14

  Ownership of Securities      23  

Article V. COVENANTS

     23  

Section 5.01

  Taking of Necessary Action      23  

Section 5.02

  Use of Proceeds      23  

Section 5.03

  Lock-up Agreement      23  

Section 5.04

  No Integrated Offering      24  

Section 5.05

  Disqualification Event      24  

Section 5.06

  Disclosure      24  

Article VI. INDEMNIFICATION, COSTS AND EXPENSES

     25  

Section 6.01

  Indemnification by the Partnership      25  

Section 6.02

  Indemnification by Purchaser      25  

Section 6.03

  Indemnification Procedure      26  

Article VII. MISCELLANEOUS

     27  

Section 7.01

  Interpretation      27  

Section 7.02

  Survival of Provisions      27  

Section 7.03

  No Waiver; Modifications in Writing      27  

Section 7.04

  Binding Effect; Assignment      28  

Section 7.05

  Communications      28  

Section 7.06

  Removal of Legend      29  

Section 7.07

  Entire Agreement      29  

Section 7.08

  Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction      30  

 

ii


Section 7.09

  Waiver of Jury Trial      30  

Section 7.10

  Execution in Counterparts      30  

Section 7.11

  Placement Agent Matters      30  

Schedules and Exhibits

 

Schedule A    List of Purchasers and Commitment Amounts
Section Exhibit A    Form of Opinion of Counsel
Section Exhibit B    Form of Registration Rights Agreement

 

 

iii


COMMON UNIT PURCHASE AGREEMENT

COMMON UNIT PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of November 10, 2021 (this “Agreement”), by and between CSI COMPRESSCO LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), and each of the Purchasers listed on Schedule A hereto (each a “Purchaser” and collectively, the “Purchasers”).

WHEREAS, in connection with the Drop-down (as defined herein) and related transactions, the Partnership desires to sell an aggregate of 39,050,210 Common Units to the Purchasers and the Purchasers desire to purchase an aggregate of 39,050,210 Common Units from the Partnership, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Partnership has agreed to provide the Purchasers with certain registration rights with respect to the Common Units acquired pursuant to this Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, and unless the context requires a different meaning, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person, directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, “controlling,” “controlled by,” and “under common control with”) means the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Basic Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, and any and all other agreements or instruments executed and delivered by the Parties hereunder or thereunder, and any amendments, supplements, continuations or modifications thereto.

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday for commercial banks in Houston, Texas.

Closing” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.03.

Closing Date” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.03.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

1


Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Common Unit Price” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.02.

Common Units” means common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership.

Consent” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.14.

Debt Facilities” means (i) the Loan and Security Agreement, (ii) the 7.500% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2025 Indenture, dated as of March 22, 2018, by and among the Partnership, CSI Compressco Finance Inc., the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, as amended by the First Lien Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 12, 2020, by and among the Partnership, CSI Compressco Finance, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and (iii) 10.000%/10.750% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026 Indenture, dated as of June 12, 2020, by and among the Partnership, CSI Compressco Finance, Inc., the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

Delaware LLC Act” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act.

Delaware LP Act” means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act.

Disqualification Event” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.18.

Drop-down” means that certain acquisition by the Partnership of certain assets from Spartan pursuant to the Drop-down Agreement.

Drop-down Agreement” means the Contribution Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2021, by and among the Partnership, Spartan and CSI Compressco Sub Inc.

Drop-down Units” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.02(g).

Eligible Transferee” shall have the meaning specified in Section 5.03.

Environment” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.25.

Environmental Laws” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.25.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

FCPA” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.27.

Financial Statements” means the financial statement or statements described or referred to in Section 3.04.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America in effect from time to time.

 

2


General Partner” means CSI Compressco GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the Partnership.

Governmental Authority” means, with respect to a particular Person, the country, state, county, city and political subdivisions in which such Person or such Person’s Property is located or which exercises valid jurisdiction over any such Person or such Person’s Property, and any court, agency, department, commission, board, bureau or instrumentality of any of them and any monetary authority that exercises valid jurisdiction over any such Person or such Person’s Property. Unless otherwise specified, all references to Governmental Authority herein shall mean a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over, where applicable, the Partnership Entities or any of their Property or any of the Purchasers.

GP LLC Agreement” means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the General Partner, dated as of January 27, 2021.

Incentive Distribution Rights” shall have the meaning specified in the Partnership Agreement.

Indemnified Party” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.03.

Indemnifying Party” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.03.

Intellectual Property Rights” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.24.

Issuer Covered Person” and “Issuer Covered Persons” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.18.

IT Systems and Data” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.36.

Law” means any federal, state, local or foreign order, writ, injunction, judgment, settlement, award, decree, statute, law, rule or regulation.

Liens” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(b).

Loan and Security Agreement” means the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2018, by and among the Partnership, CSI Compressco Sub Inc. and CSI Compressco Operating LLC, as borrowers, certain subsidiaries of the borrowers named as guarantors therein, the lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent, letter of credit issuer and swing line issuer, as amended by the Fourth Amendment thereto, dated as of the date hereof.

Lock-up Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.03.

Materials of Environmental Concern” shall have the mean set forth in Section 3.25.

Money Laundering Laws” shall have the mean set forth in Section 3.28.

NASDAQ” means The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.

 

3


OFAC” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.29.

Organizational Agreements” means the GP LLC Agreement and the Partnership Agreement.

Parties” means the Partnership and the Purchasers and “Party” means any one of them.

Partnership” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Partnership Agreement” means the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of August 8, 2016, as amended as of the date hereof.

Partnership Entities” means the General Partner and the Partnership.

Partnership Material Adverse Effect” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.01.

Partnership Related Parties” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.02.

Person” means any individual, corporation, company, voluntary association, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated organization or government or any agency, instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, or any other form of entity.

Placement Agent” means Jefferies LLC.

Placement Agent Engagement Letter” means that certain Placement Agent Engagement Letter, dated as of September 10, 2021, between the Placement Agent and the Partnership.

Press Release” shall have the meaning specified in Section 5.05.

Property” means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible.

Purchase Price” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.01.

Purchased Units” means, with respect to a particular Purchaser, the number of Common Units set forth opposite such Purchaser’s name under the column titled “Purchased Units” set forth on Schedule A hereto.

Purchaser” and “Purchasers” shall have the meanings set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Purchaser Material Adverse Effect” means any material adverse effect on the ability of a Purchaser to consummate the transactions under any Basic Document or to meet its obligations under the Basic Documents on a timely basis.

Purchaser Related Parties” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.01.

 

4


Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, substantially in the form attached to this Agreement as SectionExhibit B, to be entered into at the Closing, by and between the Partnership and each of the Purchasers.

Registration Statement” shall have the meaning specified in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Release” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.25.

Required Purchasers” means the Purchasers then committed to purchase at least 66 2/3% of the aggregate Purchased Units pursuant to this Agreement.

Sale-Leaseback Transaction” means the transactions contemplated by (i) the Purchase Agreement and Bill of Sale, dated November 10, 2021, by and between CSI Compressco Leasing LLC and Spartan Energy Services LLC and (ii) the Equipment Lease Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2021, by and between Spartan Energy Services LLC and CSI Compressco Operating LLC.

Sanctions” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.29.

SEC Documents” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.04.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

Securities Purchase Agreement” means that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Partnership, CSI Compressco Finance Inc., the guarantors party thereto and each of the purchasers party thereto.

Short Sales” means all “short sales” as defined in Rule 200 promulgated under Regulation SHO under the Exchange Act, whether or not against the box, and forward sale contracts, puts, short sales, “put equivalent positions” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(h) under the Exchange Act) and similar arrangements, and sales and other similar transactions through non-U.S. broker dealers or foreign regulated brokers.

Spartan” Spartan Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

Spartan Holdco” means Spartan Energy Holdco LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the sole member of the General Partner.

U.K. Bribery Act” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.27.

 

5


ARTICLE II.

SALE AND PURCHASE

Section 2.01 Sale and Purchase. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Partnership hereby agrees to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser hereby agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Partnership, its Purchased Units, and each Purchaser agrees, severally and not jointly, to pay the Partnership the Common Unit Price for each of its Purchased Units as set forth in Section 2.02 below (the “Purchase Price”).

Section 2.02 Consideration. The amount per Common Unit each Purchaser will pay to the Partnership to purchase its Purchased Units (the “Common Unit Price”) shall be $1.35.

Section 2.03 Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the consummation of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Units hereunder (the “Closing”) shall take place on the date hereof at the offices of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., 1001 Fannin Street, Suite 2500, Houston, Texas 77002, or such other location as mutually agreed by the Parties (the date of such Closing, the “Closing Date”). The Parties agree that the Closing shall occur remotely via delivery of facsimiles or photocopies or electronic transmission of the Basic Documents and the closing deliverables contemplated hereby and thereby. Unless otherwise provided herein, all proceedings to be taken and all documents to be executed and delivered by all Parties at the Closing will be deemed to have been taken and executed simultaneously, and no proceedings will be deemed to have been taken or documents executed or delivered until all have been taken, executed or delivered.

Section 2.04 Deliveries at Closing.

(a) By the Partnership:

(i) Evidence of the Purchased Units credited to book-entry accounts maintained by the transfer agent of the Partnership, bearing the legend or restrictive notation set forth in Section 4.10, free and clear of all Liens, other than transfer restrictions under the Partnership Agreement and applicable federal and state securities laws;

(ii) Evidence that the Partnership has submitted to NASDAQ the Listing of Additional Shares notice with respect to the listing of the Purchased Units;

(iii) A certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the General Partner, on behalf of the Partnership, certifying as to (1) the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership, (2) the Partnership Agreement and (3) board resolutions (i) authorizing the execution and delivery of the Basic Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the issuance of the Purchased Units and (ii) authorizing the execution and delivery of the Drop-down Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby;

(iv) An opinion addressed to the Purchasers from Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., legal counsel to the Partnership, dated the Closing Date, in substantially the form of opinion attached to this Agreement as SectionExhibit A.

(v) A certificate of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, dated a recent date, to the effect that each of the Partnership and the General Partner is in good standing;

 

6


(vi) The Registration Rights Agreement in substantially the form attached to this Agreement as SectionExhibit B, which shall have been duly executed by the Partnership; and

(vii) A cross receipt, dated the Closing Date, executed by the Partnership to the effect that the Partnership has received the Purchase Price for the relevant Purchased Units.

(b) By each Purchaser

(i) Payment to the Partnership on the Closing Date of the Purchase Price by wire transfer(s) of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Partnership in writing at least two (2) Business Days (or such shorter period as shall be agreeable to all Parties hereto) prior to the Closing;

(ii) The Registration Rights Agreement in substantially the form attached to this Agreement as SectionExhibit B, which shall have been duly executed by such Purchaser;

(iii) An investor questionnaire satisfactory to the Partnership;

(iv) An Internal Revenue Service Form W-9, or Internal Revenue Service Form W-8, as applicable, executed by such Purchaser; and

(v) A cross receipt, dated the Closing Date, executed by such Purchaser to the effect that the Purchaser has received its Purchased Units.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligation of each Purchaser to purchase such Purchaser’s Purchased Units shall be contingent upon an aggregate purchase of Purchased Units by the Required Purchasers. In the event that a Purchaser has made payment of such Purchaser’s Purchase Price and there has not been an aggregate purchase of Purchased Units by the Required Purchasers, the Partnership, unless otherwise agreed in writing by a Purchaser, shall promptly (but not later than one (1) Business Day thereafter) return to each such purchaser the Purchase Price paid by such Purchaser by wire transfer of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds to the account specified by such Purchaser, and any book-entries for the Purchased Units relating to such Purchaser shall be deemed cancelled.

Section 2.05 Independent Nature of Purchasers Obligations and Rights. The obligations of each Purchaser under any Basic Document are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Purchaser, and no Purchaser shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Purchaser under any Basic Document. The failure or waiver of performance under any Basic Document by any Purchaser does not excuse performance by any other Purchaser. It is expressly understood and agreed that each provision contained in the Basic Documents is between the Partnership and each Purchaser, solely, and not between the Partnership and the Purchasers collectively and not between and among the Purchasers. Nothing contained herein or in any other Basic Document, and no action taken by any Purchaser pursuant thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Purchasers as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Purchasers are in any way acting in concert

 

7


or as a group for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents; provided, however, that it is acknowledged that a Purchaser may be under common management with one or more other Purchasers. Each Purchaser shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including without limitation, the rights arising out of this Agreement or out of the other Basic Documents, and it shall not be necessary for any other Purchaser to be joined as an additional Party in any proceeding for such purpose.

ARTICLE III.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTNERSHIP

The Partnership represents and warrants to the Purchasers as follows as of the date hereof:

Section 3.01 Formation and Qualification of the Partnership Entities. Each of the Partnership Entities and each of the Partnership’s subsidiaries has been duly formed, is validly existing and in good standing as a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company, as the case may be, under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and is duly qualified to do business and in good standing as a limited partnership, limited liability company or corporation, as the case may be, in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its businesses requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to (i) have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, members’ equity or partners’ capital, properties, management, business or prospects of the Partnership Entities taken as a whole (a “Partnership Material Adverse Effect”), (ii) impair the ability of any of the Partnership Entities to consummate any transactions provided for in the Basic Documents or the Drop-down Agreement or to perform their respective obligations under the Basic Documents or Drop-down Agreement, or (iii) subject the limited partners of the Partnership to any liability or disability. Each of the Partnership Entities and each of the Partnership’s subsidiaries has all limited partnership, limited liability company or corporate power and authority, as the case may be, necessary to own or hold its properties and to conduct the businesses as presently conducted in all material respects.

Section 3.02 Power and Authority of the General Partner, Ownership, Valid Issuance of Purchased Units and Capitalization of the Partnership.

(a) The General Partner has full limited liability company power and authority to serve as general partner of the Partnership.

(b) Spartan Holdco owns all of the issued and outstanding membership interests in the General Partner; such membership interests have been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the GP LLC Agreement, and are fully paid (to the extent required under the GP LLC Agreement) and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by Sections 18-607 and 18-804 of the Delaware LLC Act); and Spartan Holdco owns such membership interests free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, security interests, equities, charges or claims (“Liens”), except for restrictions on transferability that may be imposed by federal or state securities laws or contained in the GP LLC Agreement or as described in the SEC Documents, if any, and except for such Liens as are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to such ownership or as described in the SEC Documents.

 

8


(c) The General Partner is the sole general partner of the Partnership, with a 1.4% general partner interest in the Partnership; such general partner interest has been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the Partnership Agreement; and the General Partner owns such general partner interest free and clear of all Liens, except for restrictions on transferability that may be imposed by federal or state securities laws or contained in the Partnership Agreement or as described in the SEC Documents, if any, and except for such Liens as are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to such ownership or as described in the SEC Documents.

(d) Spartan Holdco owns all of the Incentive Distribution Rights; the Incentive Distribution Rights and the limited partner interests represented thereby have been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and are fully paid (to the extent required under the Partnership Agreement) and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act); and Spartan Holdco owns such Incentive Distribution Rights free and clear of all Liens, except for restrictions on transferability that may be imposed by federal or state securities laws or contained in the Partnership Agreement or as described in the SEC Documents, and except for such Liens as are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to such ownership or as described in the SEC Documents.

(e) The Purchased Units and the limited partner interests represented thereby will have been duly authorized in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and, when issued and delivered to the Purchasers against payment therefor in accordance with the terms hereof, will be validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required under the Partnership Agreement) and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act).

(f) Immediately prior to the consummation of the Drop-down, the transactions related thereto and the transactions contemplated by the Securities Purchase Agreement, the issued and outstanding partnership interests of the Partnership consisted of 47,971,240 Common Units, the Incentive Distribution Rights and a 1.4% general partner interest. All outstanding Common Units and the limited partner interests represented thereby have been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and are fully paid (to the extent required under the Partnership Agreement) and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described in Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act).

(g) After giving effect to the Drop-down and the transactions contemplated by the Securities Purchase Agreement, the issued and outstanding partnership interests of the Partnership consisted of 139,643,673 Common Units, the Incentive Distribution Rights and a 0.5% general partner interest. The Common Units to be issued by the Partnership as consideration for the Drop-down pursuant to the Drop-down Agreement (the “Drop-down Units”), and the limited partnership interests represented thereby, have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of the Partnership Agreement and the Drop-down Agreement as consideration therefor as provided therein, will be full paid (to the extent required under the Partnership Agreement) and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described in Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act).

 

9


(h) The General Partner does not own or control, directly or indirectly, any equity or long-term debt securities of any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association or other entity other than (i) indirectly held interests in the subsidiaries of the Partnership, (ii) its 1.4% general partner interest in the Partnership, (iii) all of the membership interests in CSI Compressco Investment LLC, which directly holds 3,489,221 Common Units, and (iv) 7,463,257 Common Units held directly by the General Partner. Without giving effect to the Drop-down, the entities listed on Exhibit 21.1 to the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 are the only subsidiaries of the Partnership.

(i) Except as described in the SEC Documents, there are no outstanding options, warrants, preferred units, preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other rights to subscribe for or to purchase, or any restriction upon the voting or transfer of, any Common Units or other equity securities of any of the Partnership Entities pursuant to any of their certificate of limited partnership, formation or incorporation, Organizational Agreements, bylaws or any other organizational documents.

Section 3.03 Ownership of Subsidiaries. The Partnership owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the ownership interests in each of its subsidiaries. Such ownership interests have been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the organizational documents of each subsidiary and are fully paid (to the extent required under those documents) and non-assessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by Sections 18-607 and 18-804 of the Delaware LLC Act or, in the case of an interest in a limited liability company formed under the laws of another domestic state, as such nonassessability may be affected by similar provisions of such state’s limited liability company statute, as applicable), and the Partnership owns, directly or indirectly, such equity interests free and clear of all Liens, other than Liens securing obligations pursuant to the Debt Facilities.

Section 3.04 SEC Documents. The Partnership has timely filed with the Commission all forms, registration statements, reports, schedules and statements required to be filed by it under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act since December 31, 2020. All such documents and all exhibits included therein and financial statements, notes and schedules thereto and documents incorporated by reference are referred to herein, collectively, as the “SEC Documents”. All SEC Documents, including, without limitation, any audited or unaudited financial statements and any notes thereto or schedules included therein (the “Financial Statements”), at the time filed (in the case of registration statements, solely on the dates of effectiveness) (except to the extent corrected by a subsequently filed SEC Document) (i) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (ii) complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, as the case may be, (iii) complied as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the Commission with respect thereto, (iv) with respect to the Financial Statements, were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the Commission), and (v) with respect to the Financial Statements, fairly present (subject in the case of unaudited statements to normal, recurring and year-end audit adjustments) in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Partnership as of the dates thereof and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the periods then ended.

 

10


Section 3.05 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms. Each of Grant Thornton LLP and Ernst & Young LLP, each of which has certified certain financial statements of the Partnership and its subsidiaries, is an independent public accounting firm with respect to the Partnership and its subsidiaries within the applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Grant Thornton LLP has not resigned or been dismissed as independent registered public accountants of the Partnership and its subsidiaries as a result of or in connection with any disagreement with the Partnership on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures. Ernst & Young LLP did not resign and was not dismissed as independent registered public accountants of the Partnership and its subsidiaries as a result of or in connection with any disagreement with the Partnership on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures.

Section 3.06 No Material Changes. Except as described in the SEC Documents or pursuant to the transactions contemplated by the Drop-down Agreement or the Sale-Leaseback Transaction, since December 31, 2020, none of the Partnership Entities has (i) sustained any material loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, (ii) issued or granted or committed to issue or grant any securities, (iii) incurred any material liability or obligation, direct or contingent, other than liabilities and obligations that were incurred in the ordinary course of business, (iv) entered into any material transaction not in the ordinary course of business or (v) declared or paid any distribution on its equity interests, and since such date, there has not been any material change in the partnership or limited liability interests, as applicable, or long-term debt of any of the Partnership Entities or any adverse change, that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.07 Legal Proceedings. Except as described in the SEC Documents, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending to which any of the Partnership Entities is a party or of which any property or assets of any of the Partnership Entities is the subject that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect or impair the ability of any of the Partnership Entities to consummate any transactions provided for in the Basic Documents or the Drop-down Agreement or to perform their respective obligations under the Basic Documents or Drop-down Agreement, and to the Partnership’s knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by Governmental Authorities or others.

Section 3.08 No Conflicts. None of the execution, delivery and performance by the Partnership of the Basic Documents and the Drop-down Agreement nor the issuance and sale by the Partnership of the Purchased Units and the Drop-down Units and the application of the proceeds of the issuance and sale of the Purchased Units (i) conflicts with or will conflict with or constitutes or will constitute a violation of the Organizational Agreements, (ii) conflicts or will

 

11


conflict with or constitutes or will constitute a breach or violation of, or a change of control or default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such an event) under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other agreement or instrument to which any of the Partnership Entities is a party or by which any of them or any of their respective properties may be bound, (iii) violates or will violate any statute, law, regulation, ruling or any order, judgment, decree or injunction of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over any of the Partnership Entities or any of their properties in a proceeding to which any of them or their property is a party or is bound or (iv) results or will result in the creation or imposition of any Lien (other than Liens arising under or in connection with the Debt Facilities) upon any property or assets of any of the Partnership Entities, except with respect to clauses (ii), (iii) or (iv) for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or Liens that, individually or in the aggregate, will not reasonably be expected to impair the ability of any of the Partnership Entities to consummate the transactions contemplated under the Basic Documents and the Drop-down Agreement or would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.09 No Defaults. None of the Partnership Entities is in (i) violation of its Organizational Agreements, (ii) violation of any law, statute, ordinance, administrative or governmental rule or regulation applicable to it or of any order, judgment, decree or injunction of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over it or any of its properties, (iii) breach or violation of or default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such an event) under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other agreement or instrument to which any of the Partnership Entities is a party or by which any of them or any of their respective properties may be bound, except in the case of clauses (ii) or (iii) for any such breaches, defaults and violations that, individually or in the aggregate, will not impair the ability of any of the Partnership Entities to consummate the transactions contemplated under the Basic Documents and the Drop-down Agreement or would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.10 Authorization, Execution and Delivery of this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Partnership and, assuming due authorization, valid execution and delivery by each other party hereto, constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement of the Partnership, enforceable against the Partnership in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforceability thereof may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) relating to enforceability and (ii) public policy, applicable law relating to fiduciary duties and indemnification and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

Section 3.11 Authorization, Execution and Delivery of the Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Partnership and, assuming due authorization, valid execution and delivery by each other party thereto, constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement of the Partnership, enforceable against the Partnership in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforceability thereof may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) relating to enforceability and (ii) public policy, applicable law relating to fiduciary duties and indemnification and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

 

12


Section 3.12 Authority and Authorization. The Partnership has all requisite limited partnership power and authority to execute and deliver the Basic Documents and the Drop-down Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The Partnership has all requisite limited partnership power and authority to (i) issue, sell and deliver the Purchased Units and the Drop-down Units, in accordance with and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Drop-down Agreement and the Partnership Agreement, and (ii) consummate any other transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents and the Drop-down Agreement. All limited partnership or limited liability company action, as the case may be, required to be taken by any of the Partnership Entities or any of their respective unitholders, members or partners for the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Purchased Units and the Drop-down Units, the execution and delivery of the Basic Documents and the Drop-down Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been validly taken.

Section 3.13 Drop-down Agreement. The Drop-down Agreement has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Partnership and, assuming the due authorization, valid execution and delivery by each other party thereto, constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement of the Partnership, enforceable against the Partnership in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforceability thereof may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) relating to enforceability and (ii) public policy, applicable law relating to fiduciary duties and indemnification and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The Partnership has provided the Purchasers with a copy of the Drop-down Agreement (including any exhibits and schedules thereto that will be filed with the Commission along with the Drop-down Agreement).

Section 3.14 No Consents. No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration, filing or qualification (“Consent”) of or with any court, governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over any of the Partnership Entities or any of their properties or assets is required in connection with (i) the offering, issuance or sale by the Partnership of the Purchased Units and the Drop-down Units, (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of the Basic Documents and the Drop-down Agreement by the Partnership or (iii) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents and the Drop-down Agreement, except (A) for the registration of the Purchased Units under the Securities Act, as contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement, and consents required under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, applicable state securities or “Blue Sky” laws, and the rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., including, but not limited to, a Form D to be filed with the Commission disclosing the issuance to the Purchasers of the Purchased Units, (B) for such consents (including any consents required under the Debt Facilities) that have been, or prior to the Closing Date will be, obtained or made, and (C) for any other consents that the absence or omission of which will not impair the ability of any of the Partnership Entities to consummate the transactions contemplated under the Basic Documents or the Drop-down Agreement or would not reasonably be expected to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.

 

13


Section 3.15 Investment Company Status. The Partnership is not, and after giving effect to the offer and sale of the Purchased Units and the application of the proceeds therefrom, will not be, an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Section 3.16 Offering; No General Solicitation. Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Purchasers contained in this Agreement, the sale and issuance of the Purchased Units pursuant to this Agreement is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and neither the Partnership nor, to the knowledge of the Partnership, any Person acting on its behalf, has taken or will take any action hereafter that would cause the loss of such exemption. Neither the Partnership, nor any of its Affiliates, nor any Person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act) in connection with the offer or sale of the Purchased Units.

Section 3.17 No Integration. The Partnership has not, directly or through any other Person, issued, sold, offered for sale, solicited offers to buy or otherwise negotiated in respect of any security, that is or will be integrated with the issuance and sale of the Purchased Units contemplated by this Agreement pursuant to the Securities Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or the interpretations thereof by the Commission, including, but not limited to, the Drop-down Units.

Section 3.18 No Disqualification Event. With respect to Purchased Units to be offered and sold hereunder in reliance on Rule 506(b) under the Securities Act, none of the Partnership, any of its predecessors, any affiliated issuer, any director, executive officer, other officer of the Partnership participating in the offering hereunder, any beneficial owner of 20% or more of the Partnership’s outstanding voting equity securities, calculated on the basis of voting power, nor any promoter (as that term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) connected with the Partnership in any capacity at the time of sale (each, an “Issuer Covered Person” and, together, “Issuer Covered Persons”) is subject to any of the “Bad Actor” disqualifications described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i) to (viii) under the Securities Act (a “Disqualification Event”), except for a Disqualification Event covered by Rule 506(d)(2) or (d)(3). The Partnership has exercised reasonable care to determine whether any Issuer Covered Person is subject to a Disqualification Event. The Partnership has complied, to the extent applicable, with its disclosure obligations under Rule 506(e), and has furnished to the Purchasers a copy of any disclosures provided thereunder.

Section 3.19 No Registration Rights. Except for the Registration Rights Agreement and as set forth in the Partnership Agreement, there are no contracts, agreements or understandings between any of the Partnership Entities and any Person granting such Person the right to require the Partnership to file a registration statement with the Commission under the Securities Act with respect to any securities of the Partnership owned or to be owned by such Person or to require the Partnership to include such securities in the Registration Statement to be filed pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement or in any other registration statement filed by or required to be filed by the Partnership under the Securities Act.

 

14


Section 3.20 Certain Fees. Other than as described in the Placement Agent Engagement Letter, none of the Partnership Entities is a party to any contract, agreement or understanding with any Person that would give rise to a valid claim against any of the Purchasers for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee or like payment in connection with the offering and sale of the Purchased Units. The Partnership agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless each of the Purchasers from and against any and all claims, demands, or liabilities for broker’s, finder’s, placement, or other similar fees or commissions incurred or alleged to have been incurred by the Partnership in connection with the Placement Agent Engagement Letter or the sale of Purchased Units or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents.

Section 3.21 NASDAQ Listing. The Common Units are listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, and the Partnership has not received any notice of delisting regarding the Common Units from NASDAQ. The issuance and sale of the Purchased Units and the Drop-down Units does not contravene any NASDAQ rules, regulations or listing requirements applicable to the Partnership. The Partnership is not in violation of any NASDAQ rules, regulations or listing requirements and has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances that would reasonably lead to delisting or suspension of the Common Units by NASDAQ.

Section 3.22 Title to Properties. Except as otherwise disclosed in the SEC Documents, the Partnership and each of its subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all the real property (exclusive of easements, rights of way and other similar instruments) and the personal property reflected as owned in the Financial Statements, in each case free and clear of Liens, except (i) as disclosed in the SEC Documents, (ii) as exist pursuant to the Debt Facilities, (iii) Liens for real property taxes, assessments and other governmental charges that are not delinquent or that are currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP and (iv) such as do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such property by the Partnership or such subsidiary and would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Partnership Material Adverse Effect. The real property, improvements, equipment and personal property held under lease by the Partnership or any subsidiary are held under valid and enforceable leases, with such exceptions to validity and enforceability as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.23 All Necessary Permits, etc. Except as otherwise disclosed in the SEC Documents, each of the Partnership and its subsidiaries possesses such valid and current certificates, authorizations, licenses or permits issued by the appropriate state, federal or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies as are necessary under applicable law to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its businesses, except where the failure to obtain such certificates, authorizations, licenses or permits would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Partnership Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Partnership nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of, or non-compliance with, any such certificate, authorization, license or permit, which if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.24 Intellectual Property Rights. Except as otherwise disclosed in the SEC Documents, the Partnership and its subsidiaries own or possess adequate right to use all material trademarks, trade names, patent rights, copyrights, licenses, approvals, trade secrets and other similar rights (collectively, “Intellectual Property Rights”) reasonably necessary to conduct their businesses as now conducted, except as could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Partnership Material Adverse Effect. The Partnership and its subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable measures, consistent with customary practices in the industry in which they operate, to protect the confidentiality of all of their respective material trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information.

 

15


Section 3.25 Compliance with and Liability Under Environmental Laws. Except as otherwise disclosed in the SEC Documents or as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Partnership Material Adverse Effect: (i) each of the Partnership and its subsidiaries and their respective operations and facilities are in compliance with, and not subject to any known liabilities under, applicable Environmental Laws (as defined below), which compliance includes, without limitation, having obtained and being in compliance with any permits, licenses or other governmental authorizations or approvals, and having made all filings and provided all financial assurances and notices, required for the ownership and operation of the business, properties and facilities of the Partnership or its subsidiaries under applicable Environmental Laws, and compliance with the terms and conditions thereof; (ii) neither the Partnership nor any of its subsidiaries has received any written communication, whether from a governmental authority, citizens group, employee or otherwise, that alleges that the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries is in violation of any Environmental Law; (iii) there is no claim, action or cause of action filed with a court or governmental authority, no investigation with respect to which the Partnership has received written notice, and no written notice by any person or entity alleging actual or potential liability on the part of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries based on or pursuant to any Environmental Law pending or, to the Partnership’s knowledge, threatened against the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries other than such claims, actions, causes of action, investigations and notices regarding which the Partnership reasonably believes that no monetary sanctions of $300,000 or more will be imposed; (iv) other than in the ordinary course of business, neither the Partnership nor any of its subsidiaries is conducting or paying for, in whole or in part, any investigation, response or other corrective action pursuant to any Environmental Law at any site or facility, nor is any of them subject or a party to any order, judgment, decree, contract or agreement which imposes any obligation or liability under any Environmental Law other than such investigations, responses or other corrective actions regarding which the Partnership reasonably believes that no monetary sanctions of $300,000 or more will be imposed; and (v) there are no past or present actions, activities, circumstances, conditions or occurrences, including, without limitation, the Release (as defined below) or threatened Release of any Materials of Environmental Concern (as defined below), that could reasonably be expected to result in a violation of or liability under any Environmental Law on the part of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries, including without limitation, any such liability which the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries has retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law.

For purposes of this Agreement, “Environment” means ambient air, indoor air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, soil, surface and subsurface strata, and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna. “Environmental Laws” means the common law and all federal, state, local and foreign laws or regulations, ordinances, codes, orders, decrees, judgments and injunctions issued, promulgated or entered thereunder, relating to pollution or protection of the Environment or human health, including without limitation, those relating to (x) the Release or threatened Release of Materials of Environmental Concern; and (y) the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, generation, treatment, storage, transport, handling or recycling of Materials of Environmental Concern. “Materials of Environmental Concern” means any substance, material,

 

16


pollutant, contaminant, chemical, waste, compound, or constituent, in any form, including without limitation, petroleum and petroleum products, subject to regulation or which can give rise to liability under any Environmental Law. “Release” means any release, spill, emission, discharge, deposit, disposal, leaking, pumping, pouring, dumping, emptying, injection or leaching into the Environment, or into, from or through any building, structure or facility.

Section 3.26 Insurance. The Partnership and its subsidiaries maintain or are entitled to the benefits of insurance covering their properties, operations, personnel and businesses against such losses and risks as are reasonably adequate to protect them and their businesses. All such insurance is outstanding and duly in force as of the date of this Agreement and the Partnership has not received any notice of cancelation or nonrenewal. Neither the Partnership nor any of its subsidiaries has any reason to believe that the Partnership or such subsidiaries will not be able to renew its or their existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage at reasonable cost from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue the business of the Partnership and its subsidiaries.

Section 3.27 No Unlawful Contributions or Other Payments. Neither the Partnership nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Partnership, any director, officer, agent, employee or Affiliate of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (as amended, the “FCPA,” which term, as used herein, includes the rules and regulations thereunder), the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “U.K. Bribery Act”) or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws) including, without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act or any other applicable anti-bribery or anticorruption laws and the Partnership, its subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Partnership, their Affiliates have instituted and maintain and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.

Section 3.28 No Conflict with Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the Partnership and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Partnership, threatened.

 

17


Section 3.29 No Conflict with Sanctions Laws. Neither the Partnership nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Partnership, any director, officer, agent, employee or Affiliate of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered or enforced by the United States Government, including, without limitation by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”), the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), nor is the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject or target of Sanctions. The Partnership will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds from the sale of the Purchased Units, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person, (i) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business with any person that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of Sanctions, or is in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and Crimea or in any other country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of Sanctions, or (ii) in any manner that will result in a violation by any person (including any person participating in the offering, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC. The Partnership and its subsidiaries have not knowingly engaged in, are not now knowingly engaged in, and will not knowingly engage in any dealings or transactions with any Person or in any country or territory that is the subject or target of Sanctions.

Section 3.30 Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Partnership has established and maintains “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act); such disclosure controls and procedures (i) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to the Partnership and its subsidiaries is made known to the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of the General Partner as appropriate by others within the General Partner, the Partnership or its subsidiaries and (ii) are effective in all material respects to perform the functions for which they are established.

Section 3.31 Accounting System. The Partnership maintains a system of accounting controls that is sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences; and (v) the interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language filed with the SEC Documents fairly present the information called for in all material respects and are prepared in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto.

Section 3.32 Related Party Transactions. Except as set forth in the SEC Documents or as contemplated by the Basic Documents and Drop-down Agreement, no relationship, direct or indirect, exists between any of the Partnership or its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the directors, officers, unitholders, customers or suppliers of any of the Partnership or its Affiliates, on the other hand, that is required by the Securities Act to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act and that is not so disclosed in the SEC Documents.

 

18


Section 3.33 Tax Law Compliance. The Partnership and its subsidiaries that are required to do so have filed (or have obtained an extension with respect to) all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns (other than certain state and local tax returns as to which the failure to file would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Partnership Material Adverse Effect) and have paid all taxes required to be paid and due pursuant to each such return and, if due and payable, any related or similar assessment, fine or penalty levied against any of the Partnership or its subsidiaries, in each case other than those (i) that are being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP or (ii) which, if not paid, would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Partnership Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.34 MLP Status. The Partnership is properly treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes and has, for each taxable year beginning after December 31, 2010 during which the Partnership was in existence, met the gross income requirements of Section 7704(c)(2) of the Code.

Section 3.35 Compliance with Labor Laws. Except as otherwise disclosed in the SEC Documents or as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Partnership Material Adverse Effect, (i) there is (A) no unfair labor practice complaint pending or, to the knowledge of the Partnership, threatened against the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries before the National Labor Relations Board, and no grievance or arbitration proceeding arising out of or under collective bargaining agreements pending, or to the knowledge of the Partnership, threatened, against the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries, (B) no strike, labor dispute, slowdown or stoppage pending or, to the knowledge of the Partnership, threatened against the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and (C) no union representation question existing with respect to the employees of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Partnership, no union organizing activities taking place and (ii) there has been no violation of any federal, state or local law relating to discrimination in hiring, promotion or pay of employees or of any applicable wage or hour laws, including classification of employees and independent contractors.

Section 3.36 Cybersecurity. (i) To the knowledge of the Partnership, there has been no security breach or incident, unauthorized access or disclosure, or other material compromise of or relating to any of the Partnership’s and its subsidiaries’ information technology and computer systems, networks, hardware, software, data, databases, equipment or technology (collectively, “IT Systems and Data”), except in each case for any such security breaches, incidents or compromises that have been remediated in all material respects; (ii) neither the Partnership nor its subsidiaries has received written notice of, and each of them has no knowledge of, any defective or insufficient condition of the IT Systems and Data that would reasonably be expected to result in a Partnership Material Adverse Effect; and (iii) the Partnership and its subsidiaries have implemented or have plans to implement commercially reasonable controls, policies, procedures, and technological safeguards to maintain and protect the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of their IT Systems and Data.

Section 3.37 No Side Agreements. Except as contemplated by the Basic Documents and the Drop-down Agreement, there are no agreements by, among or between the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and any Purchaser or any of the Affiliates or investment advisers of a Purchaser, on the other hand, with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby or by the other Basic Documents, nor promises or inducements for future transactions between or among any of such parties.

 

19


Section 3.38 Absence of Price Manipulation. Neither the Partnership nor, to the knowledge of the Partnership, any of its Affiliates or its or their respective directors or officers or any other Person acting on its or their behalf, has taken, or will take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to, or that might reasonably be expected to, cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Common Units to facilitate the sale or resale of the Purchased Units in violation of Regulation M under the Exchange Act.

ARTICLE IV.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EACH PURCHASER

Each Purchaser severally and not jointly, represents and warrants to the Partnership solely with respect to itself as follows as of the date hereof:

Section 4.01 Corporate Existence. Such Purchaser, if such Purchaser is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, statutory trust or other entity, (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and (ii) has all requisite power, and has all material governmental licenses, permits, authorizations, consents and approvals necessary to own its assets and carry on its business as its business is now being conducted, except where the failure to obtain such licenses, permits, authorizations, consents and approvals would not have or would not reasonably be expected to have a Purchaser Material Adverse Effect. If Purchaser is an individual, such Purchaser has the authority to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement.

Section 4.02 No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance by such Purchaser of the Basic Documents and all other agreements and instruments to be executed and delivered by such Purchaser pursuant to the Basic Documents or in connection therewith, compliance by such Purchaser with the terms and provisions thereof, and the purchase of the Purchased Units by such Purchaser do not and will not (i) conflict with or result in a violation of any provision of the organizational documents of such Purchaser if such Purchaser is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, statutory trust or other entity, (ii) require any consent (other than standard internal consents), approval or notice under or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default (or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under (a) any note, bond, mortgage, license, or loan or credit agreement to which such Purchaser is a party or by which such Purchaser or any of its Properties may be bound or (b) any other agreement, instrument or obligation, or (iii) violate any statute, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over such Purchaser or the property or assets of such Purchaser, except in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), where such conflict, violation, default, breach, termination, cancellation, failure to receive consent or approval, or acceleration with respect to the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.02 would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be likely to have a Purchaser Material Adverse Effect.

Section 4.03 Investment. Such Purchaser represents and warrants to, and covenants and agrees with, the Partnership that the Purchased Units are being acquired for such Purchaser’s own account, not as a nominee or agent, and with no present intention of distributing the Purchased Units or any part thereof, and that such Purchaser has no present intention of selling or granting any participation in or otherwise distributing the same in any transaction in violation of the securities laws of the United States of America or any State, without prejudice, however, to such

 

20


Purchaser’s right at all times to sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Purchased Units under a registration statement under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or under an exemption from such registration available thereunder (including, without limitation, if available, Rule 144 promulgated thereunder). Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Purchaser may at any time transfer Purchased Units to an Eligible Transferee provided that any such transaction is exempt from registration under the Securities Act. If such Purchaser should in the future decide to dispose of any of its Purchased Units, such Purchaser understands and agrees (i) that it may do so only (a) in compliance with the Securities Act and applicable state securities law, as then in effect, or (b) in the manner contemplated by any registration statement pursuant to which such securities are being offered, and (ii) that stop-transfer instructions to that effect will be in effect with respect to such securities.

Section 4.04 Nature of Purchaser. Such Purchaser represents and warrants to, and covenants and agrees with, the Partnership that, by reason of its business and financial experience, it has such knowledge, sophistication and experience in business and financial matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment in the Purchased Units, is able to bear the economic risk of such investment and, at the present time, would be able to afford a complete loss of such investment.

Section 4.05 Receipt of Information. Such Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that it has (i) had access to the SEC Documents and (ii) been provided a reasonable opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from representatives of the General Partner and the Partnership regarding the Partnership’s business and operations, and such Purchaser has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to its investment in the Purchased Units. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigations conducted at any time by such Purchaser and its representatives shall modify, amend or affect such Purchaser’s right (A) to rely on the representations and warranties contained in Article III above or (B) to indemnification or any other remedy based on, or with respect to the accuracy or inaccuracy of, or compliance with, the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in any Basic Document.

Section 4.06 Authorization, Execution and Delivery of this Agreement. If such Purchaser is not an individual, this Agreement has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by or on behalf of such Purchaser, and, assuming due authorization, valid execution and delivery by each other party hereto, is enforceable against such Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforceability thereof may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) relating to enforceability and (ii) public policy, applicable law relating to fiduciary duties and indemnification and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. If such Purchaser is an individual, the signature on this Agreement is genuine and such Purchaser has legal competence and capacity to execute the same and, assuming due authorization, valid execution and delivery by each other party hereto, is enforceable against such Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforceability thereof may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) relating to enforceability and (ii) public policy, applicable law relating to fiduciary duties and indemnification and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

 

21


Section 4.07 Authorization, Execution and Delivery of the Registration Rights Agreement. If such Purchaser is not an individual, the Registration Rights Agreement has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by or on behalf of such Purchaser, and, assuming due authorization, valid execution and delivery by each other party thereto, is enforceable against such Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforceability thereof may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) relating to enforceability and (ii) public policy, applicable law relating to fiduciary duties and indemnification and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. If such Purchaser is an individual, the signature on the Registration Rights Agreement is genuine and such Purchaser has legal competence and capacity to execute the same and, assuming due authorization, valid execution and delivery by each other party thereto, is enforceable against such Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforceability thereof may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) relating to enforceability and (ii) public policy, applicable law relating to fiduciary duties and indemnification and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

Section 4.08 Restricted Securities. Such Purchaser understands that the Purchased Units are characterized as “restricted securities” under the federal securities Laws inasmuch as they are being acquired from the Partnership in a transaction not involving a public offering and that under such laws and applicable regulations such securities may be resold without registration under the Securities Act only in certain limited circumstances. In this connection, such Purchaser represents that it is knowledgeable with respect to Rule 144 of the Commission promulgated under the Securities Act.

Section 4.09 Certain Fees. No fees or commissions will be payable by such Purchaser to brokers, finders, or investment bankers with respect to such Purchaser’s purchase of the Purchased Units or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents. Such Purchaser agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership Entities from and against any and all claims, demands, or liabilities for broker’s, finder’s, placement, or other similar fees or commissions incurred by such Purchaser or alleged to have been incurred by such Purchaser in connection with the purchase of the Purchaser’s Purchased Units or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents.

Section 4.10 Legend. Such Purchaser understands that the book entry evidencing the Purchased Units will bear the following legend: “THE COMMON UNITS REPRESENTING LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD, UNLESS THEY HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE (AND, IN SUCH CASE, AN OPINION OF COUNSEL OR OTHER EVIDENCE REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO CSI COMPRESSCO LP SHALL HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO CSI COMPRESSCO LP TO THE EFFECT THAT SUCH OFFER OR SALE IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT).”

 

22


Section 4.11 Reliance by the Partnership. Such Purchaser understands and acknowledges that the Purchased Units are being offered and sold in reliance on a transactional exemption from the registration requirements of federal and state securities laws, and that the Partnership is relying in part upon the truth and accuracy of the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of such Purchaser set forth in this Agreement in (i) concluding that the issuance and sale of the Purchased Units is a “private offering” and, as such, is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and (ii) determining the applicability of such exemption and the suitability of such Purchaser to purchase the Purchased Units.

Section 4.12 Short Selling. Such Purchaser has not engaged in any Short Sales involving Common Units owned by it between the time it first began discussions with the Partnership or the Placement Agent about the transaction contemplated by the Basic Documents and the date hereof.

Section 4.13 Ownership of Securities. Other than as previously disclosed in writing to the Partnership or as disclosed in a Schedule 13G filed with the Commission by such Purchaser or by its investment adviser or its Affiliates, such Purchaser and its Affiliates do not own five percent or more of the Company’s Common Units.

ARTICLE V.

COVENANTS

Section 5.01 Taking of Necessary Action. Each of the Parties hereto shall use its commercially reasonable efforts promptly to take or cause to be taken all action and promptly to do or cause to be done all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Law and regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents and the Drop-down Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Partnership and each Purchaser shall each use its commercially reasonable efforts to make all filings and obtain all consents of any Governmental Authority that may be necessary or, in the reasonable opinion of the other Party, as the case may be, advisable for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents.

Section 5.02 Use of Proceeds. The Partnership shall use the net proceeds from the sale of the Purchased Units for general partnership purposes, including the repayment or redemption of indebtedness.

Section 5.03 Lock-up Agreement. Without the prior written consent of the Partnership, except as specifically provided in this Agreement or as otherwise provided in the Partnership Agreement, each Purchaser and any Eligible Transferee to which Purchased Units are transferred shall not, (a) during the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending ninety (90) days following the Closing Date (the “Lock-up Period”), offer, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to

 

23


purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the Purchased Units, (b) during the Lock-up Period, directly or indirectly engage in any short sales or other derivative or hedging transactions with respect to the Purchased Units that are designed to, or that might reasonably be expected to, result in the transfer to another, in whole or in part, of any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Purchased Units, (c) knowingly transfer any Purchased Units to any non-U.S. resident individual, non-U.S. corporation or partnership, or any other non-U.S. entity, including any foreign governmental entity, including by means of any swap or other transaction or arrangement that transfers or that is designed to, or that might reasonably be expected to, result in the transfer to another, in whole or in part, of any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Purchased Units, regardless of whether any transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of Common Units or other securities, in cash or otherwise (provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply if, prior to any such transfer or arrangement, such individual, corporation, partnership or other entity establishes to the satisfaction of the Partnership, its entitlement to a complete exemption from tax withholding, including under Code Sections 1441, 1442, 1445 and 1471 through 1474, and the Treasury regulations thereunder), or (d) effect any transfer of Purchased Units in a manner that violates the terms of the Partnership Agreement; provided, however, that such Purchaser or such Eligible Transferee may pledge all or any portion of its Purchased Units to any holders of obligations owed by such Purchaser or such Eligible Transferee, including to the trustee for, or representative of, such holders, and any such pledge, and any foreclosure by the pledgee thereupon, shall not be considered a breach of this Section 5.03; provided, further, that such Purchaser may transfer any Purchased Units to (i) an Affiliate of such Purchaser, (ii) if such Purchaser is a collective investment vehicle, any other collective investment vehicle having the same investment manager as such Purchaser or (iii) any other Purchaser (each an “Eligible Transferee”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, any transferee receiving any Purchased Units pursuant to this Section 5.03 during the Lock-up Period shall agree to the restrictions set forth in this Section 5.03. For the avoidance of doubt, in no way does this Section 5.03 prohibit changes in the composition of any Purchaser or its partners or members so long as such changes in composition only relate to changes in direct or indirect ownership of the Purchaser or its partners or members. After the Lock-up Period, a Purchaser or other holder of Purchased Units may only transfer Purchased Units pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

Section 5.04 No Integrated Offering. None of the Partnership, its Affiliates or any Person acting on their behalf will take any action that would require registration of the issuance of the Purchased Units under the Securities Act or cause the offering of the Purchased Units to be integrated with other offerings for purposes of (i) the Securities Act, which would require the registration of any securities under the Securities Act or (ii) any applicable approval requirement of holders of Common Units.

Section 5.05 Disclosure. On or before 8:30 a.m., New York local time, on the Business Day immediately following the date hereof, the Partnership shall issue a press release (the “Press Release”) announcing the entry into this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement, and describing the terms of the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents and any other material, nonpublic information that the Partnership or any Affiliate or representative of the Partnership (including any officer, director, partner, employee or agent of the Partnership or any such Affiliate, including the Placement Agent) may have provided any Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents at any time prior to the issuance of the

 

24


Press Release. On or before the fourth Business Day immediately following the date hereof, the Partnership shall file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Commission describing the terms of the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents in the form required by the Exchange Act. Accordingly, immediately after the filing of such Form 8-K with the Commission, no Purchaser shall be in possession of any material, nonpublic information received from the Partnership or any Affiliate or representative of the Partnership (including any officer, director, partner, employee or agent of the Partnership or any such Affiliate, including the Placement Agent) in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents, that is not disclosed in such Form 8-K. In addition, effective upon the filing of such Form 8-K, the Partnership acknowledges and agrees that any and all confidentiality or similar obligations in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents under any agreement, whether written or oral, between the Partnership or any Affiliate or representative of the Partnership (including any officer, director, employee or agent of the Partnership or any such Affiliate, including the Placement Agent), on the one hand, and any of the Purchasers or any of their respective Affiliates, on the other hand, shall terminate and shall be of no further force or effect. The Partnership understands and confirms that each of the Purchasers will rely on the foregoing in effecting transactions in securities of the Partnership. The Partnership shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates and representatives (including any officer, director, partner. employee or agent of the Partnership or any such Affiliate, including the Placement Agent), not to, provide any Purchaser with any material, nonpublic information regarding the Partnership or any of its Affiliates from and after the date hereof without the express prior written consent of such Purchaser.

ARTICLE VI.

INDEMNIFICATION, COSTS AND EXPENSES

Section 6.01 Indemnification by the Partnership. The Partnership agrees to indemnify each Purchaser and, if such Purchaser is not an individual, its Affiliates and its and their officers, directors, managers, employees, agents and other representatives (collectively, “Purchaser Related Parties”) from, and hold each of them harmless against, any and all actions, suits, proceedings (including any investigations, litigation or inquiries), demands, and causes of action, and, in connection therewith, and promptly upon demand, pay or reimburse each of them for all costs, losses, liabilities, damages, or expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel and all other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such matter that may be incurred by them or asserted against or involve any of them as a result of, arising out of, or in any way related to (i) any actual or proposed use by the Partnership of the proceeds of any sale of the Purchased Units or (ii) the breach of any of the representations, warranties or covenants of the Partnership contained in the Basic Documents, provided such claim for indemnification relating to a breach of a representation or warranty is made prior to the expiration of such representation or warranty and provided further, that no Purchaser Related Party shall be entitled to recover special, consequential (including lost profits or diminution in value) or punitive damages, except that such limitation shall not prevent any Purchaser Related Party from recovering under this Section 6.01 for any such damages to the extent that such damages are payable to a third party in connection with any third-party claims.

 

25


Section 6.02 Indemnification by Purchaser. Each Purchaser, severally and not jointly, agrees to indemnify the Partnership and its officers, directors, employees and agents (collectively, “Partnership Related Parties”) from, and hold each of them harmless against, any and all actions, suits, proceedings (including any investigations, litigation, or inquiries), demands, and causes of action, and, in connection therewith, and promptly upon demand, pay or reimburse each of them for all costs, losses, liabilities, damages, or expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel and all other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such matter that may be incurred by them or asserted against or involve any of them as a result of, arising out of, or in any way related to the breach of any of the representations, warranties or covenants of such Purchaser contained herein, provided such claim for indemnification relating to a breach of the representations and warranties is made prior to the expiration of such representations and warranties, and provided further, that no Partnership Related Party shall be entitled to recover special, consequential (including lost profits or diminution in value) or punitive damages.

Section 6.03 Indemnification Procedure. Promptly after any Partnership Related Party or Purchaser Related Party (hereinafter, the “Indemnified Party”) has received notice of any indemnifiable claim hereunder, or the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by a third Person, which the Indemnified Party believes in good faith is an indemnifiable claim under this Agreement, the Indemnified Party shall give the indemnitor hereunder (the “Indemnifying Party”) written notice of such claim or the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding, but failure to so notify the Indemnifying Party will not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability it may have to such Indemnified Party hereunder except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure. Such notice shall state the nature and the basis of such claim to the extent then known. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party. After written notice from the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnified Party of its election to assume the defense of such claim or action, the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable to the Indemnified Party under this Article VI for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation; provided, however, that the Indemnified Party shall be entitled (i) at its expense, to participate in the defense of such asserted liability and the negotiations of the settlement thereof and (ii) if (A) the Indemnifying Party has failed to assume the defense and employ counsel or (B) if the defendants in any such action include both the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party and counsel to the Indemnified Party shall have concluded that there may be reasonable defenses available to the Indemnified Party that are different from or in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Party or if the interests of the Indemnified Party reasonably may be deemed to conflict with the interests of the Indemnifying Party, then the Indemnified Party shall have the right to select a separate counsel and to assume such legal defense and otherwise to participate in the defense of such action, with the expenses and fees of such separate counsel and other expenses related to such participation to be reimbursed by the Indemnifying Party as incurred. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Indemnifying Party shall not settle any indemnified claim without the consent of the Indemnified Party, unless the settlement thereof imposes no liability or obligation on, and includes a complete release from liability of, the Indemnified Party.

 

26


ARTICLE VII.

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 7.01 Interpretation. Article, Section, Schedule, and Exhibit references are to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. All references to instruments, documents, contracts, and agreements are references to such instruments, documents, contracts, and agreements as the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, unless otherwise specified. The word “including” shall mean “including but not limited to.” Whenever the Partnership has an obligation under the Basic Documents, the expense of complying with that obligation shall be an expense of the Partnership unless otherwise specified. Whenever any determination, consent, or approval is to be made or given by a Purchaser, such action shall be in such Purchaser’s sole discretion unless otherwise specified in this Agreement. If any provision in the Basic Documents is held to be illegal, invalid, not binding, or unenforceable, such provision shall be fully severable and the Basic Documents shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, not binding, or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part of the Basic Documents, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect so long as this Agreement as so modified continues to express, without material change, the original intentions of the Parties as to the subject matter hereof and the prohibited nature, invalidity or unenforceability of the provision(s) in question does not substantially impair the respective expectations or reciprocal obligations of the Parties or the practical realization of the benefits that would otherwise be conferred upon the Parties. The Parties will endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the prohibited, invalid or unenforceable provision(s) with a valid provision(s), the effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the prohibited, invalid or unenforceable provision(s). The Basic Documents have been reviewed and negotiated by sophisticated Parties with access to legal counsel and shall not be construed against the drafter.

Section 7.02 Survival of Provisions. The representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.01, Section 3.02, Section 3.03, Section 3.08, Section 3.09, Section 3.10, Section 3.11, Section 3.12, Section 3.15, Section 3.16, Section 3.17, Section 3.18, Section 3.20, and all of Article IV except Section 4.02 shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement to the extent of any applicable statute of limitations, and the other representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement shall survive for a period of twenty four (24) months following the Closing, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Partnership or any Purchaser. The covenants made in this Agreement or any other Basic Document shall survive the closing of the transactions described herein and remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of acceptance of any of the Purchased Units and payment therefor and repayment, conversion, exercise or repurchase thereof. All indemnification obligations of the Partnership and the Purchasers and the provisions of Article VI shall remain operative and in full force and effect unless such obligations are expressly terminated in a writing by the Parties, regardless of any purported general termination of this Agreement.

Section 7.03 No Waiver; Modifications in Writing.

(a) Delay. No failure or delay on the part of any Party in exercising any right, power, or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, or remedy. The remedies provided for herein are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies that may be available to a Party at law or in equity or otherwise.

 

27


(b) Specific Waiver. Except as otherwise provided herein, no amendment, supplement, waiver, consent, modification, or termination of any provision of this Agreement or any other Basic Document shall be effective unless signed by each of the original signatories hereto or thereto affected by such amendment, supplement, waiver, consent, modification, or termination. Any amendment, supplement or modification of or to any provision of this Agreement or any other Basic Document, any waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Basic Document, and any consent to any departure from the terms of any provision of this Agreement or any other Basic Document shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which made or given. Except where notice is specifically required by this Agreement, no notice to or demand on the Partnership in any case shall entitle the Partnership to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

Section 7.04 Binding Effect; Assignment.

(a) Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Partnership, each Purchaser, and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement shall not be construed so as to confer any right or benefit upon any Person other than the Parties to this Agreement, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

(b) Assignment or Transfer of Purchased Units. All or any portion of a Purchaser’s Purchased Units purchased pursuant to this Agreement may be sold, assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred by such Purchaser, subject to compliance with applicable securities Laws and Article V of this Agreement.

(c) Assignment of Rights and Obligations. All or any portion of the rights but not the obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement may be transferred to any Eligible Transferee of such Purchaser, but the rights and obligations of each Purchaser may not otherwise be assigned or delegated by such Purchaser without the prior written consent of the Partnership. The Partnership may not assign or delegate its rights and obligations under this Agreement without prior written consent of the Required Purchasers.

Section 7.05 Communications. All notices, demands and communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, facsimile, electronic mail, air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery or personal delivery to each Purchaser at the address set forth on Schedule A and to the Partnership as follows:

CSI Compressco LP

24955 Interstate 45 North

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Attention: Derek Anchondo

Electronic mail: danchondo@csicompressco.com

 

28


with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

1001 Fannin Street

Suite 2500

Houston, Texas 77002

Attention:       David Oelman

Facsimile:       (713) 758-3708

Electronic mail: doelman@velaw.com

or to such other address as the Partnership or such Purchaser may designate in writing. All notices, demands and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; upon actual receipt if sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested; when receipt is acknowledged, if sent via facsimile or electronic mail; and upon actual receipt when delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.

Section 7.06 Removal of Legend. The Partnership, at its sole cost (including any fees with respect to the delivery of any legal opinion required by the Partnership’s transfer agent by the Partnership’s counsel or otherwise), shall remove the legend described in Section 4.10 (or instruct its transfer agent to so remove such legend) from the book-entry account maintained by the transfer agent evidencing the Purchased Units issued and sold to each Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement if (a) such Purchased Units are sold pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (b) such Purchased Units are sold or transferred pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (if the transferor is not an Affiliate of the Partnership), or (c) such Purchased Units are eligible for sale under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, without the requirement for the Partnership to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144(c)(1) (or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable) as to such securities and without volume or manner of sale restrictions. In connection with a sale of the Purchased Units by a Purchaser in reliance on Rule 144, such Purchaser or its broker shall deliver to the transfer agent and the Partnership a customary broker representation letter providing to the transfer agent and the Partnership any information the Partnership deems reasonably necessary to determine that the sale of the Purchased Units is made in compliance with Rule 144, including, as may be appropriate, a certification that such Purchaser is not an Affiliate of the Partnership and regarding the length of time the Purchased Units have been held. Upon receipt of such representation letter, the Partnership shall promptly direct its transfer agent to remove the notation of a restrictive legend in such Purchaser’s book-entry account maintained by the transfer agent, including the legend referred to in Section 4.10.

Section 7.07 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the other Basic Documents and the other agreements and documents referred to herein and therein are intended by the Parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the Parties hereto and thereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and therein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein or therein with respect to the rights granted by the Partnership or a Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Basic Documents. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the Parties with respect to such subject matter.

 

29


Section 7.08 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and any claim, counterclaim or dispute of any kind or nature whatsoever arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, directly or indirectly, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. Any action against any Party relating to the foregoing may be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction located within the State of New York, and the Parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court located within the State of New York over any such action. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such dispute brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such dispute. Each of the Parties hereto agrees that a judgment in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law.

Section 7.09 Waiver of Jury Trial. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY WAIVES, AND AGREES TO CAUSE ITS AFFILIATES TO WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (a) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (b) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

Section 7.10 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different Parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the Party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile or “.pdf” signature page were an original thereof.

Section 7.11 Placement Agent Matters.

(a) Reliance by Placement Agent. The Parties agree and acknowledge that the Placement Agent may rely on the representations, warranties, agreements and covenants of the Partnership contained in this Agreement and may rely on the representations and warranties of the respective Purchasers contained in this Agreement as if such representations, warranties, agreements, and covenants, as applicable, were made directly to the Placement Agent. The Partnership further agrees that the Placement Agent may rely on the legal opinion to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.04(a)(iv) of this Agreement.

 

30


(b) Exculpation of Placement Agent. Each Party hereto agrees for the express benefit of the Placement Agent, its Affiliates and its representatives that:

(i) Neither Jefferies LLC (as Placement Agent) nor any of its Affiliates or any of its representatives (1) has any duties or obligations other than those specifically set forth in the Placement Agent Engagement Letter; (2) shall be liable for any improper payment made in accordance with the information provided by the Partnership; (3) makes any representation or warranty, or has any responsibilities, as to the validity, accuracy, value or genuineness of any information, certificates or documentation delivered by or on behalf of the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement or the other Basic Documents or in connection with any of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (4) shall be liable (x) for any action taken, suffered or omitted by any of them in good faith and reasonably believed to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by the Placement Agent Engagement Letter or (y) for anything which any of them may do or refrain from doing in connection with this Agreement or any other Basic Document, except in each case for such party’s own gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith.

(ii) Each of the Placement Agent, its Affiliates and its representatives shall be entitled to (1) rely on, and shall be protected in acting upon, any certificate, instrument, opinion, notice, letter or any other document or security delivered to any of them by or on behalf of the Partnership, and (2) be indemnified by the Partnership for acting as Placement Agent hereunder pursuant to the indemnification provisions set forth in the Placement Agent Engagement Letter.

[Signature pages follow.]

 

31


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto execute this Agreement, effective as of the date first above written.

 

PURCHASERS
AIM INVESTMENT FUND (INVESCO INVESTMENT FUNDS), ON BEHALF OF ITS SERIES INVESCO STEELPATH MLP SELECT 40 FUND
By:  

/s/ Brian Watson

Name:   Brian Watson
Title:   President
ATHILON CAPITAL CORP. LLC
By:  

/s/ Thomas G. Rock

Name:   Thomas G. Rock
Title:   Authorized Representative
PETER H. KAMIN GST TRUST
By:  

/s/ Peter H. Kamin

Name:   Peter H Kamin
Title:   Trustee
ORVIETO FUND LP
By:  

/s/ Tim Caffrey

Name:   Tim Caffrey
Title:   COO/Partner
TRANSAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Rishi Goel

Name:   Rishi Goel
Title:   Vice President
GREENTREE ENTERPRISES, LLC
By:  

/s/ Connie Hale

Name:   Connie Hale
Title:   Manager

Signature Page to Common Unit Purchase Agreement


HILL CITY CAPITAL MASTER FUND LP
By:  

/s/ Michael Richards

Name:   Michael Richards
Title:   CFO
RED OAK ASSOCIATES, L.P.
By:  

/s/ I. Jon Brumley

Name:   I. Jon Brumley
Title:   President
By:  

/s/ Jon S. Brumley

Name:   Jon S. Brumley
By:  

/s/ James Cook

Name:   James Cook
MCD INVESTMENTS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Mark C. Demetree

Name:   Mark C. Demetree
Title:   Manager
GARDNER FAMILY INVESTMENTS LLC
By:  

/s/ Ted Gardner

Name:   Ted Gardner
Title:   Authorized Person
By:  

/s/ Alexander Wellford Tabor

Name:   Alexander Wellford Tabor
By:  

/s/ Vincent Foster

Name:   Vincent Foster
By:  

/s/ Don A Sanders

Name:   Don A Sanders

Signature Page to Common Unit Purchase Agreement


DON A. SANDERS 2003 CHILDRENS TRUST
By:   /s/ Donald V. Weir
Name:   Donald V. Weir
Title:   Trustee
By:   /s/ Barry C. Pullin
Name:   Barry C. Pullin
By:   /s/ James R. Gill
Name:   James R. Gill
By:   /s/ Scott A. Gill
Name:   Scott A. Gill
By:   /s/ Brett Taylor Gill
Name:   Brett Taylor Gill
By:   /s/ James A. Redmond
Name:   James A. Redmond
P2P INVESTORS, LLC
By:   /s/ J.C. Demetree, Jr.
Name:   J.C. Demetree, Jr.
Title:   Manager
FRANK P. BRADY TRUST
By:   /s/ Frank Brady
Name:   Frank Brady
Title:   Trustee
By:   /s/ William H. Parkerson
Name:   William H. Parkerson
CHRISTINE M. MALONEY TRUST
By:   /s/ Christine M. Maloney
Name:   Christine M. Maloney
Title:   Trustee
By:   /s/ William S. Byers, MD
Name:   William S. Byers, MD

Signature Page to Common Unit Purchase Agreement


WEBBIE’S FAMILY HOLDINGS
By:   /s/ Gerald J. Weber
Name:   Gerald J. Weber
Title:   Manager
By:   /s/ J. Joseph Gardner
Name:   J. Joseph Gardner
MARK J. DONNELLY TRUST
By:   /s Mark J. Donnelly
Name:   Mark J. Donnelly
Title:   Trustee
MICHAEL S. YIM REVOCABLE TRUST
By:   /s/ Michael S. Yim
Name:   Michael S. Yim
Title:   Trustee
YIM FAMILY INVESTMENTS, LLC
By:   /s/ Michael S. Yim
Name:   Michael S. Yim
Title:   Manager
LAUREG INVESTMENTS LLC
By:   /s/ Gregory K. Crooker
Name:   Gregory K. Crooker
Title:   President
By:   /s/ Dennis Michael Wood
Name:   Dennis Michael Wood
By:   /s/ Gregory T. Bertovich
Name:   Gregory T. Bertovich
By:   /s/ Katherine B. Broom
Name:   Katherine B. Broom
By:   /s/ John E. Jackson
Name:   John E. Jackson

Signature Page to Common Unit Purchase Agreement


By:   /s/ Jonathan Wood Byers
Name:   Jonathan Wood Byers
By:   /s/ David L. Edelmaier
Name:   David L. Edelmaier
By:   /s/ Robert W. Price
Name:   Robert W. Price
By:   /s/ Michael Moscoso
Name:   Michael Moscoso
By:   /s/ Allison Tinker
Name:   Allison Tinker
By:   /s/ Riplee Parkening
Name:   Riplee Parkening
By:   /s/ Eric Garcia
Name:   Eric Garcia
By:   /s/ Sheraz Islam
Name:   Sheraz Islam
By:   /s/ Jennifer Roemershauser
Name:   Jennifer Roemershauser
By:   /s/ Steve Hyche
Name:   Steve Hyche
By:   /s/ Rodney Pruski
Name:   Rodney Pruski
By:   /s/ Jorge Rolando Abreu
Name:   Jorge Rolando Abreu
By:   /s/ Colby Meyer
Name:   Colby Meyer

Signature Page to Common Unit Purchase Agreement


CSI COMPRESSCO LP
By:   CSI COMPRESSCO GP LLC, its general partner
By:   /s/ John E. Jackson
Name:   John E. Jackson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

Signature Page to Common Unit Purchase Agreement


Schedule A– List of Purchasers and Commitment Amounts

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

Schedule A - 1


Exhibit A

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

A-1


Exhibit B

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

[Intentionally Omitted.]

 

B-1

Exhibit 10.3

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

This FOURTH AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “Fourth Amendment”), dated as of November 10, 2021, is by and among CSI COMPRESSCO LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Company”), CSI COMPRESSCO SUB INC., a Delaware corporation (“Sub Inc.”), CSI COMPRESSCO OPERATING LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Operating LLC” and collectively with the Company and Sub Inc., the “Borrowers”), the Guarantors party hereto, the Lenders party hereto, the Issuing Bank, the Swing Line Lender and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association, as administrative agent and collateral agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, “Administrative Agent”).

RECITALS:

A. The Borrowers, the Guarantors, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent are parties to that certain Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 29, 2018 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Credit Agreement”) pursuant to which the Lenders have made certain credit available to and on behalf of the Borrowers.

B. The Company has advised the Administrative Agent that Sub Inc. intends to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding (i) common stock of SPARTAN TERMINALS OPERATING, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Spartan Terminals”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, SPARTAN OPERATING COMPANY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Spartan Operating”, and together with Spartan Terminals, the “Specified Spartan Entities”) and (ii) membership interests of TREATING HOLDCO LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Spartan Holdings”) and its subsidiaries, in each case, on the Fourth Amendment Effective Date (collectively, the “Spartan Dropdown”) pursuant to certain contribution documents (the “Spartan Dropdown Documents”). Contemporaneously with the consummation of the Spartan Dropdown, the Specified Spartan Entities will become Immaterial Subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement and the Company shall designate Spartan Holdings and its subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement.

C. The Company has further advised the Administrative Agent that the Company desires to sell and then leaseback certain compressor units with Spartan Holdings and its subsidiaries on the Fourth Amendment Effective Date (the “Spartan Sale/Leaseback”) pursuant to certain acquisition documents (the “Spartan Sale/Leaseback Documents”).

D. In connection with the Spartan Sale/Leaseback, the issuance of certain additional senior secured notes and an equity raise on or about the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, Borrowers requested that the Administrative Agent and Lenders allow the Company to prepay the Senior Notes in full.

E. To effectuate the foregoing, the Borrowers, the Guarantors, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent desire to amend certain provisions of the Credit Agreement as more fully described herein.

F. NOW, THEREFORE, to induce the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to enter into this Fourth Amendment and in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants herein contained and subject solely to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3 below, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section 1. Defined Terms. Unless otherwise indicated, each capitalized term used herein but not otherwise defined herein has the meaning given such term in the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Fourth Amendment.


Section 2. Amendments to Credit Agreement.

2.1 The Credit Agreement is hereby amended to delete the red stricken text (indicated in the same manner as the following example: stricken text) and to add the blue double underlined text (indicated in the same manner as the following example: underlined text) as and where indicated in Annex A attached hereto.

2.2 Exhibit C to the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety in the form set forth on Exhibit C attached hereto.

Section 3. Conditions Precedent. This Fourth Amendment shall become effective on the date (such date, the “Fourth Amendment Effective Date”), when each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 15.1 of the Credit Agreement):

3.1 The Administrative Agent shall have received from the Lenders, the Issuing Bank, the Borrowers and the Guarantors, counterparts in accordance with Section 4.5 of this Fourth Amendment signed on behalf of such Person.

3.2 All filings or recordations necessary to perfect the Administrative Agent’s Liens in the Collateral shall have been made, and Administrative Agent shall have received UCC and Lien searches and other evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that such Liens are the only Liens upon the Collateral, except Permitted Liens.

3.3 The Company shall have delivered, or have caused to be delivered, to Administrative Agent each of the following items, each in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent:

(a) a certificate of a duly authorized officer of each Obligor, certifying (i) that attached copies of such Obligor’s Organizational Documents are true and complete, and in full force and effect, without amendment except as shown; (ii) that an attached copy of resolutions authorizing execution and delivery of the Fourth Amendment and the related transactions is true and complete, and that such resolutions are in full force and effect, were duly adopted, have not been amended, modified or revoked, and constitute all resolutions adopted with respect to this Fourth Amendment; and (iii) to the title, name and signature of each Person authorized to sign the Loan Documents; and

(b) copies of the charter documents of each Obligor, certified by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Obligor’s jurisdiction of organization as of a recent date, together with good standing certificates as of a recent date for each Obligor, issued by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Obligor’s jurisdiction of organization.

3.4 The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Fourth Amendment Effective Date in connection with this Fourth Amendment and any other Loan Document, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of legal fees of Haynes and Boone, LLP, counsel to the Administrative Agent, and all other expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrowers pursuant to the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

2


3.5 As of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, immediately after giving effect to this Fourth Amendment, all of the representations and warranties contained in each Loan Document and this Fourth Amendment are true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein), except for representations and warranties that expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case, such representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein) as of such specified earlier date (provided that the references to certain specified financial statements in clauses (a) and (b) of Section 9.1.5 of the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be references to the most recent financial statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) of Section 10.1.2 of the Credit Agreement, respectively).

3.6 As of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, (A) no Default, Event of Default or Overadvance has occurred and is continuing and (B) immediately after giving effect to this Fourth Amendment, no Default, Event of Default or Overadvance will have occurred and be continuing.

3.7 The Spartan Dropdown shall be consummated substantially concurrently with the Fourth Amendment Effective Date in accordance with the terms of the Spartan Dropdown Documents, final copies of which (including the Management Services Agreement) must be provided to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Fourth Amendment Effective Date and be in form and substance satisfactory to it.

3.8 The Spartan Sale/Leaseback shall be consummated substantially concurrently with the Fourth Amendment Effective Date in accordance with the terms of the Spartan Sale/Leaseback Documents, final copies of which must be provided to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the First Amendment Effective Date and be in form and substance satisfactory to it.

3.9 The Company shall have submitted a notice on the Fourth Amendment Effective Date to redeem or prepay the Senior Notes in full within 30 days after the Fourth Amendment Effective Date; provided that such redemption or prepayment of the Senior Notes shall occur within 45 days after the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, utilizing proceeds from the Spartan Sale/Leaseback, the issuance of additional senior secured notes and an equity raise, in each case, in a manner, form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

3.10 The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence that each of Spartan Holdings and its subsidiaries have been designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement, the Secured Notes, the Senior Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g) of the Credit Agreement and any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing.

3.11 The Administrative Agent shall have received such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or instruments as Administrative Agent or any Lender reasonably may request prior to the Fourth Amendment Effective Date.

By providing counterparts to this Fourth Amendment to the Administrative Agent as required under Section 3.1, each of the undersigned Borrowers and Guarantors represents and warrants that, as of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, the conditions set forth in this Section 3 of this Fourth Amendment are satisfied.

The Administrative Agent is hereby authorized and directed to declare this Fourth Amendment to be effective when it has received, to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent, documents evidencing compliance with the conditions set forth in this Section 3 or the waiver of such conditions as permitted in Section 15.1 of the Credit Agreement; provided that the Fourth Amendment Effective Date must occur on or prior to December 31, 2021 or this Fourth Amendment shall have no further force or effect. Such declaration shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties to the Credit Agreement for all purposes.

 

3


Section 4. Miscellaneous.

4.1 Confirmation; Post-Closing Covenant. The provisions of the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Fourth Amendment, shall remain in full force and effect following the effectiveness of this Fourth Amendment. On and after the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, this Fourth Amendment shall constitute a “Loan Document” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Fourth Amendment, and the other Loan Documents. On and after the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, the terms “Agreement”, “this Agreement”, “herein”, “hereinafter”, “hereto”, “hereof” and words of similar import, as used in the Credit Agreement, shall, unless the context otherwise requires, mean the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Fourth Amendment. Each reference to the Credit Agreement in the other Loan Documents shall mean the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Fourth Amendment. The amendments contemplated by this Fourth Amendment are limited solely to the items expressly set forth herein and are subject to the conditions set forth herein. Within 30 days following the Fourth Amendment Effective Date (or such later date as the Administrative Agent may agree), Obligors shall deliver such amendments or other evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent limiting the scope of any liens in favor of First National Capital and Stonebriar Commercial Finance.

4.2 Reservation of Rights. The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Fourth Amendment shall not, except as expressly set forth herein, (i) constitute a consent to any action or inaction by the Borrowers or Guarantors, (ii) be a consent to any other amendment, waiver or modification of any term or condition of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, nor (iii) prejudice, limit, impair or otherwise affect or operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy which the Administrative Agent or the Lenders may now have or may have in the future under or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document (after giving effect to this Fourth Amendment). Nothing in this Fourth Amendment shall be construed to imply any willingness on the part of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders to grant any similar or future amendment (or any consent or waiver) of any of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

4.3 RELEASE. EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED BORROWERS AND GUARANTORS (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND ITS AFFILIATES) HEREBY FOREVER WAIVES, RELEASES, ACQUITS AND DISCHARGES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY AND ALL CLAIMS (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CROSSCLAIMS, COUNTERCLAIMS, RIGHTS OF SET-OFF AND RECOUPMENT), SUITS, DEMANDS, DEBTS, ACCOUNTS, LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, JUDGMENTS, DAMAGES, ACTIONS AND CAUSES OF ACTIONS, WHETHER IN LAW OR IN EQUITY, OF WHATSOEVER NATURE AND KIND, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, WHETHER NOW OR HEREAFTER EXISTING, THAT THE UNDERSIGNED BORROWERS AND GUARANTORS (AND EACH OF THEIR AFFILIATES) AT ANY TIME HAD OR HAS, OR THAT ITS SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AFFILIATES, SHAREHOLDERS AND “CONTROLLING PERSONS” (WITHIN THE MEANING OF FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS) HEREAFTER CAN OR MAY HAVE AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER AND ANY ISSUING BANK OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES (AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PARTNERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, TRUSTEES AND ADVISORS), IN EACH CASE THROUGH THE FOURTH AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE AND IN CONNECTION WITH THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT, THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH AND THEREWITH, AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY.

4.4 Ratification and Affirmation. Each Borrower and each Guarantor hereby renews, extends, ratifies and affirms its obligations under, and acknowledges its continued liability under, each Loan Document to which it is a party and agrees that each Loan Document to which it is a party remains in full force and effect as expressly amended hereby. The amendments to the Credit Agreement contemplated hereby shall not limit or impair any Liens securing the Obligations, which Liens are hereby ratified and affirmed by Borrowers and Guarantors and shall continue to secure the Obligations.

 

4


4.5 Counterparts. This Fourth Amendment and any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice, certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Fourth Amendment (each a “Communication”), including Communications required to be in writing, may be in the form of an Electronic Record and may be executed using Electronic Signatures. The Borrowers and the Guarantors agree that any Electronic Signature on or associated with any Communication shall be valid and binding on the Borrowers and the Guarantors to the same extent as a manual, original signature, and that any Communication entered into by Electronic Signature, will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrowers and the Guarantors, enforceable against such in accordance with the terms thereof to the same extent as if a manually executed original signature was delivered. Any Communication may be executed in as many counterparts as necessary or convenient, including both paper and electronic counterparts, but all such counterparts are one and the same Communication. For the avoidance of doubt, the authorization under this paragraph may include, without limitation, use or acceptance by the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders of a manually signed paper Communication which has been converted into electronic form (such as scanned into PDF format), or an electronically signed Communication converted into another format, for transmission, delivery and/or retention. The Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of any Communication in the form of an imaged Electronic Record (“Electronic Copy”), which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of the such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document. All Communications in the form of an Electronic Record, including an Electronic Copy, shall be considered an original for all purposes, and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Administrative Agent is under no obligation to accept an Electronic Signature in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by the Administrative Agent pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (a) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept such Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on any such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrowers and the Guarantors without further verification and (b) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by such number of manually executed counterparts as reasonably requested. For purposes hereof, “Electronic Record” and “Electronic Signature” shall have the meanings assigned to them, respectively, by 15 USC §7006, as it may be amended from time to time.

4.6 Payment of Expenses. The Borrowers agree to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent for its reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Fourth Amendment, any other documents prepared herewith and the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses of Haynes and Boone, LLP, counsel to the Administrative Agent, in each case, in accordance with Section 3.4 of the Credit Agreement.

4.7 NO ORAL AGREEMENT. THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT, THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH AND THEREWITH REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

4.8 GOVERNING LAW. THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT AND ALL CLAIMS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES EXCEPT FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO NATIONAL BANKS.

 

5


4.9 CONSENT TO FORUM; BAIL-IN OF EEA FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS; WAIVERS BY OBLIGORS. The provisions of Sections 15.14 and 15.15 of the Credit Agreement are hereby incorporated herein as though stated in their entirety herein, mutatis mutandis.

4.10 INDEMNITY. The provisions of Section 15.2 of the Credit Agreement are hereby incorporated herein as though stated in their entirety herein, mutatis mutandis.

4.11 Inaction by the Administrative Agent or Lenders. No failure or delay on the part of the Administrative Agent or Lenders to exercise any right or remedy under the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or Applicable Law shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise of any right or remedy, all of which are cumulative and may be exercised without notice except to the extent notice is expressly required (and has not been waived) under the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or Applicable Law, as applicable.

[Signature Page to Follow]

 

 

6


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Fourth Amendment to be duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

BORROWERS:
CSI COMPRESSCO LP
By:   CSI Compressco GP Inc., its General Partner
By:  

/s/ Jonathan W. Byers

Name:   Jonathan W. Byers
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

CSI COMPRESSCO SUB INC.
By:  

/s/ Jonathan W. Byers

Name:   Jonathan W. Byers
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

CSI COMPRESSCO OPERATING LLC
By:  

/s/ Jonathan W. Byers

Name:   Jonathan W. Byers
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

GUARANTORS:
CSI COMPRESSCO FINANCE INC.
By:  

/s/ Jonathan W. Byers

Name:   Jonathan W. Byers
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Signature Page to

Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement


CSI COMPRESSCO FIELD SERVICES INTERNATIONAL LLC
By:   CSI Compressco Operating LLC, its sole member
By:  

/s/ Jonathan W. Byers

Name:   Jonathan W. Byers
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

CSI COMPRESSCO INTERNATIONAL LLC
By:  

/s/ Jonathan W. Byers

Name:   Jonathan W. Byers
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

CSI COMPRESSION HOLDINGS LLC
By:   CSI Compressco Operating LLC, its sole member
By:  

/s/ Jonathan W. Byers

Name:   Jonathan W. Byers
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

CSI COMPRESSCO LEASING LLC
By:   CSI Compressco Operating LLC, its sole member
By:  

/s/ Jonathan W. Byers

Name:   Jonathan W. Byers
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Signature Page to

Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement


CSI COMPRESSCO HOLDINGS LLC
By:   CSI Compressco Operating LLC, its sole member
By:  

/s/ Jonathan W. Byers

Name:   Jonathan W. Byers
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

ROTARY COMPRESSOR SYSTEMS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Jonathan W. Byers

Name:   Jonathan W. Byers
Title:   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Signature Page to

Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement


AGENT AND LENDERS:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, Swing Line Lender and Lender
By:  

/s/ Terrance O. McKinney

Name:   Terrance O. McKinney
Title:   Senior Vice President

 

Signature Page to

Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Michael Song

Name:   Michael Song
Title:   Authorized Officer

 

Signature Page to

Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement


ANNEX A

[see attached]

Exhibit A


 

 

LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

Dated as of June 29, 2018

 

 

CSI COMPRESSCO LP,

CSI COMPRESSCO SUB INC.,

and

CSI COMPRESSCO OPERATING LLC,

as Borrowers

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, and Swing Line Lender,

and

CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS,

as Lenders

 

 

BOFA SECURITIES, INC.,

as Joint Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner,

and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Joint Lead Arranger and Sole Syndication Agent

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

Section 1.

  DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION      1  

1.1.

  Definitions      1  

1.2.

  Accounting Terms      42  

1.3.

  Uniform Commercial Code      42  

1.4.

  Certain Matters of Construction      42  

1.5.

  Pro Forma Calculations      43  

1.6.

  Divisions      44  

Section 2.

  CREDIT FACILITIES      44  

2.1.

  Commitment      44  

2.2.

  Letter of Credit Facility      45  

Section 3.

  INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES      49  

3.1.

  Interest      49  

3.2.

  Fees      50  

3.3.

  Computation of Interest, Fees, Yield Protection      51  

3.4.

  Reimbursement Obligations      51  

3.5.

  Illegality      52  

3.6.

  Inability to Determine Rates      52  

3.7.

  Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy      54  

3.8.

  Mitigation      55  

3.9.

  Funding Losses      55  

3.10.

  Maximum Interest      55  

Section 4.

  LOAN ADMINISTRATION      56  

4.1.

  Manner of Borrowing and Funding Loans      56  

4.2.

  Defaulting Lender      57  

4.3.

  Number and Amount of BSBY Loans; Determination of Rate      58  

4.4.

  Borrower Agent      58  

4.5.

  One Obligation      59  

4.6.

  Effect of Termination      59  

4.7.

  Designated Borrower      59  

Section 5.

  PAYMENTS      60  

5.1.

  General Payment Provisions      60  

5.2.

  Repayment of Loans      60  

5.3.

  Payment of Other Obligations      61  

5.4.

  Marshaling; Payments Set Aside      61  

5.5.

  Application and Allocation of Payments      61  

5.6.

  Dominion Account      62  

5.7.

  Account Stated      62  

5.8.

  Taxes      62  

5.9.

  Lender Tax Information      64  

 

(i)


5.10.

  Nature and Extent of Each Borrower’s Liability      66  

Section 6.

  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT      68  

6.1.

  Conditions Precedent to Closing      68  

6.2.

  Conditions Precedent to All Credit Extensions      70  

Section 7.

  COLLATERAL      71  

7.1.

  Grant of Security Interest      71  

7.2.

  Deposit Accounts; Securities Accounts; Commodity Accounts; Cash Collateral      72  

7.3.

  Other Collateral      72  

7.4.

  Limitations      73  

7.5.

  Further Assurances      73  

7.6.

  Collateral Rights Agreement      73  

Section 8.

  COLLATERAL ADMINISTRATION      73  

8.1.

  Borrowing Base Reports      73  

8.2.

  Accounts      74  

8.3.

  Proceeds of Secured Notes Collateral      75  

8.4.

  Inventory      75  

8.5.

  Spare Parts Inventory.      76  

8.6.

  Deposit Accounts; Securities Accounts; Commodity Accounts      76  

8.7.

  General Provisions      77  

8.8.

  Power of Attorney      77  

Section 9.

  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES      78  

9.1.

  General Representations and Warranties      78  

Section 10.

  COVENANTS AND CONTINUING AGREEMENTS      85  

10.1.

  Affirmative Covenants      85  

10.2.

  Negative Covenants      92  

10.3.

  Financial Covenants      105  

Section 11.

  GUARANTY      105  

11.1.

  Guaranty      105  

11.2.

  No Setoff or Deductions; Taxes; Payments      105  

11.3.

  Rights of Secured Parties      106  

11.4.

  Certain Waivers      106  

11.5.

  Obligations Independent      106  

11.6.

  Subrogation      107  

11.7.

  Termination; Reinstatement      107  

11.8.

  Subordination      107  

11.9.

  Stay of Acceleration      107  

11.10.

  Expenses      107  

11.11.

  Miscellaneous      107  

11.12.

  Condition of Obligors      108  

11.13.

  Additional Guarantors      108  

 

(ii)


Section 12.

  EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES ON DEFAULT      108  

12.1.

  Events of Default      108  

12.2.

  Remedies upon Default      110  

12.3.

  License      111  

12.4.

  Setoff      111  

12.5.

  Remedies Cumulative; No Waiver      111  

Section 13.

  ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT      112  

13.1.

  Appointment, Authority and Duties of Administrative Agent      112  

13.2.

  Agreements Regarding Collateral and Borrower Materials      113  

13.3.

  Reliance By Administrative Agent      114  

13.4.

  Action Upon Default      114  

13.5.

  Ratable Sharing      114  

13.6.

  Indemnification      114  

13.7.

  Limitation on Responsibilities of Administrative Agent      115  

13.8.

  Successor Administrative Agent and Co-Agents      115  

13.9.

  Due Diligence and Non-Reliance      116  

13.10.

  Remittance of Payments and Collections      116  

13.11.

  Individual Capacities      117  

13.12.

  Titles      117  

13.13.

  Bank Product Providers      117  

13.14.

  Collateral Agent      117  

13.15.

  No Third Party Beneficiaries      117  

13.16.

  Certain ERISA Matters      118  

Section 14.

  BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS      119  

14.1.

  Successors and Assigns      119  

14.2.

  Participations      119  

14.3.

  Assignments.      120  

14.4.

  Replacement of Certain Lenders      121  

Section 15.

  MISCELLANEOUS      121  

15.1.

  Consents, Amendments and Waivers      121  

15.2.

  Indemnity      123  

15.3.

  Notices and Communications      124  

15.4.

  Performance of Borrowers’ Obligations      125  

15.5.

  Credit Inquiries      125  

15.6.

  Severability      125  

15.7.

  Cumulative Effect; Conflict of Terms      126  

15.8.

  Execution; Electronic Records      126  

15.9.

  Entire Agreement      126  

15.10.

  Relationship with Lenders      126  

15.11.

  No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility      126  

15.12.

  Confidentiality      127  

15.13.

  GOVERNING LAW      127  

15.14.

  Consent to Forum; Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions      127  

15.15.

  Waivers by Obligors      128  

15.16.

  Patriot Act Notice      129  

15.17.

  NO ORAL AGREEMENT.      129  

15.18.

  Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs      129  

 

(iii)


LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

 

Exhibit A    Form of Assignment
Exhibit B    Form of Borrowing Base Report
Exhibit C    Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit D    Form of Lien Waiver
Exhibit E    Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit F    Form of Notice of Conversion/Continuation
Exhibit G    Form of Perfection Certificate
Exhibit H    Form of Designated Borrower Request and Assumption Agreement
Exhibit I    Form of Designated Borrower Notice
Schedule 1.1    Commitments of Lenders
Schedule 1.1(b)    Account Debtors
Schedule 2.2    Existing Letters of Credit
Schedule 8.6    Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts and Commodity Accounts
Schedule 8.7.1    Collateral Locations
Schedule 9.1.3    Approvals; Other Consents
Schedule 9.1.5    Material Debt and Other Liabilities
Schedule 9.1.6    Litigation
Schedule 9.1.11    Capital Structure
Schedule 9.1.16    Compliance with Laws
Schedule 9.1.20(a)    Filing Offices
Schedule 9.1.22    Locations of Offices
Schedule 9.1.27    Material Contracts
Schedule 10.1.15    Post-Closing Undertakings
Schedule 10.2.1(h)    Debt
Schedule 10.2.2    Liens
Schedule 10.2.4    Investments
Schedule 10.2.10    Transactions with Affiliates

 

(iv)


LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

THIS LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT is dated as of June 29, 2018 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), among CSI COMPRESSCO LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Company”), CSI COMPRESSCO SUB INC., a Delaware corporation (“Sub Inc.”), CSI COMPRESSCO OPERATING LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, (“Operating LLC” and collectively, with the Company and Sub Inc. the “Borrowers”), certain subsidiaries of the Borrowers named as guarantors herein, the financial institutions party to this Agreement from time to time as Lenders, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association, as administrative agent and collateral agent for the Lenders (in such capacities, “Administrative Agent”), Issuing Bank and Swing Line Lender.

R E C I T A L S:

Borrowers have requested that Lenders provide a credit facility to Borrowers to finance their mutual and collective business enterprise. Lenders are willing to provide the credit facility on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

1.1. Definitions. As used herein, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

Account”: as defined in the UCC, including all rights to payment for goods sold or leased, or for services rendered.

Account Debtor”: a Person obligated under an Account, Chattel Paper or General Intangible.

Acquisition”: a transaction or series of transactions resulting in (a) acquisition of a business, division, line of business or all or substantially all assets of a Person or (b) record or beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the Equity Interests of a Person (including by merger, consolidation or combination of a Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary with another Person) in each case, for which the aggregate consideration payable in connection with such acquisition or group of transactions which are part of a common plan equals or exceeds $2,500,000 (excluding any consideration paid with Equity Interests).

Additional Issuing Bank”: any financial institution that is a Lender selected by Borrower Agent and approved by Administrative Agent (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to issue one or more Letters of Credit hereunder, provided that such financial institution consents to becoming an Additional Issuing Bank and provided further that such financial institution shall become a party to this Agreement in the capacity as an Issuing Bank by executing a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrowers, the Additional Issuing Bank and Administrative Agent.

Administrative Agent”: as defined in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Affected Financial Institution”: (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.

Affiliate”: with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.

 

-1-


Agent Indemnitees”: Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, and any of each of their respective partners, officers, directors, employees, agents, trustees, advisors and other representatives.

Agent Professionals”: attorneys, accountants, appraisers, auditors, business valuation experts, environmental engineers or consultants, turnaround consultants, and other professionals and experts retained by Administrative Agent.

Agreement”: as defined in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Allocable Amount”: as defined in Section 5.10.3(b).

Anti-Corruption Laws”: all laws, rules and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to any of the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption, including, without limitation, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the U.K. Bribery Act.

Anti-Terrorism Law”: any law relating to terrorism or money laundering, including the PATRIOT Act.

Applicable Law”: any and all laws, rules, regulations and governmental guidelines applicable to any Person, conduct, transaction, agreement or matter in question, including all applicable statutory law, common law and equitable principles, and all provisions of constitutions, treaties, statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, judgments, orders and decrees of Governmental Authorities, including for purposes of Section 5.8, FATCA.

Applicable Margin”: for BSBY Loans and Base Rate Loans, the following percentages per annum based upon the arithmetic mean of the daily Excess Availability (expressed as a percentage of the Borrowing Base (not to exceed the Line Cap)) computed for a quarterly period, determined as of the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Quarter, as set forth in the pricing grid below:

 

Level

  

The arithmetic mean of daily Excess
Availability (expressed as a percentage of
the Borrowing Base (not to exceed the
Line Cap))

   BSBY Loans     Base Rate Loans  

I

   ³ 50%      3.00     2.00

II

   ³ 30% but < 50%      3.25     2.25

III

   <30%      3.50     2.50

From the Closing Date until the first day after the end of the second full Fiscal Quarter after the Closing Date, the Applicable Margin shall be determined as if Level II were applicable. Thereafter, the Applicable Margin shall be subject to increase or decrease by Administrative Agent on the first day of the month immediately following each Fiscal Quarter end, based on the average daily Excess Availability for the preceding Fiscal Quarter. If the Borrowers fail to deliver any Borrowing Base Report when required hereunder (after giving effect to applicable grace periods), then, at the option of Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, the Applicable Margin shall be determined as if Level III were applicable until the date of actual receipt of such Borrowing Base Report.

Applicant Borrower”: as defined in Section 4.7.1.

Applicant Borrower Materials” as defined in Section 4.7.1.

 

-2-


Approval”: any approval, consent, exemption, authorization, permit, certificate, license, concession, grant, franchise or other authorization or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person.

Approved Fund”: any Person (other than a natural Person) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans in its ordinary course of activities and that is administered or managed by a Lender, an entity that administers or manages a Lender or an Affiliate of either.

Arranger”: Bank of America or any of its Affiliates, in its capacity as joint lead arranger and sole bookrunner (the “Lead Left Arranger”), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or any of its Affiliates, in its capacity as joint lead arranger and sole syndication agent.

Assignment”: an assignment and acceptance agreement between a Lender and Eligible Assignee, substantially in the form of Exhibit A or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

Attributable Debt”: on any date, (a) in respect of any Capitalized Lease obligation of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of the remaining lease or similar payments under the relevant lease or other applicable agreement or instrument that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease or other agreement or instrument were accounted for as a Capitalized Lease.

Audited Financial Statements”: the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of and for each fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, partners’ capital and cash flows for each such fiscal year of the Company and its Subsidiaries, if any, including the notes thereto.

Availability Reserve”: the sum (without duplication) of (a) the Inventory Reserve; (b) the Rent and Charges Reserve; (c) the Tax Reserve; (d) the Bank Product Reserve; (e) the aggregate amount of liabilities secured by Liens upon the Collateral that are senior to Administrative Agent’s Liens on the Collateral (but imposition of any such reserve shall not waive an Event of Default, if any, arising therefrom); (f) the Dilution Reserve; (g) Disposition Reserve, (h) the Excess Availability Reserve and (i) such additional reserves, in such amounts and with respect to such matters, as Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion may elect to impose from time to time, in each case, implemented pursuant to Section 8.1.2.

Available Cash” for any Fiscal Quarter has the meaning set forth in the Partnership Agreement.

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

Bail-In Legislation”: (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, rule, regulation or requirement for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 (as amended from time to time) and any other law, regulation or rule applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).

Bank of America”: Bank of America, N.A., a national banking association, and its successors and assigns.

 

-3-


Bank of America Indemnitees”: Bank of America (including in its capacity as Arranger) and its Affiliates and any of each of their respective partners, officers, directors, employees, agents, trustees, advisors and other representatives.

Bank Product”: any of the following products, services or facilities extended to any Obligor or a Restricted Subsidiary of a Borrower and/or a Guarantor by any Person that (a) at the time it enters into a Bank Product is a Lender or any of its Affiliates or (b) at the time it (or its Affiliate) becomes a Lender, is a party to a Bank Product with any Obligor or a Restricted Subsidiary of a Borrower and/or a Guarantor, in each case in its capacity as a party to such Bank Product (even if such Person ceases to be a Lender or such Person’s Affiliate ceases to be a Lender): (i) Cash Management Services; (ii) products under Hedging Agreements; (iii) commercial credit card, purchase cards and merchant card services; and (iv) other banking products or services, other than Letters of Credit.

Bank Product Reserve”: the aggregate amount of reserves established by Administrative Agent from time to time in its Permitted Discretion in respect of Secured Bank Product Obligations.

Bankruptcy Code”: Title 11 of the United States Code.

Base Rate”: for any day, a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Prime Rate for such day; (b) the Federal Funds Rate for such day, plus 0.50%; or (c) the BSBY Rate for a one month interest period as of such day, plus 1.0%; provided that, in no event shall the Base Rate be less than zero.

Base Rate Loan”: any Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.

Beneficial Ownership Certification” a certification regarding beneficial ownership required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

Beneficial Ownership Regulation” 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.

Benefit Plan”: any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in Section 4975 of the Code or (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of ERISA Section 3(42) or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan”.

Bloomberg”: Bloomberg Index Services Limited.

Board of Governors”: the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Borrowers”: collectively, the Company, Sub Inc., Operating LLC and each Designated Borrower and each individually, a “Borrower”.

Borrower Agent”: as defined in Section 4.4.

Borrower Materials”: Borrowing Base Reports, Compliance Certificates, Payment Conditions Certificates, the Perfection Certificate and any other perfection certificate and other information, reports, financial statements and other materials delivered by or on behalf of Borrowers hereunder.

Borrowing”: a group of Loans that are made or converted together on the same day and have the same interest option and, if applicable, Interest Period.

Borrowing Base”: on any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of the following:

(i) 85% of Eligible Accounts Receivable; plus

 

-4-


(ii) the least of (x) $10,000,000, (y) 25% of the Line Cap, and (z) 85% of the NOLV Percentage of the net book value of the Eligible Spare Parts Inventory; minus

(iii) Availability Reserves.

Borrowing Base Report”: a report of the Borrowing Base certified by Borrowers, substantially in the form of Exhibit B or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

Borrowing Base Reporting Trigger Period”: the period (a) commencing on the day that (i) any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing for a period of 2 consecutive Business Days, or (ii) Excess Availability plus the Excess Availability Reserve for 5 consecutive Business Days is less than 15% of the Line Cap then in effect; and (b) in each case, continuing until the day that (i) Excess Availability plus the Excess Availability Reserve has been greater than 15% of the Line Cap then in effect and (ii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, in the case of each of the clauses (b)(i) and (b)(ii), for a period of 30 consecutive days.

BSBY Loan”: a Loan that bears interest based on clause (a) of the definition of BSBY Rate.

BSBY Rate”: (a) for any Interest Period for a BSBY Loan, a per annum rate equal to the BSBY Screen Rate two Business Days prior to such Interest Period, with a term equivalent to such period; and (b) for any interest calculation relating to a Base Rate Loan on any day, a per annum rate equal to the BSBY Screen Rate with a term of one month commencing that day; provided, that in no event shall the BSBY Rate be less than 1.00%.

BSBY Replacement Date”: as defined in Section 3.6.2.

BSBY Screen Rate”: the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index rate administered by Bloomberg and published on the applicable Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by Administrative Agent from time to time).

Business Day”: any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the laws of, or are in fact closed in, North Carolina and New York.

Capital Expenditures”: without duplication and with respect to the CSI Group for any period, all expenditures made (whether made in the form of cash or other property) or costs incurred for the acquisition or improvement of fixed or capital assets of the CSI Group (excluding normal replacements and maintenance which are properly charged to current operations), in each case that are (or should be) set forth as capital expenditures in a Consolidated statement of cash flows of the CSI Group for such period, in each case prepared in accordance with GAAP; provided that Capital Expenditures shall not include (a) expenditures by the CSI Group in connection with Permitted Acquisitions or any Acquisition (without regard to the threshold described therein), (b) any such expenditure made to restore, replace or rebuild property, to the extent such expenditure is made with (x) net proceeds from a Disposition or (y) insurance proceeds, condemnation awards or damage recovery proceeds relating to any such damage, loss, destruction or condemnation, (c) any such expenditure funded or financed with the proceeds of Debt permitted hereunder (other than any revolving indebtedness), equity or any capital contribution to the CSI Group, (d) [reserved] and (e) with respect to any property, assets or business of any Person or of assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of any Person acquired by the CSI Group, any expenditures (other than any amounts used to maintain, repair, renew or replace assets) made therefor prior to the consummation of such acquisition by the CSI Group.

Capitalized Leases”: at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a financing or capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) in accordance with GAAP.

 

-5-


Cash Collateral”: cash, and any interest or other income earned thereon, that is delivered to Administrative Agent to Cash Collateralize any Obligations, and all interest, dividends, earnings and other proceeds relating thereto.

Cash Collateral Account”: a demand deposit, money market or other account established in the name of an Obligor by Administrative Agent at such financial institution as Administrative Agent may select in its Permitted Discretion, which account shall be subject to a Lien in favor of Administrative Agent for the benefit of Secured Parties.

Cash Collateral Agreement”: that certain Cash Collateral Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2018, among the Company, Sub Inc., and Bank of America, N.A., as L/C Issuer.

Cash Collateralize”: the delivery of cash to Administrative Agent, as security for the payment of Obligations, in an amount equal to (a) with respect to LC Obligations, 103% of the aggregate LC Obligations; and (b) with respect to any inchoate, contingent or other Obligations (including Secured Bank Product Obligations), in an amount equal to Administrative Agent’s good faith estimate of the amount due or to become due, including fees, expenses and indemnification hereunder. “Cash Collateralization” and “Cash Collateralized” have correlative meanings.

Cash Equivalents”: (a) Dollars, pounds sterling, euros, the national currency of any participating member state of the European Union or, in the case of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary, such local currencies held by it from time to time in the ordinary course of business; (b) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the government of the United States or any country that is a member of the European Union or any agency or instrumentality thereof in each case with maturities not exceeding 2 years from the date of acquisition; (c) marketable obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by, and backed by the full faith and credit of, the U.S. government or any country that is a member of the European Union or any agency or instrumentality thereof, maturing within 24 months of the date of acquisition; (d) certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances maturing within 12 months of the date of acquisition, and overnight bank deposits, in each case which are issued by Bank of America or a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state or district thereof, rated A-1 (or better) by S&P or P-1 (or better) by Moody’s at the time of acquisition; (e) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying investments of the types described in clauses (a), (c), (d) and (f) entered into with any bank described in clause (d); (f) commercial paper issued by Bank of America or rated A-1 (or better) by S&P or P-1 (or better) by Moody’s, and maturing within 12 months of the date of acquisition; (g) shares of any money market fund that has at least 95% of its assets that constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (a) through (f) above; and (h) deposits in any currency available for withdrawal on demand with any commercial bank that is organized under the laws of any country in which the Borrowers or any Restricted Subsidiary maintains its chief executive office or is engaged in a line of business not prohibited under this Agreement; provided that all such deposits are made in such accounts in the Ordinary Course of Business.

Cash Management Services”: services relating to operating, collections, payroll, trust, or other depository or disbursement accounts, including automated clearinghouse, e-payable, electronic funds transfer, wire transfer, controlled disbursement, overdraft, depository, information reporting, lockbox and stop payment services.

CFC”: a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of section 957 of the Code.

Change in Law”: the occurrence, after the date hereof, of (a) the adoption, taking effect or phasing in of any law, rule, regulation or treaty; (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority; or (c) the making, issuance or application of any request, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided, however, that “Change in Law” shall include, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued, all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives (i) under or relating to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or (ii) promulgated pursuant to Basel III by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any similar authority) or any other Governmental Authority.

 

-6-


Change of Control”: the occurrence of one or more of the following events:

(a) the General Partner shall cease to be the sole general partner of the Company;

(b) 50% or more of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors (or equivalent body) of the General Partner shall at any time be occupied by Persons who were neither (i) nominated or appointed by the Permitted Investor Group nor (ii) nominated or appointed by such directors;

(c) members of the Permitted Investor Group, collectively, shall cease to own (i) Equity Interests representing greater than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in the General Partner or (ii) greater than 50% of the economic interests represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in the General Partner;

(d) except in a transaction expressly permitted under the Loan Documents and after giving effect thereto, the Company ceases to own and control, beneficially and of record, directly or indirectly, all Equity Interests in any other Borrower or any Obligor;

(e) the sale or transfer of all or substantially all assets of any Borrower, except to another Borrower; or

(f) any change of control or similar event, however defined, shall occur under the terms of any indenture, note agreement or other agreement governing (i) the Secured Notes, (ii) the Senior Notes, (iii) any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g), (iv) any Refinancing Debt in respect of Debt subject to the foregoing subclauses (i), (ii) or (iii), and (v) any unsecured notes, if any, constituting Material Debt.

Claims”: all claims, liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, judgments, proceedings, interest, costs and expenses of any kind (including remedial response costs, reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees and Extraordinary Expenses) at any time (including after Full Payment of the Obligations or replacement of Administrative Agent or any Lender) (without duplication) incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any Obligor or other Person, in any way relating to (a) any Loans, Letters of Credit, Loan Documents, Borrower Materials, or the use thereof or transactions relating thereto; (b) any action taken or omitted to be taken in connection with any Loan Documents; (c) the existence or perfection of any Liens, or realization upon any Collateral; (d) exercise of any rights or remedies under any Loan Documents or Applicable Law; (e) failure by any Obligor to perform or observe any terms of any Loan Document; or (f) reliance by any Indemnitee on a Communication executed using an Electronic Signature or in the form of an Electronic Record, in each case including all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses relating to any investigation, litigation, arbitration or other proceeding (including an Insolvency Proceeding or appellate proceedings), whether or not the applicable Indemnitee is a party thereto.

Closing Date”: as defined in Section 6.1.

Code”: the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Collateral”: all Property described in Section 7.1, all Property described in any Security Documents as security for any Obligations, and all other Property that now or hereafter secures (or is intended to secure) any Obligations, in each case, excluding Excluded Property.

 

-7-


Collateral Rights Agreement”: collectively, (a) the Collateral Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between Administrative Agent and the Secured Notes Collateral Trustee, as acknowledged by the Obligors, as may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time as permitted by the Loan Documents and (b) any similar agreement substantially in the same form as the agreement described in the foregoing clause (a) (with appropriate modifications reflecting the lien priority of the applicable Debt) or otherwise in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, between Administrative Agent and one or more collateral trustees in respect of Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g), as acknowledged by the Obligors (including that certain Collateral Rights Agreement dated June 12, 2020, between the Administrative Agent and U.S. Bank National Association), as may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time as permitted by the Loan Documents.

Commercial Letter of Credit”: any letter of credit or similar instrument (including, without limitation, bankers’ acceptances) issued for the purpose of providing the primary payment mechanism in connection with the purchase of any materials, goods or services by an Obligor in the Ordinary Course of Business of such Obligor.

Commitment”: for any Lender, its obligation to make Loans and to participate in LC Obligations up to the maximum principal amount shown on Schedule 1.1, as hereafter modified pursuant to Section 2.1.7 or an Assignment to which it is a party. “Commitments” means the aggregate amount of such commitments of all Lenders.

Commitment Termination Date”: the earliest to occur of (a) the Termination Date; (b) the date on which Borrowers terminate the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1.4; (c) the date on which the Commitments are terminated pursuant to Section 12.2; and (d) 91 days prior to the maturity of the Senior Notes; provided that, the occurrence of the date referred to in clause (d) shall not be given effect as a “Commitment Termination Date” if prior to such date either (i) the Senior Notes are refinanced with Refinancing Debt or (ii) the Senior Notes are redeemed pursuant to Section 10.2.16(c) such that no more Senior Notes remain outstanding.

Commodity Exchange Act”: the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.).

Communication”: any notice, request, election, representation, certificate, report, disclosure, statement, authorization, approval, consent, waiver, document, amendment or transmittal of information of any kind in connection with a Loan Document, including any Borrower Materials or Modification of a Loan Document.

Company”: as defined in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Compliance Certificate”: a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

Conflicts Committee”: has the meaning given such term in the Partnership Agreement.

Conforming Changes”: with respect to use, administration of or conventions associated with BSBY Rate or any proposed Successor Rate, as applicable, any conforming changes to the definition of Base Rate, BSBY Rate, Interest Period, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other technical, administrative or operational matters (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the definition of Business Day, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, and length of lookback periods) as may be appropriate, in Administrative Agent’s discretion, to reflect the adoption and implementation of such applicable rate, and to permit the administration thereof by Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if Administrative Agent determines that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or that no market practice for the administration of such rate exists, in such other manner of administration as Administrative Agent determines is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of any Loan Document).

 

-8-


Connection Income Taxes”: Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), or are franchise or branch profits Taxes.

Consolidated”: when used to modify a financial term, test, statement, or report of a Person, the application or preparation of such term, test, statement or report (as applicable) based upon the consolidation, in accordance with GAAP, of the financial condition or operating results of such Person and its Subsidiaries.

Consolidated EBITDA”: at any date of determination, an amount equal to the Consolidated Net Income of the CSI Group for the most recently completed Measurement Period plus, without duplication, to the extent the same was deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income:

(a) Consolidated Taxes; plus

(b) Consolidated Interest Charges; plus

(c) Consolidated Non-cash Charges; plus

(d) [reserved]; plus

(e) the amount of costs, expenses and fees paid during such period in connection with the Transactions, the Senior Notes and/or the Secured Notes; plus

(f) any premiums, expenses or charges (other than Consolidated Non-cash Charges) related to any issuance or sale of Equity Interests, Investment, Acquisition, Disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence or repayment or amendment of Debt permitted to be incurred hereunder (including a refinancing thereof) (whether or not successful or meeting the dollar amount thresholds specified herein), including (i) such fees, expenses or charges related to the issuance or refinancing of Debt, and (ii) any amendment or other modification of this Agreement or other Debt; plus

(g) [reserved]; plus

(h) any costs or expense incurred pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement; provided that the amounts added pursuant to this clause (h) together with any amounts added pursuant to clauses (j) and (k) below shall not exceed 15.0% of Consolidated EBITDA for such Measurement Period (prior to giving effect to the addbacks pursuant to this clause (h) and clauses (j) and (k) below); plus

(i) [reserved], plus

(j) the amount of “run-rate” cost savings, operating expense reductions, restructuring charges and expenses and cost-saving synergies projected by Borrower Agent in good faith to be realized, as a result of actions taken or expected to be taken, within 12 months of the end of such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions, restructuring charges and expenses and cost-saving synergies had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (1) such cost savings, operating expense reductions, restructuring charges and expenses and cost-saving synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (2) no cost savings, operating expense reductions, restructuring charges and expenses and cost-saving synergies may be added pursuant to this clause (i) to the extent duplicative of any expenses or charges relating thereto that are either excluded in computing Consolidated

 

-9-


Net Income or included (i.e., added back) in computing Consolidated EBITDA for such period, (3) such adjustments may be incremental to (but not duplicative of) pro forma adjustments made pursuant to Section 1.5 and (4) the aggregate amount of cost savings, operating expense reductions and cost saving synergies added pursuant to this clause (j) together with any amounts added pursuant to clause (h) above and clause (k) below shall not exceed 15.0% of Consolidated EBITDA for such Measurement Period (prior to giving effect to the addbacks pursuant to this clause (j) and clauses (h) and (k)); plus

(k) acquisition, integration and divestiture costs, and fleet commissioning costs (x) incurred prior to the Closing Date and (y) such costs in an aggregate amount, solely in respect of this subclause (k)(y), not to exceed (i) $3,000,000 for any Measurement Period, or (ii) $15,000,000 during the term of this Agreement; provided that the amounts added pursuant to this clause (k) together with any amounts added pursuant to clauses (h) and (j) above shall not exceed 15.0% of Consolidated EBITDA for such Measurement Period (prior to giving effect to the addbacks pursuant to this clause (k) and clauses (h) and (j) above); plus

(l) any unusual or non-recurring expenses, losses or charges;

less, without duplication, (i) non-cash income or gain increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, excluding any such items to the extent they represent (1) the reversal in such period of an accrual of, or reserve for, potential cash expense in a prior period, (2) any non-cash gains with respect to cash actually received in a prior period to the extent such cash did not increase Consolidated Net Income in a prior period or (3) items representing ordinary course accruals of cash to be received in future periods; plus (ii) any net gain from discontinued operations or net gains from the disposal of discontinued operations to the extent increasing Consolidated Net Income.

In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of the Company and its Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated EBITDA shall include the amount of net cash proceeds received by or contributed to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries from business interruption insurance.

Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”: at any date of determination, the ratio of (a) (i) Consolidated EBITDA for the specified period minus (ii) Capital Expenditures made during such period, minus (iii) the aggregate amount of Federal, state, local and foreign income, profits or capital Taxes, including, without limitation, state franchise and similar Taxes, paid in cash by the CSI Group during such period to (b) Fixed Charges for such period, in each case, of or by the CSI Group, all as determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Interest Charges”: for any Measurement Period, the sum (determined without duplication) of (a) all interest, premium payments, debt discount, fees, charges and related expenses in connection with borrowed money (including capitalized interest) or in connection with the deferred purchase price of assets, in each case to the extent treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, including, without limitation, all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing and net costs under Hedging Agreements or agreements governing hedging obligations, but excluding any non-cash or deferred interest or Hedging Agreement or hedging obligation costs and (b) the portion of rent expense with respect to such period under Capitalized Leases that is treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, in each case of or by the CSI Group for the most recently completed Measurement Period, all as determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Net Income”: for any Measurement Period, the aggregate of the Net Income of the CSI Group for such period, determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that:

 

-10-


(a) any net after-tax nonrecurring or unusual gains or losses shall be excluded;

(b) the Net Income for such period shall not include the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period;

(c) any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions other than in the Ordinary Course of Business (as determined in good faith by Borrower Agent) shall be excluded;

(d) any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to the early extinguishment of indebtedness shall be excluded;

(e) the income (or loss) for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of such Person, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be included in Consolidated Net Income only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries by such Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof during such period;

(f) (i) the non-cash portion of “straight-line” rent expense shall be excluded and (ii) the cash portion of “straight-line” rent expense which exceeds the amount expensed in respect of such rent expense shall be included;

(g) unrealized gains and losses relating to hedging transactions and mark-to-market of Debt denominated in foreign currencies resulting from the application of ASC 830 shall be excluded;

(h) [reserved]; and

(i) the income (or loss) of a Subsidiary during such Measurement Period and accrued prior to the date it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of any of the CSI Group or is merged into or consolidated with any of the CSI Group or that Person’s assets are acquired by any of the CSI Group shall be excluded.

Consolidated Non-cash Charges”: with respect to the CSI Group for any period, the aggregate non-cash depreciation, amortization, impairment, compensation, rent and other non-cash expenses of the CSI Group reducing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period on a Consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP (including non-cash charges resulting from purchase accounting in connection with any Acquisition or Disposition that is consummated after the Closing Date), but excluding (a) any such charge which consists of or requires an accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges for any future period and (b) the non-cash impact of recording the change in fair value of any embedded derivatives under ASC 815 and related interpretations as a result of the terms of any agreement or instrument to which such Consolidated Non-cash Charges relate.

Consolidated Taxes”: with respect to the CSI Group on a Consolidated basis for any period, provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital, including, without limitation, state franchise and similar taxes.

Contingent Obligation”: as to any Person, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Debt payable or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of ) such Debt, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Debt or other obligation of the payment or performance of such Debt, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Debt, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Debt of

 

-11-


the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Debt of any other Person, whether or not such Debt or other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Debt to obtain any such Lien); provided that the term “Contingent Obligation” shall not include endorsements of checks, drafts and other items for payment of money for collection or deposit in the Ordinary Course of Business. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the obligor in good faith.

Contractual Obligation”: as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement or instrument to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

Control”: the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

Credit Extension”: each of the following: (a) a Borrowing; and (b) an LC Credit Extension.

CSI Group”: collectively, the Company and its Subsidiaries (but excluding, for all purposes other than the financial statements, Unrestricted Subsidiaries).

Customary Recourse Exceptions”: with respect to any Non-Recourse Debt of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint venture, (a) Liens on and pledges of the Equity Interests of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or any joint venture owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent securing otherwise Non-Recourse Debt of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint venture and (b) exclusions from the exculpation provisions with respect to such Non-Recourse Debt for the voluntary bankruptcy of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint venture, fraud, misapplication of cash, environmental claims, waste, willful destruction and other circumstances customarily excluded by lenders from exculpation provisions or included in separate indemnification agreements in non-recourse financings.

Daily Simple SOFR”: with respect to any applicable determination date, the secured overnight financing rate published on such date by FRBNY, as administrator of the benchmark (or a successor administrator), on FRBNY’s website (or any successor source satisfactory to Administrative Agent).

Debt”: as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP:

(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;

(b) the maximum amount of all direct or contingent obligations of such Person arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments;

(c) net obligations of such Person under any Hedging Agreement;

(d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade payables and similar obligations) which purchase price is due more than 1 year after the later of the date of placing the property in service or taking delivery and title thereto;

 

-12-


(e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse; provided, however, that the amount of such Debt will be the lesser of the Fair Market Value of such asset at such date of determination, and the amount of such Debt of such other Person;

(f) all Attributable Debt of such Person;

(g) all obligations of such Person in respect of Disqualified Capital Stock; and

(h) to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation of such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, on the Debt of another Person of the type described in clauses (a) through (g) (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the Ordinary Course of Business).

The amount of any net obligation under any Hedging Agreement on any date shall be deemed to be the Hedging Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of any Debt that has been defeased or for which funds have been irrevocably deposited with the applicable trustee for redemption shall be deemed to be $0. Accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value, the amortization or accretion of original issue discount, the payment of interest in the form of additional Debt with the same terms, the accretion of liquidation preference and increases in the amount of Debt outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies will not be deemed to be Debt. Contingent Obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar instruments relating to, or Liens securing, Debt which is otherwise included in the determination of a particular amount of Debt shall not be included in the determination of such amount of Debt, provided that the Debt represented by such guarantee or letter of credit, as the case may be, was in compliance with this Agreement. Indebtedness that is cash collateralized shall not be deemed to be Debt hereunder to the extent of such cash collateralization. For the avoidance of doubt, Perpetual Preferred Equity Interest shall not constitute Debt.

Debtor Relief Laws”: as defined in Section 11.1.

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

Default Rate”: for any Obligation (including, to the extent permitted by law, interest not paid when due), 2% plus the interest rate otherwise applicable thereto, and with respect to the fee payable pursuant to Section 3.2.2 herein, as provided in the last sentence thereof.

Defaulting Lender”: any Lender that (a) has failed to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, and such failure is not cured within 2 Business Days of the date such obligations were required to be funded hereunder; (b) has notified Administrative Agent or any Borrower that such Lender does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder or under any other credit facility, or has made a public statement to that effect; (c) has failed, within 3 Business Days following request by Administrative Agent or any Borrower, to confirm in a manner satisfactory to Administrative Agent and Borrowers that such Lender will comply with its funding obligations hereunder; or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, become the subject of an Insolvency Proceeding (including reorganization, liquidation, or appointment of a receiver, custodian, administrator or similar Person by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other regulatory authority) or Bail-In Action; provided, however, that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of a Governmental Authority’s ownership of an equity interest in such Lender or parent company unless the ownership provides immunity for such Lender from jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets, or permits such Lender or Governmental Authority to repudiate, disavow, disaffirm or otherwise to reject such Lender’s agreements.

 

-13-


Deposit Account”: any “deposit account” as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC and in any event shall include all accounts and sub-accounts relating to any of the foregoing.

Deposit Account Control Agreement”: control agreement reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent executed by an institution maintaining a Deposit Account for an Obligor, to perfect Administrative Agent’s Lien on such account.

Designated Borrower”: Subsidiaries of the Company party hereto from time to time pursuant to Section 4.7.

Designated Borrower Notice”: as defined in Section 4.7.1

Designated Borrower Request and Assumption Agreement”: as defined in Section 4.7.1

Designated Jurisdiction”: any country or territory to the extent that such country or territory itself is the subject of any Sanction.

Dilution Percent”: the percent, determined for Borrowers’ most recently ended Fiscal Quarter, equal to (a) without duplication, bad debt write-downs or write-offs, discounts, returns, promotions, credits, credit memos and other dilutive items with respect to Accounts owing to the Borrowers, divided by (b) gross sales of the Borrowers.

Dilution Reserve”: the aggregate amount of reserves, as established by Administrative Agent from time to time in its Permitted Discretion, exercised in good faith, in an amount equal to the Value of the Eligible Accounts Receivable multiplied by 1.0% for each incremental whole percentage point that the Borrowers’ Dilution Percent exceeds 5.0% (for the avoidance of doubt, no reserve shall be imposed on the first 5.0% of dilution of Eligible Accounts Receivable). For purposes hereof, “Value” with respect to any Eligible Accounts Receivable means its face amount.

Disposition” or “Dispose”: the sale, transfer, exclusive license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property or any series of related dispositions of property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.

Disposition Reserve”: any reserve in respect of a Disposition of Collateral outside the Ordinary Course of Business established by Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

Disqualified Capital Stock”: any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable, in each case at the option of the holder thereof) or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable for any consideration other than other Equity Interests (which would not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is convertible or exchangeable for Debt or redeemable for any consideration other than other Equity Interests (which would not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock) at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the Termination Date; provided, however that (a) in no event shall Perpetual Preferred Equity Interest constitute Disqualified Capital Stock, (b) only the portion of such Equity Interests which so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so convertible or exchangeable or is so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date shall be deemed to be Disqualified Capital Stock and (c) with respect to any Equity Interests issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interest shall not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Company or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, resignation, death or disability and if any class of Equity Interest of such Person by its terms authorizes such Person to satisfy its obligations thereunder by delivery of an Equity Interest that is not Disqualified Capital Stock, such Equity Interests shall not be deemed to be Disqualified Capital Stock. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Equity Interest that would constitute Disqualified Capital Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Company or its Subsidiaries to repurchase such Equity Interest upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale shall not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock.

 

-14-


Division”: the division of assets, liabilities and/or obligations of a Person among two or more Persons (whether pursuant to a “plan of division” or similar arrangement), which may or may not include the original dividing Person and pursuant to which the original dividing Person may or may not survive.

Dollars”: lawful money of the United States.

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

Dominion Account”: any special account established by Borrowers at Bank of America, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates, over which Administrative Agent has control (and either has or may obtain exclusive control for withdrawal purposes); provided that the applicable Borrowers may have access to the funds in such account until such time as the Administrative Agent has delivered notice that it is exercising exclusive control over such Dominion Account (it being understood that the Administrative Agent is directed by the Lenders to and shall provide such notice on the Second Amendment Effective Date).

Drawing Document”: any Letter of Credit or other document presented for purposes of drawing under any Letter of Credit.

EEA Financial Institution”: (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in an EEA Member Country that is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority; (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country that is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) above; or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country that is a subsidiary of an institution described in the foregoing clauses and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

EEA Member Country”: any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway or any other country that is a member of the European Economic Area.

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

Electronic Copy”: as defined in Section 15.8.

Electronic Record” and “Electronic Signature”: as defined in 15 U.S.C. §7006.

Eligible Accounts Receivable”: on any date, all Accounts owing to a Borrower net of any returns, rebates, discounts (calculated on the shortest terms then available to the applicable Account Debtor), credits, other allowances and deductions, and Taxes (including sales, state excise or other taxes) that have been or could properly be claimed by the Account Debtor or any other Person (or are payable in the case of Taxes), in each case, as applicable, subject to the provisos set forth in clause (e) below. Unless otherwise approved in writing by Administrative Agent exercising its Permitted Discretion, no Account of any Borrower shall be deemed to be an Eligible Account Receivable if:

 

-15-


(a) it arises out of a sale made by a Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to an Affiliate or to an employee or a director of such Borrower or any other Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries; or

(b) (i) in the case of any Account due to any Borrower from an Account Debtor other than a Qualified Account Debtor, the Account is unpaid more than (A) 60 days after the original payment due date and/or (B) 90 days after the original invoice date and (ii) in the case of any Account due to any Borrower from Account Debtors whose long-term unsecured debt obligations are rated at least A by Moody’s or A2 by S&P (each, a “Qualified Account Debtor”), the Account is unpaid more than (A) 90 days after the original payment due date and/or (B) 120 days after the original invoice date; or

(c) it is from the same Account Debtor (or any Affiliate thereof) and 50% or more, in face amount, of all Accounts from such Account Debtor (and any Affiliate thereof) due to the Borrowers are ineligible hereunder; or

(d) the Accounts due to the Borrowers, when aggregated with all other Accounts of such Account Debtor (and any Affiliate thereof) due to the Borrowers, exceeds 15% in face amount of all Eligible Accounts Receivable of the Borrowers, combined then outstanding, to the extent of such excess, provided that, to the extent that any such Accounts are otherwise deemed to be an Eligible Account Receivable, (i) Accounts supported or secured by an irrevocable letter of credit in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, issued or confirmed by a financial institution reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, and duly transferred to Administrative Agent (together with sufficient documentation to permit direct draws by Administrative Agent) shall be deemed to be Eligible Accounts Receivable to the extent of the face amount of such letter of credit for the purposes of such calculation and (ii) with respect to the Account Debtors listed on Schedule 1.1(b) (and any Affiliate thereof), the percentage referred to above shall be deemed to be the percentage set forth on Schedule 1.1(b) opposite the name of such Account Debtor until such time as the Administrative Agent determines that a reduction in such percentage to 15% is necessary for such Account Debtor in its Permitted Discretion; or

(e) (i) the Account Debtor is also a creditor of any Borrower, (ii) the Account Debtor has disputed its liability on, or the Account Debtor has made any claim with respect to, such Account or any other Account due from such Account Debtor to the Borrowers, which has not been resolved, or (iii) the Account otherwise is or may reasonably be expected to become subject to any right of setoff by the Account Debtor or with respect to which any other claim, counterclaim, chargeback, rebate, allowance or offset has been asserted; provided that any Account deemed ineligible pursuant to this clause (e) shall only be ineligible to the extent of the amount owed by such Borrower to the Account Debtor, the amount of such dispute or claim, or the amount of such setoff, other claim, counterclaim, chargeback, rebate, allowance or offset, as applicable; provided, further, that the portion of any Account that would otherwise be deemed ineligible pursuant to this clause (e) shall not be deemed ineligible pursuant to this clause (e) to the extent (i) supported or secured by an irrevocable letter of credit in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, issued or confirmed by a financial institution reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, and duly transferred to Administrative Agent (together with sufficient documentation to permit direct draws by Administrative Agent) or (ii) subject to a no-offset letter in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent; or

(f) the Account Debtor has commenced a voluntary case under any Debtor Relief Law, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or made an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or if a decree or order for relief has been entered by a court having jurisdiction over the Account Debtor in an involuntary case under any Debtor Relief Law, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or if any other petition or other application for relief under any Debtor Relief Law has been filed by or against the Account Debtor, or if the Account Debtor has filed a certificate of dissolution under applicable state law or shall be liquidated, reorganized, dissolved or wound-up, or shall authorize or commence any action or proceeding for dissolution, reorganization, winding-up or liquidation, or if the Account Debtor has failed, suspended business, declared itself to be insolvent, is generally not paying its debts as they become due or has consented to or suffered a receiver, trustee, liquidator or custodian to be appointed for it or for all or a significant portion of its assets or affairs (any such act or event an “Act of Bankruptcy”), unless (i) the payment of Accounts from such Account Debtor is secured by assets of, or guaranteed by, in either case in

 

-16-


a manner reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, a Person with respect to which an Act of Bankruptcy has not occurred and that is reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent; (ii) if the Account from such Account Debtor arises subsequent to a decree or order for relief with respect to such Account Debtor under any Debtor Relief Law, as now or hereafter in effect, Administrative Agent shall have determined that the timely payment and collection of such Account will not be impaired; or (iii) the payment of such Account is supported or secured by an irrevocable letter of credit in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, issued or confirmed by a financial institution reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, and duly transferred to Administrative Agent (together with sufficient documentation to permit direct draws by Administrative Agent); or

(g) the sale is to an Account Debtor outside of the United States (including, any Account Debtor that (y) maintains a chief executive office outside the United States or (z) is not organized under applicable law of the United States), unless (i) such Account Debtor has supplied such Borrower with an irrevocable letter of credit in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, issued or confirmed by a financial institution reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent and which has been duly transferred to Administrative Agent (together with sufficient documentation to permit direct draws by Administrative Agent) or (ii) such Account is fully insured by credit insurance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent; or

(h) the sale to the Account Debtor is on a bill-and-hold, guarantied sale, sale-and-return, sale on approval or consignment basis, cash on delivery or made pursuant to any other written agreement providing for repurchase or return; or

(i) the Accounts of the Account Debtor exceed a credit limit determined by Administrative Agent, in its Permitted Discretion and reasonably taking into account the credit and financial circumstances of the Account Debtor, to the extent such Account exceeds such limit; or

(j) the Account Debtor is the United States of America, any state or any political subdivision, department, agency or instrumentality thereof, unless such Borrower duly assigns its rights to payment of such Account to Administrative Agent pursuant to the Collateral Assignment of Claims Act of 1940 (31 U.S.C. § 3727 et seq.) or complies with any similar state or local law as Administrative Agent shall require; or

(k) the goods giving rise to such Account have not been delivered to and accepted by the Account Debtor or the services giving rise to such Account have not been performed by such Borrower and accepted by the Account Debtor or the Account otherwise does not represent a final sale (except to the extent that such Account arises from a leasing transaction); or

(l) any documentation relating to the Account does not comply in all material respects with all applicable legal requirements, including, where applicable, the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, the Federal Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z of the FRB; or

(m) Administrative Agent does not have a valid and perfected first priority security interest in such Account; or

(n) the Accounts are subject to any adverse security deposit, progress payment or other similar advance made by or for the benefit of the applicable Account Debtor; or

(o) the Accounts are evidenced by or arise under any promissory note, instrument or chattel paper unless such instruments or chattel paper have been pledged to Administrative Agent containing such endorsement as Administrative Agent shall require in its Permitted Discretion; or

 

-17-


(p) the Account Debtor has a presence in a state or other jurisdiction requiring the filing of Notice of Business Activities Report or similar report in order to permit such Borrower to seek judicial enforcement in such state or other jurisdiction, as applicable, of payment of such Account unless such Borrower has qualified to do business in such state or other jurisdiction, as applicable, or has filed a Notice of Business Activities Report or equivalent report for the then current year or such failure to file and inability to seek judicial enforcement is capable of being remedied without any material delay or material cost; or

(q) the Account arises from progress billings or other billing arrangements such that the obligation of the Account Debtor with respect to such Account is conditioned upon such Borrower’s satisfactory completion of any further performance under the agreement giving rise thereto; or

(r) the Account (i) does not arise from the sale, lease, or rental of goods or performance of services in the Ordinary Course of Business or (ii) is not evidenced by an invoice or other documentation reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent which has been sent to the Account Debtor; or

(s) with respect to such Account, any covenant, representation, or warranty contained in the Loan Documents has been breached or is not true in all material respects; or

(t) with respect to such Account, any check or other instrument of payment has been returned or uncollected for any reason; or

(u) the Account is owed by an Account Debtor which has sold all or substantially all of its assets; or

(v) the Account is owed in any currency other than Dollars; or

(w) with respect to such Account, Administrative Agent determines such Account may not be paid by reason of the Account Debtor’s inability to pay or which Administrative Agent otherwise determines is unacceptable for any reason whatsoever; or

(x) the Account is subject to any Lien other than (i) a Lien in favor of Administrative Agent and (ii) a Lien permitted under Section 10.2.2. which does not have priority over the Lien in favor of Administrative Agent; or

(y) with respect to such Account, any Borrower has made any agreement with the Account Debtor for any reduction thereof, other than discounts and adjustments given in the Ordinary Course of Business; or

(z) the Account is deemed by Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion to be otherwise ineligible for inclusion in the calculation of the Borrowing Base.

Eligible Assignee”: a Person that is (a) a Lender (except for any Defaulting Lender and its Affiliates), Affiliate of a Lender or Approved Fund and (b) any other assignee (other than a natural person) approved by Administrative Agent (which approval by Administrative Agent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, approved by Borrower Agent (which approval by Borrower Agent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and shall be deemed given if no objection is made within 10 Business Days after written (which for this purpose may include email) notice of the proposed assignment is given to Borrower Agent).

Eligible Spare Parts Inventory”: on any date, any Spare Parts Inventory owned by a Borrower. Except otherwise approved in writing by Administrative Agent exercising its Permitted Discretion, no Spare Parts Inventory shall be Eligible Spare Parts Inventory unless:

 

-18-


(a) it is owned solely by one of the Borrowers and such Borrower has good, valid and marketable title thereto;

(b) it is at all times subject to Administrative Agent’s valid and duly perfected first priority security interest granted pursuant to this Agreement or any other Security Document and no other Lien (other than (x) any Lien permitted under Section 10.2.2(c) or (y) any landlord’s Lien to the extent a Rent and Charges Reserve with respect to the relevant leased property has been deducted from the Borrowing Base or a Lien Waiver has been obtained with respect thereto in accordance with clause (k)(ii) of the following sentence);

(c) the applicable Borrower shall at all times have title to such Spare Parts Inventory and shall have the ability to direct the disposition thereof (subject only to the rights of any lessee under any lease in effect with respect to such Spare Parts Inventory) and it is not located outside the United States or is in transit with a common carrier from vendors and suppliers;

(d) it is not obsolete, unmerchantable, defective, slow moving, unfit for sale, lease, rental or its intended use, as applicable, not salable at prices approximating at least the cost of such Spare Parts Inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business, or unacceptable due to age, type, category and/or quantity, in each case, as determined by Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion;

(e) it conforms in all material respects to the covenants, warranties and representations set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document;

(f) it conforms to all standards imposed by any Governmental Authority applicable to such Spare Parts Inventory or the use or sale thereof;

(g) it is not the subject of a consignment of any Borrower as consignor;

(h) is covered by insurance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent;

(i) it is not covered by a negotiable document of title, unless such document and evidence of insurance covering such Spare Parts Inventory has been delivered to Administrative Agent with all necessary endorsements;

(j) it is not perishable; and

(k) it is not located in any third party warehouse or in the possession of a bailee and it is not evidenced by a Document (as defined in the UCC), unless (A) such warehouseman or bailee has delivered to Administrative Agent a Lien Waiver or (B) Administrative Agent has established a Rent and Charges Reserve.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall (i) any Spare Parts Inventory leased by a Borrower, as lessee, under a Vendor Lease, (ii) any Spare Parts Inventory held at a leased property (other than Spare Parts Inventory on an active lease located at customer locations in the Ordinary Course of Business) unless a Lien Waiver has been obtained with respect thereto (or, if no Lien Waiver has been obtained, a Rent and Charges Reserve, has been deducted from the Borrowing Base) or (iii) any Spare Parts Inventory otherwise deemed ineligible by Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, constitute Eligible Spare Parts Inventory.

Enforcement Action”: any action to enforce any Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) or Loan Documents or to exercise any rights or remedies relating to any Collateral (whether by judicial action, self-help, notification of Account Debtors, setoff or recoupment, credit bid, action in an Obligor’s Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise).

Engagement Letter”: that certain engagement letter, dated as of April 25, 2018, between Company, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.

 

-19-


Environment”: ambient air, indoor air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, soil, surface and subsurface strata, and natural resources, such as wetlands, flora and fauna.

Environmental Laws”: any and all applicable federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, rules of common law, regulations, ordinances, codes, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution, the protection or preservation of the Environment or human health or safety (to the extent related to exposure to any Hazardous Materials), or the generation, use, handling, treatment, storage, disposal, transportation, Release or threatened Release of any materials into the Environment, including those related to Hazardous Materials, air emissions and waste water discharges.

Environmental Liability”: any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of a Borrower, any other Obligor or any of their respective Subsidiaries resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, disposal or treatment of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

Environmental Notice”: a written notice from any Governmental Authority of any possible noncompliance with, investigation of a possible violation of, litigation relating to, or potential fine or liability under any Environmental Law, or with respect to any Release or threatened Release of Hazardous Materials, including any complaint, summons, citation, order, claim, demand or request for information, remediation or otherwise, in each case, that would reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Equity Interest”: the interest of any (a) shareholder in a corporation; (b) partner in a partnership (whether general, limited, limited liability or joint venture); (c) member in a limited liability company; or (d) other Person having any other form of equity security or ownership interest.

ERISA”: the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate”: any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with an Obligor within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).

ERISA Event”: (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) withdrawal of an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) complete or partial withdrawal by an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan; (d) filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 of ERISA, or the institution of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan; (e) determination that any Pension Plan is considered an at-risk plan or a plan in critical or endangered status under the Code or ERISA; (f) an event or condition that constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for termination of, or appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan; (g) imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate; or (h) failure by an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate to meet all applicable requirements under the Pension Funding Rules in respect of a Pension Plan, whether or not waived, or to make a required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan.

 

-20-


EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule”: the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association, as in effect from time to time.

Event of Default”: as defined in Section 12.1.

Excess Availability”: at any time, the amount, if any, by which the (a) Line Cap exceeds (b) Revolver Usage.

Excess Availability Reserve”: an amount equal to $5,000,000.

Exchange Act”: Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any successor statute thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

Excluded Accounts”: as defined in Section 8.6(a).

Excluded Contributions”: the net cash proceeds, property or assets received by the Obligors or their respective Restricted Subsidiaries from contributions to, or the issuance or other sale of, the common equity capital of any Obligor.

Excluded Domestic Subsidiary”: (a) any Domestic Subsidiary that is (i) a FSHCO or (ii) owned directly or indirectly by a CFC and (b) Providence Natural Gas, LLC, an Oklahoma limited liability company, CSI Compressco Mexico Investment I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and CSI Compressco Mexico Investment II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Excluded Property”: with respect to any Obligor:

(a) any Real Estate;

(b) any lease, license, permit, agreement or instrument that would otherwise constitute Collateral (referred to solely for purpose of this clause (b) as a “Contract”) or any property subject thereto, in each case in existence on the Closing Date or upon acquisition of the relevant Obligor party thereto, to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein would violate or invalidate such Contract or create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto or otherwise require consent thereunder (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other Applicable Law (including the Bankruptcy Code) or principles of equity and only so long as such prohibition or consent requirement was not created in contemplation or anticipation of the Collateral requirements under this Agreement); provided that, in each case, to the extent otherwise constituting Collateral: (x) rights to payment under any such Contract otherwise constituting Excluded Property shall be included in the Collateral to the extent permitted under such Contract or by Section 9-406 or Section 9-408 of the UCC and (y) all proceeds paid or payable to any Obligor from any sale, transfer or assignment of such Contract and all rights to receive such proceeds shall be included in the Collateral;

(c) any Equity Interests;

(d) any property of any Obligor which is subject to an obligation under Capitalized Leases, purchase money obligation or other debt obligation if and to the extent that (i) such obligation under Capitalized Leases, purchase money obligation or other debt obligation was incurred pursuant to Section 10.2.1(c) and the agreements or documents granting or governing such obligation under Capitalized Leases, purchase money obligation or other debt obligation validly prohibit, or otherwise require any consent (but only so long as such prohibition or consent requirement was not created in contemplation or anticipation of the Collateral requirements under the Loan Documents) and (ii) such restriction described in subclause (i) above relates only to the asset or assets acquired by any Obligor and attachments and accessions thereto, improvements thereof or substitutions therefor; provided that, in each case, to the extent otherwise constituting Collateral all proceeds paid or payable to any Obligor from any sale, transfer or assignment or other voluntary or involuntary disposition of such assets and all rights to receive such proceeds shall be included in the Collateral to the extent not otherwise required to be paid to the holder of such under obligations under Capitalized Leases, purchase money obligation or other debt obligations secured by such assets;

 

-21-


(e) any asset in which a pledge or security interest is prohibited by applicable law, rule or regulation (other than to the extent that any such prohibition would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions));

(f) Excluded Accounts;

(g) any Property or assets owned by any Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(h) any intent-to-use trademark application prior to the filing of a “Statement of Use” or “Amendment to Allege Use” with respect thereto, to the extent, if any, that, and solely during the period, if any, in which, the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of such intent-to-use trademark application under applicable federal law;

(i) any governmental licenses or state or local franchises, charters and authorizations to the extent the granting of security interests therein are prohibited or restricted thereby;

(j) any letter of credit rights to the extent a Lien thereon cannot be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the UCC and Commercial Tort Claims not in excess of $1,000,000;

(k) any assets to the extent a security interest in such assets would result in materially adverse tax consequences as reasonably determined by the Company and Administrative Agent;

(l) any assets that require action under the law of any non-U.S. jurisdiction to create or perfect a security interest in such assets, including any intellectual property registered in any non-U.S. jurisdiction (and no security agreements or pledge agreements governed under the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction shall be required);

(m) any Vehicles; and

(n) any Property or assets with respect to which Administrative Agent reasonably determines in writing that the cost of obtaining a security interest or perfection thereof in such Property or assets is excessive in relation to the benefit to the Lenders of the security to be afforded thereby;

provided that, in any event, the proceeds received by any Obligor from the sale, transfer or other disposition of any Excluded Property shall only constitute Excluded Property if such proceeds meet any of the requirements set forth in clauses (a) through (n) above.

Excluded Swap Obligation”: with respect to an Obligor, (a) any Swap Obligation as to which, and only to the extent that, all or a portion of the guaranty by such Obligor of or grant of a Lien by such Obligor as security for such Swap Obligation is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) or (b) any other Swap Obligation designated as an “Excluded Swap Obligation” of such Obligor as specified in any agreement between the relevant Obligors and hedge counterparty applicable to such Swap Obligations, and agreed by Administrative Agent. If a Hedging Agreement governs more than one Swap Obligation, only the Swap Obligation(s) or portions thereof described in the foregoing sentence shall be Excluded Swap Obligation(s) for the applicable Obligor.

 

-22-


Excluded Taxes”: any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable Lending Office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of a Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender or Issuing Bank acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by Borrower Agent under Section 14.4) or (ii) such Lender or Issuing Bank changes its Lending Office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 5.8, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s assignor immediately prior to such assignment or to such Lender or Issuing Bank immediately prior to its change in Lending Office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 5.9 and (d) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

Existing Letters of Credit”: the letters of credit previously outstanding and cash collateralized under the Cash Collateral Agreement that are outstanding as of the Closing Date and listed on Schedule 2.2 hereto.

Extraordinary Expenses”: all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs, expenses or advances that Administrative Agent (or with respect to clause (e) and (f) below, any Lender, to the extent provided in Section 3.4 or 11.10) may incur during an Event of Default, or during the pendency of an Insolvency Proceeding of an Obligor, including those relating to (a) any audit, inspection, repossession, storage, repair, appraisal, insurance, manufacture, preparation or advertising for sale, sale, collection, or other preservation of or realization upon any Collateral; (b) any action, arbitration or other proceeding (whether instituted by or against Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Obligor, any representative of creditors of an Obligor or any other Person) in any way relating to any Collateral (including the validity, perfection, priority or avoidability of Administrative Agent’s Liens with respect to any Collateral), Loan Documents, Letters of Credit or Obligations, including any lender liability or other Claims; (c) the exercise of any rights or remedies of Administrative Agent in, or the monitoring of, any Insolvency Proceeding; (d) settlement or satisfaction of taxes, charges or Liens with respect to any Collateral; (e) any Enforcement Action; and (f) negotiation and documentation of any modification, waiver, workout, restructuring or forbearance with respect to any Loan Documents or Obligations. Such costs, expenses and advances include transfer fees, Other Taxes, storage fees, insurance costs, permit fees, utility reservation and reasonable and documented standby fees, legal fees and expenses, appraisal fees, brokers’ and auctioneers’ fees and commissions, accountants’ fees, environmental study fees, wages and salaries paid to employees of any Obligor or independent contractors in liquidating any Collateral, and travel expenses.

Fair Market Value”: with respect to any asset or Property, the price which could be negotiated in an arm’s-length, free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction, as determined by Borrower Agent in its good faith discretion. Fair Market Value may be (but need not be) conclusively established by means of an officer’s certificate or resolutions of the governing body of Borrower Agent setting out such Fair Market Value as determined by such Officer or such governing body in good faith with a statement in such officer’s certificate or resolutions about the material facts upon which such determination is based.

FATCA”: Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (including any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, any intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such Sections of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to such intergovernmental agreement.

 

-23-


Federal Funds Rate”: for any day, the per annum rate calculated by FRBNY based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depository institutions (as determined in such manner as FRBNY shall set forth on its public website from time to time) and published on the next Business Day by FRBNY as the federal funds effective rate; provided, that in no event shall the Federal Funds Rate be less than zero.

Finance Corp.”: CSI Compressco Finance Inc. (f/k/a Compressco Finance Inc.), a Delaware corporation.

Fiscal Quarter”: each period of 3 months, commencing on the first day of a Fiscal Year.

Fiscal Year”: the fiscal year of Borrowers and their Restricted Subsidiaries for accounting and tax purposes, ending on December 31 of each year.

Fixed Charges”: for any Measurement Period, the sum of, without duplication, (a) Consolidated Interest Charges paid in cash or required to be paid in cash for such Measurement Period (net of interest income for such Measurement Period), plus (b) the scheduled principal payments required to be made in cash on account of Debt (excluding the Obligations, and any Synthetic Lease Obligations, but including, without limitation, the principal portion of scheduled payments of Capitalized Lease obligations) for such Measurement Period, plus (c) the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments paid in cash by the Company during such Measurement Period, in each case of clauses (a) and (b) determined on a Consolidated basis for the CSI Group in accordance with GAAP.

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

Foreign Plan”: any employee benefit plan or arrangement (a) maintained or contributed to by any Obligor or Subsidiary that is not subject to the laws of the United States; or (b) mandated by a government other than the United States for employees of any Obligor or Subsidiary.

Foreign Subsidiary”: a Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

Fourth Amendment”: the Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, by and among the Borrowers, the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, and the Issuing Bank, the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent.

Fourth Amendment Effective Date”: November 10, 2021.

FRB”: the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.

FRBNY”: the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Fronting Exposure”: a Defaulting Lender’s interest in LC Obligations, Swingline Loans and Protective Advances, except to the extent Cash Collateralized by the Defaulting Lender or allocated to other Lenders hereunder.

FSHCO”: any entity with no material assets or business activities other than ownership of Equity Interest in one or more CFCs.

 

-24-


Full Payment”: with respect to any Obligations or Guaranteed Obligations, as applicable, (a) the full cash payment thereof (other than inchoate or contingent obligations for which no claim has been asserted), including any interest, fees and other charges accruing during an Insolvency Proceeding (whether or not allowed in the proceeding); (b) if such Obligations or Guaranteed Obligations are LC Obligations, Cash Collateralization thereof (or delivery of a standby letter of credit acceptable to Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, in the amount of required Cash Collateral); and (c) if such Obligations or Guaranteed Obligations are Secured Bank Product Obligations, arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Secured Bank Product Provider shall have been made. No Loans shall be deemed to have been paid in full unless all Commitments related to such Loans have expired or been terminated.

GAAP”: generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States from time to time.

General Partner”: CSI Compressco GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Governmental Approvals”: all authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses, waivers and exemptions of, registrations and filings with, and required reports to, all Governmental Authorities.

Governmental Authority”: the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supranational bodies, such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

Guaranteed Obligations”: as defined in Section 11.1.

Guarantor Payment”: as defined in Section 5.10.3(b).

Guarantors”: (a) each Borrower that is not the primary obligor for the payment or performance of any Obligations, and (b) each Guarantor that is or becomes a party to this Agreement (it being understood that any Person that guarantees the Secured Notes, the Senior Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g), or any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing, shall become a Guarantor hereunder). For the avoidance of doubt, upon the termination of any Subsidiary’s status as a Designated Borrower pursuant to Section 4.7, such Subsidiary shall be deemed a Guarantor unless such Subsidiary is otherwise released or not required to be a Guarantor, in each case, in accordance with this Agreement.

Guaranty”: the guaranty of each Guarantor set forth in Section 11 (including any joinders thereto).

Hazardous Materials”: all substances, materials or wastes listed, defined, designated or classified as a pollutant or contaminant, or as hazardous, toxic, explosive or radioactive, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances, materials or wastes of any nature which, in each case, are regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

Hedging Agreement”: a “swap agreement” as defined in Section 101(53B)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code.

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

Immaterial Subsidiary”: as of any date, any Restricted Subsidiary with total assets (based on Fair Market Value) as of such date, that are less than $2,000,000, and together with all other such Immaterial Subsidiaries, with total assets (based on Fair Market Value) of less than $10,000,000; provided that a Restricted Subsidiary will not be considered to be an Immaterial Subsidiary if, directly or indirectly, it provides any Contingent Obligation or otherwise provides direct credit support for any Debt of the Company; provided further that if any Restricted Subsidiary becomes an Immaterial Subsidiary which the Company elects to release as a Guarantor, the Company shall provide notice of such occurrence and election to Administrative Agent.

 

-25-


Indemnified Taxes”: (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of an Obligation; and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (a), Other Taxes.

Indemnitees”: Agent Indemnitees, Lender Indemnitees, Issuing Bank Indemnitees and Bank of America Indemnitees.

Insolvency Proceeding”: any case or proceeding commenced by or against a Person under any state, federal or foreign law for, or any agreement of such Person to, (a) the entry of an order for relief under the Bankruptcy Code, or any other insolvency, debtor relief or debt adjustment law; (b) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator, administrator, conservator or other custodian for such Person or any part of its Property; or (c) an assignment or trust mortgage for the benefit of creditors.

Intellectual Property”: all intellectual and similar Property of a Person, including inventions, designs, patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade secrets, confidential or proprietary information, customer lists, know-how, software and databases; all embodiments or fixations thereof and all related documentation, applications, registrations and franchises; all licenses or other rights to use any of the foregoing; and all books and records relating to the foregoing.

Interest Period”: as defined in Section 3.1.3.

Inventory”: as defined in the UCC, including all goods intended for sale, lease, display or demonstration; all work in process; and all raw materials, and other materials and supplies of any kind that are or could be used in connection with the manufacture, printing, packing, shipping, advertising, sale, lease or furnishing of such goods, or otherwise used or consumed in a Borrower’s business (but excluding Equipment).

Inventory Reserve”: reserves established by Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion to reflect declines in market value or to reflect factors that may negatively impact the value of Spare Parts Inventory, including change in salability, obsolescence, seasonality, theft, shrinkage, imbalance, change in composition or mix, markdowns and vendor chargebacks.

Investment”: with respect to any Person, all direct or indirect investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans (including guarantees or other obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees made in the Ordinary Course of Business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Debt, Equity Interests or other securities (including Acquisitions), together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. If any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of less than all of the Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary, the applicable Borrowers will be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Borrowers’ Investments in such Subsidiary that were not disposed of or sold.

IRS”: the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Issuing Bank”: as the context may require, (a) Bank of America (including any Lending Office of Bank of America); (b) any Additional Issuing Bank; (c) any replacement issuer appointed pursuant to Section 2.2.4; or (d) collectively, all of the foregoing. For the avoidance of doubt, references to “Issuing Bank” in Section 14.1 and Section 15.1 shall have the meaning specified in clause (c) of the foregoing sentence. Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, any reference to “Issuing Bank” herein shall be to the applicable Issuing Bank, as appropriate.

 

-26-


Issuing Bank Indemnitees”: any Issuing Bank and its Affiliates, and any of each of their respective partners, officers, directors, employees, agents, trustees, advisors and other representatives.

LC Application”: an application by Borrower Agent to Issuing Bank for issuance of a Letter of Credit, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Issuing Bank and Administrative Agent. In the event of any conflict between the terms of any LC Application and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall govern.

LC Conditions”: the following conditions necessary for issuance of a Letter of Credit: (a) each of the conditions set forth in clauses (a), (b), (c), (e) and (f) of Section 6.2; (b) after giving effect to such issuance, total LC Obligations do not exceed the Letter of Credit Subline, no Overadvance exists and Revolver Usage does not exceed the Line Cap; (c) the Letter of Credit and payments thereunder are denominated in Dollars or other currency reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank; and (d) Borrower Agent shall have delivered an LC Application in respect of such Letter of Credit. Additionally, no Issuing Bank shall have any obligation to issue a Letter of Credit if (i) any order, judgment, or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall, by its terms, purport to enjoin or restrain such Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any law applicable to such Issuing Bank or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such Issuing Bank shall prohibit or request that such Issuing Bank refrain from the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or (ii) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of such Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally.

LC Credit Extension”: with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance or reinstatement thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the increase of the amount thereof.

LC Documents”: all documents, instruments and agreements (including LC Requests and LC Applications) delivered by or on behalf of any Borrowers to an Issuing Bank or Administrative Agent in connection with any Letter of Credit.

LC Obligations”: the sum (without duplication) of (a) all amounts owing by Borrowers for drawings under Letters of Credit; and (b) the Stated Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit.

LC Request”: a request for issuance of a Letter of Credit, to be provided by Borrower Agent to Issuing Bank, in form reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent and Issuing Bank.

Lender Indemnitees”: Lenders and Secured Bank Product Providers and each of their Affiliates, and any of each of their respective partners, officers, directors, employees, agents, trustees, advisors and other representatives.

Lenders”: lenders party to this Agreement (including any Swing Line Lender) and any Person who hereafter becomes a “Lender” pursuant to an Assignment, other than any Person that shall have ceased to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment.

Lending Office”: the office (including any domestic or foreign Affiliate or branch) designated as such by a Lender or Issuing Bank by notice to Administrative Agent and Borrower Agent.

Letter of Credit”: (a) each Existing Letter of Credit and (b) each Standby Letter of Credit and Commercial Letter of Credit issued hereunder.

 

-27-


Letter of Credit Subline”: $25,000,000; provided, that the Letter of Credit Subline shall be shared ratably among the Lenders based on the lesser of (a) each Lender’s Commitment and (b) such Lender’s Pro Rata share of the Letter of Credit Subline.

License”: any license or agreement under which an Obligor is authorized to use Intellectual Property in connection with any manufacture, marketing, distribution or disposition of Collateral, any use of Property or any other conduct of its business.

Licensor”: any Person from whom an Obligor obtains the right to use any Intellectual Property.

Lien”: a Person’s interest in Property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, such Person, including any lien, security interest, pledge, mortgage, hypothecation, assignment, trust, reservation, encroachment, easement, right-of-way, covenant, condition, restriction, lease, or other title exception or encumbrance.

Lien Waiver”: (a) an agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit D or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, by which for any material Collateral located on leased premises, the lessor waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the Collateral, and agrees to permit Administrative Agent to enter upon the premises and remove the Collateral or to use the premises to store or dispose of the Collateral; (b) an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, by which for any Collateral held by a warehouseman, processor, shipper, customs broker or freight forwarder, such Person waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the Collateral, agrees to hold any Documents in its possession constituting Collateral as agent for Administrative Agent, and agrees to make available or turn over the Collateral to Administrative Agent upon request; (c) an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, by which for any Collateral held by a repairman, mechanic or bailee, such Person acknowledges Administrative Agent’s Lien, waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the Collateral, and agrees to make available or turn over the Collateral to Administrative Agent upon request; and (d) an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, by which for any Collateral subject to a Licensor’s Intellectual Property rights, the Licensor grants to Administrative Agent the right, vis-à-vis such Licensor, to enforce Administrative Agent’s Liens with respect to the Collateral, including the right to dispose of it with the benefit of the Intellectual Property, whether or not a default exists under any applicable License.

Line Cap”: as of any time or date of determination, the lesser of (a) the Borrowing Base then in effect and (b) the amount equal to the sum of the aggregate amount of Commitments of all Lenders then in effect minus the Excess Availability Reserve.

Liquidity”: as of any time or date of determination, the aggregate sum of Excess Availability and all unrestricted cash on hand of the Obligors (a) held in accounts of the Obligors in the United States; and (b) without regard to balances in any Excluded Account or Secured Notes Collateral Account.

Loan”: a loan made pursuant to Section 2.1, and any Swingline Loan, Overadvance Loan or Protective Advance.

Loan Documents”: this Agreement, Other Agreements and any other Security Documents, including, in each case, any amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto.

Management Services Agreement”: that certain Management Services Agreement among Spartan Energy Partners LP, Spartan Energy Partners GP LLC, the Company, the General Partner and Spartan Operating Company LLC dated as of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with Section 10.2.16.

Margin Stock”: as defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors.

 

-28-


Material Adverse Effect”: a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect on (a) the operations, business, assets, Properties, liabilities (actual or contingent) or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (b) the rights and remedies of Administrative Agent or any Lender under the Loan Documents; (c) the ability of the Obligors, taken as a whole, to perform their obligations under the Loan Documents; or (d) the validity or enforceability against any Obligor of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

Material Contract”: any contract, arrangement or material agreement filed, made available or otherwise posted (or required to have been filed, made available or otherwise posted) by the Borrowers with the SEC pursuant to any Securities Laws (a) as to which the breach, nonperformance, or cancellation by any party thereto would have a Material Adverse Effect or (b) which is set forth on Schedule 9.1.27 on the Closing Date.

Material Debt”: Debt (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Hedging Agreements, of any one or more of the Obligors and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $20,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Debt, the “principal amount” of the obligations any Obligors and any Subsidiary in respect of any Hedging Agreement at any time shall be the Hedging Termination Value.

Measurement Period”: at any date of determination, the most recently completed 4 consecutive Fiscal Quarters for which financial statements were required to have been delivered pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

Moody’s”: Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or any successor to the ratings business thereof.

Multiemployer Plan”: any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding 5 plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.

Net Income”: with respect to the CSI Group, the net income (loss) of such Persons, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends.

NOLV Percentage”: the net orderly liquidation value of the Eligible Spare Parts Inventory, expressed as a percentage of the net book value (not to exceed 100%) of such Eligible Spare Parts Inventory, expected to be realized at an orderly, negotiated sale held within a reasonable period of time, net of all liquidation expenses reasonably estimated to be incurred in connection with such liquidation in accordance with this Agreement, as determined from the most recent appraisal of each Borrower’s and each Restricted Subsidiary’s Spare Parts Inventory performed by an appraiser reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Non-Consenting Lender”: any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver or amendment that (i) requires the approval of each Lender or each affected Lender, in each case, in accordance with the terms of Section 15.1 and (ii) has been approved by the Required Lenders.

Non-Recourse Debt”: Debt (a) as to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (i) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, guarantee, indemnity, agreement or instrument that would constitute Debt) or (ii) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise, in each case of clause (i) and (ii) above, except for Customary Recourse Exceptions and (b) no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders of the Debt may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit upon notice, lapse of time or both any holder of any other Debt (other than the Obligations) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other Debt or cause the payment of the Debt to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity.

 

-29-


Notice of Borrowing”: a request by Borrower Agent of a Borrowing of Loans, substantially in the form of Exhibit E or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

Notice of Conversion/Continuation”: a request by Borrower Agent of a conversion or continuation of any Loans as BSBY Loans, substantially in the form of Exhibit F or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

Obligations”: all (a) principal of and premium, if any, on the Loans, (b) LC Obligations and other obligations of Obligors with respect to Letters of Credit, (c) interest, expenses, fees, indemnification obligations, Extraordinary Expenses and other amounts payable by Obligors under Loan Documents, (d) Secured Bank Product Obligations, and (e) other Debts, obligations and liabilities of any kind owing by Obligors pursuant to the Loan Documents, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether evidenced by a note or other writing, whether allowed in any Insolvency Proceeding, whether arising from an extension of credit, issuance of a letter of credit, acceptance, loan, guaranty, indemnification or otherwise, and whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, primary or secondary, or joint or several; provided, that Obligations of an Obligor shall not include its Excluded Swap Obligations.

Obligor”: each Borrower, Guarantor or other Person that is liable for payment of any Obligations or that has granted a Lien on its assets in favor of Administrative Agent to secure any Obligations.

OFAC”: Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department.

Operating LLC” as defined in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Ordinary Course of Business”: the ordinary course of business of any Borrower or Restricted Subsidiary, undertaken in good faith and consistent with Applicable Law.

Organizational Documents”: (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, limited partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

Other Agreement”: the Engagement Letter, Lien Waivers, the Collateral Rights Agreements and all LC Documents, Designated Borrower Requests and Assumption Agreements, fee letters, other agreements, certificates, documents and instruments entered into in connection herewith or therewith (exclusive of term sheets but including Borrowing Base Reports, Compliance Certificates, Payment Conditions Certificates, the Perfection Certificate and any other perfection certificate), and promissory notes now or hereafter delivered by an Obligor or other Person to Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with any transactions relating hereto, in each, as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

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

Other Taxes”: all present or future stamp, court, documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a Lien under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 14.4(c)).

 

-30-


Overadvance”: as defined in Section 2.1.5.

Overadvance Loan”: a Base Rate Loan made when an Overadvance exists or is caused by the funding thereof.

Parent”: Spartan Energy Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Participant”: as defined in Section 14.2.1.

Partnership Agreement”: the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of CSI Compressco LP, dated as of August 8, 2016, as in effect on the Closing Date and as amended, supplemented or modified to the extent not prohibited by Section 10.2.16.

Patriot Act”: the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Pub. L. No. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272 (2001).

Payment Conditions”: with respect to any applicable payment or transaction, each of the following conditions:

(a) during the immediately preceding 30 consecutive day period and as of the date of any such payment or transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Event of Default shall exist or has occurred and is continuing; and

(b) either

(i)(A) during the immediately preceding 30 consecutive day period on a pro forma basis Excess Availability shall have been equal to or greater than 20.0% of the Line Cap then in effect and Liquidity shall have exceeded $17,500,000, with no less than $10,000,000 of Liquidity attributable to Excess Availability and (B) after giving effect to the payment or transaction, on a pro forma basis using the most recent calculation of the Borrowing Base immediately prior to any such payment or transaction, Excess Availability shall be equal to or greater than 20.0% of the Line Cap then in effect and Liquidity shall have exceeded $17,500,000, with no less than $10,000,000 of Liquidity attributable to Excess Availability; or

(ii)(A) during the immediately preceding 30 consecutive day period on a pro forma basis Excess Availability shall have been equal to or greater than 17.5% of the Line Cap then in effect and Liquidity shall have exceeded $15,000,000, with no less than $10,000,000 of Liquidity attributable to Excess Availability, (B) after giving effect to the payment or transaction, on a pro forma basis using the most recent calculation of the Borrowing Base immediately prior to any such payment or transaction, Excess Availability shall be equal to or greater than 17.5% of the Line Cap then in effect and Liquidity shall have exceeded $15,000,000, with no less than $10,000,000 of Liquidity attributable to Excess Availability and (C) as of the date of any such payment or transaction, and after giving effect thereto on a pro forma basis (including with respect to periods prior to the Closing Date), the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Measurement Period ending on the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter prior to such payment or transaction for which Administrative Agent has received financial statements in accordance with Section 6.1(n), Section 10.1.2(a) or Section 10.l.2(b) shall be at least 1.00 to 1.00; and

(c) receipt by Administrative Agent of a certificate of a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent certifying as to compliance with the preceding clauses and demonstrating (in reasonable detail) the calculations required thereby (each, a “Payment Conditions Certificate”).

 

-31-


Payment Item”: each check, draft or other item of payment payable to any Obligor, including those constituting proceeds of any Collateral.

PBGC”: the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

Pension Funding Rules”: Code and ERISA rules regarding minimum required contributions (including installment payments) to Pension Plans set forth in, for plan years ending prior to the Pension Protection Act of 2006 effective date, Section 412 of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA, both as in effect prior to such act, and thereafter, Sections 412, 430 and 436 of the Code and Sections 302 and 303 of ERISA.

Pension Plan”: any employee pension benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate or to which the Obligor or ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the preceding 5 plan years.

Perfection Certificate”: a Perfection Certificate, substantially in the form of Exhibit G or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, provided to Administrative Agent by the Obligors as of the Closing Date.

Permitted Acquisition”: an Acquisition by any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries, provided that (a) the Person to be (or the property of which is to be) so purchased or otherwise acquired shall be engaged in substantially the same lines of business as one or more of the businesses of the Obligor and their Subsidiaries or in a business or businesses that are similar, reasonably related, incidental, ancillary or complementary thereto, or are a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof; (b) the board of directors, or similar applicable governing body, of the Person to be acquired shall not have indicated its opposition to the consummation of such acquisition (or shall have publicly withdrawn any such opposition); (c) at the time of such Acquisition and immediately thereafter, (i) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and (ii) the Payment Conditions have been satisfied; (d) if such acquired Person has outstanding Debt at the time of such Acquisition, such Debt is permitted pursuant to Section 10.2.1; (e)(i) any such newly-created or acquired Subsidiary and any applicable Obligor shall comply with the requirements of Section 10.1.12 and (ii) if such Acquisition is an Acquisition of the Equity Interests of a Person, such Acquisition is structured so that the acquired Person shall become a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of an Obligor and (f) with respect to any Acquisition for which the consideration with respect to such Acquisition exceeds $5,000,000 (excluding any consideration paid with Equity Interests), the Borrowers shall have delivered to Administrative Agent and each Lender, at least 5 Business Days prior to the date on which such Acquisition is to be consummated (or such shorter period as Administrative Agent may reasonably agree), a certificate of a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, certifying that all of the requirements set forth in this definition have been satisfied or will be satisfied on or prior to the consummation of such Acquisition.

Permitted Discretion”: a determination made in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable (from the perspective of a secured asset based lender) business judgment (as such judgment is applied by Administrative Agent to comparable asset based lending transactions).

Permitted Investment”: any Investment permitted under Section 10.2.4.

“Permitted Investor Group”: Sponsor and its Affiliates other than the Company and its Subsidiaries.

Permitted Liens”: as defined in Section 10.2.2.

Permitted Sale/Leaseback Transactions”: (i) the Spartan Sale/Leaseback and (ii) the sale or transfer of other real or personal property by a Person with the intent to lease or rent such property as lessee for substantially the same purpose as the property sold or transferred, provided that the value of all personal property sold under this clause (ii) does not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate for all such transactions.

 

-32-


Perpetual Preferred Equity Interest” any Equity Interest issued pursuant to a Perpetual Preferred Equity Issuance.

Perpetual Preferred Equity Issuance”: any issuance of preferred units, issued in one or more series (i) with a perpetual term; (ii) which is not mandatorily redeemable; (iii) which provides for scheduled payments or dividends in cash; (iv) which does not become convertible into or exchangeable for Debt or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Capital Stock, in each case, prior to the date that is 91 days after the Termination Date; (v) which results in a total aggregate issued amount of such Perpetual Preferred Equity Interests not to exceed $75,000,000; and (vi) which is issued (or, if applicable, later amended or modified) pursuant to terms and documentation reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

Person”: any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Plan”: any employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) maintained for employees of an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate, or to which an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate is required to contribute on behalf of its employees.

Platform”: as defined in Section 15.3.3.

Preferred Stock”: any Equity Interest with preferential right of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up.

Prime Rate”: the rate of interest publicly announced by Bank of America from time to time as its prime rate. Bank of America bases such rate on various factors, including its costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and uses the rate as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above or below such rate. Any change in such rate publicly announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the public day specified in the announcement of such change.

Pro Rata”: with respect to any Lender, a percentage (rounded to the ninth decimal place) determined (a) by dividing the amount of such Lender’s Commitment by the aggregate outstanding Commitments; or (b) following termination of the Commitments, by dividing the amount of such Lender’s Loans and LC Obligations by the aggregate outstanding Loans and LC Obligations or, if all Loans and LC Obligations have been paid in full and/or Cash Collateralized, by dividing such Lender’s and its Affiliates’ remaining Obligations by the aggregate remaining Obligations.

Property”: any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible.

Protective Advances”: as defined in Section 2.1.6.

PTE”: a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.

Qualified ECP”: an Obligor with total assets exceeding $10,000,000, or that constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act and can cause another Person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of such act.

 

-33-


Real Estate”: all right, title and interest (whether as owner, lessor or lessee) in any real Property or any buildings, structures, parking areas or other improvements thereon.

Recipient”: Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or any other recipient of a payment to be made by an Obligor under a Loan Document or on account of an Obligation.

Refinancing Debt”: with respect to any Person, any refinancing, renewal, replacement or extension of any Debt (“Original Debt”) of such Person; subject to the following conditions with respect to such Refinancing Debt: (a) it is in an aggregate principal amount that does not exceed the principal amount of the Original Debt (other than an increase in an aggregate principal amount resulting solely from any capitalized or payment in kind interest, premium (including any customary tender premiums) thereon and other amounts paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred in connection therewith); (b) it has a final maturity no sooner than and a weighted average life no less than, the Original Debt; (c) if the Original Debt is subordinated, it is subordinated to the Obligations at least to the same extent as the Original Debt or otherwise on terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent; (d) with respect to Material Debt, unless approved by Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, the representations, covenants and defaults applicable to it are no less favorable (taken as a whole) in any material respect to the Borrowers, than those applicable to the Original Debt; (e) no additional Lien (other than Liens on Property not constituting Collateral) is granted to secure it; (f) no additional Person is obligated on such Debt; (g) upon giving effect to it, no Event of Default exists, (h) in the case of Senior Notes, the Secured Notes, any additional notes issued pursuant to the Senior Notes Indenture or the Secured Notes Indenture and any Debt permitted to be issued pursuant to Section 10.2.1(g), (i) is not scheduled to mature prior to the date that is 91 days after the Termination Date and (ii) does not mature or have scheduled amortization payments of principal or payments of principal and is not subject to mandatory redemption, repurchase, prepayment or sinking fund obligation (except customary asset sale or change of control provisions), in each case prior to 91 days after the Termination Date at the time such Debt is incurred; (i) in the case of any secured Original Debt, if such Refinancing Debt is secured, no material amount of additional Property is added to the collateral secured thereby; and (j) in the case of Secured Notes, any additional notes issued pursuant to the Secured Notes Indenture, and any Debt permitted to be issued pursuant to Section 10.2.1(g), it is subject to a Collateral Rights Agreement.

Registered Public Accounting Firm”: has the meaning specified in the Securities Laws and shall be independent of the Company as prescribed by the Securities Laws.

Reimbursement Date”: as defined in Section 2.2.2(a).

Release”: any release, spill, emission, discharge, deposit, disposal, leaking, pumping, pouring, dumping, emptying, injection, leaching or migration into or through the Environment, or into, from or through any building, structure or facility.

Relevant Government Body”: the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or any successor thereto.

Rent and Charges Reserve”: reserves which may be taken by Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion with respect to Eligible Spare Parts Inventory in an amount up to the aggregate of, without duplication, (a) all past due rent, storage, transportation and other amounts owing by a Borrower to any landlord, warehouseman, operator, pipeline, processor, repairman, mechanic, shipper, freight forwarder, broker or other Person who possesses any Eligible Spare Parts Inventory and (b) if the owner or operator of a facility or other location where any Eligible Spare Parts Inventory is located (other than customer locations where Eligible Spare Parts Inventory is located in the Ordinary Course of Business consistent with past practices) has not entered into a Lien Waiver in favor of Administrative Agent, an amount equal to 2 months of rent, storage, transportation and other amounts payable to the applicable owner or operator of such facility or other location; provided that any Rent and Charges Reserve taken with respect to any location at which any Eligible Spare Parts Inventory is located shall not exceed the value of such Eligible Spare Parts Inventory stored at such location.

 

-34-


Report”: as defined in Section 13.2.3.

Reportable Event”: any event set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than an event for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.

Required Lenders”: at any time there are (a) less than three Lenders, all such Lenders and (b) three or more Lenders, two or more Lenders holding not less than 66.67% of (i) the aggregate outstanding Commitments or (ii) following termination of the Commitments, the aggregate outstanding Loans and LC Obligations or, if all Loans and LC Obligations have been paid in full, the aggregate remaining Obligations; provided, however, that Commitments, Loans and other Obligations held by a Defaulting Lender and its Affiliates shall be disregarded in making such calculation, but any related Fronting Exposure shall be deemed held as a Loan or LC Obligation by the Secured Party that funded the applicable Loan or issued the applicable Letter of Credit.

Rescindable Amount”: as defined in Section 4.1.3(c).

Resolution Authority”: an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.

Restricted Payment”: any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any capital stock or other Equity Interest of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such capital stock or other Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to the Company’s or a Restricted Subsidiary’s stockholders, partners, limited partners, general partners, or members (or the equivalent Person thereof).

Restricted Subsidiary”: any Subsidiary that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a direct or indirect Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Revolver Usage”: (a) the aggregate amount of outstanding Loans; plus (b) the aggregate Stated Amount of outstanding Letters of Credit, except to the extent Cash Collateralized by Borrowers and, without duplication, the aggregate amount of all unreimbursed drawings under Letters of Credit.

S&P”: Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor to the ratings business thereof.

Sanctioned Person”: at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by OFAC, the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom, the European Union, any EU member state or other relevant sanctions authority, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Designated Jurisdiction or (c) any Person owned or controlled by any such Person.

Sanctions”: economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority.

 

-35-


Sarbanes-Oxley”: the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

SEC”: the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

Second Amendment”: that certain Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2020, by and among the Borrowers, the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, the Issuing Bank, the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent.

Second Amendment Effective Date”: has the meaning given such term in the Second Amendment.

Secured Bank Product Obligations”: Debt, obligations and other liabilities with respect to Bank Products owing by an Obligor or a Restricted Subsidiary of a Borrower and/or a Guarantor to a Secured Bank Product Provider; provided, that Secured Bank Product Obligations of an Obligor shall not include its Excluded Swap Obligations.

Secured Bank Product Provider”: (a) Bank of America or any of its Affiliates; and (b) any Person that (i) at the time it enters into a Bank Product is a Lender or any of its Affiliates or (ii) at the time it (or its Affiliate) becomes a Lender, is a party to a Bank Product with an Obligor or a Restricted Subsidiary of a Borrower and/or a Guarantor, in each case in its capacity as a party to such Bank Product (even if such Person ceases to be a Lender or such Person’s Affiliate ceases to be a Lender), provided that such Bank Product is not secured by the Secured Notes Collateral and such provider delivers written notice to Administrative Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, within 10 days following the later of the Closing Date, June 26, 2019, creation of the Bank Product or the date on which such provider becomes a Lender, (A) describing the Bank Product and setting forth the maximum amount to be secured by the Collateral and the methodology to be used in calculating such amount; (B) agreeing to be bound by Section 13.13; and (C) designating any Hedging Agreements as Secured Bank Product Obligations to be pari passu with the Loans to the extent applicable.

Secured Notes”: the Company and Finance Corp.’s 7.500% senior secured first lien notes due 2025 issued pursuant to the Secured Notes Indenture.

Secured Notes Collateral”: substantially all of the property and assets of the Obligors (including, without limitation, the Secured Notes Collateral Account), now owned or hereafter acquired, that do not constitute Collateral or, as applicable, Excluded Property.

Secured Notes Collateral Account”: collectively, any deposit or other account (in each case, if such account exists on the Closing Date, to be identified in writing to Administrative Agent on or prior to the Closing Date), which solely includes (a) identifiable proceeds received from (i) asset sales of Secured Notes Collateral required to be deposited therein in accordance with the terms of any indenture, note agreement or other agreement governing the Secured Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g) or any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing, (ii) foreclosures on or sales of Secured Notes Collateral or (iii) any other awards or proceeds of Secured Notes Collateral (including insurance proceeds with respect to events of loss relating to Secured Notes Collateral) pursuant to the security documents in respect of the Secured Notes, any additional notes issued pursuant to the Secured Notes Indenture, any Debt permitted to be issued pursuant to Section 10.2.1(g) and any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing, including earnings, revenues, rents, issues, profits and income from the Secured Notes Collateral received pursuant to such security documents after foreclosure or conveyance in lieu of foreclosure, and interest earned thereon or (b) the proceeds of the Secured Notes, any additional notes issued pursuant to the Secured Notes Indenture, any Debt permitted to be issued pursuant to Section 10.2.1(g) and any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing received on the issue date thereof.

 

-36-


Secured Notes Collateral Trustee”: U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as the collateral trustee under the Secured Notes Indenture.

Secured Notes Documents”: the “Notes Documents” under (and as defined in) the Secured Notes Indenture as of the Closing Date.

Secured Notes Indenture”: the indenture dated as of March 22, 2018 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), among the Company, Finance Corp., the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and the Secured Notes Collateral Trustee.

Secured Parties”: Administrative Agent, Issuing Banks, Lenders and Secured Bank Product Providers.

Securities Account Control Agreement”: control agreement reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent executed by an institution maintaining a Securities Account for an Obligor, to perfect Administrative Agent’s Lien on such account.

Securities Laws”: the Securities Act of 1933, the Exchange Act, Sarbanes-Oxley and the applicable accounting and auditing principles, rules, standards and practices promulgated, approved or incorporated by the SEC or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, as each of the foregoing may be amended and in effect on any applicable date hereunder.

Security Documents”: this Agreement, the Guaranties, Deposit Account Control Agreements, Securities Account Control Agreements and all other documents, instruments and agreements now or hereafter securing (or given with the intent to secure) any Obligations.

Senior Notes”: Company and Finance Corp.’s 7.25% senior notes due 2022 issued pursuant to the Senior Notes Indenture.

Senior Notes Indenture”: the indenture dated as of August 4, 2014 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), among the Company, Finance Corp., the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

Senior Notes Redemption”: the redemption of the Senior Notes in full on or before the forty-fifth (45th) day after the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, on terms substantially similar to those provided to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on or prior to the Fourth Amendment Effective Date or otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

Senior Officer”: the chairman of the board, president, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, controller, treasurer or any senior vice president of a Borrower (or of the General Partner acting on behalf of a Borrower) or, if the context requires, any other Person.

Service and Rental Fleet Equipment”: equipment owned by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries and (i) used by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries to provide compression, other production enhancement services or other ancillary services, (ii) leased to customers to perform such services, or (iii) held for sale, in all instances for clauses (i)—(iii), in connection with the production, transportation or storage of oil and natural gas.

Settlement Report”: a report summarizing Loans and participations in LC Obligations outstanding as of a given settlement date, allocated to Lenders on a Pro Rata basis in accordance with their Commitments.

SOFR”: the secured overnight financing rate published by FRBNY, as administrator of the benchmark (or a successor administrator), on its website (or any successor source satisfactory to Agent).

 

-37-


SOFR Adjustment”: (a) with respect to Daily Simple SOFR, 0.11448%, and (b) with respect to Term SOFR, 0.11448% for a one month interest period, 0.26161% for a three month interest period and 0.42826% for a six month interest period.

Solvent”: with respect to any Person on a particular date, that on such date (a) at fair valuation, all of the Properties and assets of such Person are greater than the sum of the debts, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair saleable value of the Properties and assets of such Person will be greater than the amount that would be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person is able to realize upon its Properties and assets and pay its debts and other liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature in the normal course of business, (d) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts beyond such Person’s ability to pay as such debts mature, and (e) such Person is not engaged in a business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in a business or transaction, for which such Person’s Properties and assets would constitute unreasonably small capital after giving due consideration to the prevailing practices in the industry in which such Person is engaged. The amount of all guarantees at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at the time, can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

Spare Parts Inventory”: all Inventory consisting of “parts and supplies” as shown on the balance sheet of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries but, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include “work-in-progress” as shown on the balance sheet of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Spartan Acquisition”: as defined in the Third Amendment.

Spartan Dropdown”: as defined in the Fourth Amendment.

Spartan Holdings”: Treating Holdco LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Spartan Sale/Leaseback”: as defined in the Fourth Amendment.

Specified Obligor”: a Guarantor that is not then an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act (determined prior to giving effect to Section 5.10).

Specified Transaction”: any incurrence or repayment of Debt (other than for working capital purposes) or Investment or capital contribution that results in a Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary, any acquisition or any disposition that results in a Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Subsidiary of the Company, any Investment constituting an acquisition of assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of another Person, or any Disposition of a business unit, line of business or division of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case whether by merger, consolidation, amalgamation or otherwise.

Sponsor”: SilverHawk Capital Partners, LLC and any fund managed or administrated by SilverHawk Capital Partners, LLC.

Standard Letter of Credit Practice”: for any Issuing Bank, any domestic or foreign law or letter of credit practices applicable in the city in which such Issuing Bank issued the applicable Letter of Credit or, for its branch or correspondent, such laws and practices applicable in the city in which it has advised, confirmed or negotiated such Letter of Credit, as the case may be, in each case, (a) which letter of credit practices are of banks that regularly issue letters of credit in the particular city, and (b) which laws or letter of credit practices are required or permitted under (i) with respect to any Standby Letter of Credit, the International Standby Practices 1998 (International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590) or (ii) with respect to any Commercial Letter of Credit, the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits 2007 Revision (International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600); each of (i) and (ii) above, as adopted by the International Chamber of Commerce and including any subsequent revisions thereof as of the date such Letter of Credit is issued, as chosen in the applicable Letter of Credit.

 

-38-


Standby Letter of Credit”: any Letter of Credit that is not a Commercial Letter of Credit.

Stated Amount”: with respect to any outstanding Letter of Credit, including, if applicable, any automatic increase or tolerance (whether or not then in effect) provided by the Letter of Credit or related LC Documents, the amount of such Letter of Credit that is or may become available to be drawn.

Sub Inc.” as defined in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Subsidiary”: any entity more than 50% of whose voting securities or Equity Interests is owned by a Borrower or combination of Borrowers (including indirect ownership through other Persons in which a Borrower directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of the voting securities or Equity Interests).

Successor Rate”: as defined in Section 3.6.2.

Swap Obligations”: with respect to an Obligor, its obligations under a Hedging Agreement that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Swing Line Lender”: Bank of America in its capacity as provider of Swingline Loans, or any successor swing line lender hereunder.

Swingline Loan”: any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans funded with Swing Line Lender’s funds, until such Borrowing is settled among Lenders or repaid by Borrowers.

Synthetic Lease Obligation”: the monetary obligation of a Person under (a) so-called synthetic, off-balance sheet or tax retention lease, or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property (including sale and leaseback transactions), in each case, creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment).

Tax Reserve”: the aggregate amount of reserves established by Administrative Agent from time to time in its Permitted Discretion in respect of federal and state excise Taxes and sales Taxes that are due and payable by the Borrowers (except if being contested in good faith in appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been taken in accordance with GAAP and such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation).

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

Term SOFR”: for the applicable corresponding Interest Period of BSBY (or if any Interest Period does not correspond to an interest period applicable to SOFR, the closest corresponding interest period of SOFR, but if such interest period of SOFR corresponds equally to two Interest Periods of BSBY, the corresponding interest period of shorter duration shall be applied), the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Government Body.

Termination Date”: June 29, 2023; provided that, if such date is not a Business Day, the Termination Date shall be the preceding Business Day.

Third Amendment”: the Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2021, by and among the Borrowers, the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, and the Issuing Bank, the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent.

 

-39-


Third Amendment Effective Date”: as defined in the Third Amendment.

Transactions”: with respect to the Obligors, the execution, delivery and performance by the Obligors of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and the borrowing of Loans by the Borrowers, the use of the proceeds thereof, the issuance or deemed issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder, the guarantee of the Obligations and the grant of Liens by the Obligors on Collateral pursuant to the Loan Documents and the payment of any fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.

Transferee”: any actual or potential Eligible Assignee, Participant or other Person acquiring an interest in any Obligations.

Transition Services Agreement”: the Transition Services Agreement dated as of the Third Amendment Effective Date between Tetra (as defined in the Third Amendment) and the Company or as otherwise amended, supplemented or modified from time to time to the extent not prohibited by Section 10.2.16.

UCC”: the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York or, when the laws of any other jurisdiction govern the perfection or enforcement of any Lien, the Uniform Commercial Code of such jurisdiction.

UK Financial Institution”: any BRRD Undertaking (as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any person subject to IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms.

UK Resolution Authority”: the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.

Unrestricted Subsidiary”: any Subsidiary of the Company that is designated by the board of directors of the General Partner of the Company on behalf of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors of the General Partner as certified in a certificate delivered to Administrative Agent by a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent, but only to the extent that such Subsidiary:

(a) has no Debt other than Non-Recourse Debt owing to any person other than the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(b) is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained, in light of all the circumstances, at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Company;

(c) is a Person with respect to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect contractual obligation (x) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (y) to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause such Persons to achieve any specified levels of operating results;

(d) has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit support for any Debt of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, except to the extent such guarantee or credit support would be released upon such designation;

 

-40-


(e) would constitute an Investment which the Company could make in compliance with Section 10.2.4; and

(f) (i) does not have any Secured Bank Product Obligations outstanding or otherwise owing by such Person to a Secured Bank Product Provider and (ii) is not a direct or indirect parent entity of a Restricted Subsidiary with Secured Bank Product Obligations outstanding or otherwise owing to a Secured Bank Product Provider.

Notwithstanding the preceding requirements, (i) if, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding requirements, it shall thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of this Agreement and any Debt of such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be incurred as of such date, (ii) no Subsidiary may be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary hereunder unless such Subsidiary is or substantially contemporaneously with such designation becomes designated as an “Unrestricted Subsidiary” (however defined) under and within the meaning of each indenture, note agreement or other agreement governing the Secured Notes, the Senior Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g), and any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing, and (iii) all Subsidiaries of an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall also be Unrestricted Subsidiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, Spartan Holdings and each of its subsidiaries have been designated by the Company as Unrestricted Subsidiaries hereunder as of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date pursuant to Section 10.1.16.

Unused Line Fee Rate”: a per annum rate equal to 0.50%.

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

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”: as defined in Section 5.9.2(b)(iii).

Vehicles”: all motor vehicles, airplanes, vessels, tractors, trailers and other assets subject to certificates of title.

Vendor Lease”: a lease pursuant to which Goods (as defined in the UCC) are leased from a Vendor Lessor, whether or not such lease constitutes an operating or a capital lease under GAAP and whether or not such lease constitutes a true lease or a secured transaction under the UCC or any other requirement of Applicable Law.

Vendor Lessor”: a Person who leases Goods (as defined in the UCC) to another Person.

Voting Stock”: of any Person as of any date, the Equity Interests of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the board of directors of such Person.

Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary”: with respect to any Person shall mean a Domestic Subsidiary of such Person of which Equity Interests representing 100% of the Equity Interests (other than directors’ qualifying shares and other nominal amounts of Equity Interests that are required to be held by other Persons under Applicable Law) are, at the time any determination is being made, owned, controlled or held by such Person or one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary”: with respect to any Person shall mean a Subsidiary of such Person of which Equity Interests representing 100% of the Equity Interests (other than directors’ qualifying shares and other nominal amounts of Equity Interests that are required to be held by other Persons under Applicable Law) are, at the time any determination is being made, owned, controlled or held by such Person or one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

Withholding Agent”: any Obligor and Administrative Agent (including any successor or replacement Administrative Agent).

 

-41-


Write-Down and Conversion Powers”: (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.

1.2. Accounting Terms. Under the Loan Documents (except as otherwise specified therein), all accounting terms shall be interpreted, all accounting determinations shall be made, and all financial statements shall be prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis with the most recent audited financial statements of Company and its Subsidiaries delivered to Administrative Agent before the Closing Date and using the same inventory valuation method as used in such financial statements, except for any change required or permitted by GAAP if Borrowers’ certified public accountants concur in such change, the change is disclosed to Administrative Agent, and all relevant provisions of the Loan Documents are amended in a manner satisfactory to Required Lenders to take into account the effects of the change; provided that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) Borrower Agent shall provide to Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP. Without limiting the foregoing, leases shall continue to be classified and accounted for on a basis consistent with that reflected in the Audited Financial Statements for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding any change in GAAP relating thereto, unless the parties hereto shall enter into a mutually acceptable amendment addressing such changes, as provided for above.

1.3. Uniform Commercial Code. As used herein, the following terms are defined in accordance with the UCC in effect in the State of New York from time to time: “Chattel Paper,” “Commercial Tort Claim,” “Commodity Account,” “Documents,” “Equipment,” “General Intangibles,” “Goods,” “Instrument,” “Investment Property,” “Letter-of-Credit Right” and “Securities Account”.

1.4. Certain Matters of Construction. The terms “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, paragraph or subdivision. Any pronoun used shall be deemed to cover all genders. In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, “from” means “from and including,” and “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding.” The terms “including” and “include” shall mean “including, without limitation” and, for purposes of each Loan Document, the parties agree that the rule of ejusdem generis shall not be applicable to limit any provision. Section titles appear as a matter of convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of any Loan Document. All references to (a) laws include all related regulations, interpretations, supplements, amendments and successor provisions; (b) any document, instrument or agreement include any amendments, restatements, supplements, waivers and other modifications, extensions or renewals (to the extent permitted by the Loan Documents); (c) any section mean, unless the context otherwise requires, a section of this Agreement; (d) any exhibits or schedules mean, unless the context otherwise requires, exhibits and schedules attached hereto, which are hereby incorporated by reference; (e) any Person include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns; (f) time of day mean time of day at Administrative Agent’s notice address under Section 15.3.1; or (g) except as expressly provided, discretion of Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender mean the sole and absolute discretion of such Person. All calculations of Value, Borrowing Base components, Loans, Letters of Credit, Obligations and other amounts herein shall be denominated in Dollars, unless expressly provided otherwise, and all determinations (including calculations of Borrowing Base and financial covenants) made

 

-42-


from time to time under the Loan Documents shall be made in light of the circumstances existing at such time. Borrowing Base calculations shall be consistent with historical methods of valuation and calculation, and otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent (and not necessarily calculated in accordance with GAAP). Borrowers shall have the burden of establishing any alleged gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith by Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender under any Loan Documents. No provision of any Loan Documents shall be construed against any party by reason of such party having, or being deemed to have, drafted the provision. Reference to a Borrower’s “knowledge” or similar concept means actual knowledge of a Senior Officer.

1.5. Pro Forma Calculations.

1.5.1 Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated in the manner prescribed by this Section 1.5.

1.5.2 Specified Transactions. For purposes of calculating the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Specified Transactions (and the incurrence or repayment of any Debt in connection therewith) that have been made (a) during the applicable Measurement Period and (b) subsequent to such Measurement Period and prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of any such ratio is made shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Specified Transactions (and any increase or decrease in Consolidated EBITDA and the component financial definitions used therein attributable to any Specified Transaction) had occurred on the first day of the applicable Measurement Period. If since the beginning of any applicable Measurement Period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Company or any of its Subsidiaries since the beginning of such Measurement Period shall have made any Specified Transaction that would have required adjustment pursuant to this Section 1.5, then the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated to give pro forma effect thereto in accordance with this Section 1.5.

1.5.3 Pro Forma Calculations of Specified Transactions. Whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a Specified Transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of Borrower Agent and may include, without duplication, cost savings, operating expense reductions, restructuring charges and expenses and cost-saving synergies resulting from such Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation or discontinued operation or other transaction, in each case calculated in the manner described in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA.

1.5.4 Capitalized Lease Obligations. Interest on a Capitalized Lease obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of Borrower Agent to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease obligation in accordance with GAAP. Interest on Debt that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a London interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be determined to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as Borrower Agent or Subsidiary may designate.

1.5.5 Compliance with Payment Conditions. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, with respect to any Acquisition and the incurrence of any Debt or Lien in connection therewith, subject to the next succeeding proviso, compliance with the Payment Conditions test required by this Agreement for such Acquisition or such Debt shall be determined on the date the definitive acquisition agreement for such Acquisition is entered into and, only with respect to the tests described in clauses (b)(i) and (b)(ii) of the definition of “Payment Conditions”, be determined on the date (a) the definitive acquisition agreement for such Acquisition is entered into and (b) such Acquisition is consummated (in each case, after giving pro forma effect to such Acquisition); provided that, the Payment Conditions shall be deemed not to have been met if an Event of Default under Section 12.1(a) shall have occurred and be continuing on the date such Acquisition is consummated.

 

-43-


1.6. Divisions. Any reference herein to a merger, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation, assignment, sale, disposition or transfer, or similar term, shall be deemed to apply to a Division of or by a limited liability company or limited partnership, or an allocation of assets to a series of any such entity (or the unwinding of such a Division or allocation) as if it were a merger, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation, assignment, sale, disposition or transfer or similar term, as applicable, to, of or with a separate Person. Any Division of Person shall constitute a separate Person hereunder.

SECTION 2. CREDIT FACILITIES

2.1. Commitment.

2.1.1 Loans. Each Lender agrees, severally on a Pro Rata basis up to its Commitment, on the terms set forth herein, to make Loans to Borrowers from time to time on and after the Closing Date through the Commitment Termination Date. The Loans may be repaid or prepaid, as applicable, and reborrowed as provided herein. In no event shall Lenders have any obligation to honor a request for a Loan if Revolver Usage at such time plus the requested Loan would exceed the Line Cap.

2.1.2 Notes. Loans and interest accruing thereon shall be evidenced by the records of Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. At the written request of a Lender, Borrowers shall deliver promissory note(s) to such Lender, evidencing its Loan(s).

2.1.3 [Reserved].

2.1.4 Voluntary Reduction or Termination of Commitments.

(a) The Commitments shall terminate on the Termination Date, unless sooner terminated in accordance with this Agreement. Upon at least 5 Business Days’ prior written notice to Administrative Agent, Borrowers may, at their option, terminate the Commitments and this credit facility. Any notice of termination given by Borrowers shall be irrevocable; provided that such notice may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by Borrowers (by notice to Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. On the Termination Date, Borrowers shall make Full Payment of all Obligations.

(b) Borrowers may permanently reduce the Commitments, on a ratable basis for all Lenders, upon at least 5 Business Days’ prior written notice to Administrative Agent, which notice shall specify the amount of the reduction and shall be irrevocable once given. Each reduction shall be in a minimum amount of $5,000,000, or an increment of $1,000,000 in excess thereof.

2.1.5 Overadvances. If Revolver Usage exceeds the Line Cap (“Overadvance”) at any time, the excess amount shall be payable by Borrowers on demand by Administrative Agent, but all such Loans shall nevertheless constitute Obligations secured by the Collateral and entitled to all benefits of the Loan Documents. Administrative Agent may require Lenders to fund Overadvance Loans and to forbear from requiring Borrowers to cure an Overadvance, as long as the total Overadvance does not exceed 10% of the Borrowing Base and does not continue for more than 30 consecutive days without the consent of Required Lenders. In no event shall Overadvance Loans be required that would cause Revolver Usage to exceed the aggregate Commitments. Any funding of an Overadvance Loan or sufferance of an Overadvance shall not constitute a waiver by Administrative Agent or Lenders of the Event of Default caused thereby. In no event shall any Borrower or other Obligor be deemed a beneficiary of this Section nor authorized to enforce any of its terms.

 

-44-


2.1.6 Protective Advances. Administrative Agent shall be authorized, in its discretion, at any time that any conditions in Section 6 are not satisfied, to make Base Rate Loans (“Protective Advances”) (a) up to an aggregate amount equal to 10.0% of the aggregate amount of Commitment outstanding at any time, if Administrative Agent deems such Loans necessary or desirable to preserve or protect Collateral, or to enhance the collectability or repayment of Obligations, as long as such Loans do not cause Revolver Usage to exceed the aggregate Commitments; or (b) to pay any other amounts chargeable to Obligors under any Loan Documents, including interest, costs, fees and expenses. Lenders shall participate on a Pro Rata basis in Protective Advances outstanding from time to time. Required Lenders may at any time revoke Administrative Agent’s authority to make further Protective Advances under clause (a) by written notice to Administrative Agent. Absent such revocation, Administrative Agent’s determination that funding of a Protective Advance is appropriate shall be conclusive.

2.1.7 Increase in Commitments. Borrowers may request an increase in Commitments from time to time upon notice to Administrative Agent by adding to this Agreement one or more Eligible Assignees that are not already Lenders hereunder to issue additional Commitments and become Lenders hereunder or by allowing one or more existing Lenders to increase their respective Commitments (but no existing Lender shall be required to, or have any obligation to, increase its Commitments), as long as (a) the requested increase is in a minimum amount of $5,000,000 (other than requests for the entire remaining amount under the aggregate limit set forth in clause (b) below) and is offered on the same terms as existing Commitments, except for a closing fee specified by Borrowers, (b) increases under this Section 2.1.7 do not exceed $25,000,000 in the aggregate, (c) no more than three (3) reductions in Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1.4 and increases pursuant to this Section 2.1.7, taken together, shall be made, and in no event shall any reduction or increase occur within 6 months of the date of any previous reduction or increase, as the case may be, (d) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as of the date of the request for increase and immediately before and after giving effect thereto, and (e) the requested increase does not cause the Commitments to exceed any applicable cap under the terms of any indenture, note agreement or other agreement governing the Secured Notes, the Senior Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g), and any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing. Administrative Agent shall promptly notify Lenders of the requested increase and, within 10 Business Days thereafter, each Lender shall notify Administrative Agent if and to what extent such Lender commits to increase its Commitment. Any Lender not responding within such period shall be deemed to have declined an increase. If Lenders fail to commit to the full requested increase, Eligible Assignees may issue additional Commitments and become Lenders hereunder. Administrative Agent and Borrower Agent shall determine the allocation of the increased Commitments among committing Lenders and, if necessary, Eligible Assignees. Provided the conditions set forth in clauses (a) and (b) (and if a Borrowing is to be made in connection with such increase, clauses (d), (e) and (f)) of Section 6.2 are satisfied, total Commitments shall be increased by the requested amount (or at Borrower Agent’s election, such lesser amount committed by existing Lenders and Eligible Assignees) on a date agreed upon by Administrative Agent and Borrower Agent, but no later than 45 days following Borrowers’ increase request. Administrative Agent, Borrowers, and new and existing Lenders shall execute and deliver such documents and agreements as Administrative Agent reasonably requests to evidence the increase in and allocations of Commitments. On the effective date of an increase, the Revolver Usage and other exposures under the Commitments shall be reallocated among Lenders, and settled by Administrative Agent if necessary, in accordance with Lenders’ adjusted shares of such Commitments and the total Commitments under, and for all purposes of, this Agreement shall be increased by the aggregate amount of such increase.

2.2. Letter of Credit Facility.

2.2.1 Issuance of Letters of Credit. From and after the Closing Date, each Existing Letter of Credit shall be deemed, for all purposes of this Agreement, to be a Letter of Credit used for the account of the Borrowers on the Closing Date. The Issuing Banks shall also issue Letters of Credit from time to time until 7 days prior to the Termination Date (or until the Commitment Termination Date, if earlier), on the terms set forth herein, including the following:

 

-45-


(a) Each Borrower acknowledges that Issuing Bank’s issuance of any Letter of Credit is conditioned upon Issuing Bank’s receipt of an LC Application (via facsimile or other electronic method of transmission reasonably acceptable to Issuing Bank) with respect to the requested Letter of Credit, as well as such other instruments and agreements as Issuing Bank may customarily require for issuance of a letter of credit of similar type and amount. Each LC Request for the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or the amendment, renewal, or extension of any outstanding Letter of Credit, shall be irrevocable and shall be made in writing by a Senior Officer and delivered to Issuing Bank via facsimile or other electronic method of transmission reasonably acceptable to Issuing Bank. Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue any Letter of Credit unless (i) Issuing Bank receives an LC Request and LC Application at least 3 Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance; (ii) each LC Condition is satisfied; and (iii) if a Defaulting Lender exists, such Lender or Borrowers have entered into arrangements satisfactory to Issuing Bank to eliminate any Fronting Exposure associated with such Lender (after giving effect to Section 4.2). If, in sufficient time to act, Issuing Bank receives written notice from Administrative Agent or Required Lenders that an LC Condition has not been satisfied, Issuing Bank shall not issue the requested Letter of Credit until such notice is withdrawn in writing. Prior to receipt of any such notice, Issuing Bank shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any failure of LC Conditions.

(b) Letters of Credit may be requested by a Borrower for its own account or the account of any other Obligor to support obligations incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business, or as otherwise approved by Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank. Increase, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be treated as issuance of a new Letter of Credit, except that Issuing Bank may require a new LC Application in its reasonable discretion.

(c) Borrowers assume all risks of the acts, omissions or misuses of any Letter of Credit by the beneficiary; provided that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude any Borrower’s pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. In connection with any Letter of Credit, none of Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender shall be responsible for the existence, character, quality, quantity, condition, packing, value or delivery of any goods purported to be represented by any Documents; any differences or variation in the character, quality, quantity, condition, packing, value or delivery of any goods from that expressed in any Documents; the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any Documents or of any endorsements thereon; the time, place, manner or order in which shipment of goods is made; partial or incomplete shipment of, or failure to ship, any goods referred to in a Letter of Credit or LC Document; any deviation from instructions, delay, default or fraud by any shipper or other Person in connection with any goods, shipment or delivery; any breach of contract between a shipper or vendor and a Borrower; errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex, facsimile, e-mail, telephone or otherwise; errors in interpretation of technical terms; the misapplication by a beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or the proceeds thereof; or any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of any Issuing Bank, Administrative Agent or any Lender, including any act or omission of a Governmental Authority. Borrowers shall take all action to avoid and mitigate any damages related to any Letter of Credit or claimed against any Issuing Bank, Administrative Agent or any Lender, including through enforcement of any available rights against a beneficiary. The rights and remedies of any Issuing Bank under the Loan Documents shall be cumulative. Each Issuing Bank shall be fully subrogated to the rights and remedies of each beneficiary whose claims against Borrowers are discharged with proceeds of any Letter of Credit.

(d) In connection with its administration of and enforcement of rights or remedies under any Letters of Credit or LC Documents, each Issuing Bank shall be entitled to act, and shall be fully protected in acting, upon any certification, documentation or other Communication in whatever form believed by Issuing Bank, in good faith, to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by a proper Person. Each Issuing Bank may consult with and employ legal counsel, accountants and other experts to advise it concerning its obligations, rights and remedies, and shall be entitled to act upon, and shall be fully protected in any action taken in good faith reliance upon, any advice given by such experts. Each Issuing Bank may employ agents and attorneys-in-fact in connection with any matter relating to Letters of Credit or LC Documents, and shall not be liable for the negligence or misconduct of agents and attorneys-in-fact selected with reasonable care.

 

-46-


(e) Borrowers are responsible for preparing or approving the final text of the Letter of Credit as issued by Issuing Bank, irrespective of any assistance Issuing Bank may provide such as drafting or recommending text or by Issuing Bank’s use or refusal to use text submitted by Borrowers. Borrowers are solely responsible for the suitability of the Letter of Credit for Borrowers’ purposes. With respect to any Letter of Credit containing an “automatic amendment” to extend the expiration date of such Letter of Credit, Issuing Bank, in its sole and absolute discretion, may give prior written notice of nonrenewal of such Letter of Credit not later than a date to be agreed at the time such Letter of Credit is issued and, if Borrowers do not at any time want such Letter of Credit to be renewed, Borrowers will so notify Administrative Agent and Issuing Bank at least 15 calendar days before Issuing Bank is required to notify the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit or any advising bank of such nonrenewal pursuant to the terms of such Letter of Credit.

2.2.2 Reimbursement; Participations.

(a) If Issuing Bank honors any request for payment under a Letter of Credit, Borrowers shall pay to Issuing Bank (x) by 11:00 a.m. on the same day if the applicable Borrower receives notice of such payment from the Issuing Bank not later than 9:00 a.m. on the date such Issuing Bank honors such request for payment or (y) by 11:00 a.m. on the Business Day immediately following the date on which the Borrower receives such notice from the Issuing Bank, if received later than 9:00 a.m. on the date of notice (“Reimbursement Date”), the amount paid by Issuing Bank under such Letter of Credit (the “Draw Amount”). If any Draw Amount is not paid on the Reimbursement Date thereof, whether or not Borrower Agent submits a Notice of Borrowing (and without regard to any required minimum amounts of Borrowing), Borrowers shall be deemed to have requested a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in an amount equal to such Draw Amount on any Reimbursement Date and each Lender shall fund its Pro Rata share of such Borrowing whether or not the Commitments have terminated, an Overadvance exists or is created thereby, or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied. The obligation of Borrowers to reimburse Issuing Bank for any payment made under a Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional, irrevocable, and joint and several, and shall be paid under any and all circumstances whatsoever, including: (i) any lack of validity, enforceability, or legal effect of any Letter of Credit or this Agreement or any term or provision therein or herein; (ii) payment against presentation of any draft, demand or claim for payment under any Drawing Document which proves to be fraudulent, forged, or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, or which is signed, issued or presented by a Person or a transferee of such Person purporting to be a successor or transferee of the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit; (iii) Issuing Bank or any of its branches or affiliates being the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit; (iv) Issuing Bank or any correspondent honoring a drawing against a Drawing Document up to the amount available under any Letter of Credit even if such Drawing Document claims an amount in excess of the amount available under the Letter of Credit; (v) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right that any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may have at any time against any beneficiary, any assignee of proceeds, Issuing Bank or any other Person; (vi) any other event, circumstance or conduct whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing that might, but for this Section 2.2.2(a), constitute a legal or equitable defense to or discharge of, or provide a right of set-off against, any Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ reimbursement and other payment obligations and liabilities, arising under, or in connection with, any Letter of Credit, whether against Issuing Bank, the beneficiary or any other Person; or (vii) the fact that any Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(b) Each Lender hereby irrevocably and unconditionally purchases from Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided Pro Rata participation in all LC Obligations outstanding from time to time. Issuing Bank is issuing Letters of Credit in reliance upon this participation. If Borrowers do not make a payment to Issuing Bank when due hereunder, Administrative Agent shall promptly notify Lenders and each Lender shall within 1 Business Day after such notice pay to Administrative Agent, for the benefit of Issuing Bank, such Lender’s Pro Rata share of such payment. Upon request by a Lender, Issuing Bank shall provide copies of Letters of Credit and LC Documents in its possession at such time.

 

-47-


(c) The obligation of each Lender to make payments to Administrative Agent for the account of Issuing Bank in connection with Issuing Bank’s payment under a Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, not subject to any counterclaim, setoff, qualification or exception whatsoever, and shall be made in accordance with this Agreement under all circumstances, irrespective of any lack of validity or unenforceability of any Loan Documents; any draft, certificate or other document presented under a Letter of Credit having been determined to be forged, fraudulent, noncompliant, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; any waiver by Issuing Bank of a requirement that exists for its protection (and not a Borrower’s protection) or that does not materially prejudice a Borrower; any honor of an electronic demand for payment even if a draft is required; any payment of an item presented after a Letter of Credit’s expiration date if authorized by the UCC or applicable customs or practices; or any setoff or defense that an Obligor may have with respect to any Obligations. No Issuing Bank assumes any responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by any Borrower or other Person of any obligations under any LC Documents. No Issuing Bank makes to Lenders any express or implied warranty, representation or guaranty with respect to any Letter of Credit, Collateral, LC Document or Obligor. No Issuing Bank shall be responsible to any Lender for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in, or for the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of any LC Documents; the validity, genuineness, enforceability, collectability, value or sufficiency of any Collateral or the perfection of any Lien therein; or the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any Obligor.

(d) No Issuing Bank Indemnitee shall be liable to any Lender or other Person for any action taken or omitted to be taken in connection with any Letter of Credit or LC Document except as a result of its gross negligence or willful misconduct as may be finally determined in a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. Each Issuing Bank may (but is not obligated to) refrain from taking any action with respect to a Letter of Credit until it receives written instructions (and in its reasonable discretion, appropriate assurances) from the Lenders.

2.2.3 Cash Collateral.

(a) [Reserved].

(b) Subject to Section 2.1.5, if at any time (i) an Event of Default exists, (ii) the Commitment Termination Date has occurred, or (iii) the Termination Date is scheduled to occur within 5 Business Days, then Borrowers shall, in each case, at Issuing Bank’s or Administrative Agent’s written request, Cash Collateralize the outstanding Letters of Credit and all other LC Obligations. Borrowers shall, at Issuing Bank’s or Administrative Agent’s written request at any time, Cash Collateralize the Fronting Exposure of any Defaulting Lender (determined after giving effect to Section 4.2 and any cash collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender). If Borrowers fail to provide any Cash Collateral as required hereunder, Lenders may (and shall upon direction of Administrative Agent) advance, as Loans, the amount of Cash Collateral required (whether or not the Commitments have terminated, an Overadvance exists or is created thereby or the conditions in Section 6.2 are satisfied).

2.2.4 Resignation of Issuing Bank. Issuing Bank may resign at any time upon not less than 10 Business Days’ prior written notice to Administrative Agent and Borrowers, and any resignation of Administrative Agent hereunder shall automatically constitute its concurrent resignation as Issuing Bank. From the effective date of such resignation, Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue, amend, renew, extend or otherwise modify any Letter of Credit, but shall otherwise continue to have all rights and other obligations of an Issuing Bank hereunder relating to any Letter of Credit issued by it prior to such date. Administrative Agent shall promptly appoint a replacement Issuing Bank, which, as long as no Event of Default exists, shall be reasonably acceptable to Borrowers.

 

-48-


2.2.5 Indemnification. Each Borrower agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless each Issuing Bank Indemnitee (to the fullest extent permitted by law) as set forth in Section 15.2.

2.2.6 Limitation of Liability. The liability of Issuing Bank (or any other Indemnitee) under, in connection with or arising out of any Letter of Credit (or pre-advice), regardless of the form or legal grounds of the action or proceeding, shall be limited to direct damages suffered by Borrowers that are caused by Issuing Bank’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in (i) honoring a presentation under a Letter of Credit that on its face does not at least substantially comply with the terms and conditions of such Letter of Credit, (ii) failing to honor a presentation under a Letter of Credit that strictly complies with the terms and conditions of such Letter of Credit or (iii) retaining Drawing Documents presented under a Letter of Credit. Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have acted with due diligence and reasonable care if Issuing Bank’s conduct is in accordance with Standard Letter of Credit Practice or in accordance with this Agreement.

SECTION 3. INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES

3.1. Interest.

3.1.1 Rates and Payment of Interest.

(a) The Obligations shall bear interest (i) if a Base Rate Loan, at the Base Rate in effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin; (ii) if a BSBY Loan, at the BSBY Rate for the applicable Interest Period, plus the Applicable Margin; and (iii) if any other Obligation (including, to the extent permitted by law, interest not paid when due), at the Base Rate in effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans.

(b) Automatically following the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default arising under Section 12.1(a) or 12.1(i), or following the occurrence and during the continuance of any other Event of Default (in each case, after giving effect to applicable grace periods) if the Required Lenders in their sole discretion so elect, outstanding Obligations shall bear interest at the Default Rate (whether before or after any judgment). Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable on demand. Each Obligor acknowledges that the cost and expense to Administrative Agent and Lenders due to an Event of Default are difficult to ascertain and that the Default Rate is fair and reasonable compensation for this.

(c) Interest shall accrue from the date a Loan is advanced, or in the case of any other Obligation when such Obligation is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), until paid in full by Borrowers (and shall not accrue on the day on which such Loan or Obligation is paid; provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall bear interest for 1 day), and shall in no event be less than zero at any time. Interest accrued on the Loans shall be due and payable in arrears, (i) on the first day of each January, April, July and October with respect to a Base Rate Loan, and on the last day of the applicable Interest Period with respect to a BSBY Loan (except, in the case of a BSBY Loan with an Interest Period of more than 90 days’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of 90 days’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period); (ii) on any date of prepayment, with respect to the principal amount of Loans being prepaid; and (iii) on the Commitment Termination Date. Interest accrued on any other Obligations shall be due and payable as provided in the Loan Documents and, if no payment date is specified, shall be due and payable on demand.

3.1.2 Application of BSBY to Outstanding Loans.

 

-49-


(a) Borrowers may on any Business Day, subject to delivery of a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, elect to convert any portion of the Base Rate Loans to, or to continue any BSBY Loan at the end of its Interest Period as, a BSBY Loan. During any Default or Event of Default, Administrative Agent may (and shall at the direction of Required Lenders) declare that no Loan may be made, converted to or continued as a BSBY Loan.

(b) Whenever Borrowers desire to convert or continue Loans as BSBY Loans, Borrower Agent shall give Administrative Agent a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, no later than 11:00 a.m. at least 2 Business Days before the requested conversion or continuation date. Promptly after receiving any such notice, Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender thereof. Each Notice of Conversion/Continuation shall be irrevocable, and shall specify the amount of Loans to be converted or continued, the conversion or continuation date (which shall be a Business Day), and the duration of the Interest Period (which shall be deemed to be 30 days if not specified). If, upon the expiration of any Interest Period for any BSBY Loan, Borrowers shall have failed to deliver a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, they shall be deemed to have elected to convert such Loan into a Base Rate Loan. Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept responsibility for, nor shall it have any liability with respect to, administration, submission or any other matter related to any rate used in determining BSBY Rate or with respect to any rate (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the selection of such rate and any related spread or other adjustment) that is an alternate or replacement for or successor to any such rate (including any Successor Rate), or the effect of any of the foregoing, or of any Conforming Changes.

3.1.3 Interest Periods. In connection with the making, conversion or continuation of any BSBY Loans, Borrowers shall select an interest period (“Interest Period”) to apply, which interest period shall be 30, 90 or 180 days (or, with the consent of all Lenders, such other period that is 360 days or less, subject to availability) (in each case, subject to availability); provided, however, that:

(a) the Interest Period shall begin on the date the Loan is made or continued as, or converted into, a BSBY Loan, and shall expire on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at its end;

(b) if any Interest Period begins on a day for which there is no corresponding day in the calendar month at its end or if such corresponding day falls after the last Business Day of such month, then the Interest Period shall expire on the last Business Day of such month; and if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day, the period shall expire on the next Business Day; and

(c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Termination Date.

3.2. Fees.

3.2.1 Unused Line Fee. Borrowers shall pay to Administrative Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Lenders, a fee equal to the Unused Line Fee Rate times the amount by which the Commitments exceed the average daily Revolver Usage during any quarter. Such fee shall be payable quarterly in arrears, on the first day of each January, April, July and October and on the Commitment Termination Date.

3.2.2 LC Facility Fees. Borrowers shall pay (a) to Administrative Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Lenders, a fee equal to the Applicable Margin for BSBY Loans times the average daily Stated Amount of Letters of Credit, which fee shall be payable quarterly in arrears, on the first day of each January, April, July and October; (b) to the applicable Issuing Bank, for its own account, a fronting fee equal to 0.125% per annum on the Stated Amount of each applicable Letter of Credit, which fee shall be payable quarterly in arrears, on the first day of each January, April, July and October; and (c) to the applicable Issuing Bank, for its own account, all customary fees and charges associated with the issuance, amending, drawing, extending, negotiating, payment, processing, transfer and administration of Letters of Credit, which charges shall be paid as and when incurred. During an Event of Default, the fee payable under clause (a) shall be increased by 2% per annum to the extent the Default Rate is applied pursuant to Section 3.1.1(b) hereof.

 

-50-


3.2.3 Engagement and Fee Letters. Borrowers shall pay all fees set forth in the Engagement Letter and any fee letters executed by any Obligor, any Arranger and/or Administrative Agent, as applicable, in connection with this Agreement.

3.2.4 Closing Fee. On the Closing Date, the Borrowers shall pay to each Lender a fee in an amount equal to 0.50% on each such Lender’s Commitment on the Closing Date.

3.3. Computation of Interest, Fees, Yield Protection. All interest (other than interest computed by reference to the Base Rate), as well as fees and other charges calculated on a per annum basis, shall be computed for the actual days elapsed, based on a year of 360 days, and interest computed by reference to the Base Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year). Each determination by Administrative Agent of any interest, fees or interest rate hereunder shall be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. All fees shall be fully earned when due and shall not be subject to rebate, refund or proration. All fees payable under Section 3.2 are compensation for services and are not, and shall not be deemed to be, interest or any other charge for the use, forbearance or detention of money. A certificate as to amounts payable by Borrowers under Section 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.9 or 5.8, submitted to Borrower Agent by Administrative Agent or the affected Lender shall be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and Borrowers shall pay such amounts to the appropriate party within 10 days following receipt of the certificate.

3.4. Reimbursement Obligations. Borrowers shall pay all Extraordinary Expenses promptly upon request. Borrowers shall also reimburse Administrative Agent, Lead Left Arranger and their respective Affiliates for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket legal, accounting, appraisal, audit consulting, due diligence, and other fees, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses for travel, lodging and meals for personnel, out-of-pocket examination costs and customary charges for field examinations and the preparation of reports) incurred by Administrative Agent, Lead Left Arranger and their respective Affiliates in connection with (a) syndication and closing of the credit facilities provided for herein (including, without limitation, reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, disbursements and charges of one firm of counsel to Administrative Agent, the Lead Left Arranger and their respective Affiliates, taken as a whole, and one firm of local counsel to Administrative Agent, the Lead Left Arranger and their respective Affiliates, taken as a whole, in each appropriate jurisdiction, and in the case of an actual or potential conflict of interest as determined by the affected party, one additional firm of counsel to such affected party and one additional firm of local counsel to such affected party in each appropriate jurisdiction) and negotiation and preparation of any Loan Documents, including any amendment or other modification thereof; (b) administration of and actions relating to any Collateral, Loan Documents and transactions contemplated thereby, including any actions taken to perfect or maintain priority of Administrative Agent’s Liens on any Collateral, to maintain any insurance required hereunder to the extent not maintained by the applicable Obligors as required hereunder or to verify Collateral; and (c) subject to the limits of Section 10.1.1(b), each inspection, audit or appraisal with respect to any Obligor or Collateral, whether prepared by Administrative Agent’s personnel or a third party; provided that reasonable and documented out-of-pocket legal fees, disbursements and charges shall be limited to one firm of counsel to Administrative Agent and the Lenders taken as a whole and an additional local law firm in each appropriate jurisdiction and, in the case of an actual or potential conflict of interest as determined by the affected party, one additional firm of counsel to such affected party and one additional firm of local counsel to such affected party in each appropriate jurisdiction. Borrowers acknowledge that counsel may provide Administrative Agent with a benefit (such as a discount, credit or accommodation for other matters) based on counsel’s overall relationship with Administrative Agent, including fees paid hereunder. If, for any reason (including inaccurate reporting in any Borrower Materials or Report), it is determined that a higher Applicable Margin should have applied to a period than was

 

-51-


actually applied, then the proper margin shall be applied retroactively and Borrowers shall immediately pay to Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of Lenders, an amount equal to the difference between the amount of interest and fees that would have accrued using the proper margin and the amount actually paid for such period. All amounts payable by Borrowers under this Section shall be due on demand.

3.5. Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Applicable Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender to make, maintain, fund or charge applicable interest or fees with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, which interest or fee is based on the BSBY Rate, then, on written notice thereof by such Lender to Borrower Agent and Administrative Agent, (a) any obligation of such Lender to make, maintain or fund such Loan or participate in such Letter of Credit (or to charge interest or fees with respect thereto) or to continue or convert Loans as BSBY Loans shall be suspended and (b) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender to make or maintain Base Rate Loans whose interest rate is determined by reference to BSBY Rate, the interest rate applicable to such Lender’s Base Rate Loans shall, as necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by Administrative Agent without reference to the BSBY Rate component of Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies Borrower Agent and Administrative Agent that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon delivery of such notice, Borrowers shall prepay the applicable Loan, Cash Collateralize the applicable LC Obligations or, if applicable, convert all BSBY Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such BSBY Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such BSBY Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, Borrowers shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

3.6. Inability to Determine Rates.

3.6.1 Inability to Determine Rate. If in connection with any request for a BSBY Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof, as applicable, (a) Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that (i) no Successor Rate has been determined in accordance with Section 3.6.2, and the circumstances under Section 3.6.2(a) or the Scheduled Unavailability Date has occurred (as applicable), or (ii) adequate and reasonable means do not otherwise exist for determining BSBY Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed BSBY Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan, or (b) Administrative Agent or Required Lenders determine that for any reason that BSBY Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed BSBY Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, Administrative Agent will promptly so notify Borrowers and Lenders. Thereafter, (x) the obligation of Lenders to make, maintain, or convert Base Rate Loans to, BSBY Loans shall be suspended (to the extent of the affected BSBY Loans or Interest Periods), and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the BSBY Rate component of Base Rate, the utilization of such component in determining Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until Administrative Agent (or, in the case of a determination by Required Lenders described above, until Administrative Agent upon instruction of Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, (i) Borrowers may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing, conversion or continuation of BSBY Loans (to the extent of the affected BSBY Loans or Interest Periods) or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for Base Rate Loans, and (ii) any outstanding BSBY Loans shall convert to Base Rate Loans at the end of their respective Interest Periods.

3.6.2 Replacement of BSBY. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, if Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), or Borrower Agent or Required Lenders notify Administrative Agent (with, in the case of the Required Lenders, a copy to Borrowers) that Borrowers or Required Lenders (as applicable) have determined, that:

 

-52-


(a) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining one month, three month and six month interest periods of BSBY, including because the BSBY Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis, and such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary; or

(b) Bloomberg or any successor administrator of the BSBY Screen Rate or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over Administrative Agent, Bloomberg or such administrator has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which one month, three month and six month interest periods of BSBY Rate or the BSBY Screen Rate shall or will no longer be representative or made available, or used for determining the interest rate of loans, or shall or will otherwise cease, provided, that, at the time of such statement, there is no successor administrator satisfactory to Administrative Agent that will continue to provide such representative interest periods of BSBY Rate after such specific date (the latest date on which one month, three month and six month interest periods of BSBY Rate or the BSBY Screen Rate are no longer representative or available permanently or indefinitely, “Scheduled Unavailability Date”);

then, on a date and time determined by Administrative Agent (any such date, “BSBY Replacement Date”), which date shall be at the end of an Interest Period or on the relevant interest payment date, as applicable, for interest calculated and, solely with respect to clause (b) above, no later than the Scheduled Unavailability Date, BSBY Rate will be replaced hereunder and under any other applicable Loan Document with, subject to the proviso below, the first available alternative set forth in the order below for any interest period for interest calculated that can be determined by Administrative Agent, in each case, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document (“Successor Rate”):

(i) Term SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment; and

(ii) Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment;

provided, that if initially BSBY is replaced with Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment and, subsequent to such replacement, Administrative Agent determines that Term SOFR has become available and is administratively feasible for Administrative Agent in its discretion, and Administrative Agent notifies Borrower Agent and Lenders of such availability, then from and after the beginning of the Interest Period, relevant interest payment date or payment period for interest calculated, in each case, commencing no less than 30 days after the date of such notice, the Successor Rate shall be Term SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment. If the Successor Rate is Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment, all interest will be payable on a monthly basis.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein (x) if Administrative Agent determines that neither of the alternatives in clauses (i) and (ii) above is available on or prior to the BSBY Replacement Date or (y) if the events or circumstances of the type described in clauses (a) or (b) above have occurred with respect to the Successor Rate then in effect, then in each case, Administrative Agent and Borrower Agent may amend this Agreement solely for the purpose of replacing BSBY Rate or any then current Successor Rate in accordance with this Section at the end of any Interest Period, relevant interest payment date or payment period for interest calculated, as applicable, with another alternate benchmark rate giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar U.S. dollar denominated syndicated credit facilities for such alternative benchmarks and, in each case, including any mathematical or other adjustments to such benchmark giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar U.S. dollar denominated syndicated credit facilities for such benchmarks, which adjustment or method for calculating such adjustment shall be published on an information service selected by Administrative Agent from time to time in its discretion and may be periodically updated. For the avoidance of doubt, any such proposed rate and adjustments shall constitute a Successor Rate. Any such amendment shall become effective at 5:00 p.m. on the fifth Business Day after Administrative Agent posts such proposed amendment to all Lenders and Borrowers unless, prior to such time, Required Lenders deliver to the Administrative Agent written notice that Required Lenders object to the amendment.

 

-53-


Agent will promptly (in one or more notices) notify Borrowers and Lenders of implementation of any Successor Rate. A Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided, that to the extent market practice is not administratively feasible for Administrative Agent, the Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner as otherwise reasonably determined by Administrative Agent. Notwithstanding anything else herein, if at any time any Successor Rate as so determined would otherwise be less than 1.00%, the Successor Rate will be deemed to be 1.00% for all purposes of the Loan Documents.

In connection with implementation of a Successor Rate, Administrative Agent may make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement; provided, that with respect to any such amendment effected, Administrative Agent shall post each amendment implementing Conforming Changes to Borrowers and Lenders reasonably promptly after such amendment becomes effective.

3.7. Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy.

3.7.1 Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall:

(a) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, liquidity, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in calculating the BSBY Rate) or any Issuing Bank;

(b) subject any Recipient to Taxes (other than (i) Indemnified Taxes, (ii) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes, (iii) Connection Income Taxes) and (iv) other Taxes indemnifiable under Section 5.8) with respect to any Loan, Letter of Credit, Commitment or other obligations or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

(c) impose on any Lender, any Issuing Bank or interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (in each case, other than Taxes) affecting any Loan, Letter of Credit, participation in LC Obligations, Commitment or Loan Document;

and the result thereof shall be to increase the cost to a Lender of making or maintaining any BSBY Loan, or converting to or continuing any interest option for a BSBY Loan, or to increase the cost to a Lender or an Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by a Lender or an Issuing Bank hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or Issuing Bank and the delivery of the certificate contemplated by Section 3.7.4, Borrowers will pay to it such additional amount(s) as will compensate it for the additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

3.7.2 Capital Requirements. If a Lender or an Issuing Bank determines that a Change in Law affecting such Lender or Issuing Bank or its holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or had the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s, Issuing Bank’s or holding company’s capital as a consequence of this Agreement, or such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s Commitments, Loans, Letters of Credit or participations in LC Obligations or Swingline Loans, to a level below that which such Lender, Issuing Bank or holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time Borrowers will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amounts as will compensate it or its holding company for the reduction suffered; provided that such Lender or such Issuing Bank is generally seeking, or intends generally to seek, compensation from similarly situated borrowers under similar credit facilities (to the extent such Lender or Issuing Bank has the right under such similar credit facilities to do so) with respect to such Change in Law regarding capital or liquidity requirements.

 

-54-


3.7.3 Compensation. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or any Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of its right to demand such compensation, but Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender or an Issuing Bank for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than 9 months (plus any period of retroactivity of the Change in Law giving rise to the demand) prior to the date that such Lender or Issuing Bank notifies Borrower Agent of the applicable Change in Law and of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor.

3.7.4 Certificates for Reimbursement. A certificate of a Lender or Issuing Bank specifying the Change in Law and setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, and the method for calculating such amount or amounts as specified in Section 3.7.1 or 3.7.2, as applicable, and delivered to Borrower Agent and Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

3.8. Mitigation. If any Lender gives a notice under Section 3.5 or any Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, requests compensation under Section 3.7, or if Borrowers are required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts with respect to a Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, under Section 5.8, then at the request of Borrower Agent, such Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender or Issuing Bank, such designation or assignment (a) would eliminate the need for such notice or reduce amounts payable or to be withheld in the future, as applicable; and (b) would not subject the Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to it or unlawful. Borrowers shall pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

3.9. Funding Losses. If for any reason (other than default by a Lender) (a) any Borrowing, conversion or continuation of a BSBY Loan does not occur on the date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation (whether or not withdrawn), (b) any repayment or conversion of a BSBY Loan occurs on a day other than the end of its Interest Period, (c) Borrowers fail to repay a BSBY Loan when required hereunder, or (d) a Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender) is required to assign a BSBY Loan prior to the end of its Interest Period pursuant to Section 14.4, then Borrowers shall pay to Administrative Agent its customary administrative charge charged in connection therewith and to each Lender all losses, expenses and fees arising from redeployment of funds or termination of match funding incurred as a result of any of the foregoing events. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section and setting forth in reasonable detail the manner in which such amount or amounts was determined shall be delivered to Borrower Agent and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

3.10. Maximum Interest. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by Applicable Law (“maximum rate”). If Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the maximum rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Obligations or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to Borrowers. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged or received by Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the maximum rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee or premium rather than interest; (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof; and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

 

-55-


SECTION 4. LOAN ADMINISTRATION

4.1. Manner of Borrowing and Funding Loans.

4.1.1 Notice of Borrowing.

(a) Whenever Borrowers desire funding of Loans, Borrower Agent shall give Administrative Agent a Notice of Borrowing (or make telephonic or e-mail request in accordance with Section 4.1.4). Such notice must be received by Administrative Agent by 11:00 a.m. (i) on the requested funding date, in the case of Base Rate Loans, and (ii) at least 3 Business Days prior to the requested funding date, in the case of BSBY Loans. Notices received after such time shall be deemed received on the next Business Day. Each Notice of Borrowing shall be irrevocable and shall specify (A) the amount of the Borrowing, (B) the requested funding date (which must be a Business Day), (C) whether the Borrowing is to be made as a Base Rate Loan or BSBY Loan, and (D) in the case of a BSBY Loan, the applicable Interest Period (which shall be deemed to be 30 days if not specified).

(b) Unless payment is otherwise made by Borrowers, (i) the becoming due of any interest or principal shall be deemed to be a request for a Base Rate Loan on the due date (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) in the amount due and the Loan proceeds shall be disbursed as direct payment of such interest or principal and (ii) the becoming due of any other Obligation (whether fees or other charges, including Extraordinary Expenses, LC Obligations, Cash Collateral and Secured Bank Product Obligations) shall be deemed to be a request for a Base Rate Loan on the date that is 10 Business Days after the due date and the Loan proceeds shall be disbursed as direct payment of such Obligations. In addition, Administrative Agent may, at its option, charge such amount against any operating, investment or other account of a Borrower maintained with Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates.

(c) If a Borrower maintains a disbursement account with Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates, then presentation for payment in the account of a check, draft or other item of payment payable by any Obligor when there are insufficient funds to cover it shall be deemed to be a request for a Base Rate Loan on the presentation date, in the amount of such check, draft or other item of payment. Proceeds of the Loan may be disbursed directly to the account.

4.1.2 Fundings by Lenders. Except for Borrowings to be made as Swingline Loans, Administrative Agent shall notify Lenders of each Notice of Borrowing (or deemed request for a Borrowing) by 1:00 p.m. on the proposed funding date for a Base Rate Loan or by 3:00 p.m. at least 2 Business Days before a proposed funding of a BSBY Loan. Each Lender shall fund its Pro Rata share of a Borrowing in immediately available funds not later than 3:00 p.m. on the requested funding date. Subject to its receipt of such amounts from Lenders, Administrative Agent shall disburse the Borrowing proceeds received from the Lenders in a manner directed by Borrower Agent and reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent. Unless Administrative Agent shall have received (in sufficient time to act) written notice from a Lender that it will not fund its share of a Borrowing, Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has deposited or promptly will deposit its share with Administrative Agent, and Administrative Agent may disburse a corresponding amount to Borrowers. If a Lender’s share of a Borrowing or of a settlement under Section 4.1.3(b) is not received by Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and Borrowers severally agree to repay to Administrative Agent on demand the amount of such share, together with interest thereon from the date disbursed until repaid, at the rate applicable to the Borrowing. A Lender or an Issuing Bank may fulfill its obligations under Loan Documents through one or more Lending Offices, and this shall not affect any obligation of Obligors under the Loan Documents or with respect to any Obligations.

 

-56-


4.1.3 Swingline Loans; Settlement.

(a) To fulfill any request for a Base Rate Loan hereunder, upon receiving a borrowing request from any Borrower not later than 11:00 a.m. on any Business Day requesting that a Base Rate Loan be made, the Swing Line Lender may in its discretion advance Swingline Loans to such Borrower on the same Business Day such request is received by Swing Line Lender, up to an aggregate outstanding amount of $5,000,000. Swingline Loans shall constitute Loans for all purposes, except that payments thereon shall be made to the Swing Line Lender for its own account until Lenders have funded their participations therein as provided below.

(b) Settlement of Loans, including Swingline Loans, among Lenders, the Swing Line Lender and Administrative Agent shall take place on a date determined from time to time by Administrative Agent (but at least weekly, unless the settlement amount is de minimis), on a Pro Rata basis in accordance with the Settlement Report delivered by Administrative Agent to Lenders. Between settlement dates, Administrative Agent may in its discretion apply payments on Loans to Swingline Loans, regardless of any designation by Borrowers or any provision herein to the contrary. Each Lender hereby purchases, without recourse or warranty, an undivided Pro Rata participation in all Swingline Loans outstanding from time to time until settled. If a Swingline Loan cannot be settled among Lenders, whether due to an Obligor’s Insolvency Proceeding or for any other reason, each Lender shall pay the amount of its participation in the Loan to Administrative Agent, in immediately available funds, within 1 Business Day after Administrative Agent’s request therefor. Lenders’ obligations to make settlements and to fund participations are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional, without offset, counterclaim or other defense, and whether or not the Commitments have terminated, an Overadvance exists or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied.

(c) Unless Administrative Agent receives notice from Borrowers prior to the date on which a payment is due to Administrative Agent for the account of Lenders or Issuing Bank hereunder that Borrowers will not make such payment, Administrative Agent may assume that Borrowers have made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance on such assumption, distribute to Lenders or Issuing Bank, as applicable, the amount due. With respect to any payment that Administrative Agent makes for the account of Lenders or Issuing Bank hereunder as to which Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that any of the following applies (such payment, a “Rescindable Amount”): (1) Borrowers have not in fact made such payment, (2) Administrative Agent has made a payment in excess of the amount so paid by Borrowers (whether or not then owed), or (3) Administrative Agent has for any reason otherwise erroneously made such payment, then each Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, severally agrees to repay to Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount so distributed to or otherwise made for the account of such Lender or Issuing Bank, in immediately available funds with interest thereon for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. A notice by Administrative Agent to Issuing Bank, any Lender or any Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this clause (c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

4.1.4 Notices. Borrowers may request, convert or continue Loans, select interest rates and transfer funds based on telephonic or e-mailed instructions to Administrative Agent. Borrowers shall confirm each such request by prompt delivery to Administrative Agent of a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation, if applicable, but if it differs materially from the action taken by Administrative Agent or Lenders, the records of Administrative Agent and Lenders shall govern. Neither Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any liability for any loss suffered by a Borrower as a result of Administrative Agent or any Lender acting upon its understanding of telephonic or e-mailed instructions from a person reasonably believed in good faith by Administrative Agent or any Lender to be a person authorized to give such instructions on a Borrower’s behalf.

4.2. Defaulting Lender. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary:

 

-57-


4.2.1 Reallocation of Pro Rata Share; Amendments. For purposes of determining Lenders’ obligations or rights to fund, participate in or receive collections with respect to Loans and Letters of Credit (including existing Swingline Loans, Protective Advances and LC Obligations), Administrative Agent may in its discretion reallocate Pro Rata shares by excluding a Defaulting Lender’s Commitments and Loans from the calculation of shares. A Defaulting Lender shall have no right to vote on any amendment, waiver or other modification of a Loan Document, except as provided in Section 15.1.1(c).

4.2.2 Payments; Fees. To the extent the Borrowers or any other Obligors are required to pay any amounts to a Defaulting Lender hereunder or under any other Loan Documents, Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, receive and retain any amounts payable to a Defaulting Lender under the Loan Documents, and a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed to have assigned to Administrative Agent such amounts until all Obligations owing to Administrative Agent, non-Defaulting Lenders and other Secured Parties have been paid in full. Administrative Agent may use such amounts to cover the Defaulting Lender’s defaulted obligations, to Cash Collateralize such Lender’s Fronting Exposure, to readvance the amounts to Borrowers or to repay Obligations. A Lender shall not be entitled to receive any fees accruing hereunder while it is a Defaulting Lender and its unfunded Commitment shall be disregarded for purposes of calculating the Unused Line Fee Rate under Section 3.2.1, and the Borrowers shall not be required to pay such Unused Line Fee Rate to such Defaulting Lender (or Administrative Agent for the benefit of such Defaulting Lender). If any LC Obligations owing to a Defaulting Lender are reallocated to other Lenders, fees attributable to such LC Obligations under Section 3.2.2 shall be paid to such Lenders. Administrative Agent shall be paid all fees attributable to LC Obligations that are not reallocated.

4.2.3 Status; Cure. Administrative Agent may determine in its discretion that a Lender constitutes a Defaulting Lender and the effective date of such status shall be conclusive and binding on all parties, absent manifest error. Borrowers, Administrative Agent and Issuing Bank may agree in writing that a Lender has ceased to be a Defaulting Lender, whereupon Pro Rata shares shall be reallocated without exclusion of the reinstated Lender’s Commitments and Loans, and the Revolver Usage and other exposures under the Commitments shall be reallocated among Lenders and settled by Administrative Agent (with appropriate payments by the reinstated Lender, including payment of any breakage costs for reallocated BSBY Loans) in accordance with the readjusted Pro Rata shares; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrowers while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender. Unless expressly agreed by Borrowers, Administrative Agent and Issuing Bank, or as expressly provided herein with respect to Bail-In Actions and related matters, no reallocation or Commitments and Loans to non-Defaulting Lenders or reinstatement of a Defaulting Lender shall constitute a waiver or release of claims against such Lender. The failure of any Lender to fund a Loan, to make a payment in respect of LC Obligations or otherwise to perform obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations under any Loan Document. No Lender shall be responsible for default by another Lender.

4.3. Number and Amount of BSBY Loans; Determination of Rate. Each Borrowing of BSBY Loans when made shall be in a minimum amount of $1,000,000, plus an increment of $100,000 in excess thereof. No more than six (6) Borrowings BSBY Loans may be outstanding at any time, and all BSBY Loans having the same length and beginning date of their Interest Periods shall be aggregated together and considered one Borrowing for this purpose. Upon determining the BSBY Rate for any Interest Period requested by Borrowers, Administrative Agent shall promptly notify Borrowers thereof by telephone or electronically and, if requested by Borrowers, shall confirm any telephonic notice in writing.

4.4. Borrower Agent. Each Obligor hereby designates the Company (“Borrower Agent”) as its representative and agent for all purposes under the Loan Documents, including requests for and receipt of Loans and Letters of Credit, designation of interest rates, delivery or receipt of Communications, preparation and delivery of Borrower Materials and Reports, receipt and payment of Obligations, requests for waivers, amendments or other accommodations, actions under the Loan Documents (including in respect of compliance with covenants), and all other dealings with Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank

 

-58-


or any Lender. Borrower Agent hereby accepts such appointment. Administrative Agent and Lenders shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, any notice or communication (including any Notice of Borrowing) delivered by Borrower Agent on behalf of any Obligor. Administrative Agent and Lenders may give any Communication with an Obligor hereunder to Borrower Agent on behalf of such Obligor. Each of Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders shall have the right, in its reasonable discretion, to deal exclusively with Borrower Agent for all purposes under the Loan Documents. Each Obligor agrees that any Communication, delivery, representation, agreement, action, omission or undertaking on its behalf by Borrower Agent shall be binding upon and enforceable against such Obligor.

4.5. One Obligation. The Loans, LC Obligations and other Obligations constitute one general obligation of Borrowers and are secured by Administrative Agent’s Lien on all Collateral; provided, however, that Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender shall be deemed to be a creditor of, and the holder of a separate claim against, each Borrower to the extent of any Obligations jointly or severally owed by such Borrower.

4.6. Effect of Termination . On the Commitment Termination Date, the Obligations shall be immediately due and payable (except, in the case of any Secured Bank Product Obligations, as otherwise agreed in writing between any Obligor and/or Restricted Subsidiary (as applicable) and any applicable Secured Bank Product Provider). Until Full Payment of the Obligations, all undertakings of Borrowers contained in the Loan Documents shall continue, and Administrative Agent shall retain its Liens in the Collateral (except as otherwise released in accordance with the terms of this Agreement) and all of its rights and remedies under the Loan Documents. Administrative Agent shall not be required to terminate its Liens unless it receives Cash Collateral or a written agreement, in each case reasonably satisfactory to it, protecting Administrative Agent and Lenders from dishonor or return of any Payment Item previously applied to the Obligations. Sections 2.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.9, 5.4, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 13, 15.2, this Section, and each indemnity or waiver given by an Obligor or Lender in any Loan Document, shall survive Full Payment of the Obligations.

4.7. Designated Borrower.

4.7.1 Applicant Borrower. So long as no Default shall have occurred and is continuing or shall result therefrom: Borrower Agent may at any time, upon not less than 10 Business Days’ notice from Borrower Agent to Administrative Agent (or such shorter period as may be agreed by Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), designate any additional Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is not already a Designated Borrower (an “Applicant Borrower”) as a Designated Borrower to receive Loans hereunder by delivering to Administrative Agent (which shall promptly deliver counterparts thereof to each Lender) a duly executed notice and agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit H (a “Designated Borrower Request and Assumption Agreement”); provided that such Restricted Subsidiary shall be a Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary of the Company and shall remain a Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary of the Company for as long as such Restricted Subsidiary is a Designated Borrower. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Section 4.7.1, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (x) prior to any Applicant Borrower becoming entitled to utilize the credit facilities provided for herein each Lender shall have had 5 Business Days to review such Applicant Borrower’s Designated Borrower Request and Assumption Agreement and notify Administrative Agent in writing of any objection to such Applicant Borrower becoming a Designated Borrower on the basis of such Lender (A) not being permitted to make any Loan to such Designated Borrower under applicable Law or (B) not being able to commit or make such Loan to such Designated Borrower because of adverse tax consequences for such Lender when such Restricted Subsidiary of Borrower Agent becomes a Designated Borrower, (y) Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have received such supporting resolutions, incumbency certificates, opinions of counsel, appraisals and field exams, any documents or instruments required pursuant to Section 10.1.12 and other documents or information (including, without limitation, information and documentation of the type provided under Section 6.1(q), in each case, in form, content and scope reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, as may be required by Administrative Agent in its

 

-59-


reasonable discretion, and a promissory note signed by such new Borrower to the extent any Lender so requires) and (z) Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent and each Lender, all documentation and other information as Administrative Agent or any Lender deems appropriate in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act and Beneficial Ownership Regulation (such deliverables collectively, the “Applicant Borrower Materials”). If (1) no Lender objects to the addition of an Applicant Borrower as a Designated Borrower as set forth in clause (x) of the preceding sentence, (2) Lenders have cleared all “know your customer” requirements, and (3) Administrative Agent determines in its reasonable discretion that an Applicant Borrower shall be entitled to receive Loans hereunder, then promptly following receipt of all the Applicant Borrower Materials, Administrative Agent shall send a notice in substantially the form of Exhibit I (a “Designated Borrower Notice”) to Borrower Agent and the Lenders specifying the effective date upon which the Applicant Borrower shall constitute a Designated Borrower for purposes hereof, whereupon each of the Lenders agrees to permit such Designated Borrower to receive Loans hereunder, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, and each of the parties agrees that such Designated Borrower otherwise shall be a Borrower for all purposes of this Agreement.

4.7.2 Joint and Several. The Obligations of Borrower Agent and each Designated Borrower shall be joint and several in nature.

4.7.3 Confirmation. Each Restricted Subsidiary of Borrower Agent that is or becomes a “Designated Borrower” pursuant to this Section 4.7 hereby irrevocably confirms the appointment and powers of Borrower Agent under Section 4.4 and will become a Guarantor pursuant to Section 10.1.12.

4.7.4 Termination. Borrower Agent may from time to time, upon not less than 10 Business Days’ notice from Borrower Agent to Administrative Agent (or such shorter period as may be agreed by Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion), terminate a Designated Borrower’s status as such, provided that (i) there are no outstanding Loans or Letters of Credit payable by such Designated Borrower, or other amounts payable by such Designated Borrower on account of any Loans made to it, as of the effective date of such termination or (ii) if Revolver Usage exceeds the Line Cap at the time of such termination of status, the Borrowers shall contemporaneously make such prepayments as are required hereunder to eliminate such excess. Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any such termination of a Designated Borrower’s status.

SECTION 5. PAYMENTS

5.1. General Payment Provisions. All payments of Obligations shall be made in Dollars, without offset, counterclaim or defense of any kind, and in immediately available funds, not later than noon on the due date. Any payment after such time shall be deemed made on the next Business Day. Any payment of a BSBY Loan prior to the end of its Interest Period shall be accompanied by all amounts due under Section 3.9. Borrowers agree that after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Administrative Agent shall have the continuing, exclusive right to apply and reapply payments and proceeds of Collateral against the Obligations, in such manner as Administrative Agent reasonably deems advisable, but whenever possible, any prepayment of Loans shall be applied first to Base Rate Loans and then to BSBY Loans.

5.2. Repayment of Loans. Loans shall be due and payable in full on the Termination Date, unless payment is sooner required hereunder. Loans may be prepaid from time to time, without penalty or premium. Subject to Section 2.1.5, if an Overadvance exists at any time, Borrowers shall, on the sooner of Administrative Agent’s demand or the first Business Day after any Borrower has knowledge thereof, repay Loans in an amount sufficient to reduce Revolver Usage to the Line Cap.

 

-60 -


5.3. Payment of Other Obligations. Obligations other than Loans, including LC Obligations and Extraordinary Expenses, shall be paid by Borrowers as provided in the Loan Documents or, if no payment date is specified, on demand.

5.4. Marshaling; Payments Set Aside. None of Administrative Agent or Lenders shall be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Obligor or against any Obligations. If any payment by or on behalf of Borrowers is made to Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender, or if Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender exercises a right of setoff, and any of such payment or setoff is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by Administrative Agent, an Issuing Bank or a Lender in its reasonable discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other Person, then to the extent of such recovery by such trustee, receiver or other Person, the Obligation originally intended to be satisfied, and all Liens, rights and remedies relating thereto, shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment or setoff had not occurred.

5.5. Application and Allocation of Payments.

5.5.1 Application. Payments made by Borrowers hereunder shall be applied (a) first, as specifically required hereby; (b) second, to Obligations then due and owing; (c) third, to other Obligations specified by Borrowers; and (d) fourth, as determined by Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

5.5.2 Post-Default Allocation. Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, during an Event of Default, monies to be applied to the Obligations, whether arising from payments by Obligors, realization on Collateral, setoff or otherwise, shall be allocated as follows:

(a) first, to all fees, indemnification, costs and expenses (other than fees, costs and expenses constituting Secured Bank Product Obligations), including Extraordinary Expenses, owing to Administrative Agent;

(b) second, to all amounts owing to the Lenders and Administrative Agent on Swingline Loans, Protective Advances, and Loans and participations that a Defaulting Lender has failed to settle or fund;

(c) third, to all amounts owing to Issuing Bank, ratably among each Issuing Bank in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause payable to it;

(d) fourth, to all Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) constituting fees, indemnification, costs or expenses owing to Lenders;

(e) fifth, to all Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) constituting interest;

(f) sixth, to Cash Collateralize all LC Obligations;

(g) seventh, to all Loans, and to Secured Bank Product Obligations arising under Hedging Agreements (including Cash Collateralization thereof) that are pari passu with the Loans and up to the amount of the Bank Product Reserve existing therefor;

(h) eighth, to all other Secured Bank Product Obligations;

(i) ninth, to all remaining Obligations;

(j) last, the balance, if any, after all Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrowers or as otherwise required by Applicable Law.

 

-61-


Amounts shall be applied to payment of each category of Obligations only after Full Payment of amounts payable from time to time under all preceding categories. If amounts are insufficient to satisfy a category, they shall be paid ratably among outstanding Obligations in the category. Monies and proceeds obtained from an Obligor shall not be applied to its Excluded Swap Obligations, but appropriate adjustments shall be made with respect to amounts obtained from other Obligors to preserve the allocations in any applicable category. Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to calculate the amount of any Secured Bank Product Obligation and may request a reasonably detailed calculation thereof from a Secured Bank Product Provider. If the provider fails to deliver the calculation within 5 days following request, Administrative Agent may assume the amount is zero.

5.5.3 Erroneous Application. Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any application of amounts made by it in good faith and, if any such application is subsequently determined to have been made in error, the sole recourse of any Secured Party or other Person to which such amount should have been paid shall be to recover the amount from the Person that actually received it (and, if such amount was received by a Secured Party, the Secured Party agrees to return it).

5.6. Dominion Account. The ledger balance in each Dominion Account as of the end of a Business Day shall be applied to the Obligations at the beginning of the next Business Day. For the avoidance of doubt, if a credit balance results from such application, it shall not accrue interest in favor of Borrowers and shall be made available to Borrowers as long as no Event of Default exists.

5.7. Account Stated. Administrative Agent shall maintain, in accordance with its customary practices, loan account(s) evidencing the Debt of Borrowers hereunder. Any failure of Administrative Agent to record anything in a loan account, or any error in doing so, shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligation of Borrowers to pay any amount owing hereunder. Entries made in a loan account shall constitute presumptive evidence of the information contained therein. If any information contained in a loan account is provided to or inspected by any Person, the information shall be conclusive and binding on such Person for all purposes absent manifest error, except to the extent such Person notifies Administrative Agent in writing within 90 days after receipt or inspection that specific information is subject to dispute.

5.8. Taxes.

5.8.1 Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Tax Payment.

(a) Any and all payments by or on account of any Obligations by Obligors shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by Applicable Law. If Applicable Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding, taking into account information and documentation provided pursuant to Section 5.9.

(b) If a Withholding Agent is required by any Applicable Law to withhold or deduct Taxes from any payment, then (i) the applicable Withholding Agent, to the extent required by Applicable Law, shall apply such withholding or deduction and timely pay the full amount to be withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law, and (ii) to the extent the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Obligor shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.

 

-62-


5.8.2 Payment of Other Taxes. Without limiting the foregoing, Borrowers shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law, or at Administrative Agent’s option, timely reimburse Administrative Agent for payment of, any Other Taxes.

5.8.3 Tax Indemnification.

(a) Each Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless, on a joint and several basis, each Recipient against any Indemnified Taxes (including those Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. Each Borrower shall make payment within 10 days after demand for any amount or liability payable under this Section. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to Borrowers by a Lender or an Issuing Bank (with a copy to Administrative Agent), or by Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of any Recipient, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(b) Each Lender and Issuing Bank shall indemnify and hold harmless, on a several basis, (i) Administrative Agent against any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender or Issuing Bank (but only to the extent Borrowers have not already paid or reimbursed Administrative Agent therefor and without limiting Borrowers’ obligation to do so), (ii) Administrative Agent and Obligors, as applicable, against any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to maintain a Participant register as required hereunder, and (iii) Administrative Agent and Obligors, as applicable, against any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender or Issuing Bank, in each case, that are payable or paid by Administrative Agent or an Obligor in connection with any Obligations, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. Each Lender and Issuing Bank shall make payment within 10 days after demand for any amount or liability payable under this Section. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender or any Issuing Bank by Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender and Issuing Bank hereby authorizes Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender or Issuing Bank under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by Administrative Agent to the Lender or Issuing Bank from any other source against any amount due to Administrative Agent under this subsection (b).

5.8.4 Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after payment of Taxes by any Obligor pursuant to this Section, Borrower Agent shall deliver to Administrative Agent a copy of a receipt issued by the appropriate Governmental Authority evidencing the payment, a copy of any return required by Applicable Law to report the payment, or other evidence of payment reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

5.8.5 Treatment of Certain Refunds. Unless required by Applicable Law, at no time shall Administrative Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, nor have any obligation to pay to any Lender or any Issuing Bank, any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of a Lender or an Issuing Bank. If a Recipient determines in its discretion exercised in good faith that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by Borrowers or with respect to which a Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay Borrowers an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by Borrowers with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) incurred by such Recipient, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that Borrowers agree, upon request by the Recipient, to repay the amount paid over to Borrowers (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Recipient if the Recipient is required to repay such refund to the Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding

 

-63-


anything herein to the contrary, no Recipient shall be required to pay any amount to Borrowers if such payment would place the Recipient in a less favorable net after-Tax position than it would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. In no event shall Administrative Agent or any other Recipient be required to make its tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) available to any Obligor or other Person.

5.8.6 Survival. Each party’s obligations under Sections 5.8 and 5.9 shall survive the resignation or replacement of Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by or replacement of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, the termination of the Commitments, and the repayment, satisfaction, discharge or Full Payment of any Obligations.

5.9. Lender Tax Information.

5.9.1 Status of Lenders. Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments of Obligations shall deliver to Borrowers and Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by Borrowers or Administrative Agent, properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by Borrowers or Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by Borrowers or Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by Applicable Law or reasonably requested by Borrowers or Administrative Agent to enable them to determine whether such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such documentation (other than documentation described in Sections 5.9.2(a), (b) and (d)) shall not be required if a Lender reasonably believes delivery of the documentation would subject it to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice its legal or commercial position.

5.9.2 Documentation. Without limiting the foregoing, if any Borrower is a U.S. Person;

(a) Any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to Borrowers and Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender hereunder (and from time to time thereafter upon reasonable request of Borrowers or Administrative Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9, certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding Tax;

(b) Any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to Borrowers and Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender hereunder (and from time to time thereafter upon reasonable request of Borrowers or Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

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

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

 

-64-


(iii) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate in form reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of a Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (“U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”), and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable; or

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

(c) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to Borrowers and Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender hereunder (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of Borrowers or Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by Applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by Applicable Law to permit Borrowers or Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made;

(d) if payment of an Obligation to a Lender would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code), such Lender shall deliver to Borrowers and Administrative Agent at the time(s) prescribed by law and otherwise as reasonably requested by Borrowers or Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by Applicable Law (including Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by Borrowers or Administrative Agent as may be appropriate for them to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with its obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (d), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date hereof; and

(e) on or before the date on which Bank of America (and any successor or replacement Administrative Agent) becomes Administrative Agent hereunder, it shall deliver to the Borrowers two properly completed and executed copies of either (i) IRS Form W-9, or (ii) IRS Form W-8ECI with respect to any payments to be received on its own behalf and IRS Form W-8IMY (certifying that it is either a “qualified intermediary” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1441-1(e)(5) that has assumed primary withholding obligations under the Code, including Chapters 3 and 4 of the Code, or a “U.S. branch” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1441-1(b)(2)(iv) that is treated as a U.S. Person for purposes of withholding obligations under the Code) for the amounts Administrative Agent receives for the account of others.

5.9.3 Redelivery of Documentation. If any form or certification previously delivered by a Lender or Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, such Lender or Administrative Agent, as applicable shall promptly update the form or certification or notify Borrowers and Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

-65-


5.10. Nature and Extent of Each Borrowers Liability.

5.10.1 Joint and Several Liability. Each Borrower agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to Administrative Agent and Lenders the prompt payment and performance of, all Obligations, except its Excluded Swap Obligations. Each Borrower agrees that its guaranty obligations hereunder constitute a continuing guaranty of payment and not of collection, that such obligations shall not be discharged until Full Payment of the Obligations, and that such obligations are absolute and unconditional, irrespective of (a) the genuineness, validity, regularity, enforceability, subordination or any future modification of, or change in, any Obligations or Loan Document, or any other document, instrument or agreement to which any Obligor is or may become a party or be bound; (b) the absence of any action to enforce this Agreement (including this Section) or any other Loan Document, or any waiver, consent or indulgence of any kind by Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect thereto; (c) the existence, value or condition of, or failure to perfect a Lien or to preserve rights against, any security or guaranty for any Obligations or any action, or the absence of any action, by Administrative Agent or any Lender in respect thereof (including the release of any security or guaranty); (d) the insolvency of any Obligor; (e) any election by Administrative Agent or any Lender in an Insolvency Proceeding for the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code; (f) any borrowing or grant of a Lien by any other Borrower, as debtor-in-possession under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; (g) the disallowance of any claims of Administrative Agent or any Lender against any Obligor for the repayment of any Obligations under Section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; or (h) any other action or circumstances that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor, except Full Payment of the Obligations.

5.10.2 Waivers.

(a) Each Borrower expressly waives all rights that it may have now or in the future under any statute, at common law, in equity or otherwise, to compel Administrative Agent or Lenders to marshal assets or to proceed against any Obligor, other Person or security for the payment or performance of any Obligations before, or as a condition to, proceeding against such Borrower. Each Borrower waives all defenses available to a surety, guarantor or accommodation co-obligor other than Full Payment of Obligations and waives, to the maximum extent permitted by law, any right to revoke any guaranty of Obligations as long as it is a Borrower. It is agreed among each Borrower, Administrative Agent and Lenders that the provisions of this Section 5.10 are of the essence of the transaction contemplated by the Loan Documents and that, but for such provisions, Administrative Agent and Lenders would decline to make Loans and issue Letters of Credit. Each Borrower acknowledges that its guaranty pursuant to this Section is necessary to the conduct and promotion of its business, and can be expected to benefit such business.

(b) Administrative Agent and Lenders may, in their discretion, pursue such rights and remedies as they deem appropriate, including realization upon Collateral by judicial foreclosure or nonjudicial sale or enforcement, without affecting any other rights and remedies under this Section 5.10. If, in taking any action in connection with the exercise of any rights or remedies, Administrative Agent or any Lender shall forfeit any other rights or remedies, including the right to enter a deficiency judgment against any Borrower or other Person, whether because of any Applicable Laws pertaining to “election of remedies” or otherwise, each Borrower consents to such action and waives any claim based upon such action, even if the action may result in loss of any rights of subrogation that any Borrower might otherwise have had. Any election of remedies that results in denial or impairment of the right of Administrative Agent or any Lender to seek a deficiency judgment against any Borrower shall not impair any other Borrower’s obligation to pay the full amount of the Obligations. Each Borrower waives all rights and defenses arising out of an election of remedies, such as nonjudicial foreclosure with respect to any security for Obligations, even though that election of remedies destroys such Borrower’s rights of subrogation against any other Person. Administrative Agent may bid Obligations, in whole or part, at any foreclosure, trustee or other sale, including any private sale, and the amount of such bid need not be paid by Administrative Agent but shall be credited against the Obligations. The amount of the successful bid at any such sale, whether Administrative Agent or any other Person is the successful bidder, shall be conclusively deemed to be the fair market value of the Collateral, and the difference between such bid amount and the remaining balance of the Obligations shall be conclusively deemed to be the amount of the Obligations guaranteed under this Section 5.10, notwithstanding that any present or future law or court decision may have the effect of reducing the amount of any deficiency claim to which Administrative Agent or any Lender might otherwise be entitled but for such bidding at any such sale.

 

-66-


5.10.3 Extent of Liability; Contribution.

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each Borrower’s liability under this Section 5.10 shall not exceed the greater of (i) all amounts for which such Borrower is primarily liable, as described in clause (c) below, and (ii) such Borrower’s Allocable Amount.

(b) If any Borrower makes a payment under this Section 5.10 of any Obligations (other than amounts for which such Borrower is primarily liable) (a “Guarantor Payment”) that, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments previously or concurrently made by any other Borrower, exceeds the amount that such Borrower would otherwise have paid if each Borrower had paid the aggregate Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payments in the same proportion that such Borrower’s Allocable Amount bore to the total Allocable Amounts of all Borrowers, then such Borrower shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and to be reimbursed by, each other Borrower for the amount of such excess, ratably based on their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment. The “Allocable Amount” for any Borrower shall be the maximum amount that could then be recovered from such Borrower under this Section 5.10 without rendering such payment voidable under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state fraudulent transfer or conveyance act, or similar statute or common law.

(c) Section 5.10.3(a) shall not limit the liability of any Borrower to pay or guarantee Loans made directly or indirectly to it (including Loans advanced hereunder to any other Person and then re-loaned or otherwise transferred to, or for the benefit of, such Borrower), LC Obligations relating to Letters of Credit issued to support its business, Secured Bank Product Obligations incurred to support its business, and all accrued interest, fees, expenses and other related Obligations with respect thereto, for which such Borrower shall be primarily liable for all purposes hereunder.

(d) Each Obligor that is a Qualified ECP when its guaranty of or grant of Lien as security for a Swap Obligation becomes effective hereby jointly and severally, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide funds or other support to each Specified Obligor with respect to such Swap Obligation as may be needed by such Specified Obligor from time to time to honor all of its Obligations under the Loan Documents in respect of such Swap Obligation (but, in each case, only up to the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering such Qualified ECP’s obligations and undertakings under this Section 5.10 voidable under any applicable fraudulent transfer or conveyance act). The obligations and undertakings of each Qualified ECP under this Section shall remain in full force and effect until Full Payment of all Obligations. Each Qualified ECP intends this Section to constitute, and this Section shall be deemed to constitute, a guarantee of the obligations of, and a “keepwell, support or other agreement” for the benefit of, each Obligor for all purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act.

5.10.4 Joint Enterprise. Each Borrower has requested that Administrative Agent and Lenders make this credit facility available to Borrowers on a combined basis, in order to finance Borrowers’ business most efficiently and economically. Borrowers’ business is a mutual and collective enterprise, and the successful operation of each Borrower is dependent upon the successful performance of the integrated group. Borrowers believe that consolidation of their credit facility will enhance the borrowing power of each Borrower and ease administration of the facility, all to their mutual advantage. Borrowers acknowledge that Administrative Agent’s and Lenders’ willingness to extend credit and to administer the Collateral on a combined basis hereunder is done solely as an accommodation to Borrowers and at Borrowers’ request.

 

-67-


5.10.5 Subordination. Each Borrower hereby subordinates any claims, including any rights at law or in equity to payment, subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification or set off, that it may have at any time against any other Obligor, howsoever arising, to the Full Payment of the Obligations.

SECTION 6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

6.1. Conditions Precedent to Closing. This Agreement shall become effective on the date (“Closing Date”) that each of the following conditions has been satisfied (or waived in accordance with this Agreement):

(a) Each Loan Document shall have been duly executed and delivered to Administrative Agent by each of the signatories thereto, and each Obligor shall be in compliance with all terms of each Loan Document to which it is a party.

(b) Administrative Agent shall have received (i) acknowledgments of all filings or recordations necessary to perfect its Liens in the Collateral, or arrangements reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent for such filings and recordations shall have been made (and all filing and recording fees and taxes in connection therewith shall have been duly paid or arrangements reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent for the payment of such fees and taxes shall have been made), and (ii) subject to Section 10.1.15, UCC and Lien searches and termination documents or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent that such Liens are the only Liens upon the Collateral, except Permitted Liens.

(c) Administrative Agent shall have received Lien Waivers with respect to any location where Eligible Spare Parts Inventory is held (other than Inventory located at customer locations in the Ordinary Course of Business); provided that no such Lien Waiver is required so long as a Rent and Charges Reserve has been deducted from the Borrowing Base in respect of such Eligible Spare Parts Inventory.

(d) Subject to Section 10.1.15, Administrative Agent shall have received duly executed Deposit Account Control Agreements on each Deposit Account (other than an Excluded Account and the Secured Notes Collateral Account) (i) that is a collections account and (ii) as required by Section 8.6, Securities Account Control Agreements and agreements establishing each Dominion Account and, if applicable, related lockbox, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

(e) Administrative Agent shall have received certificates, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it, from a knowledgeable Senior Officer of the Company certifying that, as of the Closing Date, after giving effect to the Transactions (including, without limitation, any initial Loans made or Letters of Credit issued or Existing Letters of Credit deemed issued hereunder on the Closing Date), the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are Solvent.

(f) Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of a duly authorized Senior Officer of each Obligor, certifying as of the Closing Date (i) that attached copies of such Person’s Organizational Documents, as applicable, are true and complete, and in full force and effect, without amendment except as shown; (ii) that an attached copy of resolutions authorizing execution and delivery of the Loan Documents is true and complete, and that such resolutions are in full force and effect, were duly adopted, have not been amended, modified or revoked, and constitute all resolutions adopted with respect to this credit facility; and (iii) to the title, name and signature of each Person authorized to sign the Loan Documents on behalf of such Person, as applicable. Administrative Agent may conclusively rely on this certificate until it is otherwise notified by such Person in writing.

 

-68-


(g) Administrative Agent shall have received a written opinion of Vinson & Elkins LLP, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

(h) Administrative Agent shall have received copies of the charter documents of each Obligor, certified by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Person’s jurisdiction of organization. Administrative Agent shall have received good standing certificates for each Obligor, issued by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Person’s jurisdiction of organization as of a reasonably recent date.

(i) Subject to Section 10.1.15, Administrative Agent shall have received certificates of insurance for the insurance policies carried by Obligors reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, as well as all necessary endorsements naming Administrative Agent as an additional insured and lender loss payee with respect to the Collateral, as the case may be, all in compliance with the Loan Documents.

(j) No event shall have occurred or circumstance exist since December 31, 2017 that has or would reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(k) Borrowers shall have paid all reasonable and documented costs and expenses of the Lead Left Arranger, Administrative Agent and Lenders (including, without limitation, reasonable and documented fees (including such fees agreed upon in the Engagement Letter), disbursements and other charges of one firm of counsel for Administrative Agent, the Lead Left Arranger and their Affiliates, due diligence expenses, the costs of lender meetings, and the audit and appraisal fees and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable and documented costs and expenses for travel, lodging and meals for personnel, out-of-pocket examination costs and customary charges for field examinations and the preparation of reports) for Administrative Agent) for which invoices with reasonable detail and supporting documentation have been presented at least 1 Business Day prior to the Closing Date.

(l) Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it, of a duly authorized Senior Officer of each Borrower certifying that, as of the Closing Date, upon the Borrowing of Loans, giving effect to the issuance or deemed issuance of Letters of Credit, and the payment by Borrowers of all fees and expenses incurred in connection herewith and therewith, as well as any payables stretched beyond their customary payment practices, on the Closing Date Excess Availability (based on the Borrowing Base Report described in clause (r) below) shall be at least $10,000,000.

(m) Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it, of a duly authorized Senior Officer of each Obligor, certifying that, as of the Closing Date, the conditions specified in Sections 6.1(s) and (u) and Sections 6.2(a) and (b) are satisfied.

(n) Administrative Agent and Lenders shall have received (i) pro forma consolidated financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries and consolidating financial statements of the Borrowers, in each case, giving effect to the initial funding of Loans, issuance of Letters of Credit and the funding of the Secured Notes on or before the Closing Date, (ii) forecasts prepared by management of the Borrowers (each in form reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and evidencing Borrowers’ ability to comply with the financial covenant set forth in Section 10.3) of balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements on a quarterly basis for the first year following the Closing Date and on an annual basis for each year thereafter during the term of this Agreement, (iii) Audited Financial Statements, (iv) the unaudited consolidating financial statements of the Borrowers as of and for each Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and (v) unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries and consolidating financial statements of the Borrowers, in each case, for the Fiscal Quarter ended March 31, 2018.

 

-69-


(o) Administrative Agent and Lenders shall be reasonably satisfied with the capital structure of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

(p) Each Lender shall have received internal credit approval for the extension of credit under this Agreement.

(q) (i) Administrative Agent shall have received, at least 3 Business Days prior to the Closing Date, all documentation and other information required by Governmental Authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the PATRIOT Act, that has been reasonably requested in writing at least 5 Business Days prior to the Closing Date by Administrative Agent or any Lender; (ii) at least 3 Business Days prior to the Closing Date, any Borrower that qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation shall deliver, to Administrative Agent and each Lender that so requests in writing at least 5 Business Days prior to the Closing Date, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to such Borrower and (iii) Administrative Agent shall have received reasonably satisfactory background checks on key members of management of each Borrower.

(r) Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Base Report dated as of May 31, 2018 in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it, including aging reports for the Eligible Accounts Receivable.

(s) There is no action, suit, investigation, litigation or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrowers, threatened in any court or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority that (a) either individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (b) relates to this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any Transaction.

(t) Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it, of a duly authorized Senior Officer of each Obligor, (i) either (x) attaching copies of all consents and approvals required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by any Obligor and the validity against any such Obligors of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and such consents and approvals shall be in full force and effect, or (y) certifying that no such consents, licenses or approvals are so required and (ii) certifying no law or regulation is applicable that could restrain, prevent or impose any material adverse conditions on the Obligors.

(u) After giving effect to the Transactions, neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries shall have any Material Debt for borrowed money other than (i) the Secured Notes, (ii) the Senior Notes and (iii) this Agreement.

(v) The Lenders shall have received the fees required to be paid under Section 3.2.4.

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 13.3, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 6.1, each Lender and Issuing Bank that has executed and delivered (and, as applicable, released from escrow) its signature page to this Agreement shall be deemed to (i) have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender and Issuing Bank and (ii) have received internal credit approval for the extension of credit under this Agreement, in each case, unless Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender or Issuing Bank prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

6.2. Conditions Precedent to All Credit Extensions. Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders shall not be required to fund any Loans or arrange for issuance of any Letters of Credit to or for the benefit of Borrowers, unless the Closing Date shall have occurred and the following conditions are satisfied (or waived in accordance with this Agreement):

 

-70-


(a) No Default or Event of Default shall exist at the time of, or result from, such funding or issuance;

(b) The representations and warranties of each Obligor in the Loan Documents to which they are a party shall be true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein) on the date of, and upon giving effect to, such funding or issuance (except for representations and warranties that expressly relate to an earlier date), except that for purposes of this Section 6.2, the representations contained in clauses (a) and (b) of Section 9.1.5 shall be deemed to be the most recent financial statements furnished pursuant to Section 6.1(n) or clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 10.1.2, as applicable;

(c) With respect to issuance of a Letter of Credit (other than the Existing Letters of Credit), the Issuing Bank shall have received an LC Application at least 3 Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance and the LC Conditions shall have been satisfied;

(d) Administrative Agent shall have received a Notice of Borrowing with respect to the funding of any Loan;

(e) With respect to funding any Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit, Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Base Report in a form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent dated no more than 30 days prior to such request; and

(f) If the applicable Borrower is a Designated Borrower, then the conditions of Section 4.7 to the designation of such Borrower as a Designated Borrower shall have been satisfied.

Each request (or deemed request) by Borrowers for funding of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall constitute a representation by Borrowers that the foregoing conditions are satisfied on the date of such request and on the date of such funding or issuance.

SECTION 7. COLLATERAL

7.1. Grant of Security Interest. To secure the prompt payment and performance of the Obligations (including all obligations of the Guarantors), each Obligor hereby grants to Administrative Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a continuing security interest in and Lien upon all of the following Property of such Obligor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and wherever located:

(a) all Accounts;

(b) all Inventory;

(c) General Intangibles (excluding Intellectual Property), to the extent relating to Accounts and Inventory;

(d) Chattel Paper, to the extent relating to Accounts and Inventory;

(e) all Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts and Commodity Accounts (excluding the Secured Notes Collateral Account and the Excluded Accounts), including sums in any blocked, lockbox, sweep or collection account (excluding the Secured Notes Collateral Account and the Excluded Accounts), and all cash, Cash Equivalents and any other amounts credited to such accounts;

(f) all cash and Cash Equivalents (other than cash and Cash Equivalents credited to the Secured Notes Collateral Account credited in compliance with Section 10.2.19);

 

-71-


(g) all Investment Property, Documents, and Instruments, to the extent relating to the foregoing;

(h) all accessions to, substitutions for, and all replacements, products, and cash and non-cash proceeds of the foregoing, including proceeds of and unearned premiums with respect to insurance policies with respect to Collateral, and claims against any Person for loss, damage or destruction of any Collateral;

(i) all books, records, ledger cards, files, correspondence, customer lists, blueprints, technical specifications, manuals, computer software, computer printouts, tapes, disks and other electronic storage media and related data processing software and similar items that at any time evidence or contain information relating to any of the Collateral or are otherwise necessary or helpful in the collection thereof or realization thereupon; and

(j) all products and proceeds of the foregoing, in any form, including insurance proceeds and all claims against third parties for loss or damage to, destruction of, business interruption in relation to, or other involuntary conversion of any kind or nature of any or all of the other Collateral.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall the security interest or Lien attach to, or the term “Collateral” be deemed to include, any Excluded Property.

7.2. Deposit Accounts; Securities Accounts; Commodity Accounts; Cash Collateral.

7.2.1 Deposit Accounts; Securities Accounts; Commodity Accounts. Each Obligor hereby authorizes and directs each bank or other depository or securities intermediary to deliver to Administrative Agent, upon request of Administrative Agent, all balances in any Deposit Account, Securities Account and Commodity Account maintained for such Obligor that constitutes Collateral, in accordance with the applicable control agreement between such Obligor, Administrative Agent and such bank or other depository or securities intermediary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent may issue such request at any time (it being understood that the Administrative Agent is directed by the Lenders to and shall provide such request on the Second Amendment Effective Date).

7.2.2 Cash Collateral. Cash Collateral may be invested, at Administrative Agent’s reasonable discretion (and with the consent of Borrower Agent, as long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), but Administrative Agent shall have no duty to do so, regardless of any agreement or course of dealing with any Obligor, and shall have no responsibility for any investment or loss. As security for the Obligations, each Obligor hereby grants to Administrative Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a security interest in and Lien upon all Cash Collateral held from time to time and all proceeds thereof, whether held in a Cash Collateral Account or otherwise. Upon a drawing on any Letter of Credit for which funds are on deposit as Cash Collateral, such funds shall be applied, to the extent permitted under Applicable Law, to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank. To the extent not applied in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Administrative Agent may apply Cash Collateral to the payment of such Obligations as they become due, in such order as Administrative Agent may elect. Each Cash Collateral Account and all Cash Collateral shall be under the sole dominion and control of Administrative Agent, and no Obligor or other Person shall have any right to any Cash Collateral, until Full Payment of the Obligations.

7.3. Other Collateral.

7.3.1 Certain After-Acquired Collateral. Obligors shall promptly notify Administrative Agent in writing if, after the Closing Date, any Obligor obtains any interest in any Collateral consisting of Investment Property, Chattel Paper, Documents, or Instruments, in each case, constituting Collateral with an individual value of or face amount in excess of $1,000,000, and, upon Administrative Agent’s written

 

-72-


request, shall promptly take such actions as Administrative Agent reasonably deems appropriate to effect Administrative Agent’s duly perfected, first priority Lien upon such Collateral, including obtaining any appropriate possession or control agreement or using its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any Lien Waiver. If any Collateral is in the possession of a third party, at Administrative Agent’s written request, Obligors shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an acknowledgment that such third party holds the Collateral for the benefit of Administrative Agent.

7.4. Limitations. The Lien on Collateral granted hereunder is given as security only and shall not subject Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to, or in any way modify, any obligation or liability of Obligors relating to any Collateral. In no event shall the grant of any Lien under any Loan Document secure an Excluded Swap Obligation of the granting Obligor.

7.5. Further Assurances. All Liens granted to Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents are for the benefit of Secured Parties. Promptly upon reasonable, written request, Obligors shall deliver such instruments and agreements, and shall take such actions, as Administrative Agent deems reasonably appropriate under Applicable Law to evidence or perfect its Lien on any Collateral, or otherwise to give effect to the intent of this Agreement. Each Obligor authorizes Administrative Agent to file any financing statement that describes the Collateral in the same manner as described herein (or by any other description which reasonably approximates the description contained in this Agreement) and ratifies any action taken by Administrative Agent before the Closing Date to effect or perfect its Lien on any Collateral.

7.6. Collateral Rights Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Liens and security interests granted to Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement and the exercise of any right or remedy by Administrative Agent hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Collateral Rights Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Collateral Rights Agreement and this Agreement, the terms of the Collateral Rights Agreement shall govern and control.

SECTION 8. COLLATERAL ADMINISTRATION

8.1. Borrowing Base Reports.

8.1.1 Delivery. Borrowers shall deliver to Administrative Agent (and Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver same to Lenders) a Borrowing Base Report (i) as of the close of business of the previous Fiscal Quarter by the 25th day of each Fiscal Quarter, (ii) if any Loans or Letters of Credit are outstanding, as of the close of business of the previous month by the 25th day of each month, and (iii) during any Borrowing Base Reporting Trigger Period, as of the close of business of the previous week by the third Business Day of each week. All information (including calculation of Excess Availability and/or the Line Cap) in a Borrowing Base Report shall be certified by Borrower Agent. Administrative Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, may from time to time adjust any such report (a) to reflect Administrative Agent’s reasonable estimate of declines in value of Collateral, due to collections received in any Dominion Account or otherwise; (b) to adjust advance rates to reflect changes in dilution, quality, mix and other factors affecting Collateral; and (c) to the extent any information or calculation does not comply with this Agreement.

8.1.2 Availability Reserves. Administrative Agent shall have the right, at any time and from time to time after the Closing Date in its Permitted Discretion to establish, modify or eliminate Availability Reserves upon at least 3 Business Days’ prior written notice (which may be by email) to Borrower Agent, which notice shall include a description of such Availability Reserve being established (during which period Administrative Agent shall, if requested, discuss any such Availability Reserve or change with Borrower Agent and Borrower Agent may take such action as may be required so that the event, condition or matter that is the basis for such Availability Reserve or change no longer exists or exists in a manner that would result in the establishment of a lower Availability Reserve or result in a lesser change, in each case, in a manner and to the extent reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent);

 

-73-


provided, that such notice and opportunity shall not limit the right of Administrative Agent to establish or change such Availability Reserve; provided further that, in no event shall such prior notice be required for (a) changes to any Availability Reserves resulting solely by virtue of mathematical calculations of the amount of the Availability Reserve in accordance with the methodology of calculation previously utilized, or (b) changes to Availability Reserves or establishment of additional Availability Reserves if it would be reasonably likely that a Material Adverse Effect would occur were such Availability Reserve not changed or established prior to the expiration of such 3 Business Day period or (c) changes to Availability Reserves when a Default or Event of Default exists. Promptly after Administrative Agent has knowledge that the event, condition or matter which is the basis for the establishment of a new Availability Reserve no longer exists, Administrative Agent shall eliminate such Availability Reserve. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, (i) except with respect to the Excess Availability Reserve component of Availability Reserve, the amount of any Availability Reserve (or change in Availability Reserve) shall have a reasonable relationship to the event, condition or other matter that is the basis for such Availability Reserve or change, (ii) except with respect to the Excess Availability Reserve component of Availability Reserve, in no event shall any Availability Reserve (or change in Availability Reserve) with respect to any component of the Borrowing Base duplicate any Availability Reserve or adjustment already expressly accounted for through eligibility criteria and (iii) the Excess Availability Reserve component of any Availability Reserve shall not be subject to the other requirements of this Section 8.1.2, including any prior notice period before a change therein shall establish, modify or eliminate Availability Reserves.

8.2. Accounts.

8.2.1 Records and Schedules of Accounts. Each Borrower shall keep accurate and complete records of its Accounts in all material respects, including all payments and collections thereon, and shall submit to Administrative Agent copies of sales, collection, reconciliation and other similar reports in form reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, on such periodic basis as Administrative Agent may reasonably request. Each Borrower shall also provide to Administrative Agent, on or before (i) the 25th day after the end of each Fiscal Quarter, (ii) during any period that any Loans or Letters of Credit are outstanding, the 25th day after the end of each month (iii) and, during any Borrowing Base Reporting Trigger Period, by the third Business Day of each week, a reasonably detailed aged trial balance of all Accounts (including all invoices aged by due date), as applicable, (x) as of the end of the preceding Fiscal Quarter, (y) during any period that any Loans or Letters of Credit are outstanding, as of the end the preceding month, (z) and, during any Borrowing Base Reporting Trigger Period, as of the end of the preceding week, specifying each Account’s Account Debtor name and address, amount, invoice date and due date, showing any discount, allowance, credit, authorized return or dispute, and including such proof of delivery, copies of invoices and invoice registers, copies of related documents, repayment histories, status reports and other information as Administrative Agent may reasonably request. If any Account in an aggregate face amount of $5,000,000 or more ceases to be an Eligible Accounts Receivable, Borrowers shall notify Administrative Agent of such occurrence promptly (and in any event within 5 Business Days) after any Borrower has knowledge thereof.

8.2.2 Taxes. If an Account of any Borrower constituting Collateral includes a charge for any Taxes (in each case to the extent such Taxes are then due and payable (except if being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings being diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP) and which have priority over the Liens of Administrative Agent in such Accounts), Administrative Agent is authorized, during the continuance of an Event of Default, in its reasonable discretion, to pay the amount thereof to the proper taxing authority for the account of such Borrower and to charge Borrowers therefor; provided, however, that neither Administrative Agent nor Lenders shall be liable for any Taxes that may be due from Borrowers or with respect to any Collateral.

 

-74-


8.2.3 Account Verification. Whether or not a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Administrative Agent shall have the right at any time, in the name of Administrative Agent, any designee of Administrative Agent or any Borrower, to verify the validity, amount or any other matter relating to any Accounts of Borrowers by mail, telephone or otherwise; provided that Administrative Agent shall take such action in the name of Administrative Agent only while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Borrowers shall reasonably cooperate fully with Administrative Agent in an effort to facilitate and promptly conclude any such verification process.

8.2.4 Maintenance of Dominion Accounts. Borrowers shall maintain Dominion Accounts pursuant to lockbox or other arrangements reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent. Borrowers shall obtain an agreement (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent) from each lockbox servicer and Dominion Account bank, establishing Administrative Agent’s control over and Lien in the lockbox or Dominion Account, which may be exercised by Administrative Agent at any time (it being understood that the Administrative Agent is directed by the Lenders to and shall exercise such control on the Second Amendment Effective Date), requiring immediate deposit of all remittances received in the lockbox to a Dominion Account, and waiving offset rights of such servicer or bank, except for customary administrative charges. All Dominion Accounts shall be maintained with Bank of America, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates. Administrative Agent and Lenders assume no responsibility to Borrowers for any lockbox arrangement or Dominion Account, including any claim of accord and satisfaction or release with respect to any Payment Items accepted by any bank.

8.2.5 Proceeds of Collateral. Borrowers shall request in writing and otherwise take all reasonably necessary steps to ensure that all payments on Accounts or otherwise relating to the Collateral are made directly to a Dominion Account (or a lockbox relating to a Dominion Account). If any Borrower or Restricted Subsidiary receives cash or Payment Items with respect to any Collateral, it shall hold same in trust for Administrative Agent and promptly (not later than the next Business Day) deposit same into a Dominion Account.

8.3. Proceeds of Secured Notes Collateral. To the extent deposited in a Secured Notes Collateral Account, identifiable proceeds received from (i) asset sales of Secured Notes Collateral required to be deposited therein in accordance with the terms of any indenture, note agreement or other agreement governing the Secured Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g) or any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing, (ii) foreclosures on or sales of Secured Notes Collateral or (iii) any other awards or proceeds of Secured Notes Collateral (including insurance proceeds with respect to events of loss relating to Secured Notes Collateral) pursuant to the security documents in respect of the Secured Notes, any additional notes issued pursuant to the Secured Notes Indenture, any Debt permitted to be issued pursuant to Section 10.2.1(g) and any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing, including earnings, revenues, rents, issues, profits and income from the Secured Notes Collateral received pursuant to such security documents after foreclosure or conveyance in lieu of foreclosure, and interest earned thereon or the proceeds of the Secured Notes, any additional notes issued pursuant to the Secured Notes Indenture, any Debt permitted to be issued pursuant to Section 10.2.1(g) and any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing received on the issue date thereof, (A) may not be commingled with any funds constituting Collateral and (B) shall be held as segregated funds, separate and apart from any funds of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries constituting Collateral; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that nothing herein shall prohibit any such funds in any Secured Notes Collateral Account from being deposited into, held in and/or disbursed from any Excluded Account.

8.4. Inventory.

8.4.1 Records and Reports of Inventory. Each Obligor shall keep accurate and complete records of its Inventory in all material respects, including with respect to any returns of Inventory to a supplier, vendor or other Person, costs and daily withdrawals and additions and shall submit to Administrative Agent inventory and reconciliation reports in form satisfactory to Administrative Agent, on such periodic basis as Administrative Agent may request. Each Obligor shall conduct periodic cycle counts consistent with historical practices, and shall provide to Administrative Agent a report based on such counts on an annual basis, together with such supporting information as Administrative Agent may request. Administrative Agent may participate in and observe each physical count or periodic cycle count.

 

-75-


8.4.2 Returns of Inventory8.4.3 . No Obligor shall return any Inventory to a supplier, vendor or other Person, whether for cash, credit or otherwise, unless (a) such return is in the Ordinary Course of Business; (b) no Default or Event of Default or Overadvance exists or would result therefrom; (c) the Administrative Agent is promptly notified if the aggregate value of all Inventory returned in any month exceeds $5,000,000; and (d) any payment received by a Borrower for a return is promptly remitted to the Administrative Agent for application to the Obligations.

8.4.4 Acquisition, Sale and Maintenance. No Obligor shall acquire or accept any Inventory on consignment or approval and each Borrower shall take all steps to assure that all Inventory is produced in accordance with Applicable Law. No Obligor shall sell any Inventory on consignment or approval or any other basis under which the customer may return or require an Obligor to repurchase such Inventory. Obligors shall use, store and maintain all Inventory with reasonable care and caution, in accordance with applicable standards of any insurance and in conformity with all Applicable Law, in each case, in all material respects.

8.5. Spare Parts Inventory.

8.5.1 Records and Schedules . Each Obligor shall keep accurate and complete records of its Spare Parts Inventory, in all material respects, including kind, quality, quantity, cost, acquisitions and dispositions thereof. Each Obligor shall submit to Administrative Agent information from the reports and additional information concerning the locations where Spare Parts Inventory is located, in each case, promptly following Administrative Agent’s reasonable written request therefor.

8.6. Deposit Accounts; Securities Accounts; Commodity Accounts.

(a) As of the Closing Date, Schedule 8.6 sets forth all Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts and Commodity Accounts maintained by Borrowers and other Obligors (other than any Secured Notes Collateral Account), including all Dominion Accounts as of the Closing Date. Each Borrower and other Obligors shall take all actions reasonably necessary to establish Administrative Agent’s control of (i) each Securities Account and Commodity Account and (ii) each Deposit Account (1) that is a collections account and (2) that is another type of account (except any such account that is solely a disbursement account) existing, opened, acquired or no longer constituting an Excluded Account (other than (A) operating and deposit accounts that hold at all times less than $1,000,000 in the aggregate for all such accounts, (B) payroll, withholding tax and other fiduciary deposit accounts, (C) zero-balance disbursement only accounts and (D) accounts containing cash or letter of credit margin collateral that are used to fulfill margin obligations under Hedging Agreements that hold at all times less than $5,000,000 in the aggregate (each an “Excluded Account” and collectively for all such accounts in clauses (A) through (D) above, the “Excluded Accounts”)). Each Borrower and each other Obligor shall be the sole account holder of each Deposit Account, Securities Account and Commodity Account and shall not allow any other Person (other than Administrative Agent) to have control over a Deposit Account, a Securities Account or Commodity Account (other than the Excluded Accounts and the Secured Notes Collateral Account) or any Property deposited therein, in each case, constituting Collateral. Each Borrower and each other Obligor shall promptly notify Administrative Agent of any opening, acquisition or closing of a Deposit Account, a Securities Account or a Commodity Account (other than an Excluded Account). Each Borrower shall (i) request in writing and otherwise take such reasonable steps to ensure that all Account Debtors forward payment directly to lockboxes and Dominion Accounts maintained pursuant to and in accordance with Section 8.2.4, and (ii) deposit or cause to be deposited promptly, and in any event no later than the third Business Day after the date of receipt thereof, all cash, checks, drafts or other similar items of payment relating to or constituting payments made in respect of any and all Collateral (whether or not otherwise delivered to a lockbox) into one or more Dominion Accounts. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, all proceeds of Collateral received by any Obligor and all disbursement of loan proceeds shall be deposited directly into the applicable Dominion Accounts.

 

-76-


(b) Commencing on the Closing Date and continuing until Full Payment of the Obligations, each Borrower and the other Obligors shall maintain Bank of America as their principal depository bank in the United States, including for the maintenance of operating and deposit accounts, lockbox administration, funds transfer, information reporting services and other treasury management services, in each case, for the avoidance of doubt, except for Excluded Accounts, any Secured Notes Collateral Account or any operating and Deposit Accounts maintained outside of the United States.

8.7. General Provisions.

8.7.1 Location of Collateral. All material tangible items of Collateral, other than Inventory in transit, shall at all times be kept by the Borrowers at locations owned or leased by an Obligor, at customer locations, at locations in respect of which Administrative Agent has received a Lien Waiver (or taken a Rent and Charges Reserve) or at manufacturer locations or other locations for the purposes of repair or servicing of such Collateral, except that the Borrowers may make sales or other dispositions of Collateral in accordance with Section 10.2.9. Schedule 8.7.1 lists all locations where Collateral is located as of the Closing Date.

8.7.2 Insurance of Collateral.

(a) Each Obligor shall maintain insurance with respect to the Collateral and provide the endorsements with respect thereto, in each case, in accordance with Section 10.1.8. From time to time upon reasonable written request, the Borrowers shall provide Administrative Agent with reasonably detailed information as to the insurance so carried. If any Borrower fails to provide and pay for any insurance with respect to Collateral required to be maintained under the Loan Documents, Administrative Agent may, at its option, but shall not be required to, procure the insurance and charge Borrowers therefor. If no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrowers may settle, adjust or compromise any insurance claim with respect to Collateral. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, only Administrative Agent, or any Obligor with Administrative Agent’s consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), shall be authorized to settle, adjust and compromise such claims.

(b) Any proceeds of insurance with respect to any Collateral (other than proceeds from workers’ compensation or fiduciary and/or director and officer insurance) and any awards arising from condemnation of any Collateral shall be deposited in a Dominion Account.

8.7.3 Protection of Collateral. All expenses of protecting, storing, warehousing, insuring, handling, maintaining and shipping any Collateral, all Taxes payable with respect to any Collateral (including any sale thereof), and all other payments required to be made by Administrative Agent to any Person to realize upon any Collateral, shall be borne and paid by Obligors. Administrative Agent shall not be liable or responsible in any way for the safekeeping of any Collateral, for any loss or damage thereto (except for reasonable care in its custody while Collateral is in Administrative Agent’s possession), for any diminution in the value thereof, or for any act or default of any warehouseman, carrier, forwarding agency or other Person whatsoever, but the same shall be at Obligors’ sole risk.

8.7.4 Defense of Title. Each Obligor shall defend its title to Collateral and Administrative Agent’s Liens therein against all Persons, claims and demands, except Permitted Liens.

8.8. Power of Attorney. Each Obligor hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints (until the Full Payment of the Obligations) Administrative Agent (and all Persons designated by Administrative Agent) as such Borrower’s and such Obligor’s true and lawful attorney (and agent-in-fact) for the purposes provided in this Section (provided that, Administrative Agent agrees that, except for the powers granted in

 

-77-


Section 8.8(b)(iv) (which may be exercised at any time in accordance with Section 5.6, Section 7.2.1 and Section 8.2.4, including on the Second Amendment Effective Date), it shall not exercise any power or authority granted to it unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing). Administrative Agent, or Administrative Agent’s designee, may, without notice and in either its or a Borrower’s or an Obligor’s name, but at the cost and expense of the Borrowers and the other Obligors:

(a) endorse any Obligor’s name on any Payment Item or other proceeds of Collateral (including proceeds of insurance) that come into Administrative Agent’s possession or control; and

(b) to the extent any of the following relate to the Collateral, (i) notify any Account Debtors of the assignment of their Accounts, demand and enforce payment of Accounts by legal proceedings or otherwise, and generally exercise any rights and remedies with respect to Accounts; (ii) settle, adjust, modify, compromise, discharge or release any Accounts or other Collateral, or any legal proceedings brought to collect Accounts or Collateral; (iii) sell or assign any Accounts and other Collateral upon such terms, for such amounts and at such times as Administrative Agent deems advisable; (iv) collect, liquidate and receive balances in Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts or Commodity Accounts, and take control, in any manner, of proceeds of Collateral; (v) prepare, file and sign an Obligor’s name to a proof of claim or other document in a bankruptcy of an Account Debtor, or to any notice, assignment or satisfaction of Lien or similar document; (vi) receive, open and dispose of mail addressed to any Obligor, and notify postal authorities to deliver any such mail to an address designated by Administrative Agent; (vii) endorse any Chattel Paper, Document, Instrument, bill of lading, or other document or agreement relating to any Accounts, Inventory or other Collateral; (viii) use an Obligor’s stationery and sign its name to verifications of Accounts and notices to Account Debtors; (ix) use information contained in any data processing, electronic or information systems relating to Collateral; (x) make and adjust claims under insurance policies; (xi) take any action as may be necessary or appropriate to obtain payment under any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or other instrument for which an Obligor is a beneficiary; and (xii) take all other actions as Administrative Agent reasonably deems appropriate to fulfill an Obligor’s obligations under the Loan Documents.

SECTION 9. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

9.1. General Representations and Warranties. To induce Administrative Agent and Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to make available the Commitments, Loans and Letters of Credit, each Borrower represents and warrants, as applicable, that:

9.1.1 Legal Existence, Qualification and Power; No Affected Financial Institutions. Each Obligor and its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) is duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Applicable Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business in which it is currently engaged and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (c) is duly qualified and is licensed and in good standing under the Applicable Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; except in each case referred to in clause (b)(i) or (c), to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Obligors nor any of their Subsidiaries is an Affected Financial Institution.

9.1.2 Authorization; No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by each Obligor of each Loan Document to which such Person is party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (a) violate the terms of the Organizational Documents of the General Partner or any Obligor; (b) result in the creation of any Lien other than the Lien created pursuant to the Loan Documents, require any payment to be made under, or violate (i) any Material Contract or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (c) violate any Applicable Law.

 

-78-


9.1.3 Approvals; Other Consents. Except as set forth on Schedule 9.1.3, for the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Security Documents (including the first priority nature thereof) or such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, no material Approval is necessary or required in connection with (a) the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Obligor of this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (b) the consummation of the Transactions.

9.1.4 Enforceability. This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document, when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered by each Obligor that is party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so delivered will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Obligor, enforceable against each Obligor that is party thereto in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other Applicable Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

9.1.5 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.

(a) The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; and (iii) to the extent required by GAAP show all Material Debt and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including liabilities for material Taxes, material commitments and Debt.

(b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries and the unaudited consolidating balance sheets of the Borrowers, in each case, dated March 31, 2018 and the related consolidated and consolidating, as applicable, statements of income or operations, partners’ capital and cash flows for each completed quarter since the date of the most recent Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments.

(c) The pro forma consolidated financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries and the forecasts of balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements described in Section 6.1(n) were prepared in good faith based on assumptions that are believed by the Borrowers to be reasonable as of the Closing Date (it being understood that such forecasted financial information is subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Obligors, that no assurance is given that any particular forecasts will be realized, that actual results may differ and that such differences may be material).

(d) Since December 31, 2017, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(e) No Obligor nor any Subsidiary has, on the Closing Date after giving effect to the Transactions, any Material Debt (including Disqualified Capital Stock) except for this Agreement, the Senior Notes under the Senior Notes Indenture, the Secured Notes under the Secured Notes Indenture or as shown on Schedule 9.1.5.

 

-79-


9.1.6 Litigation. Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.6, there are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrowers, threatened in writing or any ongoing, pending or threatened investigation known to the Borrowers, in each case, in any court or conducted before or by any arbitrator or Governmental Authority, by or against the Borrowers or any Restricted Subsidiary or against any of their respective Properties or revenues that (a) purport to affect or pertain to the Transactions, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the extensions of credit contemplated hereby, or (b) either individually or in the aggregate, if determined adversely, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

9.1.7 Properties; Titles, Intellectual Property; Licenses; Etc.

(a) The Borrowers and each Restricted Subsidiary has good and defensible title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all of its Property free and clear of all Liens except Permitted Liens and such defects in title as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) The Borrowers and each Restricted Subsidiary has good and defensible title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all real property necessary or used in the ordinary conduct of its business, except for Permitted Liens and defects in title or failure to have such title or other interest as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Except, in each case, as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Borrowers and their Restricted Subsidiaries own, or possesses the right to use, all Intellectual Property that are reasonably necessary for the operation of its respective business, (ii) the operation of its respective business by any Obligor or any Restricted Subsidiary, does not infringe upon any Intellectual Property rights held by any other Person and (iii) no claim or litigation regarding the foregoing is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Obligors, threatened in writing against any Obligor or Restricted Subsidiary.

9.1.8 Environmental Matters.

(a) Except for any matters that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Obligor or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective facilities or operations (i) is or has been in violation of any Environmental Law or has failed to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) is subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) is in receipt of any pending notice, claim, complaint, or request for information with respect to any Environmental Law or Environmental Liability or (iv) is aware of any basis for any Environmental Liability; and

(b) No Obligor or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof is undertaking, has undertaken, or is obligated to undertake, either individually or together with other potentially responsible parties, any investigation or assessment or remedial or response action relating to any actual or threatened Release of Hazardous Materials at any site, location or operation, either voluntarily or pursuant to the order of any Governmental Authority or the requirements of any Environmental Law, except for any investigations, assessments, remedial or response actions that would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

9.1.9 Taxes. Except for failures that would not reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrowers and each of their Restricted Subsidiaries have filed, all Tax returns and reports required to be filed (or have obtained extensions in respect thereof), and have paid all Taxes levied or imposed upon them or their properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable (including in the capacity of withholding agent), except Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings being diligently conducted and for which

 

-80-


adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP, as to which Taxes no Liens (other than Permitted Liens on account thereof) have been filed and which contest effectively suspends the collection of the contested obligation and the enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation. There is no current, pending or proposed Tax audit, deficiency, assessment or other claim or proceeding with respect to any Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary or any of their properties that, individually, or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No Obligor and no Restricted Subsidiary thereof is party to any tax sharing agreement.

9.1.10 ERISA.

(a) Each Plan is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state laws, except where non-compliance would not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Lien imposed under the Code or ERISA exists or is likely to arise on account of any Plan that individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(b) There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of Borrower Agent, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan that individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan that has resulted or individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and

(c) Except for such matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: (i) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) neither any Obligor nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); (iii) neither any Obligor nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and to the best knowledge of Borrower Agent, no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; (iv) neither any Obligor nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that would be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA and (v) neither any Obligor nor any ERISA Affiliate sponsors, maintains or contributes to an employee welfare benefit plan, as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA, including, without limitation, any such plan maintained to provide benefits to former employees of such entities, that may not be terminated by the Obligor or ERISA Affiliate in is sole discretion at any time without any liability.

9.1.11 Capital Structure; Subsidiaries. As of the Closing Date, the Borrowers have no Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed in Part (a) of Schedule 9.1.11, and all of the outstanding Equity Interests in such Subsidiaries have been validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and are owned by an Obligor in the amounts specified on Part (a) of Schedule 9.1.11 free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens. Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.11, in the 5 years preceding the Closing Date, no Obligor nor any Restricted Subsidiary has acquired any substantial assets from any other Person nor has been the surviving entity in a merger or combination. As of the Closing Date, the Borrowers have no equity investments in any other corporation, entity or business venture other than those specifically disclosed in Part (b) of Schedule 9.1.11. Schedule 9.1.11, as of the Closing Date, identifies each Subsidiary by its state of organization, and its organizational identification number, and each Subsidiary on such schedule is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary unless noted otherwise therein.

9.1.12 Common Enterprise. The Borrowers and the Restricted Subsidiaries and their business operations are closely integrated with one another into a single, interdependent and collective, common enterprise so that any benefit received by any one of them from the financial accommodations provided under this Agreement will be expected to be to the direct benefit of the others. The Borrowers

 

-81-


and the Restricted Subsidiaries may render services to or for the benefit of each other, to purchase or sell and supply goods to or from or for the benefit of each other, to make loans, advances and provide other financial accommodations to or for the benefit of each other and to provide administrative, marketing, payroll and management services to or for the benefit of each other (in each case, except as may be prohibited by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents).

9.1.13 Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans and the Letters of Credit shall be used to pay fees and transaction expenses in connection with the Transactions, to pay Obligations in accordance with this Agreement and for ongoing working capital and for other lawful, general corporate, limited liability company or partnership purposes (including Permitted Acquisitions and Investments permitted hereunder) of the Borrowers and their Restricted Subsidiaries.

9.1.14 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act. None of the Obligors nor any of their Restricted Subsidiaries is engaged and none of the foregoing will engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock. None of the proceeds of any of the Credit Extensions hereunder will be used, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry Margin Stock, or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose. None of the Borrowers, any Person Controlling the Borrowers, or any Subsidiary is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

9.1.15 Disclosure.

(a) The Borrowers have made available to Administrative Agent and the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which it or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries is subject, and has specifically disclosed all other matters known to such Borrowers, that, in each case, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No report, financial statement, certificate or other information furnished in writing by or on behalf of any Borrower to Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (excluding projected financial information, forward-looking statements and general industry or general economic data) (in each case, as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), and taken as a whole, contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading with respect to any Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and their operations, business and properties, taken as a whole; provided that, with respect to projected information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries, the Borrowers represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time (it being understood that such projected financial information is subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Obligors, that no assurance is given that any particular projections will be realized, that actual results may differ and that such differences may be material).

(b) As of the Closing Date, the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification, if applicable, is true and correct in all respects.

9.1.16 Compliance with Laws. Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.16, each of the Obligors and each Restricted Subsidiary thereof is and has been in compliance with the requirements of all Applicable Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its Properties, except in such instances (other than Anti-Terrorism Laws) in which (a) such requirement of Applicable Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or (b) the failure to comply therewith, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

-82-


9.1.17 OFAC; Sanctions. Neither the Borrowers, nor any of their Subsidiaries, nor any director or officer of any of the foregoing, nor to the knowledge of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, any employee, agent, affiliate or representative thereof, is an individual or entity that is, or is owned (with respect to the Company, 50% or more, individually or in the aggregate, directly or indirectly) or controlled by any individual or entity that is (i) currently the subject or target of any Sanctions, (ii) a Sanctioned Person or (iii) located, organized or residing in a Designated Jurisdiction.

9.1.18 Anti-Corruption Laws. The Borrowers and their Subsidiaries have conducted their businesses in compliance with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws and have instituted and maintained policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws, to the extent such laws are applicable to the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries.

9.1.19 Solvency. Immediately after giving effect to the execution of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by the Borrowers and each Obligor that is a party hereto or thereto, as applicable, the consummation of the Transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, will be Solvent. Before and after giving effect to each Credit Extension, the Obligors, taken as a whole, are Solvent.

9.1.20 Security Documents.

(a) The provisions of this Agreement are effective to create, in favor of Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a legal, valid and enforceable Lien on, and security interest in, all of the Collateral described herein, and (i) when financing statements and other filings in appropriate form are filed in the offices set forth on Schedule 9.1.20(a) and (ii) upon the taking of possession or “control” (as defined in the UCC) by Administrative Agent of the Collateral with respect to which a security interest may be perfected only by possession or control (which possession or control shall be given to Administrative Agent to the extent possession or control by Administrative Agent is required by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents), the Liens created by this Agreement shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the Obligors in the Collateral covered thereby (other than such Collateral in which a security interest cannot be perfected under the UCC as in effect at the relevant time in the relevant jurisdiction), in each case free of all Liens other than Permitted Liens, and prior and superior to all other Liens, other than as expressly permitted under the Loan Documents.

(b) Each Security Document delivered pursuant to this Agreement, upon execution and delivery thereof, is effective to create in favor of Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable Liens on, and security interests in, all of the Collateral thereunder in accordance with the terms of such Security Document, and when all appropriate filings or recordings are made in the appropriate offices as may be required under Applicable Law or possession or control is conferred to Administrative Agent, as applicable, the Liens created by such Security Document will constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the Obligors in the Collateral covered thereby (other than such Collateral in which a security interest cannot be perfected under the UCC as in effect at the relevant time in the relevant jurisdiction), in each case free of all Liens other than Permitted Liens, and prior and superior to all other Liens, other than as expressly permitted under the Loan Documents.

9.1.21 Accounts and Eligible Spare Parts. Administrative Agent may rely, in determining which Accounts are Eligible Accounts Receivable and which Spare Parts Inventory are Eligible Spare Parts Inventory, on all statements and representations made by Borrowers with respect thereto. At the time of delivery of each Borrowing Base Report, assuming that any eligibility criterion that requires the approval

 

-83-


or satisfaction of Administrative Agent has been approved by or is satisfactory to Administrative Agent, Accounts and Spare Parts Inventory, as applicable, reflected therein as eligible for inclusion in the Borrowing Base constitute Eligible Accounts Receivable and Eligible Spare Parts Inventory, as applicable, in each case, as of the period end date for which such Borrowing Base Report is calculated.

9.1.22 Location of Business and Offices. Schedule 9.1.22 shows, as of the Closing Date, the name of each Obligor as listed in the public records of its jurisdiction of organization, such Obligor’s organizational identification number in its jurisdiction of organization, and the address for such Obligor’s principal place of business and chief executive office.

9.1.23 No Default. Neither the Borrowers nor any Restricted Subsidiary are in default under or with respect to, or a party to, any Contractual Obligation that would, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

9.1.24 Insurance. The Properties of the Borrowers and the Restricted Subsidiary are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies and not Affiliates of the Company, in such amounts, with such deductibles and covering such risks (including public liability risks) as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in localities where the Obligor or the applicable Subsidiary operates.

9.1.25 [Reserved].

9.1.26 Status as Senior Debt. The Obligations shall rank pari passu with any other senior Debt or securities of the Obligors and shall constitute senior Debt of the Obligors under and as defined in any documentation governing any junior Debt of the Obligors.

9.1.27 Material Contracts. Schedule 9.1.27 sets forth an accurate and complete list of all Material Contracts (including all amendments thereto) in effect on or as of the Closing Date to which any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary is a party or is bound (other than the Loan Documents). The Borrowers have delivered true, correct and complete copies of such Material Contracts to Administrative Agent on or before the Closing Date, subject to confidentiality restrictions contained therein. No Borrower or Restricted Subsidiaries is in breach or in default of or under any Material Contract which would reasonably likely result in a Material Adverse Effect and have not received any written notice of the intention of any other party thereto to terminate any Material Contract prior to the end of its current term.

9.1.28 Labor Disputes and Acts of God. Neither the businesses nor the properties of any Obligor are affected by any fire, explosion, accident, strike, lockout or other labor dispute, drought, storm, hail, earthquake, embargo, act of God or of the public enemy or other casualty, that, either individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (except to the extent such event is covered by insurance sufficient to ensure that, upon application of the proceeds thereof, no Material Adverse Effect would reasonably be expected to occur).

9.1.29 Employee Matters. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents will not give rise to any right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any collective bargaining agreement to which any Obligor or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is bound that individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No petition for certification or union election is pending or, to the knowledge of any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, threatened with respect to the employees thereof and no union or collective bargaining unit has sought such certification or recognition with respect to the employees of any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There are no strikes, slowdowns, work stoppages or controversies pending or, to the knowledge of any Borrower, threatened between any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and its respective employees that individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

9.1.30 [Reserved].

 

-84-


SECTION 10. COVENANTS AND CONTINUING AGREEMENTS

10.1. Affirmative Covenants. Until Full Payment of all Obligations, each Borrower (on behalf of itself and its Restricted Subsidiaries or Subsidiaries, as applicable) and each Guarantor by its execution of this Agreement, covenants and agrees with Administrative Agent, Issuing Banks and the Lenders that:

10.1.1 Inspections; Appraisals.

(a) Each Borrower shall, and shall cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, permit Administrative Agent from time to time, subject (except when an Event of Default exists) to reasonable prior notice and normal business hours, to visit and inspect the Properties of any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, inspect, audit and make extracts from any Borrower’s or Restricted Subsidiary’s books and records, and discuss with its officers, employees, agents, advisors and independent accountants such Borrower’s and Restricted Subsidiary’s business, financial condition, assets, prospects and results of operations; provided, however, that unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, only one visit in any calendar year shall be permitted. Neither Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any duty to any Borrower to make any inspection, nor to share any results of any inspection, appraisal or report with any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that, the Administrative Agent will share a copy of any completed appraisal of Spare Parts Inventory for the limited purposes of calculating the Borrowing Base. Borrowers acknowledge that all inspections, appraisals and reports are prepared by (or at the direction of) the Administrative Agent and Lenders for their purposes, and the Obligors shall not be entitled to rely upon them except for the limited purposes of calculating the Borrowing Base.

(b) Each Borrower shall, and shall cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, permit Administrative Agent, upon reasonable prior notice, to examine any Obligor’s or Restricted Subsidiary’s books and records or any other financial or Collateral matters as Administrative Agent reasonably deems appropriate, including appraisals of Spare Parts Inventory and field collateral examinations (i) which appraisals of Spare Parts Inventory shall be limited to one time per any 12-month period unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (ii) which field collateral examinations shall be limited to (A) one time per any 12-month period or (B) 2 times per any 12-month period if any Loans or Letters of Credit are outstanding and either (I) for a period of 5 consecutive Business Days the amount equal to the sum of Excess Availability plus the Excess Availability Reserve is less than 20% of the Line Cap during such 12-month period at any time of measurement or (II) the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Measurement Period ending on the last day of the most recent Fiscal Quarter shall be less than 1.00 to 1.00; provided, however, that none of the foregoing limits shall apply if an examination is initiated during the occurrence and continuation of any Event of Default. Each Obligor shall, and shall cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, reimburse Administrative Agent for all reasonable and documented charges, costs and expenses of Administrative Agent in connection with foregoing examinations and appraisals (including any inspections made pursuant to Section 10.1.1(a)), and Obligors agree to pay Administrative Agent’s then standard charges for examination activities, including reasonable and documented charges for Administrative Agent’s internal examination and appraisal groups and the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket charges of any third party used for such purposes. No Borrowing Base calculation shall include Collateral acquired in a Permitted Acquisition or otherwise outside the Ordinary Course of Business until completion of applicable field examinations and appraisals (which shall not be included in the limits provided above) reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

 

-85-


10.1.2 Delivery of Financial Statements; Budgets; Other Information. The Borrowers will furnish to Administrative Agent for prompt delivery to the Lenders (the documents required to be delivered pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) below shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date on which such documents are posted on the SEC website at www.sec.gov):

(a) Annual Financial Statements. As soon as available, but in any event within 120 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Company, a Consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Year, and the related Consolidated statements of income or operations and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Consolidated partners’ capital (or other form of owners’ equity) of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied; provided that, the Consolidated financials required pursuant to this Section 10.1.2(a) shall be audited and accompanied by (i) a report and opinion of a Registered Public Accounting Firm of nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and applicable Securities Laws and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit and (ii) an attestation report of such Registered Public Accounting Firm as to the Company’s internal controls pursuant to Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley that does not identify any material weaknesses or scope limitations, other than (1) scope limitations related to acquisitions by the Company or the Subsidiaries that are effected during the period covered by the attestation report or (2) material weaknesses or scope limitations to which the Required Lenders do not object; provided further that, the Consolidated financials required pursuant to this Section 10.1.2(a) shall be accompanied by a certificate of a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent certifying that such Consolidated financial statements fairly presenting all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, partners’ capital (or other form of owners’ equity) and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied; provided further, that, any time that any Unrestricted Subsidiary has been designated under this Agreement, a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent shall deliver supplemental consolidating information that summarizes in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to the CSI Group, on the one hand, and all consolidated Unrestricted Subsidiaries, on the other hand, which consolidating information shall be certified by a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent to have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.

(b) Quarterly Financial Statements. As soon as available, but in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the first 3 Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year of the Company, commencing with the Fiscal Quarter ending June 30, 2018, a Consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Quarter, the related Consolidated statements of income or operations and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Quarter and for the portion of the Company’s Fiscal Year then ended (or, in the case of the statement of cash flows, solely the portion of the Company’s Fiscal Year then ended), and the Consolidated partners’ capital (or other form of owners’ equity) of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the portion of the Company’s Fiscal Year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding Fiscal Quarter of the previous Fiscal Year and the corresponding portion of the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail, such Consolidated statements to be certified by a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, partners’ capital (or other form of owners’ equity) and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes; provided, that, any time that any Unrestricted Subsidiary has been designated under this Agreement, a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent shall deliver supplemental consolidating information that summarizes in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to the CSI Group, on the one hand, and all consolidated Unrestricted Subsidiaries, on the other hand, which consolidating information shall be certified by a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent to have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.

 

-86-


(c) Annual Financial Projections. Promptly after delivery thereof by the Company’s management to the board of directors, or the then governing body, of the General Partner, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, an annual business plan, budget and projections of Company’s consolidated balance sheet and related statement of operations, with such projections certified by Senior Officer of Borrower Agent as being based on reasonable estimates and assumptions taking into account all facts and information known (or reasonably available to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) by such Senior Officer, and such additional information as may be sufficient to calculate the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and Excess Availability for the next Fiscal Year, quarter by quarter; provided that, it is understood and agreed that (i) any forecasts furnished hereunder are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, which may be beyond the control of the Obligors, (ii) no assurance is given by the Obligors that the results or forecast in any such projections will be realized and (iii) the actual results may differ from the forecasted results set forth in such projections and such differences may be material.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section 10.1.2 may be satisfied with respect to financial information of the Company and its Subsidiaries by furnishing (A) the Company’s Form 10-K or 10-Q, as applicable, filed with the SEC; provided that, (i) such information is accompanied by consolidating information that summarizes in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to the CSI Group, on the one hand, and all consolidated Unrestricted Subsidiaries, on the other hand, and (ii) to the extent such information is in lieu of information required to be provided under this Section 10.1.2, such materials are accompanied by a report and opinion of an independent Registered Public Accounting Firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP and consistent with the requirements of Section 10.1.2.

(d) Certificate of Senior Officer – Compliance. Concurrently with any delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 10.1.2(a) and (b), (i) a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent, (ii) a report, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, setting forth, as of the date of the most recent Compliance Certificate, all Hedging Agreements (if any) to which any Obligor is a party and (iii) the calculations required in Section 10.3.1;

(e) Other Accounting Reports. Promptly after receipt thereof, copies of any detailed audit reports, management letters or recommendations submitted to the board of directors (or equivalent body or the audit committee of the board of directors) of the Borrowers, Restricted Subsidiary, or the General Partner by independent accountants in connection with the accounts or books of the Company or any Subsidiary, or any audit of any of them;

(f) SEC and Other Filings; Reports to Shareholders. Promptly after the same are available, copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the owners of the Borrowers or Restricted Subsidiaries generally, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the Company is required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or with any national securities exchange, and in any case not otherwise required to be delivered to Administrative Agent pursuant hereto; provided that the Company’s timely filing of the foregoing items on “EDGAR” (or any successor thereto) and/or on the Company’s website shall satisfy the requirements of this clause (f);

(g) Material Statements to Material Debt Holders. Promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any material statement or report furnished to any holder of Material Debt of any Obligor or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof pursuant to the terms of any indenture, loan or credit or similar agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished to Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 10.1.2;

(h) SEC Correspondence. Promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days after receipt thereof by any Obligor or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof, copies of each written notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of any Obligor or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof that could reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Effect;

 

-87-


(i) [Reserved].

(j) Acquisition or Divestiture Notice. Promptly upon the occurrence thereof, notice of any acquisition or divestiture by the Borrowers or any Restricted Subsidiary of any assets or properties outside of the Ordinary Course of Business in excess of $10,000,000;

(k) Material Contracts. Promptly upon its becoming available, copies of all notices or documents received by the Company or any other Obligor pursuant to any Material Contract alleging a material default or nonperformance by such Person thereunder or terminating or suspending any such Material Contract to the extent such occurrence would reasonably be expected to have such a Material Adverse Effect;

(l) Certificate of Insure/Broker – Insurance Coverage. Concurrently with the annual renewal of the Obligors’ insurance policies, if requested in writing by Administrative Agent, a certificate of insurance showing all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Loan Documents has been obtained and is in effect;

(m) Information Regarding Obligors. (i) Promptly, and in any event within 5 Business Days after the effectiveness thereof, copies of any material amendment to any Obligor’s charter, by-laws, partnership agreements, limited partnership agreements or other Organizational Document, such notice to identify the amendments and (ii) prompt written notice (and in any event not less than 10 Business Days prior thereto (or such shorter period as may be agreed by Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion)) of any change (i) in any Obligor’s corporate name or in any trade name used to identify such Person in the conduct of its business or in the ownership of its Properties, (ii) in the location of any Obligor’s chief executive office or principal place of business, (iii) in any Obligor’s identity or corporate structure, (iv) in any Obligor’s jurisdiction of organization or such Person’s organizational identification number in such jurisdiction of organization, and (v) in any Obligor’s federal taxpayer identification number; and

(n) Collateral Information. Promptly, such additional information regarding the Collateral or the business, financial, legal or corporate affairs of any Obligor, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as Administrative Agent or any Lender (through Administrative Agent) may from time to time reasonably request.

10.1.3 Notices of Material Events. The Borrowers will furnish to Administrative Agent (for prompt delivery to the Lenders) prompt written notice of the following:

(a) the occurrence of any Default;

(b) the occurrence of any event which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, promptly after the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, after due and prompt investigation, conclude that such event would reasonably be expected to have such a Material Adverse Effect;

(c) the occurrence of any ERISA Event that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(d) any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by any Obligor or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(e) receipt of any Environmental Notice;

 

-88-


(f) the occurrence of any casualty event affecting Collateral with a Fair Market Value in excess of $10,000,000; and

(g) if Excess Availability falls below 12.5 % of the Line Cap at any time.

Each notice delivered under this Section 10.1.3 (other than with respect to clause (g)) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and stating what action the Borrowers have taken and proposes to take with respect thereto. Each notice pursuant to Section 10.1.4(a) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.

10.1.4 Existence; Conduct of Business. Each Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to (a) preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect the legal existence and good standing of the Obligors under the Applicable Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Section 10.2.5 or Section 10.2.9; (b) take all reasonable action it deems necessary in its reasonable business judgment, to maintain all rights, privileges, permits, licenses and franchises necessary for the normal conduct of its business, except to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its registered patents, trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non-preservation of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

10.1.5 Payment of Obligations and Tax Liabilities. Each Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, pay and discharge as the same shall become due and payable, all its obligations and liabilities, including (a) all Tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its properties or assets, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by such Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation, and no Lien has been filed with respect thereto (other than Permitted Liens); (b) all lawful claims which, if unpaid, would by Applicable Law become a Lien upon its property, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Borrowers or the Restricted Subsidiaries; and (c) all Debt, as and when due and payable, but subject to any subordination provisions contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing such Debt, in each case, except where the failure to make such payment would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit the rights of Administrative Agent with respect to determining Availability Reserves pursuant to this Agreement.

10.1.6 [Reserved].

10.1.7 Operation and Maintenance of Properties. Each Borrower, at its own expense, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, will and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to:

(a) maintain, preserve and protect all of its material Properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear and casualty and condemnation events excepted; and

(b) make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof.

 

-89-


10.1.8 Insurance. The Borrowers will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of the Obligors, adequate insurance with respect to its properties (including properties that are subject to a mortgage or deed of trust) and business against loss or damage of the kinds (including public liability risks) customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons and providing, with respect to insurance covering Collateral, (a) for payment of losses to Administrative Agent as its interests may appear, (b) that such policies may not be canceled or reduced or affected in any material manner for any reason without 30 days prior notice to Administrative Agent, and (c) for any other matters specified in any applicable Security Document or which Administrative Agent may reasonably require to protect the interests of the Lenders in the Collateral. Unless Administrative Agent shall agree otherwise, each policy shall include reasonably satisfactory endorsements (i) showing Administrative Agent as lender loss payee in respect of the property insurance policies covering the Collateral and additional insured in respect of the liability insurance policies, in each case, as applicable and (ii) specifying that the interest of Administrative Agent shall not be impaired or invalidated by any act or neglect of any Obligor or the owner of the Property, nor by the occupation of the premises for purposes more hazardous than are permitted by the policy.

10.1.9 Books and Records. Each Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in all material respects in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be. At all times retain a Registered Public Accounting Firm which is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and shall instruct such Registered Public Accounting Firm to cooperate with, and be available to, the Administrative Agent or its representatives to discuss the Obligors’ financial performance, financial condition, operating results, controls, and such other matters, within the scope of the retention of such Registered Public Accounting Firm, as may be reasonably raised by the Administrative Agent; provided that an officer of the Borrower Agent shall be entitled to participate in any such discussions.

10.1.10 Compliance with Laws. Each Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, comply with all Applicable Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or Property, except in such instances (other than Anti-Terrorism Laws) in which (a) such requirement of Applicable Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; or (b) the failure to comply therewith would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrowers will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Obligors, their Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

10.1.11 Environmental Matters. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, (i) comply with all Environmental Laws, and (ii) obtain, maintain and comply with all permits, licenses and other authorizations required under applicable Environmental Laws.

10.1.12 Future Subsidiaries. The Borrowers will promptly notify Administrative Agent upon any Person becoming a Domestic Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Domestic Subsidiary) and cause it within 20 Business Days (as such time period may be extended by Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion) after such Person becomes a Subsidiary, to become a borrower under this Agreement (subject to Section 4.7) or to guaranty the Obligations in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, and to execute and deliver such documents, instruments and agreements and to take such other actions as Administrative Agent shall reasonably require to evidence and perfect a Lien in favor of Administrative Agent on the Collateral of such Person, including, upon Administrative Agent’s request, delivery of such legal opinions, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, as it shall deem reasonably appropriate; provided that any such Domestic Subsidiary that constitutes an Immaterial Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary, as appliable, need not become a Guarantor until such time as it ceases to be an Immaterial Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary, as appliable. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not permit any Subsidiary to guarantee the Secured Notes, the Senior Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g), or any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing, unless such Subsidiary is a Guarantor and provides a Guaranty with respect to the Obligations.

 

-90-


10.1.13 ERISA Compliance. Borrower Agent will furnish to Administrative Agent promptly following receipt thereof, copies of any documents described in Sections 101(k) or 101(l) of ERISA that Borrower Agent or any ERISA Affiliate may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan; provided that if Borrower Agent or any ERISA Affiliate has not requested such documents or notices from the administrator or sponsor of the applicable Multiemployer Plan, then, upon reasonable request of Administrative Agent, Borrower Agent and/or the ERISA Affiliate shall promptly make a request for such documents or notices from such administrator or sponsor and shall provide copies of such documents and notices to Administrative Agent promptly after receipt thereof.

10.1.14 [Reserved].

10.1.15 Further Assurances; Post-Closing Undertakings. Each Obligor will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, (a) to the extent not delivered on or prior to the Closing Date, deliver all of the Security Documents and any other document, instrument, agreement, recording or filing listed on Schedule 10.1.15 within the timeframe indicated therein, (b) promptly upon reasonable request by Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders through Administrative Agent, (x) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in any Loan Document or in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation thereof, and (y) do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other instruments as Administrative Agent or any Lender through Administrative Agent, may reasonably require from time to time in order to (i) carry out the purposes of the Loan Documents, (ii) to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, subject any Obligor’s or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ properties, assets, rights or interests to the Liens now or hereafter intended to be covered by any of the Security Documents, (iii) perfect and maintain the validity, effectiveness and priority of any of the Security Documents and any of the Liens intended to be created thereunder and (iv) assure, convey, grant, assign, transfer, preserve, protect and confirm unto the Secured Parties the rights granted or now or hereafter intended to be granted to the Secured Parties under any Loan Document or under any other instrument executed in connection with any Loan Document to which any Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries is or is to be a party, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to do so and (c) promptly following any request therefor, provide information and documentation reasonably requested by Administrative Agent or any Lender (through Administrative Agent) for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

10.1.16 Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

(a) The board of directors of the General Partner may designate a Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary if immediately prior to and after giving effect to such designation: (i) such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of Unrestricted Subsidiary; (ii) the Payment Conditions are satisfied; (iii) no Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from such designation; and (iv) after giving effect to such designation on a pro forma basis, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Measurement Period ending on the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter is at least 1.00:1.00 as demonstrated in a certificate, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, of a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent.

(b) The board of directors of the General Partner may designate an Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary if immediately prior to and after giving effect to such designation: (i) the Payment Conditions are satisfied; (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing or will result from such designation; and (iii) after giving effect to such designation on a pro forma basis, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Measurement Period ending on the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter is at least 1.00:1.00 as demonstrated in a certificate, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, of a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent.

 

-91-


(c) All Subsidiaries of an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall also be Unrestricted Subsidiaries. The Company shall not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to hold any Equity Interests in, or any Debt of, any Restricted Subsidiary.

(d) The designation of any Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall constitute an Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the date of such designation in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the applicable Obligor’s investment therein. The designation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary shall constitute, at the time of such designation, the incurrence of any Debt or Liens of such Subsidiary existing at such time.

On the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, Spartan Holdings and its subsidiaries are designated by the Company as Unrestricted Subsidiaries hereunder; provided that Obligors are not required to satisfy clause (a)(ii) above at such time of designation; provided, further, that Obligors shall at all times maintain Spartan Holdings and its subsidiaries as “Unrestricted Subsidiaries” under the documentation for the Secured Notes, the Senior Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g) and any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing.

10.1.17 Senior Debt. The Obligors will promptly take all actions as may be necessary to ensure that the Obligations shall rank at least pari passu with any other senior Debt or securities of the Obligors and shall constitute senior Debt of the Obligors under and as defined in any documentation documenting any present or future junior or subordinated Debt of the Obligors.

10.1.18 [Reserved].

10.1.19 [Reserved].

10.2. Negative Covenants. Until Full Payment of all Obligations, each Borrower (on behalf of itself and its Restricted Subsidiaries or Subsidiaries, as applicable) and each Restricted Subsidiary by its execution of this Agreement, covenants and agrees with Administrative Agent, Issuing Banks and the Lenders that:

10.2.1 Debt. It will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, guarantee or suffer to exist any Debt, except:

(a) Debt under the Loan Documents;

(b) (i) Debt in respect of Cash Management Services incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business and (ii) reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit; provided that, upon the drawing of such letters of credit, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing;

(c) Debt in respect of Capitalized Leases (including obligations from Capitalized Leases arising from Permitted Sale/Leaseback Transactions), Synthetic Lease Obligations and purchase money obligations for the acquisition, construction or improvement of fixed or capital assets (including, without limitation, office equipment, data processing equipment and motor vehicles (whether or not constituting purchase money Debt)) within the limitations set forth in Section 10.2.2(i);

(d) the guarantee of or other reimbursement obligations in connection with performance bonds to the extent all such Debt at any one time outstanding does not exceed $10,000,000;

 

-92-


(e) (i) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of liability in respect of the Debt of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or any joint venture but only to the extent that such liability is the result of the Company’s or any such Restricted Subsidiary’s being a general partner or member of, or owner of an Equity Interest in, such Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint venture and not as a guarantor of such Debt; provided that, after giving effect to any such incurrence, the aggregate principal amount of all Debt incurred under this clause (e)(i) and then outstanding does not exceed $20,000,000 and (ii) the incurrence by any Foreign Subsidiary of Debt that, in the aggregate together with all other Debt of all Foreign Subsidiaries (including all Refinancing Debt incurred to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease, refund, discharge or otherwise retire for value any Debt incurred pursuant to this clause (e)(ii)), does not exceed $20,000,000;

(f) Debt consisting of the financing of insurance premiums in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(g) Debt (i) (x) in an aggregate stated principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding $350,000,000 consisting of Secured Notes and Refinancing Debt in respect thereof and (y) in an aggregate stated principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding $50,000,000 consisting of Debt secured on a pari passu basis to the Secured Notes and Refinancing Debt in respect thereof (in each case, to the extent such Debt under this clause (g)(i)(y) (A) is permitted pursuant to the terms set forth in the Secured Notes Indenture as in effect on the Closing Date, (B) unless approved by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, has representations, covenants and defaults applicable to it that are not less favorable (taken as a whole) in any material respect to the Borrowers than those applicable to the Secured Notes, (C) is secured solely by Secured Notes Collateral and (D) is subject to the Collateral Rights Agreement) (the conditions set forth in the foregoing subclauses (A) through (D), the “Secured Notes Collateral Debt Requirements”) and (ii) in an aggregate stated principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding $235,000,000 consisting of Debt secured on a junior basis to the Secured Notes and Refinancing Debt in respect thereof (in each case, to the extent such Debt meets the Secured Notes Collateral Debt Requirements);

(h) Debt outstanding on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 10.2.1(h) and any Refinancing Debt in respect thereof;

(i) obligations (contingent or otherwise) of Borrowers or any Restricted Subsidiary existing or arising under any Hedging Agreement permitted under Section 10.2.14, provided that, the amount of cash collateral supporting all Hedging Agreements shall be limited to the amount set forth in Section 10.2.2(l);

(j) Debt that is in existence when a Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or that is secured by an asset (other than Accounts or Inventory) of any Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) when acquired by a Borrower or a Subsidiary (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) and any Refinancing Debt in respect thereof, as long as such Debt was not incurred in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary (or an Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary) or such acquisition, and as long as such Debt (i) was assumed by the Company or any Subsidiary (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) in connection with a Permitted Acquisition and (ii) to the extent that such Debt does not exceed an aggregate amount of $10,000,000 outstanding at any one time;

(k) Contingent Obligations (i) of any Obligor in respect of Debt otherwise permitted hereunder of any other Obligor, (ii) of any Obligor in respect of Debt of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Obligor; provided, such Debt does not exceed $5,000,000, and (iii) of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Obligor in respect of Debt of any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Obligor;

(l) [reserved];

 

-93-


(m) prior to the Senior Notes Redemption having been consummated but not later than the date that is 45 days following the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, Senior Notes issued prior to, and outstanding at the close of business on, June 15, 2020;

(n) [reserved];

(o) Debt of any Obligor owing to another Obligor;

(p) Debt of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Obligor in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $10,000,000, provided no Obligor has any liability with respect thereto;

(q) Debt of Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Obligors owing to any other Restricted Subsidiary;

(r) any Debt arising from judgments or decrees not deemed to be a Default or Event of Default under Section 12.1(g); and

(s) other Debt not otherwise listed in clauses (a) through (r) above at any time outstanding in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $35,000,000; provided that in no event shall any Debt permitted under this Section 10.2.1(s) be secured by a Lien on any Collateral.

10.2.2 Liens. Each Obligor will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its Properties, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or assign any account or other right to receive income, other than the following (collectively, “Permitted Liens”):

(a) Liens pursuant to any Loan Document;

(b) Liens existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 10.2.2 and any renewals or extensions thereof, provided that (i) no additional property is added to the Property covered thereby, (ii) the amount secured or benefited thereby is not increased, and (iii) the direct or any contingent obligor with respect thereto is not changed;

(c) Liens for Taxes not yet due or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by such Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary and such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation;

(d) landlords’, carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s, lessor’s or other like Liens, in each case arising in the Ordinary Course of Business which are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by such Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary and such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation;

(e) pledges or deposits in the Ordinary Course of Business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation or security deductibles, self-insurance, insurance premiums, co-payment, co-insurance, retentions and similar obligations (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA);

(f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts and leases (other than Debt in respect of Capitalized Leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

-94-


(g) (i) terms, conditions, exceptions, limitations, easements, rights-of-way, restrictions (including zoning restrictions), covenants, licenses, encroachments, protrusions and other similar charges or encumbrances, minor right-of-way gaps and minor title deficiencies on or with respect to any real property, in each case, whether now or hereafter in existence, that do not secure any monetary obligations and would not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrowers and their Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or materially detract from the use of the property which they affect, and for the purposes of this Agreement, any minor title deficiency shall include, but not be limited to, terms, conditions, exceptions, limitations, easements, rights-of-way, servitudes, permits, surface leases and other similar rights in respect of surface operations, and easements for pipelines, streets, alleys, highways, telephone lines, power lines, railways and other easements and rights-of-way on, over or in respect of any of the properties of any Obligor that are customarily granted or permitted to exist in the oil and gas industry; provided, however, that such deficiencies, individually and in the aggregate, do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrowers and their Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and do not materially detract from the use of the property which they affect and (ii) mortgages, liens, security interests, restrictions, encumbrances or any other matters of record that have been placed by any government, statutory or regulatory authority, developer, landlord or other third party (in each case, other than an Obligor or any Restricted Subsidiary) on property over which an Obligor or any Restricted Subsidiary of an Obligor has easement rights or on any leased property with respect to which an Obligor or a Restricted Subsidiary is the tenant and subordination or similar arrangements relating thereto;

(h) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 12.1(g); and

(i) Liens securing Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(c); provided that (i) such Liens do not at any time encumber any property other than the property financed by such Debt, (ii) the Debt secured thereby does not exceed the purchase price or cost of the property being acquired on the date of acquisition and (iii) such Liens do not at any time encumber any assets included in the Borrowing Base;

(j) (i) Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provision relating to banker’s liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies, or under general depository or brokerage agreements, and burdening only deposit or brokerage accounts or other funds and assets maintained with a creditor depository institution or brokerage and (ii) possessory Liens in favor of brokers and dealers arising in connection with the acquisition or disposition of Investments owned as of the Closing Date and Investments permitted under this Agreement, provided that such Liens (A) attach only to such Investments and (B) secure only obligations arising in connection with the acquisition or disposition of such Investments and not any obligation in connection with margin financing;

(k) Liens arising from precautionary UCC financing statements relating to operating leases and other contractual arrangements entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business that describe only the property subject to such operating lease or contractual arrangement;

(l) Liens arising from cash collateralization of Hedging Agreements permitted under Section 10.2.14 in an aggregate amount of up to $5,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(m) rights reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority by the terms of any right, power, franchise, grant, license or permit, or by any provision of law, to revoke or terminate any such right, power, franchise, grant, license or permit or to condemn or acquire by eminent domain or similar process;

(n) rights reserved to or vested by law in any Governmental Authority to in any manner, control or regulate in any manner any of the properties of any Obligor or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the use thereof or the rights and interest of any Obligor or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries therein, in any manner under any and all laws;

 

-95-


(o) Liens existing on any Property or asset (other than Accounts or Inventory) of any Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) prior to the acquisition of such Property or asset by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries) or existing on any Property or asset of any Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date prior to the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Liens are not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary (or an Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary), as applicable, (ii) such Liens shall not apply to any other Property or assets of any Borrower or any of its other Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries), (iii) such Liens shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, and extensions, renewals, refinancings and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof and (iv) the Debt secured by such Lien is Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(j) hereof;

(p) Liens arising in connection with Permitted Sale/Leaseback Transactions;

(q) Liens securing insurance premium financing under customary terms and conditions in respect of insurance policies, provided that no such Lien may extend to or cover any property other than the insurance being acquired with such financing, the proceeds thereof and any unearned or refunded insurance premiums related thereto;

(r) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(s) Liens consisting of an agreement to transfer any property (other than with respect to a transfers resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding) that is permitted under this Agreement;

(t) leases, subleases, space leases, licenses or sublicenses, in each case, in the Ordinary Course of Business and which do not interfere in any material respect with the business of any Obligor or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(u) [reserved];

(v) Liens solely on Secured Notes Collateral securing Debt permitted by Section 10.2.1(g);

(w) [reserved];

(x) Liens on Excluded Property (except to the extent securing Debt permitted by Section 10.2.1(g));

(y) any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to Equity Interests of any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement;

(z) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits, provided that the aggregate balance of all such deposits shall not exceed $5,000,000 when taken together with amounts under clause (aa) below, made by a Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder or consisting of an agreement to sell any property (including liens on assets deemed to arise as a result thereof); and

 

-96-


(aa) Liens on cash collateral deposited into any escrow account issued in connection with any Permitted Acquisition pursuant to customary escrow arrangements reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent to the extent such cash collateral represents the proceeds of financing and additional amounts to pay accrued interest on and/or the redemption price of the financing, provided that the aggregate amount of such Liens shall not exceed $5,000,000 when taken together with amounts under clause (z) above.

provided, nothing in this Section 10.2.2 shall in and of itself constitute or be deemed to constitute an agreement or acknowledgment by Administrative Agent or any Lender that any Debt subject to or secured by any Lien, right or other interest ranks senior in priority to any Obligation.

10.2.3 Restricted Payments. Obligors will not, and will not permit any of their Restricted Subsidiaries to, declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so except:

(a) the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may declare and pay Restricted Payments to the Parent so long as at the time of such Restricted Payment and immediately thereafter, (i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (ii) no Loans are outstanding;

(b) each Restricted Subsidiary of the Company may make Restricted Payments to the Company and any other Restricted Subsidiary that owns an Equity Interest in such Restricted Subsidiary ratably to their respective holdings of the type of Equity Interest in respect of which such Restricted Payment is being made;

(c) the Company and each Restricted Subsidiary may declare and make dividend payments or other distributions payable solely in the Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Capital Stock of such Person and the Company may issue Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Capital Stock upon the conversion of Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Capital Stock;

(d) additional Restricted Payments (including, without limitation, any redemption of Perpetual Preferred Equity Interests) so long as on a pro forma basis, the Payment Conditions are satisfied;

(e) the Company may make Restricted Payments in cash in an amount not exceeding the Available Cash (so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of any such action or would result therefrom and, with respect to such action, after giving effect thereto Excess Availability shall be no less than the $10,000,000);

(f) the Company may declare and make cash distributions to holders of Perpetual Preferred Equity Interests (so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of any such action or would result therefrom and, with respect to such action, after giving effect thereto Excess Availability shall be no less than the $10,000,000); and

(g) Restricted Payments made with the proceeds of substantially concurrent Excluded Contributions.

10.2.4 Investments, Loans and Advances. Obligors will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make or permit to remain outstanding any Investments in or to any Person, except:

(a) Investments in existence on the Closing Date and described in Schedule 10.2.4 and any Investments that replace, refinance, refund, renew or extend any such Investment but not any increase in the amount thereof unless required by the terms of the Investment or otherwise permitted hereunder;

 

-97-


(b) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the Ordinary Course of Business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or limit loss;

(c) Investments held by Borrowers or such Restricted Subsidiary in the form of Cash Equivalents or short-term marketable debt securities;

(d) Investments of (i) the Borrowers in any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is a Guarantor, (ii) any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is a Guarantor in the Borrowers or in another Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is a Guarantor and (iii) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Obligor in any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Obligor;

(e) the Spartan Dropdown and the designation of Spartan Holdings and its subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries on the Fourth Amendment Effective Date;

(f) Investments consisting of Equity Interests, real or personal property received as non-cash consideration for any Disposition permitted under Section 10.2.9(c);

(g) loans or advances to officers, directors and employees of the General Partner, the Company and Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000 at any time outstanding, for travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes;

(h) (i) Investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with customers and suppliers, (ii) Investments consisting of deposits, prepayments and other credits to suppliers, (iii) advances of payroll payments to employees and Investments made pursuant to employment and severance arrangements of officers and employees or stock option plans and employee benefit plans, and (iv) the endorsement of instruments for collection or deposit, in each case for the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(i) Permitted Acquisitions;

(j) Contingent Obligations permitted by Section 10.2.1 and Contingent Obligations of Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors; provided that such Debt does not exceed $5,000,000;

(k) Investments constituting deposits made in connection with the purchase of goods or services in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(l) Investments in the form of Hedging Agreements permitted under Section 10.2.14;

(m) Investments made with Excluded Property;

(n) Investments by an Unrestricted Subsidiary entered into prior to the day such Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary and not entered into in contemplation thereof; and

(o) other Investments; provided that the Payment Conditions are satisfied at the time of such Investments.

10.2.5 Fundamental Changes. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, (a) engage in any material line of business substantially different than those lines of business conducted by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Closing Date or any business that is similar, reasonably related, incidental, ancillary or complementary thereto, or is a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof; (b) change its name or conduct business under any fictitious name; (c)

 

-98-


change its tax, charter or organizational identification number; or (d) change its form or state of organization; provided, in the case of clause (b), (c), and (d), Obligors and Restricted Subsidiaries may make such changes if they have (i) complied with Section 10.1.2(m) and given written notice of such change in accordance therewith and (ii) taken all actions necessary or advisable to maintain the continuous validity, perfection and the same or better priority of Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral granted or intended to be granted and agreed to hereby or as Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

10.2.6 Proceeds of Loans. Each Borrower will not permit the proceeds of the Loans to be used for any purpose other than those permitted by Sections 9.1.13 and 9.1.14. Neither any Borrower nor any Person acting on behalf of any Borrower has taken or will take any action which might cause any of the Loan Documents to violate Regulations T, U or X. Borrowers shall not, directly or indirectly, use any Letter of Credit or Loan proceeds, nor use, lend, contribute or otherwise make available any (or any part of) Letter of Credit or Loan proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, (i) to fund any activities of or business with any Person, or in any Designated Jurisdiction, that, at the time of issuance of the Letter of Credit or funding of the Loan, is the subject of any Sanction; (ii) in any manner that would result in a violation of a Sanction by any Person (including any Secured Party or other individual or entity participating in a transaction); or (iii) for any purpose that would breach the Anti-Corruption Laws or Anti-Terrorism Laws. Borrowers shall not, directly or indirectly, cause or permit any of the funds of any Borrower that are used to repay the Loans to be derived from any unlawful activity with the result that the making of the Loans would be in violation of any Applicable Law.

10.2.7 Mergers, Etc. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, (a) consummate or unwind a Division; or (b) merge into or with or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its Property to any other Person (whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate or dissolve; except that, so long as no Event of Default exists or would result therefrom:

(a) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into (i) a Borrower; provided that such Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person or (ii) one or more other Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that when any Person that is an Obligor is merging with a Restricted Subsidiary, an Obligor shall be the continuing or surviving Person;

(b) (i) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Obligor may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Obligor; and (ii) any Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve or a Borrower or any Subsidiary may change its legal form if the Company determines in good faith that such action is in the best interest of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries and if not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders (it being understood that in the case of any change in legal form, (x) any Borrower shall remain a Borrower and (y) a Subsidiary that is a Guarantor will remain a Guarantor unless such Guarantor is otherwise permitted to cease being a Guarantor hereunder);

(c) any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Company or to a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is an Obligor, then (i) the transferee must be an Obligor or (ii) to the extent constituting an Investment, such Investment must be an Permitted Investment in a Restricted Subsidiary which is not an Obligor in accordance with Section 10.2.4 (other than Permitted Investments under Section 10.2.4(j)); and

(d) so long as no Event of Default exists or would result therefrom, a Borrower may merge with any other Person; provided that (1) such Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving corporation or (2) if the Person formed by or surviving any such merger or consolidation is not a Borrower (any such Person, the “Successor Company”), (A) the Successor Company shall be an entity organized or

 

-99-


existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, (B) the Successor Company shall expressly assume all the obligations of such Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Borrower is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, (C) each Obligor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have confirmed that its obligations under the Loan Documents, including the Guaranty, shall continue to apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Loan Documents, (D) each Obligor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by a supplement to this Agreement and any other applicable Security Documents confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Loan Documents, (E) such Borrower shall have delivered to Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such merger or consolidation and such supplement to this Agreement or any Security Document does not conflict with this Agreement, (F) Administrative Agent shall have received at least 5 Business Days prior to such merger all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the USA PATRIOT Act reasonably requested by the Lenders, (G) if the Successor Company qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, Administrative Agent and each Lender that so requests, shall have received a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to such Successor Company at least 5 Business Days prior to such merger, and (H) Borrower Agent shall have provided written notice of such merger to Administrative Agent at least 5 Business Days prior to such merger; provided further that if the foregoing are satisfied (and in the case of the preceding sub-clauses (F), (G) and (H) are satisfied at least 5 Business Days, or such shorter time as Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion, in advance), the Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Borrower under this Agreement.

10.2.8 Equity Interests; Perpetual Preferred Equity Interests. No Obligor shall issue any Equity Interests which (i) may be classified in whole or part as Debt under GAAP, (ii) require mandatory distributions (other than dividends or distributions of additional Equity Interests of such type not prohibited under Section 10.2.3, distributions of Available Cash not prohibited under Section 10.2.3 or distributions of cash not prohibited under Section 10.2.3) or mandatory redemption prior to 91 days after the Termination Date, or (iii) provide for a scheduled distribution above generally prevailing market rates at the time of issuance (other than distributions of Available Cash or distributions of cash not prohibited under Section 10.2.3). No Restricted Subsidiary of the Company will issue any additional Equity Interests, except a direct Restricted Subsidiary of an Obligor may issue additional Equity Interests to such Obligor, another Restricted Subsidiary or to the Company so long as such Restricted Subsidiary issuing additional Equity Interests is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary and a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company after giving effect thereto. In no event shall the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary issue Perpetual Preferred Equity Interest unless the Payment Conditions are satisfied at the time of such issuance.

10.2.9 Dispositions. The Obligors will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to make any Disposition or enter into any agreement to make any Disposition, except:

(a) Dispositions of Inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business, including such Dispositions to other Restricted Subsidiaries;

(b) Dispositions of obsolete, surplus or worn out Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(c) Dispositions of equipment (for the avoidance of doubt, not including Spare Parts Inventory) or real property (including abandonment of or other failures to maintain and preserve) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall exist prior to or after giving effect to such Disposition;

 

-100-


(d) Dispositions of Property (i) by any Obligor to another Obligor (provided that, no Borrower may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets except to another Borrower) or (ii) by any Restricted Subsidiary to an Obligor or (iii) among Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Obligors;

(e) Dispositions constituting Liens permitted by Section 10.2.2, constituting Investments permitted by Section 10.2.4, constituting Restricted Payments permitted by Section 10.2.3 or constituting Dispositions permitted by Section 10.2.7;

(f) liquidations or other dispositions of cash, Cash Equivalents and short-term marketable debt securities held pursuant to Section 10.2.4(c);

(g) disposition of owned or leased vehicles in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(h) Permitted Sale/Leaseback Transactions;

(i) leases of Service and Rental Fleet Equipment in effect on the Closing Date, such leases in the Ordinary Course of Business, and leases, subleases, licenses and sublicenses in each case in the Ordinary Course of Business and that do not materially interfere with the business of the Obligors or the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(j) discounts granted to settle collection of Accounts or the sale of defaulted Accounts arising in the Ordinary Course of Business in connection with the compromise or collection thereof and not in connection with any financing transaction as long as such Accounts are not Eligible Accounts Receivables;

(k) Dispositions of the Equity Interests of any Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(l) Dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property (including to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Code, any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon) for use in a “similar business”);

(m) except to the extent constituting a Disposition of Collateral outside the Ordinary Course of Business, any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contract, tort or other claims of any kind;

(n) (i) any Disposition of Excluded Property (or the Equity Interests of Persons the only assets of which constitute Excluded Property) and (ii) any Disposition of Secured Notes Collateral permitted under each of the Secured Notes Documents and other agreements governing outstanding Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g);

(o) the unwinding of any Hedging Agreements pursuant to its terms; and

(p) any other Dispositions in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000 during in any Fiscal Year so long any such Disposition is for Fair Market Value and if such Disposition is a Disposition of Collateral (other than in the Ordinary Course of Business), it is made for at least 75% cash consideration;

provided that, all payments with respect to a Disposition of Collateral are deposited in a Dominion Account to the extent required by Section 8.2.5 if any Loans or LC Obligations are outstanding.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary Obligors shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to make any Disposition of (i) Inventory, except as permitted by Section 10.2.9(a), or (ii) Accounts, except as permitted by Section 10.2.9(j). The Lenders hereby consent and agree to the release by Administrative Agent of any and all Liens on the property sold or otherwise disposed of in compliance with this Section 10.2.9.

 

-101-


10.2.10 Transactions with Affiliates. Except as set forth on Schedule 10.2.10, the Obligors shall not, nor shall any of their Restricted Subsidiaries, enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of the Company whether or not in the Ordinary Course of Business, other than on fair and reasonable terms not materially less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, taken as a whole, as would be obtainable by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate; except: (a) (i) transactions that are between or among any one or more Obligors not involving any other Affiliate, (ii) transactions that are between or among any one or more Obligors and a Restricted Subsidiary to extent permitted under Section 10.2.4 or Section 10.2.9, and (iii) reimbursement of costs and expenses of the General Partner and Spartan Energy Partners GP LLC pursuant to the Management Services Agreement not to exceed Obligors’ pro rata share of customary general and administrative expenses associated with centralized corporate and accounting functions, (b) any issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment agreements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the General Partner’s board of directors, (c) the Partnership Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, (d) any issuance (but not any redemption or purchase) by the Company of its units (including incentive distribution units) to the General Partner, or (e) any transactions approved by the Conflicts Committee.

10.2.11 [Reserved].

10.2.12 [Reserved].

10.2.13 Burdensome Agreements. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to enter into or permit to exist any Contractual Obligation (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the Senior Notes Indenture and Senior Notes, the Secured Note Documents and any documents evidencing Debt permitted pursuant to Section 10.2.1(g)) (provided that the provisions therein, taken as a whole, are no more restrictive or burdensome than the provisions in this Agreement and are not materially adverse to the Secured Parties) that (a) limits the ability (i) of any Restricted Subsidiary to make Restricted Payments to any Borrower or any Guarantor or to otherwise transfer property to or invest in any Borrower or any Guarantor, except for any agreement in effect at the time any Restricted Subsidiary becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, so long as such agreement was not entered into in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) of any Restricted Subsidiary to Guaranty the Debt of the Company or (iii) of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person in favor of Administrative Agent; provided, however, that this clause (iii) shall not prohibit (A) any negative pledge incurred or provided in favor of any holder of Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(c), 10.2.1(h) or (j) solely to the extent any such negative pledge relates to the Property financed by or the subject of such Debt, (B) customary non-assignment provisions in purchase and sale or exchange agreements or similar operational agreements, or provisions in licenses, easements or leases, in each case entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business, which restrict the transfer, assignment or encumbrance thereof or (C) restrictions on cash or other deposits required by utility, insurance, surety or bonding companies, in each case, under contracts entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business; or (b) requires the grant of a Lien to secure an obligation of such Person if a Lien is granted to secure another obligation of such Person, unless such Contractual Obligation provides that such requirement shall not apply with respect to Liens granted to secure the Obligations.

10.2.14 Hedging Agreements. Each Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Hedging Agreements except (a) Hedging Agreements to hedge risks arising in the Ordinary Course of Business and not for speculative purposes and (b) Hedging Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from floating to fixed rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of the Borrowers or any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

-102-


10.2.15 Sale and Leaseback. Except for Permitted Sale/Leaseback Transactions, the Borrower shall not, nor permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any Person whereby it or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall sell or transfer any of its property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and whereby it or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall then or thereafter rent or lease such property or any part thereof or other property that it or such Restricted Subsidiary intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property sold or transferred.

10.2.16 Amendments to Organizational Documents, Documents Governing Senior Notes, Debt Permitted Under 10.2.1(g) and Subordinated Debt, or Fiscal Year End; Prepayments of Secured Notes, Senior Notes and Subordinated Debt.

(a) Each Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to (i) amend, modify or otherwise change, or consent to any amendment, modification or change to (or otherwise permit) or waive any material right or obligation of any Person under, its Organizational Documents, the Management Services Agreement or the Transition Services Agreement, except to the extent that, such amendment, modification, changes and consents (A) does not violate the terms and conditions of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents and (B)(I) would not reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to any of Administrative Agent, the Lenders or the Issuing Banks (in their respective capacities as such) or (II) relates solely to a Perpetual Preferred Equity Issuance as approved in advance by Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, (ii) amend, modify or otherwise change, or consent to any amendment, modification or change to (or otherwise permit) the definition of Available Cash (or any related definitions having similar effect) in the Partnership Agreement, except with respect to amendments, modifications or changes that relate solely to a Perpetual Preferred Equity Issuance as approved in advance by Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed or (iii) amend, modify or otherwise change, or consent to any amendment, modification or change to (or otherwise permit) the terms of or documents evidencing the Secured Notes, the Senior Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g), or any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing in a manner that would be reasonably expected to be materially adverse to the Lenders (in their capacities as such).

(b) Each Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to make any change in (i) material accounting policies or reporting practices, except as required by GAAP, or (ii) fiscal year; provided, however, that the Borrowers may, upon written notice to Administrative Agent from Borrower Agent, change their Fiscal Quarter and Fiscal Year to any other quarterly accounting periods and fiscal year reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent, in which case Borrower Agent and Administrative Agent will, and are hereby authorized by the Lenders to, make any adjustments to this Agreement that are necessary to reflect such changes.

(c) Each Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to call, make or offer to make any optional or voluntary redemption or prepayment of or otherwise optionally or voluntarily redeem or prepay (whether in whole or in part) the Secured Notes, the Senior Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g), or any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing; provided that, if the Payment Conditions are satisfied, the Company may (x) refinance the Secured Notes, the Senior Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g), or any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing, in each case, with Refinancing Debt or (y) redeem or prepay the Secured Notes, the Senior Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g), or any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing; provided further that, regardless of whether the Payment Conditions are satisfied or not, on or prior to the 45th day after the Fourth Amendment Effective Date, the Company may consummate the Senior Notes Redemption so long as (x) no Default or Overadvance shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of any such action or would result therefrom and (y) the consummation of the Senior Notes Redemption occurs solely from proceeds from the Spartan Sale/Leaseback, the issuance of additional senior secured notes and an equity raise on or about the Fourth Amendment Effective Date.

 

-103-


(d) Each Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, prior to the date that is 91 days after the Termination Date: (i) call, make or offer to make any optional or voluntary redemption or prepayment of or otherwise optionally or voluntarily redeem or prepay (whether in whole or in part) any Debt that is contractually subordinated to the Loans or other Obligations (other than intercompany Debt) unless the Payment Conditions are satisfied with respect thereto or (ii) amend, modify, waive or otherwise change, or consent or agree to any amendment, supplement, modification, waiver or other change to, any of the terms of any Debt that is contractually subordinated to the Loans or other Obligations (other than intercompany Debt) if the effect thereof would be to remove or weaken the subordination provisions thereof, in a manner that would be materially adverse to the Lenders (in their capacities as such).

10.2.17 [Reserved].

10.2.18 [Reserved].

10.2.19 Additional Deposits in the Secured Notes Collateral Account Prohibited. Each Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, deposit any funds or other Property in, or credit any funds or other Property to, any Secured Notes Collateral Account other than identifiable proceeds received from (a) asset sales of Secured Notes Collateral required to be deposited therein in accordance with the terms of any indenture, note agreement or other agreement governing the Secured Notes, any Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(g) or any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing, (b) foreclosures on or sales of Secured Notes Collateral or (c) any other awards or proceeds of Secured Notes Collateral (including insurance proceeds with respect to events of loss relating to Secured Notes Collateral) pursuant to the security documents in respect of the Secured Notes, any additional notes issued pursuant to the Secured Notes Indenture, any Debt permitted to be issued pursuant to Section 10.2.1(g) and any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing, including earnings, revenues, rents, issues, profits and income from the Secured Notes Collateral received pursuant to such security documents after foreclosure or conveyance in lieu of foreclosure, and interest earned thereon or the proceeds of the Secured Notes, any additional notes issued pursuant to the Secured Notes Indenture, any Debt permitted to be issued pursuant to Section 10.2.1(g) and any Refinancing Debt in respect of the foregoing received on the issue date thereof.

10.2.20 Sale or Discount of Receivables. Other than in connection with the bankruptcy or financial distress of counterparties, or in the Ordinary Course of Business, each Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, discount, assign or sell (with or without recourse) any income or revenues (including notes receivable and accounts receivable) or any rights in respect thereof, in each case, constituting Collateral, to the extent exceeding $5,000,000 in the aggregate in any Fiscal Year, without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent (not to be unreasonably withheld).

10.2.21 Material Contracts. Each Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to (a) cancel or terminate any Material Contract (or consent to or accept any cancellation or termination thereof), or (b) amend or otherwise modify any provision of any Material Contract or give any consent, waiver or approval thereunder, or waive any material breach of or material default under any Material Contract, in each case, that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (provided that for purposes of this Section 10.2.21, the termination and replacement of a Material Contract in the Ordinary Course of Business shall be deemed not to have such an adverse effect if the replacement will occur with reasonable promptness in the business judgment of the Company, and the replacement Contractual Obligation is not materially less favorable to Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders (in their respective capacities as such) than the Contractual Obligation being replaced).

 

-104-


10.3. Financial Covenants. As long as any Commitments or Obligations are outstanding, Borrowers shall:

10.3.1 Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. Concurrently with the delivery of each Compliance Certificate required under Section 10.1.2(d), provide calculations in reasonable detail of the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the last day of each fiscal quarter for the most recent Measurement Period for which financial statements were required to be delivered hereunder.

SECTION 11. GUARANTY

11.1. Guaranty. For value received, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and in consideration of credit and/or financial accommodation heretofore or hereafter from time to time made or granted to the Borrowers and the other Obligors by the Secured Parties, each Guarantor hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, the full and prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, upon acceleration, demand or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of the Guaranteed Obligations (as hereafter defined) and the punctual performance of all of the terms contained in the documents executed by such Guarantor in favor of one or more Secured Parties in connection with the Guaranteed Obligations. This Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and performance and is not merely a guaranty of collection. As used herein, the term “Guaranteed Obligations” means any and all existing and future Obligations of any Obligor to any Secured Party, whether associated with any credit or other financial accommodation made to or for the benefit of any Obligor by any Secured Party or otherwise and whenever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions, increases, amendments, modifications, refinancings and other modifications thereof and all costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Secured Parties in connection with the collection or enforcement thereof); provided, however, that the definition of “Guaranteed Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Guarantor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Guaranteed Obligations shall include any such indebtedness, obligations, and liabilities which may be or hereafter become unenforceable or shall be an allowed or disallowed claim under any proceeding or case commenced by or against any Guarantor or any Obligor under the Bankruptcy Code, any successor statute or any other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally (collectively, “Debtor Relief Laws”), and shall include interest that accrues after the commencement by or against any Obligor of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws. Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder at any time shall be limited to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render its obligations hereunder subject to avoidance as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or any comparable provisions of any similar federal or state law.

11.2. No Setoff or Deductions; Taxes; Payments. Each Guarantor shall make all payments hereunder without setoff or counterclaim and free and clear of and without deduction for any levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions, withholdings, compulsory loans, restrictions or conditions of any nature (other than Taxes, which shall be governed by Section 5.8) now or hereafter imposed or levied by any jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof or authority therein unless such Guarantor is compelled by law to make such deduction or withholding. If any such obligation (other than one arising with respect to Taxes) is imposed upon a Guarantor with respect to any amount payable by it hereunder, such Guarantor will pay to the applicable Secured Party, on the date on which such amount is due and payable hereunder, such additional amount in U.S. dollars as shall be necessary to enable such Secured Party to receive the same net amount which such Secured Party would have received on such due date had no such obligation been imposed upon such Guarantor. Each Guarantor will deliver promptly to such Secured Party certificates or other valid vouchers for all charges deducted from or paid with respect to payments made by such Guarantor hereunder. The obligations of each Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive the payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations and termination of this Guaranty.

 

-105-


11.3. Rights of Secured Parties. Each Guarantor consents and agrees that the Secured Parties may, at any time and from time to time, without notice or demand, and without affecting the enforceability or continuing effectiveness hereof: (a) amend (including increase), modify, extend, renew, compromise, discharge, accelerate or otherwise change the time for payment or the terms of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof; (b) take, hold, exchange, enforce, waive, release, fail to perfect, sell, or otherwise dispose of any security for the payment of this Guaranty or any Guaranteed Obligations; (c) apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as the Secured Parties in their sole discretion may determine; and (d) release or substitute one or more of any endorsers or other guarantors of any of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor consents to the taking of, or failure to take, any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of such Guarantor under this Guaranty or which, but for this provision, might operate as a discharge of such Guarantor.

11.4. Certain Waivers. Each Guarantor waives to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law (a) any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of any Obligor or any other guarantor, or the cessation from any cause whatsoever (including any act or omission of any Secured Party) of the liability of any Obligor; (b) any defense based on any claim that such Guarantor’s obligations exceed or are more burdensome than those of any Borrower or any other Obligor; (c) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting such Guarantor’s liability hereunder; (d) any right to require any Secured Party to proceed against any Borrower or any other Obligor, proceed against or exhaust any security for the Guaranteed Obligations, or pursue any other remedy in any Secured Party’s power whatsoever and any defense based upon the doctrines of marshalling of assets or of election of remedies; (e) any benefit of and any right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by any Secured Party; (f) any defense relating to the failure of any Secured Party to comply with the Applicable Laws in connection with the sale or other disposition of Collateral for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; (g) any amendment or waiver of the term of any Guaranteed Obligation; (h) any law or regulation of any jurisdiction or any other event affecting any term of a Guaranteed Obligation; (i) any fact or circumstance related to the Guaranteed Obligations which might otherwise constitute a defense to the obligations of such Guarantor under this Guaranty and (j) any and all other defenses or benefits that may be derived from or afforded by Applicable Law limiting the liability of or exonerating guarantors or sureties, other than the defense that the Guaranteed Obligations have been fully performed and indefeasibly paid in full in cash.

Each Guarantor expressly waives all setoffs and counterclaims and all presentments, demands for payment or performance, notices of nonpayment or nonperformance, protests, notices of protest, notices of dishonor and all other notices or demands of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations, and all notices of acceptance of this Guaranty or of the existence, creation or incurrence of new or additional Guaranteed Obligations. This Guaranty shall not be affected by the genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any instrument or agreement evidencing any Guaranteed Obligations, or by the existence, validity, enforceability, perfection, non-perfection or extent of any Collateral therefor, or by any fact or circumstance relating to the Guaranteed Obligations which might otherwise constitute a defense to the obligations of any Guarantor under this Guaranty, and each Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any defenses it may now have or hereafter acquire in any way relating to any or all of the foregoing.

11.5. Obligations Independent. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder are those of primary obligor, and not merely as surety, and are independent of the Guaranteed Obligations and the obligations of any other guarantor, and a separate action may be brought against each Guarantor to enforce this Guaranty whether or not the Borrowers or any other Person is joined as a party.

 

-106-


11.6. Subrogation. No Guarantor shall exercise any right of subrogation, contribution, indemnity, reimbursement or similar rights with respect to any payments it makes under this Guaranty until Full Payment of all Guaranteed Obligations and any amounts payable under this Guaranty. If any amounts are paid to any Guarantor in violation of the foregoing limitation, then such amounts shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Secured Parties and shall forthwith be paid to Administrative Agent (for the benefit of itself and the other Secured Parties) to reduce the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether matured or unmatured.

11.7. Termination; Reinstatement. This Guaranty is a continuing and irrevocable guaranty of all Guaranteed Obligations now or hereafter existing and shall remain in full force and effect until Full Payment of all Guaranteed Obligations and any amounts payable under this Guaranty. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guaranty shall continue in full force and effect or be revived, as the case may be, if any payment by or on behalf of any Borrower or any Guarantor is made, or any Secured Party exercises its right of setoff, in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by any Secured Party in its reasonable discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws or otherwise, all as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred and whether or not such Secured Party is in possession of or has released this Guaranty and regardless of any prior revocation, rescission, termination or reduction. The obligations of each Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive termination of this Guaranty.

11.8. Subordination. Each Guarantor hereby subordinates the payment of all obligations and indebtedness of any Obligor owing to such Guarantor, whether now existing or hereafter arising, including but not limited to any obligation of any Obligor to such Guarantor as subrogee of any Secured Party or resulting from such Guarantor’s performance under this Guaranty, to the Full Payment of all Guaranteed Obligations. If Administrative Agent so requests, any such obligation or indebtedness of any Obligor to any Guarantor shall be enforced and performance received by such Guarantor as trustee for Administrative Agent and the proceeds thereof, as well as any other amounts received by such Guarantor in violation of this Section, shall be paid over to Administrative Agent on account of the Guaranteed Obligations, but without reducing or affecting in any manner the liability of such Guarantor under this Guaranty.

11.9. Stay of Acceleration. In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed, in connection with any case commenced by or against any Guarantor or any Obligor under any Debtor Relief Laws, or otherwise, all such amounts shall nonetheless be payable by any Guarantor immediately upon demand by Administrative Agent.

11.10. Expenses. Each Guarantor shall pay on demand all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses in any way relating to the enforcement or protection of any Secured Party’s rights under this Guaranty or in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations, including any incurred during any “workout” or restructuring in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations and any incurred in the preservation, protection or enforcement of any rights of any Secured Party in any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws. The obligations of each Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive the Full Payment of the Guaranteed Obligations and termination of this Guaranty.

11.11. Miscellaneous. Administrative Agent’s books and records showing the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be admissible in evidence in any action or proceeding, and shall be binding upon each Guarantor and conclusive, absent manifest error, for the purpose of establishing the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations. No failure by any Secured Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law or in equity. The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision of this Guaranty shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision herein. Unless otherwise agreed by Administrative Agent and each Guarantor in writing, this Guaranty is not intended to supersede or otherwise affect any other guaranty now or hereafter given by any Guarantor or any other guarantor for the benefit of the Secured Parties or any term or provision thereof.

 

-107-


11.12. Condition of Obligors. Each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that it has the sole responsibility for, and has adequate means of, obtaining from the Borrowers and the other Obligors and any other guarantor such information concerning the financial condition, business and operations of the Obligors and any such other guarantor as each Guarantor requires, and that the Secured Parties have no duty, and each Guarantor is not relying on any Secured Party at any time, to disclose to such Guarantor any information relating to the business, operations or financial condition of the Obligors or any other guarantor (the guarantor waiving any duty on the part of any Secured Party to disclose such information and any defense relating to the failure to provide the same).

11.13. Additional Guarantors. Each Person that is required to become a party to this Guaranty pursuant to Section 10.1.12 shall become a Guarantor for all purposes of this Guaranty upon execution and delivery by such Person of a supplement in form reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

SECTION 12. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES ON DEFAULT

12.1. Events of Default. Each of the following shall be an “Event of Default” if it occurs for any reason whatsoever, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise:

(a) (i) Any Obligor fails to pay principal on any Loan when due (whether at stated maturity, on demand, upon acceleration or otherwise), or (ii) any Borrower fails to pay any interest, fee or any other Obligation, and such failure arising in clause (ii) continues unremedied for a period of 5 Business Days;

(b) Any representation, warranty or other written statement of an Obligor made in connection with any Loan Documents or transactions contemplated thereby is incorrect or misleading in any material respect when (without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein) made or confirmed;

(c) (i) An Obligor breaches or fails to perform any covenant contained in Section 7.2, 7.5, 8.2.4, 8.2.5, 8.3, 8.7.2, 10.1.1, 10.1.2, 10.1.3, 10.1.4, 10.1.12, 10.1.15, 10.1.17, 10.2 or 10.3, (ii) in the case of other than during a Borrowing Base Reporting Trigger Period, an Obligor breaches or fails to perform any covenant contained in Section 8.1 or 8.2.1 and such failure continues unremedied for a period of 3 consecutive Business Days or (iii) in the case of during a Borrowing Base Reporting Trigger Period, an Obligor breaches or fails to perform any covenant contained in Section 8.1 or 8.2.1 and such failure continues unremedied for a period of 1 Business Day;

(d) An Obligor breaches or fails to perform any other covenant contained in any Loan Documents (not specified in (a), (b) or (c) above), and such breach or failure is not cured within 30 days after a Senior Officer of such Obligor, as applicable, has knowledge thereof or receives notice thereof from Administrative Agent, whichever is sooner; provided, however, that such notice and opportunity to cure shall not apply if the breach or failure to perform is not capable of being cured within such period or is a willful breach by an Obligor;

(e) (i) Any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Obligor contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any material provision of any Loan Document; or any Obligor denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any material provision of any Loan Document, or purports to repudiate, revoke, terminate or rescind

 

-108-


(or attempts to do any of the foregoing) any material provision of any Loan Document or seeks to avoid, limit or otherwise adversely affect any Lien purported to be created under any Security Document; or (ii) any Lien purported to be created under any Security Document shall cease to be (other than pursuant to the terms thereof), or shall be asserted by any Obligor not to be, a valid and perfected Lien on any Collateral (other than an immaterial portion of the Collateral not of the type included in the Borrowing Base), with the priority required by the applicable Security Document;

(f) (i) Any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Material Debt (other than Debt hereunder and Debt under Hedging Agreement) or Perpetual Preferred Equity Interest, in each case, after giving effect to the expiration of any applicable grace periods and having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) (or, in the case of Perpetual Preferred Equity Interests, having an aggregate outstanding amount) of more than $20,000,000, or (B) after the expiration of all grace periods relating thereto, fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Material Debt or Perpetual Preferred Equity Interest contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Debt or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Contingent Obligation (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) or the holder or beneficiary of a Perpetual Preferred Equity Interest to cause, with or without the giving of notice, the passage of time, or both, such Debt or Perpetual Preferred Equity Interest, as applicable, to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Debt or Perpetual Preferred Equity Interest, as applicable, to be made, prior to its stated maturity, if any, or such Contingent Obligation to become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded; or (ii) there occurs under any Hedging Agreement an “Early Termination Date” (as defined in such Hedging Agreement) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Hedging Agreement as to which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary is the “Defaulting Party” (as defined in such Hedging Agreement) or (B) any “Termination Event” (as so defined) under such Hedging Agreement as to which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary is an “Affected Party” (as so defined) and, in either event, the Hedging Termination Value owed by the Company or such Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than $20,000,000.

(g) There is entered against any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (i) one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments and orders) exceeding $20,000,000 (to the extent not adequately covered by solvent independent third party insurance as to which the insurer is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, has been notified of the potential claim and does not dispute coverage) or (ii) one or more non-monetary judgements that have, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and in each case, (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgement or order, or (B) with respect to monetary judgments, there is a period of 30 consecutive days from the date of entry during which such judgment remains unpaid, unvacated, unbonded or a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect;

(h) any material portion of the Collateral of any Borrower or any other Obligor is taken or impaired through condemnation;

(i) An Insolvency Proceeding is commenced by any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary agrees to or commences any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of its affairs; any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall generally not, or shall be unable to, or shall admit in writing its inability to, pay its debts as they become due; any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary makes an offer of settlement, extension or composition to its unsecured creditors generally; a trustee is appointed to take possession of any substantial Property of or to operate any of the

 

-109-


business of any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged, undismissed or unstayed for 60 calendar days; or an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced against any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and such Borrower or Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, consents to institution of the proceeding, the petition commencing the proceeding is not timely contested by such Borrower or Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, the petition is not dismissed within 30 days after filing, or an order for relief is entered in the proceeding;

(j) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan that, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in liability of any Obligor or Restricted Subsidiary to a Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or PBGC which would be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect; any Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or any event similar to the foregoing occurs or exists with respect to a Foreign Plan;

(k) A Change of Control occurs;

(l) Any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary purports to repudiate, revoke, terminate or rescind (or attempts to do any of the foregoing) any subordination agreement in favor of Administrative Agent; or any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or third party (subject to the succeeding proviso) denies or contests the validity or enforceability of any subordination agreement in favor of Administrative Agent; provided that, with respect to any third party, this clause (l) shall apply only in respect of subordination agreements governing Collateral or delivered in connection with this Agreement in an amount exceeding $20,000,000 individually or in the aggregate; or

(m) Any Obligor is criminally indicted or convicted under any law that may reasonably be expected to lead to a forfeiture of any material portion of the Property of such Obligor.

12.2. Remedies upon Default. If an Event of Default described in Section 12.1(i) occurs with respect to any Obligor, then to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, all Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) shall become automatically due and payable and all Commitments shall terminate, without any action by Administrative Agent or notice of any kind. In addition, or if any other Event of Default exists, Administrative Agent may in its discretion (and shall upon written direction of Required Lenders) do any one or more of the following from time to time:

(a) declare any Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) immediately due and payable, whereupon they shall be due and payable without diligence, presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by Borrowers and the other Obligors to the fullest extent permitted by law;

(b) terminate, reduce or condition any Commitment, or make any adjustment to the Borrowing Base;

(c) require Obligors to Cash Collateralize their LC Obligations, Secured Bank Product Obligations and other Obligations that are contingent or not yet due and payable, and if any Obligors fail to deposit such Cash Collateral, Administrative Agent may (and shall upon the direction of Required Lenders) advance the required Cash Collateral as Loans (whether or not an Overadvance exists or is created thereby, or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied); and

 

-110-


(d) exercise any other rights or remedies afforded under any agreement, by law, at equity or otherwise, including the rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC. Such rights and remedies include the rights to (i) take possession of any Collateral; (ii) require Obligors to assemble Collateral, at Obligors’ expense, and make it available to Administrative Agent at a place designated by Administrative Agent; (iii) enter any premises where Collateral is located and store Collateral on such premises until sold (and if the premises are owned or leased by an Obligor, Obligors agree not to charge for such storage); and (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral in its then condition, or after any further manufacturing or processing thereof, at public or private sale, with such notice as may be required by Applicable Law, in lots or in bulk, at such locations, all as Administrative Agent, in its discretion, deems advisable. Each Obligor agrees that 10 days’ notice of any proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral by Administrative Agent shall be reasonable, and that any sale conducted on the internet or to a licensor of Intellectual Property shall be commercially reasonable. Administrative Agent may conduct sales on any Obligor’s premises, without charge, and any sale may be adjourned from time to time in accordance with Applicable Law. Administrative Agent shall have the right to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any Collateral for cash, credit or any combination thereof, and Administrative Agent may purchase any Collateral at public or, if permitted by law, private sale and, in lieu of actual payment of the purchase price, may credit bid and set off the amount of such price against the Obligations.

12.3. License. Administrative Agent is hereby granted an irrevocable, non-exclusive license or other right to use, license or sub-license (without payment of royalty or other compensation to any Person) any or all Intellectual Property of Obligors, computer hardware and software, trade secrets, brochures, customer lists, promotional and advertising materials, labels, packaging materials and other Property, in advertising for sale, marketing, selling, collecting, completing manufacture of, or otherwise exercising any rights or remedies with respect to, any Collateral.

12.4. Setoff. At any time during an Event of Default, Administrative Agent, Issuing Banks, Lenders, and any of their Affiliates are authorized, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of an Obligor against the Obligations, whether or not Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness. The rights of Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank, each Lender and each such Affiliate under this Section 12.4 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Person may have.

12.5. Remedies Cumulative; No Waiver.

12.5.1 Cumulative Rights. All agreements, warranties, guaranties, indemnities and other undertakings of the Obligors under the Loan Documents are cumulative and not in derogation of each other. The rights and remedies of Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, the Lenders and any other Secured Party under the Loan Documents are cumulative, may be exercised at any time and from time to time, concurrently or in any order, and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies available by agreement, by law, at equity or otherwise. All such rights and remedies shall continue in full force and effect until Full Payment of all Obligations.

12.5.2 Waivers. No waiver or course of dealing shall be established by (a) the failure or delay of Administrative Agent or any Lender to require strict performance by any Obligor under any Loan Document, or to exercise any rights or remedies with respect to Collateral or otherwise; (b) the making of any Loan or issuance of any Letter of Credit during a Default, Event of Default or other failure to satisfy any conditions precedent; or (c) acceptance by Administrative Agent or any Lender of any payment or performance by an Obligor under any Loan Documents in a manner other than that specified therein. Any failure to satisfy a financial covenant or a covenant exception requiring a financial calculation on a measurement date, as the case may be, shall not be cured or remedied by satisfaction of such covenant on a subsequent date.

 

-111-


SECTION 13. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

13.1. Appointment, Authority and Duties of Administrative Agent.

13.1.1 Appointment and Authority. Each Secured Party appoints and designates Bank of America as Administrative Agent under all Loan Documents. Administrative Agent may, and each Secured Party authorizes Administrative Agent to, enter into all Loan Documents to which Administrative Agent is intended to be a party and accept all Security Documents. Any action taken by Administrative Agent in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents, and the exercise by Administrative Agent of any rights or remedies set forth therein, together with all other powers reasonably incidental thereto, shall be authorized by and binding upon all Secured Parties. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Administrative Agent shall have the sole and exclusive authority to (a) act as the disbursing and collecting agent for Secured Parties with respect to all payments and collections arising in connection with the Loan Documents; (b) execute and deliver, as Administrative Agent, each Loan Document, including the Collateral Rights Agreement and any intercreditor or subordination agreement, and accept delivery of each Loan Document; (c) act as collateral agent for Secured Parties for purposes of perfecting and administering Liens under the Loan Documents, and for all other purposes stated therein; (d) manage, supervise or otherwise deal with Collateral; and (e) take any Enforcement Action or otherwise exercise any rights or remedies with respect to any Collateral or under any Loan Documents, Applicable Law or otherwise. Administrative Agent alone shall be authorized to determine eligibility and applicable advance rates under the Borrowing Base in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, whether to impose or release any reserve, or whether any conditions to funding or issuance of a Letter of Credit have been satisfied, which determinations and judgments, if exercised in good faith, shall exonerate Administrative Agent from liability to any Secured Party or other Person for any error in judgment. Each Secured Party, and Obligors and their Subsidiaries and Affiliates, acknowledge that Bank of America serves as Agent and may, from time to time, be a Lender hereunder, while at the same time acting in such capacities, or its Affiliates providing financial services to, Spartan Energy Services LLC and its affiliates. Each Secured Party, and Obligors and their Subsidiaries and affiliates, hereby waive any objection or claim against Bank of America (or its Affiliates or counsel) based on any alleged conflict of interest or breach of duties arising from Bank of America serving as Agent and Lender at the same time as serving in, or its Affiliates serving in, any of the other capacities described herein. In addition to the foregoing, each Secured Party hereby irrevocably authorizes Administrative Agent, at Administrative Agent’s option and reasonable discretion, to enter into, or amend, the Collateral Rights Agreements (or similar agreements with the same or similar purpose). Any such Collateral Rights Agreements entered into by Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties shall be binding upon each Secured Party. Each Lender (and each Person that becomes a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 14.3) and each other Secured Party hereby authorizes and directs Administrative Agent to enter into the Collateral Rights Agreements on behalf of such Secured Party and agrees that Administrative Agent may take such actions on its behalf as is contemplated by the terms of each Collateral Rights Agreement. Administrative Agent shall notify the Secured Parties of the effectiveness of the Collateral Rights Agreement when executed and shall provide a copy of the executed Collateral Rights Agreement to the Secured Parties as and when effective.

13.1.2 Duties. The title of “Administrative Agent” is used solely as a matter of market custom and the duties of Administrative Agent are administrative in nature only. Administrative Agent has no duties except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, and in no event does Administrative Agent have any agency, fiduciary or implied duty to or relationship with any Secured Party or other Person by reason of any Loan Document or related transaction. The conferral upon Administrative Agent of any right shall not imply a duty to exercise such right, unless instructed to do so by Required Lenders in accordance with this Agreement.

 

-112-


13.1.3 Agent Professionals. Administrative Agent may perform its duties through agents and employees. Administrative Agent may consult with and employ Agent Professionals, and shall be entitled to act upon, and shall be fully protected in any action taken in good faith reliance upon, any advice given by an Agent Professional. Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents, employees or Agent Professionals selected by it with reasonable care.

13.1.4 Instructions of Required Lenders. The rights and remedies conferred upon Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents may be exercised without the necessity of joining any other party, unless required by Applicable Law. In determining compliance with a condition for any action hereunder, including satisfaction of any condition in Section 6, Administrative Agent may presume that the condition is satisfactory to a Secured Party unless Administrative Agent has received notice to the contrary from such Secured Party before Administrative Agent takes the action. Administrative Agent may request instructions from Required Lenders or other Secured Parties with respect to any act (including the failure to act) in connection with any Loan Documents or Collateral, and may seek assurances to its satisfaction from Secured Parties of their indemnification obligations against Claims that could be incurred by Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent may refrain from any act until it has received such instructions or assurances, and shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so refraining. Instructions of Required Lenders shall be binding upon all Secured Parties, and no Secured Party shall have any right of action whatsoever against Administrative Agent as a result of Administrative Agent acting or refraining from acting pursuant to instructions of Required Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, instructions by and consent of specific parties shall be required to the extent provided in Section 15.1.1. In no event shall Administrative Agent be required to take any action that it determines in its discretion is contrary to Applicable Law or any Loan Documents or could subject any Agent Indemnitee to liability.

13.2. Agreements Regarding Collateral and Borrower Materials.

13.2.1 Lien Releases; Care of Collateral. Secured Parties authorize Administrative Agent to release any Lien with respect to any Collateral (a) upon Full Payment of the Obligations; (b) that is the subject of a disposition or Lien that Borrower Agent certifies in writing is a Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 10.2.9 or a Permitted Lien entitled to priority over Administrative Agent’s Liens or another transaction requiring release of such Lien which is expressly permitted under the Loan Documents (and Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate without further inquiry); (c) that does not constitute a material part of the Collateral that Borrower Agent certifies in writing as such (and Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on such certificate without further inquiry); (d) upon a Subsidiary becoming an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents; or (e) subject to Section 15.1.1, with the consent of Required Lenders. Secured Parties authorize Administrative Agent to subordinate its Liens to any Lien permitted under Section 10.2.2(i) or other Lien entitled to priority hereunder. Administrative Agent has no obligation to assure that any Collateral exists or is owned by an Obligor, or is cared for, protected or insured, nor to assure that Administrative Agent’s Liens have been properly created, perfected or enforced, or are entitled to any particular priority, nor to exercise any duty of care with respect to any Collateral.

13.2.2 Possession of Collateral. Administrative Agent and Secured Parties appoint each Lender as agent (for the benefit of Secured Parties) for the purpose of perfecting Liens in any Collateral held or controlled by such Lender, to the extent such Liens are perfected by possession or control. If any Lender obtains possession or control of any Collateral, it shall notify Administrative Agent thereof and, promptly upon Administrative Agent’s request, deliver such Collateral to Administrative Agent or otherwise deal with it in accordance with Administrative Agent’s instructions.

13.2.3 Reports. Administrative Agent shall promptly provide to Lenders, when complete, any field examination, audit or appraisal report prepared for Administrative Agent with respect to any Obligor or Collateral (“Report”). Reports and other Borrower Materials may be made available to Lenders by providing access to them on the Platform, but Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for system

 

-113-


failures or access issues that may occur from time to time. Each Lender agrees (a) that Reports are not intended to be comprehensive audits or examinations, and that Administrative Agent or any other Person performing an audit or examination will inspect only limited information and will rely significantly upon Borrowers’ books, records and representations; (b) that Administrative Agent makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any Borrower Materials or any Report and shall not be liable for any information contained in or omitted from any Borrower Materials or any Report; and (c) to keep all Borrower Materials and Reports confidential and strictly for such Lender’s internal use, not to distribute any Report or Borrower Materials (or the contents thereof) to any Person (except to such Lender’s Participants, attorneys and accountants), and to use all Borrower Materials and Reports solely for administration of the Obligations. Each Lender shall indemnify and hold harmless Administrative Agent and any other Person preparing a Report from any action such Lender may take as a result of or any conclusion it may draw from any Borrower Materials, as well as from any Claims arising as a direct or indirect result of Administrative Agent furnishing same to such Lender, via the Platform or otherwise.

13.3. Reliance By Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any Communication (including those by telephone, telex, telegram, telecopy, e-mail, Electronic Record, Electronic Signature or other electronic means) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person. Administrative Agent shall have a reasonable and practicable amount of time to act upon any Communication under any Loan Document in accordance with this Agreement, and shall not be liable for any reasonable delay in acting.

13.4. Action Upon Default. Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default, or of any failure to satisfy any conditions in Section 6, unless it has received written notice from a Borrower or Required Lenders specifying the occurrence and nature thereof. If any Lender acquires knowledge of a Default, Event of Default or failure of any such conditions, it shall promptly notify Administrative Agent and the other Lenders thereof in writing. Each Secured Party (other than Administrative Agent) agrees that, except as otherwise provided in any Loan Documents or with the written consent of Administrative Agent and Required Lenders, it will not take any Enforcement Action, accelerate Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) or assert any rights relating to any Collateral.

13.5. Ratable Sharing. If any Lender obtains any payment or reduction of any Obligation, whether through set-off or otherwise, in excess of its ratable share of such Obligation, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from Secured Parties participations in the affected Obligation as are necessary to share the excess payment or reduction on a Pro Rata basis or in accordance with Section 5.5.2, as applicable. If any of such payment or reduction is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender, the purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Defaulting Lender obtains a payment or reduction of any Obligation, it shall immediately turn over the full amount thereof to Administrative Agent for application under Section 4.2.2 and it shall provide a written statement to Administrative Agent describing the Obligation affected by such payment or reduction. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any Loan Document, no Lender shall set off against a Dominion Account without Administrative Agent’s prior consent.

13.6. Indemnification. EACH SECURED PARTY SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGENT INDEMNITEES AND ISSUING BANK INDEMNITEES, TO THE EXTENT NOT REIMBURSED BY OBLIGORS, ON A PRO RATA BASIS, AGAINST ALL CLAIMS THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY SUCH INDEMNITEE, WHETHER BROUGHT BY A THIRD PARTY OR BY A BORROWER OR ANY OTHER OBLIGOR OR AFFILIATE THEREOF, PROVIDED THAT ANY CLAIM AGAINST AN AGENT INDEMNITEE RELATES TO OR ARISES FROM ITS ACTING AS OR FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT (IN THE CAPACITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT). In Administrative Agent’s Permitted Discretion, it may reserve for any Claims made against an Agent Indemnitee or an Issuing Bank Indemnitee, and may satisfy any judgment, order or settlement relating thereto, from proceeds of Collateral prior to making any

 

-114-


distribution of Collateral proceeds to Secured Parties. If Administrative Agent is sued by any receiver, trustee or other Person for any alleged preference or fraudulent transfer, then any monies paid by Administrative Agent in settlement or satisfaction of such proceeding, together with all interest, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in the defense of same, shall be promptly reimbursed to Administrative Agent by each Secured Party to the extent of its Pro Rata share.

13.7. Limitation on Responsibilities of Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent shall not be liable to any Secured Party for any action taken or omitted to be taken under the Loan Documents, except for losses directly and solely caused by Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Administrative Agent does not assume any responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by any Obligor, Lender or other Secured Party of any obligations under the Loan Documents. Administrative Agent does not make any express or implied representation, warranty or guarantee to Secured Parties with respect to any Obligations, Collateral, Liens, Loan Documents, Borrower Materials, Reports or Obligors. No Agent Indemnitee shall be responsible to Secured Parties for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in any Loan Documents or Borrower Materials; the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of any Loan Documents; the genuineness, enforceability, collectability, value, sufficiency, location or existence of any Collateral, or the validity, extent, perfection or priority of any Lien therein; the validity, enforceability or collectability of any Obligations; or the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any Obligor or Account Debtor. No Agent Indemnitee shall have any obligation to any Secured Party to ascertain or inquire into the existence of any Default or Event of Default, the observance by any Obligor of any terms of the Loan Documents, or the satisfaction of any conditions precedent contained in any Loan Documents.

13.8. Successor Administrative Agent and Co-Agents.

13.8.1 Resignation; Successor Administrative Agent. Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving at least 30 days written notice thereof to Lenders and Borrowers. If Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender under clause (d) of the definition thereof, Required Lenders may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, remove such Administrative Agent by written notice to Borrowers and Administrative Agent. Required Lenders may appoint a successor to replace the resigning or removed Administrative Agent, which successor shall be (a) a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender; or (b) a financial institution reasonably acceptable to Required Lenders and (provided no Event of Default exists) Borrowers. If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal, then Administrative Agent may appoint a successor agent that is a financial institution acceptable to it (which shall be a Lender unless no Lender accepts the role) or in the absence of such appointment, Required Lenders shall automatically on such date assume all rights and duties of Administrative Agent hereunder. Upon acceptance by any successor Administrative Agent of its appointment hereunder, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the powers and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent without further act. On the effective date of its resignation or removal, the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder but shall continue to have all rights and protections under the Loan Documents with respect to actions taken or omitted to be taken by it (i) while Administrative Agent and (ii) after such resignation or removal for as long as the retiring or removed Administrative Agent continues to act in any capacity hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, including (A) acting as collateral agent or otherwise holding any collateral security on behalf of any of the Secured Parties and (B) in respect of any actions taken in connection with transferring the agency to any successor Administrative Agent, including the indemnification set forth in Sections 13.6 and 15.2, and all rights and protections under this Section 13. Any successor to Bank of America by merger or acquisition of stock or this loan shall continue to be Administrative Agent hereunder without further act on the part of any Secured Party or Obligor.

 

-115-


13.8.2 Co-Agent. If appropriate under Applicable Law, Administrative Agent may appoint a Person to serve as a co-collateral agent or separate collateral agent under any Loan Document. Each right, remedy and protection intended to be available to Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents shall also be vested in such agent. Secured Parties shall execute and deliver any instrument or agreement that Administrative Agent may request to effect such appointment. If any such agent shall die, dissolve, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, then all the rights and remedies of the agent, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, shall vest in and be exercised by Administrative Agent until appointment of a new agent.

13.9. Due Diligence and Non-Reliance. Each Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that it has, independently and without reliance upon Administrative Agent or any other Secured Parties, and based upon such documents, information and analyses as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis of each Obligor and its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to fund Loans and participate in LC Obligations hereunder. Each Secured Party has made such inquiries as it feels necessary concerning the Loan Documents, Collateral and Obligors. Each Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that the other Secured Parties have made no representations or warranties concerning any Obligor, any Collateral or the legality, validity, sufficiency or enforceability of any Loan Documents or Obligations. Each Secured Party will, independently and without reliance upon any other Secured Party, and based upon such financial statements, documents and information as it deems appropriate at the time, continue to make and rely upon its own credit decisions in making Loans and participating in LC Obligations, and in taking or refraining from any action under any Loan Documents. Except for notices, reports and other information expressly requested by a Lender, Administrative Agent shall have no duty or responsibility to provide any Secured Party with any notices, reports or certificates furnished to Administrative Agent by any Obligor or any credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition, business or Properties of any Obligor (or any of its Affiliates) which may come into possession of Administrative Agent or its Affiliates.

13.10. Remittance of Payments and Collections.

13.10.1 Remittances Generally. All payments by any Secured Party to Administrative Agent shall be made by the time and on the day set forth in this Agreement, in immediately available funds. If no time for payment is specified or if payment is due on demand by Administrative Agent and request for payment is made by Administrative Agent by 1:00 p.m. on a Business Day, then payment shall be made by such Secured Party not later than 3:00 p.m. on such day, and if request is made after 1:00 p.m., payment shall be made by 11:00 a.m. on the next Business Day. Payment by Administrative Agent to any Secured Party shall be made by wire transfer, in the type of funds received by Administrative Agent. Any such payment shall be subject to Administrative Agent’s right of offset for any amounts due from such payee under the Loan Documents.

13.10.2 Failure to Pay. If any Secured Party fails to pay any amount when due by it to Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms hereof, such amount shall bear interest, from the due date until paid in full, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate or the rate determined by Administrative Agent as customary for interbank compensation for 2 Business Days and thereafter at the Default Rate for Base Rate Loans. In no event shall Obligors be entitled to credit for any interest paid by a Secured Party to Administrative Agent, nor shall a Defaulting Lender be entitled to interest on amounts held by Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 4.2.

13.10.3 Recovery of Erroneous Payments. Without limitation of any other provision herein, if at any time Administrative Agent makes a payment hereunder in error to any Secured Party, whether or not in respect of an Obligation due and owing by Borrowers at such time, where such payment is a Rescindable Amount, then in any such event each Secured Party receiving a Rescindable Amount severally agrees to repay to Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount received by such Secured Party in immediately available funds in the currency so received, with interest thereon for each day from and including the date such Rescindable Amount is received by it to but excluding the date of repayment to Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. Each Secured

 

-116-


Party irrevocably waives any and all defenses, including any defense of discharge for value (under which a creditor might otherwise claim a right to retain funds mistakenly paid by a third party in respect of a debt owed by another) or similar defense to its obligation to return any Rescindable Amount. Administrative Agent shall inform each Secured Party promptly upon determining that any payment made to such Secured Party was comprised, in whole or in part, of a Rescindable Amount.

13.10.4 Distributions. If Administrative Agent determines that an amount received by it must be returned or paid to an Obligor or other Person pursuant to Applicable Law or otherwise, then Administrative Agent shall not be required to distribute such amount to any Secured Party. If any amounts received and applied by Administrative Agent to Obligations held by a Secured Party are later required to be returned by Administrative Agent pursuant to Applicable Law, such Secured Party shall pay to Administrative Agent, on demand, its share of the amounts required to be returned.

13.11. Individual Capacities. As a Lender, Bank of America shall have the same rights, obligations and remedies under the Loan Documents as any other Lender, and the terms “Lenders,” “Required Lenders”, “Secured Party” or any similar term shall include Bank of America in its capacity as a Lender. Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, Lenders and their Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, provide letters of credit or Bank Products to, act as financial or other advisor to, and generally engage in any kind of business with, Obligors and their Affiliates, as if they were not Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank or Lenders hereunder, without any duty to account therefor to any Secured Party. In their individual capacities, Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, Lenders and their Affiliates may receive information regarding Obligors, their Affiliates and their Account Debtors (including information subject to confidentiality obligations), and shall have no obligation to provide such information to any Secured Party.

13.12. Titles. Each Lender, other than Bank of America, that is designated in connection with this credit facility as an “Arranger,” “Bookrunner,” “Syndication Agent” or “Administrative Agent” of any kind shall have no right or duty under any Loan Documents other than those applicable to all Lenders, and shall in no event have any fiduciary duty to any Secured Party.

13.13. Bank Product Providers. Each Secured Bank Product Provider, by delivery of a notice to Administrative Agent of a Bank Product, agrees to be bound by the Loan Documents, including Sections 5.5, 13, and 15.3.3. Each Secured Bank Product Provider shall indemnify and hold harmless Agent Indemnitees, to the extent not reimbursed by Obligors, against all Claims that may be incurred by or asserted against any Agent Indemnitee in connection with such Secured Bank Product Provider’s Secured Bank Product Obligations.

13.14. Collateral Agent. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, all determinations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents related, directly or indirectly, to the Collateral, Borrowing Base eligibility standards or criteria, reserves or the implementation or adjustment of reserves, collateral information rights, access rights, appraisal rights, audit rights, cash management and cash dominion rights and control agreement rights (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any such determinations which are assigned to Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement and other Loan Documents) shall, be made by Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Any of the foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, nothing contained in this Section 13.14 shall be deemed to expand the rights of Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect to Borrowing Base eligibility standards or advance rates applicable to the Borrowing Base or reserves.

13.15. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Section 13 is an agreement solely among Secured Parties and Administrative Agent, and shall survive Full Payment of the Obligations. Except as set forth in Section 13.8 with respect to the Borrowers, this Section 13 does not confer any rights or benefits upon Obligors or any other Person. As between Obligors and Administrative Agent, any action that Administrative Agent may take under any Loan Documents or with respect to any Obligations shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized and directed by Secured Parties.

 

-117-


13.16. Certain ERISA Matters.

13.16.1 Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, Administrative Agent and the Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Obligor, that at least one of the following is and will be true:

(a) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of 29 CFR § 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments,

(b) the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement,

(c) (i) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (ii) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, (iii) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (iv) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, or

(d) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.

13.16.2 In addition, unless clause (a) in Section 13.16.1 is true with respect to a Lender or such Lender has not provided another representation, warranty and covenant as provided in clause (d) in Section 13.16.1, such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, Administrative Agent and the Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrowers or any other Obligor, that:

(a) none of Administrative Agent or the Arranger or any of their respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related to hereto or thereto),

(b) the Person making the investment decision on behalf of such Lender with respect to the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement is independent (within the meaning of 29 CFR § 2510.3-21) and is a bank, an insurance carrier, an investment adviser, a broker-dealer or other person that holds, or has under management or control, total assets of at least $50 million, in each case as described in 29 CFR § 2510.3-21(c)(1)(i)(A)-(E),

 

-118-


(c) the Person making the investment decision on behalf of such Lender with respect to the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement is capable of evaluating investment risks independently, both in general and with regard to particular transactions and investment strategies (including in respect of the Obligations),

(d) the Person making the investment decision on behalf of such Lender with respect to the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement is a fiduciary under ERISA or the Code, or both, with respect to the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement and is responsible for exercising independent judgment in evaluating the transactions hereunder, and

(e) no fee or other compensation is being paid directly to Administrative Agent or the Arranger or any their respective Affiliates for investment advice (as opposed to other services) in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments or this Agreement.

13.16.3 Administrative Agent and the Arranger hereby informs the Lenders that each such Person is not undertaking to provide impartial investment advice, or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, (ii) may recognize a gain if it extended the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees, upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent or collateral agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.

SECTION 14. BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS

14.1. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Obligors, Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, Lenders, Secured Parties, and their respective successors and assigns, except that (a) no Obligor shall have the right to assign its rights or delegate its obligations under any Loan Documents; and (b) any assignment by a Lender must be made in compliance with Section 14.3. Administrative Agent may treat the Person which made any Loan as the owner thereof for all purposes until such Person makes an assignment in accordance with Section 14.3. Any authorization or consent of a Lender shall be conclusive and binding on any subsequent transferee or assignee of such Lender.

14.2. Participations.

14.2.1 Permitted Participants; Effect. Subject to Section 14.3.3, any Lender may sell to a financial institution (“Participant”) a participating interest in the rights and obligations of such Lender under any Loan Documents. Despite any sale by a Lender of participating interests to a Participant, such Lender’s obligations under the Loan Documents shall remain unchanged, it shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for performance of such obligations, it shall remain the holder of its Loans and Commitments for all purposes, all amounts payable by Borrowers shall be determined as if it had not sold such participating interests, and Borrowers and Administrative Agent shall continue to deal solely and

 

-119-


directly with such Lender in connection with the Loan Documents. Each Lender shall be solely responsible for notifying its Participants of any matters under the Loan Documents, and Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall not have any obligation or liability to any such Participant. Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.7, 3.9 and 5.8 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, and the requirements under Section 5.9 (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 5.9 shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 14.3; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Section 3.8 and 14.4 as if it were an assignee under Section 14.3; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 3.7 and 5.8, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after such Participant acquired the applicable participation.

14.2.2 Voting Rights. Each Lender shall retain the sole right to approve, without the consent of any Participant, any amendment, waiver or other modification of a Loan Document other than that which forgives principal, interest or fees, reduces the stated interest rate or fees payable with respect to any Loan or Commitment in which such Participant has an interest, postpones the Commitment Termination Date or any date fixed for any regularly scheduled payment of principal, interest or fees on such Loan or Commitment, or releases any Borrower, all or substantially all of the value of the Guaranty or all or substantially all Collateral.

14.2.3 Participant Register. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting as a non-fiduciary agent of Borrowers (solely for tax purposes), maintain a register in which it enters the Participant’s name, address and interest in Commitments, Loans (including principal and stated interest) and LC Obligations. Entries in the register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person recorded in the register as the owner of the participation for all purposes, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. No Lender shall have an obligation to disclose any information in such register except to the extent necessary to establish that a Participant’s interest is in registered form under the Code.

14.2.4 Benefit of Set-off. Borrowers agree that each Participant shall have a right of set-off in respect of its participating interest to the same extent as if such interest were owing directly to a Lender, and each Lender shall also retain the right of set-off with respect to any participating interests sold by it. By exercising any right of set-off, a Participant agrees to share with Lenders all amounts received through its set-off, in accordance with Section 13.5 as if such Participant were a Lender.

14.3. Assignments.

14.3.1 Permitted Assignments. A Lender may assign to an Eligible Assignee any of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents, as long as (a) each assignment is of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of the transferor Lender’s rights and obligations under the Loan Documents and, in the case of a partial assignment, is in a minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 (unless otherwise agreed by Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion) and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess of that amount; (b) except in the case of an assignment in whole of a Lender’s rights and obligations, the aggregate amount of the Commitments retained by the transferor Lender is at least $10,000,000 (unless otherwise agreed by Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion); and (c) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver an Assignment to Administrative Agent for acceptance and recording. Nothing herein shall limit the right of a Lender to pledge or assign, without the consent of Borrower Agent or Administrative Agent, any rights under the Loan Documents to secure obligations of such Lender, including a pledge or assignment to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided, however, that no such pledge or assignment shall release the Lender from its obligations hereunder nor substitute the pledge or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

-120-


14.3.2 Effect; Effective Date. Upon delivery to Administrative Agent of a fully executed Assignment and a processing fee of $3,500 (unless otherwise agreed or waived by Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), the assignment shall become effective as specified in the notice, if it complies with this Section 14.3. From such effective date, the Eligible Assignee shall for all purposes be a Lender under the Loan Documents, and shall have all rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder. Upon consummation of an assignment, the transferor Lender, Administrative Agent and Borrowers shall make appropriate arrangements for issuance of replacement and/or new notes, if applicable. The transferee Lender shall comply with Section 5.9 and deliver, upon request, an administrative questionnaire reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent.

14.3.3 Certain Assignees. No assignment or participation may be made to a Borrower, Affiliate of a Borrower (including Sponsor and any Unrestricted Subsidiary), Defaulting Lender or natural person. Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to determine whether any assignment is permitted under the Loan Documents. Assignment by a Defaulting Lender shall be effective only if there is concurrent satisfaction of all outstanding obligations of the Defaulting Lender under the Loan Documents in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, including payment by the Eligible Assignee or Defaulting Lender to Administrative Agent of an aggregate amount sufficient upon distribution (through direct payment, purchases of participations or other methods acceptable to Administrative Agent) to satisfy all funding and payment liabilities of the Defaulting Lender. If assignment by a Defaulting Lender occurs (by operation of law or otherwise) without compliance with the foregoing sentence, the assignee shall be deemed a Defaulting Lender for all purposes until compliance occurs.

14.3.4 Register. Administrative Agent, acting as a non-fiduciary agent of Borrowers (solely for tax purposes), shall maintain (a) a copy (or electronic equivalent) of each Assignment delivered to it, and (b) a register for recordation of the names, addresses and Commitments of, and the Loans, principal, interest and LC Obligations owing to, each Lender. Entries in the register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and Borrowers, Administrative Agent and Lenders shall treat each Person recorded in such register as a Lender for all purposes under the Loan Documents, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. Administrative Agent may choose to show only one Borrower as the borrower in the register, without any effect on the liability of any Obligor with respect to the Obligations. The register shall be available for inspection by Borrowers or any Lender, from time to time upon reasonable notice.

14.4. Replacement of Certain Lenders. If a Lender (a) was a Non-Consenting Lender, (b) is a Defaulting Lender, or (c) gave a notice under Section 3.5 or requested payment or compensation under Section 3.7 or 5.8 (and has not designated a different Lending Office pursuant to Section 3.8), then Administrative Agent or Borrower Agent may, upon notice to such Lender, require it to assign its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents to Eligible Assignee(s), pursuant to appropriate Assignment(s); provided, that in the case of any assignment pursuant to clause (c) above, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter. Administrative Agent is irrevocably appointed as attorney-in-fact to execute any such Assignment if the Lender fails to execute it. Such Lender shall be entitled to receive, in cash, concurrently with such assignment, all amounts owed to it under the Loan Documents through the date of assignment.

SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS

15.1. Consents, Amendments and Waivers.

15.1.1 Amendment. No modification of any Loan Document, including any extension or amendment of a Loan Document or any waiver of a Default or Event of Default, shall be effective without the prior written agreement of Administrative Agent (with the consent of Required Lenders) and each Obligor party to such Loan Document; provided, however, that

 

-121-


(a) without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent, no modification shall alter any provision in a Loan Document that relates to any rights, duties or discretion of Administrative Agent;

(b) without the prior written consent of each applicable Issuing Bank, no modification shall alter Section 2.2 or any other provision in a Loan Document that relates to Letters of Credit or any rights, duties or discretion of such Issuing Bank;

(c) without the prior written consent of each affected Lender, including a Defaulting Lender, no modification shall (i) increase or extend the Commitment of such Lender; (ii) reduce the amount of, or waive or delay payment of, any principal, interest or fees payable to such Lender (except as provided in Section 4.2); (iii) extend the Commitment Termination Date, the Termination Date, or any other time of payment or repayment required under the Loan Documents; or (iv) amend this clause (c);

(d) without the prior written consent of all Lenders (except any Defaulting Lender), no modification shall (i) waive the conditions precedent contained in Section 6.1; (ii) alter Section 5.5.2, 7.1 (except to add Collateral), 13.5, 15.1.1 or any other provision hereof in a manner that would have the effect of altering the ratable reduction of Commitments or the pro rata sharing of payments otherwise required hereunder; (iii) change any provision of this Section 15.1.1(d) or the definition of “Required Lenders”, or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentages of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or any other Loan Document or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder; (iv) amend the definition of Borrowing Base (or any defined term used in such definition) if the effect of such amendment is to increase borrowing availability; (v) increase the advance rates in the Borrowing Base or modify this Agreement in any way that would have the effect of increasing the advance rates in the Borrowing Base, in each case, beyond such advance rates in effect on the Closing Date; (vi) release, or subordinate Administrative Agent’s Lien on, all or substantially all Collateral or release all or substantially all of the value of the Guaranty; or (vii) except in connection with a merger, disposition or similar transaction expressly permitted hereby, release any Obligor from liability for any Obligations; and

(e) without the prior written consent of a Secured Bank Product Provider, no modification shall affect its relative payment priority under Section 5.5.2.

15.1.2 Limitations. Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, Administrative Agent may make or adopt Conforming Changes from time to time and any amendment or notice implementing such changes will become effective without further action or consent of any other party; provided, that Administrative Agent shall post or otherwise provide same to Borrowers and Lenders reasonably promptly after it becomes effective. The agreement of Borrowers or any other Obligors shall not be required for any modification of a Loan Document that deals solely with the rights and duties of Lenders, Administrative Agent and/or Issuing Bank as among themselves but the parties to such shall provide prompt notice thereof to the Borrowers. Only the consent of the parties to any agreement relating to fees or a Bank Product shall be required for modification of such agreement, and no Secured Bank Product Provider (in such capacity) shall have any right to consent to modification of any Loan Document other than its Bank Product agreement. Any waiver or consent granted by Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lenders hereunder shall be effective only if in writing and only for the matter specified. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Administrative Agent may, with the consent of Borrower Agent only, amend, modify or supplement this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents (but with notice given by Administrative Agent to the Lenders and Issuing Banks promptly after the effectiveness thereof) to cure any ambiguity, or manifest omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency (as reasonably determined by Administrative Agent), or effect administrative changes (including, without limitation, those necessary to effect the purposes of Section 10.2.16(b)(ii) changes to Fiscal Quarter and Fiscal Year), so long as such amendment, modification or supplement does not adversely affect the rights of any Lender or Issuing Bank.

 

-122-


15.1.3 Payment for Consents. No Borrower will, directly or indirectly, pay any remuneration or other thing of value, whether by way of additional interest, fee or otherwise, to any Lender (in its capacity as a Lender hereunder) as consideration for agreement by such Lender with any modification of any Loan Documents, unless such remuneration or value is concurrently paid, on the same terms, on a Pro Rata basis to all Lenders providing their consent.

15.2. Indemnity. EACH OBLIGOR SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE INDEMNITEES FROM AND AGAINST (AND WILL REIMBURSE EACH INDEMNITEE AS THE SAME ARE INCURRED FOR) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LOSSES, LIABILITIES AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE REASONABLE AND DOCUMENTED OUT-OF-POCKET FEES, DISBURSEMENTS AND OTHER CHARGES OF ONE FIRM OF COUNSEL TO THE INDEMNITEES TAKEN AS A WHOLE AND ONE FIRM OF LOCAL COUNSEL TO THE INDEMNITEES TAKEN AS A WHOLE IN EACH APPROPRIATE JURISDICTION AND, IN THE CASE OF AN ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST AS DETERMINED BY THE AFFECTED INDEMNITEE, ONE ADDITIONAL COUNSEL TO SUCH AFFECTED INDEMNITEE)) THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED OR AWARDED AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE, IN EACH CASE ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR BY REASON OF (I) THE EXECUTION OR DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY AGREEMENT OR INSTRUMENT CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, THE PERFORMANCE BY THE PARTIES HERETO OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER, OR THE CONSUMMATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, OR IN THE CASE OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT (AND ANY SUB-AGENT THEREOF) AND THE AGENT INDEMNITEES ONLY, THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, (II) ANY LOAN OR LETTER OF CREDIT OR THE USE OR PROPOSED USE OF THE PROCEEDS THEREFROM (INCLUDING ANY REFUSAL BY THE ISSUING BANKS TO HONOR A DEMAND FOR PAYMENT UNDER A LETTER OF CREDIT IF THE DOCUMENTS PRESENTED IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH DEMAND DO NOT STRICTLY COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF SUCH LETTER OF CREDIT), (III) ANY ACTUAL OR ALLEGED PRESENCE OR RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON OR FROM ANY PROPERTY OWNED OR OPERATED BY COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, OR ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY RELATED IN ANY WAY TO COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES OR (IV) ANY ACTUAL OR PROSPECTIVE CLAIM, LITIGATION, INVESTIGATION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY, WHETHER BROUGHT BY A THIRD PARTY OR BY ANY BORROWER OR ANY OTHER OBLIGOR, AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ANY INDEMNITEE IS A PARTY THERETO, IN ALL CASES, WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED OR ARISING, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OUT OF THE COMPARATIVE, CONTRIBUTORY OR SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF AN INDEMNITEE. In no event shall any party to a Loan Document have any obligation thereunder to indemnify or hold harmless an Indemnitee with respect to a Claim to the extent that it (a) is determined in a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from (x) the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee, as the case may be, or (y) a material breach in bad faith by such Indemnitee of its obligations under the Loan Documents or (b) arises out of or is in connection with any claim, litigation, loss or proceeding not involving an act or omission of any Obligor or any of its Affiliates and that is brought by an Indemnitee against another Indemnitee (other than against Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or the Arranger in their capacities as such). This Section shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section shall apply to any action or inaction taken by an Indemnitee in reliance on any Communication executed using an Electronic Signature, or in the form of an Electronic Record, that such Indemnitee reasonably believes is made by a Senior Officer or any other authorized Person acting on behalf of an Obligor.

 

-123-


15.3. Notices and Communications.

15.3.1 Notice Address. Subject to Section 4.1.4, all Communications by or to a party hereto shall be in writing and shall be given to any Borrower, at Borrower Agent’s address shown on the signature pages hereof, and to any other Person at its address shown on the signature pages hereof (or, in the case of a Person who becomes a Lender after the Closing Date, at the address shown on its Assignment), or at such other address as a party may hereafter specify by notice in accordance with this Section 15.3. In addition, a Communication from Administrative Agent to Lenders or Borrowers may, to the extent permitted by law, be delivered electronically (i) by transmitting the Communication to the electronic address specified to Administrative Agent in writing by the applicable Lender or Borrower Agent from time to time, or (ii) by posting the Communication on a website and sending the Lender or Borrower Agent notice (electronically or otherwise) that the Communication has been posted and providing instructions (at such time or prior to delivery of such Communication) for viewing it. Each Communication shall be effective only (a) if given by facsimile transmission, when transmitted to the applicable facsimile number, if confirmation of receipt is received; (b) if given by mail, three Business Days after deposit in the U.S. mail, with first-class postage pre-paid, addressed to the applicable address; (c) if given by personal delivery, when duly delivered to the notice address with receipt acknowledged; or (d) if provided electronically by Administrative Agent to Lenders or Borrowers, when the Communication (or notice advising of its posting to a website) is sent to the Lender’s or Borrower Agent’s electronic address. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no notice to Administrative Agent pursuant to Sections 2.1.4, 2.2, 3.1.2 or 4.1.1 shall be effective until actually received by the individual to whose attention at Administrative Agent such notice is required to be sent. Any written Communication that is not sent in conformity with the foregoing provisions shall nevertheless be effective on the date actually received by the noticed party. Any notice received by Borrower Agent shall be deemed received by all Borrowers.

15.3.2 Communications. Electronic Communications (including e-mail, messaging and websites) may be used only in a manner reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent and Secured Parties make no assurance as to the privacy or security of electronic Communications. E-mail and voice mail shall not be effective notices under the Loan Documents.

15.3.3 Platform. Borrower Materials and Reports shall be delivered pursuant to procedures approved by Administrative Agent, including electronic delivery (if possible) upon request by Administrative Agent to an electronic system maintained by Administrative Agent (“Platform”). Borrowers shall notify Administrative Agent of each posting of Borrower Materials and Reports on the Platform and the materials shall be deemed received by Administrative Agent only upon its receipt of such notice. Borrower Materials, Reports and other information relating to this credit facility may be made available to Secured Parties on the Platform. The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.” Administrative Agent does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information on the Platform nor the adequacy or functioning of the Platform, and expressly disclaims liability for any errors or omissions in the Borrower Materials, Reports or any issues involving the Platform. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS, OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT WITH RESPECT TO BORROWER MATERIALS, REPORTS OR THE PLATFORM. No Agent Indemnitee shall have any liability to Borrowers, other Obligors, Secured Parties or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) relating to use by any Person of the Platform, including any unintended recipient, nor for delivery of Borrower Materials, Reports and other information via the Platform, internet, e-mail, or any other electronic platform or messaging system, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent Indemnitee. Administrative Agent may, but is not obligated to, make Communications available to Obligors and Lenders by posting them on IntraLinksTM, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or other electronic platform.

 

-124-


15.3.4 Public Information. Obligors and Secured Parties acknowledge that “public” information may not be segregated from material non-public information on the Platform. Secured Parties acknowledge that Borrower Materials and Reports may include Obligors’ material non-public information, and should not be made available to personnel who do not wish to receive such information or may be engaged in investment or other market-related activities with respect to an Obligor’s securities.

15.3.5 Non-Conforming Communications. Administrative Agent and Lenders may rely upon any Communication purportedly given by or on behalf of any Borrower or other Obligor even if they were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not confirmed, or if the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from an earlier Communication or later confirmation. Each Obligor shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee from any liabilities, losses, costs and expenses arising from any electronic or telephonic Communication purportedly given by or on behalf of any Obligor.

15.3.6 Reliance on Communications. No Secured Party shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with an Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed .pdf or other electronic means). Secured Parties may rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of any Loan Document by acting on, any Communication (which may be a fax, electronic message, internet or intranet website posting, or other distribution, or signed by an Electronic Signature) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof). Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely on the e-mail addresses and telephone numbers provided by Obligors, Lenders and their authorized representatives. Each Obligor hereby waives (a) any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or other Communication based solely on the lack of a paper original copy thereof, and (b) waives any claim against any Indemnitee for liabilities arising from its reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures, including liabilities relating to an Obligor’s failure to use a security measure in connection with execution, delivery or transmission of an Electronic Signature.

15.4. Performance of Borrowers Obligations. Administrative Agent may, in its Permitted Discretion at any time and from time to time, at Borrowers’ expense, upon notice to Borrower Agent unless an Event of Default exists and is continuing, pay any amount or do any act required of any Obligor under any Loan Documents or otherwise lawfully requested by Administrative Agent to (a) enforce any Loan Documents or collect any Obligations; (b) protect, insure, maintain or realize upon any Collateral; or (c) defend or maintain the validity or priority of Administrative Agent’s Liens in any Collateral, including any payment of a judgment, insurance premium, warehouse charge, finishing or processing charge, or landlord claim, or any discharge of a Lien. All payments, reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including Extraordinary Expenses) of Administrative Agent under this Section shall be reimbursed to Administrative Agent by Borrowers and other Obligors, upon written demand, with interest accruing from the date incurred until paid in full, at the Default Rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. Any payment made or action taken by Administrative Agent under this Section shall be without prejudice to any right to assert an Event of Default or to exercise any other rights or remedies under the Loan Documents.

15.5. Credit Inquiries. Administrative Agent and Lenders may (but shall have no obligation) to respond to usual and customary credit inquiries from third parties concerning any Obligor or Subsidiary.

15.6. Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of the Loan Documents shall be interpreted in such manner as to be valid under Applicable Law. If any provision is found to be invalid under Applicable Law, it shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity and the remaining provisions of the Loan Documents shall remain in full force and effect.

 

-125-


15.7. Cumulative Effect; Conflict of Terms. The provisions of the Loan Documents are cumulative. The parties acknowledge that the Loan Documents may use several limitations or measurements to regulate similar matters, and they agree that these are cumulative and that each must be performed as provided. Except as otherwise provided in another Loan Document (by specific reference to the applicable provision of this Agreement), if any provision contained herein is in direct conflict with any provision in another Loan Document, the provision herein shall govern and control.

15.8. Execution; Electronic Records. Any Loan Document, including any required to be in writing, may (if agreed by Administrative Agent) be in the form of an Electronic Record and may be executed using Electronic Signatures. An Electronic Signature on or associated with any Communication shall be valid and binding on each Obligor and other party thereto to the same extent as a manual, original signature, and any Communication entered into by Electronic Signature shall constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of each party, enforceable to the same extent as if a manually executed original signature were delivered. A Communication may be executed in as many counterparts as necessary or convenient, including both paper and electronic counterparts, but all such counterparts are one and the same Communication. The parties may use or accept manually signed paper Communications converted into electronic form (such as scanned into pdf), or electronically signed Communications converted into other formats, for transmission, delivery and/or retention. Administrative Agent and Lenders may, at their option, create one or more copies of a Communication in the form of an imaged Electronic Record (“Electronic Copy”), which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of the Person’s business, and may destroy the original paper document. Any Communication in the form or format of an Electronic Record, including an Electronic Copy, shall be considered an original for all purposes, and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record. Notwithstanding anything herein, (a) Administrative Agent is under no obligation to accept an Electronic Signature in any form unless expressly agreed by it pursuant to procedures approved by it; (b) each Secured Party shall be entitled to rely on any Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of an Obligor without further verification and regardless of the appearance or form of such Electronic Signature; and (c) upon request by Administrative Agent, any Loan Document using an Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed original counterpart.

15.9. Entire Agreement. Time is of the essence with respect to all Loan Documents and Obligations. The Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, among the parties relating to the subject matter thereof.

15.10. Relationship with Lenders. The obligations of each Lender hereunder are several, and no Lender shall be responsible for the obligations or Commitments of any other Lender. Amounts payable hereunder to each Lender shall be a separate and independent debt. It shall not be necessary for Administrative Agent or any other Lender to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purposes. Nothing in this Agreement and no action of Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, Lenders any other Secured Party or any Affiliate thereof pursuant to the Loan Documents or otherwise shall be deemed to constitute Administrative Agent and any Secured Party to be a partnership, joint venture or similar arrangement, nor to constitute control of any Obligor.

15.11. No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated by any Loan Document, Borrowers acknowledge and agree that (a)(i) this credit facility and any arranging or other services by Arranger, Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any of their Affiliates are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Obligors and their Affiliates, on one hand, and Arranger, Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or any of their Affiliates, on the other hand; (ii) the Obligors have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent they have deemed appropriate; and (iii) the Obligors are capable of evaluating, and understand and accept, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents; (b) each of Arranger, Administrative Agent, Lenders, any Issuing Bank and their Affiliates and any arranger is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for Obligors,

 

-126-


their Affiliates or any other Person, and has no obligation with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents except as expressly set forth therein; and (c) Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, Lenders, their Affiliates and any arranger may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of Obligors and their Affiliates, and have no obligation to disclose any of such interests to Obligors or their Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Obligor hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against Arranger, Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, Lenders and their Affiliates with respect to any breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any transaction contemplated by a Loan Document. Each Obligor hereby agrees that it will not claim that Arranger, Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, Lenders or their Affiliates has rendered advisory services of any nature or owes any agency or fiduciary or similar duty to it in connection with any transaction contemplated by a Loan Document.

15.12. Confidentiality. Each of Administrative Agent, Lenders and Issuing Banks shall maintain the confidentiality of all Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates, and to its and their partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and representatives (provided they are informed of the confidential nature of the Information and instructed to keep it confidential); (b) to the extent requested by any governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it or its Affiliates, provided Borrower Agent has been given reasonable notice thereof and been afforded an opportunity to limit or protest the disclosure (to the extent legally permitted and reasonably practicable and other than in connection with regulatory oversight); (c) to the extent required by Applicable Law or by any subpoena or other legal process, provided Borrower Agent has been given reasonable notice thereof and been afforded an opportunity to limit or protest the disclosure (to the extent legally permitted and reasonably practicable); (d) to any other party hereto; (e) in connection with any action or proceeding relating to any Loan Documents or Obligations; (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as this Section, to any Transferee or any actual or prospective party (or its advisors) to any Bank Product or to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to an Obligor or Obligor’s obligations; (g) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) is available to Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any of their Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than Borrowers; (h) on a confidential basis to a provider of a Platform; or (i) with the consent of Borrower Agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Administrative Agent and Lenders may publish or disseminate general information concerning this credit facility for league table, tombstone and advertising purposes, and may use Borrowers’ logos, trademarks or product photographs in advertising materials. As used herein, “Information” means information received from an Obligor or Subsidiary relating to it or its business that is identified as confidential when delivered. A Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information pursuant to this Section shall be deemed to have complied if it exercises a degree of care similar to that accorded its own confidential information. Each of Administrative Agent, Lenders and Issuing Bank acknowledges that (i) Information may include material non-public information; (ii) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of such information; and (iii) it will handle the material non-public information in accordance with Applicable Law.

15.13. GOVERNING LAW. UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND ALL CLAIMS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES EXCEPT FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO NATIONAL BANKS.

15.14. Consent to Forum; Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions.

15.14.1 Forum. EACH OBLIGOR HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY OR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, IN ANY DISPUTE, ACTION, LITIGATION OR OTHER PROCEEDING RELATING IN ANY WAY TO

 

-127-


ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS, AND AGREES THAT ANY DISPUTE, ACTION, LITIGATION OR OTHER PROCEEDING SHALL BE BROUGHT BY IT SOLELY IN ANY SUCH COURT. EACH OBLIGOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ALL CLAIMS, OBJECTIONS AND DEFENSES THAT IT MAY HAVE REGARDING ANY SUCH COURT’S PERSONAL OR SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, VENUE OR INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 15.3.1. A final judgment in any proceeding of any such court shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or any other manner provided by Applicable Law.

15.14.2 Other Jurisdictions. Nothing herein shall limit the right of Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or any Affiliate thereof to bring proceedings against any Obligor in any other court, nor limit the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to preclude enforcement by Administrative Agent of any judgment or order obtained in any forum or jurisdiction.

15.14.3 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among the parties, each party hereto (including each Secured Party) acknowledges that any liability arising under a Loan Document of any Secured Party that is an Affected Financial Institution, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the write-down and conversion powers of the applicable Resolution Authority, and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by, (a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising under any Loan Documents which may be payable to it by any Secured Party that is an Affected Financial Institution; and (b) the effects of any Bail-in Action on any such liability, including (i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability; (ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under any Loan Document; or (iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the write-down and conversion powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.

15.15. Waivers by Obligors. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Obligor waives (a) the right to trial by jury (which Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender hereby also waives) in any proceeding or dispute of any kind relating in any way to any Loan Documents, Obligations or Collateral; (b) presentment, demand, protest, notice of presentment, default, non-payment, maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension or renewal of any commercial paper, accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper and guaranties at any time held by Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on which an Obligor may in any way be liable, and hereby ratifies anything Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may do in this regard; (c) notice prior to taking possession or control of any Collateral; (d) any bond or security that might be required by a court prior to allowing Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender to exercise any rights or remedies; (e) the benefit of all valuation, appraisement and exemption laws; (f) any claim against any party hereto on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential, exemplary or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) in any way relating to any Enforcement Action, Obligations, Loan Documents or transactions relating thereto (which Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender hereby also waives); and (g) notice of acceptance hereof. Each Obligor acknowledges that the foregoing waivers are a material inducement to Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders entering into this Agreement and that they are relying upon the foregoing in their dealings with Obligors. Each Obligor has reviewed the foregoing waivers with its legal counsel and has knowingly and voluntarily waived its jury trial and other rights following consultation with legal counsel. In the event of litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a written consent to a trial by the court.

 

-128-


15.16. Patriot Act Notice. Administrative Agent, Issuing Banks and Lenders hereby notify the Obligors that pursuant to the Patriot Act, Administrative Agent, Issuing Banks and Lenders are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Obligor, including its legal name, address, tax ID number and other information that will allow Administrative Agent, Issuing Banks and Lenders to identify it in accordance with the Patriot Act. Administrative Agent, Issuing Banks and Lenders will also require information regarding each personal guarantor, if any, and may require information regarding Obligors’ management and owners, such as legal name, address, social security number and date of birth. The Obligors shall, promptly upon request, provide all documentation and other information as Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may request from time to time in order to comply with any obligations under any “know your customer,” anti-money laundering or other requirements of Applicable Law.

15.17. NO ORAL AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

15.18. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for any Hedging Agreement or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support, “QFC Credit Support”, and each such QFC, a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):

(a) In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.

(b) As used in this Section 15.18, the following terms have the following meanings:

BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.

 

-129-


Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

QFC has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signatures begin on following page]

 

-130-

Exhibit 10.4

CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL PORTIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN OMITTED AND REPLACED WITH “[***]”. SUCH IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS (I) NOT MATERIAL AND (II) THE COMPANY CUSTOMARILY AND ACTUALLY TREATS THAT INFORMATION AS PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

FIRST AMENDMENT TO LOAN, SECURITY AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

This FIRST AMENDMENT TO LOAN, SECURITY AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT (this “First Amendment”) dated as of November 10, 2021, is by and among SPARTAN ENERGY PARTNERS LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Parent”), SPARTAN TERMINALS OPERATING, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Spartan Terminals”), SPARTAN OPERATING COMPANY LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Spartan Operating” and collectively with Spartan Terminals, the “Exiting Guarantors”), SPARTAN ENERGY SERVICES LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Spartan LLC” or “Borrower”), TREATING HOLDCO LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“New Guarantor”), the Lenders party hereto and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association (“Bank of America”), as agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, “Agent”).

RECITALS:

A. Parent, Borrower, the Exiting Guarantors, the Lenders and Agent are parties to that certain Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement dated as of January 29, 2021 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Loan Agreement”), pursuant to which the Lenders have made certain credit available to and on behalf of Parent and Borrower, as borrowers.

B. Borrower has advised Agent that 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Borrower will be transferred, directly or indirectly, to CSI Compressco Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation (“CSI Compressco Sub”) on the First Amendment Effective Date (the “CSI Restructuring”) pursuant to certain contribution documents (the “CSI Restructuring Documents”), and in connection with the CSI Restructuring, Borrower has requested that (i) Parent and Exiting Guarantors be released as Obligors under the Loan Agreement and (ii) New Guarantor be added to the Loan Agreement as a Guarantor.

C. Borrower has also advised Agent that Borrower will purchase Compressor Units from CSI Compressco LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“CSI Compressco LP”), and its Affiliates on the First Amendment Effective Date (the “First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition”) pursuant to certain acquisition documents (the “First Amendment Compressco Sale-Leaseback Documents”) and, in connection with the First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition, Borrower has requested that Lenders increase the Commitments from $55,000,000 to $70,000,000.

D. Borrower, the Lenders and Agent desire to add New Guarantor to the Loan Agreement, increase the Commitments, release the Parent and Exiting Guarantors and amend certain other provisions of the Loan Agreement as more fully described herein.

E. NOW, THEREFORE, to induce Agent and the Lenders to enter into this First Amendment and in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants herein contained and subject solely to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3 below, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section 1. Defined Terms. Unless otherwise indicated, each capitalized term used herein but not otherwise defined herein has the meaning given such term in the Loan Agreement, as amended by this First Amendment.

Section 2. Amendments to Loan Agreement. The Loan Agreement, the Exhibits and the Schedules thereto are hereby amended to delete the red stricken text (indicated in the same manner as the following example: stricken text) and to add the blue double underlined text (indicated in the same manner as the following example: underlined text) as and where indicated in Annex A attached hereto.


Section 3. Conditions Precedent. This First Amendment shall become effective on the date (such date, the “First Amendment Effective Date”), when each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 14.1 of the Loan Agreement):

3.1 Agent shall have received from the Lenders, Parent, Exiting Guarantors, Borrower and the New Guarantor, counterparts in accordance with Section 6.5 of this First Amendment signed on behalf of such Person.

3.2 All filings or recordations necessary to perfect Agent’s Liens in the Collateral (other than any such filings to occur on the First Amendment Effective Date in accordance with the terms of the Loan Agreement) shall have been made, and Agent shall have received UCC and Lien searches and other evidence satisfactory to Agent that such Liens are the only Liens upon the Collateral, except Permitted Liens.

3.3 Borrower shall have delivered, or have caused to be delivered, to Agent each of the following items, each in form and substance satisfactory to Agent:

(a) a certificate of a duly authorized officer of Borrower and New Guarantor, certifying (i) that attached copies of such Obligor’s Organic Documents are true and complete, and in full force and effect, without amendment except as shown; (ii) that an attached copy of resolutions authorizing execution and delivery of the First Amendment is true and complete, and that such resolutions are in full force and effect, were duly adopted, have not been amended, modified or revoked, and constitute all resolutions adopted with respect to this First Amendment; and (iii) to the title, name and signature of each Person authorized to sign the Loan Documents;

(b) copies of the charter documents of Borrower and New Guarantor, certified by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Obligor’s jurisdiction of organization as of a recent date, together with good standing certificates as of a recent date for such Obligor, issued by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Obligor’s jurisdiction of organization and each jurisdiction where such Obligor’s conduct of business or ownership of Property necessitates qualification;

(c) a certificate from a knowledgeable Senior Officer of Borrower and New Guarantor certifying that as of the First Amendment Effective Date, immediately after giving effect to this First Amendment, (i) each Obligor is Solvent; (ii) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and (iii) all of the representations and warranties contained in each Loan Document and this First Amendment are true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein), except for representations and warranties that expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case, such representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein) as of such specified earlier date;

(d) a written opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., as well as any local counsel to Borrower and New Guarantor or Agent;

(e) an appraisal report addressed to Borrower from an appraisal firm of nationally recognized standing, which report indicates that the First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition is on terms that are no less favorable to CSI Compressco LP or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate;

(f) an appraisal report addressed to Agent from an appraisal firm of nationally recognized standing, which report indicates the NOLV of the Compressor Units subject to the First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition; and

 

2


(g) certificates of insurance for the insurance policies carried by Borrower and New Guarantor in compliance with the Loan Documents.

3.4 The CSI Restructuring shall be consummated substantially concurrently with the First Amendment Effective Date in accordance with the terms of the CSI Restructuring Documents, final copies of which (including the Management Services Agreement) must be provided to Agent on or prior to the First Amendment Effective Date and be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it.

3.5 The First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition shall be consummated substantially concurrently with the First Amendment Effective Date in accordance with the terms of the First Amendment Compressco Sale-Leaseback Documents, final copies of which must be provided to Agent on or prior to the First Amendment Effective Date and be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it and which shall include lien releases for the acquired Compressor Units from Compressco’s noteholders.

3.6 An amendment to CSI Compressco LP’s existing credit facility with Bank of America (the “Compressco ABL Facility”) shall be consummated substantially concurrently with the First Amendment Effective Date, a final copy of which must be provided to Agent on or prior to the First Amendment Effective Date and be in form and substance satisfactory to it.

3.7 Agent shall have received evidence that each of Borrower, New Guarantor and their Subsidiaries have been designated as “Unrestricted Subsidiaries” under the Compressco ABL Facility and the Compressco Notes.

3.8 Agent shall have received evidence that Parent and Exiting Guarantors hold no material assets other than (i) those listed on Schedule I hereto and (ii) Compressco Units and Equity Interests issued by Spartan Energy Holdco LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

3.9 Agent shall have received a sources and uses for the Borrower giving effect to this First Amendment and the transactions contemplated hereby (including removal of the assets listed on Schedule I from the Borrowing Base, consummation of the First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition and payment in full of the purchase price for the First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition), which shall indicate Availability is at least $12,000,000 after giving effect thereto.

3.10 Agent and the Lenders shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the First Amendment Effective Date in connection with this First Amendment and any other Loan Document, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of legal fees of Haynes and Boone, LLP, counsel to Agent, and all other expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by Borrower pursuant to the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document.

3.11 Agent shall have received, for the account of the Lenders, an upfront fee in an amount equal to [***]% of the incremental Commitments made by each Lender on the First Amendment Effective Date (it being understood that the total aggregate upfront fees payable by Borrower in connection with the First Amendment shall be $[***]), which shall be fully earned upon the First Amendment Effective Date, shall be nonrefundable for any reason whatsoever, and shall be in addition to any other fees, costs and expenses payable pursuant to this First Amendment, the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document. Such upfront fee shall be paid in U.S. dollars and in immediately available funds and shall be made without deduction for any taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any national, state or local taxing authority, or will be grossed up by Borrower for such amount as provided in the Loan Agreement.

 

3


3.12 (i) Prior to the First Amendment Effective Date, Agent shall have received all documentation and other information required by Governmental Authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the PATRIOT Act, in each case after giving effect to the CSI Restructuring, requested by Agent; (ii) prior to the First Amendment Effective Date, any Borrower that qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation shall have delivered to Agent a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to such Borrower after giving effect to the CSI Restructuring; and (iii) as of the First Amendment Effective Date, the Beneficial Ownership Certification and other information provided pursuant to this Section 3.12 shall be true and correct in all respects.

3.13 Agent shall have received such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or instruments as Agent or any Lender reasonably may request prior to the First Amendment Effective Date.

By providing counterparts to this First Amendment to Agent as required under Section 3.1, each of the undersigned Obligors represents and warrants that, as of the First Amendment Effective Date, the conditions set forth in this Section 3 of this First Amendment are satisfied.

Agent is hereby authorized and directed to declare this First Amendment to be effective when it has received, to the satisfaction of Agent, documents evidencing compliance with the conditions set forth in this Section 3 or the waiver of such conditions as permitted in Section 14.1 of the Loan Agreement; provided that the First Amendment Effective Date must occur on or prior to December 31, 2021 or this First Amendment shall have no further force or effect. Such declaration shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties to the Loan Agreement for all purposes.

Section 4. Release of Parent and Exiting Guarantors; Post-Closing Covenants. Effective as of the First Amendment Effective Date and except as provided below, Agent and the Lenders hereby (a) release Parent and Exiting Guarantors from all of their obligations under the Loan Documents, except for obligations and provisions that expressly survive termination pursuant to their terms, (b) release their security interests created under the Security Documents in the Collateral of Parent and Exiting Guarantors, and (c) at Borrower’s expense, agree to execute any further relevant release documentation to effect the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing the foregoing releases shall not apply with respect to certain Deposit Accounts of Parent and Spartan Operating and the funds therein, and Agent shall retain all liens thereon and rights thereto, as set forth in that certain letter agreement among Parent, Spartan Operating, Borrower and Agent dated as of the date hereof. Within 30 days following the First Amendment Effective Date (or such later date as Agent may agree), Obligors shall deliver such insurance policy endorsements as Agent may request for Borrower and New Guarantor, all in compliance with the Loan Documents.

Section 5. Joinder of New Guarantor. By its execution of this First Amendment, New Guarantor shall be deemed to join and be a party to the Loan Agreement and shall have all of the rights and obligations of a “Guarantor” and an “Obligor” under the Loan Agreement and agrees that it is a “Guarantor” and an “Obligor” and bound under the terms of the Loan Agreement as if it had been an original signatory thereto. New Guarantor hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Loan Agreement. New Guarantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees the Obligations to the extent set forth in, and subject to the terms of, Section 5.10 of the Loan Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, to secure the Obligations New Guarantor hereby assigns, pledges and grants to Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in and to its Collateral described in, and to the extent set forth under, Section 7 of the Loan Agreement, whether now owned or hereafter acquired.

 

4


Section 6. Miscellaneous.

6.1 Confirmation. The provisions of the Loan Agreement, as amended by this First Amendment, shall remain in full force and effect following the effectiveness of this First Amendment. On and after the First Amendment Effective Date, this First Amendment shall constitute a “Loan Document” for all purposes of the Loan Agreement, as amended by this First Amendment, and the other Loan Documents. On and after the First Amendment Effective Date, the terms “Agreement”, “this Agreement”, “herein”, “hereinafter”, “hereto”, “hereof” and words of similar import, as used in the Loan Agreement, shall, unless the context otherwise requires, mean the Loan Agreement, as amended by this First Amendment. Each reference to the Loan Agreement in the other Loan Documents shall mean the Loan Agreement, as amended by this First Amendment. The amendments contemplated by this First Amendment are limited solely to the items expressly set forth herein and are subject to the conditions set forth herein.

6.2 Reservation of Rights. The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this First Amendment shall not, except as expressly set forth herein, (i) constitute a consent to any action or inaction by Obligors, (ii) be a consent to any other amendment, waiver or modification of any term or condition of the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, nor (iii) prejudice, limit, impair or otherwise affect or operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy which Agent or the Lenders may now have or may have in the future under or in connection with the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document (after giving effect to this First Amendment). Nothing in this First Amendment shall be construed to imply any willingness on the part of Agent or the Lenders to grant any similar or future amendment (or any consent or waiver) of any of the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

6.3 RELEASE. EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED PARENT, BORROWER, EXITING GUARANTORS AND NEW GUARANTOR (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND ITS AFFILIATES) HEREBY FOREVER WAIVES, RELEASES, ACQUITS AND DISCHARGES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY AND ALL CLAIMS (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CROSSCLAIMS, COUNTERCLAIMS, RIGHTS OF SET-OFF AND RECOUPMENT), SUITS, DEMANDS, DEBTS, ACCOUNTS, LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, JUDGMENTS, DAMAGES, ACTIONS AND CAUSES OF ACTIONS, WHETHER IN LAW OR IN EQUITY, OF WHATSOEVER NATURE AND KIND, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, WHETHER NOW OR HEREAFTER EXISTING, THAT THE UNDERSIGNED PARENT, BORROWER, EXITING GUARANTORS AND NEW GUARANTOR (AND EACH OF THEIR AFFILIATES) AT ANY TIME HAD OR HAS, OR THAT ITS SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AFFILIATES, SHAREHOLDERS AND “CONTROLLING PERSONS” (WITHIN THE MEANING OF FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS) HEREAFTER CAN OR MAY HAVE AGAINST AGENT, ANY LENDER AND ANY ISSUING BANK OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES (AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PARTNERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, TRUSTEES AND ADVISORS), IN EACH CASE THROUGH THE FIRST AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE AND IN CONNECTION WITH THIS FIRST AMENDMENT, THE LOAN AGREEMENT, THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH AND THEREWITH, AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY.

6.4 Ratification and Affirmation. Borrower and New Guarantor each hereby renews, extends, ratifies and affirms its obligations under, and acknowledges its continued liability under, each Loan Document to which it is a party and agrees that each Loan Document to which it is a party remains in full force and effect as expressly amended hereby, including its guaranty under Section 5.10 of the Loan Agreement of the Obligations as increased by this First Amendment. The amendments to the Loan Agreement contemplated hereby shall not limit or impair any Liens securing the Obligations, which Liens are hereby ratified and affirmed by Borrower and New Guarantor and shall continue to secure the Obligations as increased by this First Amendment.

 

5


6.5 Counterparts. This First Amendment and any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice, certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this First Amendment (each a “Communication”), including Communications required to be in writing, may be in the form of an Electronic Record and may be executed using Electronic Signatures. Parent, Borrower, Exiting Guarantors and New Guarantor agree that any Electronic Signature on or associated with any Communication shall be valid and binding on such Person to the same extent as a manual, original signature, and that any Communication entered into by Electronic Signature, will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Person, enforceable against such in accordance with the terms thereof to the same extent as if a manually executed original signature was delivered. Any Communication may be executed in as many counterparts as necessary or convenient, including both paper and electronic counterparts, but all such counterparts are one and the same Communication. For the avoidance of doubt, the authorization under this paragraph may include, without limitation, use or acceptance by Agent and each of the Lenders of a manually signed paper Communication which has been converted into electronic form (such as scanned into PDF format), or an electronically signed Communication converted into another format, for transmission, delivery and/or retention. Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of any Communication in the form of an imaged Electronic Record (“Electronic Copy”), which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of the such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document. All Communications in the form of an Electronic Record, including an Electronic Copy, shall be considered an original for all purposes, and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Agent is under no obligation to accept an Electronic Signature in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by Agent pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (a) to the extent Agent has agreed to accept such Electronic Signature, Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on any such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of Parent, Borrower, Exiting Guarantors or New Guarantor without further verification and (b) upon the request of Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by such number of manually executed counterparts as reasonably requested. For purposes hereof, “Electronic Record” and “Electronic Signature” shall have the meanings assigned to them, respectively, by 15 USC §7006, as it may be amended from time to time.

6.6 Payment of Expenses. Borrower agrees to pay or reimburse Agent for its reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with this First Amendment, any other documents prepared herewith and the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses of Haynes and Boone, LLP, counsel to Agent, in each case, in accordance with Section 3.4 of the Loan Agreement.

6.7 NO ORAL AGREEMENT. THIS FIRST AMENDMENT, THE LOAN AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH AND THEREWITH REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

6.8 GOVERNING LAW. THIS FIRST AMENDMENT AND ALL CLAIMS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES EXCEPT FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO NATIONAL BANKS.

6.9 CONSENT TO FORUM; BAIL-IN OF EEA FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS; WAIVERS BY OBLIGORS. The provisions of Sections 14.14 and 14.16 of the Loan Agreement are hereby incorporated herein as though stated in their entirety herein, mutatis mutandis.

 

6


6.10 INDEMNITY. The provisions of Section 14.2 of the Loan Agreement are hereby incorporated herein as though stated in their entirety herein, mutatis mutandis.

6.11 Inaction by Agent or Lenders. No failure or delay on the part of Agent or Lenders to exercise any right or remedy under the Loan Agreement, any other Loan Document or Applicable Law shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise of any right or remedy, all of which are cumulative and may be exercised without notice except to the extent notice is expressly required (and has not been waived) under the Loan Agreement, any other Loan Document or Applicable Law, as applicable.

[Signature Page to Follow]

 

7


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First Amendment to be duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

OBLIGORS:
SPARTAN ENERGY SERVICES LLC, as Borrower
By:  

/s/ David L. Edelmaier

Name:   David L. Edelmaier
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

 

TREATING HOLDCO LLC, as New Guarantor
By:  

/s/ John E. Jackson

Name:   John E. Jackson
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement


RELEASED PARTIES:
SPARTAN OPERATING COMPANY LLC, as a Guarantor
By:  

/s/ David L. Edelmaier

Name:   David L. Edelmaier
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
SPARTAN TERMINALS OPERATING, INC., as a Guarantor
By:  

/s/ David L. Edelmaier

Name:

Title:

 

David L. Edelmaier

Chief Financial Officer

SPARTAN ENERGY PARTNERS LP, as Parent

By: Spartan Energy Partners GP LLC, its sole

          general partner

By:  

/s/ David L. Edelmaier

Name:   David L. Edelmaier
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

 

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement


AGENT AND LENDERS:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Agent
By:  

/s/ Terrance O. McKinney

Name:   Terrance O. McKinney
Title:   Senior Vice President

 

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement


IBERIABANK, a Division of First Horizon, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ W. Bryan Chapman

Name:   W. Bryan Chapman
Title:   Market President – Energy Lending

 

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement


WOODFOREST NATIONAL BANK, as a Lender
By:  

/s/ Lori Christian

Name:   Lori Christian
Title:   SVP

 

Signature Page to

First Amendment to Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement


SCHEDULE I

[Intentionally omitted.]


ANNEX A

[see attached]

 

Annex A


 

 

LOAN, SECURITY AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

Dated as of January 29, 2021

 

 

 

SPARTAN ENERGY SERVICES LLC,

as Borrower,

TREATING HOLDCO LLC

AND CERTAIN OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES,

as Guarantors,

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Agent

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner

 

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

Section 1.

  DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION      1  

1.1

  Definitions      1  

1.2

  Accounting Terms      35  

1.3

  Uniform Commercial Code      35  

1.4

  Certain Matters of Construction      35  

1.5

  Division      36  

Section 2.

  CREDIT FACILITIES      36  

2.1

  Loan Commitments      36  

2.2

  Letter of Credit Facility      38  

Section 3.

  INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES      41  

3.1

  Interest      41  

3.2

  Fees      42  

3.3

  Computation of Interest, Fees, Yield Protection      43  

3.4

  Reimbursement Obligations      43  

3.5

  Illegality      43  

3.6

  Inability to Determine Rates      44  

3.7

  Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy      46  

3.8

  Mitigation      47  

3.9

  Funding Losses      47  

3.10

  Maximum Interest      47  

Section 4.

  LOAN ADMINISTRATION      48  

4.1

  Manner of Borrowing and Funding Loans      48  

4.2

  Defaulting Lender      50  

4.3

  Number and Amount of BSBY Loans; Determination of Rate      51  

4.4

  Borrower Agent      51  

4.5

  One Obligation      51  

4.6

  Effect of Termination      51  

Section 5.

  PAYMENTS      52  

5.1

  General Payment Provisions      52  

5.2

  Repayment of Loans      52  

5.3

  Payment of Other Obligations      52  

5.4

  Marshaling; Payments Set Aside      52  

5.5

  Application and Allocation of Payments      52  

5.6

  Dominion Account      53  

5.7

  Account Stated      54  

5.8

  Taxes      54  

5.9

  Lender Tax Information      56  

5.10

  Nature and Extent of Each Obligor’s Liability      58  

Section 6.

  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT      60  

6.1

  Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans      60  

6.2

  Conditions Precedent to All Credit Extensions      62  

 

i


Section 7.

  COLLATERAL      63  

7.1

  Grant of Security Interest      63  

7.2

  Lien on Deposit Accounts; Cash Collateral      64  

7.3

  Pledged Collateral      64  

7.4

  Other Collateral      68  

7.5

  Limitations      69  

7.6

  Further Assurances      69  

Section 8.

  COLLATERAL ADMINISTRATION      69  

8.1

  Borrowing Base Reports; Availability Reserves      69  

8.2

  Accounts      70  

8.3

  Inventory      71  

8.4

  Equipment      72  

8.5

  Administration of Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts      72  

8.6

  General Provisions      72  

8.7

  Power of Attorney      73  

Section 9.

  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES      74  

9.1

  General Representations and Warranties      74  

9.2

  Complete Disclosure      80  

Section 10.

  COVENANTS AND CONTINUING AGREEMENTS      80  

10.1

  Affirmative Covenants      80  

10.2

  Negative Covenants      85  

10.3

  Financial Covenants      92  

Section 11.

  EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES ON DEFAULT      93  

11.1

  Events of Default      93  

11.2

  Remedies upon Default      95  

11.3

  License      96  

11.4

  Setoff      96  

11.5

  Remedies Cumulative; No Waiver      96  

Section 12.

  AGENT      97  

12.1

  Appointment, Authority and Duties of Agent      97  

12.2

  Agreements Regarding Collateral and Borrower Materials      98  

12.3

  Reliance By Agent      99  

12.4

  Action Upon Default      99  

12.5

  Ratable Sharing      100  

12.6

  Indemnification      100  

12.7

  Limitation on Responsibilities of Agent      100  

12.8

  Successor Agent and Co-Agents      101  

12.9

  Due Diligence and Non-Reliance      101  

12.10

  Remittance of Payments and Collections      102  

12.11

  Individual Capacities      102  

12.12

  Titles      103  

12.13

  Certain ERISA Matters      103  

12.14

  Bank Product Providers      103  

12.15

  No Third Party Beneficiaries      104  

 

ii


Section 13.

  BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS      104  

13.1

  Successors and Assigns      104  

13.2

  Participations      104  

13.3

  Assignments      105  

13.4

  Replacement of Certain Lenders      106  

Section 14.

  MISCELLANEOUS      106  

14.1

  Consents, Amendments and Waivers      106  

14.2

  Indemnity      107  

14.3

  Notices and Communications      108  

14.4

  Performance of Obligors’ Obligations      110  

14.5

  Credit Inquiries      110  

14.6

  Severability      110  

14.7

  Cumulative Effect; Conflict of Terms      110  

14.8

  Execution; Electronic Records      110  

14.9

  Entire Agreement      111  

14.10

  Relationship with Lenders      111  

14.11

  No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility      111  

14.12

  Confidentiality      111  

14.13

  GOVERNING LAW      112  

14.14

  Consent to Forum; Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions      112  

14.15

  Acknowledgement Regarding Supported QFCs      113  

14.16

  Waivers by Obligors      114  

14.17

  Patriot Act Notice      114  

14.18

  NO ORAL AGREEMENT      115  

 

iii


LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

 

EXHIBIT A    Assignment
EXHIBIT B    Compliance Certificate
SCHEDULE 1.1    Commitments of Lenders
SCHEDULE 7.3    Pledged Collateral
SCHEDULE 8.5    Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts
SCHEDULE 8.6.1    Business Locations
SCHEDULE 9.1.4    Names and Capital Structure
SCHEDULE 9.1.5    Real Estate in Special Flood Hazard Zone
SCHEDULE 9.1.11    Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Licenses
SCHEDULE 9.1.14    Environmental Matters
SCHEDULE 9.1.15    Restrictive Agreements
SCHEDULE 9.1.16    Litigation
SCHEDULE 9.1.18    Pension Plans
SCHEDULE 9.1.20    Labor Contracts
SCHEDULE 10.1.13    Post-Closing Maters
SCHEDULE 10.2.1    Existing Debt
SCHEDULE 10.2.2    Existing Liens
SCHEDULE 10.2.4    Existing Investments
SCHEDULE 10.1.15    Existing Affiliate Transactions

 

 

iv


LOAN, SECURITY AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

THIS LOAN, SECURITY AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT is dated as of January 29, 2021 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, this “Agreement”), among SPARTAN ENERGY SERVICES LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Spartan LLC”, together with any additional borrowers joined following the Closing Date pursuant to Section 10.1.9, collectively, “Borrowers”), TREATING HOLDCO LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Holdings”), and certain of its Subsidiaries, as Guarantors, the financial institutions party to this Agreement from time to time as Lenders, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association (“Bank of America”), as agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, “Agent”).

R E C I T A L S:

Borrowers have requested that Lenders provide a credit facility to Borrowers to finance their mutual and collective business enterprise. Lenders are willing to provide the credit facility on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

Section 1. DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.

1.1 Definitions. As used herein, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

Accounts Formula Amount: an amount equal to the sum of, without duplication, (a) 90% of the Value of Eligible Investment Grade Accounts and (b) 85% of the Value of Eligible Non-Investment Grade Accounts; provided, that such percentages shall be reduced by 1.0% for each percentage point (or portion thereof) that the Dilution Percent exceeds 5.0%.

Acquisition: a transaction or series of transactions resulting in (a) acquisition of a business, division or substantially all assets of a Person; (b) record or beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the Equity Interests of a Person; or (c) merger, consolidation or combination of an Obligor or Subsidiary with another Person.

Affected Financial Institution: any EEA Financial Institution or UK Financial Institution.

Affiliate: with respect to a specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with the specified Person. Without limitation to the foregoing, (a) any Person that directly or indirectly holds 20% or more of the Equity Interests of another Person shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of that Person for purposes of this Agreement and (b) Compressco and the Excluded Subsidiaries are Affiliates of the Obligors.

Agent: as defined in the introductory paragraph hereof.

Agent Indemnitees: Agent and its officers, directors, employees, Affiliates and Agent Professionals.


Agent Professionals: attorneys, accountants, appraisers, auditors, advisors, consultants, agents, service providers, business valuation experts, environmental engineers or consultants, turnaround consultants, and other professionals, experts and representatives retained by Agent.

Agreement: as defined in the introductory paragraph hereof.

Allocable Amount: as defined in Section 5.10.3.

Anti-Corruption Law: any law relating to bribery or corruption, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, UK Bribery Act 2010 and Patriot Act.

Anti-Terrorism Law: any law relating to terrorism or money laundering, including the Patriot Act.

Applicable Law: all laws, rules, regulations and governmental guidelines applicable to the Person or matter in question, including statutory law, common law and equitable principles, as well as provisions of constitutions, treaties, statutes, rules, regulations, orders and decrees of Governmental Authorities.

Applicable Margin: the margin set forth below, as determined by the Leverage Ratio for the last quarterly determination date:

 

Level

  

Leverage Ratio

   Base Rate
Loans
  BSBY
Loans

I

   < 1.75 to 1.00    1.50%   2.50%

II

   ³ 1.75 to 1.00 but £ 2.50 to 1.00    1.75%   2.75%

III

   > 2.50 to 1.00    2.00%   3.00%

Until February 1, 2022, margins shall be determined as if Level III were applicable. Thereafter, margins shall be subject to increase or decrease by Agent on the first day of the calendar month following Agent’s receipt of the Compliance Certificate and related financial statements due under Section 10.1.2(b) for the last month of each Fiscal Quarter. If Agent is unable to calculate the Leverage Ratio due to Borrowers’ failure to deliver any Compliance Certificate and financial statements when required hereunder, then, at the option of Agent or Required Lenders, margins shall be determined as if Level III were applicable until the first day of the calendar month following its receipt.

Approved Fund: any entity owned or Controlled by a Lender or Affiliate of a Lender, if such entity is engaged in making or investing in commercial loans in its ordinary course of activities.

Asset Disposition: a sale, lease, license, consignment, transfer or other disposition of Property of an Obligor or Subsidiary, including any disposition in connection with a sale-leaseback transaction, synthetic lease or Division.

Assignment: an assignment agreement between a Lender and Eligible Assignee, in the form of Exhibit A or otherwise satisfactory to Agent.

 

2


Availability: the Borrowing Base minus Revolver Usage.

Availability Reserve: the sum (without duplication, including, without limitation, with respect to any dilution reduction accounted for in the Accounts Formula Amount) of (a) the Inventory Reserve; (b) the Rent and Charges Reserve; (c) the Bank Product Reserve; (d) the aggregate amount of liabilities secured by Liens upon Collateral that are or may be senior to Agent’s Liens (but imposition of any such reserve shall not waive an Event of Default arising therefrom); (e) reserves for sales taxes; and (f) subject to Section 8.1.2, additional reserves, in such amounts and with respect to such matters, as Agent in its Permitted Discretion may elect to impose from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, no dilution reserve will be imposed on the first 5.0% of Dilution Percent.

Bail-In Action: the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution.

Bail-In Legislation: with respect to (a) any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, or (b) the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 and any other law applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).

Bank of America: as defined in the introductory paragraph hereof.

Bank of America Indemnitees: Bank of America and its officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents, advisors, attorneys, consultants, service providers and other representatives.

Bank Product: any of the following products or services extended to an Obligor or a Subsidiary of an Obligor by a Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) Cash Management Services; (b) Swaps; (c) commercial credit card and merchant card services; and (d) other banking products or services, other than Letters of Credit.

Bank Product Reserve: the aggregate amount of reserves established by Agent from time to time in its Permitted Discretion with respect to Secured Bank Product Obligations.

Bankruptcy Code: Title 11 of the United States Code.

Base Rate: for any day, a per annum rate equal to the greater of (a) the Prime Rate for such day; (b) the Federal Funds Rate for such day, plus 0.50%; or (c) the BSBY Rate for a one month interest period as of such day, plus 1.0%, without giving effect to any minimum floor rate specified in the definition of BSBY Rate; provided, that in no event shall the Base Rate be less than zero.

Base Rate Loan: any Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.

Beneficial Ownership Certification: a certification regarding beneficial ownership as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

3


Beneficial Ownership Regulation: 31 C.F.R. §1010.230.

Benefit Plan: any (a) employee benefit plan (as defined in ERISA) subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) plan (as defined in and subject to Section 4975 of the Code), or (c) Person whose assets include (for purposes of ERISA Section 3(42) or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such employee benefit plan or plan.

Bloomberg: Bloomberg Index Services Limited.

Borrowed Money: with respect to any Obligor or Subsidiary, without duplication, (a) any obligation that (i) arises from the lending of money by any Person to such Obligor or Subsidiary, (ii) is evidenced by notes, loan agreements, drafts, bonds, debentures, credit documents or similar instruments, (iii) accrues interest or is a type upon which interest charges are customarily paid (excluding trade payables owing in the Ordinary Course of Business and not more than 60 days past due), or (iv) was issued or assumed as full or partial payment for Property or services; (b) Capital Leases; (c) letter of credit reimbursement obligations; and (d) guaranties of any of the foregoing owing by another Person.

Borrower Agent: as defined in Section 4.4.

Borrower Materials: Borrowing Base Reports, Compliance Certificates, Notices of Borrowing, Notices of Conversion/Continuation, and other information, reports, financial statements and materials delivered by Obligors under the Loan Documents, as well as Reports and other information provided by Agent to Lenders in connection with the credit facility established by this Agreement.

Borrowers: as defined in the introductory paragraph hereof.

Borrowing: Loans made or converted together on the same day, with the same interest option and, if applicable, Interest Period.

Borrowing Base: on any date of determination and based on the most recent Borrowing Base Report (as it may be adjusted hereunder), an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the aggregate Commitments, minus the Availability Reserve; or (b) the sum of the Accounts Formula Amount, plus the Inventory Formula Amount, plus the Rental Unit Formula Amount, minus the Availability Reserve.

Borrowing Base Report: a report of the Borrowing Base, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, by which Borrowers certify as to the calculation of the Borrowing Base.

BSBY Loan: a Loan that bears interest based on clause (a) of the definition of BSBY Rate.

BSBY Rate: (a) for any Interest Period for a BSBY Loan, a per annum rate equal to the BSBY Screen Rate two Business Days prior to such Interest Period, with a term equivalent to such period; and (b) for any interest calculation relating to a Base Rate Loan on any day, a per annum rate equal to the BSBY Screen Rate with a term of one month commencing that day; provided, that in no event shall the BSBY Rate be less than 0.25%.

 

4


BSBY Replacement Date: as defined in Section 3.6.2.

BSBY Screen Rate: the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index rate administered by Bloomberg and published on the applicable Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by Agent from time to time).

Business Day: any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the laws of, or are in fact closed in, North Carolina and New York.

Capital Expenditures: all liabilities incurred or expenditures made by an Obligor or Subsidiary for the acquisition of fixed assets (including the acquisition or manufacture of Inventory comprising Rental Units or their components), or any improvements, replacements, substitutions or additions thereto with a useful life of more than one year.

Capital Lease: any financing lease or lease required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, subject to Section 1.2.

Cash Collateral: cash delivered to Agent to Cash Collateralize any Obligations, and all interest, dividends, earnings and other proceeds relating thereto.

Cash Collateralize: the delivery of cash to Agent, as security for the payment of Obligations, in an amount equal to (a) 103% of LC Obligations, and (b) with respect to any inchoate, contingent or other Obligations (including fees, expenses, indemnification obligations and Secured Bank Product Obligations), Agent’s good faith estimate of the amount due or to become due. “Cash Collateralization” has a correlative meaning.

Cash Equivalents: (a) marketable obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by, and backed by the full faith and credit of, the U.S. government, maturing within 12 months of the date of acquisition; (b) certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances maturing within 12 months of the date of acquisition, and overnight bank deposits, in each case which are issued by Bank of America or a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state or district thereof, rated A-1 (or better) by S&P or P-1 (or better) by Moody’s at the time of acquisition, and (unless issued by a Lender) not subject to offset rights; (c) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying investments of the types described in clauses (a) and (b) entered into with any bank described in clause (b); (d) commercial paper issued by Bank of America or rated A-1 (or better) by S&P or P-1 (or better) by Moody’s, and maturing within nine months of the date of acquisition; and (e) shares of any money market fund that has substantially all of its assets invested continuously in the types of investments referred to above, has net assets of at least $500,000,000 and has the highest rating obtainable from either Moody’s or S&P.

Cash Management Services: services relating to operating, collections, payroll, trust, or other depository or disbursement accounts, including automated clearinghouse, e-payable, electronic funds transfer, wire transfer, controlled disbursement, overdraft, depository, information reporting, lockbox and stop payment services.

 

5


CERCLA: the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. §9601 et seq.).

Change in Law: the occurrence, after the date hereof, of (a) the adoption, taking effect or phasing in of any law, rule, regulation or treaty; (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof; or (c) the making, issuance or application of any request, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided, that “Change in Law” shall include, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued, all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives (i) under or relating to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or (ii) promulgated pursuant to Basel III by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any similar authority) or any other Governmental Authority.

Change of Control: (a) the Sponsor shall cease to Control CSI Compressco LP or CSI Compressco GP; (b) CSI Compressco LP ceases to own and control, beneficially and of record, directly or indirectly, all Equity Interests in Holdings; (c) Holdings ceases to own and control, beneficially and of record, directly or indirectly, all Equity Interests in all Borrowers and the other Obligors; (d) the sale or transfer of all or substantially all assets of an Obligor, except to another Obligor or as expressly provided in Section 10.2.5; or (e) a “change of control” or similar event occurs under the Compressco ABL Facility or any Compressco Notes.

Claims: all claims, liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, judgments, proceedings, interest, costs and expenses of any kind (including remedial response costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees and Extraordinary Expenses) at any time (including after Full Payment of the Obligations or replacement of Agent or any Lender) incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any Obligor or other Person, in any way relating to (a) any Loans, Letters of Credit, Loan Documents, Borrower Materials, or the use thereof or transactions relating thereto, (b) any action taken or omitted in connection with any Loan Documents, (c) the existence or perfection of any Liens, or realization upon any Collateral, (d) exercise of any rights or remedies under any Loan Documents or Applicable Law, (e) failure by any Obligor to perform or observe any terms of any Loan Document, or (f) reliance by any Indemnitee on a Communication executed using an Electronic Signature or in the form of an Electronic Record, in each case including all costs and expenses relating to any investigation, litigation, arbitration or other proceeding (including an Insolvency Proceeding or appellate proceedings), whether or not the applicable Indemnitee is a party thereto.

Closing Date: as defined in Section 6.1.

Code: the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Collateral: all Property described in Section 7.1, all Property described in any Security Documents as security for any Obligations, and all other Property that now or hereafter secures (or is intended to secure) any Obligations, in each case, other than Excluded Property.

 

6


Commitment: for any Lender, its obligation to make Loans and to participate in LC Obligations up to the maximum principal amount shown on Schedule 1.1, as hereafter modified pursuant to Section 2.1.7 or an Assignment to which it is a party. “Commitments” means the aggregate amount of all Lenders’ Commitments. As of the First Amendment Effective Date, the aggregate amount of the Commitments is $70,000,000.

Commodity Exchange Act: the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. §1 et seq.).

Communication: any notice, request, election, representation, certificate, report, disclosure, statement, authorization, approval, consent, waiver, document, amendment or transmittal of information of any kind in connection with a Loan Document, including any Borrower Materials or Modification of a Loan Document.

Compliance Certificate: a certificate, in the form of Exhibit B or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Agent, by which Obligors make certain representations and warranties and certify (a) compliance with Section 10.3, (b) that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and (c) certain financial statements.

Compressco: collectively, Spartan Holdco, CSI Compressco GP, CSI Compressco LP, CSI Compressco Operating, CSI Compressco Leasing, CSI Compressco Sub, CSI Compressco Finance and each of their subsidiaries (other than Holdings and its Subsidiaries).

Compressco ABL Facility: that certain Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 29, 2018, by and among CSI Compressco LP, CSI Compressco Sub and CSI Compressco Operating, as Borrowers, Bank of America, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Swing Line Lender, and certain financial institutions party thereto as Lenders (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, modified or refinanced from time to time).

Compressco Acquisition: the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by the Obligors of all of the outstanding Equity Interests of CSI Compressco GP, and certain Compressco Units on the Closing Date pursuant to the Compressco Purchase Agreement.

Compressco Notes: collectively, the Compressco Senior Notes, the Compressco Secured Notes and any other Debt incurred under Section 10.2.1(g) of the Compressco ABL Facility (or any successor provision thereto or replacement thereof).

Compressco Purchase Agreement: that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 29, 2021, among Spartan Holdco, TETRA Technologies, Inc. and Spartan Energy Partners, LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

Compressco Secured First Lien Notes Indenture: the indenture dated as of March 22, 2018 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), among CSI Compressco LP, CSI Compressco Finance, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral trustee.

Compressco Secured Notes: collectively, (a) CSI Compressco LP and CSI Compressco Finance’s 7.500% senior secured first lien notes due 2025 issued pursuant to the Compressco Secured First Lien Notes Indenture and (b) CSI Compressco LP and CSI Compressco Finance’s 10.000/10.750% senior secured second lien notes due 2026 issued pursuant to the Compressco Secured Second Lien Notes Indenture.

 

7


Compressco Secured Second Lien Notes Indenture: the indenture dated as of June 12, 2020 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), among CSI Compressco LP, CSI Compressco Finance, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral trustee.

Compressco Senior Notes: CSI Compressco LP and CSI Compressco Finance’s 7.25% senior notes due 2022 issued pursuant to the Compressco Senior Notes Indenture.

Compressco Senior Notes Indenture: the indenture dated as of August 4, 2014 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), among CSI Compressco LP, CSI Compressco Finance, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

Compressco Units: any general or limited partnership interests in, or any incentive distribution rights or other Equity Interest of, CSI Compressco LP.

Compressor Packages: natural gas compression goods generally consisting of an engineered package of major serial numbered components including an engine, compressor, compressor cylinders, natural gas and engine jacket cooler, control devices and ancillary piping mounted on a metal skid.

Compressor Units: completed Compressor Packages of Borrowers held for use by such Borrowers in providing compression services to their customers in the Ordinary Course of Business, as evidenced by such Compressor Packages either then being or previously having been used by such Borrowers in providing compression services under a service contract with a customer or designated by such Borrowers for use under an executory contract for services with a customer.

Conforming Changes: with respect to use, administration of or conventions associated with BSBY Rate or any proposed Successor Rate, as applicable, any conforming changes to the definition of Base Rate, BSBY Rate, Interest Period, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other technical, administrative or operational matters (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the definition of Business Day, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, and length of lookback periods) as may be appropriate, in Agent’s discretion, to reflect the adoption and implementation of such applicable rate, and to permit the administration thereof by Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if Agent determines that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or that no market practice for the administration of such rate exists, in such other manner of administration as Agent determines is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of any Loan Document).

Connection Income Taxes: Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or are franchise or branch profits Taxes.

Consolidated Cash Balance: at any time, (a) the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of the Obligors and their Subsidiaries (it being understood that cash and Cash Equivalents of the Obligors that are subject to control agreements or Liens in favor of Agent shall, in each case, not be deemed “restricted” under this definition unless Agent has exercised its right of exclusive control or other similar provision under the relevant control agreement with respect

 

8


thereto), less (b) the sum of (i) any checks or ACH payments drawn on the Obligors’ Deposit Accounts that have been written or initiated by the Obligors at or before such time but have not been paid, (ii) any cash or Cash Equivalents of the Obligors or any Subsidiary constituting purchase price deposits held in escrow by a third party pursuant to a binding and enforceable purchase and sale agreement, letter agreement or letter of intent with a third party containing customary provisions regarding the payment and refunding of such deposits, and (iii) cash or Cash Equivalents constituting Cash Collateral.

Consolidated Cash Balance Threshold: $3,500,000.

Contingent Obligation: any obligation of a Person arising from a guaranty, indemnity or other assurance of payment or performance of any Debt, lease, dividend or other obligation (“primary obligation”) of another obligor (“primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any obligation of such Person under any (a) guaranty, endorsement, co-making or sale with recourse of an obligation of a primary obligor; (b) obligation to make take-or-pay or similar payments regardless of nonperformance by any other party to an agreement; or (c) arrangement (i) to purchase any primary obligation or security therefor, (ii) to supply funds for the purchase or payment of any primary obligation, (iii) to maintain or assure working capital, equity capital, net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, (iv) to purchase Property or services for the purpose of assuring the ability of the primary obligor to perform a primary obligation, or (v) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder of any primary obligation against loss in respect thereof. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation (or, if less, the maximum amount for which such Person may be liable under the instrument evidencing the Contingent Obligation) or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability with respect thereto.

Control: possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause direction of a Person’s management or policies, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise.

Covered Entity: (a) a “covered entity,” as defined and interpreted in accordance with 12 C.F.R. §252.82(b); (b) a “covered bank,” as defined in and interpreted in accordance with 12 C.F.R. §47.3(b); or (c) a “covered FSI,” as defined in and interpreted in accordance with 12 C.F.R. §382.2(b).

CSI Compressco Finance: CSI Compressco Finance Inc., a Delaware corporation.

CSI Compressco GP: CSI Compressco GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

CSI Compressco Leasing: CSI Compressco Leasing LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

CSI Compressco LP: CSI Compressco LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

CSI Compressco Operating: CSI Compressco Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

CSI Compressco Sub: CSI Compressco Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

9


CSI Restructuring: the transfer of 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Holdings and Spartan LLC, directly or indirectly, to CSI Compressco Sub on the First Amendment Effective Date.

CSI Restructuring Documents: those certain contribution documents giving effect to the CSI Restructuring.

Customer Location: at any time, any third party location where a Rental Unit is in the possession of a Person that is not an Obligor pursuant to a customer agreement.

Daily Simple SOFR: with respect to any applicable determination date, the secured overnight financing rate published on such date by FRBNY, as administrator of the benchmark (or a successor administrator), on FRBNY’s website (or any successor source satisfactory to Agent).

Debt: as applied to any Person, without duplication, (a) all Borrowed Money; (b) all Contingent Obligations; (c) all reimbursement obligations in connection with letters of credit issued for the account of such Person; (d) in the case of an Obligor, the Obligations; (e) all obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services, including, without limitation, any purchase price adjustments or earnouts and indemnities with respect to the purchase of property or services; (f) all obligations created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, regardless of whether the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property; (g) all obligations, whether or not contingent, in respect of Disqualified Equity Interests valued at, in the case of redeemable preferred Equity Interests, the greater of the voluntary liquidation preference and the involuntary liquidation preference of such Equity Interests plus accrued and unpaid dividends; and (h) all payments that would be required to be made in respect of any Swap after giving effect to any netting agreement with respect thereto in the event of a termination (including an early termination) on the date of determination. The Debt of a Person shall include any recourse Debt of any partnership in which such Person is a general partner or joint venturer.

Default: an event or condition that, with the lapse of time or giving of notice, would constitute an Event of Default.

Default Rate: for any Obligation (including, to the extent permitted by law, interest not paid when due), 2% plus the interest rate (including margin) otherwise applicable thereto.

Defaulting Lender: any Lender that (a) has failed to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, and such failure is not cured within two Business Days; (b) has notified Agent or any Borrower that such Lender does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder or under any other credit facility, or has made a public statement to that effect; (c) has failed, within three Business Days following request by Agent or any Borrower, to confirm in a manner satisfactory to Agent and Borrowers that such Lender will comply with its funding obligations hereunder; or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, become the subject of an Insolvency Proceeding (including reorganization, liquidation, or appointment of a receiver, custodian, administrator or similar Person by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other regulatory authority) or Bail-In Action; provided, that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of a Governmental Authority’s ownership of an equity interest in such Lender or parent company unless the ownership provides immunity for such Lender from jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets, or permits such Lender or Governmental Authority to repudiate or otherwise to reject such Lender’s agreements.

 

10


Deposit Account Control Agreement: control agreement reasonably satisfactory to Agent executed by an institution maintaining a Deposit Account for an Obligor, to perfect Agent’s Lien on such account.

Designated Jurisdiction: a country or territory that is the target of a Sanction.

Dilution Percent: the percent, determined for Obligors’ most recent Fiscal Quarter, equal to (a) bad debt write-downs or write-offs, discounts, returns, promotions, credits, credit memos and other dilutive items with respect to Accounts, divided by (b) gross sales.

Disqualified Equity Interests: any Equity Interest which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, (a) matures (excluding any maturity as the result of an optional redemption by the issuer thereof) or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to 180 days after the Termination Date, (b) is convertible into or exchangeable (unless at the sole option of the issuer thereof) for (i) debt or (ii) any Equity Interests referred to in clause (a) above, in each case at any time on or prior to 180 days after the Termination Date, or (c) contains any mandatory repurchase obligation which may come into effect prior to Full Payment of all Obligations; provided, that any Equity Interests that would not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests but for provisions thereof giving holders thereof (or the holders of any security into or for which such Equity Interests is convertible, exchangeable or exercisable) the right to require the issuer thereof to redeem such Equity Interests upon the occurrence of a change in control or an asset sale occurring prior to the 180 days after the Termination Date shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests if such Equity Interests provide that the issuer thereof will not redeem any such Equity Interests pursuant to such provisions prior to the Full Payment of the Obligations.

Distribution: any (a) declaration or payment of a distribution, interest or dividend on any Equity Interest (other than payment-in-kind); (b) distribution, advance or repayment of Debt to a holder of Equity Interests; (c) payment of any management or advisory fee to a holder of Equity Interests or Affiliate thereof (including payment of any Management Fees and Transaction Fees prior to the First Amendment Effective Date); or (d) purchase, redemption, or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Equity Interest.

Division: the division of assets, liabilities and/or obligations of a Person among two or more Persons (whether pursuant to a “plan of division” or similar arrangement), which may or may not include the original dividing Person and pursuant to which the original dividing Person may or may not survive.

Dollars: lawful money of the United States.

 

11


Dominion Account: a special account established by Obligors at Bank of America, over which Agent has exclusive or springing control for withdrawal purposes; provided, that such Deposit Account is a collection account only and not also an operating or disbursement account.

Dominion Trigger Period: the period (a) commencing on any day that (i) an Event of Default occurs or (ii) Availability is less than the greater of $7,000,000 or 10% of the aggregate Commitments and (b) continuing until, during each of the preceding 30 consecutive days, no Event of Default has existed and Availability has been more than the greater of $7,000,000 and 10% of the aggregate Commitments at all times.

EBITDA: for any fiscal period and determined on a consolidated basis for Obligors and Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, the result of (a) net income, plus (b) without duplication, the sum of the following to the extent deducted in determining net income: (i) interest expense, plus (ii) all Taxes based on income (including any margin Tax related thereto), profits or capital gains (net of any cash tax refund actually received, but not less than zero), plus (iii) depreciation and amortization expense, plus (iv) losses arising from the sale of capital assets (excluding Rental Units and Inventory), plus (v) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with negotiating and documenting the Loan Documents on the Closing Date and the Compressco Acquisition on the Closing Date, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,200,000 during the term of this Agreement, plus (vi) with respect to periods prior to the First Amendment Effective Date, Management Fees and Transaction Fees in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000 in any 12-month period, minus (c) without duplication, the sum of the following to the extent included in net income: (i) gains arising from the sale of capital assets, plus (ii) any extraordinary or non-recurring gains, plus (iii) the amount of all non-cash items increasing net income for such period (including any cancellation of indebtedness income). Notwithstanding the foregoing, EBITDA shall not include (to the extent otherwise included therein and whether by consolidation, the equity method of accounting or otherwise) the results of any Excluded Subsidiary (except that net income may include the amount of dividends or distributions actually paid in cash during such period by such Excluded Subsidiary to an Obligor). For purposes of determining EBITDA for periods prior to the First Amendment Effective Date, EBITDA shall be determined based on the results of Spartan Energy Partners and its Subsidiaries (excluding Compressco).

Solely for purposes of determining the Leverage Ratio, EBITDA may be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis in a manner and amounts approved by Agent in its reasonable discretion to give effect to any Pro Forma Transaction consummated at any time on or after the first date of the measurement period thereof as if each Pro Forma Transaction had been effected on the first day of such period.

EEA Financial Institution: (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in an EEA Member Country that is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority; (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country that is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) above; or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country that is a subsidiary of an institution described in the foregoing clauses and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

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

 

12


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

Electronic Copy: as defined in Section 14.8.

Electronic Record and Electronic Signature: as defined in 15 U.S.C. §7006.

Eligible Account: an Account owing to a Borrower that arises in the Ordinary Course of Business from the sale or lease of Inventory or the rendition of services, is payable in Dollars, has been invoiced and is deemed by Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, to be an Eligible Account. Without limiting the foregoing, no Account shall be an Eligible Account if (a) it is unpaid for more than 60 days after the original due date, or more than 90 days after the original invoice date; (b) 50% or more of the Accounts owing by the Account Debtor are not Eligible Accounts under the foregoing clause; (c) when aggregated with other Accounts owing by the Account Debtor and its Affiliates, it exceeds 20% of the aggregate Eligible Accounts, provided, that with respect to Investment Grade Account Debtors, Agent may determine a higher concentration limit in its Permitted Discretion; (d) it does not conform with a covenant or representation herein in any material respect; (e) it is owing by a creditor or supplier, or is otherwise subject to a potential offset, counterclaim, dispute, deduction, discount, recoupment, reserve, defense, chargeback, credit or allowance (but ineligibility shall be limited to the amount thereof); (f) an Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Account Debtor; or the Account Debtor has failed, has suspended or ceased doing business, is liquidating, dissolving or winding up its affairs, is not Solvent, or is the target of any Sanction or on any specially designated nationals list maintained by OFAC; or Borrowers are not able to bring suit or enforce remedies against the Account Debtor through judicial process; (g) the Account Debtor is organized or has its principal offices or assets outside the United States or Canada, unless the Account is supported by a letter of credit (delivered to and directly drawable by Agent) or credit insurance satisfactory in all respects and assigned to Agent; (h) it is owing by a Governmental Authority, unless the Account Debtor is the United States or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof and the Account has been assigned to Agent in compliance with the federal Assignment of Claims Act; (i) it is not subject to a duly perfected, first priority Lien in favor of Agent, or is subject to any other Lien (other than a lien permitted by Section 10.2.2, which does not have priority over the Lien in favor of Agent); (j) the goods giving rise to it have not been delivered to the Account Debtor, the services giving rise to it have not been accepted by the Account Debtor, or it otherwise does not represent a final sale; (k) it is evidenced by Chattel Paper or an Instrument of any kind, or has been reduced to judgment; (l) its payment has been extended or the Account Debtor has made a partial payment; (m) it arises from a sale or lease to an Affiliate (including Compressco and Spartan International), from a sale or lease on a cash-on-delivery, bill-and-hold, sale or return, sale on approval, consignment, or other repurchase or return basis, or from a sale for personal, family or household purposes; (n) it represents a progress billing or retainage, or relates to services for which a performance, surety or completion bond or similar assurance has been issued; (o) it is a credit card sale or an amount due from a credit card issuer or processor; or (p) it includes a billing for interest, fees or late charges, but ineligibility shall be limited to the extent thereof. In calculating delinquent portions of Accounts under clauses (a) and (b), credit balances more than 90 days old will be excluded.

 

13


Eligible Assignee: (a) a Lender, Affiliate of a Lender or Approved Fund that satisfies Section 12.13; (b) an assignee approved by Borrower Agent (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and shall be deemed given if no objection is made within two Business Days after notice of the proposed assignment) and Agent; or (c) during an Event of Default, any Person acceptable to Agent in its discretion.

Eligible Inventory: Inventory owned by a Borrower that Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, deems to be Eligible Inventory. Without limiting the foregoing, no Inventory shall be Eligible Inventory unless it (a) is finished goods or raw materials, and not work-in-process, packaging or shipping materials, labels, samples, display items, bags, replacement parts or manufacturing supplies; (b) is not held on consignment, nor subject to any deposit or down payment; (c) is in new and saleable condition or good leasable condition and is not damaged, defective, shopworn or otherwise unfit for sale or lease; (d) is not slow-moving, perishable, obsolete or unmerchantable, and does not constitute returned or repossessed goods; (e) meets all standards imposed by any Governmental Authority, has not been acquired from a Person that is the target of any Sanction or on any specially designated nationals list maintained by OFAC, and does not constitute hazardous materials under any Environmental Law (other than lubricants and hazardous materials that may be contained in the Inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business); (f) conforms with the covenants and representations herein; (g) is subject to Agent’s duly perfected, first priority Lien, and no other Lien (other than a lien permitted by Section 10.2.2, which does not have priority over the Lien in favor of Agent); (h) is within the continental United States or Canada, is not in transit except between locations of Borrowers, and is not consigned to any Person; (i) is not subject to any warehouse receipt or negotiable Document; (j) is not subject to any License or other arrangement that restricts such Borrower’s or Agent’s right to dispose of such Inventory, unless Agent has received an appropriate Lien Waiver; (k) is not located on leased premises or in the possession of a warehouseman, processor, repairman, mechanic, shipper, freight forwarder or other Person unless the lessor or such Person has delivered a Lien Waiver or an appropriate Rent and Charges Reserve has been established; (l) which is located at any Customer Location, unless such customer has delivered to Agent a Lien Waiver or such other documentation as Agent may reasonably require, including, a customer contract with terms acceptable to Agent; and (m) is reflected in the details of a current perpetual inventory report.

Eligible Investment Grade Account: any Eligible Account owing by an Investment Grade Account Debtor.

Eligible New Rental Units: Eligible Inventory consisting of newly-acquired or newly-constructed Rental Units which are not included in the most recent appraisal received by Agent pursuant to Section 10.1.1; provided, that any such Rental Units shall cease to constitute Eligible New Rental Units if such Rental Unit is not included in the first appraisal ordered and received by Agent after its acquisition to the extent owned at the applicable appraisal date.

Eligible Non-Investment Grade Account: any Eligible Account owing by a Non-Investment Grade Account Debtor.

Eligible Rental Units: Eligible Inventory consisting of Rental Units, excluding Eligible New Rental Units.

 

14


Enforcement Action: any action to enforce any Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) or Loan Documents or to exercise any rights or remedies relating to any Collateral, whether by judicial action, self-help, notification of Account Debtors, setoff or recoupment, credit bid, deed in lieu of foreclosure, action in an Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise.

Environmental Laws: Applicable Laws (including all Governmental Approvals issued thereunder) relating to public health (to the extent related to exposure to Hazardous Materials, but excluding occupational safety and health matters regulated by OSHA) or the protection or prevention of pollution of the environment, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. §§6991-6991i), Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq.) and CERCLA.

Environmental Notice: any notice from any Governmental Authority or other Person of any possible noncompliance with, investigation of a possible violation of, litigation relating to, or potential fine or liability under any Environmental Law, or with respect to any Environmental Release of Hazardous Materials or otherwise relating to environmental pollution or Hazardous Material, including any complaint, summons, citation, order, claim, demand, notice of actual or potential violation, or order or binding directive requiring investigation, remediation, or corrective action.

Environmental Release: spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, migrating, dumping or disposing (including the abandonment or discarding of barrels, drums, containers or other closed receptacles).

Equity Interest: the interest of any (a) shareholder in a corporation; (b) partner in a partnership (whether general, limited, limited liability or joint venture); (c) member in a limited liability company; or (d) other Person having any other form of equity security or ownership interest, including, warrants, options, or other rights to purchase or acquire, and securities convertible into or exchangeable for, an equity security or ownership interest.

ERISA: the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

ERISA Affiliate: any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with an Obligor within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).

ERISA Event: (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) withdrawal of an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) complete or partial withdrawal of an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is insolvent; (d) filing of a notice of intent to terminate, treatment of a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or institution of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan; (e) determination that a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan is considered an at-risk plan or a plan in critical or endangered status under the Code or ERISA; (f) an event or condition

 

15


that constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for termination of, or appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (g) imposition of any liability on an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA; or (h) failure by an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate to meet all applicable requirements under the Pension Funding Rules in respect of a Pension Plan, whether or not waived, or to make a required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan.

EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule: the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association, as in effect from time to time.

Event of Default: as defined in Section 11.

Exam Trigger Period: the period (a) commencing on any day that Availability is less than the greater of $10,500,000 or 15% of the aggregate Commitments; and (b) continuing until, during each of the preceding 30 consecutive days, Availability has been more than the greater of $10,500,000 and 15% of the aggregate Commitments at all times.

Excluded Account: any Deposit Account (a) exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes or employee benefits, (b) constituting zero-balance disbursement accounts acceptable to Agent, and (c) constituting petty cash accounts containing not more than $100,000 on deposit therein at any time (but no more than $500,000 for all such accounts in the aggregate).

Excluded Property: each of the following: (a) Real Estate (other than fixtures), (b) Equity Interests of (i) any Foreign Subsidiary or any Foreign Holdco in excess of 65% of the voting stock of such Foreign Subsidiary or Foreign Holdco and (ii) Gas Services Manpower, LLC, an Egyptian limited liability company, held by Spartan International, (c) any Obligor’s right, title or interest in any lease, license, contract or agreement (other than customer contracts, customer leases or work orders, Chattel Paper and Accounts) existing on the Closing Date if and to the extent that a security interest therein (x) is prohibited by or in violation of any Applicable Law or (y) is prohibited by or in violation of a term, provision or condition of any such lease, license, contract or agreement (unless in each case, such Applicable Law, term, provision or condition has been waived or would be rendered ineffective with respect to the creation of such security interest pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Uniform Commercial Code (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other Applicable Law or principles of equity), provided, however, that the foregoing shall cease to be treated as “Excluded Property” (and shall constitute Collateral) immediately at such time as the contractual or legal prohibition shall no longer be applicable and to the extent severable, such security interest shall attach immediately to any portion of such lease, license, contract or agreement not subject to the prohibitions specified in clauses (x) or (y) above, provided, further, that Excluded Property shall not include any proceeds of any such lease, license, contract or agreement or any goodwill of Obligors’ business associated therewith or attributable thereto, (d) Deposit Accounts described in clause (a) of the definition of “Excluded Accounts”, (e) Property owned by any Obligor on the date hereof or hereafter acquired that is subject to a Purchase Money Lien securing a Purchase Money Debt or Capital Lease permitted to be incurred pursuant to this Agreement, for so long as the contract or other agreement in which such Lien is granted (or the documentation providing for such Purchase Money Debt or Capital Lease) validly prohibits the creation of any other Lien on such Property (and, in the case of Property hereafter acquired, so long as such prohibition was not entered into in contemplation

 

16


of such acquisition), (f) applications filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office to register trademarks or service marks on the basis of any Obligor’s “intent to use” such trademarks or service marks unless and until the filing of a “Statement of Use” or “Amendment to Allege Use” has been filed and accepted, whereupon such applications shall be automatically subject to the Lien granted herein and deemed included in the Collateral, (g) any property or assets to the extent that such grant of a security interest is prohibited by any Applicable Law or requires a consent not obtained of any Governmental Authority pursuant to such Applicable Law (unless in each case, such Applicable Law, term, provision or condition has been waived or would be rendered ineffective with respect to the creation of such security interest pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Uniform Commercial Code (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other Applicable Law or principles of equity), (h) cash collateral that is the subject of a deposit or pledge constituting a Permitted Lien, but only to the extent the agreements governing such deposit or pledge validly prohibit the existence of a Lien therein in favor of Agent (but “Excluded Property” will not include rights to the return of such cash), (i) Margin Stock or (j) Property in circumstances where Agent determines in its Permitted Discretion with written notice to Borrowers that the cost of obtaining or perfecting a security interest in such Property is excessive in relation to the benefit to the Lenders of the security to be afforded thereby; provided, however, that “Excluded Property” shall not include any proceeds, products, substitutions or replacements of Excluded Property, including monies due or to become due to an Obligor (unless such proceeds, products, substitutions or replacements would otherwise constitute Excluded Property).

Excluded Subsidiaries: Spartan International.

Excluded Swap Obligation: with respect to an Obligor, each Swap Obligation as to which, and only to the extent that, such Obligor’s guaranty of or grant of a Lien as security for such Swap Obligation is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act because the Obligor does not constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the act (determined after giving effect to any keepwell, support or other agreement for the benefit of such Obligor and all guarantees of Swap Obligations by other Obligors) when such guaranty or grant of Lien becomes effective with respect to the Swap Obligation. If a hedging agreement governs more than one Swap Obligation, only the Swap Obligation(s) or portions thereof described in the foregoing sentence shall be Excluded Swap Obligation(s) for the applicable Obligor.

Excluded Taxes: any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by a Recipient’s net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or applicable Lending Office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof), or (ii) constituting Other Connection Taxes; (b) U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of a Lender with respect to its interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect when the Lender acquires such interest (except pursuant to an assignment request by Borrower Agent under Section 13.4) or changes its Lending Office, unless the Taxes were payable to its assignor immediately prior to such assignment or to the Lender immediately prior to its change in Lending Office; (c) Taxes attributable to a Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 5.9.2; and (d) any Taxes imposed pursuant to FATCA.

 

17


Extraordinary Expenses: all costs, expenses or advances incurred by Agent during an Event of Default or an Obligor’s Insolvency Proceeding, including those relating to (a) any audit, inspection, repossession, storage, repair, appraisal, insurance, manufacture, preparation or advertising for sale, sale, collection, or other preservation of or realization upon any Collateral; (b) any action, arbitration or other proceeding (whether instituted by or against Agent, any Lender, any Obligor, any creditor(s) of an Obligor or any other Person) in any way relating to any Collateral, Agent’s Liens, Loan Documents, Letters of Credit or Obligations, including any lender liability or other Claims; (c) exercise of any rights or remedies of Agent in, or the monitoring of, any Insolvency Proceeding; (d) settlement or satisfaction of taxes, charges or Liens with respect to any Collateral; (e) any Enforcement Action; and (f) negotiation and documentation of any modification, waiver, workout, restructuring or forbearance with respect to any Loan Documents or Obligations. Such costs, expenses and advances include transfer fees, Other Taxes, storage fees, insurance costs, permit fees, utility reservation and standby fees, legal fees, appraisal fees, brokers’ and auctioneers’ fees and commissions, accountants’ fees, environmental study fees, wages and salaries paid to employees of any Obligor or independent contractors in liquidating any Collateral, and travel expenses.

FATCA: Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (including any amended or successor version if substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities and implementing such Sections of the Code.

Federal Funds Rate: for any day, the per annum rate calculated by FRBNY based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depository institutions (as determined in such manner as FRBNY shall set forth on its public website from time to time) and published on the next Business Day by FRBNY as the federal funds effective rate; provided, that in no event shall the Federal Funds Rate be less than zero.

First Amendment Compressco Lease: the lease of the Compressor Units acquired in the First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition to Compressco pursuant to the First Amendment Compressco Sale-Leaseback Documents.

First Amendment Compressco Sale-Leaseback Documents: the documents and agreements entered into as of the First Amendment Effective Date governing the First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition and the First Amendment Compressco Lease, including that certain (a) Purchase Agreement and Bill of Sale between CSI Compressco Leasing, as seller, and Borrower, as buyer and (b) Equipment Lease Agreement between Borrower, as lessor, and CSI Compressco Operating, as lessee.

First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition: the Obligors’ acquisition of certain Compressor Units from Compressco on the First Amendment Effective Date, pursuant to the First Amendment Compressco Sale-Leaseback Documents.

First Amendment Effective Date: means November 10, 2021.

 

18


Fiscal Quarter: each period of three months, commencing on the first day of a Fiscal Year.

Fiscal Year: the fiscal year of Obligors and Subsidiaries for accounting and tax purposes, ending on December 31 of each year.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio: the ratio, determined on a consolidated basis for Obligors and Subsidiaries for the most recent 12 months, of (a) EBITDA minus the sum of Unfinanced Capital Expenditures (provided, that for purposes of such calculation (i) Unfinanced Capital Expenditures relating to the acquisition or construction of Eligible Rental Units and Eligible New Rental Units shall be limited to 20% of total Unfinanced Capital Expenditures made to acquire or construct Eligible Rental Units or Eligible New Rental Units during such period and (ii) the First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition shall not constitute Unfinanced Capital Expenditures), Permitted Tax Distributions and cash Taxes paid, to (b) Fixed Charges. For purposes of determining the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for periods prior to the First Amendment Effective Date, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and its components shall be determined based on the results of Spartan Energy Partners and its Subsidiaries (excluding Compressco).

Fixed Charges: the sum of interest expense (other than payment-in-kind), principal payments made on Borrowed Money and paid in cash (other than the Loans), Distributions made and paid in cash (excluding Permitted Tax Distributions and Distributions solely among Obligors), and cash payments made in respect of any Pension Plan.

Flood Laws: the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and related laws.

FLSA: the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

Foreign Holdco: means any Subsidiary substantially all of whose assets consist of Equity Interests and/or Debt of one or more Subsidiaries that are Foreign Subsidiaries.

Foreign Lender: any Lender that is not a U.S. Person.

Foreign Plan: any employee benefit plan or arrangement (a) maintained or contributed to by any Obligor or Subsidiary that is not subject to the laws of the United States; or (b) mandated by a government outside of the United States for employees of any Obligor or Subsidiary.

Foreign Subsidiary: (i) any Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” under Section 957 of the Code or (ii) any Subsidiary of a Subsidiary described in clause (i) hereof.

FRBNY: Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Fronting Exposure: a Defaulting Lender’s interest in LC Obligations, Swingline Loans and Protective Advances, except to the extent Cash Collateralized by the Defaulting Lender or allocated to other Lenders hereunder.

 

19


Full Payment: with respect to any Obligations, (a) the full and indefeasible cash payment thereof, including any interest, fees and other charges accruing during an Insolvency Proceeding (whether or not allowed in the proceeding); (b) if such Obligations are LC Obligations or inchoate or contingent in nature (including Bank Products), Cash Collateralization thereof (or delivery of a standby letter of credit acceptable to Agent in its discretion, in the amount of required Cash Collateral); and (c) delivery of a release by the Obligors with respect to any Claims. No Loans shall be deemed to have been paid in full unless all Commitments related to such Loans are terminated.

Funded Debt: as of any date of determination, the sum of all the Obligors’ and their Subsidiaries’ Debt for Borrowed Money, including under this Agreement and other Debt for borrowed money incurred under Section 10.2.1.

GAAP: generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States from time to time, subject to Section 1.2.

Governmental Approvals: all authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses and exemptions of, registrations and filings with, and required reports to, all Governmental Authorities.

Governmental Authority: any federal, state, local, foreign or other agency, authority, body, commission, court, instrumentality, political subdivision, central bank, or other entity or officer exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions for any governmental, judicial, investigative, regulatory or self-regulatory authority (including the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority and any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or European Central Bank).

Guarantor Payment: as defined in Section 5.10.3.

Guarantors: each Person that guarantees payment or performance of Obligations. As of the First Amendment Effective Date, the Guarantors include Spartan LLC (in respect of the obligations of the other Borrowers) and Holdings.

Guaranty: each guaranty agreement executed by a Guarantor in favor of Agent, including this Agreement.

Hazardous Materials: any material regulated under Applicable Law because of its deleterious or harmful effect or potential such effects on the environment or on human health (with respect to exposure to such material in the environment), including without limitation (a) any chemical, material, waste, product or substance in any form defined or regulated under any Applicable Law as a “hazardous waste,” “toxic substance,” “hazardous substance,” or words of similar meaning or regulatory effect intended to define, list, or classify substances by reason of deleterious properties under any Applicable Law relating to the protection of the environment, (b) any petroleum or petroleum derivatives or any fraction thereof and (c) radioactive materials, asbestos, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and polychlorinated biphenyls.

Indemnified Taxes: (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment of an Obligation; and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (a), Other Taxes.

Indemnitees: Agent Indemnitees, Lender Indemnitees, Issuing Bank Indemnitees and Bank of America Indemnitees.

 

20


Insolvency Proceeding: any case or proceeding commenced by or against a Person under any state, federal or foreign law for, or any agreement of such Person to, (a) the entry of an order for relief under the Bankruptcy Code, or any other insolvency, debtor relief or debt adjustment law; (b) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator, administrator, conservator or other custodian for such Person or any part of its Property; or (c) an assignment or trust mortgage for the benefit of creditors.

Intellectual Property: all intellectual and similar Property of a Person, including inventions, designs, patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade secrets, confidential or proprietary information, customer lists, know-how, software and databases; all embodiments or fixations thereof and all related documentation, applications, registrations and franchises; all licenses or other rights to use any of the foregoing; and all books and records relating to the foregoing.

Intellectual Property Claim: any claim or assertion (whether in writing, by suit or otherwise) that an Obligor’s or Subsidiary’s ownership, use, marketing, sale or distribution of any Inventory, Equipment, Intellectual Property or other Property violates another Person’s Intellectual Property.

Interest Payment Date: (a) for each BSBY Loan, the last day of the applicable Interest Period and, if the Interest Period is more than three months, each three month anniversary of the beginning of the Interest Period; and (b) for all other Loans, the first day of each calendar month.

Interest Period: as defined in Section 3.1.3.

Inventory: as defined in the UCC, including all goods intended for sale, lease, display or demonstration (and which shall include Rental Units); all work in process; and all raw materials, and other materials and supplies of any kind that are or could be used in connection with the manufacture, printing, packing, shipping, advertising, sale, lease or furnishing of such goods, or otherwise used or consumed in an Obligor’s business (but excluding Equipment).

Inventory Formula Amount: the lesser of (a) $2,000,000 and (b) 50% of the Value of Eligible Inventory (excluding both Eligible Rental Units and Eligible New Rental Units).

Inventory Reserve: reserves established by Agent to reflect factors that may negatively impact the Value of Inventory, including change in salability, obsolescence, seasonality, theft, shrinkage, imbalance, change in composition or mix, markdowns and vendor chargebacks.

Investment: an Acquisition, an acquisition of record or beneficial ownership of any Equity Interests or Debt of a Person, or an advance, loan or capital contribution to or other investment in a Person.

Investment Grade Account Debtor: any Account Debtor whose long-term issuer rating is BBB- (or then equivalent grade) or higher by S&P or Baa3 (or then equivalent grade) or higher by Moody’s.

IP Assignment: a collateral assignment or security agreement pursuant to which an Obligor grants a Lien on its Intellectual Property to Agent, as security for any Obligations.

 

21


IRS: the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Issuing Bank: Bank of America (including any Lending Office of Bank of America), any Lender or any replacement issuer appointed pursuant to Section 2.2.4.

Issuing Bank Indemnitees: Issuing Bank and its officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents, advisors, attorneys, consultants, service providers and other representatives.

LC Application: an application by Borrower Agent to Issuing Bank for issuance of a Letter of Credit, in form and substance satisfactory to Issuing Bank and Agent.

LC Conditions: upon giving effect to issuance of a Letter of Credit, (a) the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied; (b) total LC Obligations do not exceed the Letter of Credit Subline and Revolver Usage does not exceed the Borrowing Base; (c) the Letter of Credit and payments thereunder are denominated in Dollars or other currency satisfactory to Agent and Issuing Bank; and (d) the purpose and form of the Letter of Credit are satisfactory to Agent and Issuing Bank in their discretion.

LC Documents: all documents, instruments and agreements (including requests and applications) delivered by any Borrower or other Person to Issuing Bank or Agent in connection with a Letter of Credit.

LC Obligations: the sum of (a) all amounts owing by Obligors for draws under Letters of Credit; and (b) the Stated Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit.

LC Request: a request by Borrower Agent for issuance of a Letter of Credit, in form satisfactory to Agent and Issuing Bank.

Lender Indemnitees: Lenders and Secured Bank Product Providers, and their officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents, advisors, attorneys, consultants, service providers and other representatives.

Lenders: lenders party to this Agreement (including Agent in its capacity as provider of Swingline Loans or Protective Advances) and any Person who hereafter becomes a “Lender” pursuant to an Assignment, including any Lending Office of the foregoing.

Lending Office: the office (including any domestic or foreign Affiliate or branch) designated as such by Agent, a Lender or Issuing Bank by notice to Borrower Agent and, if applicable, Agent.

Letter of Credit: any standby or documentary letter of credit, foreign guaranty, documentary bankers acceptance, indemnity, reimbursement agreement or similar instrument issued by Issuing Bank for the account or benefit of an Obligor (but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding Compressco).

Letter of Credit Subline: $5,000,000.

 

22


Leverage Ratio: on any date the ratio of (a) Funded Debt on such date to (b) EBITDA for the period of twelve consecutive calendar months ended on such date (or, if such date is not the last day of a calendar month, ended on the last day of the calendar month most recently ended prior to such date).

License: any license or agreement under which an Obligor is authorized to use Intellectual Property in connection with any manufacture, marketing, distribution or disposition of Collateral, any use of Property or any other conduct of its business.

Licensor: any Person from whom an Obligor obtains the right to use any Intellectual Property.

Lien: an interest in Property securing an obligation or claim, including any lien, security interest, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, trust, reservation, assessment right, encroachment, easement, right-of-way, covenant, condition, restriction, lease, or other title exception or encumbrance.

Lien Waiver: an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, by which (a) for any material Collateral located on leased premises, the lessor waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the Collateral, and allows Agent to enter the premises and remove, store and dispose of Collateral; (b) for any Collateral held by a warehouseman, processor, shipper, customs broker or freight forwarder, such Person waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the Collateral, agrees to hold any Documents in its possession relating to the Collateral as agent for Agent, and agrees to deliver Collateral to Agent upon request; (c) for any Collateral held by a customer, repairman, mechanic or bailee, such Person acknowledges Agent’s Lien, waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the Collateral, and agrees to deliver Collateral to Agent upon request or provide Agent access to remove the Collateral; and (d) for any Collateral subject to a Licensor’s Intellectual Property rights, the Licensor grants to Agent the right, vis-à-vis such Licensor, to enforce Agent’s Liens with respect to the Collateral, including the right to dispose of it with the benefit of the Intellectual Property, whether or not a default exists under any applicable License.

Loan: a loan made by a Lender under the credit facility established by this Agreement.

Loan Documents: this Agreement, Other Agreements and Security Documents.

Management Fees: as defined in, and payable by Spartan Energy Partners to Spartan Energy Partners GP on or before the First Amendment Effective Date pursuant to, the Spartan Partnership Agreement (but not to exceed 2.0% of trailing 12-month EBITDA (as defined in the Spartan Partnership Agreement)); provided, that no Management Fee may be charged (a) on the same EBITDA utilized for calculating the Transaction Fee or (b) with respect to the undistributed earnings of any Excluded Subsidiary except to the extent that like funds are received in cash by the Obligors from such Excluded Subsidiary for payment of such portion of the Management Fee.

Management Services Agreement: that certain Management Services Agreement between Spartan Energy Partners, Spartan Energy Partners GP, CSI Compressco, CSI Compressco GP and Spartan Operating Company LLC dated as of the First Amendment Effective Date, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with Section 10.2.9.

 

23


Margin Stock: as defined in Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

Material Adverse Effect: a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect on (a) the operations, business, assets, Properties, liabilities (actual or contingent) or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Obligors and their Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (b) the rights and remedies of Agent or any Lender under the Loan Documents or the validity or priority of Agent’s Lien on the Collateral; (c) the ability of the Obligors, taken as a whole, to perform their obligations under the Loan Documents; or (d) the validity or enforceability against any Obligor of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

Material Contract: any agreement or arrangement to which an Obligor or Subsidiary is party (other than the Loan Documents) (a) that is deemed to be a material contract under any securities law applicable to such Person, including the Securities Act of 1933; (b) for which breach, termination, nonperformance or failure to renew could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or (c) that relates to Subordinated Debt, or to Debt in an aggregate amount of $1,000,000 or more.

Modification: any amendment, supplement, extension, approval, consent, waiver, change or other modification of or under a Loan Document, including any waiver of a Default or Event of Default.

Moody’s: Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor acceptable to Agent.

Multiemployer Plan: any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.

Multiple Employer Plan: a Plan with two or more contributing sponsors, including an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate, at least two of whom are not under common control, as described in Section 4064 of ERISA.

Net Proceeds: with respect to an Asset Disposition, proceeds (including, when received, any deferred or escrowed payments) received by an Obligor or Subsidiary in cash from such disposition, net of (a) reasonable and customary costs and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith, including legal fees and sales commissions; (b) amounts applied to repayment of Debt secured by a Permitted Lien senior to Agent’s Liens on Collateral sold; (c) Taxes paid or payable by Obligors as a result thereof; and (d) reserves for indemnities, until such reserves are no longer needed.

NOLV: the “in place” net orderly liquidation value of Rental Units expected to be realized at an orderly, negotiated sale held within a reasonable period of time, net of all liquidation expenses, as determined from the most recent appraisal of Borrowers’ Rental Units performed by an appraiser and on terms satisfactory to Agent.

 

24


Notice of Borrowing: a request by Borrower Agent for a Borrowing, in form satisfactory to Agent.

Notice of Conversion/Continuation: a request by Borrower Agent for conversion or continuation of a Loan as a BSBY Loan, in form satisfactory to Agent.

Obligations: all (a) principal of and premium, if any, on the Loans, (b) LC Obligations and other obligations of Obligors with respect to Letters of Credit, (c) interest, expenses, fees, indemnification obligations, Claims and other amounts payable by Obligors under Loan Documents, (d) Secured Bank Product Obligations, and (e) other Debts, obligations and liabilities of any kind owing by Obligors pursuant to the Loan Documents, in each case whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether evidenced by a note or other writing, whether allowed in any Insolvency Proceeding, whether arising from an extension of credit, issuance of a letter of credit, acceptance, loan, guaranty, indemnification or otherwise, and whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, primary or secondary, or joint or several; provided, that Obligations of an Obligor shall not include its Excluded Swap Obligations.

Obligor: each Borrower, Guarantor or other Person that is liable for payment of any Obligations or that has granted a Lien on its assets in favor of Agent to secure any Obligations; provided, however, an Obligor shall not include any Excluded Subsidiary, Foreign Subsidiary or Foreign Holdco.

OFAC: Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department.

Ordinary Course of Business: the ordinary course of business of any Obligor or Subsidiary, undertaken in good faith and consistent with Applicable Law and past practices.

Organic Documents: with respect to any Person, its charter, certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws, articles of organization, limited liability agreement, operating agreement, members agreement, shareholders agreement, partnership agreement, certificate of partnership, certificate of formation, voting trust agreement, or similar agreement or instrument governing the formation or operation of such Person.

OSHA: the Occupational Safety and Hazard Act of 1970.

Other Agreement: each LC Document, fee letter, Lien Waiver, intercreditor agreement, Borrower Material, or other note, document, instrument or agreement (other than this Agreement or a Security Document) now or hereafter delivered by an Obligor or other Person to Agent or a Lender in connection with any transactions relating hereto.

Other Connection Taxes: Taxes imposed on a Recipient due to a present or former connection between it and the taxing jurisdiction (other than connections arising from the Recipient having executed, delivered, become party to, performed obligations or received payments under, received or perfected a Lien or engaged in any other transaction pursuant to, enforced, or sold or assigned an interest in, any Loan or Loan Document).

 

25


Other Taxes: all present or future stamp, court, documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a Lien under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 13.4(c)).

Overadvance: the amount by which Revolver Usage exceeds the Borrowing Base at any time.

Participant: as defined in Section 13.2.

Patriot Act: the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Pub. L. No. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272 (2001).

Payment Conditions: with respect to any Distribution made pursuant to Section 10.2.3(a)(viii), Permitted Acquisition made pursuant to Section 10.2.4(g), Investment made pursuant to Section 10.2.4(i) or 10.2.4(j) or Debt payment made pursuant to Section 10.2.6(b) (each, a “Payment Condition Transaction”):

(a) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such Payment Condition Transaction or would result after giving effect to such Payment Condition Transaction;

(b) both (i) Availability shall be higher than the greater of (x) $10,500,000 and (y) 15% of the Commitments then in effect after giving effect to and at all times during the 30 consecutive day period immediately prior to such Payment Condition Transaction on a pro forma basis as if the related payments were made at the beginning of such period and (ii) the Obligors shall be in compliance with each financial covenant set forth in Section 10.3 (determined on a pro forma basis for such Payment Condition Transaction) for the most recently ended month for which financial statements have been delivered; and

(c) at least two Business Days prior to (but in no event more than five Business Days prior to) such Payment Condition Transaction, Agent shall have received a certificate of a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent (i) certifying satisfaction of the foregoing conditions concurrently with such Payment Condition Transaction and (ii) setting forth in reasonable detail the pro forma calculations of such financial covenants and Availability (along with evidence supporting such pro forma calculations).

Payment Item: each check, draft or other item of payment payable to an Obligor, including those constituting proceeds of any Collateral.

PBGC: the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

Pension Funding Rules: Code and ERISA rules regarding minimum required contributions (including installment payments) to Pension Plans set forth in Sections 412, 430 and 436 of the Code and Sections 302 and 303 of ERISA.

 

26


Pension Plan: any employee pension benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan but including a Multiple Employer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate or to which the Obligor or ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the preceding five plan years.

Permitted Acquisition: any Acquisition as long as (a) no Event of Default exists or is caused thereby; (b) the Acquisition is consensual; (c) the assets, business or Person being acquired is useful or engaged in the business of Obligors and Subsidiaries, is located or organized within the United States, and had positive EBITDA for the 12 month period most recently ended; (d) no Debt or Liens are assumed or incurred, except as permitted by Sections 10.2.1(e), 10.2.1(i) and 10.2.2(l); (e) the Payment Conditions are satisfied; and (f) Borrowers deliver to Agent, at least five Business Days prior to the Acquisition, copies of all material agreements relating thereto and a certificate, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, stating that the Acquisition is a “Permitted Acquisition” and demonstrating compliance with the foregoing requirements.

Permitted Asset Disposition: an Asset Disposition permitted by Section 10.2.5.

Permitted Contingent Obligations: Contingent Obligations (a) arising from endorsements of Payment Items for collection or deposit in the Ordinary Course of Business; (b) arising from customary indemnification obligations in favor of purchasers in connection with dispositions of Equipment permitted hereunder; and (c) arising under the Loan Documents.

Permitted Discretion: a determination made in good faith, using reasonable business judgment (from the perspective of a secured, asset-based lender).

Permitted Lien: as defined in Section 10.2.2.

Permitted Purchase Money Debt: Purchase Money Debt of Obligors and Subsidiaries that is unsecured or secured only by a Purchase Money Lien, as long as the aggregate amount does not exceed $2,000,000 at any time.

Permitted Tax Distributions: so long as Holdings is treated as a partnership or other pass-through entity (including a disregarded entity) for United States federal Tax purposes, tax distributions made on a quarterly basis to its partners or other holders of Equity Interests in an aggregate amount equal to the product of (1) the sum of all items of taxable income or gain allocated to such partners and holders by it for such taxable year less all items of deduction and loss allocated to such partners or holders for such taxable year, and loss carryforwards from prior periods that are eligible to offset such taxable income, and (2) the maximum combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate applicable to corporations doing business in New York, New York, taking into account the deductibility of state and local taxes against federal income taxes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Permitted Tax Distributions may be made in respect of (a) taxable income of the Excluded Subsidiaries except to the extent that a like amount is received by the Obligors in cash pursuant to tax distributions from such Excluded Subsidiaries and (b) any cancellation of indebtedness income.

Person: any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority or other entity of any kind.

 

27


Plan: any employee benefit plan (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, maintained for employees of an Obligor or any ERISA Affiliate, or any such plan to which an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate is required to contribute on behalf of its employees.

Plan Assets: means “plan assets” of any Benefit Plan(s) within the meaning of 29 C.F.R. § 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA.

Platform: as defined in Section 14.3.3.

Pledged Collateral: as defined in Section 7.3.

Pledged Debt Securities: as defined in Section 7.3.

Pledged Equity Interests: as defined in Section 7.3.

Prime Rate: the rate of interest announced by Bank of America from time to time as its prime rate. Such rate is set by Bank of America on the basis of various factors, including its costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above or below such rate. Any change in such rate publicly announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the announcement.

Pro Forma Basis: relative to any Pro Forma Transaction, means that such transaction shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the applicable period of measurement, and income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the Property or Person subject to such transaction, (a) in the case of a Permitted Acquisition shall be included and (b) in the case of an Asset Disposition shall be excluded.

Pro Forma Transaction: (a) any Permitted Acquisition (including for Rental Units) with consideration greater than $5,000,000 and (b) any Asset Disposition of a Subsidiary or division or a business line permitted by Section 10.2.5 (other than pursuant to clause (a) of Section 10.2.5) for Net Proceeds greater than $5,000,000, together with each other transaction relating thereto and consummated in connection therewith, including any incurrence or repayment of Debt.

Pro Rata: with respect to any Lender, a percentage (rounded to the ninth decimal place) determined (a) by dividing the amount of such Lender’s Commitment by the aggregate outstanding Commitments; or (b) following termination of the Commitments, by dividing the amount of such Lender’s Loans and LC Obligations by the aggregate outstanding Loans and LC Obligations or, if all Loans and LC Obligations have been paid in full and/or Cash Collateralized, by dividing such Lender’s and its Affiliates’ remaining Obligations by the aggregate remaining Obligations.

Properly Contested: with respect to any obligation of an Obligor or Subsidiary, (a) the obligation is subject to a bona fide dispute regarding amount or the Obligor’s or Subsidiary’s liability to pay; (b) the obligation is being properly contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently pursued; (c) appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (d) non-payment could not have a Material Adverse Effect, nor result in forfeiture or sale of any assets of the Obligor; (e) no Lien is imposed on assets of the Obligor, unless bonded and stayed to the reasonable satisfaction of Agent; and (f) if the obligation results from entry of a judgment or other order, such judgment or order is stayed pending appeal or other judicial review.

 

28


Property: any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible.

Protective Advances: as defined in Section 2.1.6.

PTE: a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as amended from time to time.

Purchase Money Debt: (a) Debt (other than the Obligations) for payment of any of the purchase price of fixed assets (excluding Rental Units and Inventory); and (b) Debt (other than the Obligations) incurred within 30 days before or after acquisition of any fixed assets (excluding Rental Units and Inventory), for the purpose of financing any of the purchase price thereof; provided, that the principal component of such Debt does not exceed the cost of acquiring such fixed assets.

Purchase Money Lien: a Lien that secures Purchase Money Debt, encumbering only the fixed assets (excluding Rental Units and Inventory) acquired with such Debt and constituting a Capital Lease or a purchase money security interest under the UCC.

Qualified ECP: an Obligor with total assets exceeding $10,000,000, or that constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act and can cause another Person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of such act.

Real Estate: all right, title and interest (whether as owner, lessor or lessee) in any real Property or any buildings, structures, parking areas or other improvements thereon.

Recipient: Agent, Issuing Bank, any Lender or any other recipient of a payment to be made by an Obligor under a Loan Document or on account of an Obligation.

Refinancing Conditions: no Event of Default exists upon giving effect to the Refinancing Debt and such Debt, when compared to the Debt being extended, renewed or refinanced, (a) does not have a greater principal amount, earlier final maturity or shorter weighted average life, (b) is subordinated to the Obligations to at least the same extent as the Debt being refinanced is subordinated (if applicable), (c) has representations, covenants, defaults and other terms no less favorable to Obligors than the Debt being refinanced, and (d) has no additional obligor, guarantor, Lien, or other recourse to any additional Person or Property than the Debt being refinanced.

Refinancing Debt: Borrowed Money that is the result of an extension, renewal or refinancing of Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(b), (c) or (i).

Reimbursement Date: as defined in Section 2.2.2.

Relevant Governmental Body: the Federal Reserve Board and/or FRBNY, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or FRBNY.

 

29


Rent and Charges Reserve: the aggregate of (a) all past due rent and other amounts owing by an Obligor to any landlord, warehouseman, processor, repairman, mechanic, shipper, freight forwarder, broker or other Person who possesses any Collateral or could assert a Lien on any Collateral; and (b) a reserve at least equal to three months’ rent and other charges that could be payable to any such Person, unless it has executed a satisfactory Lien Waiver.

Rental Unit: any (a) Compressor Units, (b) completed amine plants of Borrowers mounted on metal skids held for use by such Borrowers in providing natural gas treatment services to their customers in the Ordinary Course of Business, as evidenced by such amine plants either then being or previously having been used by such Borrowers in providing natural gas treatment services under a service contract with a customer or designated by such Borrowers for use under an executory contract for services with a customer, and (c) gas coolers, refrigeration units, separators and other goods held by Borrowers for use in providing services to natural gas customers in the Ordinary Course of Business and approved by Agent (excluding trucks, trailers, office equipment and fixtures).

Rental Unit Formula Amount: the sum of (a) the lesser of (i) 80% of the NOLV of Eligible Rental Units (with depreciation calculated in accordance with GAAP) and (ii) 100% of the net book value of Eligible Rental Units (with respect to Eligible Rental Units acquired after the Closing Date, excluding Soft Costs), with depreciation calculated in accordance with GAAP, plus (b) 80% of the net book value of Eligible New Rental Units (excluding Soft Costs), with depreciation calculated in accordance with GAAP; provided that with respect to any Rental Unit subject to a contract that includes a purchase option, the formula amount for such Rental Unit shall not exceed the applicable purchase option price at such time.

Report: as defined in Section 12.2.3.

Reportable Event: any event set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than an event for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.

Reporting Trigger Period: the period (a) commencing on any day that (i) an Event of Default occurs or (ii) Availability is less than the greater of $7,000,000 or 10% of the aggregate Commitments and (b) continuing until, during each of the preceding 30 consecutive days, no Event of Default has existed and Availability has been more than the greater of $7,000,000 and 10% of the aggregate Commitments at all times.

Required Lenders: Lenders holding more than 50% of (a) the aggregate outstanding Commitments; or (b) after termination of the Commitments, the aggregate outstanding Loans and LC Obligations or, upon Full Payment of all Loans and LC Obligations, the aggregate remaining Obligations; provided, that Commitments, Loans and other Obligations held by a Defaulting Lender and its Affiliates shall be disregarded in making such calculation, but any related Fronting Exposure shall be deemed held as a Loan or LC Obligation by the Lender (including in its capacity as Issuing Bank) that funded the applicable Loan or issued the applicable Letter of Credit; provided, further, that in the event there are two or more Lenders, Required Lenders shall require at least two Lenders.

Rescindable Amount: as defined in Section 4.1.3(c).

 

30


Resolution Authority: an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.

Restrictive Agreement: an agreement (other than a Loan Document) that conditions or restricts the right of any Borrower, Subsidiary or other Obligor to incur or repay Borrowed Money, to grant Liens on any assets, to declare or make Distributions, to modify, extend or renew any agreement evidencing Borrowed Money, or to repay any intercompany Debt.

Revolver Usage: (a) the aggregate amount of outstanding Loans; plus (b) the aggregate Stated Amount of outstanding Letters of Credit, except to the extent Cash Collateralized by Borrowers.

S&P: Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of S&P Global Inc., or any successor acceptable to Agent.

Sanction: any sanction administered or enforced by the U.S. government (including OFAC), United Nations Security Council, European Union, U.K. government or other sanctions authority.

Scheduled Unavailability Date: as defined in Section 3.6.2.

Secured Bank Product Obligations: Debt, obligations and other liabilities with respect to Bank Products owing by an Obligor or Subsidiary of an Obligor to a Secured Bank Product Provider; provided, that Secured Bank Product Obligations of an Obligor shall not include its Excluded Swap Obligations.

Secured Bank Product Provider: (a) Bank of America or any of its Affiliates; and (b) any other Lender or Affiliate of a Lender that is providing a Bank Product, provided such provider delivers written notice to Agent, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, within 10 days following the later of the Closing Date or creation of the Bank Product, (i) describing the Bank Product and setting forth the maximum amount to be secured by the Collateral and the methodology to be used in calculating such amount, and (ii) agreeing to be bound by Section 12.14.

Secured Parties: Agent, Issuing Bank, Lenders and Secured Bank Product Providers.

Securities Account Control Agreement: a control agreement reasonably satisfactory to Agent executed by an institution maintaining a Securities Account for an Obligor, to perfect Agent’s Lien on such account.

Security Documents: the Guaranties, IP Assignments, Deposit Account Control Agreements, Securities Account Control Agreements and all other documents, instruments and agreements now or hereafter securing (or given with the intent to secure) any Obligations.

Senior Officer: the chairman of the board, president, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of the applicable Obligor.

 

31


Settlement Report: a report summarizing Loans and participations in LC Obligations outstanding as of a given settlement date, allocated to Lenders on a Pro Rata basis in accordance with their Commitments.

SOFR: the secured overnight financing rate published by FRBNY as administrator of the benchmark (or a successor administrator), on its website (or any successor source satisfactory to Agent).

SOFR Adjustment: (a) with respect to Daily Simple SOFR, 0.11448%, and (b) with respect to Term SOFR, 0.11448% for a one month interest period, 0.26161% for a three month interest period and 0.42826% for a six month interest period.

Soft Costs: tooling and set-up costs, sales taxes, shipping costs and other “soft” costs.

Solvent: as to any Person, such Person (a) owns Property whose fair saleable value is greater than the amount required to pay all of its debts (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities); (b) owns Property whose present fair saleable value (as defined below) is greater than the probable total liabilities (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities) of such Person as they become absolute and matured; (c) is able to pay all of its debts as they mature; (d) has capital that is not unreasonably small for its business and is sufficient to carry on its business and transactions and all business and transactions in which it is about to engage; (e) is not “insolvent” within the meaning of Section 101(32) of the Bankruptcy Code; and (f) has not incurred (by way of assumption or otherwise) any obligations or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) under any Loan Documents, or made any conveyance in connection therewith, with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud either present or future creditors of such Person or any of its Affiliates. “Fair saleable value” means the amount that could be obtained for assets within a reasonable time, either through collection or through sale under ordinary selling conditions by a capable and diligent seller to an interested buyer who is willing (but under no compulsion) to purchase.

Spartan Energy Partners: Spartan Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership.

Spartan Energy Partners GP: Spartan Energy Partners GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Spartan Holdco: Spartan Energy Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Spartan International: Spartan International, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its subsidiary Gas Services Manpower, LLC, an Egyptian limited liability company.

Spartan LLC: as defined in the introductory paragraph hereof.

Spartan Partnership Agreement: that certain Agreement of Limited Partnership of Spartan Energy Partners (formerly-known-as Spartan Terminals LP) dated as of March 5, 2010, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

Specified Obligor: an Obligor that is not then an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act (determined prior to giving effect to Section 5.10).

 

32


Sponsor: SilverHawk Capital Partners, LLC and any fund managed or administrated by SilverHawk Capital Partners, LLC.

Stated Amount: the outstanding amount of a Letter of Credit, including any automatic increase or tolerance (whether or not then in effect) provided by the Letter of Credit or related LC Documents.

Subordinated Debt: Debt incurred by an Obligor that is expressly subordinate and junior in right of payment to Full Payment of all Obligations, and is on terms (including maturity, interest, fees, repayment, covenants and subordination) satisfactory to Agent.

Subsidiary: any entity at least 50% of whose voting securities or Equity Interests is owned by an Obligor or combination of Obligors (including indirect ownership through other entities in which an Obligor directly or indirectly owns 50% of the voting securities or Equity Interests); provided, that, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, in no event shall any Excluded Subsidiary be a “Subsidiary” hereunder, including for purposes of financial determinations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

Successor Rate: as defined in Section 3.6.2.

Swap: as defined in Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Swap Obligations: obligations under an agreement relating to a Swap.

Swingline Loan: any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans funded with Agent’s funds, until such Borrowing is settled among Lenders or repaid by Borrowers.

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

Term SOFR: for the applicable corresponding Interest Period of BSBY (or if any Interest Period does not correspond to an interest period applicable to SOFR, the closest corresponding interest period of SOFR, but if such interest period of SOFR corresponds equally to two Interest Periods of BSBY, the corresponding interest period of shorter duration shall be applied), the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.

Termination Date: January 29, 2024, or such earlier date on which the aggregate Commitments terminate hereunder.

TETRA Lease: the lease of Compressor Units to Compressco existing on the Closing Date pursuant to that certain Master Gas Compressor Equipment Lease Agreement dated July 1, 2019, between TETRA Production Testing Services, LLC and CSI Compressco Operating (together with its related schedules), as assigned to Borrower.

 

33


Transaction Fee: the fee payable by Spartan Energy Partners to Spartan Energy Partners GP on or prior to the First Amendment Effective Date pursuant to Section 7.4(b) of the Spartan Partnership Agreement (but not to exceed 2.0% of trailing 12-month EBITDA (as defined in the Spartan Partnership Agreement) of an acquired business); provided, that no Transaction Fee may be charged (a) on the same EBITDA utilized for calculating the Management Fee or (b) with respect to the undistributed earnings of any Excluded Subsidiary except to the extent that like funds are received in cash by the Obligors from such Excluded Subsidiary for payment of such portion of the Transaction Fee.

Transferee: any actual or potential Eligible Assignee, Participant or other Person acquiring an interest in any Obligations.

UCC: the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York or, when the laws of any other jurisdiction govern the perfection or enforcement of any Lien, the Uniform Commercial Code of such jurisdiction.

UK Financial Institution: any BRRD Undertaking (as defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any Person subject to IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms.

UK Resolution Authority: the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.

Unfinanced Capital Expenditures: all Capital Expenditures, excluding any Capital Expenditures financed with (a) Borrowed Money (other than Loans), (b) the Net Proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests by, or capital contribution to, Holdings that is not utilized for other purposes, or (c) the Net Proceeds from sales of used Rental Units made pursuant to Section 10.2.5(b) and not utilized for other purposes.

Unfunded Pension Liability: the excess of a Pension Plan’s benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current value of that Pension Plan’s assets, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding the Pension Plan pursuant to the Pension Funding Rules for the applicable plan year.

Unused Line Fee Rate: a per annum rate equal to (a) 0.50%, if average daily Revolver Usage was 50% or less of the Commitments during the preceding calendar month, or (b) 0.25%, if average daily Revolver Usage was more than 50% of the Commitments during such month.

Upstream Payment: a Distribution by a Subsidiary of an Obligor to such Obligor.

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

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate: as defined in Section 5.9.2(b)(iii).

Value: (a) for Inventory, its value determined on the basis of the lower of cost (with depreciation calculated in accordance with GAAP) or market, calculated on a first-in, first out basis, and excluding any portion of cost attributable to intercompany profit among Borrowers and their Affiliates; and (b) for an Account, its face amount, net of any returns, rebates, discounts (calculated on the shortest terms), credits, allowances or sales, excise or other similar Taxes that have been or could be claimed by the Account Debtor or any other Person.

 

34


Write-Down and Conversion Powers: (a) the write-down and conversion powers of the applicable EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule; or (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that Person or any other Person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.

1.2 Accounting Terms. Under the Loan Documents (except as otherwise specified therein), all accounting terms shall be interpreted, all accounting determinations shall be made, and all financial statements shall be prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the most recent audited financial statements of Obligors delivered to Agent before the Closing Date and using the same inventory valuation method and lease accounting treatment as used in such financial statements; provided, that Obligors may adopt a change required or permitted by GAAP after the Closing Date as long as Obligors’ certified public accountants concur in such change, it is disclosed to Agent and the Loan Documents are amended in a manner satisfactory to Required Lenders to address the change. Upon request by Agent or Required Lenders, Borrowers’ financial statements and Borrower Materials shall set forth a reconciliation between calculations made before and after giving effect to any change in GAAP. In addition, all accounting terms shall be interpreted, all accounting determinations shall be made and all financial statements shall be prepared without giving effect to any election under FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 825, Financial Instruments, or any successor thereto (including pursuant to the Accounting Standards Codification), to value any Debt at “fair value”, as defined therein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no financial results shall include (to the extent otherwise included therein and whether by consolidation, the equity method of accounting or otherwise) the results of any Excluded Subsidiary (except that net income may include the amount of dividends or distributions actually paid in cash during such period by such Excluded Subsidiary to an Obligor).

1.3 Uniform Commercial Code. As used herein, the following terms are defined in accordance with the UCC in effect in the State of New York: “Account,” “Account Debtor,” “Chattel Paper,” “Commercial Tort Claim,” “Deposit Account,” “Document,” “Equipment,” “General Intangibles,” “Goods,” “Instrument,” “Investment Property,” “Letter-of-Credit Right”, “Securities Account” and “Supporting Obligation.”

1.4 Certain Matters of Construction. The rules of construction and interpretation included in this Section apply to all Loan Documents. The terms “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to the applicable document as a whole and not to any particular section, paragraph or subdivision. Any pronoun used shall be deemed to cover all genders. In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later date, “from” means

 

35


“from and including,” and “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding.” The terms “including” and “include” shall mean “including, without limitation” and the rule of ejusdem generis shall not apply to limit any provision. Section titles appear as a matter of convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of a Loan Document. Reference to any (a) law includes all related regulations, interpretations, supplements, amendments and successor provisions; (b) document, instrument or agreement includes any amendment, extension, supplement, waiver, replacement and other modification thereto (to the extent permitted by the Loan Documents and except as otherwise specified herein); (c) section means, unless the context otherwise requires, a section of the applicable document; (d) exhibit or schedule means, unless the context otherwise requires, an exhibit or schedule to the applicable document, which is thereby incorporated by reference; (e) Person includes its permitted successors and assigns; (f) time of day means the time at Agent’s notice address under Section 14.3.1; or (g) discretion of Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender means the sole and absolute discretion of such Person exercised at any time. Any references to Value, Borrowing Base components, Loans, Letters of Credit, Obligations and other amounts herein shall be denominated in Dollars, unless expressly provided otherwise, and any determination (including calculation of Borrowing Base and financial covenants) made from time to time by Obligors under the Loan Documents shall be made in light of the circumstances existing at such time. Borrowing Base calculations shall be consistent with historical methods of valuation and calculation, and otherwise satisfactory to Agent (and not necessarily calculated in accordance with GAAP). Obligors have the burden of establishing any alleged negligence, misconduct or lack of good faith by any Indemnitee under a Loan Document. No provision of a Loan Document shall be construed against a party by reason of it having, or being deemed to have, drafted the provision. Reference to an Obligor’s “knowledge” or similar concept means actual knowledge of a Senior Officer, or knowledge that a Senior Officer would have obtained if he or she had engaged in good faith and diligent performance of his or her duties, including reasonably specific inquiries of employees or agents and a good faith attempt to ascertain the matter.

1.5 Division. Any reference herein to a merger, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation, assignment, sale, disposition or transfer, or similar term, shall be deemed to apply to a Division of or by a limited liability company or limited partnership, or an allocation of assets to a series of any such entity (or the unwinding of such a division or allocation) as if it were a merger, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation, assignment, sale, disposition or transfer or similar term, as applicable, to, of or with a separate Person. Any Division of Person shall constitute a separate Person hereunder.

Section 2. CREDIT FACILITIES.

2.1 Loan Commitments

2.1.1 Commitments. Each Lender agrees, severally on a Pro Rata basis up to its Commitment, on the terms set forth herein (including Section 6), to make Loans to Borrowers from time to time through the Termination Date. The Loans may be repaid and reborrowed as provided herein. In no event shall Lenders have any obligation to honor a request for a Loan if Revolver Usage at such time plus the requested Loan would exceed the Borrowing Base.

 

36


2.1.2 Notes. Loans and interest accruing thereon shall be evidenced by the records of Agent and the applicable Lender. At the request of a Lender, Borrowers shall deliver promissory note(s) to such Lender, evidencing its Loans.

2.1.3 Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of Loans shall be used by Borrowers solely (a) on the Closing Date, to satisfy existing Debt and pay a portion of the purchase price for the Compressco Acquisition; (b) on the Closing Date, to pay fees and transaction expenses associated with the closing of this credit facility and the Compressco Acquisition; (c) to pay Obligations in accordance with this Agreement; (d) to pay the purchase price for the First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition in accordance with the First Amendment Compressco Sale-Leaseback Documents within 30 days following the First Amendment Effective Date and so long as Availability is at least $12,000,000 after giving effect to such Borrowing and all payments to satisfy the purchase price therefor; and (e) for lawful corporate purposes of Borrowers, including working capital. Borrowers shall not, directly or indirectly, use any Letter of Credit or Loan proceeds, nor use, lend, contribute or otherwise make available any Letter of Credit or Loan proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, (i) to fund any activities of or business with any Person, or in any Designated Jurisdiction, that, at the time of issuance of the Letter of Credit or funding of the Loan, is the target of any Sanction; (ii) in any manner that would result in a violation of a Sanction, Anti-Corruption Law or other Applicable Law by any Person (including any Secured Party or other individual or entity participating in any transaction); or (iii) except for the Compressco Acquisition on the Closing Date, to purchase or carry, or to reduce or refinance any Debt incurred to purchase or carry, any Margin Stock or for any related purpose governed by Regulations T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

2.1.4 Voluntary Reduction or Termination. Upon at least 10 days prior written notice to Agent at any time, Borrowers may terminate or reduce the Commitments. Each reduction shall be in an increment of $1,000,000, but not less than $5,000,000, and shall be specified in the notice. Any notice of termination or reduction by Borrowers shall be irrevocable; provided, that a notice of termination in full may state that such notice is conditional upon the effectiveness of another credit facility, in which case such notice may be revoked by Borrower Agent by notice to Agent on or prior to the specified effective date if such condition is not satisfied.

2.1.5 Overadvances. If any Overadvance shall exist at any time, the excess shall be repaid by Borrowers upon demand by Agent, and shall constitute an Obligation secured by the Collateral, entitled to all benefits of the Loan Documents. Agent may require Lenders to fund Base Rate Loans that cause or constitute an Overadvance and to forbear from requiring Borrowers to cure an Overadvance, as long as the total Overadvance does not exceed $7,000,000 and does not continue for more than 30 consecutive days without the consent of Required Lenders. In no event shall Loans be required that would cause Revolver Usage to exceed the aggregate Commitments. No funding or sufferance of an Overadvance shall constitute a waiver by Agent or Lenders of the Event of Default caused thereby. No Obligor shall be a beneficiary of this Section nor authorized to enforce any of its terms.

2.1.6 Protective Advances. Agent shall be authorized, in its discretion, at any time that any condition in Section 6 is not satisfied, to make Base Rate Loans (“Protective Advances”) (a) up to an aggregate amount of $7,000,000 outstanding at any time, if Agent deems such Loans necessary or desirable to preserve or protect Collateral, or to enhance the collectability or

 

37


repayment of Obligations, as long as such Loans do not cause Revolver Usage to exceed the aggregate Commitments; or (b) to pay any other amounts chargeable to Obligors under any Loan Documents, including interest, costs, fees and expenses. Lenders shall participate on a Pro Rata basis in Protective Advances outstanding from time to time. Required Lenders may at any time revoke Agent’s authority to make further Protective Advances under clause (a) by written notice to Agent. Absent such revocation, Agent’s determination that funding of a Protective Advance is appropriate shall be conclusive. No funding of a Protective Advance shall constitute a waiver by Agent or Lenders of any Event of Default relating thereto. No Obligor shall be a beneficiary of this Section nor authorized to enforce any of its terms.

2.1.7 Increase in Commitments. Borrowers may request an increase in Commitments from time to time upon not less than 30 days’ notice to Agent, as long as (a) the requested increase is in a minimum amount of $5,000,000 and is offered on the same terms as existing Commitments, except for a closing fee specified by Borrowers, (b) total increases under this Section do not exceed $30,000,000 and no more than three increases are made, and (c) the requested increase does not cause the Commitments to exceed 90% of any applicable cap under any intercreditor or subordination agreement. Agent shall promptly notify Lenders of the requested increase and, within 10 Business Days thereafter, each Lender shall notify Agent if and to what extent such Lender commits to increase its Commitment. No Lender is obligated to provide any increase, and any Lender not responding within such period shall be deemed to have declined an increase. If Lenders fail to commit to the full requested increase, Eligible Assignees may issue additional Commitments and become Lenders hereunder. Agent may allocate, in its discretion, the increased Commitments among committing Lenders and, if necessary, Eligible Assignees. Total Commitments shall be increased by the requested amount (or such lesser amount committed by Lenders and Eligible Assignees) on a date agreed upon by Agent and Borrower Agent, provided the conditions set forth in Section 6.2 are satisfied at such time. Agent, Obligors, and the new and existing Lenders shall execute and deliver such documents and agreements as Agent deems appropriate to evidence the increase in and allocations of Commitments and Obligors shall pay any fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith. On the effective date of an increase, the Revolver Usage and other exposures under the Commitments shall be reallocated among Lenders, and settled by Agent as necessary, in accordance with Lenders’ adjusted shares of Commitments.

2.2 Letter of Credit Facility.

2.2.1 Issuance of Letters of Credit. Issuing Bank shall issue Letters of Credit from time to time until 20 Business Days prior to the Termination Date, on the terms set forth herein, including the following:

(a) Each Borrower acknowledges that Issuing Bank’s issuance of any Letter of Credit is conditioned upon Issuing Bank’s receipt of a LC Application with respect to the requested Letter of Credit, as well as such other instruments and agreements as Issuing Bank may customarily require for issuance of a letter of credit of similar type and amount. Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue any Letter of Credit unless (i) Issuing Bank receives a LC Request and LC Application at least three Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance; (ii) each LC Condition is satisfied; and (iii) if a Defaulting Lender exists, such Lender or Borrowers have entered into arrangements satisfactory to Agent and Issuing Bank to eliminate any Fronting Exposure associated with such Lender. If, in sufficient time to act, Issuing Bank receives written

 

38


notice from Agent or Required Lenders that a LC Condition has not been satisfied, Issuing Bank shall not issue the requested Letter of Credit. Prior to receipt of any such notice, Issuing Bank shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any failure of LC Conditions. Letters of Credit may not extend beyond the scheduled Termination Date unless Cash Collateralized to the satisfaction of Agent, and Issuing Bank shall be entitled to issue notices of non-renewal to the beneficiaries thereof with respect to any Letter of Credit with automatic renewal provisions.

(b) Letters of Credit may be requested by a Borrower to support obligations incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business, or as otherwise approved by Agent (but not for the benefit of Compressco). Increase, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be treated as issuance of a new Letter of Credit, but Issuing Bank may require a new LC Application in its discretion.

(c) Borrowers assume all risks of beneficiaries’ acts, omissions or misuses of Letters of Credit. None of Agent, Issuing Bank or Lenders shall be responsible for the existence, character, quality, quantity, condition, packing, value or delivery of any goods purported to be represented by any Documents; differences or variation in the character, quality, quantity, condition, packing, value or delivery of any goods from that expressed in any Documents; the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any Documents or any endorsements thereon; the time, place, manner or order in which shipment of goods is made; partial, incomplete or failed shipment of any goods referred to in a Letter of Credit or Documents; deviation from instructions, delay, default or fraud by any shipper or other Person in connection with any goods, shipment or delivery; breach of contract between a shipper or vendor and an Obligor; errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex, telecopy, e-mail, telephone or otherwise; errors in interpretation of technical terms; misapplication by a beneficiary of a Letter of Credit or proceeds thereof; or consequences arising from causes beyond the control of Issuing Bank, Agent or any Lender, including any act or omission of a Governmental Authority. Obligors shall take all action (including enforcement of available rights against a beneficiary) to avoid and mitigate damages relating to Letters of Credit or claimed against Issuing Bank, Agent or any Lender. Issuing Bank shall be fully subrogated to all rights and remedies of a beneficiary whose claims are discharged through a Letter of Credit.

(d) In connection with its administration of and enforcement of rights or remedies under any Letters of Credit or LC Documents, Issuing Bank shall be entitled to act, and shall be fully protected in acting, upon any certification, documentation or other Communication in whatever form believed by Issuing Bank, in good faith, to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by a proper Person. Issuing Bank may use legal counsel, accountants and other experts to advise it concerning its obligations, rights and remedies, and shall be entitled to act (and shall be fully protected in any action taken in good faith reliance) upon any advice given by such experts. Issuing Bank may employ agents and attorneys-in-fact in connection with any matter relating to Letters of Credit or LC Documents, and shall not be liable for the negligence or misconduct of agents and attorneys-in-fact selected with reasonable care.

 

39


2.2.2 Reimbursement; Participations.

(a) If Issuing Bank honors any request for payment under a Letter of Credit, Borrowers shall pay to Issuing Bank, on the same day (“Reimbursement Date”), the amount paid by Issuing Bank under such Letter of Credit, together with interest at the interest rate for Base Rate Loans from the Reimbursement Date until payment by Borrowers. The obligation of Borrowers to reimburse Issuing Bank for any payment made under a Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional, irrevocable, and joint and several, and shall be paid without regard to any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right that Borrowers may have at any time against the beneficiary. Whether or not Borrower Agent submits a Notice of Borrowing, Borrowers shall be deemed to have requested a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in an amount necessary to pay all amounts due Issuing Bank on any Reimbursement Date and each Lender shall fund its Pro Rata share of such Borrowing whether or not the Commitments have terminated, an Overadvance exists or is created thereby, or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied.

(b) Each Lender hereby irrevocably and unconditionally purchases from Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided Pro Rata participation in all LC Obligations outstanding from time to time. Issuing Bank is issuing Letters of Credit in reliance upon this participation. If Borrowers do not make a payment to Issuing Bank when due hereunder, Agent shall promptly notify Lenders and each Lender shall within one Business Day after such notice pay to Agent, for the benefit of Issuing Bank, the Lender’s Pro Rata share of such payment. Upon request by a Lender, Issuing Bank shall provide copies of Letters of Credit and LC Documents in its possession.

(c) The obligation of each Lender to make payments to Agent for the account of Issuing Bank in connection with Issuing Bank’s payment under a Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, not subject to any counterclaim, setoff, qualification or exception whatsoever, and shall be made as provided in this Agreement under all circumstances, irrespective of any lack of validity or unenforceability of any Loan Documents; a draft, certificate or other document presented under a Letter of Credit being determined to be forged, fraudulent, noncompliant, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; waiver by Issuing Bank of a requirement that exists for its protection (and not a Obligor’s protection) or that does not materially prejudice an Obligor; honor of an electronic demand for payment even if a draft is required; payment of an item presented after a Letter of Credit’s expiration date if authorized by the UCC or applicable customs or practices; or any setoff or defense that an Obligor may have with respect to any Obligations. Issuing Bank does not assume responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by any Obligor or other Person of any obligations under any LC Documents. Issuing Bank does not make any express or implied warranty, representation or guaranty to Lenders with respect to any Letter of Credit, Collateral, LC Document or Obligor. Issuing Bank shall not be responsible to any Lender for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in, or for the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of any LC Documents; the validity, genuineness, enforceability, collectability, value or sufficiency of any Collateral or perfection of any Lien therein; or the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any Obligor.

 

40


(d) No Indemnitee shall be liable to any Obligor, Lender or other Person for any action taken or omitted to be taken in connection with any Letter of Credit or LC Document except as a result of such Indemnitee’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Issuing Bank may refrain from taking any action with respect to a Letter of Credit until it receives written instructions (and in its discretion, appropriate assurances) from the Lenders.

2.2.3 Cash Collateral. At Agent’s or Issuing Bank’s request, Obligors shall Cash Collateralize (a) the Fronting Exposure of any Defaulting Lender; and (b) all outstanding Letters of Credit if an Event of Default exists, the Termination Date is scheduled to occur within 20 Business Days or the Termination Date occurs. If Obligors fail to provide any Cash Collateral as required hereunder, Lenders may (and shall upon direction of Agent) advance, as Loans, the amount of Cash Collateral required (whether or not the Commitments have terminated, an Overadvance exists or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied).

2.2.4 Resignation of Issuing Bank. Issuing Bank may resign at any time upon notice to Agent and Borrowers, and any resignation of Agent hereunder shall automatically constitute its concurrent resignation as Issuing Bank. From the effective date of its resignation, Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue, amend, renew, extend or otherwise modify any Letter of Credit, but shall otherwise have all rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank hereunder relating to any Letter of Credit issued by it prior to such date. A replacement Issuing Bank may be appointed by written agreement among Agent, Borrower Agent and the new Issuing Bank.

Section 3. INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES

3.1 Interest

3.1.1 Rates and Payment of Interest.

(a) The Obligations shall bear interest (i) if a Base Rate Loan, at the Base Rate in effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin; (ii) if a BSBY Loan, at BSBY for the applicable Interest Period, plus the Applicable Margin; and (iii) if any other Obligation (including, to the extent permitted by law, interest not paid when due), at the Base Rate in effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans.

(b) During an Insolvency Proceeding with respect to any Obligor, or during any other Event of Default if Agent or Required Lenders in their discretion so elect, Obligations shall bear interest at the Default Rate (whether before or after any judgment), payable on demand.

(c) Interest shall accrue from the date a Loan is advanced or Obligation is incurred or payable, as applicable, until paid in full by Borrowers, and shall in no event be less than zero at any time. Interest accrued on the Loans is due and payable in arrears (i) on each Interest Payment Date; (ii) concurrently with prepayment of any BSBY Loan, with respect to the principal amount being prepaid; and (iii) on the Termination Date. Interest accrued on any other Obligations shall be due and payable as provided in the applicable agreements or, if no payment date is specified, on demand.

 

41


3.1.2 Application of BSBY to Outstanding Loans.

(a) Borrowers may elect to convert any portion of Base Rate Loans to, or to continue any BSBY Loan at the end of its Interest Period as, a BSBY Loan. During any Default or Event of Default, Agent may (and shall at the direction of Required Lenders) declare that no Loan may be made, converted or continued as a BSBY Loan.

(b) Borrower Agent shall give Agent a Notice of Conversion/Continuation no later than 11:00 a.m. at least two Business Days before the requested conversion or continuation date. Promptly after receiving any such notice, Agent shall notify each Lender thereof. Each Notice of Conversion/Continuation shall be irrevocable, and shall specify the amount of Loans to be converted or continued, the conversion or continuation date (which shall be a Business Day), and the duration of the Interest Period (which shall be deemed to be one month if not specified). If, at expiration of an Interest Period for a BSBY Loan, Borrowers have failed to deliver a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, the Loan shall convert into a Base Rate Loan. Agent does not warrant or accept responsibility for, nor shall it have any liability with respect to, administration, submission or any other matter related to any rate used in determining BSBY Rate or with respect to any rate (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the selection of such rate and any related spread or other adjustment) that is an alternate or replacement for or successor to any such rate (including any Successor Rate), or the effect of any of the foregoing, or of any Conforming Changes.

3.1.3 Interest Periods. Borrowers shall select an interest period (“Interest Period”) of one, three or six months (in each case, subject to availability) to apply to each BSBY Loan; provided, that (a) the Interest Period shall begin on the date the Loan is made or continued as, or converted into, a BSBY Loan, and shall expire on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at its end; (b) if any Interest Period begins on a day for which there is no corresponding day in the calendar month at its end or if such corresponding day falls after the last Business Day of the ending month, then the Interest Period shall expire on such month’s last Business Day; and if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day, the period shall expire on the next Business Day; and (c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Termination Date.

3.2 Fees.

3.2.1 Unused Line Fee. Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Lenders, a fee equal to the Unused Line Fee Rate times the amount by which the Commitments exceed the average daily Revolver Usage during any month. Such fee shall be payable in arrears, on the first day of each month and on the Termination Date.

3.2.2 LC Facility Fees. Borrowers shall pay (a) to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Lenders, a fee equal to the Applicable Margin in effect for BSBY Loans times the average daily Stated Amount of Letters of Credit, payable in arrears on the first day of each month; (b) to Issuing Bank, for its own account, a fronting fee equal to 0.125% per annum on the Stated Amount of each Letter of Credit, payable in arrears on the first day of each month; and (c) to Issuing Bank, for its own account, all customary charges associated with the issuance, amending, negotiating, payment, processing, transfer and administration of Letters of Credit, which charges shall be paid as and when incurred. During an Event of Default, the fee payable under clause (a) shall be increased by 2% per annum.

 

42


3.2.3 Fee Letters. Borrowers shall pay all fees set forth in any fee letter executed in connection with this Agreement.

3.3 Computation of Interest, Fees, Yield Protection. All interest, as well as fees and other charges calculated on a per annum basis, shall be computed for the actual days elapsed, based on a year of 360 days. Each determination by Agent of any interest, fees or interest rate hereunder shall be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. All fees shall be fully earned when due and shall not be subject to rebate, refund or proration. All fees payable under Section 3.2 are compensation for services and are not, and shall not be deemed to be, interest or any other charge for the use, forbearance or detention of money. A certificate as to amounts payable by Borrowers under Section 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.9 or 5.8 that is submitted to Borrower Agent by Agent or the affected Lender shall be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and Borrowers shall pay such amounts to the appropriate party within 10 days following receipt of the certificate.

3.4 Reimbursement Obligations. Obligors shall pay all Claims promptly upon written request. Obligors shall also reimburse Agent for all reasonable and documented legal, accounting, appraisal, consulting, and other fees and expenses incurred by it in connection with (a) negotiation and preparation of Loan Documents, including any modification thereof; (b) administration of and actions relating to any Collateral, Loan Documents and transactions contemplated thereby, including any actions taken to perfect or maintain priority of Agent’s Liens on any Collateral, to maintain any insurance required hereunder or to verify Collateral; and (c) subject to the limits of Section 10.1.1(b), any examination or appraisal with respect to any Obligor or Collateral by Agent’s personnel or a third party. All legal, accounting and consulting fees shall be charged to Obligors by Agent’s professionals at their then applicable hourly rates, regardless of any alternative fee arrangements that Agent, any Lender or any of their Affiliates may have with such professionals that otherwise might apply to any other transaction. Obligors acknowledge that counsel may provide Agent with a benefit (such as a discount, credit or accommodation for other matters) based on counsel’s overall relationship with Agent, including fees paid hereunder. If, for any reason (including inaccurate information in Borrower Materials), it is determined that a higher Applicable Margin should have applied to a period than was actually applied, then the proper margin shall be applied retroactively and Borrowers shall immediately pay to Agent, for the ratable benefit of Lenders, an amount equal to the difference between the amount of interest and fees that would have accrued using the proper margin and the amount actually paid. All amounts payable by Obligors under this Section shall be due on demand.

3.5 Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Applicable Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to perform any of its obligations hereunder, to make, maintain, issue, fund, commit to, participate in, or charge applicable interest or fees with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, or to determine or charge interest based on BSBY Rate, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to Agent, (a) any obligation of such Lender to perform such obligations, to make, maintain, issue, fund, commit to or participate in the Loan or Letter of Credit (or to charge interest or fees otherwise applicable thereto), or to continue or convert Loans as BSBY Loans, shall be suspended and (b) if

 

43


such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender to make or maintain Base Rate Loans whose interest rate is determined by reference to BSBY Rate, the interest rate applicable to such Lender’s Base Rate Loans shall, as necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by Agent without reference to the BSBY Rate component of Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies Agent that the circumstances giving rise to Lender’s determination no longer exist. Upon delivery of such notice, Borrowers shall prepay or convert BSBY Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain the Loan and charge applicable interest to such day, or immediately, if such Lender cannot so maintain the Loan. Upon any such prepayment or conversion of a Loan pursuant to this Section, Borrowers shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

3.6 Inability to Determine Rates.

3.6.1 Inability to Determine Rate. If in connection with any request for a BSBY Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof, as applicable, (a) Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that (i) no Successor Rate has been determined in accordance with Section 3.6.2, and the circumstances under Section 3.6.2(a) or the Scheduled Unavailability Date has occurred (as applicable), or (ii) adequate and reasonable means do not otherwise exist for determining BSBY Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed BSBY Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan, or (b) Agent or Required Lenders determine that for any reason that BSBY Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed BSBY Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, Agent will promptly so notify Borrowers and Lenders. Thereafter, (x) the obligation of Lenders to make, maintain, or convert Base Rate Loans to, BSBY Loans shall be suspended (to the extent of the affected BSBY Loans or Interest Periods), and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the BSBY Rate component of Base Rate, the utilization of such component in determining Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until Agent (or, in the case of a determination by Required Lenders described above, until Agent upon instruction of Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, (i) Borrowers may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing, conversion or continuation of BSBY Loans (to the extent of the affected BSBY Loans or Interest Periods) or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for Base Rate Loans, and (ii) any outstanding BSBY Loans shall convert to Base Rate Loans at the end of their respective Interest Periods.

3.6.2 Replacement of BSBY. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, if Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), or Borrower Agent or Required Lenders notify Agent (with, in the case of the Required Lenders, a copy to Borrowers) that Borrowers or Required Lenders (as applicable) have determined, that:

(a) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining one month, three month and six month interest periods of BSBY, including because the BSBY Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis, and such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary; or

 

44


(b) Bloomberg or any successor administrator of the BSBY Screen Rate or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over Agent, Bloomberg or such administrator has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which one month, three month and six month interest periods of BSBY Rate or the BSBY Screen Rate shall or will no longer be representative or made available, or used for determining the interest rate of loans, or shall or will otherwise cease, provided, that, at the time of such statement, there is no successor administrator satisfactory to Agent that will continue to provide such representative interest periods of BSBY Rate after such specific date (the latest date on which one month, three month and six month interest periods of BSBY Rate or the BSBY Screen Rate are no longer representative or available permanently or indefinitely, “Scheduled Unavailability Date”);

then, on a date and time determined by Agent (any such date, “BSBY Replacement Date”), which date shall be at the end of an Interest Period or on the relevant interest payment date, as applicable, for interest calculated and, solely with respect to clause (b) above, no later than the Scheduled Unavailability Date, BSBY Rate will be replaced hereunder and under any other applicable Loan Document with, subject to the proviso below, the first available alternative set forth in the order below for any interest period for interest calculated that can be determined by Agent, in each case, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document (“Successor Rate”):

(i) Term SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment; and

(ii) Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment;

provided, that if initially BSBY is replaced with Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment and, subsequent to such replacement, Agent determines that Term SOFR has become available and is administratively feasible for Agent in its discretion, and Agent notifies Borrower Agent and Lenders of such availability, then from and after the beginning of the Interest Period, relevant interest payment date or payment period for interest calculated, in each case, commencing no less than 30 days after the date of such notice, the Successor Rate shall be Term SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment. If the Successor Rate is Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment, all interest will be payable on a monthly basis.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein (x) if Agent determines that neither of the alternatives in clauses (i) and (ii) above is available on or prior to the BSBY Replacement Date or (y) if the events or circumstances of the type described in clauses (a) or (b) above have occurred with respect to the Successor Rate then in effect, then in each case, Agent and Borrower Agent may amend this Agreement solely for the purpose of replacing BSBY Rate or any then current Successor Rate in accordance with this Section at the end of any Interest Period, relevant interest payment date or payment period for interest calculated, as applicable, with another alternate benchmark rate giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar U.S. dollar denominated syndicated credit facilities for such alternative benchmarks and, in each case, including any mathematical or other adjustments to such benchmark giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar U.S. dollar denominated syndicated credit facilities for such benchmarks, which adjustment or method for calculating such adjustment shall be published on an information service selected by Agent from time to time in its discretion and may be periodically updated. For the avoidance of doubt, any such proposed rate and adjustments shall constitute a Successor Rate. Any such amendment shall become effective at 5:00 p.m. on the fifth Business Day after Agent posts such proposed amendment to all Lenders and Borrowers unless, prior to such time, Required Lenders deliver to the Administrative Agent written notice that Required Lenders object to the amendment.

 

45


Agent will promptly (in one or more notices) notify Borrowers and Lenders of implementation of any Successor Rate. A Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided, that to the extent market practice is not administratively feasible for Agent, the Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner as otherwise reasonably determined by Agent. Notwithstanding anything else herein, if at any time any Successor Rate as so determined would otherwise be less than 0.25%, the Successor Rate will be deemed to be 0.25% for all purposes of the Loan Documents.

In connection with implementation of a Successor Rate, Agent may make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement; provided, that with respect to any such amendment effected, Agent shall post each amendment implementing Conforming Changes to Borrowers and Lenders reasonably promptly after such amendment becomes effective.

3.7 Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy

3.7.1 Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall:

(a) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, liquidity, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in calculating the BSBY Rate) or Issuing Bank;

(b) subject any Recipient to Taxes (other than (i) Indemnified Taxes, (ii) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes, and (iii) Connection Income Taxes) with respect to any Loan, Letter of Credit, Commitment or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

(c) impose on any Lender, Issuing Bank or interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (in each case, other than Taxes) affecting any Loan, Letter of Credit, participation in LC Obligations, Commitment or Loan Document;

and the result thereof shall be to increase the cost to a Lender of making or maintaining any Loan or its Commitment, or converting to or continuing any interest option for a Loan, or to increase the cost to a Lender or Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by a Lender or Issuing Bank hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or Issuing Bank, Borrowers will pay to it such additional amount(s) as will compensate it for the additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

46


3.7.2 Capital Requirements. If a Lender or Issuing Bank determines that a Change in Law affecting it or its holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s, Issuing Bank’s or holding company’s capital as a consequence of this Agreement, or such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s Commitment, Loans, Letters of Credit or participations in LC Obligations or Loans, to a level below that which such Lender, Issuing Bank or holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time Borrowers will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amounts as will compensate it or its holding company for the reduction suffered; provided that such Lender or Issuing Bank is generally seeking, or intends generally to seek, compensation from similarly situated borrowers under similar credit facilities with respect to such Change in Law regarding capital or liquidity requirements.

3.7.3 Compensation. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of its right to demand such compensation, but Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender or Issuing Bank for any increased costs or reductions suffered more than nine months (plus any period of retroactivity of the Change in Law giving rise to the demand) prior to the date that the Lender or Issuing Bank notifies Borrower Agent of the applicable Change in Law and of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor.

3.8 Mitigation. If any Lender gives a notice under Section 3.5 or requests compensation under Section 3.7, or if Borrowers are required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts with respect to a Lender under Section 5.8, then at the request of Borrower Agent, such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate or assign its obligations hereunder to a different Lending Office, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment would eliminate the need for such notice or reduce amounts payable or to be withheld in the future, would not subject the Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense, and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to it or unlawful. Borrowers shall pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

3.9 Funding Losses. If for any reason (a) any Borrowing, conversion or continuation of a BSBY Loan does not occur on the date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation (whether or not withdrawn), (b) any repayment or conversion of a BSBY Loan occurs on a day other than the end of its Interest Period, (c) Borrowers fail to repay a BSBY Loan when required, or (d) a Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender) is required to assign a BSBY Loan prior to the end of its Interest Period pursuant to Section 13.4, then Borrowers shall pay to Agent its customary administrative charge and to each Lender all losses, expenses and fees arising from redeployment of funds or termination of match funding.

3.10 Maximum Interest. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by Applicable Law (“maximum rate”). If Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the maximum rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Obligations or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to Borrowers. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged or received by Agent or a Lender exceeds the maximum rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee or premium rather than interest; (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof; and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate and spread (in equal or unequal parts) the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

 

47


Section 4. LOAN ADMINISTRATION.

4.1 Manner of Borrowing and Funding Loans

4.1.1 Notice of Borrowing.

(a) To request Loans, Borrower Agent shall give Agent a Notice of Borrowing by 11:00 a.m. (i) on the requested funding date, in the case of Base Rate Loans, and (ii) at least two Business Days prior to the requested funding date, in the case of BSBY Loans. Notices received by Agent after such time shall be deemed received on the next Business Day. Each Notice of Borrowing shall be irrevocable and shall specify (A) the Borrowing amount, (B) the requested funding date (which must be a Business Day), (C) whether the Borrowing is to be made as a Base Rate Loan or BSBY Loan, and (D) in the case of a BSBY Loan, the applicable Interest Period (which shall be deemed to be one month if not specified).

(b) Unless payment is otherwise made by Borrowers, the becoming due of any Obligation (whether principal, interest, fees or other charges, including Extraordinary Expenses, LC Obligations, Cash Collateral and Secured Bank Product Obligations) shall be deemed to be a request for a Base Rate Loan on the due date in the amount due and the Loan proceeds shall be disbursed as direct payment of such Obligation. In addition, Agent may, at its option, charge such amount against any operating, investment or other account of an Obligor maintained with Agent or any of its Affiliates.

(c) If a Borrower maintains a disbursement account with Agent or any of its Affiliates, then presentation for payment in the account of a Payment Item when there are insufficient funds to cover it shall be deemed to be a request for a Base Rate Loan on the presentation date, in the amount of the Payment Item. Proceeds of the Loan may be disbursed directly to the account.

4.1.2 Fundings by Lenders. Except for Swingline Loans, Agent shall endeavor to notify Lenders of each Notice of Borrowing (or deemed request for a Borrowing) by 1:00 p.m. on the proposed funding date for a Base Rate Loan or by 3:00 p.m. two Business Days before a proposed funding of a BSBY Loan. Each Lender shall fund its Pro Rata share of a Borrowing in immediately available funds not later than 3:00 p.m. on the requested funding date, unless Agent’s notice is received after the times provided above, in which case Lender shall fund by 11:00 a.m. on the next Business Day. Subject to its receipt of such amounts from Lenders, Agent shall disburse the Borrowing proceeds in a manner directed by Borrower Agent and acceptable to Agent. Unless Agent receives (in sufficient time to act) written notice from a Lender that it will not fund its share of a Borrowing, Agent may assume that such Lender has deposited or promptly will deposit its share with Agent, and Agent may disburse a corresponding amount to Borrowers. If a Lender’s share of a Borrowing or of a settlement under Section 4.1.3(b) is not received by Agent, then Borrowers agree to repay to Agent on demand the amount of such share, together with interest thereon from the date disbursed until repaid, at the rate applicable to the Borrowing. Agent, a Lender or Issuing Bank may fulfill its obligations under Loan Documents through one or more Lending Offices, and this shall not affect any obligation of Obligors under the Loan Documents or with respect to any Obligations.

 

48


4.1.3 Swingline Loans; Settlement.

(a) To fulfill any request for a Base Rate Loan hereunder, Agent may in its discretion advance Swingline Loans to Borrowers, up to an aggregate outstanding amount of $7,000,000. Swingline Loans shall constitute Loans for all purposes, except that payments thereon shall be made to Agent for its own account until settled with or funded by Lenders hereunder.

(b) Settlement of Loans, including Swingline Loans, among Lenders and Agent shall take place on a date determined from time to time by Agent (but at least weekly, unless the settlement amount is de minimis), on a Pro Rata basis in accordance with the Settlement Report delivered by Agent to Lenders. Between settlement dates, Agent may in its discretion apply payments on Loans to Swingline Loans, regardless of any designation by Borrowers or anything herein to the contrary. Each Lender hereby purchases, without recourse or warranty, an undivided Pro Rata participation in all Swingline Loans outstanding from time to time until settled. If a Swingline Loan cannot be settled among Lenders, whether due to an Obligor’s Insolvency Proceeding or any other reason, each Lender shall pay the amount of its participation in the Loan to Agent, in immediately available funds, within one Business Day after Agent’s request therefor. Interest on a Loan shall be payable in favor of a Lender from the later of the date the Loan is advanced to Borrowers or the Lender funds the Loan (or participation therein). No Obligor or Secured Party shall be entitled to credit for interest paid by a Secured Party to Agent pursuant to Section 4.1.3(c) or 12.10.2, nor shall a Defaulting Lender be entitled to interest on amounts held by Agent pursuant to Section 4.2. Lenders’ obligations to make settlements and to fund participations are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional, without offset, counterclaim or other defense, and whether or not the Commitments have terminated, an Overadvance exists or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied.

(c) Unless Agent receives notice from Borrowers prior to the date on which a payment is due to Agent for the account of Lenders or Issuing Bank hereunder that Borrowers will not make such payment, Agent may assume that Borrowers have made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance on such assumption, distribute to Lenders or Issuing Bank, as applicable, the amount due. With respect to any payment that Agent makes for the account of Lenders or Issuing Bank hereunder as to which Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that any of the following applies (such payment, a “Rescindable Amount”): (1) Borrowers have not in fact made such payment, (2) Agent has made a payment in excess of the amount so paid by Borrowers (whether or not then owed), or (3) Agent has for any reason otherwise erroneously made such payment, then each Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, severally agrees to repay to Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount so distributed to or otherwise made for the account of such Lender or Issuing Bank, in immediately available funds with interest thereon for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. A notice by Agent to Issuing Bank, any Lender or any Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this clause (c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

 

49


4.1.4 Notices. If Borrowers request, convert or continue Loans, select interest rates or transfer funds based on telephonic or electronic instructions to Agent, Borrowers shall confirm the request by prompt delivery to Agent of a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation, as applicable. Agent and Lenders are not liable for any loss suffered by a Borrower as a result of Agent or a Lender acting on its understanding of telephonic or electronic instructions from a person believed in good faith to be authorized to give instructions on a Borrower’s behalf.

4.2 Defaulting Lender. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary:

4.2.1 Reallocation of Pro Rata Share; Amendments. For purposes of determining Lenders’ obligations or rights to fund, participate in or receive collections with respect to Loans and Letters of Credit (including existing Swingline Loans, Protective Advances and LC Obligations), Agent may in its discretion reallocate Pro Rata shares by excluding a Defaulting Lender’s Commitments and Loans from the calculation of shares. A Defaulting Lender shall have no right to vote on any amendment, waiver or other modification of a Loan Document, except as provided in Section 14.1.1(c).

4.2.2 Payments; Fees. Agent may, in its discretion, receive and retain any amounts payable to a Defaulting Lender under the Loan Documents, and a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed to have assigned to Agent such amounts until all Obligations owing to Agent, non-Defaulting Lenders and other Secured Parties have been paid in full. Agent may use such amounts to cover the Defaulting Lender’s defaulted obligations, to Cash Collateralize such Lender’s Fronting Exposure, to readvance the amounts to Borrowers or to repay Obligations. A Lender shall not be entitled to receive any fees accruing hereunder while it is a Defaulting Lender and its unfunded Commitment shall be disregarded for purposes of calculating the unused line fee under Section 3.2.1. If any LC Obligations owing to a Defaulting Lender are reallocated to other Lenders, fees attributable to such LC Obligations under Section 3.2.2 shall be paid to such Lenders. Agent shall be paid all fees attributable to LC Obligations that are not reallocated.

4.2.3 Status; Cure. Agent may determine in its discretion that a Lender constitutes a Defaulting Lender and the effective date of such status shall be conclusive and binding on all parties, absent manifest error. Borrowers, Agent and Issuing Bank may agree in writing that a Lender has ceased to be a Defaulting Lender, whereupon Pro Rata shares shall be reallocated without exclusion of the reinstated Lender’s Commitments and Loans, and the Revolver Usage and other exposures under the Commitments shall be reallocated among Lenders and settled by Agent (with appropriate payments by the reinstated Lender, including its payment of breakage costs for reallocated BSBY Loans) in accordance with the readjusted Pro Rata shares. Unless expressly agreed by Borrowers, Agent and Issuing Bank, or as expressly provided herein with respect to Bail-In Actions and related matters, no reallocation of Commitments and Loans to non-Defaulting Lenders or reinstatement of a Defaulting Lender shall constitute a waiver or release of claims against such Lender. The failure of any Lender to fund a Loan, to make a payment in respect of LC Obligations or otherwise to perform obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations under any Loan Document. No Lender shall be responsible for default by another Lender.

 

50


4.3 Number and Amount of BSBY Loans; Determination of Rate. Each Borrowing of BSBY Loans when made shall be in a minimum amount of $1,000,000, plus an increment of $100,000 in excess thereof. No more than six Borrowings of BSBY Loans may be outstanding at any time, and all BSBY Loans having the same length and beginning date of their Interest Periods shall be aggregated together and considered one Borrowing for this purpose. Upon determining BSBY for any Interest Period requested by Borrowers, Agent shall promptly notify Borrowers thereof by telephone or electronically and, if requested by Borrowers, shall confirm any telephonic notice in writing.

4.4 Borrower Agent. Each Borrower hereby designates Spartan LLC (“Borrower Agent”) as its representative and agent for all purposes under the Loan Documents, including requests for and receipt of Loans and Letters of Credit, designation of interest rates, delivery or receipt of Communications, delivery of Borrower Materials, payment of Obligations, requests for waivers, amendments or other accommodations, actions under the Loan Documents (including in respect of compliance with covenants), and all other dealings with Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender. Borrower Agent hereby accepts such appointment. Agent and Lenders shall be entitled to rely upon any Communication (including any notice of borrowing) delivered by or to Borrower Agent on behalf of any Borrower. Each of Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders shall have the right, in its discretion, to deal exclusively with Borrower Agent for all purposes under the Loan Documents. Each Obligor agrees that any Communication, delivery, action, omission or undertaking by Borrower Agent shall be binding upon and enforceable against such Obligor.

4.5 One Obligation. The Loans, LC Obligations and other Obligations constitute one general obligation of Borrowers, jointly and severally, and are secured by Agent’s Lien on all Collateral; provided, that Agent and each Lender shall be deemed to be a creditor of, and the holder of a separate claim against, each Borrower to the extent of any Obligations jointly or severally owed by such Borrower.

4.6 Effect of Termination. On the effective date of the termination of all Commitments, the Obligations shall be immediately due and payable, and each Secured Bank Product Provider may terminate its Bank Products. Until Full Payment of the Obligations, all undertakings of Obligors contained in the Loan Documents shall continue, and Agent shall retain its Liens in the Collateral and all of its rights and remedies under the Loan Documents. Agent shall not be required to terminate its Liens unless it receives Cash Collateral or a written agreement, in each case satisfactory to it, protecting Agent and Lenders from dishonor or return of any Payment Item previously applied to the Obligations. Sections 2.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.9, 4.1.3(c), 5.4, 5.8, 5.9, 12, 14.2, this Section, and each indemnity or waiver given by an Obligor or Lender in any Loan Document, shall survive any assignment by Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender of rights or obligations hereunder, termination of any Commitment, and any repayment, satisfaction, discharge or Full Payment of any Obligations.

 

51


Section 5. PAYMENTS

5.1 General Payment Provisions. All payments of Obligations shall be made in Dollars, without offset, counterclaim or defense of any kind, and in immediately available funds, not later than 12:00 noon on the due date. Any payment after such time shall be deemed made on the next Business Day. Any payment of a BSBY Loan prior to the end of its Interest Period shall be accompanied by all amounts due under Sections 3.1.1(c) and 3.9. Agent shall have the continuing, exclusive right to apply and reapply payments and proceeds of Collateral against the Obligations, at Agent’s discretion, but whenever possible (provided no Default or Event of Default exists) any prepayment shall be applied to Base Rate Loans before BSBY Loans.

5.2 Repayment of Loans. Loans may be prepaid from time to time, without penalty or premium (subject to Section 3.9). Loans shall be due and payable in full on the Termination Date, unless payment is sooner required hereunder, and any Overadvance or Protective Advance shall be due and payable as provided in Sections 2.1.5 and 2.1.6. If an Asset Disposition includes Accounts or Inventory, Obligors shall apply Net Proceeds to repay Loans equal to the greater of (a) the net book value (or fair market value, if higher) of such Accounts and Inventory, or (b) the reduction in Borrowing Base resulting from the disposition.

5.3 Payment of Other Obligations. Obligations other than Loans, including LC Obligations and Claims, shall be paid by Obligors as provided in the Loan Documents or, if no payment date is specified, on demand.

5.4 Marshaling; Payments Set Aside. None of Agent or Lenders shall be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Obligor or against any Obligations. If any payment by or on behalf of Obligors is made to Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender, or if Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender exercises a right of setoff, and any of such payment or setoff is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by Agent, Issuing Bank or a Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other Person, then the Obligation originally intended to be satisfied, and all Liens, rights and remedies relating thereto, shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment or setoff had not occurred.

5.5 Application and Allocation of Payments

5.5.1 Application. Payments made by Borrowers hereunder shall be applied (a) first, as specifically required hereby; (b) second, to Obligations then due and owing; (c) third, to other Obligations specified by Borrowers; and (d) fourth, as determined by Agent in its discretion.

5.5.2 Post-Default Allocation. Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, during an Event of Default under Section 11.1(j), or during any other Event of Default at the discretion of Agent or Required Lenders, monies to be applied to the Obligations, whether arising from payments by Obligors, realization on Collateral, setoff or otherwise, shall be allocated as follows:

(a) first, to all fees, indemnification, costs and expenses, including Extraordinary Expenses, owing to Agent;

 

52


(b) second, to all other amounts owing to Agent, including Swingline Loans, Protective Advances, and Loans and participations that a Defaulting Lender has failed to settle or fund;

(c) third, to all amounts owing to Issuing Bank;

(d) fourth, to all Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) constituting fees, indemnification, costs or expenses owing to Lenders;

(e) fifth, to all Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) constituting interest;

(f) sixth, to Cash Collateralize all LC Obligations;

(g) seventh, to all Loans, and to Secured Bank Product Obligations constituting Swap Obligations (including Cash Collateralization thereof) up to the amount of Reserves existing therefor;

(h) eighth, to all other Secured Bank Product Obligations; and

(i) last, to all remaining Obligations.

Amounts shall be applied to payment of each category of Obligations only after Full Payment of amounts payable from time to time under all preceding categories. If amounts are insufficient to satisfy a category, they shall be paid ratably among outstanding Obligations in the category. Monies and proceeds obtained from an Obligor shall not be applied to its Excluded Swap Obligations, but appropriate adjustments shall be made with respect to amounts obtained from other Obligors to preserve the allocations in each category. Agent shall have no obligation to calculate the amount of any Secured Bank Product Obligation and may request a reasonably detailed calculation thereof from a Secured Bank Product Provider. If the provider fails to deliver the calculation within five days following request, Agent may assume the amount is zero. The allocations in this Section are solely to determine the priorities among Secured Parties and may be changed by agreement of affected Secured Parties without the consent of any Obligor. This Section is not for the benefit of or enforceable by any Obligor, and no Obligor has any right to direct the application of payments or Collateral proceeds subject to this Section.

5.5.3 Erroneous Application. Agent shall not be liable for any application of amounts made by it in good faith and, if any such application is subsequently determined to have been made in error, the sole recourse of any Lender or other Person to which such amount should have been paid shall be to recover the amount from the Person that actually received it (and, if such amount was received by a Secured Party, the Secured Party agrees to return it).

5.6 Dominion Account. The ledger balance in the Dominion Account as of the end of a Business Day shall be applied to the Obligations at the beginning of the next Business Day, during any Dominion Trigger Period. Any resulting credit balance shall not accrue interest in favor of Borrowers and shall be made available to Borrowers as long as no Event of Default exists.

 

53


5.7 Account Stated. Agent shall maintain, in accordance with its customary practices, loan account(s) evidencing the Debt of Borrowers hereunder. Any failure of Agent to record anything in a loan account, or any error in doing so, shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligation of Borrowers to pay any amount owing hereunder. Entries in a loan account shall be presumptive evidence of the information contained therein. If information in a loan account is provided to or inspected by or on behalf of a Borrower, the information shall be conclusive and binding on Borrowers for all purposes absent manifest error, except to the extent Borrower Agent notifies Agent in writing within 30 days of specific information subject to dispute.

5.8 Taxes.

5.8.1 Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Tax Payment.

(a) All payments of Obligations by Obligors shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by Applicable Law. If Applicable Law (as determined by the applicable withholding agent in its good faith discretion) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by Agent or an Obligor, then Agent or such Obligor shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding. For purposes of Sections 5.8, the term “Applicable Law” shall include FATCA and the term “Lender” shall include Issuing Bank.

(b) If Agent or any Obligor is required by the Code to withhold or deduct Taxes, including backup withholding and withholding taxes, from any payment, then (i) Agent shall pay the full amount that it determines is to be withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority pursuant to the Code, and (ii) to the extent the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Obligor shall be increased as necessary so that the Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.

(c) If Agent or any Obligor is required by any Applicable Law other than the Code to withhold or deduct Taxes from any payment, then (i) Agent or such Obligor, to the extent required by Applicable Law, shall timely pay the full amount to be withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority, and (ii) to the extent the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Obligor shall be increased as necessary so that the Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.

5.8.2 Payment of Other Taxes. Without limiting the foregoing, Obligors shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law, or at Agent’s option, timely reimburse Agent for payment of, any Other Taxes.

5.8.3 Tax Indemnification.

(a) Each Obligor shall indemnify and hold harmless, on a joint and several basis, each Recipient against any Indemnified Taxes (including those imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. Each Obligor shall make payment within 10 days after written demand for any amount or liability payable under this Section. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to Borrower Agent by a Lender or Issuing Bank (with a copy to Agent), or by Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of any Recipient, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

54


(b) Each Lender and Issuing Bank shall indemnify and hold harmless, on a several basis, (i) Agent against any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender or Issuing Bank (but only to the extent Obligors have not already paid or reimbursed Agent therefor and without limiting Obligors’ obligation to do so), (ii) Agent against any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to maintain a Participant register as required hereunder, and (iii) Agent against any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender or Issuing Bank, in each case, that are payable or paid by Agent in connection with any Obligations, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. Each Lender and Issuing Bank shall make payment within 10 days after demand for any amount or liability payable under this Section. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender or Issuing Bank by Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

5.8.4 Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after payment by an Obligor of any Taxes pursuant to this Section, Borrower Agent shall deliver to Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by the appropriate Governmental Authority evidencing the payment, a copy of any return required by Applicable Law to report the payment or other evidence of payment reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

5.8.5 Treatment of Certain Refunds. Unless required by Applicable Law, at no time shall Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender or Issuing Bank, nor have any obligation to pay to any Lender or Issuing Bank, any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of a Lender or Issuing Bank. If a Recipient determines in its discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of Taxes that were indemnified by Obligors or with respect to which an Obligor paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay the amount of such refund to Borrower Agent (but only to the extent of indemnity payments or additional amounts actually paid by Obligors with respect to the Taxes giving rise to the refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) incurred by such Recipient and without interest (other than interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Obligors shall, upon request by the Recipient, repay to the Recipient such amount paid over to Obligors pursuant to this Section 5.8.5 (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) if the Recipient is required to repay such refund to the Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.8.5, no Recipient shall be required to pay any amount to Obligors if such payment would place it in a less favorable net after-Tax position than it would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. In no event shall Agent or any Recipient be required to make its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) available to any Obligor or other Person.

 

55


5.9 Lender Tax Information.

5.9.1 Status of Lenders. Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments of Obligations shall deliver to Borrower Agent and Agent properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by Borrower Agent or Agent as will permit such payments to be made without or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by Borrower Agent or Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by Applicable Law or reasonably requested by Borrower Agent or Agent to enable them to determine whether such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such documentation (other than documentation described in Sections 5.9.2(a), (b) and (d)) shall not be required if a Lender reasonably believes delivery of the documentation would subject it to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice its legal or commercial position.

5.9.2 Documentation. Without limiting the foregoing,

(a) Any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to Borrower Agent and Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender hereunder (and from time to time thereafter upon reasonable request of Borrower Agent or Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9, certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding Tax;

(b) Any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to Borrower Agent and Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender hereunder (and from time to time thereafter upon reasonable request of Borrower Agent or Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

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

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

(iii) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate in form satisfactory to Agent to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of a Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” related to an Obligor described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (“U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”), and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BENE or IRS Form W-8BEN, as applicable; or

 

56


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

(c) Any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to Borrower Agent and Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender hereunder (and from time to time thereafter upon reasonable request), executed copies of any other form prescribed by Applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by Applicable Law to permit Borrowers or Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

(d) If payment of an Obligation to a Lender would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code), such Lender shall deliver to Borrower Agent and Agent, at the time(s) prescribed by law and otherwise upon reasonable request, such documentation prescribed by Applicable Law (including Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation as may be appropriate for Borrowers or Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with its obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (d), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date hereof.

(e) On or before the date on which Bank of America, N.A. (and any successor or replacement Agent) becomes the Agent hereunder, it shall deliver to the Borrower Agent two executed copies of either (i) IRS Form W-9, or (ii) IRS Form W-8ECI with respect to any payments to be received on its own behalf and IRS Form W-8IMY (certifying that it is either a “qualified intermediary” within the meaning of Section 1.1441-1(e)(5) of the United States Treasury Regulations that has assumed primary withholding obligations under the Internal Revenue Code, including Chapters 3 and 4 of the Internal Revenue Code, or a “U.S. branch” within the meaning of Section 1.1441-1(b)(2)(iv) of the United States Treasury Regulations that is treated as a U.S. Person for purposes of withholding obligations under the Code) for the amounts the Agent receives for the account of others.

5.9.3 Redelivery of Documentation. If any form or certification previously delivered by a Lender or Agent pursuant to this Section expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, such Lender or Agent shall promptly update the form or certification or notify Borrower Agent and Agent in writing of its inability to do so.

 

57


5.10 Nature and Extent of Each Obligors Liability.

5.10.1 Joint and Several Liability. Each Obligor agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to Agent and the other Secured Parties the prompt payment and performance of, all Obligations, except its Excluded Swap Obligations. Each Obligor agrees that its guaranty of the Obligations hereunder constitutes a continuing guaranty of payment and performance and not of collection, that such guaranty shall not be discharged until Full Payment of the Obligations, and that such guaranty is absolute and unconditional, irrespective of (a) the genuineness, validity, regularity, enforceability, subordination or any future modification of, or change in, any Obligations or Loan Document, or any other document, instrument or agreement to which any Obligor is or may become a party or be bound; (b) the absence of any action to enforce this Agreement (including this Section) or any other Loan Document, or any waiver, consent or indulgence of any kind by Agent or any other Secured Party with respect thereto; (c) the existence, value or condition of, or failure to perfect a Lien or to preserve rights against, any security or guaranty for any Obligations or any action, or the absence of any action, by Agent or any other Secured Party in respect thereof (including the release of any security or guaranty); (d) the insolvency of any Obligor; (e) any election by Agent or any other Secured Party in an Insolvency Proceeding for the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code; (f) any borrowing or grant of a Lien by any other Obligor, as debtor-in-possession under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; (g) the disallowance of any claims of Agent or any other Secured Party against any Obligor for the repayment of any Obligations under Section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; or (h) any other action or circumstances that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor, except Full Payment of the Obligations.

5.10.2 Waivers.

(a) Each Obligor expressly waives all rights that it may have now or in the future under any statute, at common law, in equity or otherwise, to compel Agent or any other Secured Party to marshal assets or to proceed against any other Obligor, other Person or security for the payment or performance of any Obligations before, or as a condition to, proceeding against such Obligor. Each Obligor waives all defenses available to a surety, guarantor or accommodation co-obligor other than Full Payment of Obligations and waives, to the maximum extent permitted by law, any right to revoke any guaranty of Obligations as long as it is an Obligor. It is agreed among each Obligor, Agent and the other Secured Parties that the provisions of this Section are of the essence of the transaction contemplated by the Loan Documents and that, but for such provisions, Agent and the other Secured Parties would decline to make Loans and issue Letters of Credit. Each Obligor acknowledges that its guaranty pursuant to this Section is necessary to the conduct and promotion of its business, and can be expected to benefit such business.

(b) Agent and the other Secured Parties may, in their discretion, pursue such rights and remedies as they deem appropriate, including realization upon Collateral or any Real Estate by judicial foreclosure or nonjudicial sale or enforcement, without affecting any rights and remedies under this Section. If, in taking any action in connection with the exercise of any rights or remedies, Agent or any other Secured Party shall forfeit any other rights or remedies, including the right to enter a deficiency judgment against any Obligor or other Person, whether because of any Applicable Laws pertaining to “election of remedies” or otherwise, each Obligor consents to

 

58


such action and waives any claim based upon it, even if the action may result in loss of any rights of subrogation that any Obligor might otherwise have had. Any election of remedies that results in denial or impairment of the right of Agent or any other Secured Party to seek a deficiency judgment against any Obligor shall not impair any other Obligor’s obligation to pay the full amount of the Obligations. Each Obligor waives all rights and defenses arising out of an election of remedies, such as nonjudicial foreclosure with respect to any security for Obligations, even though that election of remedies destroys such Obligor’s rights of subrogation against any other Person. Agent may bid Obligations, in whole or part, at any foreclosure, trustee or other sale, including any private sale, and the amount of such bid need not be paid by Agent but may be credited against the Obligations. The amount of the successful bid at any such sale, whether Agent or any other Person is the successful bidder, shall be conclusively deemed to be the fair market value of the Collateral, and the difference between such bid amount and the remaining balance of the Obligations shall be conclusively deemed to be the amount of the Obligations guaranteed under this Section, notwithstanding that any present or future law or court decision may have the effect of reducing the amount of any deficiency claim to which Agent or any other Secured Party might otherwise be entitled but for such bidding at any such sale.

5.10.3 Extent of Liability; Contribution.

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each Obligor’s liability under this Section shall not exceed the greater of (i) all amounts for which such Obligor is primarily liable, as described in clause (c) below, or (ii) such Obligor’s Allocable Amount.

(b) If any Obligor makes a payment under this Section of any Obligations (other than amounts for which such Obligor is primarily liable) (a “Guarantor Payment”) that, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments previously or concurrently made by any other Obligor, exceeds the amount that such Obligor would otherwise have paid if each Obligor had paid the aggregate Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payments in the same proportion that such Obligor’s Allocable Amount bore to the total Allocable Amounts of all Obligors, then such Obligor shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and to be reimbursed by, each other Obligor for the amount of such excess, ratably based on their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment. The “Allocable Amount” for any Obligor shall be the maximum amount that could then be recovered from such Obligor under this Section without rendering such payment voidable under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state fraudulent transfer or conveyance act, or similar statute or common law.

(c) This Section shall not limit the liability of any Obligor to pay or guarantee Loans made directly or indirectly to it (including Loans advanced hereunder to any other Person and then re-loaned or otherwise transferred to, or for the benefit of, such Obligor), LC Obligations relating to Letters of Credit issued to support its business, Secured Bank Product Obligations incurred to support its business, and all accrued interest, fees, expenses and other related Obligations with respect thereto, for which such Obligor shall be primarily liable for all purposes hereunder. Agent and Lenders shall have the right, at any time in their discretion, to condition Loans and Letters of Credit upon a separate calculation of borrowing availability for each Borrower and to restrict the disbursement and use of Loans and Letters of Credit to a Borrower based on that calculation.

 

59


(d) Each Obligor that is a Qualified ECP when its guaranty of or grant of Lien as security for a Swap Obligation becomes effective hereby jointly and severally, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide funds or other support to each Specified Obligor with respect to such Swap Obligation as may be needed by such Specified Obligor from time to time to honor all of its obligations under the Loan Documents in respect of such Swap Obligation (but, in each case, only up to the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering such Qualified ECP’s obligations and undertakings under this Section voidable under any applicable fraudulent transfer or conveyance act). The obligations and undertakings of each Qualified ECP under this Section shall remain in full force and effect until Full Payment of all Obligations. Each Obligor intends this Section to constitute, and this Section shall be deemed to constitute, a guarantee of the obligations of, and a “keepwell, support or other agreement” for the benefit of, each Obligor for all purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act.

5.10.4 Joint Enterprise. Each Obligor has requested that Agent and Lenders make this credit facility available to Borrowers on a combined basis, in order to finance Obligors’ business most efficiently and economically. Obligors’ business is a mutual and collective enterprise, and the successful operation of each Obligor is dependent upon the successful performance of the integrated group. Obligors believe that consolidation of their credit facility will enhance the borrowing power of each Borrower and ease administration of the facility, all to their mutual advantage. Obligors acknowledge that Agent’s and Lenders’ willingness to extend credit and to administer the Collateral on a combined basis hereunder is done solely as an accommodation to Obligors and at Obligors’ request.

5.10.5 Subordination. Each Obligor hereby subordinates any claims, including any rights at law or in equity to payment, subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification or set off, that it may have at any time against any other Obligor, howsoever arising, to the Full Payment of its Obligations.

Section 6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

6.1 Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans. In addition to the conditions set forth in Section 6.2, Lenders shall not be required to fund any requested Loan, issue any Letter of Credit, or otherwise extend credit to Borrowers hereunder, until the date (“Closing Date”) that each of the following conditions has been satisfied:

(a) Each Loan Document shall have been duly executed and delivered to Agent by each of the signatories thereto, and each Obligor shall be in compliance with all terms thereof.

(b) All filings or recordations necessary to perfect Agent’s Liens in the Collateral (other than any such filings to occur on the Closing Date in accordance with the terms hereof) shall have been made, and Agent shall have received UCC and Lien searches and other evidence satisfactory to Agent that such Liens are the only Liens upon the Collateral, except Permitted Liens.

(c) Agent shall have received duly executed agreements establishing Deposit Account Control Agreements for all Deposit Accounts (other than Excluded Accounts) with The Bank of Montreal, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.

 

60


(d) Agent shall have received certificates, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it, from a knowledgeable Senior Officer of each Obligor certifying that, after giving effect to the initial Loans and transactions hereunder, (i) such Obligor is Solvent; (ii) no Default or Event of Default exists; and (iii) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 9 are true and correct.

(e) Agent shall have received a certificate of a duly authorized officer of each Obligor, certifying (i) that attached copies of such Obligor’s Organic Documents are true and complete, and in full force and effect, without amendment except as shown; (ii) that an attached copy of resolutions authorizing execution and delivery of the Loan Documents is true and complete, and that such resolutions are in full force and effect, were duly adopted, have not been amended, modified or revoked, and constitute all resolutions adopted with respect to this credit facility; and (iii) to the title, name and signature of each Person authorized to sign the Loan Documents. Agent may conclusively rely on this certificate until it is otherwise notified by the applicable Obligor in writing.

(f) Agent shall have received a written opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., as well as any local counsel to Obligors or Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

(g) Agent shall have received copies of the charter documents of each Obligor, certified by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Obligor’s jurisdiction of organization as of a recent date. Agent shall have received good standing certificates as of a recent date for each Obligor, issued by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Obligor’s jurisdiction of organization and each jurisdiction where such Obligor’s conduct of business or ownership of Property necessitates qualification.

(h) Agent shall have received copies of policies or certificates of insurance for the insurance policies carried by Obligors, all in compliance with the Loan Documents.

(i) Each Obligor shall have provided, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent and each Lender, all documentation and other information as Agent or any Lender deems appropriate in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act and Beneficial Ownership Regulation. If any Obligor qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, it shall have provided a Beneficial Ownership Certification to Agent and Lenders in relation to it.

(j) Agent shall have completed its business, financial and legal due diligence of the Obligors, including a roll-forward of its previous field examination, with results reasonably satisfactory to Agent. No material adverse change in the financial condition of any Obligor or in the quality, quantity or value of any Collateral shall have occurred since November 30, 2020.

(k) Obligors shall have paid all fees and expenses to be paid to Agent and Lenders on the Closing Date, including pursuant to the fee letter and the fees and expenses of Agent’s counsel and other advisors.

(l) Agent shall have received a Borrowing Base Report as of December 31, 2020. Upon giving effect to the initial funding of Loans and issuance of Letters of Credit, the consummation of the Compressco Acquisition, and the payment by Obligors of all fees and expenses incurred in connection herewith and therewith as well as any payables stretched beyond their customary payment practices, Availability shall be at least $9,000,000.

 

61


(m) The Compressco Acquisition shall be consummated concurrently with the closing of this Agreement pursuant to the Compressco Purchase Agreement and otherwise on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

(n) Agent shall have received a duly executed payoff letter in form and substance satisfactory to it and dated on or prior to the Closing Date with respect to the Obligors’ credit facility with The Bank of Montreal, together with evidence satisfactory to it (including UCC-3 financing statement terminations and other termination documents) that on the Closing Date such Debt will be repaid in full and the Liens securing such Debt have been released, subject only to the filing of applicable terminations and releases.

6.2 Conditions Precedent to All Credit Extensions. Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders shall not be required to make any credit extension hereunder (including funding any Loan, arranging any Letter of Credit, or granting any other accommodation to or for the benefit of any Obligor), if the following conditions are not satisfied on such date and upon giving effect thereto:

(a) No Default or Event of Default exists or would result therefrom, and Obligors are in pro forma compliance with Section 10.3 after giving effect to such credit extension based on the financial statements most recently delivered to Agent;

(b) The representations and warranties of each Obligor in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on the date of, and upon giving effect to, such credit extension (unless such representation or warranty is qualified as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects, and/or except for representations and warranties that expressly apply only on an earlier date, which shall be true and correct as of such date);

(c) No event has occurred or circumstance exists that has or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(d) Sufficient Availability exists therefor (and in the case of any Loans for payment of the purchase price for the First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition (i) the requirements in Sections 2.1.3(d) and 10.2.4(h) are satisfied and (ii) Borrowers shall delivered a new Borrowing Base Report giving effect to such acquisition);

(e) With respect to a Letter of Credit issuance, all LC Conditions are satisfied; and

(f) the Consolidated Cash Balance, after giving pro forma effect to such proposed Loan (and the application of the proceeds thereof within five (5) Business Days of such credit extension, as certified by Borrower Agent), shall not exceed the Consolidated Cash Balance Threshold.

 

62


Each request (or deemed request) by a Borrower for any credit extension shall constitute a representation by Obligors that the foregoing conditions are satisfied on the date of such request and on the date of the credit extension. As an additional condition to a credit extension, Agent may request any other information, certification, document, instrument or agreement as it reasonably deems appropriate.

Section 7. COLLATERAL.

7.1 Grant of Security Interest. To secure the prompt payment and performance of the Obligations, each Obligor hereby grants to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a continuing Lien on all personal Property of such Obligor, including the following, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and wherever located:

(a) all Accounts;

(b) all Chattel Paper, including electronic chattel paper;

(c) all Commercial Tort Claims, including those shown on Schedule 9.1.16;

(d) all Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts;

(e) all Documents;

(f) all General Intangibles (including Intellectual Property) and all business interruption insurance;

(g) all Goods, including Inventory, Equipment and fixtures;

(h) all Instruments;

(i) all Investment Property;

(j) all Letter-of-Credit Rights;

(k) all Supporting Obligations;

(l) all monies, whether or not in the possession or under the control of Agent, including any Cash Collateral;

(m) all accessions to, substitutions for, and all replacements, products, and cash and non-cash proceeds of the foregoing, including proceeds of and unearned premiums with respect to insurance policies, and claims against any Person for loss, damage or destruction of any Collateral; and

(n) all books and records (including customer lists, files, correspondence, tapes, computer programs, print-outs and computer records) pertaining to the foregoing.

 

63


To the extent that any of the above-described Property is not subject to the UCC, each Obligor hereby pledges and collaterally assigns all of such Obligor’s right, title, and interest in and to such Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties to secure the payment and performance of the Obligations to the full extent that such a pledge and collateral assignment is possible under the relevant law.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Collateral shall not include any Excluded Property; provided that Excluded Property shall not include any proceeds, products, substitutions or replacements of Excluded Property, including monies due or to become due to an Obligor (unless such proceeds, products, substitutions or replacements would otherwise constitute Excluded Property).

7.2 Lien on Deposit Accounts; Cash Collateral.

7.2.1 Deposit Accounts. Agent’s Lien hereunder encumbers all amounts credited to any Deposit Account (other than an Excluded Account described in clause (a) of the definition thereof) of an Obligor, including sums in any blocked, lockbox, sweep or collection account. Each Obligor hereby authorizes and directs each bank or other depository to deliver to Agent, during any Dominion Trigger Period (if so requested by Agent), all balances in any Deposit Account (other than an Excluded Account described in clause (a) of the definition thereof) maintained for such Obligor, without inquiry into the authority or right of Agent to make such request.

7.2.2 Cash Collateral. Cash Collateral may be invested, at Agent’s discretion (with the consent of Borrower Agent, provided no Event of Default exists), but Agent shall have no duty to do so, regardless of any agreement or course of dealing with any Obligor, and shall have no responsibility for any investment or loss. As security for the Obligations, each Obligor hereby grants to Agent a security interest in and Lien upon all Cash Collateral delivered hereunder from time to time, whether held in a segregated cash collateral account or otherwise. Agent may apply Cash Collateral to payment of the Obligations as they become due, in such order as Agent may elect. All Cash Collateral and related Deposit Accounts shall be under the sole dominion and control of Agent, and no Obligor or other Person shall have any right to any Cash Collateral until Full Payment of the Obligations.

7.3 Pledged Collateral.

7.3.1 Pledged Equity Interests and Debt Securities. As security for the payment and performance of the Obligations, each Obligor hereby assigns and pledges to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and hereby grants to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a security interest in, all of such Obligor’s right, title and interest in, to and under (a) the Equity Interests now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Obligor, including the Equity Interests set forth opposite the name of such Obligor on Schedule 7.3, and all certificates and other instruments representing such Equity Interests (collectively, the “Pledged Equity Interests”); (b) the debt securities now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Obligor, including the debt securities set forth opposite the name of such Obligor on Schedule 7.3, and all promissory notes and other instruments evidencing such debt securities (collectively, the “Pledged Debt Securities”); (c) all payments of principal or interest, dividends, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, in exchange for or upon the conversion of, and all other proceeds received in respect of, the property referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above; (d) all rights and privileges of such Obligor with respect to the securities, instruments and other property referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) above; and (e) all proceeds of any and all of the foregoing (the items referred to in clauses (a) through (e) above being collectively referred to as the “Pledged Collateral”, but excluding Excluded Property).

 

64


7.3.2 Delivery of the Pledged Collateral.

(a) Each Obligor agrees to deliver or cause to be delivered to Agent any and all Pledged Collateral at any time owned by such Obligor promptly following the acquisition thereof by such Obligor (and in any event within 30 days (or such later date as agreed by Agent in its sole discretion)) to the extent that such Pledged Collateral is either (i) certificated Pledged Equity Interests or (ii) in the case of Pledged Debt Securities, required to be delivered pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 7.3.2.

(b) All Debt (other than Debt that has a principal amount of less than $500,000 individually and $1,000,000 in the aggregate) owing to any Obligor that is evidenced by a promissory note or other Instrument shall be promptly delivered to Agent pursuant to the terms hereof.

(c) Upon delivery (i) any Pledged Equity Interests shall be accompanied by undated stock powers duly executed by the applicable Obligor in blank or other instruments of transfer satisfactory to Agent and by such other instruments and documents as Agent may reasonably request and (ii) all other property comprising part of the Pledged Collateral shall be accompanied by undated proper instruments of assignment duly executed by the applicable Obligor in blank and by such other instruments and documents as Agent may reasonably request. In connection with any delivery of Pledged Collateral after the date hereof, Borrower Agent shall deliver a Schedule describing the Pledged Collateral so delivered, which Schedule shall be attached to Schedule 7.3 and made a part hereof; provided, that failure to deliver any such Schedule hereto or any error in a Schedule so attached shall not affect the validity of the pledge of any Pledged Collateral.

7.3.3 Pledge Related Representatives, Warranties and Covenants. Each Obligor hereby represents, warrants and covenants to Agent and the Secured Parties that:

(a) As of the First Amendment Effective Date, Schedule 7.3 sets forth a true and complete list, with respect to such Obligor, of (i) all the Equity Interests owned by such Obligor and the percentage of the issued and outstanding units of each class of the Equity Interests of the issuer thereof represented by the Pledged Equity Interests owned by such Obligor and (ii) all debt owned by such Obligor, and all promissory notes and other instruments evidencing such debt. Schedule 7.3 sets forth all Equity Interests, debt and promissory notes required to be pledged hereunder.

(b) The Pledged Equity Interests and Pledged Debt Securities (solely with respect to Pledged Equity Interests and Pledged Debt Securities issued by a Person that is not a Subsidiary of Holdings or an Affiliate of any such Subsidiary, to the best of each Obligor’s knowledge) have been duly and validly authorized and issued by the issuers thereof and (i) in the case of Pledged Equity Interests (solely with respect to Pledged Equity Interests issued by a Person that is not a Subsidiary of Holdings or an Affiliate of any such Subsidiary, to the best of each Obligor’s knowledge), are fully paid and nonassessable and (ii) in the case of Pledged Debt

 

65


Securities (solely with respect to Pledged Debt Securities issued by a Person that is not a Subsidiary of Holdings or an Affiliate of any such Subsidiary, to the best of each Obligor’s knowledge), are legal, valid and binding obligations of the issuers thereof (subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to equitable principles of general application (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law)).

(c) Except for the security interests granted hereunder, such Obligor (i) is and, subject to any transfers or dispositions made in compliance with this Agreement, will continue to be the direct owner, beneficially and of record, of the Pledged Collateral indicated on Schedule 7.3 as owned by such Obligor, (ii) holds the same free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), (iii) will make no assignment, pledge, hypothecation or transfer of, or create or permit to exist any security interest in or other Lien on, the Pledged Collateral (other than Permitted Liens and Permitted Asset Dispositions), and (iv) will defend its title or interest thereto or therein against any and all Liens (other than Permitted Liens and Permitted Asset Dispositions), however arising, of all Persons whomsoever.

(d) Such Obligor has the power and authority to pledge the Pledged Collateral pledged by it hereunder.

(e) No Governmental Approval or any other action by any Governmental Authority and no consent or approval of any securities exchange or any other Person (including stockholders, partners, members or creditors of such Obligor or Compressco) is or will be required for the validity of the pledge effected hereby (other than such as have been obtained and are in full force and effect).

7.3.4 Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations. Agent shall have the right to hold the Pledged Collateral in its own name as pledgee, in the name of its nominee or in the name of the applicable Obligor, endorsed or assigned in blank or in favor of Agent. Agent shall at all times have the right to exchange the certificates representing Pledged Equity Interests for certificates of smaller or larger denominations for any purpose consistent with this Agreement.

7.3.5 Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest.

(a) Unless and until an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and Agent shall have notified any Obligors that their rights under this Section are being suspended:

(i) Each Obligor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and other consensual rights and powers inuring to an owner of Pledged Collateral or any part thereof for any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided, that such rights and powers shall not be exercised in any manner that could materially and adversely affect the rights inuring to a holder of any Pledged Collateral or the rights and remedies of Agent or any other Secured Party under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the ability of the Secured Parties to exercise the same.

 

66


(ii) Agent shall promptly execute and deliver to Obligors, or cause to be executed and delivered to Obligors, all such proxies, powers of attorney and other instruments as Obligors may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling Obligors to exercise the voting and other consensual rights and powers they are entitled to exercise pursuant to paragraph (i) above.

(iii) Each Obligor shall be entitled to receive and retain any and all dividends, interest, principal and other distributions paid on or distributed in respect of the Pledged Collateral to the extent and only to the extent that such dividends, interest, principal and other distributions are permitted by, and otherwise paid or distributed in accordance with, the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and Applicable Law; provided, that any noncash dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that would constitute Pledged Equity Interests or Pledged Debt Securities, whether resulting from a subdivision, combination or reclassification of the outstanding Equity Interests of the issuer of any Pledged Collateral or received in exchange for Pledged Collateral or any part thereof, or in redemption thereof, or as a result of any merger, consolidation, acquisition or other exchange of assets to which such issuer may be a party or otherwise, shall be and become part of the Pledged Collateral and, if received by any Obligor, shall be held in trust for the benefit of Agent and shall be forthwith delivered to Agent upon demand in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement).

(b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, after Agent shall have notified any Obligors of the suspension of their rights under paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section, all rights of any Obligor to dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that such Obligor is authorized to receive pursuant to paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in Agent, which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to receive and retain such dividends, interest, principal or other distributions. All dividends, interest, principal or other distributions received by any Obligor contrary to the provisions of this Section shall be held in trust for the benefit of Agent and shall be forthwith delivered to Agent upon demand in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement). Any and all money and other property paid over to or received by Agent pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph shall be retained by Agent in an account to be established by Agent upon receipt of such money or other property, shall be held as security for the Obligations and shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.5.

(c) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, after Agent shall have notified any Obligors of the suspension of their rights under paragraph (a)(i) of this Section, all rights of any Obligor to exercise the voting and other consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of this Section, and the obligations of Agent under paragraph (a)(ii) of this Section, shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in Agent, which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to exercise such voting and other consensual rights and powers; provided, that unless otherwise directed by the Required Lenders, Agent shall have the right from time to, in its sole discretion, notwithstanding the continuance of an Event of Default, to permit any Obligor to exercise such rights and powers.

 

67


7.3.6 Consents.

(a) In the case of each Obligor which is an issuer of Pledged Collateral, such Obligor agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement relating to the Pledged Collateral issued by it and will comply with such terms insofar as such terms are applicable to it. Without limitation to the foregoing, with respect to each Obligor that is an issuer of Pledged Collateral constituting uncertificated securities, such Obligor agrees that upon notice from Agent following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, such Obligor shall comply with Agent’s instructions with respect to such Pledged Collateral without further consent of the Obligor holding such Pledged Collateral.

(b) Each Obligor on behalf of itself, and in the case of each Obligor which is a partner, shareholder or member, as the case may be, in a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity that is an issuer of Pledged Collateral such Obligor in such capacity, hereby (i) consents, to the extent required by the applicable Organizational Documents of such Obligor or such issuer of Pledged Collateral, to the pledge by it and by each other Obligor pursuant to the terms hereof of the Pledged Collateral in such partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity and, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to the transfer of such Pledged Collateral to Agent or its nominee or transferee and admission of such Person as a substitute partner, shareholder or member, as the case may be, and (ii) to the maximum extent permitted to do so, irrevocably waives any and all provisions of the applicable Organizational Documents of such issuer of Pledged Collateral that conflict with the terms of this Agreement or prohibit, restrict, condition or otherwise affect the grant hereunder of any Lien on any of the Pledged Collateral or any enforcement action which may be taken in respect of any such Lien.

7.4 Other Collateral.

7.4.1 Commercial Tort Claims. Obligors shall promptly (and in any event within 30 days) notify Agent in writing if any Obligor has a Commercial Tort Claim (other than, as long as no Event of Default exists, a Commercial Tort Claim for less than $1,000,000), shall promptly amend Schedule 9.1.16 to include such claim, and shall take such actions as Agent deems appropriate to subject such claim to a duly perfected, first priority Lien in favor of Agent.

7.4.2 Certain After-Acquired Collateral. Obligors shall (a) promptly (and in any event within 30 days (or such later date as Agent may agree in its sole discretion)) notify Agent if an Obligor obtains an interest in (i) any Securities Account or Intellectual Property or (ii) Chattel Paper, Document, Instrument, Investment Property or Letter-of-Credit Right with a value in excess of $1,000,000, and (b) upon Agent’s request, take such actions as Agent deems appropriate to effect its perfected, first priority Lien (subject to Permitted Liens) on such Collateral, including obtaining any possession, control agreement, legend notation or Lien Waiver. If any Collateral is in the possession of a third party, Obligors shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an acknowledgment (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent) from such party that it holds such Collateral for the benefit of Agent.

 

68


7.4.3 Rental Units Titles. Within 30 days of any acquisition or construction of any Rental Unit (other than motor vehicles and trailers) covered by a certificate of title (or such later date as Agent may agree in its sole discretion), Obligors shall deliver to Agent the original of any title certificate and provide and/or file all other documents or instruments necessary to have the Lien of Agent noted on any such certificate or with the appropriate state office.

7.5 Limitations. The Lien on Collateral granted hereunder is given as security only and shall not subject Agent or any Lender to, or in any way modify, any obligation or liability of Obligors relating to any Collateral. In no event shall any Obligor’s grant of a Lien under any Loan Document secure its Excluded Swap Obligations.

7.6 Further Assurances. All Liens granted to Agent under the Loan Documents are for the benefit of Secured Parties. Promptly upon request, Obligors shall deliver such instruments and agreements, and shall take such actions, as Agent in its reasonable discretion deems appropriate under Applicable Law to evidence or perfect its Lien on any Collateral, or otherwise to give effect to the intent of this Agreement. Each Obligor authorizes Agent to file any financing statement that describes the Collateral as “all assets” or “all personal property” of such Obligor, or words to similar effect, and ratifies any action taken by Agent before the Closing Date to effect or perfect its Lien on any Collateral.

Section 8. COLLATERAL ADMINISTRATION.

8.1 Borrowing Base Reports; Availability Reserves.

8.1.1 Borrowing Base Reports. By the 25th day of each month, Borrower Agent shall deliver to Agent (and Agent shall promptly deliver same to Lenders) a Borrowing Base Report as of the close of business of the previous month, and at such other times as Agent may request; provided, that if a Reporting Trigger Period is in effect Borrower Agent shall, no later than the fourth Business Day following the end of each calendar week, deliver a Borrowing Base Certificate prepared as of the close of business of such previous week. All information (including calculation of Availability) in a Borrowing Base Report shall be certified by Borrowers. Agent may from time to time adjust such report in its Permitted Discretion (a) to reflect Agent’s reasonable estimate of declines in value of Collateral, due to collections received in the Dominion Account or otherwise; (b) to adjust advance rates to reflect changes in dilution, quality, mix and other factors affecting Collateral; and (c) to the extent any information or calculation does not comply with this Agreement.

8.1.2 Availability Reserves. Agent shall have the right, at any time and from time to time after the Closing Date in its Permitted Discretion to establish, modify or eliminate Availability Reserves upon at least three Business Days’ prior written notice (which may be by email) to Borrower Agent, which notice shall include a description of such Availability Reserve being established (during which period Agent shall, if requested, discuss any such Availability Reserve or change with Borrower Agent and Borrower Agent may take such action as may be required so that the event, condition or matter that is the basis for such Availability Reserve or change no longer exists or exists in a manner that would result in the establishment of a lower Availability Reserve or result in a lesser change, in each case, in a manner and to the extent reasonably satisfactory to Agent); provided, that such notice and opportunity shall not limit the right of Agent to establish or change such Availability Reserve; provided further that, in no event shall such prior notice be required for (a) changes to any Availability Reserves resulting solely by

 

69


virtue of mathematical calculations of the amount of the Availability Reserve in accordance with the methodology of calculation previously utilized, (b) changes to Availability Reserves or establishment of additional Availability Reserves if it would be reasonably likely that a Material Adverse Effect would occur were such Availability Reserve not changed or established prior to the expiration of such three Business Day period or (c) changes to Availability Reserves when a Default or Event of Default exists. Promptly after Agent has knowledge that the event, condition or matter which is the basis for the establishment of a new Availability Reserve no longer exists, Agent shall eliminate such Availability Reserve. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, (i) the amount of any Availability Reserve (or change in Availability Reserve) shall have a reasonable relationship to the event, condition or other matter that is the basis for such Availability Reserve or change and (ii) in no event shall any Availability Reserve (or change in Availability Reserve) with respect to any component of the Borrowing Base duplicate any Availability Reserve or adjustment already expressly accounted for through eligibility criteria set forth in this Agreement. Agent and Lenders shall not be required to make any Loan or issue any Letter of Credit during any three Business Day notice period set forth in this Section if such Loan or Letter or Credit would result in an Overadvance after giving effect to the proposed Availability Reserve.

8.2 Accounts.

8.2.1 Records and Schedules of Accounts. Each Obligor shall keep accurate and complete records of its Accounts, including all payments and collections thereon, and shall submit to Agent sales, collection, reconciliation and other reports in form satisfactory to Agent, on such periodic basis as Agent may request. Obligors shall also provide to Agent, on or before the 25th day of each month, a detailed aged trial balance of all Accounts as of the end of the preceding month, specifying each Account’s Account Debtor name and address, amount, invoice date and due date, showing any discount, allowance, credit, authorized return or dispute, and, upon Agent’s reasonable request, including such proof of delivery, copies of invoices and invoice registers, copies of related documents, repayment histories, status reports and other information as Agent may reasonably request; provided, that if a Reporting Trigger Period is in effect Borrowers shall, no later than the fourth Business Day following the end of each calendar week, provide such Accounts information prepared as of the close of business of such previous week. If Accounts in an aggregate face amount of $1,000,000 or more cease to be Eligible Accounts, Borrowers shall notify Agent of such occurrence promptly (and in any event within one Business Day) after any Obligor has knowledge thereof.

8.2.2 Taxes. If an Account of any Obligor includes a charge for any Taxes, Agent is authorized, in its discretion and after notification to Borrower Agent, to pay the amount thereof to the proper taxing authority for the account of such Obligor and to charge Obligors therefor; provided, that neither Agent nor Lenders shall be liable for any Taxes that may be due from Obligors or relate to any Collateral.

8.2.3 Account Verification. Whether or not a Default or Event of Default exists, Agent shall have the right at any reasonable time determined in Agent’s discretion, in the name of Agent, any designee of Agent or any Obligor, to verify the validity, amount or any other matter relating to any Accounts of Obligors by mail, telephone or otherwise. Obligors shall cooperate fully with Agent in an effort to facilitate and promptly conclude any such verification process.

 

70


8.2.4 Maintenance of Dominion Account. Subject to Section 8.2.5 below, Obligors shall maintain Dominion Accounts pursuant to lockbox or other arrangements acceptable to Agent. Subject to Section 8.2.5 below, Obligors shall obtain a Deposit Account Control Agreement from each lockbox servicer and Dominion Account bank, establishing Agent’s control over and Lien in the lockbox or Dominion Account (which may be exercised by Agent during a Dominion Trigger Period) requiring immediate deposit of all remittances received in the lockbox to a Dominion Account, and waiving offset rights of such servicer or bank, except for customary administrative charges. If a Dominion Account is not maintained with Bank of America, Agent may, during any Dominion Trigger Period, require immediate transfer of all funds in such account to a Dominion Account maintained with Bank of America. Agent and Lenders assume no responsibility to Obligors for any lockbox arrangement or Dominion Account, including any claim of accord and satisfaction or release with respect to any Payment Items accepted by any bank.

8.2.5 Proceeds of Collateral. Within 120 days after the First Amendment Effective Date (or such later date as Agent may agree in its sole discretion), and at all times thereafter, Obligors shall request in writing and otherwise take all necessary steps to ensure that all payments on Accounts or otherwise relating to Collateral are made directly to a Dominion Account (or a lockbox relating to a Dominion Account) at Bank of America. If any Obligor or Subsidiary receives cash or Payment Items with respect to any Collateral, it shall hold same in trust for Agent and promptly (not later than the next Business Day) deposit same into the Dominion Account.

8.3 Inventory.

8.3.1 Records and Reports of Inventory. Each Obligor shall keep accurate and complete records of its Inventory, including costs and daily withdrawals and additions, and shall submit to Agent inventory and reconciliation reports in form satisfactory to Agent by the 25th day of each month and at such other times as Agent may request; provided, that if a Reporting Trigger Period is in effect Obligors shall, no later than the fourth Business Day following the end of each calendar week, deliver such Inventory information prepared as of the close of business of such previous week. Each Obligor shall conduct a physical inventory at least once per calendar year (and on a more frequent basis if requested by Agent when an Event of Default exists) and periodic cycle counts consistent with historical practices, and shall provide to Agent a report based on each such inventory and count promptly upon completion thereof, together with such supporting information as Agent may request. Agent may participate in and observe each physical count; provided that Agent shall be reimbursed for its participation only in connection with inspections in accordance with Section 10.1.1.

8.3.2 Returns of Inventory. No Obligor shall return any Inventory to a supplier, vendor or other Person, whether for cash, credit or otherwise, unless (a) such return is in the Ordinary Course of Business; (b) no Default, Event of Default or Overadvance exists or would result therefrom; (c) Agent is promptly notified if the aggregate Value of all Inventory returned in any month exceeds $1,000,000; and (d) if a Dominion Trigger Period is in effect, any payment received by an Obligor for a return is promptly remitted to Agent for application to the Obligations.

 

71


8.3.3 Acquisition, Sale and Maintenance. No Obligor shall acquire or accept any Inventory on consignment or approval, and shall take all steps to assure that all Inventory is produced in accordance with Applicable Law in all material respects, including the FLSA. No Obligor shall sell any Inventory on consignment or approval or any other basis under which the customer may return or require an Obligor to repurchase such Inventory, other than returns of Rental Units under lease in the Ordinary Course of Business. Obligors shall use, store and maintain all material Inventory with reasonable care and caution, in accordance with applicable standards of any insurance and in conformity with all Applicable Law in all material respects, and shall make current rent payments (within applicable grace periods provided for in leases) at all locations owned or leased by Obligors where any material Collateral is located.

8.4 Equipment.

8.4.1 Records and Schedules of Equipment. Each Obligor shall keep accurate and complete records of its Equipment, including kind, quality, quantity, cost, acquisitions and dispositions thereof, and shall submit to Agent, on such periodic basis as Agent may request in its discretion (but not more than once per calendar quarter), a current schedule thereof, in form reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

8.4.2 Condition of Equipment. Obligors shall maintain the material Equipment in good operating condition and repair, and make all necessary replacements and repairs so that its value and operating efficiency are preserved at all times, reasonable wear and tear excepted. Each Obligor shall ensure that the material Equipment is mechanically and structurally sound, and capable of performing the functions for which it was designed, in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

8.5 Administration of Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts. Schedule 8.5 lists all Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts maintained by Obligors, including Dominion Accounts. Each Obligor shall take all actions necessary to establish Agent’s first priority Lien on each Deposit Account (other than any Excluded Accounts) and each Securities Account. Obligors shall be the sole account holders of each Deposit Account and Securities Account and shall not allow any Person (other than Agent and the depository bank or securities intermediary) to have control over their Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts or any Property deposited therein. Obligors shall immediately notify Agent of any opening or closing of a Deposit Account or a Securities Account and, with the consent of Agent, will amend Schedule 8.5 to reflect same. With respect to all Deposit Accounts (other than Excluded Accounts) and Securities Accounts existing on the Closing Date and concurrently with the opening of any new Deposit Account (other than Excluded Accounts) and Securities Account after the Closing Date, the Obligors shall provide Agent with a Deposit Account Control Agreement or Securities Account Control Agreement, as applicable.

8.6 General Provisions.

8.6.1 Location of Collateral. All tangible items of Collateral, other than Collateral (i) in transit or (ii) out for repair, refurbishment, processing, or in the possession of employees in the Ordinary Course of Business, shall at all times be kept by Obligors at the business locations set forth in Schedule 8.6.1 (as amended from time to time by notice to Agent), except that Obligors may (a) make sales or other dispositions of Collateral in accordance with Section 10.2.5; (b) move Collateral to another location in the United States, upon 10 Business Days prior written notice to Agent (or such shorter period as Agent may agree); and (c) move Rental Units and other Collateral to customer sites in the Ordinary Course of Business. Promptly following Agent’s reasonable request therefor, Borrowers will deliver to Agent a list of all Customer Locations at such time.

 

72


8.6.2 Insurance of Collateral; Condemnation Proceeds.

(a) Each Obligor shall maintain insurance with respect to the Collateral and the Properties and businesses of the Obligors, in each case, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies acceptable to Agent and against all such risks as is consistent and in accordance with industry practice for companies similarly situated owning similar properties and engaged in similar businesses as the Obligors. From time to time upon reasonable request, Obligors shall deliver to Agent the originals or certified copies of its insurance policies. Each policy shall include endorsements satisfactory to Agent in its reasonable discretion (i) showing Agent as lender’s loss payee (in the case of property and casualty insurance and business interruption insurance); (ii) to the extent available, requiring 30 days prior written notice to Agent of cancellation of the policy for any reason whatsoever (10 days in the case of non-payment); and (iii) to the extent available, specifying that the interest of Agent shall not be impaired or invalidated by any act or neglect of any Obligor or the owner of the Property, nor by the occupation of the premises for purposes more hazardous than are permitted by the policy. If any Obligor fails to provide and pay for any insurance, Agent may, in its reasonable discretion, procure the insurance and charge Obligors therefor. Each Obligor agrees to deliver to Agent, promptly as rendered, copies of all reports made to insurance companies. While no Event of Default exists, Obligors may settle, adjust or compromise any insurance claim. If an Event of Default exists, only Agent may settle, adjust and compromise such claims.

(b) Any proceeds of insurance (other than workers’ compensation, D&O insurance and liability policy payments to third parties) relating to the Collateral and any awards from condemnation of Collateral and business interruption insurance, in each case, net of Taxes paid or payable as a result thereof, shall be paid directly to Agent for application to the Obligations.

8.6.3 Protection of Collateral. All expenses of protecting, storing, warehousing, insuring, handling, maintaining and shipping any Collateral, all Taxes payable with respect to any Collateral (including any sale thereof), and all other payments required to be made by Agent to any Person to realize upon any Collateral, shall be borne and paid by Obligors. Agent shall not be liable or responsible in any way for the safekeeping of any Collateral, for any loss or damage thereto (except for reasonable care in its custody while Collateral is in Agent’s actual possession), for any diminution in the value thereof, or for any act or default of any warehouseman, carrier, forwarding agency or other Person whatsoever, but the same shall be at Obligors’ sole risk.

8.6.4 Defense of Title. Each Obligor shall defend its title to Collateral and Agent’s Liens therein against all Persons, claims and demands, except Permitted Liens.

8.7 Power of Attorney. Each Obligor hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints Agent (and all Persons designated by Agent) as such Obligor’s true and lawful attorney (and agent-in-fact) for the purposes provided in this Section. Agent, or Agent’s designee, may (in its discretion), without notice and in either its or an Obligor’s name, but at the cost and expense of Obligors:

 

73


(a) Endorse an Obligor’s name on any Payment Item or other proceeds of Collateral (including proceeds of insurance) that come into Agent’s possession or control; and

(b) During an Event of Default, (i) notify any Account Debtors of the assignment of their Accounts, demand and enforce payment of Accounts by legal proceedings or otherwise, and generally exercise any rights and remedies with respect to Accounts; (ii) settle, adjust, modify, compromise, discharge or release any Accounts or other Collateral, or any legal proceedings brought to collect Accounts or Collateral; (iii) sell or assign any Accounts and other Collateral upon such terms, for such amounts and at such times as Agent deems advisable; (iv) collect, liquidate and receive balances in Deposit Accounts or investment accounts, and take control, in any manner, of proceeds of Collateral; (v) prepare, file and sign an Obligor’s name to a proof of claim or other document in a bankruptcy of an Account Debtor, or to any notice, assignment or satisfaction of Lien or similar document; (vi) receive, open and dispose of mail addressed to an Obligor, and notify postal authorities to deliver any such mail to an address designated by Agent; (vii) endorse any Chattel Paper, Document, Instrument, bill of lading, or other document or agreement relating to any Accounts, Inventory or other Collateral; (viii) use an Obligor’s stationery and sign its name to verifications of Accounts and notices to Account Debtors; (ix) use information contained in any data processing, electronic or information systems relating to Collateral; (x) make and adjust claims under insurance policies; (xi) take any action as may be necessary or appropriate to obtain payment under any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or other instrument for which an Obligor is a beneficiary; (xii) exercise any voting or other rights relating to Investment Property; and (xiii) take all other actions as Agent deems appropriate to fulfill any Obligor’s obligations under the Loan Documents.

Section 9. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

9.1 General Representations and Warranties. To induce Agent and Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to make available the Commitments, Loans and Letters of Credit, each Obligor represents and warrants that:

9.1.1 Organization and Qualification. Each Obligor and Subsidiary is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization. Each Obligor and Subsidiary is duly qualified, authorized to do business and in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where failure to be so qualified could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Obligor is an Affected Financial Institution or Covered Entity. The information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification most recently provided to Agent and each Lender is true and complete in all respects.

9.1.2 Power and Authority. Each Obligor is duly authorized to execute, deliver and perform the Loan Documents to which it is a party and has duly executed and delivered the Loan Documents to which it is a party. The execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary company action, and do not (a) require any consent or approval of any holders of Equity Interests of any Obligor, except those already obtained; (b) contravene the Organic Documents of any Obligor; (c) violate or cause a default under any Applicable Law or Material Contract; or (d) result in or require imposition of a Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on any Obligor’s Property.

 

74


9.1.3 Enforceability. Each Loan Document is a legal, valid and binding obligation of each Obligor party thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.

9.1.4 Capital Structure. Schedule 9.1.4 shows as of the First Amendment Effective Date, for each Obligor and Subsidiary, its name, jurisdiction of organization, issued Equity Interests, holders of its Equity Interests, and agreements binding on such holders with respect to such Equity Interests. As of the First Amendment Effective Date, except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.4, in the five years preceding the First Amendment Effective Date, no Obligor or Subsidiary has acquired any substantial assets from any other Person nor been the surviving entity in a merger or combination. Each Obligor has good title to its Equity Interests in its Subsidiaries (including for this purpose its Excluded Subsidiaries), subject only to Agent’s Lien and other Permitted Liens, and all such Equity Interests are duly issued, and, to the extent such concepts are applicable, fully paid and non-assessable. As of the First Amendment Effective Date and except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.4, there are no outstanding purchase options, warrants, subscription rights, agreements to issue or sell, convertible interests, phantom rights or powers of attorney relating to Equity Interests of any Obligor or Subsidiary (including for this purpose the Equity Interests of Excluded Subsidiaries).

9.1.5 Title to Properties; Priority of Liens. Each Obligor and Subsidiary has good and marketable title to (or valid leasehold interests in) all of its Real Estate, and good title to all of its material personal Property, including all Property reflected in any financial statements delivered to Agent or Lenders, in each case free of Liens except Permitted Liens and minor defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or to utilize such Property for its intended purposes. As of the First Amendment Effective Date, no Real Estate is located in a special flood hazard zone, except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.5. Each Obligor and Subsidiary has paid and discharged all lawful material claims that, if unpaid, could become a Lien on its Properties, other than Permitted Liens. To the extent required by the Loan Documents, all Liens of Agent in the Collateral are duly perfected, first priority Liens, subject only to Permitted Liens that are expressly allowed by this Agreement to have priority over Agent’s Liens.

9.1.6 Accounts. Agent may rely, in determining which Accounts are Eligible Accounts, on all statements and representations made by Obligors with respect thereto. Obligors warrant, with respect to each Account shown as an Eligible Account in a Borrowing Base Report, that:

(a) it is genuine and in all respects what it purports to be;

(b) it arises out of a completed, bona fide sale and delivery of goods, lease of goods or rendition of services in the Ordinary Course of Business, and substantially in accordance with any purchase order, contract or other document relating thereto;

(c) it is for a sum certain and maturing as stated in the applicable invoice, a copy of which has been furnished or is available to Agent on request;

 

75


(d) it is not subject to any offset, Lien (other than Agent’s Lien and Liens permitted by clauses (c) or (f) of Section 10.2.2), deduction, defense, dispute, counterclaim or other adverse condition except as arising in the Ordinary Course of Business and disclosed to Agent; and it is absolutely owing by the Account Debtor, without contingency of any kind;

(e) no purchase order, agreement, document or Applicable Law restricts assignment of the Account to Agent (regardless of whether, under the UCC, the restriction is ineffective), and the applicable Obligor is the sole payee or remittance party shown on the invoice;

(f) no extension, compromise, settlement, modification, credit, deduction or return has been authorized or is in process with respect to the Account, except discounts or allowances granted in the Ordinary Course of Business for prompt payment that are reflected on the face of the invoice related thereto and in the reports submitted to Agent hereunder; and

(g) to the best of Obligors’ knowledge, (i) there are no facts or circumstances that are reasonably likely to impair the enforceability or collectability of such Account; (ii) the Account Debtor had the capacity to contract when the Account arose, continues to meet the applicable Obligor’s customary credit standards, is Solvent, is not contemplating or subject to an Insolvency Proceeding, and has not failed, or suspended or ceased doing business; and (iii) there are no proceedings or actions threatened or pending against any Account Debtor that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Account Debtor’s financial condition.

9.1.7 Financial Statements. The consolidated and consolidating balance sheets, and related statements of income, cash flow and shareholders equity, of Obligors and Subsidiaries that have been and are hereafter delivered to Agent and Lenders, are prepared in accordance with GAAP, and fairly present in all material respects the financial positions and results of operations of Obligors and Subsidiaries at the dates and for the periods indicated. All projections delivered from time to time to Agent and Lenders have been prepared in good faith, based on reasonable assumptions in light of the circumstances at such time, it being acknowledged, and agreed by the Secured Parties, however, that projections as to future events are not viewed as facts and that the actual results during the period or periods covered by said projections may differ from the projected results and that the differences may be material. Since December 31, 2020, there has been no change in the condition, financial or otherwise, of any Obligor or Subsidiary that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No financial statement delivered to Agent or Lenders at any time contains any untrue statement of a material fact, nor fails to disclose any material fact necessary to make such statement not materially misleading. Each Obligor and Subsidiary is Solvent.

9.1.8 Surety Obligations. No Obligor or Subsidiary is obligated as surety or indemnitor under any bond or other contract that assures payment or performance of any obligation of any Person, except as permitted hereunder.

9.1.9 Taxes. Each Obligor and Subsidiary has filed all federal, state and local tax returns and other reports that it is required by law to file, and has paid, or made provision for the payment of, all Taxes upon it, its income and its Properties that are due and payable, except to the extent such Taxes (i) are being Properly Contested or (ii) other than payroll tax (which must be paid), do not exceed $300,000 outstanding at any time.

 

76


9.1.10 Brokers. There are no brokerage commissions, finder’s fees or investment banking fees payable in connection with any transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents (other than payable by any Obligor to Agent or any Lender or Affiliate thereof under the Loan Documents).

9.1.11 Intellectual Property. Each Obligor and Subsidiary owns or has the lawful right to use all Intellectual Property necessary for the conduct of its business, without conflict with any rights of others to the extent such conflict could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There is no pending or, to any Obligor’s knowledge, threatened Intellectual Property Claim with respect to any Obligor, any Subsidiary or any of their Property (including any Intellectual Property) that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All Intellectual Property registered or applied for with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office, or an equivalent thereof in any state of the United States or any foreign jurisdiction, that is owned by any Obligor as of the First Amendment Effective Date is shown on Schedule 9.1.11. Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.11 on the First Amendment Effective Date or notified to Agent in writing thereafter, no Obligor or Subsidiary pays or owes any royalty or other compensation to any Person with respect to any Intellectual Property. As of the First Amendment Effective Date, all Intellectual Property owned, used or licensed by, or otherwise subject to any interests of, any Obligor or Subsidiary is shown on Schedule 9.1.11.

9.1.12 Governmental Approvals. Each Obligor and Subsidiary has, is in compliance with, and is in good standing with respect to, all Governmental Approvals necessary to conduct its business and to own, lease and operate its Properties except to the extent such failure could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All necessary import, export or other licenses, permits or certificates for the import or handling of any goods or other Collateral have been procured and are in effect, and Obligors and Subsidiaries have complied with all foreign and domestic laws with respect to the shipment and importation of any goods or Collateral, except where noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

9.1.13 Compliance with Laws. Each Obligor and Subsidiary has duly complied, and its Properties and business operations are in compliance, in all material respects with all Applicable Law, except where noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There have been no citations, notices or orders of noncompliance issued to any Obligor or Subsidiary under any Applicable Law that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Inventory has been produced in violation of the FLSA.

9.1.14 Compliance with Environmental Laws. Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.14 or to the extent such failure could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Obligor’s or Subsidiary’s past or present operations, Real Estate or other Properties are subject to any pending or, to Obligor’s knowledge, threatened, federal, state or local investigation to determine whether any remedial action is needed to address any Environmental Release of Hazardous Materials. No Obligor or Subsidiary has received any Environmental Notice that remains unresolved. No Obligor or Subsidiary has any contingent liability with respect to any Environmental Release of Hazardous Materials on any Real Estate now or, to Obligor’s knowledge, previously owned, leased or operated by it, and no written, or, to Obligor’s knowledge, oral Environmental Notice has been received with respect to the same.

 

77


9.1.15 Burdensome Contracts. No Obligor or Subsidiary is a party or subject to any contract, agreement or charter restriction that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither any Obligor nor any Subsidiary is party or subject to any Restrictive Agreement as of the First Amendment Effective Date, except as shown on Schedule 9.1.15. No such Restrictive Agreement prohibits the execution, delivery or performance of any Loan Document by an Obligor.

9.1.16 Litigation. Except as shown on Schedule 9.1.16, there are no proceedings or investigations pending or, to any Obligor’s knowledge, threatened against any Obligor or Subsidiary, or any of their businesses, operations or Properties, that (a) relate to any Loan Documents or transactions contemplated thereby; or (b) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect if determined adversely to any Obligor or Subsidiary. Except as shown on such Schedule, no Obligor has a Commercial Tort Claim (other than, as long as no Event of Default exists, a Commercial Tort Claim for less than $1,000,000). No Obligor or Subsidiary is in default with respect to any order, injunction or judgment of any Governmental Authority.

9.1.17 No Defaults. No event or circumstance has occurred or exists that constitutes a Default or Event of Default. No Obligor or Subsidiary is in default, and no event or circumstance has occurred or exists that with the passage of time or giving of notice would constitute a default (after giving effect to any cure or grace period and waivers or amendments thereof), under any Material Contract in any material respect or in the payment of any Borrowed Money exceeding $1,000,000. As of the First Amendment Effective Date, there is no basis upon which any party (other than an Obligor or Subsidiary) could terminate a Material Contract prior to its scheduled termination date.

9.1.18 ERISA.

(a) Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.18, no Obligor nor any ERISA Affiliate sponsors, maintains, contributes to or has any liability, contingent or otherwise, with respect to any Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Foreign Plan.

(b) Except for matters that could not, singularly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: (i) each Plan is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code, and other federal and state laws; (ii) each Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination, opinion or advisory letter from the IRS or an application for such a letter is currently being processed by the IRS with respect thereto and, to the knowledge of Obligors, nothing has occurred which would prevent, or cause the loss of, such qualification; and (iii) each Obligor and ERISA Affiliate has met all applicable requirements under the Code, ERISA and the Pension Funding Rules, and no application for a waiver of the minimum funding standards or an extension of any amortization period has been made with respect to any Plan. No Lien imposed on the assets of any Obligor under ERISA exists or is likely to arise on account of any Plan or Multiemployer Plan.

 

78


(c) There are no pending or, to the knowledge of Obligors, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(d) Except for matters that could not, singularly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: (i) no ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) no Pension Plan has any Unfunded Pension Liability; (iii) no Obligor or ERISA Affiliate has incurred any liability to the PBGC except for the payment of premiums, and no premium payments are due and unpaid; (iv) no Obligor or ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Section 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA; and (v) no Pension Plan has been terminated by its plan administrator or the PBGC, and no fact or circumstance exists that could reasonably be expected to cause the PBGC to institute proceedings to terminate a Pension Plan.

(e) With respect to any Foreign Plan, except for matters that could not, singularly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: (i) all employer and employee contributions required by law or by the terms of the Foreign Plan have been made, or, if applicable, accrued, in accordance with normal accounting practices; (ii) the fair market value of the assets of each funded Foreign Plan, the liability of each insurer for any Foreign Plan funded through insurance, or the book reserve established for any Foreign Plan, together with any accrued contributions, is sufficient to procure or provide for the accrued benefit obligations with respect to all current and former participants in such Foreign Plan according to the actuarial assumptions and valuations most recently used to account for such obligations in accordance with applicable generally accepted accounting principles; and (iii) it has been registered as required and has been maintained in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities.

(f) The underlying assets of each Obligor do not constitute Plan Assets.

9.1.19 Trade Relations. There exists no actual or threatened termination, limitation or modification of any business relationship between any Obligor or Subsidiary and any customer or supplier, or any group of customers or suppliers, who individually or in the aggregate are material to the business of such Obligor or Subsidiary. There exists no condition or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to materially impair the ability of any Obligor or Subsidiary to conduct its business at any time hereafter in substantially the same manner as conducted on the Closing Date.

9.1.20 Labor Relations. As of the First Amendment Effective Date, except as described on Schedule 9.1.20, no Obligor or Subsidiary is party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement or any management agreement or consulting agreement with an Equity Interest holder (or Affiliate thereof). There are no material grievances, disputes or controversies with any union or other organization of any Obligor’s or Subsidiary’s employees, or, to any Obligor’s knowledge, any asserted or threatened strikes, work stoppages or demands for collective bargaining.

 

79


9.1.21 Payable Practices. No Obligor or Subsidiary has made any material change in its historical accounts payable practices from those in effect on the Closing Date except as disclosed in writing to (and approved by) Agent.

9.1.22 Not a Regulated Entity. No Obligor is (a) an “investment company” or “person directly or indirectly controlled by or acting on behalf of an investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940; or (b) subject to regulation under the Federal Power Act, Interstate Commerce Act, any public utilities code or other Applicable Law regarding its authority to incur Debt.

9.1.23 Margin Stock. No Obligor or Subsidiary is engaged, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock. Except for the Compressco Acquisition, no Loan proceeds or Letters of Credit will be used by Obligors to purchase or carry, or to reduce or refinance any Debt incurred to purchase or carry, any Margin Stock or for any related purpose governed by Regulations T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. None of the Collateral consists of Margin Stock, and the Obligations are not “indirectly secured” (as such term is defined in 12 CFR §221.2) by Margin Stock.

9.1.24 OFAC; Anti-Corruption Laws. None of any Obligor, any Subsidiary (including the Excluded Subsidiaries for purposes of this Section 9.1.24), or any director, officer, employee, agent, affiliate or representative thereof, is or is owned or controlled by any individual or entity that is currently the target of any Sanction or is located, organized or resident in a Designated Jurisdiction. Each Obligor and Subsidiary has conducted its business in compliance with all applicable Anti-Corruption Laws.

9.2 Complete Disclosure. No Loan Document (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, modified or updated as provided for herein), other than (i) projections, budgets, estimates and other forward looking statements, and (ii) information of a general economic or general industry nature, contains, when delivered to Agent or Lenders and taken as a whole, any untrue statement of a material fact, nor fails to disclose any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading in light of all of the circumstances under which such statements are made (after giving effect to all supplements and updates thereto). There is no fact or circumstance that any Obligor has failed to disclose to Agent in writing that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 10. COVENANTS AND CONTINUING AGREEMENTS.

10.1 Affirmative Covenants. As long as any Commitment or Obligations are outstanding, each Obligor shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to:

10.1.1 Inspections; Appraisals.

(a) Permit Agent from time to time, subject (unless an Event of Default exists) to reasonable prior notice and during normal business hours, to visit and inspect the Properties of any Obligor or Subsidiary, inspect, audit and make extracts from any Obligor’s or Subsidiary’s books and records (subject to the expense reimbursement limitations in clause (b) below), and discuss with its officers, employees, agents, advisors and independent accountants such Obligor’s

 

80


or Subsidiary’s business, financial condition, assets, prospects and results of operations. Lenders may participate in any such visit or inspection, at their own expense. Secured Parties shall have no duty to any Obligor to make any inspection, nor to share any results of any inspection, appraisal or report with any Obligor. Obligors acknowledge that all inspections, appraisals and reports are prepared by Agent and Lenders for their purposes, and Obligors shall not be entitled to rely upon them.

(b) Reimburse Agent for all its charges, costs and expenses in connection with (i) examinations of Obligors’ books and records or any other financial or Collateral matters as it deems appropriate, up to one time per calendar year; and (ii) appraisals of Inventory constituting Rental Units (or their components), up to one time per calendar year; provided, that if (A) an Exam Trigger Period occurred during such year, Obligors shall reimburse Agent for all charges, costs and expenses associated with up to two examinations and two appraisals in such year and (B) an examination or appraisal is initiated during an Event of Default, all charges, costs and expenses relating thereto shall be reimbursed by Obligors without regard to such limits. Obligors shall pay Agent’s then standard charges for examination activities, including charges for its internal examination and appraisal groups, as well as the charges of any third party used for such purposes. Except with respect to Eligible New Rental Units, no Borrowing Base calculation shall include Collateral acquired in a Permitted Acquisition or otherwise outside the Ordinary Course of Business until completion of applicable field examinations and appraisals (which shall not be included in the limits provided above) satisfactory to Agent.

10.1.2 Financial and Other Information. Keep adequate records and books of account with respect to its business activities, in which proper entries are made in accordance with GAAP reflecting all financial transactions; and furnish to Agent and Lenders:

(a) as soon as available, and in any event within 120 days after the close of each Fiscal Year (but within 150 days after the close of the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2021), balance sheets as of the end of such Fiscal Year and the related statements of income, cash flow and shareholders’ equity for such Fiscal Year, on consolidated and consolidating bases for Obligors and Subsidiaries, which consolidated statements shall be audited and certified (without qualification, other than any going concern qualification resulting from (i) the upcoming maturity date of this Agreement in the same Fiscal Year or (ii) any potential inability to satisfy any financial covenant under Section 10.3 on a future date or for a future period) by a firm of independent certified public accountants of recognized standing selected by Borrower Agent and acceptable to Agent, and shall set forth in comparative form corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Year and other information acceptable to Agent, provided, that (A) if such audited consolidated statements include any Excluded Subsidiaries, the Obligors shall deliver consolidating statements eliminating the assets, liabilities and results of operations of such Excluded Subsidiaries and (B) with respect to the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2021, such audited financial statements may be divided into predecessor and successor periods in relation to the periods before and after the First Amendment Effective Date (or be delivered as two separate audits for such periods within such Fiscal Year) and based on Holdings and its Subsidiaries;

 

81


(b) as soon as available, and in any event within 30 days after the end of each month (other than for the calendar month ending December 31, which shall be delivered within 60 days after the end of such month), unaudited balance sheets as of the end of such month and the related statements of income and cash flow for such month and for the portion of the Fiscal Year then elapsed, on consolidated and consolidating bases for Obligors and Subsidiaries (eliminating the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Excluded Subsidiaries), setting forth in comparative form corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Year and certified by the chief financial officer of Borrower Agent as prepared in accordance with GAAP and fairly presenting the financial position and results of operations for such month and period, subject to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes, provided, that (A) with respect to the calendar month in which the First Amendment Effective Date occurs, such financial statements may be divided into predecessor and successor periods in relation to the periods before and after the First Amendment Effective Date and (B) for periods prior to the First Amendment Effective Date, financial statements shall be determined based on the results of Spartan Energy Partners and its Subsidiaries (excluding Compressco and the Excluded Subsidiaries);

(c) concurrently with delivery of financial statements under clauses (a) and (b) above, or more frequently if requested by Agent while an Event of Default exists, a Compliance Certificate executed by the chief financial officer of Borrower Agent;

(d) concurrently with delivery of financial statements under clause (a) above, copies of all management letters and other material reports submitted to the Obligors by their accountants in connection with such financial statements;

(e) not later than 30 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, projections of the Obligor’s consolidated balance sheets, results of operations, cash flow and Availability for the current Fiscal Year, month by month, and for the next Fiscal Year;

(f) at Agent’s request, a listing of each Obligor’s trade payables, specifying the trade creditor and balance due, and a detailed trade payable aging, all in form satisfactory to Agent;

(g) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of any proxy statements, financial statements or reports that any Obligor has made generally available to its shareholders; copies of any regular, periodic and special reports or registration statements or prospectuses that any Obligor files with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other Governmental Authority, or any securities exchange; and copies of any press releases or other statements made available by an Obligor to the public concerning material changes to or developments in the business of such Obligor;

(h) at Agent’s request, copies of any annual report filed in connection with a Pension Plan or Foreign Plan; and

(i) such other reports and information (financial or otherwise) as Agent may reasonably request from time to time in connection with any Collateral or any Borrower’s, Subsidiary’s or other Obligor’s financial condition, ownership or business.

10.1.3 Notices. Notify Agent in writing, promptly after an Obligor’s obtaining knowledge thereof, of any of the following that affects an Obligor: (a) the threat or commencement of any proceeding or investigation, whether or not covered by insurance, if an adverse determination could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (b) any pending or threatened material labor dispute, strike or walkout, or the expiration of any material labor contract;

 

82


(c) any material default under or termination of a Material Contract; (d) the existence of any Default or Event of Default; (e) any judgment in an amount exceeding $1,000,000; (f) the assertion of any Intellectual Property Claim, if an adverse resolution could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (g) any violation or asserted violation of any Applicable Law (including ERISA, OSHA, FLSA, or any Environmental Laws), if an adverse resolution could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (h) any Environmental Release of Hazardous Materials by an Obligor or on any Property owned, leased or occupied by an Obligor that results in or could reasonably be expected to result in ongoing investigatory, remedial or other corrective action obligations; or receipt of any Environmental Notice that could reasonably be expected to result in a material obligation to Obligor or any of its Subsidiaries; (i) the occurrence of any ERISA Event that could reasonably be expected to result in liability in excess of $1,000,000; (j) the discharge of or any withdrawal or resignation by Obligors’ independent accountants; or (k) any opening of a new office or place of business, at least 10 Business Days prior to such opening (or such shorter time as Agent may agree in its sole discretion).

10.1.4 Landlord and Storage Agreements. Upon reasonable request, provide Agent with copies of all existing agreements, and promptly after execution thereof provide Agent with copies of all future agreements, between an Obligor and any landlord, warehouseman, processor, shipper, bailee or other Person that owns any premises at which any material Collateral may be kept or that otherwise may possess or handle any material Collateral.

10.1.5 Compliance with Laws. Comply with all Applicable Laws, including ERISA, Environmental Laws, FLSA, OSHA and Anti-Terrorism Laws, and maintain all Governmental Approvals necessary to the ownership of its Properties or conduct of its business, unless failure to comply (other than failure to comply with Anti-Terrorism Laws, which shall not be subject to the “Material Adverse Effect” qualification in this sentence) or maintain could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Obligor and Subsidiary (including for this purpose each Excluded Subsidiary) shall maintain policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if any Environmental Release of Hazardous Materials occurs at or on any Properties of any Obligor or Subsidiary, it shall act promptly and diligently to report such Environmental Release to the appropriate Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws, and to investigate and to take appropriate remedial action to address such Environmental Release as required under applicable Environmental Laws whether or not directed to do so by any Governmental Authority.

10.1.6 Taxes. Pay and discharge all of its liabilities for Taxes prior to the date on which they become delinquent or penalties attach, unless (i) such Taxes are being Properly Contested or (ii) other than with respect to payroll taxes (which must be paid), such liabilities do not exceed $300,000 in the aggregate.

10.1.7 Insurance. In addition to the insurance required hereunder with respect to Collateral, maintain insurance, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies acceptable to Agent, with respect to the Properties and business of Obligors and Subsidiaries of such type, in such amounts, and with such coverages and deductibles as are customary for companies similarly situated.

 

83


10.1.8 Licenses. Keep each License affecting any Collateral (including the manufacture, distribution or disposition of Inventory) or any other material Property of Obligors and Subsidiaries in full force and effect to the extent the failure to do so could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; promptly notify Agent of any proposed modification to any such License; pay all royalties and other amounts when due under any License unless being Properly Contested; and notify Agent of any default or breach asserted in writing by any Person to have occurred under any License that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

10.1.9 Future Subsidiaries. Promptly (and in any event within 10 days (or such longer period as Agent may agree in its sole discretion)) notify Agent if any Person becomes a Subsidiary and deliver any know-your customer or other background diligence information requested by Agent or any Lender with respect to such Subsidiary; and (provided it is not a Foreign Subsidiary) cause it to become a “Borrower” or “Guarantor” under this Agreement and to guaranty and grant Liens securing the Obligations, in each case in a manner satisfactory to Agent, and to execute and deliver such documents, instruments and agreements and to take such other actions as Agent shall require to evidence and perfect a Lien in favor of Agent on all assets of such Person, including delivery of such legal opinions, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, as Agent deems appropriate.

10.1.10 Depository Bank. Within 30 days after the First Amendment Effective Date (or such later date as Agent may agree in its sole discretion), and at all times thereafter, maintain Bank of America as its principal depository bank, including for the maintenance of all operating, collection, disbursement and other Deposit Accounts and for all Cash Management Services.

10.1.11 Separateness of Compressco and Excluded Subsidiaries. With respect to any Excluded Subsidiary and Compressco, (a) cause the management, business and affairs of Holdings and its Subsidiaries to be conducted in such a manner (including by keeping separate books of account, furnishing separate balance sheets and income statements of Excluded Subsidiaries and Compressco to creditors and potential creditors thereof and by not permitting properties of Excluded Subsidiaries or Compressco to be commingled with those of Holdings and its Subsidiaries) so that each Excluded Subsidiary and Compressco will be treated as an entity separate and distinct from Holdings and its Subsidiaries; (b) cause each Excluded Subsidiary and Compressco to refrain from maintaining its assets in such a manner that would make it costly or difficult to segregate, ascertain or identify as its individual assets from those of any Obligor or Subsidiary; (c) not incur, assume, guarantee or be or become liable for any Debt of any Excluded Subsidiary or Compressco; (d) not permit any Excluded Subsidiary to hold any Equity Interest in, or any Excluded Subsidiary or Compressco to hold any Lien on or Debt of, any Obligor or any Subsidiary; and (e) cause Holdings and its Subsidiaries (including the Excluded Subsidiaries) to be treated as an “Unrestricted Subsidiary” under the Compressco ABL Facility and the Compressco Notes.

 

84


10.1.12 Rental Units. With respect to any customer contract for Rental Units at a Customer Location, (a) not amend or supplement such contract in a manner that materially and adversely affects the rights and security interests of Agent hereunder (other than amendments or supplements in the Ordinary Course of Business that are not contrary to the other terms hereof), (b) in the case of any such contract entered into after the Closing Date, use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such contract to (i) provide the relevant Obligor and its invitees (including Agent) with access to such Customer Location, (ii) permit assignment thereof to Agent and legend Agent’s lien, (iii) permit transfer of the contract and underlying Rental Units that are the subject of such contract, and (iv) with respect to any lease, constitute a true lease, and (c) promptly file precautionary financing statements for customer contracts with Rental Units of significant value.

10.1.13 Post-Closing Obligations. Each Obligor will complete each of the actions that is described in Schedule 10.1.13 as soon as commercially reasonable following the Closing Date, but in any event no later than the date set forth in Schedule 10.1.13 with respect to such action, or such later date as Agent may agree in its sole discretion.

10.2 Negative Covenants. As long as any Commitment or Obligations are outstanding, each Obligor shall not, and shall cause each Subsidiary not to:

10.2.1 Permitted Debt. Create, incur, guarantee or suffer to exist any Debt, except:

(a) the Obligations;

(b) Permitted Purchase Money Debt;

(c) Borrowed Money existing on the Closing Date and not satisfied with the initial Loan proceeds, to the extent set forth on Schedule 10.2.1 hereto (and, without duplication of the dollar limitation thereon, Refinancing Debt in respect thereof as long as each Refinancing Condition is satisfied);

(d) Debt with respect to Bank Products incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(e) Debt that is in existence when a Person becomes a Subsidiary or that is secured by an asset (other than Accounts, Inventory, customer contracts, leases or work orders or Chattel Paper) when acquired by an Obligor or Subsidiary, as long as such Debt was not incurred in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary or such acquisition, and does not exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate at any time (and, without duplication of the dollar limitation thereon, Refinancing Debt in respect thereof as long as each Refinancing Condition is satisfied);

(f) Permitted Contingent Obligations;

(g) Debt incurred in connection with the financing of insurance premiums in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(h) intercompany Debt among the Obligors and their Subsidiaries permitted under Section 10.2.4; provided, that any such Debt owing by an Obligor to a non-Obligor must constitute Subordinated Debt; and

 

85


(i) unsecured Debt up to $3,000,000 in the aggregate at any time (and, without duplication of the dollar limitation thereon, Refinancing Debt in respect thereof as long as each Refinancing Condition is satisfied).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Obligors and Subsidiaries shall not guaranty or be liable for, or otherwise incur any Contingent Obligation in respect of, Debt of Compressco.

10.2.2 Permitted Liens. Create or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its Property, except the following (collectively, “Permitted Liens”):

(a) Liens in favor of Agent;

(b) Purchase Money Liens securing Permitted Purchase Money Debt;

(c) Liens for Taxes not yet due or being Properly Contested;

(d) Liens constituting carriers’, warehousemen’s, materialmen’s, landlords’, workmen’s, repairmen’s and mechanics’ Liens in each case arising in the Ordinary Course of Business, but only if (i) payment of the obligations secured thereby is not overdue by more than 30 days or is being Properly Contested, and (ii) such Liens do not materially impair the value or use of the Property or materially impair operation of the business of any Obligor or Subsidiary;

(e) Deposits made in the Ordinary Course of Business to secure the performance of government tenders, bids, contracts (other than Borrowed Money), statutory obligations and other similar obligations;

(f) Liens arising by virtue of a judgment or judicial order against any Obligor or Subsidiary, or any Property of an Obligor or Subsidiary, and not otherwise arising to an Event of Default as long as such Liens are (i) in existence for less than 20 consecutive days or being Properly Contested and (ii) at all times junior to Agent’s Liens;

(g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, covenants or other agreements of record, and other similar charges or encumbrances on Real Estate, that do not secure any monetary obligation and do not interfere with the Ordinary Course of Business;

(h) municipal and zoning ordinances, building and other land use laws imposed by any Governmental Authority which are not violated in any material respect by existing improvements or the present use of Property;

(i) leases, subleases, licenses, sublicenses granted to others in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(j) any interest or title of a lessor or sublessor, licensor or sublicensor under any lease or license not prohibited by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

(k) normal and customary rights of setoff upon deposits in favor of depository institutions (not securing Borrowed Money), and Liens of a collecting bank on Payment Items in the course of collection;

 

86


(l) Liens on assets (other than Accounts, Inventory, customer contracts, leases or work orders or Chattel Paper) that are acquired in a Permitted Acquisition, securing Debt permitted by Section 10.2.1(e);

(m) Liens (other than Liens securing Debt) arising from precautionary UCC financing statements regarding specifically described assets (which may not include Inventory) that are the subject of an operating lease;

(n) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto; and

(o) Liens existing on the Closing Date and shown on Schedule 10.2.2;

provided, nothing in this Section 10.2.2 shall in and of itself constitute an agreement or acknowledgment by Agent to subordinate any of Agent’s Liens.

10.2.3 Distributions; Upstream Payments.

(a) Declare or make any Distributions, except, so long as no Event of Default exists or would result therefrom, Obligors and Subsidiaries may make:

(i) Upstream Payments;

(ii) Holdings may declare and make Distributions with respect to its Equity Interests payable solely in additional shares of its Equity Interests that do not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests;

(iii) Distributions by Holdings constituting Permitted Tax Distributions;

(iv) [reserved];

(v) [reserved];

(vi) [reserved];

(vii) [reserved]; and

(viii) Holdings may make other cash Distributions so long as the Payment Conditions are satisfied before and after giving effect thereto; or

(b) create or suffer to exist any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of a Subsidiary to make an Upstream Payment, except for restrictions (i) under the Loan Documents, (ii) under Applicable Law, and (iii) in effect on the Closing Date as shown on Schedule 9.1.15.

10.2.4 Investments. Make any Investment, other than:

(a) (i) Investments in Subsidiaries (including the Excluded Subsidiaries for purposes of this sub-clause (i)) to the extent existing on the Closing Date and (ii) Investments existing on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 10.2.4, in each case for this clause (a), excluding increases thereof following the Closing Date;

 

87


(b) Cash Equivalents that are subject to Agent’s Lien and control, pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to Agent;

(c) advances to an officer or employee for salary, travel expenses, commissions and similar items in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(d) intercompany cash Investments (i) solely among Obligors and (ii) by a Subsidiary that is not an Obligor in any other Subsidiary that is not an Obligor or an Obligor; provided, that any Investment in the form of a loan or advance shall be evidenced by an intercompany note and, in the case of a loan or advance by any Obligor, pledged by such Person as Collateral pursuant to the Security Documents;

(e) the grant of trade credit in the Ordinary Course of Business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms, and Investments received in the Ordinary Course of Business in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled Account Debtors to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or limit loss;

(f) Investments consisting of lease, utility and other similar deposits in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(g) Permitted Acquisitions;

(h) the First Amendment Compressor Unit Acquisition; provided, that Availability must be at least $12,000,000 after making all payments to settle the purchase price therefor in order for such transaction to be permitted under this Agreement;

(i) Non-cash Investments into Spartan International in the form of Equipment or Rental Units not included in the most recent Borrowing Base Report delivered to Agent (or removed from the most recent Borrowing Base Report by submission to Agent prior to such transfer of a pro forma Borrowing Base Report removing such Equipment or Rental Unit) so long as (a) the Payment Conditions are satisfied before and after giving effect thereto and (b) such Investments do not exceed a fair market or book value (whichever is more) of $5,000,000 in the aggregate during any 12-month period (as reduced by Asset Dispositions made under Section 10.2.5(b)); and

(j) other Investments (excluding Acquisitions) so long as the Payment Conditions are satisfied before and after giving effect thereto.

Without limitation to the foregoing, Obligors and Subsidiaries shall not (a) subject to the restrictions above, directly invest in or acquire any public securities (excluding public debt securities so long as such debt securities (i) are not convertible to Margin Stock, (ii) do not contain any warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase Margin Stock and (iii) are not securities of an “investment company” or “person directly or indirectly controlled by or acting on behalf of an investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940 constituting Margin Stock), including any Compressco Units, (b) make any Investments in or to any Excluded Subsidiary following the Closing Date except for Investments permitted pursuant to clause (i) or cash Investments permitted under clause (j) above, or (c) make any Investments in or to Compressco or acquire any Debt or Equity Interests thereof.

 

88


10.2.5 Disposition of Assets. Make any Asset Disposition, except for as long as no Event of Default exists or would result therefrom and all Net Proceeds are remitted to the Dominion Account, an Asset Disposition constituting:

(a) the lease of Inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business (other than to Compressco);

(b) dispositions of Equipment and Rental Units not included in the most recent Borrowing Base Report delivered to Agent (or removed from the most recent Borrowing Base Report by submission to Agent prior to such transfer of a pro forma Borrowing Base Report removing such Equipment or Rental Unit) up to a fair market or book value (whichever is more) of $5,000,000 in the aggregate during any 12-month period (as reduced by Investments made under Section 10.2.4(i));

(c) a disposition of obsolete, unmerchantable or otherwise unusable Inventory that is not included in the Borrowing Base;

(d) the termination of a lease of real or personal Property not necessary for the Obligors’ Ordinary Course of Business, which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and does not result from an Obligor’s default;

(e) a transfer of Property by a Subsidiary or Obligor to another Obligor or solely among Subsidiaries that are not Obligors;

(f) Distributions permitted under Section 10.2.3;

(g) Investments permitted under Section 10.2.4 (other than clause (i) thereof);

(h) the TETRA Lease;

(i) the First Amendment Compressco Lease; or

(j) a disposition approved in writing by Agent and Required Lenders.

Without limitation to the foregoing, following the Closing Date the Obligors and Subsidiaries shall not (i) consummate any Asset Disposition to an Excluded Subsidiary except pursuant to clauses (g) or (j) above, or (ii) transfer or dispose of any Subsidiary or Equity Interests therein to Compressco or an Excluded Subsidiary (including by merger).

10.2.6 Restrictions on Payment of Certain Debt. Make any payments (whether voluntary or mandatory, or a prepayment, redemption, retirement, defeasance or acquisition) with respect to any (a) Subordinated Debt, except regularly scheduled payments of interest and fees and any Refinancing Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1, in each case but only to the extent permitted under any subordination agreement relating to such Debt (and a Senior Officer of Borrower Agent

 

89


shall certify to Agent, not less than five Business Days prior to the date of payment, that all conditions under such agreement have been satisfied); or (b) Borrowed Money of a type not described above (excluding the Obligations) prior to its due date under the agreements evidencing such Debt, except (i) regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest, (ii) in connection with any Refinancing Debt permitted under this Agreement, or (iii) so long as at the time of and after giving effect to such payment the Payment Conditions are satisfied.

10.2.7 Fundamental Changes. (a) Change its name or conduct business under any fictitious name; change its tax, charter or other organizational identification number; or change its form or state of formation or organization, in each case, without giving Agent at least 30 days prior written notice (or such lesser period as Agent may agree in its sole discretion) and taking such actions as Agent may request with respect thereto; (b) liquidate, wind up its affairs or dissolve itself; (c) consummate or unwind a Division; or (d) merge, combine or consolidate with any Person, whether in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, except for (i) mergers or consolidations of a wholly-owned Obligor or Subsidiary with another wholly-owned Obligor or Subsidiary, provided, that (A) with respect to any merger or consolidation involving a Borrower, a Borrower is the surviving person in such merger or consolidation and (B) with respect to any merger or consolidation involving a Guarantor (unless clause (A) also applies, in which case such clause shall govern), such Guarantor is the surviving person in such merger or consolidation or (ii) Permitted Acquisitions.

10.2.8 Subsidiaries. Form or acquire any Subsidiary after the Closing Date, except in accordance with Sections 10.1.9, 10.2.4 and 10.2.7; or permit any existing Subsidiary to issue any additional Equity Interests except directors’ qualifying shares or Equity Interests issued to its immediate parent company.

10.2.9 Organic Documents; Certain Material Contracts. Amend, modify or otherwise change any of (i) its Organic Documents, (ii) the Compressco Purchase Agreement, (iii) the First Amendment Compressco Sale-Leaseback Documents, (iv) the CSI Restructuring Documents, (v) the TETRA Lease, or (vi) the Management Services Agreement, or permit Compressco or any Excluded Subsidiary to amend, modify or otherwise change any of such documents, in a manner adverse to Agent or any Lender (it being understood that any amendment, modification or other change that is inconsistent with any other provision of this Agreement or that increases the payment obligations of an Obligor thereunder shall be deemed adverse).

10.2.10 Tax Consolidation. File or consent to the filing of any consolidated income tax return with any Person other than Obligors and Subsidiaries (including for this purpose, Spartan International).

10.2.11 Accounting Changes. Make any material change in accounting treatment or reporting practices, except in accordance with Section 1.2; or change its Fiscal Year, in each case without the consent of Agent.

 

90


10.2.12 Restrictive Agreements. Become a party to any Restrictive Agreement, except a Restrictive Agreement (a) in effect on the First Amendment Effective Date and set forth on Schedule 9.1.15; (b) relating to secured Debt permitted hereunder, as long as the restrictions apply only to collateral for such Debt (other than Accounts, Inventory, customer contracts, leases or work orders or Chattel Paper); (c) constituting customary restrictions on assignment in leases and other contracts (other than customer contracts for the lease or rental of Rental Units entered into after the Closing Date); and (d) customary restrictions and conditions contained in any agreement relating to the sale of any property permitted under this Agreement pending the consummation of such sale.

10.2.13 Swaps. Enter into any Swap, except to hedge risks arising in the Ordinary Course of Business and not for speculative purposes.

10.2.14 Conduct of Business. Engage in any business, other than its business as conducted on the Closing Date and any activities incidental thereto.

10.2.15 Affiliate Transactions. Enter into or be party to any transaction with an Affiliate, except (a) Distributions and Investments otherwise expressly permitted by the Loan Documents; (b) payment of reasonable compensation to officers and employees for services actually rendered, and payment of customary directors’ fees and indemnities; (c) transactions solely among Obligors or transactions solely among Subsidiaries that are not Obligors; (d) transactions with Affiliates consummated prior to the Closing Date, as shown on Schedule 10.2.15; (e) reimbursements of costs and expenses of CSI Compressco GP and Spartan Energy Partners GP pursuant to the Management Services Agreement not to exceed Obligors’ pro rata share of customary general and administrative expenses associated with centralized corporate and accounting functions; (f) [reserved]; (g) the TETRA Lease and the First Amendment Compressco Sale-Leaseback Documents, in each case, as in effect on the First Amendment Effective Date, and (h) transactions with Affiliates in the Ordinary Course of Business, upon fair and reasonable terms fully disclosed to Agent and no less favorable (taken as a whole) than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a non-Affiliate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Obligors shall not permit the aggregate amount of Accounts, accrued expense reimbursement obligations or other liabilities (including any obligation to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services) owing to Obligors and Subsidiaries from (i) Excluded Subsidiaries to exceed $1,500,000 at any time outstanding and (ii) Compressco to exceed $1,500,000 at any time outstanding.

10.2.16 Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA.

(a) Fail, or permit any ERISA Affiliate to fail, to maintain each Plan in substantial compliance with Applicable Laws, except where such failure could reasonably be expected to result in liability in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate;

(b) Fail, or permit any ERISA Affiliate to fail, to make on a timely basis, all required contributions to any Multiemployer Plan, except where such failure could reasonably be expected to result in liability in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate;

(c) Take, or permit any ERISA Affiliate to take, any of the following actions if such actions could reasonably be expected to result in liability in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate: (i) seek a waiver of the minimum funding standards of ERISA, (ii) terminate or withdraw from any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan, or (iii) take any other action with respect to any Pension Plan that would, or could reasonably be expected to, entitle the PBGC to terminate, impose liability in respect of, or cause a trustee to be appointed to administer, any Pension Plan; or

 

91


(d) Take any action, or omit to take any action, that would cause the underlying assets of any Obligor to constitute Plan Assets.

10.2.17 [Reserved].

10.2.18 Amendments to Subordinated Debt. Amend, supplement or otherwise modify any document, instrument or agreement relating to any Subordinated Debt, if such modification (i) increases the principal balance of such Debt (other than as a result of the capitalization of fees and interest) or increases any required payment of principal or interest (other than as a result of the capitalization of fees and interest); (ii) accelerates the date on which any installment of principal or any interest is due, or adds any additional redemption, put or prepayment provisions; (iii) shortens the final maturity date or otherwise accelerates amortization; (iv) increases the interest rates from those set forth on the Closing Date; (v) increases or adds any recurring fees or charges; (vi) modifies any covenant in a manner or adds any covenant or default that is more onerous or restrictive in any material respect for any Obligor or Subsidiary than those set forth in this Agreement, or that is otherwise materially adverse to any Obligor, any Subsidiary or Lenders; or (vii) results in the Obligations not being fully benefited by the subordination provisions thereof.

10.2.19 Margin Stock. Take any action that would result in the Obligations being directly secured or “indirectly secured” (as such term is defined in 12 CFR §221.2) by Margin Stock.

10.3 Financial Covenants. As long as any Commitment or Obligations are outstanding, Obligors shall:

10.3.1 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. Maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the end of each month for each 12-month period then ended of at least 1.1 to 1.0.

10.3.2 Leverage Ratio. Commencing with the month ending January 31, 2021, not permit the Leverage Ratio, determined monthly as of the last day of each month, to exceed (a) 3.25 to 1.00 for each month ending January 31, 2021 through and including December 31, 2021, (b) 3.00 to 1.00 for each month ending January 31, 2022 through and including June 30, 2022, (c) 2.75 to 1.00 for each month ending July 31, 2022 through and including December 31, 2022, and (d) 2.50 to 1.00 for each month ending thereafter.

10.3.3 Right to Cure. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Sections 10.3.1 and 10.3.2, for purposes of determining whether Obligors have failed to comply with the financial covenants contained in Sections 10.3.1 and 10.3.2, Obligors shall have the right to increase EBITDA for any month by the amount of Net Proceeds actually received by Holdings from Compressco (by way of additional common equity contributions having terms acceptable to Agent (any such equity contribution so included in the calculation of EBITDA, a “Specified Contribution”)) after the end of such month and on or prior to the date that is 10 days after the date on which financial statements with respect to such month are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 10.1.2(b) (the “Cure Date”), in each case so long as, on or prior to the Cure Date, Borrower

 

92


Agent shall provide written notice to Agent of the Specified Contribution, whereupon upon actual receipt of such Net Proceeds the applicable financial covenant(s) contained in Section 10.3.1 and 10.3.2 so breached shall be recalculated giving effect to the following pro forma adjustments and subject to the following limitations: (a) Specified Contributions may not be made in consecutive months and no more than two times in any 12 month period, (b) the amount of any Specified Contribution for the purposes of making the recalculation under this Section 10.3.3 of the applicable financial covenant(s) contained in Sections 10.3.1 and 10.3.2 so breached will be no greater than, nor be less than, the largest amount required to cause the Obligors to be in compliance with such financial covenant(s) by increasing EBITDA (and, for the avoidance of doubt, EBITDA may only be increased up to an amount that would cause Sections 10.3.1 and 10.3.2, as applicable, to be so satisfied), (c) each Specified Contribution will be disregarded for purposes of the calculation of EBITDA, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and the Leverage Ratio for all other purposes, including calculating basket levels, the Payment Conditions, the Applicable Margin and other items governed by reference to EBITDA, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio or the Leverage Ratio, (d) there shall be no reduction in Debt or interest expense as a result of any repayment of Debt in connection with a Specified Contribution for purposes of determining compliance with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio or the Leverage Ratio in any fiscal period, (e) there shall be no more than three Specified Contributions made in the aggregate after the Closing Date, and (f) the Net Proceeds received by Holdings from each Specified Contribution shall be promptly (and in any event, within one Business Day) used by Obligors to prepay the Obligations (without a corresponding Commitment reduction). Upon receipt of a Specified Contribution, Borrower Agent shall deliver to Agent a new Compliance Certificate for the applicable test period setting forth the recalculated financial covenant(s) as provided above and demonstrating compliance with such financial covenant(s) after giving effect to such recalculation. During any pending cure, an Event of Default shall exist for all purposes under this Agreement, and Lenders and Issuing Bank shall not be required to make any Loans or issue any Letters of Credit, as applicable.

Section 11. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES ON DEFAULT.

11.1 Events of Default. Each of the following shall be an “Event of Default” if it occurs for any reason whatsoever, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise:

(a) Any Borrower fails to pay its Obligations when due (whether at stated maturity, on demand, upon acceleration or otherwise);

(b) Any representation, warranty or other written statement of an Obligor made in connection with any Loan Documents or transactions contemplated thereby is incorrect or misleading in any material respect when given;

(c) An Obligor or Subsidiary breaches or fails to perform any covenant contained in Section 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.6, 8.1, 8.2.1, 8.2.4, 8.2.5, 8.3.1, 8.5, 8.6.2, 10.1.1, 10.1.2, 10.1.3, 10.1.9, 10.1.10, 10.1.13, 10.2 or 10.3;

(d) An Obligor or Subsidiary breaches or fails to perform any other covenant contained in any Loan Documents (or than clauses (a), (b) or (c) above), and such breach or failure is not cured within 30 days after a Senior Officer of such Obligor or Subsidiary has knowledge thereof or receives notice thereof from Agent, whichever is sooner; provided, that such notice and opportunity to cure shall not apply if the breach or failure to perform is not capable of being cured within such period or is a willful breach by an Obligor or Subsidiary;

 

93


(e) A Guarantor repudiates, revokes or attempts to revoke its Guaranty; an Obligor denies or contests the validity or enforceability of any Loan Documents or Obligations, or the perfection or priority of any Lien granted to Agent; it is unlawful for an Obligor to perform any of its obligations under a Loan Document; or any material provision of any Loan Document ceases to be in full force or effect for any reason (other than a waiver or release by Agent and Lenders);

(f) Any breach or default (beyond the grace period, if any, provided in the instrument or agreement under which the Debt was created) of an Obligor or Subsidiary occurs under (i) any Swap; or (ii) any instrument or agreement to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Properties is bound, relating to any Debt (other than the Obligations) in excess of $1,000,000, if the maturity of or any payment with respect to any such Debt may be accelerated or demanded due to such breach;

(g) Any judgment or order for the payment of money is entered against an Obligor or Subsidiary in an amount that exceeds, individually or cumulatively with all unsatisfied judgments or orders against all Obligors, $1,000,000 (net of insurance coverage therefor that has not been denied by the insurer) and such judgment(s) or order(s) shall not have been satisfied, vacated, discharged, stayed or bonded pending appeal in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Agent within thirty (30) days from the entry thereof;

(h) A loss, theft, damage or destruction occurs with respect to any Collateral if the amount not covered by insurance exceeds $1,000,000;

(i) The Obligors are enjoined, restrained or in any way prevented by any Governmental Authority from conducting any material part of the business of Obligors taken as a whole; the Obligors suffer the loss, revocation or termination of any material license, permit, lease or agreement necessary to the business of Obligors taken as a whole; there is a cessation of any material part of the Obligors’ business, taken as a whole, for a material period of time; any Collateral or Property of Obligors with a value exceeding $1,000,000 is taken or impaired through condemnation; an Obligor agrees to or commences any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of its affairs; or an Obligor is not Solvent;

(j) (i) An Insolvency Proceeding is commenced by an Obligor or Subsidiary; (ii) an Obligor or Subsidiary makes an offer of settlement, extension or composition to its unsecured creditors generally; (iii) a trustee is appointed to take possession of any substantial Property of or to operate any of the business of an Obligor or Subsidiary; or (iv) an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced against an Obligor or Subsidiary and: any Obligor or Subsidiary consents to institution of the proceeding, the petition commencing the proceeding is not timely contested by any Obligor or Subsidiary, the petition is not dismissed within 30 days after filing, or an order for relief is entered in the proceeding;

 

94


(k) (i) An ERISA Event(s) occurs that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of an Obligor to a Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or PBGC in excess of $1,000,000, or that constitutes grounds for appointment of a trustee for or termination by the PBGC of any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (ii) a Lien under ERISA is imposed on the assets of any Obligor in excess of $1,000,000; (iii) an Obligor or ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due any installment payment(s) with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in excess of $1,000,000; or (iv) any event similar to the foregoing occurs or exists with respect to a Foreign Plan and results in liability in excess of $1,000,000;

(l) An Obligor, a Subsidiary or any of their Senior Officers is criminally indicted or convicted for (i) a felony committed in the conduct of its business, or (ii) violating any state or federal law (including the Controlled Substances Act, Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 and Illegal Exportation of War Materials Act) that could lead to forfeiture of any material Property or any Collateral;

(m) A Change of Control occurs; or

(n) Any event occurs or condition exists that has a Material Adverse Effect.

11.2 Remedies upon Default. If an Event of Default described in Section 11.1(j) occurs with respect to any Obligor, then to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, all Obligations (including Secured Bank Product Obligations only to the extent provided in applicable agreements) shall become automatically due and payable and all Commitments shall terminate, without any action by Agent or notice of any kind. In addition, or if any other Event of Default exists, Agent may in its discretion (and shall upon written direction of Required Lenders) do any one or more of the following from time to time:

(a) declare any Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) immediately due and payable, whereupon they shall be due and payable without diligence, presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by Obligors to the fullest extent permitted by law;

(b) terminate, reduce or condition any Commitment or adjust the Borrowing Base;

(c) require Obligors to Cash Collateralize LC Obligations, Secured Bank Product Obligations and other Obligations that are contingent or not yet due and payable, and if Obligors fail to deposit such Cash Collateral, Agent may (and shall upon the direction of Required Lenders) advance the required Cash Collateral as Loans (whether or not an Overadvance exists or is created thereby, or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied), provided, that if Borrowers are required to provide an amount of Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 11.2, such amount (to the extent not applied in accordance with Section 5.5 or 5.6) shall be returned to Borrowers within three Business Days after all Events of Default have been waived; and

(d) exercise any other rights or remedies afforded under any agreement, by law, at equity or otherwise, including the rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC. Such rights and remedies include the rights to (i) take possession of any Collateral; (ii) require Obligors to assemble Collateral, at Obligors’ expense, and make it available to Agent at a place designated by Agent; (iii) subject to the terms of any Lien Waiver, enter any premises where Collateral is

 

95


located and store Collateral on such premises until sold (and if the premises are owned or leased by an Obligor, Obligors agree not to charge for such storage); and (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral in its then condition, or after any further manufacturing or processing thereof, at public or private sale, with such notice as may be required by Applicable Law, in lots or in bulk, at such locations, all as Agent, in its discretion, deems advisable. Each Obligor agrees that 10 days’ notice of any proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral by Agent shall be reasonable, and that any sale conducted on the internet or to a licensor of Intellectual Property shall be commercially reasonable. Agent may conduct sales on any Obligor’s premises, without charge, and any sale may be adjourned from time to time in accordance with Applicable Law. Agent shall have the right to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any Collateral for cash, credit or any combination thereof, and Agent may purchase any Collateral at public or, if permitted by law, private sale and, in lieu of actual payment of the purchase price, may credit bid and set off the amount of such price against the Obligations.

11.3 License. For the purpose of enabling Agent, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to exercise the rights and remedies under Section 11.2 at such time as Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, and for no other purpose, Agent is hereby granted an irrevocable, non-exclusive license or other right to use, license or sub-license (without payment of royalty or other compensation to any Person) any or all Intellectual Property of Obligors, computer hardware and software, trade secrets, brochures, customer lists, promotional and advertising materials, labels, packaging materials and other Property, in advertising for sale, marketing, selling, collecting, completing manufacture of, or otherwise exercising any rights or remedies with respect to, any Collateral. Each Obligor’s rights and interests under Intellectual Property shall inure to Agent’s benefit.

11.4 Setoff. At any time during an Event of Default, Agent, Issuing Bank, Lenders, and any of their Affiliates are authorized, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by Agent, Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of an Obligor against the Obligations, whether or not Agent, Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of Agent, Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness. The rights of Agent, Issuing Bank, each Lender and each such Affiliate under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Person may have.

11.5 Remedies Cumulative; No Waiver

11.5.1 Cumulative Rights. All agreements, warranties, guaranties, indemnities and other undertakings of Obligors under the Loan Documents are cumulative and not in derogation of each other. The rights and remedies of Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders under the Loan Documents are cumulative, may be exercised at any time and from time to time, concurrently or in any order, and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies available by agreement, by law, at equity or otherwise. All such rights and remedies shall continue in full force and effect until Full Payment of all Obligations.

 

96


11.5.2 Waivers. No waiver or course of dealing shall be established by (a) the failure or delay of Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender to require strict performance by any Obligor under any Loan Document, or to exercise any rights or remedies with respect to Collateral or otherwise; (b) the making of any Loan or issuance of any Letter of Credit during a Default, Event of Default or other failure to satisfy any conditions precedent; or (c) acceptance by Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender of any payment or performance by an Obligor under any Loan Documents in a manner other than that specified therein. Any failure to satisfy a financial covenant on a measurement date shall not be cured or remedied by satisfaction of such covenant on a subsequent date.

Section 12. AGENT.

12.1 Appointment, Authority and Duties of Agent.

12.1.1 Appointment and Authority. Each Secured Party appoints and designates Bank of America as Agent under all Loan Documents. Agent may, and each Secured Party authorizes Agent to, enter into all Loan Documents to which Agent is intended to be a party and accept all Security Documents. Any action taken by Agent in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents, and the exercise by Agent of any rights or remedies set forth therein, together with all other powers reasonably incidental thereto, shall be authorized by and binding upon all Secured Parties. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Agent shall have the sole and exclusive authority to (a) act as the disbursing and collecting agent for Lenders with respect to all payments and collections arising in connection with the Loan Documents; (b) execute and deliver as Agent each Loan Document, including any intercreditor or subordination agreement, and accept delivery of each Loan Document; (c) act as collateral agent for Secured Parties for purposes of perfecting and administering Liens under the Loan Documents, and for all other purposes stated therein; (d) manage, supervise or otherwise deal with Collateral; and (e) take any Enforcement Action or otherwise exercise any rights or remedies with respect to any Collateral or under any Loan Documents, Applicable Law or otherwise. Agent alone is authorized to determine eligibility and applicable advance rates under the Borrowing Base, whether to impose or release any reserve, or whether any conditions to funding or issuance of a Letter of Credit have been satisfied, which determinations and judgments, if exercised in good faith, shall exonerate Agent from liability to any Secured Party or other Person for any error in judgment. Each Secured Party, and Obligors and their Subsidiaries and Affiliates, acknowledge that Bank of America serves as Agent and may, from time to time, be a Lender hereunder, while at the same time acting in such capacities, or its Affiliates providing financial services to, TETRA Technologies, Inc., CSI Compressco LP and their respective affiliates. Each Secured Party, and Obligors and their Subsidiaries and affiliates, hereby waive any objection or claim against Bank of America (or its Affiliates or counsel) based on any alleged conflict of interest or breach of duties arising from Bank of America serving as Agent and Lender at the same time as serving in, or its Affiliates serving in, any of the other capacities described herein.

12.1.2 Duties. The title of “Agent” is used solely as a matter of market custom and the duties of Agent are administrative in nature only. Agent has no duties except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, and in no event does Agent have any agency, fiduciary or implied duty to or relationship with any Secured Party or other Person by reason of any Loan Document or related transaction. The conferral upon Agent of any right shall not imply a duty to exercise such right, unless instructed to do so by Lenders in accordance with this Agreement.

 

97


12.1.3 Agent Professionals. Agent may perform its duties through employees and agents. Agent may consult with and employ Agent Professionals, and shall be entitled to act upon, and shall be fully protected in any action taken in good faith reliance upon, any advice given by an Agent Professional. Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents, employees or Agent Professionals selected by it with reasonable care.

12.1.4 Instructions of Required Lenders. The rights and remedies conferred upon Agent under the Loan Documents may be exercised without the necessity of joining any other party, unless required by Applicable Law. In determining compliance with a condition for any action hereunder, including satisfaction of any condition in Section 6, Agent may presume that the condition is satisfactory to a Secured Party unless Agent has received notice to the contrary from such Secured Party before Agent takes the action. Agent may request instructions from Required Lenders or other Secured Parties with respect to any act (including the failure to act) in connection with any Loan Documents or Collateral, and may seek assurances to its satisfaction from Secured Parties of their indemnification obligations against Claims that could be incurred by Agent. Agent may refrain from any act until it has received such instructions or assurances, and shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so refraining. Instructions of Required Lenders shall be binding upon all Secured Parties, and no Secured Party shall have any right of action whatsoever against Agent as a result of Agent acting or refraining from acting pursuant to instructions of Required Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, instructions by and consent of specific parties shall be required to the extent provided in Section 14.1.1. In no event shall Agent be required to take any action that it determines in its discretion is contrary to Applicable Law or any Loan Documents or could subject any Agent Indemnitee to liability.

12.2 Agreements Regarding Collateral and Borrower Materials

12.2.1 Lien Releases; Care of Collateral. Secured Parties authorize Agent to release any Lien on any Collateral (a) upon Full Payment of the Obligations; (b) that is the subject of a disposition or Lien that Borrower Agent certifies in writing is a Permitted Asset Disposition or a Permitted Lien entitled to priority over Agent’s Liens (and Agent may rely conclusively on such certificate without further inquiry); (c) that does not constitute a material part of the Collateral; or (d) subject to Section 14.1, with the consent of Required Lenders. Secured Parties authorize Agent to subordinate its Liens to any Purchase Money Lien or other Lien entitled to priority hereunder. Secured Parties hereby authorize Agent to execute and deliver any instruments, documents and agreements necessary or desirable to evidence and confirm the release of any Collateral, or the subordination of the Lien encumbering any Collateral, pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, all without the further consent or joinder of any Secured Party. Agent has no obligation to assure that any Collateral exists or is owned by an Obligor, or is cared for, protected or insured, nor to assure that Agent’s Liens have been properly created, perfected or enforced, or are entitled to any particular priority, nor to exercise any duty of care with respect to any Collateral. To the extent required under the laws of any foreign jurisdiction, each Secured Party hereby grants to Agent any required power of attorney to take any action with respect to Collateral or to execute any Loan Document on the Secured Party’s behalf.

 

98


12.2.2 Possession of Collateral. Agent and Secured Parties appoint each Secured Party as agent (for the benefit of Secured Parties) for the purpose of perfecting Liens in Collateral held or controlled by it, to the extent such Liens are perfected by possession or control. If a Secured Party obtains possession or control of any Collateral, it shall notify Agent thereof and, promptly upon Agent’s request, deliver such Collateral to Agent or otherwise deal with it in accordance with Agent’s instructions.

12.2.3 Reports. Agent shall promptly provide to Lenders, when complete, any field examination, audit, appraisal or consultant report prepared for Agent with respect to any Obligor or Collateral (“Report”). Reports and other Borrower Materials may be made available to Lenders by posting them on the Platform, but Agent shall not be responsible for system failures or access issues that may occur from time to time. Each Lender agrees (a) that Reports are not intended to be comprehensive audits or examinations, and that Agent or any other Person performing an audit or examination will inspect only limited information and will rely significantly upon Borrowers’ books, records and representations; (b) that Agent makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any Borrower Materials and shall not be liable for any information contained in or omitted from any Borrower Materials; and (c) to keep all Borrower Materials confidential and strictly for such Lender’s internal use, not to distribute any Report or other Borrower Materials (or contents thereof) to any Person (except to such Lender’s Participants, attorneys and accountants), and to use all Borrower Materials solely for administration of the Obligations. Each Lender shall indemnify and hold harmless Agent and any other Person preparing a Report from any action such Lender may take as a result of or any conclusion it may draw from any Borrower Materials, as well as from any Claims arising as a direct or indirect result of Agent furnishing same to such Lender, via the Platform or otherwise.

12.3 Reliance By Agent. Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any Communication (including those by telephone, telex, telegram, telecopy, e-mail or other electronic means) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person. Agent shall have a reasonable and practicable amount of time to act upon any Communication under any Loan Document, and shall not be liable for any delay in acting.

12.4 Action Upon Default. Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default, or of any failure to satisfy any conditions in Section 6, unless it has received written notice from a Borrower or Required Lenders specifying the occurrence and nature thereof. If a Lender acquires knowledge of a Default, Event of Default or failure of such conditions, it shall promptly notify Agent and the other Lenders thereof in writing. Each Secured Party agrees that, except as otherwise provided in any Loan Documents or with the written consent of Agent and Required Lenders, it will not take any Enforcement Action, accelerate Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) or assert any rights relating to any Collateral. Agent is hereby authorized to file a proof of claim and vote claims for the Obligations in any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code. At any foreclosure or other realization event with respect to the Collateral (including any 363 sale pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code), Agent shall be entitled to credit bid the Obligations and establish vehicles and procedures therefor.

 

99


12.5 Ratable Sharing. If any Lender obtains any payment or reduction of any Obligation, whether through set-off or otherwise, in excess of its ratable share of such Obligation, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from Secured Parties participations in the affected Obligation as are necessary to share the excess payment or reduction on a Pro Rata basis or in accordance with Section 5.5.2, as applicable. If any of such payment or reduction is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender, the purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Defaulting Lender obtains a payment or reduction of any Obligation, it shall immediately turn over the full amount thereof to Agent for application under Section 4.2.2 and it shall provide a written statement to Agent describing the Obligation affected by such payment or reduction. No Lender shall set off against a Deposit Account without Agent’s prior consent.

12.6 Indemnification. EACH SECURED PARTY SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGENT INDEMNITEES AND ISSUING BANK INDEMNITEES, TO THE EXTENT NOT REIMBURSED BY OBLIGORS, ON A PRO RATA BASIS, AGAINST ALL CLAIMS THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY SUCH INDEMNITEE, PROVIDED THAT ANY CLAIM AGAINST AN AGENT INDEMNITEE RELATES TO OR ARISES FROM ITS ACTING AS OR FOR AGENT (IN THE CAPACITY OF AGENT). In Agent’s discretion, it may reserve for any Claims made against an Agent Indemnitee or Issuing Bank Indemnitee, and may satisfy any judgment, order or settlement relating thereto, from proceeds of Collateral prior to making any distribution of Collateral proceeds to Secured Parties. If Agent is sued by any receiver, trustee or other Person for any alleged preference or fraudulent transfer, then any monies paid by Agent in settlement or satisfaction of such proceeding, together with all interest, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in the defense of same, shall be promptly reimbursed to Agent by each Secured Party to the extent of its Pro Rata share.

12.7 Limitation on Responsibilities of Agent. Agent shall not be liable to any Secured Party for any action taken or omitted to be taken under the Loan Documents, except for losses directly and solely caused by Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Agent does not assume any responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by any Obligor, Lender or other Secured Party of any obligations under the Loan Documents. Agent does not make any express or implied representation, warranty or guarantee to Secured Parties with respect to any Obligations, Collateral, Liens, Loan Documents or Obligor. No Agent Indemnitee shall be responsible to Secured Parties for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in any Loan Documents or Borrower Materials; the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of any Loan Documents; the genuineness, enforceability, collectability, value, sufficiency, location or existence of any Collateral, or the validity, extent, perfection or priority of any Lien therein; the validity, enforceability or collectability of any Obligations; or the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any Obligor or Account Debtor. No Agent Indemnitee shall have any obligation to any Secured Party to ascertain or inquire into the existence of any Default or Event of Default, the observance by any Obligor of any terms of the Loan Documents, or the satisfaction of any conditions precedent contained in any Loan Documents.

 

100


12.8 Successor Agent and Co-Agents.

12.8.1 Resignation; Successor Agent. Agent may resign at any time by giving at least 30 days written notice thereof to Lenders and Borrower Agent. Required Lenders may appoint a successor that is (a) a Lender or Affiliate of a Lender; or (b) a financial institution reasonably acceptable to Required Lenders and (provided no Default or Event of Default exists) Borrower Agent. If no successor is appointed by the effective date of Agent’s resignation, then on such date, Agent may appoint a successor acceptable to it in its discretion (which shall be a Lender unless no Lender accepts the role) or, in the absence of such appointment, Required Lenders shall automatically assume all rights and duties of Agent. The successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the powers and duties of the retiring Agent without further act. The retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties hereunder on the effective date of its resignation, but shall continue to have all rights and protections available to Agent under the Loan Documents with respect to actions, omissions, circumstances or Claims relating to or arising while it was acting or transferring responsibilities as Agent or holding any Collateral on behalf of Secured Parties, including indemnification under Sections 12.6 and 14.2, and all rights and protections under this Section 12. Any successor to Bank of America by merger or acquisition of stock or this loan shall continue to be Agent hereunder without further act on the part of any Secured Party or Obligor.

12.8.2 Co-Collateral Agent. If appropriate under Applicable Law, Agent may appoint a Person to serve as a co-collateral agent or separate collateral agent under any Loan Document. Each right, remedy and protection intended to be available to Agent under the Loan Documents shall also be vested in such agent. Secured Parties shall execute and deliver any instrument or agreement that Agent may request to effect such appointment. If any such agent shall die, dissolve, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, then all the rights and remedies of the agent, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, shall vest in and be exercised by Agent until appointment of a new agent.

12.9 Due Diligence and Non-Reliance. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that it has, independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other Lenders, and based upon such documents, information and analyses as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis of each Obligor and its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to fund Loans and participate in LC Obligations hereunder. Each Secured Party has made such inquiries as it feels necessary concerning the Loan Documents, Collateral and Obligors. Each Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that the other Secured Parties have made no representations or warranties concerning any Obligor, any Collateral or the legality, validity, sufficiency or enforceability of any Loan Documents or Obligations. Each Secured Party will, independently and without reliance upon any other Secured Party, and based upon such financial statements, documents and information as it deems appropriate at the time, continue to make and rely upon its own credit decisions in making Loans and participating in LC Obligations, and in taking or refraining from any action under any Loan Documents. Except for notices, reports and other information expressly requested by a Lender, Agent shall have no duty or responsibility to provide any Secured Party with any notices, reports or certificates furnished to Agent by any Obligor or any credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition, business or Properties of any Obligor (or any of its Affiliates) which may come into possession of Agent or its Affiliates. Each Lender represents and warrants that (a) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility, and (b) it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans in the ordinary course, is sophisticated with respect to making such decisions and holding such loans, and is entering into this Agreement for the purpose of making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and providing other facilities as set forth herein, and not for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument. Each Lender agrees not to assert any claim in contravention of the foregoing.

 

101


12.10 Remittance of Payments and Collections.

12.10.1 Remittances Generally. Payments by any Secured Party to Agent shall be made by the time and date provided herein, in immediately available funds. If no time for payment is specified or if payment is due on demand and request for payment is made by Agent by 1:00 p.m. on a Business Day, then payment shall be made by the Secured Party by 3:00 p.m. on such day, and if request is made after 1:00 p.m., then payment shall be made by 11:00 a.m. on the next Business Day. Payment by Agent to any Secured Party shall be made by wire transfer, in the type of funds received by Agent. Any such payment shall be subject to Agent’s right of offset for any amounts due from such payee under the Loan Documents.

12.10.2 Recovery of Erroneous Payments. Without limitation of any other provision herein, if at any time Agent makes a payment hereunder in error to any Secured Party, whether or not in respect of an Obligation due and owing by Borrowers at such time, where such payment is a Rescindable Amount, then in any such event each Secured Party receiving a Rescindable Amount severally agrees to repay to Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount received by such Secured Party in immediately available funds in the currency so received, with interest thereon for each day from and including the date such Rescindable Amount is received by it to but excluding the date of repayment to Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. Each Secured Party irrevocably waives any and all defenses, including any defense of discharge for value (under which a creditor might otherwise claim a right to retain funds mistakenly paid by a third party in respect of a debt owed by another) or similar defense to its obligation to return any Rescindable Amount. Agent shall inform each Secured Party promptly upon determining that any payment made to such Secured Party was comprised, in whole or in part, of a Rescindable Amount.

12.10.3 Distributions. If Agent determines that an amount received by it must be returned or paid to an Obligor or other Person pursuant to Applicable Law or otherwise, then Agent shall not be required to distribute such amount to any Secured Party.

12.11 Individual Capacities. As a Lender, Bank of America shall have the same rights and remedies under the Loan Documents as any other Lender, and the terms “Lenders,” “Required Lenders” or any similar term shall include Bank of America in its capacity as a Lender. Agent, Lenders and their Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, provide Bank Products to, act as financial or other advisor to, and generally engage in any kind of business with, Obligors and their Affiliates, as if they were not Agent or Lenders hereunder, without any duty to account therefor to any Secured Party. In their individual capacities, Agent, Lenders and their Affiliates may receive information regarding Obligors, their Affiliates and their Account Debtors (including information subject to confidentiality obligations), and shall have no obligation to provide such information to any Secured Party.

 

102


12.12 Titles. Each Lender, other than Bank of America, that is designated in connection with this credit facility as an “Arranger,” “Bookrunner” or “Agent” of any kind shall have no right or duty under any Loan Documents other than those applicable to all Lenders, and shall in no event have any fiduciary duty to any Secured Party.

12.13 Certain ERISA Matters.

12.13.1 Lender Representations. Each Lender represents and warrants, as of the date it became a Lender party hereto, and covenants, from the date it became a Lender party hereto to the date it ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, Agent and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of Obligors, that at least one of the following is and will be true: (a) Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(42) or otherwise) of one or more Benefit Plans with respect to Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, Letters of Credit, Commitments or Loan Documents; (b) the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, Letters of Credit, Commitments and Loan Documents; (c)(i) Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (ii) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, Letters of Credit, Commitments and Loan Documents, (iii) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, Letters of Credit, Commitments and Loan Documents satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14, and (iv) to the best knowledge of Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, Letters of Credit, Commitments and Loan Documents; or (d) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between Agent, in its discretion, and Lender.

12.13.2 Further Lender Representation. Unless Section 12.13.1(a) or (d) is true with respect to a Lender, such Lender further represents and warrants, as of the date it became a Lender hereunder, and covenants, from the date it became a Lender to the date it ceases to be a Lender hereunder, for the benefit of, Agent and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Obligor, that Agent is not a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender involved in its entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, Letters of Credit, Commitments and Loan Documents (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by Agent under any Loan Document).

12.14 Bank Product Providers. Each Secured Bank Product Provider, by delivery of a notice to Agent of a Bank Product, agrees to be bound by the Loan Documents, including Sections 5.5, 12, 14.3.3 and 14.15, and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Agent Indemnitees, to the extent not reimbursed by Obligors, against all Claims that may be incurred by or asserted against any Agent Indemnitee in connection with such provider’s Secured Bank Product Obligations.

 

103


12.15 No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Section 12 is an agreement solely among Secured Parties and Agent, and shall survive Full Payment of the Obligations. This Section 12 does not confer any rights or benefits upon Obligors or any other Person. As between Obligors and Agent, any action that Agent may take under any Loan Documents or with respect to any Obligations shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized and directed by Secured Parties.

Section 13. BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS.

13.1 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Obligors, Agent, Lenders, Secured Parties, and their respective successors and assigns, except that (a) no Obligor may assign or delegate its rights or obligations under any Loan Documents; and (b) any assignment by a Lender must be made in compliance with Section 13.3. Agent may treat the Person which made any Loan as the owner thereof for all purposes until such Person makes an assignment in accordance with Section 13.3. Any authorization or consent of a Lender shall be conclusive and binding on any subsequent transferee or assignee of such Lender.

13.2 Participations.

13.2.1 Permitted Participants; Effect. Subject to Section 13.3.3, any Lender may sell to a financial institution (“Participant”) a participating interest in the rights and obligations of such Lender under any Loan Documents. Despite any sale by a Lender of participating interests to a Participant, such Lender’s obligations under the Loan Documents shall remain unchanged, it shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for performance of such obligations, it shall remain the holder of its Loans and Commitments for all purposes, all amounts payable by Borrowers shall be determined as if it had not sold such participating interests, and Borrowers and Agent shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with the Loan Documents. Each Lender shall be solely responsible for notifying its Participants of any matters under the Loan Documents, and Agent and the other Lenders shall not have any obligation or liability to any such Participant. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 5.8 unless Borrowers agree otherwise in writing. Each Participant agrees to be subject to the requirements and limitations of Section 5.8 and 5.9 (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 5.9 shall be delivered to the participating Lender).

13.2.2 Voting Rights. Each Lender shall retain the sole right to approve, without the consent of any Participant, any amendment, waiver or other modification of a Loan Document other than that which forgives principal, interest or fees, reduces the stated interest rate or fees payable with respect to any Loan or Commitment in which such Participant has an interest, postpones the Termination Date or any date fixed for any regularly scheduled payment of principal, interest or fees on such Loan or Commitment, or releases any Borrower, Guarantor or substantially all Collateral.

13.2.3 Participant Register. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting as a non-fiduciary agent of Borrowers (solely for tax purposes), maintain a register in which it enters the Participant’s name, address and interest in Commitments, Loans (and stated interest) and LC Obligations. Entries in the register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person recorded in the register as the owner of the participation for all purposes, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. No Lender shall have an obligation to disclose any information in such register except to the extent necessary to establish that a Participant’s interest is in registered form under the Code.

 

104


13.2.4 Benefit of Setoff. Each Participant shall have a right of set-off in respect of its participating interest to the same extent as if such interest were owing directly to a Lender, and each Lender shall also retain the right of set-off with respect to any participating interests sold by it. By exercising any right of set-off, a Participant agrees to share with Lenders all amounts received through its set-off, in accordance with Section 12.5 as if such Participant were a Lender.

13.3 Assignments.

13.3.1 Permitted Assignments. A Lender may assign to an Eligible Assignee any of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents, as long as (a) each assignment is of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of the transferor Lender’s rights and obligations under the Loan Documents and, in the case of a partial assignment, is in a minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 (unless otherwise agreed by Agent in its discretion) and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess of that amount; (b) except in the case of an assignment in whole of a Lender’s rights and obligations, the aggregate amount of the Commitments retained by the transferor Lender is at least $5,000,000 (unless otherwise agreed by Agent in its discretion); and (c) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver an Assignment to Agent for acceptance and recording. Nothing herein shall limit the right of a Lender to pledge or assign any rights under the Loan Documents to secure obligations of such Lender, including a pledge or assignment to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided, that no such pledge or assignment shall release the Lender from its obligations hereunder nor substitute the pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

13.3.2 Effect; Effective Date. Upon delivery to Agent of a fully executed and completed Assignment accompanied by a processing fee of $3,500 (unless otherwise agreed by Agent in its discretion), the assignment specified therein shall be effective as provided in the Assignment as long as it complies with this Section 13.3. From such effective date, the Eligible Assignee shall for all purposes be a Lender under the Loan Documents, and shall have all rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder. Upon consummation of an assignment, the transferor Lender, Agent and Borrowers shall make appropriate arrangements for issuance of replacement and/or new notes, if applicable. The transferee Lender shall comply with Section 5.9 and deliver, upon request, an administrative questionnaire satisfactory to Agent.

13.3.3 Certain Assignees. No assignment or participation may be made to Compressco, Sponsor, an Obligor, an Affiliate of an Obligor or Sponsor, a Defaulting Lender or a natural person. Agent shall have no obligation to determine whether any assignment is permitted under the Loan Documents. Any assignment by a Defaulting Lender must be accompanied by satisfaction of its outstanding obligations under the Loan Documents in a manner satisfactory to Agent, including payment by the Defaulting Lender or Eligible Assignee of an amount sufficient upon distribution (through direct payment, purchases of participations or other methods acceptable to Agent in its discretion) to satisfy all funding and payment liabilities of the Defaulting Lender. If any assignment by a Defaulting Lender (by operation of law or otherwise) does not comply with the foregoing, the assignee shall be deemed a Defaulting Lender for all purposes until compliance occurs.

 

105


13.3.4 Register. Agent, acting as a non-fiduciary agent of Borrowers (solely for tax purposes), shall maintain (a) a copy (or electronic equivalent) of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it, and (b) a register for recordation of the names, addresses and Commitments of, and the Loans, stated interest and LC Obligations owing to, each Lender. Entries in the register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and Borrowers, Agent and Lenders shall treat each Person recorded in such register as a Lender for all purposes under the Loan Documents, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. Agent may choose to show only one Borrower as the borrower in the register, without any effect on the liability of any Obligor with respect to the Obligations. The register shall be available for inspection by Borrowers or any Lender, from time to time upon reasonable notice.

13.4 Replacement of Certain Lenders. If a Lender (a) fails to give its consent to any amendment, waiver or action for which consent of all Lenders was required and Required Lenders consented, (b) is a Defaulting Lender, or (c) gives a notice under Section 3.5 or requests payment or compensation under Section 3.7 or 5.8 (and has not designated a different Lending Office pursuant to Section 3.8), then Agent or Borrower Agent may, upon 10 days’ notice to such Lender, require it to assign its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents to Eligible Assignee(s), pursuant to appropriate Assignment(s), within 20 days after the notice. Agent is irrevocably appointed as attorney-in-fact to execute any such Assignment if the Lender fails to execute it. Such Lender shall be entitled to receive, in cash, concurrently with such assignment, all amounts owed to it under the Loan Documents through the date of assignment.

Section 14. MISCELLANEOUS.

14.1 Consents, Amendments and Waivers

14.1.1 Amendment. No Modification of any Loan Document, including any amendment, supplement or extension of a Loan Document or waiver of a Default or Event of Default, shall be effective without the prior written agreement of Agent (with the consent of Required Lenders) and each Obligor party to such Loan Document; provided, that:

(a) without the prior written consent of Agent, no Modification shall alter any provision in a Loan Document that relates to any rights, duties or discretion of Agent;

(b) without the prior written consent of Issuing Bank, no Modification shall alter Section 2.2 or any other provision in a Loan Document that relates to Letters of Credit or any rights, duties or discretion of Issuing Bank;

(c) without the prior written consent of each affected Lender, including a Defaulting Lender, no Modification shall (i) increase the Commitment of such Lender; (ii) reduce the amount of, or waive or delay payment of, any principal, interest or fees payable to such Lender (except as provided in Section 4.2 and excluding any waiver of the Default Rate of interest); (iii) extend the Termination Date applicable to such Lender’s Obligations; or (iv) amend this clause (c);

 

106


(d) without the prior written consent of all Lenders (except any Defaulting Lender), no Modification shall (i) alter Section 5.5.2 or any other provision hereof in a manner that would have the effect of altering the ratable reduction of Commitments or the pro rata sharing of payments otherwise required hereunder; (ii) alter this Section 14.1.1; (iii) amend the definition of (A) Pro Rata, (B) Required Lenders, or (C) Borrowing Base, Accounts Formula Amount, Inventory Formula Amount or the Rental Unit Formula Amount (or any defined term used in such definitions) if the effect of such amendment is to increase borrowing availability; (iv) subordinate, or have the effect of subordinating, the Obligations hereunder to any other Debt or other obligation; (v) subordinate, or have the effect of subordinating, the Liens securing the Obligations to Liens securing any other Debt or other obligation (other than to Purchase Money Liens securing Permitted Purchase Money Debt); (vi) release all or substantially all Collateral; or (vii) except in connection with a merger, disposition or similar transaction expressly permitted hereby, release any Obligor from liability for any Obligations; and

(e) if Real Estate secures any Obligations, no Modification of a Loan Document shall add, increase, renew or extend any credit line hereunder until the completion of flood diligence and documentation as required by Flood Laws or as otherwise satisfactory to all Lenders.

14.1.2 Limitations. Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, Agent may make or adopt Conforming Changes from time to time and any amendment or notice implementing such changes will become effective without further action or consent of any other party; provided, that Agent shall post or otherwise provide same to Borrowers and Lenders reasonably promptly after it becomes effective. No agreement of any Obligor shall be required for any Modification of a Loan Document that deals solely with the rights and duties of Lenders, Issuing Bank and/or Agent as among themselves. Only the consent of the parties to any agreement relating to fees or a Bank Product shall be required for Modification of such agreement, and no Bank Product provider (in such capacity) shall have any right to consent to Modification of any Loan Document. Any waiver or consent granted by Agent, Issuing Bank or Lenders hereunder shall be effective only if in writing and only for the matter specified.

14.1.3 Corrections. If Agent and Borrower Agent identify an ambiguity, omission, mistake, typographical error or other defect in any provision, schedule or exhibit of a Loan Document, they may amend, supplement or otherwise modify the Loan Document to cure it, and the modification shall be effective without action or consent by any other party to this Agreement.

14.2 Indemnity. EACH OBLIGOR SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE INDEMNITEES AGAINST ANY CLAIMS THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE, INCLUDING CLAIMS ASSERTED BY ANY OBLIGOR OR OTHER PERSON OR ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY OF AN INDEMNITEE. In no event shall any party to a Loan Document have any obligation thereunder to indemnify or hold harmless an Indemnitee with respect to a Claim that (i) is determined in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to result from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or a material breach in bad faith by such Indemnitee of the Loan Documents or (ii) arises from any dispute solely among the Indemnitees and not from any act or omission of any Obligor or its Affiliates, other than Claims against any agent or arranger in their capacities as such.

 

107


This Section shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.

14.3 Notices and Communications

14.3.1 Notice Address. Subject to Section 14.3.2, all Communications by or to a party hereto shall be in writing and shall be given to any Obligor, at Borrower Agent’s address shown on the signature pages hereof, and to any other Person at its address shown on the signature pages hereof (or, in the case of a Person who becomes a Lender after the Closing Date, at the address shown on its Assignment), or at such other address as a party may hereafter specify by notice in accordance with this Section 14.3. In addition, a Communication from Agent to Lenders or Borrowers may, to the extent permitted by law, be delivered electronically (i) by transmitting the Communication to the electronic address specified to Agent in writing by the applicable Lender or Borrower Agent from time to time, or (ii) by posting the Communication on a website and sending the Lender or Borrower Agent notice (electronically or otherwise) that the Communication has been posted and providing instructions (at such time or prior to delivery of such Communication) for viewing it. Each Communication shall be effective only (a) if given by facsimile transmission, when transmitted to the applicable facsimile number, if confirmation of receipt is received; (b) if given by mail, three Business Days after deposit in the U.S. mail, with first-class postage pre-paid, addressed to the applicable address; (c) if given by personal delivery, when duly delivered to the notice address with receipt acknowledged; or (d) if provided electronically by Agent to Lenders or Borrowers, when the Communication (or notice advising of its posting to a website) is sent to the Lender’s or Borrower Agent’s electronic address. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no notice to Agent pursuant to Section 2.1.4, 2.2, 3.1.2 or 4.1.1 shall be effective until actually received by the individual to whose attention at Agent such notice is required to be sent. Any written Communication not sent in conformity with the foregoing provisions shall nevertheless be effective on the date actually received by the noticed party. Any notice received by Borrower Agent shall be deemed received by all Obligors.

14.3.2 Communications. Electronic and telephonic Communications (including e-mail, messaging, voice mail and websites) may be used only in a manner acceptable to Agent. Agent makes no assurance as to the privacy or security of electronic or telephonic Communications. E-mail and voice mail shall not be effective notices under the Loan Documents.

14.3.3 Platform. Borrower Materials shall be delivered pursuant to procedures approved by Agent, including electronic delivery (if requested by Agent) to an electronic system maintained by it (“Platform”). Borrower Agent shall notify Agent of each posting of Borrower Materials on the Platform and the materials shall be deemed received by Agent only upon its receipt of such notice. Communications and other information relating to this credit facility may be made available to Secured Parties on the Platform. The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.” Agent does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information on the Platform nor the adequacy or functioning of the Platform, and expressly disclaims liability for any errors or omissions in the Borrower Materials or any issues involving the Platform, except to the extent such errors, omission or issues arise as a result of Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,

 

108


NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS, OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY AGENT WITH RESPECT TO BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. No Agent Indemnitee shall have any liability to Obligors, Secured Parties or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) relating to use by any Person of the Platform, including any unintended recipient, nor for delivery of Borrower Materials and other information via the Platform, internet, e-mail, or any other electronic platform or messaging system, except to the extent such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arise as a result of Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. Agent may, but is not obligated to, make Communications available to Obligors and Lenders by posting them on IntraLinksTM, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or other electronic platform.

14.3.4 Public Information. Obligors and Secured Parties acknowledge that “public” information may not be segregated from material non-public information on the Platform. Secured Parties acknowledge that Borrower Materials may include Obligors’ material non-public information, and should not be made available to personnel who do not wish to receive such information or may be engaged in trading, investment or other market-related activities with respect to an Obligor’s securities.

14.3.5 Non-Conforming Communications. Agent and Lenders may rely on any Communication purportedly given by or on behalf of an Obligor even if it was not made in a manner specified herein, incomplete or not confirmed, or if the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from an earlier Communication or later confirmation. Each Obligor shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee from any liabilities, losses, costs and expenses arising from any electronic or telephonic Communication purportedly given by or on behalf of any Obligor.

14.3.6 Reliance on Communications. No Secured Party shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with an Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed .pdf or other electronic means). Secured Parties may rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of any Loan Document by acting on, any Communication (which may be a fax, electronic message, internet or intranet website posting, or other distribution, or signed by an Electronic Signature) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof). Agent shall be entitled to rely on the e-mail addresses and telephone numbers provided by Obligors, Lenders and their authorized representatives. Each Obligor hereby waives (a) any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or other Communication based solely on the lack of a paper original copy thereof, and (b) waives any claim against any Indemnitee for liabilities arising from its reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures, including liabilities relating to an Obligor’s failure to use a security measure in connection with execution, delivery or transmission of an Electronic Signature.

 

109


14.4 Performance of Obligors Obligations. Agent may, in its Permitted Discretion at any time and from time to time, at Obligors’ expense with, unless an Event of Default is continuing, prior written notice to Borrowers (including by email), pay any amount or do any act required of an Obligor under any Loan Documents or otherwise lawfully requested by Agent to (a) enforce any Loan Documents or collect any Obligations; (b) protect, insure, maintain or realize upon any Collateral; or (c) defend or maintain the validity or priority of Agent’s Liens in any Collateral, including any payment of a judgment, insurance premium, warehouse charge, finishing or processing charge, or landlord claim, or any discharge of a Lien. All payments, costs and expenses (including Extraordinary Expenses) of Agent under this Section shall be reimbursed to Agent by Obligors, promptly following written demand thereof, with interest from the date incurred until paid in full, at the Default Rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. Any payment made or action taken by Agent under this Section shall be without prejudice to any right to assert an Event of Default or to exercise any other rights or remedies under the Loan Documents.

14.5 Credit Inquiries. Agent and Lenders may (but shall have no obligation) to respond to usual and customary credit inquiries from third parties concerning any Obligor or Subsidiary.

14.6 Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of the Loan Documents shall be interpreted in such manner as to be valid under Applicable Law. If any provision is found to be invalid under Applicable Law, it shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity and the remaining provisions of the Loan Documents shall remain in full force and effect.

14.7 Cumulative Effect; Conflict of Terms. The provisions of the Loan Documents are cumulative. The parties acknowledge that the Loan Documents may use several limitations or measurements to regulate similar matters, and they agree that these are cumulative and that each must be performed as provided. Except as otherwise provided in another Loan Document (by specific reference to the applicable provision of this Agreement), if any provision contained herein is in direct conflict with any provision in another Loan Document, the provision herein shall govern and control.

14.8 Execution; Electronic Records. Any Loan Document, including any required to be in writing, may (if agreed by Agent) be in the form of an Electronic Record and may be executed using Electronic Signatures. An Electronic Signature on or associated with any Communication shall be valid and binding on each Obligor and other party thereto to the same extent as a manual, original signature, and any Communication entered into by Electronic Signature shall constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of each party, enforceable to the same extent as if a manually executed original signature were delivered. A Communication may be executed in as many counterparts as necessary or convenient, including both paper and electronic counterparts, but all such counterparts are one and the same Communication. The parties may use or accept manually signed paper Communications converted into electronic form (such as scanned into pdf), or electronically signed Communications converted into other formats, for transmission, delivery and/or retention. Agent and Lenders may, at their option, create one or more copies of a Communication in the form of an imaged Electronic Record (“Electronic Copy”), which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of the Person’s business, and may destroy the original paper document. Any Communication in the form or format of an Electronic Record, including an Electronic Copy, shall be considered an original for all purposes, and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record. Notwithstanding anything herein, (a) Agent is

 

110


under no obligation to accept an Electronic Signature in any form unless expressly agreed by it pursuant to procedures approved by it; (b) each Secured Party shall be entitled to rely on any Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of an Obligor without further verification and regardless of the appearance or form of such Electronic Signature; and (c) upon request by Agent, any Loan Document using an Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed original counterpart.

14.9 Entire Agreement. Time is of the essence with respect to all Loan Documents and Obligations. The Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, among the parties relating to the subject matter thereof.

14.10 Relationship with Lenders. The obligations of each Lender hereunder are several, and no Lender shall be responsible for the obligations or Commitments of any other Lender. Amounts payable hereunder to each Lender shall be a separate and independent debt. It shall not be necessary for Agent or any other Lender to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purposes. Nothing in this Agreement and no action of Agent, Lenders or any other Secured Party pursuant to the Loan Documents or otherwise shall be deemed to constitute Agent and any Secured Party to be a partnership, joint venture or similar arrangement, nor to constitute control of any Obligor.

14.11 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated by any Loan Document, Obligors acknowledge and agree that (a)(i) this credit facility and any arranging or other services by Agent, any Lender, any of their Affiliates or any arranger are arm’s-length commercial transactions between Obligors and their Affiliates, on one hand, and Agent, any Lender, any of their Affiliates or any arranger, on the other hand; (ii) Obligors have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory, tax and other advisors to the extent they have deemed appropriate; and (iii) Obligors are capable of evaluating, and understand and accept, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents; (b) each of Agent, Lenders, their Affiliates and any arranger is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for Obligors, their Affiliates or any other Person, and has no obligation with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents except as expressly set forth therein; and (c) Agent, Lenders, their Affiliates and any arranger may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of Obligors and their Affiliates, and have no obligation to disclose any of such interests to Obligors or their Affiliates (including, providing financing and other services for Compressco and its affiliates for which Agent, Lenders and their Affiliates shall have no duties or obligations to Obligors hereunder arising from such relationship). To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Obligor hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against Agent, Lenders, their Affiliates and any arranger with respect to any breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any transaction contemplated by a Loan Document.

14.12 Confidentiality. Each of Agent, Lenders and Issuing Bank shall maintain the confidentiality of all Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates, and to its and their partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, auditors, advisors, attorneys, consultants, service providers and other representatives (provided they are informed of the confidential nature of the Information and instructed to keep it confidential); (b) to

 

111


the extent requested by any governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it or its Affiliates; (c) to the extent required by Applicable Law or by any subpoena or other legal process; (d) to any other party hereto; (e) in connection with any action or proceeding relating to any Loan Documents or Obligations; (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as this Section, to any Transferee or any actual or prospective party (or its advisors) to any Bank Product or to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to an Obligor or Obligor’s obligations; (g) to the extent such Information is (i) publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section, (ii) available to Agent, any Lender, Issuing Bank or any of their Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than Borrowers, or (iii) independently discovered or developed by a party hereto without utilizing any Information or violating this Section; (h) on a confidential basis to a provider of a Platform; or (i) with the consent of Borrower Agent. Obligors consent to the publication by Agent and Lenders of customary advertising material relating to transactions contemplated hereby, using the names, product photographs, logos or trademarks of Obligors and Subsidiaries. Agent and Lenders may disclose information regarding this Agreement and the credit facility hereunder to market data collectors, similar service providers to the lending industry, and service providers to Agent and Lenders in connection with the Loan Documents and Commitments. As used herein, “Information” means information received from an Obligor or Subsidiary relating to it or its business that is identified as confidential when delivered. A Person required to maintain confidentiality of Information pursuant to this Section shall be deemed to have complied if it exercises a degree of care similar to that accorded its own confidential information. Each of Agent, Lenders and Issuing Bank acknowledges that (i) Information may include material non-public information; (ii) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of such information; and (iii) it will handle the material non-public information in accordance with Applicable Law.

14.13 GOVERNING LAW. UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND ALL CLAIMS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES EXCEPT FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO NATIONAL BANKS.

14.14 Consent to Forum; Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions

14.14.1 Forum. EACH OBLIGOR HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY, NEW YORK, OR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, IN ANY DISPUTE, ACTION, LITIGATION OR OTHER PROCEEDING RELATING IN ANY WAY TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS, AND AGREES THAT ANY DISPUTE, ACTION, LITIGATION OR OTHER PROCEEDING SHALL BE BROUGHT BY IT SOLELY IN ANY SUCH COURT. EACH OBLIGOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ALL CLAIMS, OBJECTIONS AND DEFENSES THAT IT MAY HAVE REGARDING ANY SUCH COURTS PERSONAL OR SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, VENUE OR INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 14.3.1. A final judgment in any proceeding of any such court shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or any other manner provided by Applicable Law.

 

112


14.14.2 Other Jurisdictions. Nothing herein shall limit the right of Agent or any Lender to bring proceedings against any Obligor in any other court, nor limit the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to preclude enforcement by Agent of any judgment or order obtained in any forum or jurisdiction.

14.14.3 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among the parties, each party hereto (including each Secured Party) acknowledges that, with respect to any Secured Party that is an Affected Financial Institution, any liability of such Secured Party arising under a Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the write-down and conversion powers of the applicable Resolution Authority, and each party hereto agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by, (a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liability which may be payable to it by such Secured Party; and (b) the effects of any Bail-in Action on any such liability, including (i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability; (ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent entity, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under any Loan Document; or (iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers.

14.15 Acknowledgement Regarding Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for any Swap or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support, “QFC Credit Support”, and each such QFC, a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):

14.15.1 Covered Party. If a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. If a Covered Party or BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding

 

113


under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes if the Supported QFC and Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.

14.15.2 Definitions. As used in this Section, (a) “BHC Act Affiliate” means an “affiliate,” as defined in and interpreted in accordance with 12 U.S.C. §1841(k); (b) “Default Right” has the meaning assigned in and interpreted in accordance with 12 C.F.R. §§252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable; and (c) “QFC” means a “qualified financial contract,” as defined in and interpreted in accordance with 12 U.S.C. §5390(c)(8)(D).

14.16 Waivers by Obligors. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OBLIGOR WAIVES (a) THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY (WHICH EACH SECURED PARTY HEREBY ALSO WAIVES) IN ANY PROCEEDING OR DISPUTE OF ANY KIND RELATING IN ANY WAY TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS, OBLIGATIONS OR COLLATERAL; (b) PRESENTMENT, DEMAND, PROTEST, NOTICE OF PRESENTMENT, DEFAULT, NON-PAYMENT, MATURITY, RELEASE, COMPROMISE, SETTLEMENT, EXTENSION OR RENEWAL OF ANY COMMERCIAL PAPER, ACCOUNTS, DOCUMENTS, INSTRUMENTS, CHATTEL PAPER AND GUARANTIES AT ANY TIME HELD BY AGENT ON WHICH AN OBLIGOR MAY IN ANY WAY BE LIABLE, AND HEREBY RATIFIES ANYTHING AGENT MAY DO IN THIS REGARD; (c) NOTICE PRIOR TO TAKING POSSESSION OR CONTROL OF ANY COLLATERAL; (d) ANY BOND OR SECURITY THAT MIGHT BE REQUIRED BY A COURT PRIOR TO ALLOWING AGENT TO EXERCISE ANY RIGHTS OR REMEDIES; (e) THE BENEFIT OF ALL VALUATION, APPRAISEMENT AND EXEMPTION LAWS; (f) ANY CLAIM AGAINST AN INDEMNITEE ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (AS OPPOSED TO DIRECT OR ACTUAL DAMAGES) IN ANY WAY RELATING TO ANY ENFORCEMENT ACTION, OBLIGATIONS, LOAN DOCUMENTS OR TRANSACTIONS RELATING THERETO; AND (g) NOTICE OF ACCEPTANCE HEREOF. Each Obligor acknowledges that the foregoing waivers are a material inducement to Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders entering into this Agreement and that they are relying upon the foregoing in their dealings with Obligors. Each Obligor has reviewed the foregoing waivers with its legal counsel and has knowingly and voluntarily waived its jury trial and other rights following consultation with legal counsel. In the event of litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a written consent to a trial by the court.

14.17 Patriot Act Notice. Agent and Lenders hereby notify Obligors that pursuant to the Patriot Act, Agent and Lenders are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Obligor, including its legal name, address, tax ID number and other information that will allow Agent and Lenders to identify it in accordance with the Patriot Act. Agent and Lenders will also require information regarding any personal guarantor and may require information regarding Obligors’ management and owners, such as legal name, address, social security number and date of birth. Obligors shall, promptly upon request, provide all documentation and other information as Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender may request from time to time for purposes of complying with any “know your customer,” anti-money laundering or other requirements of Applicable Law, including the Patriot Act and Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

 

114


14.18 NO ORAL AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signatures Intentionally Omitted]

 

 

115


SCHEDULE 1.1

to

Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement

COMMITMENTS OF LENDERS

 

Lender

   Commitment  

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 35,000,000.00  

IberiaBank, a Division of First Horizon

   $ 20,000,000.00  

Woodforest National Bank

   $ 15,000,000.00  

Total:

   $ 70,000,000.00  

 

Schedule 1.1