Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549  
Form 10-Q  

þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2017
or
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________ to _________

Commission File Number: 001-35630 
Hi-Crush Partners LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
90-0840530
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
Three Riverway, Suite 1350
 
Houston, Texas
77056
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (713) 980-6200  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     þ   Yes     ¨   No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     þ   Yes     ¨   No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer þ
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company.)
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. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     ¨   Yes     þ   No
As of April 24, 2017 , there were 91,017,937 common units outstanding.


Table of Contents

HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
Page
 
 
 

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PART I
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except unit amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016 (a)
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash
$
55,498

 
$
4,521

Accounts receivable, net (Note 2)
60,042

 
52,834

Inventories
25,988

 
29,277

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3,253

 
2,716

Total current assets
144,781

 
89,348

Property, plant and equipment, net
834,818

 
541,693

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
9,677

 
10,097

Equity method investments
13,834

 
10,232

Other assets
7,401

 
7,831

Total assets
$
1,010,511

 
$
659,201

Liabilities, Equity and Partners’ Capital
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
37,864

 
$
19,264

Accrued and other current liabilities
12,253

 
8,155

Due to sponsor
542

 
118,641

Current portion of long-term debt
2,520

 
2,962

Total current liabilities
53,179

 
149,022

Long-term debt
192,713

 
193,458

Asset retirement obligations
9,628

 
9,514

Other liabilities
19,000

 
5,000

Total liabilities
274,520

 
356,994

Commitments and contingencies

 

Equity and partners’ capital:
 
 
 
General partner interest

 

Limited partners interest, 91,017,937 and 63,668,244 units outstanding, respectively
735,991

 
299,516

Total partners’ capital
735,991

 
299,516

Non-controlling interest

 
2,691

Total equity and partners' capital
735,991

 
302,207

Total liabilities, equity and partners’ capital
$
1,010,511

 
$
659,201


(a)
Financial information has been recast to include the financial position and results attributable to Hi-Crush Whitehall LLC and Other Assets. See Note 3 .
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except unit and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016 (a)
Revenues
$
83,364

 
$
52,148

Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)
72,083

 
48,667

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
4,828

 
3,488

Gross profit (loss)
6,453

 
(7
)
Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
9,677

 
15,003

Impairments and other expenses (Note 11)

 
33,747

Accretion of asset retirement obligations
114

 
103

Loss from operations
(3,338
)
 
(48,860
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
Loss from equity method investments
(566
)
 

Interest expense
(2,927
)
 
(3,640
)
Net loss
$
(6,831
)
 
$
(52,500
)
Loss per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
Basic
$
(0.07
)
 
$
(1.39
)
Diluted
$
(0.07
)
 
$
(1.39
)
Weighted average limited partner units outstanding:
 
 
 
Basic
73,586,987

 
37,035,068

Diluted
73,586,987

 
37,035,068


(a)
Financial information has been recast to include the financial position and results attributable to Hi-Crush Blair LLC, Hi-Crush Whitehall LLC and Other Assets. See Note 3 .
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016 (a)
Operating activities:
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(6,831
)
 
$
(52,500
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and depletion
4,829

 
3,491

Amortization of intangible assets
420

 
420

Loss on impairment of goodwill

 
33,745

Provision for doubtful accounts

 
8,236

Unit-based compensation to directors and employees
1,178

 
930

Amortization of loan origination costs into interest expense
373

 
394

Accretion of asset retirement obligations
114

 
103

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 
(25
)
Loss from equity method investments
566

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(7,208
)
 
(230
)
Inventories
1,866

 
7,869

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(168
)
 
(632
)
Other assets
332

 
683

Accounts payable
4,758

 
(4,630
)
Accrued and other current liabilities
4,553

 
481

Due to sponsor
(1,076
)
 
(2,574
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
3,706

 
(4,239
)
Investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment
(20,380
)
 
(13,441
)
Cash paid for business acquisition
(140,000
)
 

Cash paid for asset acquisition
(200,067
)
 

Equity method investments
(4,168
)
 

Net cash used in investing activities
(364,615
)
 
(13,441
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from equity issuances, net
412,667

 

Repayment of long-term debt
(1,462
)
 
(1,758
)
Loan origination costs

 
(3
)
Affiliate financing, net
456

 
12,437

Proceeds from participants in unit purchase programs
225

 

Net cash provided by financing activities
411,886

 
10,676

Net increase (decrease) in cash
50,977

 
(7,004
)
Cash at beginning of period
4,521

 
13,242

Cash at end of period
$
55,498

 
$
6,238

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Increase in accounts payable and accrued and other current liabilities for additions to property, plant and equipment
$
13,842

 
$
453

Estimated fair value of contingent consideration liability
$
14,000

 
$

Issuance of units for asset acquisition
$
62,242

 
$

Issuance of units under unit purchase programs
$
1,576

 
$

Decrease in accrued distribution equivalent rights
$
(94
)
 
$

Due to sponsor balance converted into non-controlling interest
$
116,417

 
$

Expense paid by sponsor on behalf of Hi-Crush Blair LLC
$

 
$
1,652

Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest
$
2,554

 
$
3,246


(a)
Financial information has been recast to include the financial position and results attributable to Hi-Crush Blair LLC, Hi-Crush Whitehall LLC and Other Assets. See Note 3 .
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Partners’ Capital
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
General
Partner
Capital
 
Limited
Partner
Capital
 
Total
Partner
Capital
 
Non-Controlling
Interest
 
Total Equity and
Partners' Capital
Balance at December 31, 2016 (a)
$

 
$
299,516

 
$
299,516

 
$
2,691

 
$
302,207

Issuance of common units, net

 
412,667

 
412,667

 

 
412,667

Issuance of common units for asset acquisition

 
62,242

 
62,242

 

 
62,242

Issuance of common units to directors and employees

 
2,144

 
2,144

 

 
2,144

Unit-based compensation expense

 
1,051

 
1,051

 

 
1,051

Forfeiture of distribution equivalent rights

 
94

 
94

 

 
94

Conversion of advances to Hi-Crush Proppants LLC

 

 

 
116,417

 
116,417

Acquisition of Hi-Crush Whitehall LLC and Other Assets

 
(34,892
)
 
(34,892
)
 
(119,108
)
 
(154,000
)
Net loss

 
(6,831
)
 
(6,831
)
 

 
(6,831
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$

 
$
735,991

 
$
735,991

 
$

 
$
735,991


(a)
Financial information has been recast to include the financial position and results attributable to Hi-Crush Whitehall LLC and Other Assets. See Note 3 .
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)


1. Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates
The accompanying unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements ("interim statements") of Hi-Crush Partners LP (together with its subsidiaries, the "Partnership", "we", "us" or "our") have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments and disclosures necessary for a fair statement are reflected in the interim periods presented. The results reported in these interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the Partnership’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 , which are included in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2017 . The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements.
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
These financial statements have been prepared assuming the Partnership will continue to operate as a going concern. On a quarterly basis, the Partnership assesses whether conditions have emerged which may cast substantial doubt about the Partnership's ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months following the issuance of the interim statements. Refer to Note 6 - Long-Term Debt for additional disclosure regarding covenant compliance under our Revolving Credit Agreement.
Hi-Crush Partners LP is a Delaware limited partnership formed on May 8, 2012 to acquire selected sand reserves and related processing and transportation facilities of Hi-Crush Proppants LLC. The Partnership is engaged in the excavation and processing of raw frac sand for use in hydraulic fracturing operations for oil and natural gas wells. In connection with its formation, the Partnership issued a non-economic general partner interest to Hi-Crush GP LLC, our general partner (the "General Partner" or "Hi-Crush GP"), and a 100% limited partner interest to Hi-Crush Proppants LLC (the "sponsor"), its organizational limited partner.
On August 9, 2016, the Partnership entered into a contribution agreement with the sponsor to acquire all of the outstanding membership interests in Hi-Crush Blair LLC ("Blair"), the entity that owned our sponsor's Blair facility, for $75,000 in cash, 7,053,292 of newly issued common units in the Partnership, and payment of up to $10,000 of contingent consideration (the "Blair Contribution"). The Partnership completed the acquisition of the Blair facility on August 31, 2016.
On February 23, 2017, the Partnership entered into a contribution agreement with our sponsor to acquire all of the outstanding membership interests in Hi-Crush Whitehall LLC ("Whitehall"), the entity that owned our sponsor’s Whitehall facility, the remaining 2.0% equity interest in Hi-Crush Augusta LLC ("Augusta"), and all of the outstanding membership interests in PDQ Properties LLC (together, the "Other Assets"), for $140,000 in cash and up to $65,000 of contingent consideration over a two -year period (the "Whitehall Contribution"). The Partnership completed this acquisition on March 15, 2017.
The Blair Contribution and Whitehall Contribution were accounted for as transactions between entities under common control whereby the net assets of Blair, Whitehall and Other Assets were recorded at their historical cost. Therefore, the Partnership's historical financial information was recast to combine Blair, Whitehall and Other Assets with the Partnership as if the combinations had been in effect since inception of the common control. Refer to Note 3 - Acquisitions for additional disclosure regarding the Blair Contribution and Whitehall Contribution.

2. Significant Accounting Policies
In addition to the significant accounting policies listed below, a comprehensive discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2017 .
Accounts Receivable
Trade receivables relate to sales of raw frac sand and related services for which credit is extended based on the customer’s credit history and are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Partnership regularly reviews the collectability of accounts receivable. When it is probable that all or part of an outstanding balance will not be collected, the Partnership establishes or adjusts an allowance as necessary generally using the specific identification method. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and potential recovery is considered remote. As of March 31, 2017 and as of December 31, 2016 , the Partnership maintained an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,549 .

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Deferred Charges
Certain direct costs incurred in connection with debt financing have been capitalized and are being amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, over the life of the debt. Amortization expense is included in interest expense.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. The Partnership performs an assessment of the recoverability of goodwill during the third quarter of each fiscal year, or more often if events or circumstances indicate the impairment of an asset may exist. Our assessment of goodwill is based on qualitative factors to determine whether the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying value. An additional quantitative impairment analysis is completed if the qualitative analysis indicates that the fair value is not substantially in excess of the carrying value. The quantitative analysis determines the fair value of the reporting unit based on the discounted cash flow method and relative market-based approaches. Refer to Note 11 - Impairments and Other Expenses for additional disclosure regarding goodwill.
Equity Method Investments
The Partnership accounts for investments, which it does not control but has the ability to exercise significant influence, using the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the investment is carried originally at cost, increased by any allocated share of the Partnership's net income and contributions made, and decreased by any allocated share of the Partnership's net losses and distributions received. The Partnership's allocated share of income and losses are based on the rights and priorities outlined in the equity investment agreement.
On September 8, 2016, the Partnership entered into an agreement to become a member of Proppant Express Investments, LLC ("PropX"), which was established to develop critical last-mile logistics equipment for the proppant industry. PropX is responsible for manufacturing containers and conveyor systems that allow for transportation of frac sand from in-basin terminals to the well site. As of March 31, 2017 , the Partnership's investment basis in PropX was $13,834 , which is accounted for as an equity method investment as the Partnership has a non-controlling interest in PropX, but has the ability to exercise significant influence. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Partnership made capital contributions of $4,168 into PropX and incurred a loss of $566 from its proportionate share of PropX's net loss during the period.
Contingent Consideration
Accounting standards require that contingent consideration be recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition and revalued during subsequent reporting dates under the acquisition method of accounting.  In connection with its recent acquisitions of Blair and Whitehall and Other Assets from its sponsor, the Partnership has entered into certain contingent consideration arrangements.  As such transactions are between entities under common control, any differences between the calculated fair value, and the actual resulting payments in the future will be reflected as an equity adjustment to the deemed distributions associated with the acquisitions.
Revenue Recognition
Frac sand sales revenues are recognized when legal title passes to the customer, which may occur at the production facility, rail origin, terminal or well site. At that point, delivery has occurred, evidence of a contractual arrangement exists and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue from make-whole provisions in our customer contracts is recognized at the end of the defined cure period when collectability is certain.
A substantial portion of our frac sand is sold to customers with whom we have long-term supply agreements, the current terms of which expire between 2017 and 2024 . The agreements define, among other commitments, the volume of product that the Partnership must provide, the price that will be charged to the customer, and the volume that the customer must purchase by the end of the defined cure periods, which can range from three months to the end of a contract year.
Transportation services revenues are recognized as the services have been completed, meaning the related services have been rendered. At that point, delivery of service has occurred, evidence of a contractual arrangement exists and collectability is reasonably assured.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The amounts reported in the balance sheet as current assets or liabilities, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of the senior secured term loan approximated $191,008 as of March 31, 2017 , based on the market price quoted from external sources, compared with a carrying value of $194,000 . If the senior secured term loan was measured at fair value in the financial statements, it would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Net Income per Limited Partner Unit
We have identified the sponsor’s incentive distribution rights as participating securities and compute income per unit using the two-class method under which any excess of distributions declared over net income or loss shall be allocated to the partners based on their respective sharing of income specified in the partnership agreement. Net income or loss per unit applicable to limited partners is computed by dividing limited partners’ interest in net income or loss, after deducting any sponsor incentive distributions, by the weighted-average number of outstanding limited partner units.
As described in Note 1 , the Partnership's historical financial information has been recast to combine Blair, Whitehall and Other Assets for all periods presented. The amounts of incremental income or losses recast to periods prior to the Blair Contribution and Whitehall Contribution are excluded from the calculation of net income per limited partner unit.
Income Taxes
The Partnership is a pass-through entity and is not considered a taxable entity for federal tax purposes. Therefore, there is not a provision for income taxes in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The Partnership’s net income or loss is allocated to its partners in accordance with the partnership agreement. The partners are taxed individually on their share of the Partnership’s earnings. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Partnership did not have any liabilities for uncertain tax positions or gross unrecognized tax benefits.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-03 ("ASU 2017-03"), Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings. This update adds language to the SEC Staff Guidance in relation to ASU 2014-09, ASU 2016-02, and ASU 2016-13. This ASU 2017-03 provides the SEC Staff view that a registrant should consider additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures related to the previously mentioned ASUs in connection with the status and impact of their adoption. This guidance, which was effective immediately, did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01 ("ASU 2017-01"), Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This update clarifies the definition of a business and provides additional guidance for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions of assets or business and provides additional guidance for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions of assets or businesses. The amendment will be effective for the Partnership beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied prospectively. The Partnership is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and footnote disclosures, but does not anticipate that adoption will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 ("ASU 2014-09"), an update that supersedes the most current revenue recognition guidance, as well as some cost recognition guidance. The update requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update also requires new qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, information about contract balances and performance obligations, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The authoritative guidance, which may be applied on a full retrospective or modified retrospective basis whereby the entity records a cumulative effect of initially applying this update at the date of initial application, will be effective for the Partnership beginning January 1, 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The FASB has also issued the following standards which clarify ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard: ASU No. 2016-12,  Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients  and   ASU 2016-10  Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing . The Partnership is still assessing the adoption method it will elect upon implementation and related disclosure requirements.  Although we are still in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Partnership does not currently anticipate a material impact on its revenue recognition practices.


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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

3. Acquisitions
Asset Acquisition of Permian Basin Sand Reserves
On March 3, 2017, the Partnership completed an acquisition of Permian Basin Sand Company, LLC ("Permian Basin Sand") for total consideration of $200,000 in cash and 3,438,789 newly issued common units to the sellers, valued at $62,242 based on the closing price as of March 3, 2017. Permian Basin Sand owns a 1,226 -acre frac sand reserve strategically positioned in the Permian Basin, located within 75 miles of significant Delaware and Midland Basin activity.
The acquisition of Permian Basin Sand was accounted for as an asset acquisition as the acquired assets did not constitute a business. The total purchase consideration of $262,809 is reflected as mining property within property, plant and equipment on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The following table summarizes the total purchase consideration:
Cash paid to sellers
$
200,000

Issuance of common units to sellers
62,242

Transactions costs associated with the acquisition
567

Cost of Permian Basin Sand acquisition
$
262,809

The preliminary asset purchase price allocation is based on available information. Management is reviewing the valuation of the assets acquired and confirming the results to determine the final asset purchase price allocations, which are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2017. The recognition of additional long-lived assets acquired, intangible assets or liabilities assumed may be identified as management completes its analysis and additional information is obtained about the facts and circumstances existing as of the asset acquisition date.
Acquisition of Hi-Crush Whitehall LLC and Other Assets
On February 23, 2017, the Partnership entered into a contribution agreement with our sponsor to acquire all of the outstanding membership interests in Whitehall and Other Assets, for $140,000 in cash and up to $65,000 of contingent consideration over a two -year period. The Partnership completed this acquisition on March 15, 2017. In connection with this acquisition, the Partnership incurred $516 of acquisition related costs during the three months ended March 31, 2017, included in general and administrative expenses.
The contingent consideration is based on the Partnership's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") exceeding certain thresholds for each of the fiscal years ending December 31, 2017 and 2018. If those annual thresholds are met, the Partnership will pay an additional $20,000 for each threshold met or exceeded. If the Partnership exceeds a total threshold for the cumulative two -year period, then it will pay an additional $25,000 , for an undiscounted total of up to $65,000 to be paid in cash or common units at the Partnership's discretion. As of March 15, 2017, the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability based on available information was $14,000 , as reflected in other liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Refer to Note 7 - Commitments and Contingencies for additional disclosure regarding the contingent consideration.
As a result of this transaction, the Partnership's historical financial information has been recast to combine the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Partnership with those of Whitehall and Other Assets as if the combination had been in effect since inception of common control on August 16, 2012. Any material transactions between the Partnership, Whitehall and Other Assets have been eliminated. The balance of non-controlling interest as of December 31, 2016 includes the sponsor's interest in Whitehall and Other Assets prior to the combination. Except for the combination of the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the respective allocation of recast net income (loss), capital transactions between the sponsor and Whitehall and Other Assets prior to March 15, 2017 have not been allocated on a recast basis to the Partnership’s unitholders. Such transactions are presented within the non-controlling interest column in the Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital as the Partnership and its unitholders would not have participated in these transactions.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

The following table summarizes the carrying value of the Whitehall and Other Assets net assets as of March 15, 2017, and the allocation of the purchase price:
Net assets of Hi-Crush Whitehall LLC and Other Assets as of March 15, 2017:
 
Cash
$
198

Inventories
4,941

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3

Property, plant and equipment
124,811

Accounts payable
(938
)
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities
(386
)
Due to Hi-Crush Partners LP
(2,615
)
Asset retirement obligation
(1,716
)
Total carrying value of Whitehall and Other Assets net assets
$
124,298

 
 
Allocation of purchase price
 
Carrying value of sponsor's non-controlling interest prior to Whitehall Contribution
$
119,108

Excess purchase price over the acquired interest (a)
34,892

Cost of Whitehall and Other Assets acquisition
$
154,000

(a) The deemed distribution attributable to the purchase price was allocated to the common unitholders and excludes the $14,000 estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable in the future.
Acquisition of Hi-Crush Blair LLC
On August 9, 2016, the Partnership entered into a contribution agreement with our sponsor to acquire all of the outstanding membership interests in Blair, the entity that owned our sponsor’s Blair facility, for $75,000 in cash, 7,053,292 of newly issued common units in the Partnership, and payment of up to $10,000 of contingent consideration (the "Blair Contribution"). The Partnership completed the acquisition of the Blair facility on August 31, 2016. In connection with this acquisition, the Partnership incurred $850 of acquisition related costs during the year ended December 31, 2016, included in general and administrative expenses.
The contingent consideration is based on the Partnership's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") exceeding certain thresholds for each of the fiscal years ending December 31, 2017 and 2018. If the Partnership exceeds either or both of the respective thresholds, then it will pay an additional $5,000 for each threshold met or exceeded, for an undiscounted total of up to $10,000 . As of August 31, 2016, the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration liability based on available information was $5,000 , as reflected in other liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Refer to Note 7 - Commitments and Contingencies for additional disclosure regarding the contingent consideration.
As a result of this transaction, the Partnership's historical financial information has been recast to combine the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Partnership with those of Blair as if the combination had been in effect since inception of common control on July 31, 2014. Any material transactions between the Partnership and Blair have been eliminated. Except for the combination of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the respective allocation of recast net income (loss), capital transactions between the sponsor and Blair prior to August 31, 2016 have not been allocated on a recast basis to the Partnership’s unitholders. Such transactions were allocated to non-controlling interest as the Partnership and its unitholders would not have participated in these transactions.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

The following table summarizes the carrying value of Blair's assets as of August 31, 2016, and the allocation of the purchase price:
Net assets of Hi-Crush Blair LLC as of August 31, 2016:
 
Cash
$
75

Inventories
6,310

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
360

Due from Hi-Crush Partners LP
406

Property, plant and equipment
125,565

Other assets
700

Accounts payable
(5,653
)
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities
(2,269
)
Due to sponsor
(311
)
Due to Hi-Crush Partners LP
(1,240
)
Asset retirement obligation
(380
)
Total carrying value of Blair's net assets
$
123,563

 
 
Allocation of purchase price
 
Carrying value of sponsor's non-controlling interest prior to Blair Contribution
$
125,571

Excess carrying value over the purchase price of the acquired interest (a)
(45,571
)
Cost of Blair acquisition
$
80,000

(a) The deemed contribution attributable to the purchase price was allocated to the common unitholders and excludes the $5,000 estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable in the future.
Recast Financial Results
The following tables present, on a supplemental basis, our recast revenues, net income (loss), net income (loss) attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP, and net income (loss) per limited partner unit giving effect to the Blair Contribution and Whitehall Contribution, as reconciled to the revenues, net income (loss), net income (loss) attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP, and net income (loss) per limited partner unit of the Partnership.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
Partnership Historical
 
Whitehall and Other Assets through
 March 15, 2017
 
Eliminations
 
Partnership Recast (Supplemental)
Revenues
$
83,364

 
$

 
$

 
$
83,364

Net loss
$
(5,386
)
 
$
(1,366
)
 
$
(79
)
 
$
(6,831
)
Net loss attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP
$
(5,360
)
 
$
(1,392
)
 
$
(79
)
 
$
(6,831
)
Net loss per limited partner unit - basic
$
(0.07
)
 
 
 
 
 
$
(0.09
)
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
Partnership Historical
 
Blair
 
Whitehall and Other Assets
 
Eliminations
 
Partnership Recast (Supplemental)
Revenues
$
52,148

 
$
33

 
$
7,104

 
$
(7,137
)
 
$
52,148

Net income (loss)
$
(51,517
)
 
$
(836
)
 
$
(229
)
 
$
82

 
$
(52,500
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP
$
(51,494
)
 
$
(836
)
 
$
(252
)
 
$
82

 
$
(52,500
)
Net loss per limited partner unit - basic
$
(1.39
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(1.42
)


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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

4. Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following:
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Raw material
$
731

 
$

Work-in-process
9,974

 
17,836

Finished goods
13,246

 
9,416

Spare parts
2,037

 
2,025

Inventories
$
25,988

 
$
29,277


5. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Buildings
$
15,736

 
$
16,929

Mining property and mine development
378,197

 
113,169

Plant and equipment
333,846

 
331,165

Rail and rail equipment
55,783

 
56,369

Transload facilities and equipment
78,736

 
78,105

Construction-in-progress
31,010

 
1,695

Property, plant and equipment
893,308

 
597,432

Less: Accumulated depreciation and depletion
(58,490
)
 
(55,739
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
834,818

 
$
541,693

Depreciation and depletion expense was $4,829 and $3,491 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
The Partnership recognized a gain on the disposal of fixed assets of $25 during the three months ended March 31, 2016 , which was included in general and administrative expenses on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Partnership did not dispose of any fixed assets during the three months ended March 31, 2017 .

6. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Revolving Credit Agreement
$

 
$

Term Loan Credit Facility
194,000

 
194,500

Less: Unamortized original issue discount
(1,176
)
 
(1,247
)
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs
(3,334
)
 
(3,538
)
Other notes payable
5,743

 
6,705

Total debt
195,233

 
196,420

Less: current portion of long-term debt
(2,520
)
 
(2,962
)
Long-term debt
$
192,713

 
$
193,458


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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Revolving Credit Agreement
On April 28, 2014, the Partnership entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the "Revolving Credit Agreement"), which matures on April 28, 2019 . On November 5, 2015, the Partnership entered into a second amendment (the "Second Amendment") and on April 28, 2016, into a third amendment (the "Third Amendment"). On August 31, 2016, the Partnership entered into a fourth amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, which allowed for the Blair Contribution. On March 3, 2017, the Partnership entered into a fifth amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, which allowed for the Whitehall Contribution and the acquisition of Permian Basin Sand. As of March 31, 2017 , the Revolving Credit Agreement, as amended, is a senior secured revolving credit facility that permits aggregate borrowings of up to $75,000 , including a $25,000 sublimit for letters of credit and a $10,000 sublimit for swing line loans. The outstanding balance of $52,500 under the Revolving Credit Agreement was paid in full as of June 30, 2016.
As of March 31, 2017 , we had $59,681 of undrawn borrowing capacity ( $75,000 , net of $15,319 letter of credit commitments) and no indebtedness under our Revolving Credit Agreement.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement, as amended, bear interest at a rate equal to a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 4.50% per annum through June 30, 2017. Subsequent to June 30, 2017, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Partnership's option, either (1) a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging between 1.25% per annum and 2.50% per annum, based upon the Partnership's leverage ratio, or (2) a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin ranging between 2.25% per annum and 3.50% per annum, based upon the Partnership's leverage ratio.
The Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limits or restrictions on the Partnership’s ability to incur liens, incur indebtedness, make certain restricted payments, merge or consolidate, and dispose of assets. Due to declining market conditions, on November 5, 2015, the Partnership entered into the Second Amendment, which waives the compliance of customary financial covenants through June 29, 2017 (the "Effective Period"), after which the maximum leverage ratio is 5.0 x for the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2017 annualized, 4.5 x for the six months ending September 30, 2017 annualized, 4.0 x for the nine months ending December 31, 2017 annualized, and 3.5 x for the twelve months ending March 31, 2018 and thereafter. After the Effective Period, the minimum interest coverage ratio, as defined, is 2.5 x for each fiscal quarter ending on or after June 30, 2017. In addition, the Second Amendment established certain minimum quarterly EBITDA covenants and allows distributions to unitholders up to 50% of quarterly distributable cash flow after quarterly debt payments on the term loan during the Effective Period. On April 28, 2016, the Partnership entered into the Third Amendment, which waives the minimum quarterly EBITDA covenants and establishes a maximum EBITDA loss for the six months ending March 31, 2017.
We are in compliance with the amended covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Agreement. Our ability to comply with such covenants in the future, and access our undrawn borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Agreement, is dependent primarily on achieving certain levels of EBITDA, as defined. We believe we will remain in compliance in 2017 with such covenants based on our forecasts for volumes, prices and EBITDA, which are above those experienced through the first quarter of 2017 and are consistent with the increasing sales volumes and prices we have experienced since March 31, 2017. The forecasted levels of EBITDA are based on our expectation of future volumes and price increases which are subject to risk and uncertainty regarding market conditions for proppant. There can be no assurance that the Partnership will achieve the volumes and pricing included in the forecasts and therefore achieve the planned levels of EBITDA in future periods. If the levels of EBITDA are not sufficient to meet the minimum amounts required for covenant compliance, an event of default could occur.
The Third Amendment also provides for an "equity cure" that can be applied to EBITDA covenant ratios for 2017 and all future periods. On January 4, 2017, the Partnership entered into an equity distribution program with certain financial institutions (each, a "Manager") under which we may sell, from time to time, through or to the Managers, common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership up to an aggregate gross sales price of $50,000 (See Note 8 - Equity ).
The Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary events of default (some of which are subject to applicable grace or cure periods), including among other things, non-payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency defaults, and material judgment defaults. Such events of default could entitle the lenders to cause any or all of the Partnership’s indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement to become immediately due and payable. If such a default were to occur, and resulted in a cross default of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, as described below, all of our outstanding debt obligations could be accelerated which would have a material adverse impact on the Partnership.
The Revolving Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all assets of the Partnership. In addition, the Partnership's subsidiaries have guaranteed the Partnership's obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement and have granted to the revolving lenders security interests in substantially all of their respective assets.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Term Loan Credit Facility
On April 28, 2014, the Partnership entered into a credit agreement (the "Term Loan Credit Agreement") providing for a senior secured term loan credit facility (the "Term Loan Credit Facility") that permits aggregate borrowings of up to $200,000 , which has been fully drawn on April 28, 2014. The Term Loan Credit Agreement permits the Partnership, at its option, to add one or more incremental term loan facilities in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000 . Any incremental term loan facility would be on terms to be agreed among the Partnership, the administrative agent and the lenders who agree to participate in the incremental facility. The maturity date of the Term Loan Credit Facility is April 28, 2021 .
The Term Loan Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all assets of the Partnership. In addition, the Partnership’s subsidiaries have guaranteed the Partnership’s obligations under the Term Loan Credit Agreement and have granted to the lenders security interests in substantially all of their respective assets.
Borrowings under the Term Loan Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Partnership’s option, either (1) a base rate plus an applicable margin of 2.75% per annum or (2) a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75% per annum, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% .
The Term Loan Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limits or restrictions on the Partnership’s ability to incur liens, incur indebtedness, make certain restricted payments, merge or consolidate and dispose of assets. In addition, it contains customary events of default that entitle the lenders to cause any or all of the Partnership’s indebtedness under the Term Loan Credit Agreement to become immediately due and payable. The events of default (some of which are subject to applicable grace or cure periods), include, among other things, non-payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency defaults and material judgment defaults. As of March 31, 2017 , we were in compliance with the terms of the agreement.
As of March 31, 2017 , we had $189,490 indebtedness ( $194,000 , net of $1,176 of discounts and $3,334 of debt issuance costs) under our Term Loan Credit Facility, which carried an interest rate of 4.75% .
Other Notes Payable
On October 24, 2014, the Partnership entered into a purchase and sales agreement to acquire land and underlying frac sand deposits. During each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Partnership paid cash consideration of $2,500 , and issued a three -year promissory note in the amount of $3,676 , respectively, in connection with this agreement. The promissory notes accrue interest at rates equal to the applicable short-term federal rates. All principal and accrued interest is due and payable at the end of the respective three-year promissory note terms in December 2019, December 2018 and October 2017. However, the promissory notes are prepaid on a quarterly basis during the three-year terms if sand is extracted, delivered, sold and paid for from the properties.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Partnership made prepayments of $962 and $1,258 , respectively, based on the accumulated volume of sand extracted, delivered, sold and paid for. In April 2017, the Partnership made a prepayment of $520 based on the volume of sand extracted, delivered, sold and paid for through the first quarter of 2017 . As of March 31, 2017 , the Partnership had repaid in full the promissory note due in October 2017 and had $5,743 outstanding on our remaining promissory notes, which carried interest rates ranging from 0.56% to 0.74% .

7. Commitments and Contingencies
Customer Contracts
The Partnership enters into sales contracts with customers. These contracts establish minimum annual sand volumes that the Partnership is required to make available to such customers under initial terms ranging from three to seven years. Through March 31, 2017 , no payments for non-delivery of minimum annual sand volumes have been made by the Partnership to customers under these contracts.
Supplier Contracts
D & I Silica, LLC ("D&I") has entered into a long-term supply agreement with a supplier (the "Sand Supply Agreement"), which includes a requirement to purchase certain volumes and grades of sands at specified prices. The quantities set forth in such agreement are not in excess of our current requirements.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Royalty Agreements
The Partnership has entered into royalty agreements under which it is committed to pay royalties on sand sold from its production facilities for which the Partnership has received payment by the customer. Royalty expense is recorded as the sand is sold and is included in costs of goods sold. Royalty expense was $2,636 and $1,344 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Certain acreage is subject to a minimum annual royalty payment. If not paid within 30 days after the annual period, the original landowner has the right to purchase the property for one dollar, subject to certain terms. If we have not made the minimum required royalty payments, we may satisfy our obligation by making a lump-sum cash make-whole payment. Accordingly, we believe there is no material risk that we will be required to sell back the subject property pursuant to this agreement.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Partnership entered into an agreement to terminate certain existing royalty obligations for $6,750 , of which $3,375 was paid in September 2016, with another payment scheduled for August 2017. As a result of this agreement, the Partnership reduced its ongoing future royalty payments to the applicable counterparties for each ton of frac sand that is excavated, processed and sold to the Partnership’s customers. As part of this transaction, we recorded an asset of $6,750 , as reflected in property, plant and equipment on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Property Value Guarantees
On February 7, 2012, we entered into a mining agreement with the town of Bridge Creek, Wisconsin ("Bridge Creek"). The agreement imposes certain restrictions and conditions upon the operation of our Augusta facility inclusive of a property value guaranty ("PVG"). Our obligation is limited to the 24 properties identified on the effective date of the agreement.
On August 19, 2013, we entered into a land use agreement with the town of Lincoln, Wisconsin ("Lincoln"). The agreement imposes certain restrictions and conditions upon the operation of our Whitehall facility inclusive of a PVG. Our obligation is limited to the 27 properties identified on the effective date of the agreement.
On January 15, 2015, we entered into a land use agreement with the town of Springfield, Wisconsin ("Springfield"). The agreement imposes certain restrictions and conditions upon the operation of our Blair facility inclusive of a PVG. Our obligation is limited to the 31 properties identified on the effective date of the agreement.
On February 16, 2015, we entered into a land use agreement with the town of Preston, Wisconsin ("Preston"). The agreement imposes certain restrictions and conditions upon the operation of our Blair facility inclusive of a PVG. Our obligation is limited to the 11 properties identified on the effective date of the agreement.
The respective PVGs establish a process whereby we guaranty fair market value to the owners of residential property specifically identified within the body of the PVG document. According to the terms of the PVGs, the property owner must notify us in the event they wish to sell the subject residence and up to 10 acres of land in the case of Bridge Creek and Lincoln and 20 acres of land in the agreements with Springfield and Preston. Upon such notice, the PVGs establish a process by which an appraisal is conducted and the subject property is appraised to establish fair market value and is listed with a real estate broker. In the event the property is sold within 180 days of listing, we agree to pay the owner any shortfall between the sales price and the established fair market value. In the event the property is not sold within the 180 day time frame, we are obligated to purchase the property for fair market value.
As of March 31, 2017 , we have not accrued a liability related to the PVGs because it is not possible to estimate how many of the owners will elect to avail themselves of the provisions of the PVGs and it cannot be determined if shortfalls will exist in the event of a sale nor can the value of the subject property be ascertained until appraised. As of March 31, 2017 , the Partnership has paid $1,861 under these guarantees. The Partnership expects to pay approximately $450 for such guarantees in the second quarter of 2017.
Lease Obligations
The Partnership has long-term leases for railcars, equipment and certain of its terminals.
In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Partnership began leasing from PropX equipment manufactured and owned by PropX.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Partnership incurred $265 of lease expense from PropX, which is reflected in cost of goods sold.
We have entered into service agreements with certain transload service providers which requires us to purchase minimum amounts of services over specific periods of time at specific locations. Our failure to purchase the minimum level of services would require us to pay shortfall fees. However, the minimum quantities set forth in the agreements are not in excess of our current forecasted requirements at these locations.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

As of March 31, 2017 , future minimum operating lease payments and minimum purchase commitments are as follows:
Fiscal Year
Operating
Leases
 
Minimum Purchase
Commitments
2017 (nine months)
$
20,042

 
$
2,217

2018
28,818

 
2,956

2019
30,433

 
2,211

2020
27,670

 
2,296

2021
21,982

 
2,296

Thereafter
36,996

 
4,167

 
$
165,941

 
$
16,143

In addition, the Partnership has placed orders for additional leased railcars. Such long-term operating leases commence upon the future delivery of 700 railcars, which are scheduled to be delivered during the second half of 2018.
Equity Method Investments
On September 8, 2016, the Partnership committed to investing up to $17,400 in PropX over the next year to 18 months for use in the manufacturing of containers and conveyor systems, among other things. As of March 31, 2017 , the Partnership has funded $14,400 of its commitment to PropX, of which, $4,168 was funded during the first quarter of 2017.
Contingent Consideration
As described in Note 3 - Acquisitions , the Partnership may pay the sponsor up to $10,000 and $65,000 of contingent consideration related to the Blair Contribution and the Whitehall Contribution, respectively.  The payments are based on achievement of certain levels of Adjusted EBITDA in 2017 and 2018.  Achievement of these threshold levels of Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in each of the contribution agreements, will be dependent on the quantity of volumes sold and related prices, which are forecasted at levels above current market prices.  The Partnership’s ability to meet such thresholds will be affected by events and circumstances beyond its control.  If market or other economic conditions remain the same or deteriorate, the thresholds may not be met. If the thresholds are not attained during each of the contingency periods, no payment will be owed to the sponsor.  A 10% increase or decrease in the achievement of Adjusted EBITDA for the measurement periods could result in a range of potential payments under these arrangements which could differ from the estimated fair value of the liabilities currently reflected in the accompanying financial statements.  The following table outlines the fair value reflected in the financial statements, the range of minimum and maximum undiscounted payments, and a sensitivity calculation of what the current fair value would be based on achieving Adjusted EBITDA levels 10% above or below the Partnership’s current forecasted results.  Based on the significant estimates and assumptions included in the analysis, actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
 
 
 
Undiscounted Payments
 
Sensitivity Analysis
Transaction
 
Carrying Value of Liability
 
Minimum
 
Maximum
 
-10% Adjusted EBITDA
 
+10% Adjusted EBITDA
Blair Contribution
 
$
5,000

 
$

 
$
10,000

 
$
5,000

 
$
9,000

Whitehall Contribution
 
$
14,000

 
$

 
$
65,000

 
$
10,000

 
$
29,000

From time to time the Partnership may be subject to various claims and legal proceedings which arise in the normal course of business. Management is not aware of any legal matters that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

8. Equity
As of March 31, 2017 , our sponsor owned 20,693,643 common units, representing a 22.7% ownership interest in the limited partner units. In addition, our sponsor is the owner of our General Partner.  

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Partnership completed a public offering for a total of 23,575,000 common units, representing limited partnership interests in the Partnership for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $412,667 . The net proceeds from these offerings were used to fund the Whitehall Contribution, the cash portion of the Permian Basin Sand asset acquisition and for general partnership purposes. In addition, the Partnership issued 3,438,789 common units as additional consideration for the Permian Basin Sand asset acquisition on March 3, 2017.
Equity Distribution Agreement
On January 4, 2017, the Partnership entered into an equity distribution program with certain financial institutions (each, a "Manager") under which we may sell, from time to time, through or to the Managers, common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership up to an aggregate gross sales price of $50,000 . The Partnership did not issue any common units under this equity distribution program through the date of this filing.
Incentive Distribution Rights
Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive increasing percentages (ranging from 15.0% to 50.0% ) of quarterly distributions from operating surplus after minimum quarterly distribution and target distribution levels exceed $0.54625 per unit per quarter. Our sponsor currently holds the incentive distribution rights, but it may transfer these rights at any time.
Allocations of Net Income
Our partnership agreement contains provisions for the allocation of net income and loss to the unitholders and our General Partner. For purposes of maintaining partner capital accounts, the partnership agreement specifies that items of income and loss shall be allocated among the partners in accordance with their respective percentage ownership interest. Normal allocations according to percentage interests are made after giving effect, if any, to priority income allocations in an amount equal to incentive cash distributions allocated 100% to our sponsor.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , no income was allocated to our holders of incentive distribution rights, respectively.
Distributions
Our partnership agreement sets forth the calculation to be used to determine the amount of cash distributions that our limited partner unitholders and our holders of incentive distribution rights will receive.
On October 26, 2015, we announced the Board of Directors' decision to temporarily suspend the distribution payment to common unitholders. No quarterly distributions were declared for the first quarter of 2017 , as the Partnership continued its distribution suspension.
Net Income per Limited Partner Unit
The following table outlines our basic and diluted, weighted average limited partner units outstanding during the relevant periods:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Basic common units outstanding
73,586,987

 
37,035,068

Potentially dilutive common units

 

Diluted common units outstanding
73,586,987

 
37,035,068

For purposes of calculating the Partnership’s earnings per unit under the two-class method, common units are treated as participating preferred units. Incentive distribution rights are treated as participating securities.
Diluted earnings per unit excludes any dilutive awards granted (see Note 9 - Unit-Based Compensation ) if their effect is anti-dilutive. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Partnership incurred a net loss and, as a result, all 566,539 and 211,190 , respectively, of potentially dilutive awards granted and outstanding were excluded from the diluted earnings per unit calculation.
Distributions made in future periods based on the current period calculation of cash available for distribution are allocated to each class of equity that will receive such distributions.

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Table of Contents     
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Each period, the Partnership determines the amount of cash available for distributions in accordance with the partnership agreement. The amount to be distributed to limited partner unitholders and incentive distribution rights holders is subject to the distribution waterfall in the partnership agreement. Net earnings or loss for the period are allocated to each class of partnership interest based on the distributions to be made.
As described in Note 1 , the Partnership's historical financial information has been recast to combine Blair, Whitehall and Other Assets for all periods presented. The amounts of incremental income or losses recast to periods prior to the Blair Contribution and Whitehall Contribution are excluded from the calculation of net income per limited partner unit.
The following tables provide a reconciliation of net income (loss) and the assumed allocation of net income (loss) under the two-class method for purposes of computing net income (loss) per limited partner unit for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except per unit amounts):
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
General Partner and IDRs
 
Limited Partner Units
 
Total
Declared distribution
$

 
$

 
$

Assumed allocation of distributions in excess of loss

 
(6,831
)
 
(6,831
)
Add back recast losses attributable to Whitehall and Other Assets through March 15, 2017

 
1,471

 
1,471

Assumed allocation of net loss
$

 
$
(5,360
)
 
$
(5,360
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss per limited partner unit - basic
 
 
$
(0.07
)
 
 
Loss per limited partner unit - diluted
 
 
$
(0.07
)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
General Partner and IDRs
 
Limited Partner Units
 
Total
Declared distribution
$

 
$

 
$

Assumed allocation of distributions in excess of loss

 
(52,500
)
 
(52,500
)
Add back recast losses attributable to Blair

 
836

 
836

Add back recast losses attributable to Whitehall and Other Assets

 
170

 
170

Assumed allocation of net loss
$

 
$
(51,494
)
 
$
(51,494
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss per limited partner unit - basic
 
 
$
(1.39
)
 
 
Loss per limited partner unit - diluted
 
 
$
(1.39
)
 
 
Recast Equity Transactions
On March 15, 2017, in connection with the closing of the Whitehall Contribution, $116,417 of sponsor advances were converted to capital, as reflected in the non-controlling interest section of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , the sponsor paid $1,652 of expenses on behalf of Blair. Such transactions were recognized within non-controlling interest of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital.


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Table of Contents     
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

9. Unit-Based Compensation
Long-Term Incentive Plan
On August 21, 2012, Hi-Crush GP adopted the Hi-Crush Partners LP Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan") for employees, consultants and directors of Hi-Crush GP and those of its affiliates, including our sponsor, who perform services for the Partnership. The Plan consists of restricted units, unit options, phantom units, unit payments, unit appreciation rights, other equity-based awards, distribution equivalent rights and performance awards. The Plan limited the number of common units that may be issued pursuant to awards under the Plan to 1,364,035 units. The first amendment and restatement of the Plan was approved by our common unitholders and the number of common units under the Plan increased by an additional 2,700,000 common units effective as of September 21, 2016. After giving effect to the first amendment and restatement of the Plan, to the extent that an award is forfeited, cancelled, exercised, settled in cash, or otherwise terminates or expires without the actual delivery of common units pursuant to such awards, the common units subject to the award will again be available for new awards granted under the Plan; provided, however, that any common units withheld to cover a tax withholding obligation will not again be available for new awards under the Plan. The Plan is administered by Hi-Crush GP’s Board of Directors or a committee thereof.
The cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award and that cost is generally recognized over the vesting period of the award.
Performance Phantom Units - Equity Settled
The Partnership has awarded Performance Phantom Units ("PPUs") pursuant to the Plan to certain employees. The number of PPUs that will vest will range from 0% to 200% of the number of initially granted PPUs and is dependent on the Partnership's total unitholder return over a three -year performance period compared to the total unitholder return of a designated peer group. Each PPU represents the right to receive, upon vesting, one common unit representing limited partner interests in the Partnership. The PPUs are also entitled to forfeitable distribution equivalent rights ("DERs"), which accumulate during the performance period and are paid in cash on the date of settlement. The fair value of each PPU is estimated using a fair value approach and is amortized into compensation expense, reduced for an estimate of expected forfeitures, over the period of service corresponding with the vesting period. Expected volatility is based on the historical market performance of our peer group. The following table presents information relative to our PPUs.
 
Units
 
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value per Unit
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
201,521

 
$
29.03

Forfeited
(31,126
)
 
$
61.34

Outstanding at March 31, 2017
170,395

 
$
23.13

As of March 31, 2017 , total compensation expense not yet recognized related to unvested PPUs was $1,889 , with a weighted average remaining service period of 1.4 years .
Time-Based Phantom Units - Equity Settled
The Partnership has awarded Time-Based Phantom Units ("TPUs") pursuant to the Plan to certain employees which automatically vest if the employee remains employed at the end of the vesting period. The vesting period is a cliff or graded vesting, generally ranging over a three -year period. Each TPU represents the right to receive, upon vesting, one common unit representing limited partner interests in the Partnership. The TPUs are also entitled to forfeitable DERs, which accumulate during the vesting period and are paid in cash on the date of settlement. The fair value of each TPU is calculated based on the grant-date unit price and is amortized into compensation expense, reduced for an estimate of expected forfeitures, over the period of service corresponding with the vesting period. The following table presents information relative to our TPUs.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

 
Units
 
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value per Unit
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
378,260

 
$
16.40

Vested
(6,666
)
 
$
4.55

Granted
24,550

 
$
16.02

Outstanding at March 31, 2017
396,144

 
$
16.57

As of March 31, 2017 , total compensation expense not yet recognized related to unvested TPUs was $3,979 , with a weighted average remaining service period of 2.2 years .
Board Unit Grants
The Partnership issued 29,148 and 103,377 common units to certain of its directors during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Unit Purchase Programs
The Partnership has unit purchase programs ("UPP") offered under the Plan. The UPPs provide participating employees and members of our board of directors the opportunity to purchase common units representing limited partner interests of the Partnership at a discount. Non-director employees contribute through payroll deductions up to 35% of the employee's eligible compensation during the applicable offering period. Directors contribute through cash contributions up to $150 in aggregate. If the closing price of the Partnership's common units on the purchase date is greater than or equal to the discount applied to the closing market price of our common units on a participant's applicable election date (the "Election Price"), then the participant will receive a number of common units equal to the amount of accumulated payroll deductions or cash contributions, as applicable (the "Contribution"), divided by the Election Price, capped at 20,000 common units. If the purchase date price is less than the Election Price, then the participant’s Contribution will be returned to the participant. On the date of election, the Partnership calculates the fair value of the discount, which is recognized as unit compensation expense on a straight-line basis during the period from election date through the date of purchase. 
The offering period under the Partnership's UPP adopted in 2015 (the "2015 UPP") ended on February 28, 2017 with a 10% discount of the fair value of our common units on the applicable election date. The participants under the 2015 UPP purchased 300,090 common units at an average price of $5.49 on February 28, 2017 .
During the first quarter of 2017, the offering period under the Partnership's UPP adopted in 2017 (the "2017 UPP") commenced, with a 15% discount of the fair value of our common units on the applicable election date and a purchase date of May 23, 2018 . Based on the current elected contributions, the participants will have the right to purchase an aggregate of approximately 160,000 common units. As of March 31, 2017 , total accumulated contributions of $225 from directors under the 2017 UPP is maintained within the accrued and other current liabilities line item on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Compensation Expense
The following table presents total unit-based compensation expense:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Performance Phantom Units
$
374

 
$
582

Time-Based Phantom Units
638

 
187

Director and other unit grants
127

 
122

Unit Purchase Programs
39

 
39

Total compensation expense
$
1,178

 
$
930



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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

10. Related Party Transactions
Effective August 16, 2012, our sponsor entered into a services agreement (the "Services Agreement") with our General Partner, Hi-Crush Services LLC ("Hi-Crush Services") and the Partnership, pursuant to which Hi-Crush Services provides certain management and administrative services to the Partnership to assist in operating the Partnership’s business. Under the Services Agreement, the Partnership reimburses Hi-Crush Services and its affiliates, on a monthly basis, for the allocable expenses it incurs in its performance under the Services Agreement. These expenses include, among other things, administrative, rent and other expenses for individuals and entities that perform services for the Partnership. Hi-Crush Services and its affiliates will not be liable to the Partnership for its performance of services under the Services Agreement, except for liabilities resulting from gross negligence. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Partnership incurred $1,292 and $1,263 , respectively, of management and administrative service expenses from Hi-Crush Services.
In the normal course of business, our sponsor and its affiliates, including Hi-Crush Services, and the Partnership may from time to time make payments on behalf of each other.
As of March 31, 2017 , an outstanding balance of $542 payable to our sponsor is maintained as a current liability under the caption "Due to sponsor".
On September 8, 2016, the Partnership entered into an agreement to become a member of PropX, which is accounted for as an equity method investment. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Partnership purchased $2,169 and $1,566 , respectively, of equipment from PropX, which is reflected in property, plant and equipment. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Partnership had accounts payable of $709 and $1,553 , respectively, to PropX, which is reflected in accounts payable on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. In addition to equipment purchases, during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we incurred $265 of lease expense for the use of PropX equipment, which is reflected in cost of goods sold.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Partnership engaged in multiple construction projects and purchased equipment, machinery and component parts from various vendors that were represented by Alston Environmental Company, Inc. or Alston Equipment Company ("Alston Companies"), which regularly represent vendors in such transactions. The vendors in question paid a commission to the Alston Companies in an amount that is unknown to the Partnership. The sister of Mr. Alston, who is a director of our General Partner, has an ownership interest in the Alston Companies. The Partnership has not paid any sum directly to the Alston Companies and Mr. Alston has represented to the Partnership that he received no compensation from the Alston Companies related to these transactions.

11. Impairments and Other Expenses
Our goodwill arose from the acquisition of D&I in 2013 and is therefore allocated to the D&I reporting unit. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, volumes sold through the D&I reporting unit declined below previously forecasted levels and pricing deteriorated. Industry demand for frac sand declined as the reported Baker Hughes oil rig count in North America fell to 362 rigs as of March 31, 2016, marking a 2016 year-to-date decline of more than 30% . Our customers faced uncertainty related to activity levels and reduced their active frac crews, resulting in declines in well completion activity. Therefore, as of March 31, 2016, we determined that the state of market conditions and activity levels indicated that an impairment of goodwill may exist. As a result, we assessed qualitative factors and determined that we could not conclude it was more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill exceeded its carrying value. In turn, we prepared a quantitative analysis of the fair value of the goodwill as of March 31, 2016, based on the weighted average valuation across several income and market based valuation approaches. The underlying results of the valuation were driven by our actual results during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and the pricing, costs structures and market conditions existing as of March 31, 2016, which were below our forecasts at the time of the previous goodwill assessments. Other key estimates, assumptions and inputs used in the valuation included long-term growth rates, discount rates, terminal values, valuation multiples and relative valuations when comparing the reporting unit to similar businesses or asset bases. Upon completion of the Step 1 and Step 2 valuation exercises, it was determined that an impairment loss of all goodwill was incurred, which was equal to the difference between the carrying value and estimated fair value of goodwill. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Partnership recognized a $33,745 impairment loss of all goodwill.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

We recognized impairments and other expenses as outlined in the following table:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Impairment of Goodwill
$

 
$
33,745

Severance, retention and relocation

 
2

Impairments and other expenses
$

 
$
33,747


12. Segment Reporting
The Partnership manages, operates and owns assets utilized to supply frac sand to its customers. It conducts operations through its one operating segment titled "Frac Sand Sales". This reporting segment of the Partnership is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.


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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion of our historical performance, financial condition and future prospects in conjunction with our unaudited condensed financial statements and accompanying notes in "Item 1. Financial Statements" contained herein and our audited financial statements as of December 31, 2016 , included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2017 . The information provided below supplements, but does not form part of, our unaudited condensed financial statements. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on the views and beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions and estimates made by our management. Actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors, including those that may not be in the control of management. See "Forward-Looking Statements" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. All amounts are presented in thousands except tonnage, acreage or per unit data, or where otherwise noted.
Overview
We are an integrated producer, transporter, marketer and distributor of high-quality monocrystalline sand, a specialized mineral that is used as a proppant to enhance the recovery rates of hydrocarbons from oil and natural gas wells. Our reserves, are primarily located in Wisconsin, consisting of "Northern White" raw frac sand, a resource that exists predominately in Wisconsin and limited portions of the upper Midwest region of the United States. In March 2017, we acquired regional raw frac sand reserves located in the Permian Basin and are currently constructing a 3,000,000 ton per year production facility expected to be in operation in the third quarter of 2017. Once completed, we will own and operate 13,400,000 tons per year of frac sand production capacity. Our Wisconsin reserves are strategically located with direct access to major U.S. railroads for efficient distribution to in-basin terminals, while our Texas reserves are positioned within close proximity to significant basin activity for advantaged truck transportation. We own and operate a network of strategically located terminals and an integrated distribution system throughout North America, including our PropStream TM integrated logistics solution, which delivers proppant into the blender at the well site.
We sell a substantial portion of the frac sand we produce to customers with whom we have long-term contracts. We continue to provide contract customers with temporary market pricing arrangements at a discount to the contracted pricing levels. We are in discussions with various existing and potential customers regarding new long-term contracts for varying terms and volume commitments. As of April 1, 2017 , the average remaining contractual term was 4.0 years with remaining terms ranging from 5 to 93 months.
Our Assets and Operations
We own and operate the 971 -acre facility with approximately 32,000 feet of integrated rail infrastructure, located in Wyeville, Wisconsin (the "Wyeville facility") and, as of December 31, 2016 , contained 76.4 million tons of proven recoverable reserves of frac sand. The Wyeville facility, completed in June 2011 and expanded in 2012, has an annual processing capacity of approximately 1,850,000 tons of frac sand per year.
We own and operate the 1,187 -acre facility with approximately 28,800 feet of integrated rail infrastructure, located in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin (the "Augusta facility") and, as of December 31, 2016 , contained 40.9 million tons of proven recoverable reserves of frac sand. We completed construction of the Augusta facility in June 2012 and expanded in 2014. The Augusta facility has an annual processing capacity of approximately 2,860,000 tons of frac sand per year. During September 2016, the Partnership resumed production at its Augusta facility, which was temporarily idled in October 2015 as a result of market conditions.
We own and operate the 1,285 -acre facility with approximately 43,000 feet of integrated rail infrastructure, located near Blair, Wisconsin (the "Blair facility") and, as of December 31, 2016 , contained 117.7 million tons of proven recoverable reserves of frac sand. We completed construction of the Blair facility in March 2016. The Blair facility has an annual processing capacity of approximately 2,860,000 tons of frac sand per year.
We own and operate the 1,447 -acre facility with approximately 30,000 feet of integrated rail infrastructure, located near Independence, Wisconsin and Whitehall, Wisconsin (the "Whitehall facility"), and as of December 31, 2016 , contained 80.7 million tons of proven recoverable reserves of frac sand. The Whitehall facility, completed in the third quarter of 2014, is capable of delivering approximately 2,860,000 tons of frac sand per year. The Whitehall facility was temporarily idled during the second quarter of 2016 and resumed production in March 2017.
According to John T. Boyd Company ("John T. Boyd"), our proven reserves at our four facilities consist of Northern White sand exceeding American Petroleum Institute ("API") specifications. Analysis of sand at our facilities by independent third-party testing companies indicates that they demonstrate characteristics exceeding of API specifications with regard to crush strength, turbidity and roundness and sphericity. Based on third-party reserve reports by John T. Boyd, as of December 31, 2016 , we have an implied average reserve life of 30 years, assuming production at the rated capacity of 10,430,000 tons of frac sand per year.

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In March 2017, we acquired a 1,226 -acre frac sand reserve, located near Kermit, Texas, strategically positioned in the Permian Basin, within 75 miles of significant Delaware and Midland Basin activity. As of December 31, 2016 , the reserves contained 55.5 million tons of proven recoverable reserves of 100 mesh frac sand. We have commenced construction of our fifth on-site processing plant capable of producing 3,000,000 tons per year (the "Kermit facility"). Total cost for construction of the Kermit production facility is expected to be in the range of $45,000 to $50,000, with an in-service date planned during the third quarter of 2017.
As of March 31, 2017 , we own or operate 11 terminal locations throughout Colorado, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Texas, of which three are temporarily idled and six are capable of accommodating unit trains. Our terminals include approximately 74,000 tons of rail storage capacity and approximately 120,000 tons of silo storage capacity.
We are continuously looking to increase the number of terminals we operate and expand our geographic footprint, allowing us to further enhance our customer service and putting us in a stronger position to take advantage of opportunistic short term pricing agreements. Our terminals are strategically located to provide access to Class I railroads, which enables us to cost effectively ship product from our production facilities in Wisconsin. As of March 31, 2017 , we leased or owned 4,180 railcars used to transport our sand from origin to destination and managed a fleet of 944 additional railcars dedicated to our facilities by our customers or the Class I railroads. As of March 31, 2017 , we had no railcars idled and held in storage.
In September 2016, the Partnership entered into an agreement to become a member of Proppant Express Investments, LLC ("PropX"), which was established to develop critical last-mile logistics equipment for the proppant industry. In October 2016, the Partnership announced the successful pilot test of its PropStream integrated logistics solution, which involves loading frac sand at in-basin terminals into PropX containers before being transported by truck to the well site. At the well site, we believe the proprietary conveyor system ("PropBeast™") significantly reduces noise and dust emissions due to its fully enclosed environment. As of March 31, 2017 , we owned 8 PropBeast conveyors and leased 400 containers from PropX. 
How We Generate Revenue
We generate revenue by excavating, processing and delivering frac sand and providing related services. A substantial portion of our frac sand is sold to customers with whom we have long-term contracts which have current terms expiring between 2017 and 2024 . Each contract defines the minimum volume of frac sand that the customer is required to purchase monthly and annually, the volume that we are required to make available, the technical specifications of the product and the price per ton. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we continued to provide contract customers with temporary market pricing arrangements at a discount to the contracted pricing levels. We also sell our frac sand on the spot market at prices and other terms determined by the existing market conditions as well as the specific requirements of the customer. Delivery of sand to our customers may occur at the rail origin, terminal or well site.
Due to sustained freezing temperatures in the Wisconsin area of operation during winter months, it is industry practice to halt excavation activities and operation of the wet plant during those months. As a result, we excavate and wash sand in excess of current delivery requirements during the months when our four Wisconsin facilities are operational. This excess sand is placed in stockpiles that feed the dry plant and fill customer orders throughout the year.
Costs of Conducting Our Business
The principal expenses involved in production of raw frac sand are excavation costs, labor, utilities, maintenance and royalties. We have a contract with a third party to excavate raw frac sand, deliver the raw frac sand to our processing facility and move the sand from our wet plant to our dry plant. We pay a fixed price per ton excavated and delivered without regard to the amount of sand excavated that meets API specifications. Accordingly, we incur excavation costs with respect to the excavation of sand and other materials from which we ultimately do not derive revenue (rejected materials), and for sand which is still to be processed through the dry plant and not yet sold. However, the ratio of rejected materials to total amounts excavated has been, and we believe will continue to be, in line with our expectations, given the extensive core sampling and other testing we undertook at our facilities.
Labor costs associated with employees at our processing facilities represent the most significant cost of converting raw frac sand to finished product. We incur utility costs in connection with the operation of our processing facilities, primarily electricity and natural gas, which are both susceptible to fluctuations. Our facilities require periodic scheduled maintenance to ensure efficient operation and to minimize downtime. Excavation, labor, utilities and other costs of production are capitalized as a component of inventory and are reflected in cost of goods sold when inventory is sold.
We pay royalties to third parties at our facilities at various rates, as defined in the individual royalty agreements. During the third quarter of 2016, the Partnership entered into an agreement to terminate certain existing royalty agreements for $6,750 , of which $3,375 was paid during September 2016, with another payment scheduled for August 2017. As a result of this agreement, the Partnership reduced its ongoing future royalty payments to the applicable counterparties for each ton of frac sand that is excavated, processed and sold to the Partnership’s customers. We currently pay an aggregate rate up to $5.15 per ton of sand excavated, delivered to and paid for by our customers.

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The principal expenses involved in distribution of processed sand from our on-site rail facilities are freight charges, fuel surcharges, railcar lease expense, terminal switch fees, demurrage costs, storage fees, transload fees, labor, facility rent and, on occasion, the cost of purchased sand. The principal expenses involved in delivering sand to the well site are costs associated with trucking, container rent, labor and other operating expenses associated with handling the product from the terminal to the well site.
We purchase sand through a long-term supply agreement with a third party at a specified price per ton and also through the spot market. We incur transportation costs including trucking, rail freight charges and fuel surcharges when transporting our sand from its origin to destination. We utilize multiple railroads to transport our sand and such transportation costs are typically negotiated through long-term working relationships.
We incur general and administrative costs related to our corporate operations. Under our partnership agreement and the services agreement with our sponsor and our general partner, our sponsor has discretion to determine, in good faith, the proper allocation of costs and expenses to us for its services, including expenses incurred by our general partner and its affiliates on our behalf. The allocation of such costs is based on management’s best estimate of time and effort spent on the respective operations and facilities. Under these agreements, we reimburse our sponsor for all direct and indirect costs incurred on our behalf.
How We Evaluate Our Operations
We utilize various financial and operational measures to evaluate our operations. Management measures the performance of the Partnership through performance indicators, including gross profit, contribution margin, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow.
Gross Profit and Contribution Margin
We use contribution margin, which we define as total revenues less costs of goods sold excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization, to measure our financial and operating performance. Contribution margin excludes other operating expenses and income, including costs not directly associated with the operations of our business such as accounting, human resources, information technology, legal, sales and other administrative activities.  We believe contribution margin is a meaningful measure because it provides an operating and financial measure of our ability to generate margin in excess of our operating cost base.  
We use gross profit, which we define as revenues less costs of goods sold, to measure our financial performance. We believe gross profit is a meaningful measure because it provides a measure of profitability and operating performance based on the historical cost basis of our assets.
As a result, contribution margin, contribution margin per ton sold, sales volumes, sales price per ton sold and gross profit are key metrics used by management to evaluate our results of operations.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow
We view EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as important indicators of performance. We define EBITDA as net income (loss) plus depreciation, depletion and amortization and interest and debt expense, net of interest income. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA, adjusted for earnings (loss) from equity method investments and any non-cash impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill. We define distributable cash flow as Adjusted EBITDA less cash paid for interest expense and maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, including accrual for reserve replacement, plus accretion of asset retirement obligations and non-cash unit-based compensation. We use distributable cash flow as a performance metric to compare cash generating performance of the Partnership from period to period and to compare the cash generating performance for specific periods to the cash distributions (if any) that are expected to be paid to our unitholders. Distributable cash flow will not reflect changes in working capital balances. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental measures utilized by our management and other users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks, research analysts and others, to assess the financial performance of our assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis.
Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are not financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures will provide useful information to investors in assessing our results of operations. Our non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Each of these non-GAAP financial measures has important limitations as analytical tools because they exclude some but not all items that affect the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. You should not consider EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA or distributable cash flow in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow may be defined differently by other companies in our industry, our definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility.

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The following table presents a reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, as applicable, for each of the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Reconciliation of distributable cash flow to net loss:
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(6,831
)
 
$
(52,500
)
Depreciation and depletion expense
4,829

 
3,491

Amortization expense
420

 
420

Interest expense
2,927

 
3,640

EBITDA
1,345

 
(44,949
)
Loss from equity method investments
566

 

Non-cash impairment of goodwill

 
33,745

Adjusted EBITDA
1,911

 
(11,204
)
Less: Cash interest paid
(2,554
)
 
(3,246
)
Less: Maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, including accrual for reserve replacement (a)
(1,845
)
 
(1,245
)
Add: Accretion of asset retirement obligations
114

 
103

Add: Unit-based compensation
1,178

 
930

Distributable cash flow
(1,196
)
 
(14,662
)
Adjusted for: Distributable cash flow attributable to assets contributed by the sponsor, prior to the period in which the contribution occurred (b)
1,247

 
835

Distributable cash flow attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP
51

 
(13,827
)
Less: Distributable cash flow attributable to holders of incentive distribution rights

 

Distributable cash flow attributable to limited partner unitholders
$
51

 
$
(13,827
)
(a)
Maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, including accrual for reserve replacement, were determined based on an estimated reserve replacement cost of $1.35 per ton produced and delivered during the period. Such expenditures include those associated with the replacement of equipment and sand reserves, to the extent that such expenditures are made to maintain our long-term operating capacity. The amount presented does not represent an actual reserve account or requirement to spend the capital.
(b)
The Partnership's historical financial information has been recast to consolidate Hi-Crush Blair LLC, Hi-Crush Whitehall LLC, 2.0% equity interest in Hi-Crush Augusta LLC and PDQ Properties LLC for the periods leading up to their contribution into the Partnership. For purposes of calculating distributable cash flow attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP, the Partnership excludes the incremental amount of recast distributable cash flow earned during the periods prior to the contributions.
Basis of Presentation
The following discussion of our historical performance and financial condition is derived from the historical financial statements.
Factors Impacting Comparability of Our Financial Results
Our historical results of operations and cash flows are not indicative of results of operations and cash flows to be expected in the future principally for the following reasons:
During 2015 and 2016, we provided significant price concessions and waivers under our contracts. Beginning in August 2014 and continuing through the second quarter of 2016, oil and natural gas prices declined dramatically and persisted at levels well below those experienced during the middle of 2014. In 2015, as a result of the market dynamics existing during the year and continuing in the first half of 2016, we provided market-based pricing to our contract customers and/or waivers of minimum volume purchase requirements, in certain circumstances in exchange for, among other things, additional term and/or volume. Market pricing for sand began to stabilize late in the third quarter of 2016, but we continue to deliver sand at prices below those provided for in our existing contracts, negatively affecting our revenues, net income and cash generated from operations.

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Our Augusta production facility was temporarily idled from October 2015 through August 2016. In October 2015, we temporarily idled our Augusta production facility, which has a higher cost structure than our other production facilities. During September 2016, the Partnership resumed production at the Augusta facility, resulting in an increase in volumes produced and delivered during the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016.
Our Whitehall production facility was temporarily idled from the second quarter of 2016 through March 2017. The Whitehall facility was temporarily idled during the second quarter of 2016. The Partnership resumed production at the Whitehall facility in March 2017, resulting in a decrease in volumes produced and delivered during the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016.
We completed construction of our Blair production facility in March 2016. We completed construction of our Blair facility in March 2016. Accordingly, our financial statements through March 31, 2016 includes minimal sales and operations generated from our Blair facility.
We impaired our goodwill during the first quarter of 2016.  During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we completed an impairment assessment of our goodwill. As a result of the assessment, we estimated the fair value of our goodwill and determined that it was less than its carrying value, resulting in an impairment of $33,745.
We incurred bad debt expense in connection with a customer’s bankruptcy filing. We incurred bad debt expense of $8,236 during the three months ended March 31, 2016, principally as a result of a spot customer filing for bankruptcy.
Our outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement was paid in full. During the second quarter of 2016, we repaid the outstanding balance under our Revolving Credit Agreement. During the first quarter of 2017, we did not have any indebtedness outstanding under our Revolving Credit Agreement. As a result, our interest expense was less during the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016.
During the fourth quarter of 2016, we launched PropStream, our integrated logistics solution, which delivers proppant into the blender at the well site. Accordingly, our financial statements through March 31, 2016 do not include any sales or operations generated from PropStream.
Market Conditions
Exploration and production activity during the first quarter of 2017 has been increasing, as demonstrated by the improvements in the reported Baker Hughes oil rig count in North America from a low of 316 rigs in May 2016 to 662 rigs as of March 31, 2017 . While still significantly below the high of 1,589 rigs in August 2014, drilling and completions efficiencies have continued to improve such that the energy industry views 900 rigs as being capable of generating the same amount of completion and service intensity as 2,000 rigs did in 2014. The energy industry's outlook for 2017 activity levels includes stable and increasing oil prices, continued increases in rig count close to 900 by the end of 2017 and increasing from there to an average above 950 in 2018. Well completion activity would similarly be expected to increase over the next several quarters, which, when coupled with higher usage of frac sand per well, should result in an increased strong positive influence on demand for raw frac sand.
Frac sand supply is expected to fall short of the demand through the coming months and quarters. While stated capacity may exceed the expectations for frac sand demand, the available capacity is constrained due to 1) availability of the grades of sand that are currently in demand, 2) general operating conditions and normal downtime, 3) production costs that are in excess of current pricing uneconomic production and 4) logistics constraints. The industry is adding capacity over the next 12-18 months, however, we do not except such supply to be available in the volume or timeframe needed to meet the ever increasing demand.
As a result of increasing demand for raw frac sand, primarily due to the winter limitations on producing wet sand for processing at many facilities, pricing began to stabilize in the third quarter of 2016 and increased in the fourth quarter of 2016, although remaining near historically low levels. As constraints on supply were exacerbated in the first quarter of 2017 pricing rose quickly and is still increasing, although at a slower pace than experienced in the first quarter of 2017. While the outlook for pricing of raw frac sand in 2017 is uncertain, given the expectation for increased oil and natural gas exploration and production activity in North America, coupled with the increased frac sand demand per well, and the limitations to increase sand supply noted above, we believe frac sand pricing is likely to continue to rise and be more favorable in 2017.
During 2015 and 2016, we took several steps to ensure we continued to deliver low-cost solutions to our customers. As we began to see increasing demand for frac sand, we prepared our idled facilities, Whitehall and the Augusta wet plant, to resume operations late in the first quarter of 2017. During the past two years, we continued to invest in terminal operations to reduce our cost of delivering sand in-basin. During the first quarter of 2017, we fully re-staffed our facilities and removed all railcars from long-term storage. As we move into the second quarter of 2017, all four of our Wisconsin frac sand facilities are in operation, and we are making significant progress on the construction of our Kermit facility to add an additional 3,000,000 tons per year of 100 mesh sand capacity in the most active basin.

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The following table presents sales, volume and pricing comparisons for the first quarter of 2017 , as compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 :
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
 
Percentage
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
Change
Revenues generated from the sale of frac sand (in thousands)
$
83,268

 
$
66,037

 
$
17,231

 
26
%
Tons sold
1,384,887

 
1,358,511

 
26,376

 
2
%
Percentage of volumes sold in-basin
69
%
 
57
%
 
12
%
 
21
%
Average price per ton sold
$
60

 
$
49

 
$
11

 
22
%
We continued to sell sand at spot pricing during the first quarter of 2017 , and experienced pricing improvements relative to contract prices. Our average sales price per ton sold increased to $60 per ton in the first quarter of 2017 from $49 per ton in the fourth quarter of 2016 , due to an increased percentage of total sales made in-basin, as well as improved pricing. Revenues increased due to the sequential increase in sales volumes, combined with the generally higher pricing and increased percentage of higher-priced volumes sold in-basin during the first quarter of 2017 .
Results of Operations
The following table presents revenues and expenses for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues
$
83,364

 
$
52,148

Costs of goods sold:
 
 
 
Production costs
22,172

 
13,185

Logistic costs
49,911

 
35,482

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
4,828

 
3,488

Gross profit (loss)
6,453

 
(7
)
Operating costs and expenses
9,791

 
48,853

Loss from operations
(3,338
)
 
(48,860
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
Loss from equity method investments
(566
)
 

Interest expense
(2,927
)
 
(3,640
)
Net loss
$
(6,831
)
 
$
(52,500
)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Revenues
The following table presents sales, volume and pricing comparisons for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016 :
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
Percentage
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
Change
Revenues generated from the sale of frac sand (in thousands)
$
83,268

 
$
51,897

 
$
31,371

 
60
%
Tons sold
1,384,887

 
962,998

 
421,889

 
44
%
Percentage of volumes sold in-basin
69
%
 
59
%
 
10
%
 
17
%
Average price per ton sold
$
60

 
$
54

 
$
6

 
11
%

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Revenues generated from the sale of frac sand were $83,268 and $51,897 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, during which we sold 1,384,887 and 962,998 tons of frac sand, respectively. Average sales price per ton was $60 and $54 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The average sales price between the two periods differs due to changes in industry sales price trends, partially offset by the mix in pricing of FOB plant and in-basin volumes ( 69% and 59% of tons were sold in-basin for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively). Pricing in the first quarter of 2017 was rising throughout the three month period and generally was higher than the first quarter of 2016 , during which pricing was declining month over month. Other revenue related to transload and terminaling, silo leases and other services was $96 and $251 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Costs of goods sold – Production costs
We incurred production costs of $22,172 and $13,185 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The principal components of our production costs are excavation costs, plant operating costs, royalties, and as necessary, the cost of purchased sand. The increase in production costs for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to an increase in volumes being produced and delivered from our production facilities compared to the same period in 2016, coupled with additional repairs and maintenance costs as we performed maintenance on the Augusta and Whitehall wet plants to resume washing operations in March 2017.
Costs of goods sold – Logistic costs
We incurred logistics costs of $49,911 and $35,482 , for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, reflecting an increase in volumes sold in-basin and at the well site. The principal components of logistics costs are the cost of freight and fuel surcharges, railcar lease and switch costs.  These transportation related charges are capitalized as a component of finished goods inventory held in-basin and are reflected in cost of goods sold when the inventory is eventually sold in-basin or at the well site.  Other logistics cost components, including transload fees, storage costs, and terminal operational costs, such as labor and rent, are charged to costs of goods sold in the period in which they are incurred.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we incurred $794 of costs associated with the storage of idled railcars and one-time costs to remove our remaining railcars out of storage and back into service, as compared to $669 for storage of idled railcars for the same period in 2016.
Costs of goods sold – Depreciation, depletion and amortization of intangible assets
For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , we incurred $4,828 and $3,488 , respectively, of depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. The increase was primarily driven by an increased asset base as the Blair facility, terminal facilities in Colorado and Texas, and PropStream equipment were all placed in-service subsequent to the first quarter of 2016.
Gross Profit (Loss)
Gross profit was $6,453 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , compared to gross loss of $(7) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 . Gross profit (loss) percentage increased to 7.7% in the first three months of 2017 from ( 0.0% ) in the first three months of 2016 . The increase was primarily driven by increased prices and volumes in the first quarter of 2017.
Operating Costs and Expenses
For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we incurred total operating costs and expenses of $9,791 primarily attributable to general and administrative expenses of $9,677 . For the three months ended March 31, 2016 , we incurred total operating costs and expenses of $48,853 , which included general and administrative expenses of $15,003 and impairments and other expenses of $33,747 related to the impairment of goodwill. The decrease in general and administrative expenses from the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2017 was primarily attributable to $8,236 increase in bad debt expense associated with a spot customer filing for bankruptcy in the first quarter of 2016 offset by additional headcount in the first quarter of 2017. In the first quarter of 2017, the Partnership incurred $516 of acquisition related costs associated with the Whitehall Contribution and $325 of other business development costs.
Loss from equity method investments
During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Partnership incurred a loss of $566 from our equity method investment in PropX representing our proportionate share of PropX's net loss during the period. The loss was driven by initial start-up and legal costs incurred since the formation of the joint venture in September 2016.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $2,927 and $3,640 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, principally associated with the interest on our term loan. The decrease in interest expense during the 2017 period was primarily driven by the payment in full of the outstanding balance on our revolver in the second quarter of 2016.
Net Income (Loss)
Net loss was $6,831 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , compared to net loss of $52,500 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 .

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
We expect our principal sources of liquidity will be cash generated by our operations, supplemented by borrowings under our Revolving Credit Agreement, as available. We believe that cash from these sources will be sufficient to meet our short-term working capital requirements and long-term capital expenditure requirements. As of April 24, 2017 , our sources of liquidity consisted of $59,957 of available cash and $59,681 pursuant to available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Agreement ( $75,000 , net of $15,319 letter of credit commitments) and had no indebtedness. In addition, we have a $200,000 senior secured term loan facility which permits us to add one or more incremental term loan facilities in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000. We also have entered into an equity distribution program under which we may sell, from time to time, common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership up to an aggregate gross sales price of $50,000 . Our General Partner is also authorized to issue an unlimited number of units without the approval of existing limited partner unitholders.
We expect that our future principal uses of cash will be for working capital, capital expenditures, funding debt service obligations and making distributions to our unitholders. On October 26, 2015, our General Partner’s board of directors announced the temporary suspension of our quarterly distribution to common unitholders in order to conserve cash and preserve liquidity. The General Partner's board of directors plans to reinstate the distribution as market conditions improve, although the timing of such action is uncertain.
Revolving Credit Agreement and Senior Secured Term Loan Facility
As of April 24, 2017 , we have a $75,000 senior secured Revolving Credit Agreement, which matures in April 2019. As of April 24, 2017 , we had $59,681 of undrawn borrowing capacity ( $75,000 , net of $15,319 letter of credit commitments) and had no indebtedness under our Revolving Credit Agreement. The Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limits or restrictions on the Partnership’s ability to incur liens, incur indebtedness, make certain restricted payments, merge or consolidate, and dispose of assets. Due to declining market conditions, on November 5, 2015, the Partnership entered into the Second Amendment, which waives the compliance of customary financial covenants through June 29, 2017 (the "Effective Period"), after which the maximum leverage ratio is 5.0 x for the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2017 annualized, 4.5 x for the six months ending September 30, 2017 annualized, 4.0 x for the nine months ending December 31, 2017 annualized, and 3.5 x for the twelve months ending March 31, 2018 and thereafter. After the Effective Period, the minimum interest coverage ratio, as defined, is 2.5 x for each fiscal quarter ending on or after June 30, 2017. In addition, the Second Amendment established certain minimum quarterly EBITDA covenants and allows distributions to unitholders up to 50% of quarterly distributable cash flow after quarterly debt payments on the term loan during the Effective Period. On April 28, 2016, the Partnership entered into the Third Amendment, which waives the minimum quarterly EBITDA covenants and establishes a maximum EBITDA loss for the six months ending March 31, 2017.
We are in compliance with the amended covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Agreement. Our ability to comply with such covenants in the future, and access our undrawn borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Agreement, is dependent primarily on achieving certain levels of EBITDA, as defined. We believe we will remain in compliance in 2017 with such covenants based on our forecasts for volumes, prices and EBITDA, which are above those experienced through the first quarter of 2017 and are consistent with the increasing sales volumes and prices we have experienced since March 31, 2017. The forecasted levels of EBITDA are based on our expectation of future volumes and price increases which are subject to risk and uncertainty regarding market conditions for proppant. There can be no assurance that the Partnership will achieve the volumes and pricing included in the forecasts and therefore achieve the planned levels of EBITDA in future periods. If the levels of EBITDA are not sufficient to meet the minimum amounts required for covenant compliance, an event of default could occur.
As of April 24, 2017 , we have a $200,000 senior secured term loan facility, which matures in April 2021. As of April 24, 2017 , the senior secured term loan facility was fully drawn with a $194,000 balance outstanding. The senior secured term loan facility permits us to add one or more incremental term loan facilities in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000. Any incremental senior secured term loan facility would be on terms to be agreed among us, the administrative agent under the senior secured term loan facility and the lenders who agree to participate in the incremental facility. Borrowings under our senior secured term loan facility are secured by substantially all of our assets.
For additional information regarding our Revolving Credit Agreement and our senior secured term loan facility, see Note 6 of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Credit Ratings
As of April 24, 2017 , the credit rating of the Partnership’s senior secured term loan credit facility was B from Standard and Poor’s and Caa1 from Moody’s.

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The credit ratings of the Partnership’s senior secured term loan facility reflect only the view of a rating agency and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any of our securities.  A credit rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency, if it determines that circumstances warrant such a change.  A credit rating from one rating agency should be evaluated independently of credit ratings from other rating agencies.
Equity Distribution Agreement
On January 4, 2017, the Partnership entered into an equity distribution program with certain financial institutions (each, a "Manager") under which we may sell, from time to time, through or to the Managers, common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership up to an aggregate gross sales price of $50,000 . As of April 24, 2017 , the Partnership had not issued any common units under this equity distribution program.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our current or future financial condition, changes in financial condition, sales, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
The Partnership has long-term operating leases for railcars and equipment used at its terminal sites, some of which are also under long-term lease agreements with various railroads.
Capital Requirements
Capital expenditures totaled $20,380 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , related to costs associated with the construction of our Kermit facility and a new terminal facility, among other projects. We plan to spend $115,000 to $125,000 in 2017 related to the construction of our Kermit facility, our new terminal facility in Pecos, Texas, equipment for the PropStream integrated logistics solution and overburden removal, among other projects. In addition, we have committed to investing up to $17,400 in PropX, of which $14,400 has been funded as of March 31, 2017 .
Working Capital
Working capital is the amount by which current assets, excluding cash, exceed current liabilities and is a measure of our ability to pay our liabilities as they become due. At the end of any given period, accounts receivable and payable tied to sales and purchases are relatively balanced to the volume of tons sold during the period. The factors that typically cause variability in the Partnership's working capital are (1) changes in receivables due to fluctuations in volumes sold, pricing and timing of collection, (2) inventory levels, which the Partnership closely manages, or (3) major structural changes in the Partnership's asset base or business operations, such as any acquisition, divestures or organic capital expenditures. As of March 31, 2017 , we had a positive working capital balance of $38,624 as compared to a deficit of $(61,233) at December 31, 2016 . The deficit as of December 31, 2016, was driven by $115,961 of cumulative advances received from our sponsor to finance the construction of the Whitehall facility.
The following table summarizes our working capital as of the dates indicated.
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Current assets:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
$
60,042

 
$
52,834

Inventories
25,988

 
29,277

Prepaid and other current assets
3,253

 
2,716

Total current assets
89,283

 
84,827

Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
37,864

 
19,264

Accrued and other current liabilities
12,253

 
8,155

Due to sponsor
542

 
118,641

Total current liabilities
50,659

 
146,060

Working capital (deficit)
$
38,624

 
$
(61,233
)
Accounts receivable increased $7,208 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , reflecting increased volumes and improved pricing as compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 .
Our inventory consists primarily of sand that has been excavated and processed through the wet plant and finished goods. The decrease in our inventory of $3,289 was primarily driven by wintertime depletion of the washed sand stockpiles at our Wisconsin production facilities offset by an increase in-basin finished goods inventory on hand at March 31, 2017 as compared to December 31, 2016.

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Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by $22,698 on a combined basis, primarily due to an increase in outstanding payables associated with capital projects and resumption of mining at all four Wisconsin production facilities.
Our balance due to our sponsor decreased $118,099 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , primarily as a result of $116,417 of sponsor advances converting to capital on March 15, 2017, in connection with the closing of the Whitehall Contribution.
The following table provides a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Net cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
3,706

 
$
(4,239
)
Investing activities
(364,615
)
 
(13,441
)
Financing activities
411,886

 
10,676

Cash Flows - Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $3,706 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , compared to net cash used in operating activities of $4,239 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 . Operating cash flows include a net loss of $6,831 and $52,500 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, adjusted for non-cash operating expenses and the changes in operating assets and liabilities described above. The increase in cash flows from operations was primarily attributable to increased gross profit margins in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the first quarter of 2016 .
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $364,615 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , and consisted of the $140,000 cost of the Whitehall Contribution, $200,067 cost of the Permian Basin Sand asset acquisition, $4,168 of equity method investments and $20,380 of capital expenditures related to the construction of our Kermit facility and our new terminal facility in Pecos, Texas.
Net cash used in investing activities was $13,441 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , and primarily consisted of capital expenditures related to the completion of the Blair facility and construction of distribution terminal facilities in Colorado and Texas.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $411,886 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 , and was comprised of $412,667 net proceeds from the issuance of 23,575,000 common units, $456 of advances received from our sponsor, $225 of proceeds from participants in our unit purchase program, offset by $1,462 of repayments on other long-term debt.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $10,676 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , and was primarily attributable to $12,437 of advances received from our sponsor, offset by $1,758 of repayments on our long-term debt.
Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations, contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition, or forecasts of future events. Words such as "may," "assume," "forecast," "position," "predict," "strategy," "expect," "intend," "hope," "plan," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "project," "budget," "potential," or "continue," and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. They can be affected by assumptions used or by known or unknown risks or uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statements can be guaranteed. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2017 . Actual results may vary materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. You should also understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and as such should not consider the following to be a complete list of all potential risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements include:
the volume of frac sand we are able to buy and sell;
the price at which we are able to buy and sell frac sand;
demand and pricing for our integrated logistics solutions;

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the pace of adoption of our integrated logistics solutions;
the amount of frac sand we are able to timely deliver at the well site, which could be adversely affected by, among other things, logistics constraints, weather, or other delays at the transloading facility;
changes in prevailing economic conditions, including the extent of changes in natural gas, crude oil and other commodity prices;
the amount of frac sand we are able to excavate and process, which could be adversely affected by, among other things, operating difficulties and unusual or unfavorable geologic conditions;
changes in the price and availability of natural gas or electricity;
unanticipated ground, grade or water conditions;
reduction in the amount of water available for processing;
cave-ins, pit wall failures or rock falls;
inability to obtain necessary production equipment or replacement parts;
changes in the railroad infrastructure, price, capacity and availability, including the potential for rail line washouts;
changes in the price and availability of transportation;
availability of or failure of our contractors to provide services at the agreed-upon levels or times;
failure to maintain safe work sites at our facilities or by third parties at their work sites;
inclement or hazardous weather conditions, including flooding, and the physical impacts of climate change;
environmental hazards;
industrial and transportation related accidents;
technical difficulties or failures;
fires, explosions or other accidents;
late delivery of supplies;
difficulty collecting receivables;
inability of our customers to take delivery;
difficulties in obtaining and renewing environmental permits;
facility shutdowns in response to environmental regulatory actions;
changes in laws and regulations (or the interpretation thereof) related to the mining and hydraulic fracturing industries, silica dust exposure or the environment;
the outcome of litigation, claims or assessments, including unasserted claims;
inability to acquire or maintain necessary permits, licenses or other approvals, including mining or water rights;
labor disputes and disputes with our third-party contractors;
inability to attract and retain key personnel;
cyber security breaches of our systems and information technology;
our ability to borrow funds and access capital markets; and
changes in the political environment of the drilling basins in which we and our customers operate.
All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
(Dollars in thousands)
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risks
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. Historically, our risks have been predominantly related to potential changes in the fair value of our long-term debt due to fluctuations in applicable market interest rates and those risks that arise in the normal course of business, as we do not engage in speculative, non-operating transactions, nor do we utilize financial instruments or derivative instruments for trading purposes.
The market for frac sand is indirectly exposed to fluctuations in the prices of crude oil and natural gas to the extent such fluctuations impact drilling and completion activity levels and thus impact the activity levels of our customers in the pressure pumping industry. We do not intend to hedge our indirect exposure to commodity risk.
Interest Rate Risk
As of March 31, 2017 , we had $199,743 of principal outstanding under our senior secured term loan facility and other notes payable, with an effective interest rate of 4.63% . Assuming no change in the amounts outstanding, the impact on interest expense of a 10% increase or decrease in the average interest rate would be approximately $926 per year.
Credit Risk – Customer Concentration
During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , approximately 57% of our revenues were earned from our three largest customers. Our customers are generally pressure pumping service providers. This concentration of counterparties operating in a single industry may increase our overall exposure to credit risk in that the counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in economic, regulatory or other conditions. If a customer defaults or we are unable to renew or replace these customer relationships, our gross profit and cash flows may be adversely affected.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-03 ("ASU 2017-03"), Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings. This update adds language to the SEC Staff Guidance in relation to ASU 2014-09, ASU 2016-02, and ASU 2016-13. This ASU 2017-03 provides the SEC Staff view that a registrant should consider additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures related to the previously mentioned ASUs in connection with the status and impact of their adoption. This guidance, which was effective immediately, did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01 ("ASU 2017-01"), Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This update clarifies the definition of a business and provides additional guidance for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions of assets or businesses. The amendment will be effective for the Partnership beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied prospectively. The Partnership is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and footnote disclosures, but does not anticipate that adoption will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 ("ASU 2014-09"), an update that supersedes the most current revenue recognition guidance, as well as some cost recognition guidance. The update requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update also requires new qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, information about contract balances and performance obligations, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The authoritative guidance, which may be applied on a full retrospective or modified retrospective basis whereby the entity records a cumulative effect of initially applying this update at the date of initial application, will be effective for the Partnership beginning January 1, 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The FASB has also issued the following standards which clarify ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard: ASU No. 2016-12,  Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients  and   ASU 2016-10  Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing . The Partnership is still assessing the adoption method it will elect upon implementation and related disclosure requirements.  Although we are still in the process of assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Partnership does not currently anticipate a material impact on its revenue recognition practices.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally acceptable in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. Our actual results may materially differ from these estimates.
Contingent Consideration
Accounting standards require that contingent consideration be recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition and revalued during subsequent reporting dates under the acquisition method of accounting.  In connection with its recent acquisitions of Blair and Whitehall and Other Assets from its sponsor, the Partnership has entered into certain contingent consideration arrangements.  As such transactions are between entities under common control, any differences between the calculated fair value, and the actual resulting payments in the future will be reflected as an equity adjustment to the deemed distributions associated with the acquisitions.
A discussion of our significant accounting policies is included in Note 2 of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on February 21, 2017 . Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, purchase accounting allocations and valuations, asset retirement obligations, depletion of mineral rights, inventory valuation, valuation of unit-based compensation, estimated fair value of contingent consideration in the future and impairment of long-lived and intangible assets.


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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Exchange Act that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



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PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time the Partnership may be subject to various claims and legal proceedings which arise in the normal course of business. Management is not aware of any legal matters that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 , as filed with the SEC on February 21, 2017 . There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 .

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
On March 3, 2017, in connection with our acquisition of Permian Basin Sand Company, LLC, we issued 3,438,789 common units to Platte River Equity III, L.P., Platte River Equity III-A, L.P., Platte River Equity III-Affiliates, L.P., PBS PRE III-B Holdings, LLC, Steven Herron, Peter Melcher, and Mark Smiens.  The common units were issued pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended because the transaction did not involve a public offering.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
We adhere to a strict occupational health program aimed at controlling exposure to silica dust, which includes dust sampling, a respiratory protection program, medical surveillance, training and other components. Our safety program is designed to ensure compliance with the standards of our Occupational Health and Safety Manual and U.S. Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA") regulations. For both health and safety issues, extensive training is provided to employees. We have safety committees at our plants made up of salaried and hourly employees. We perform annual internal health and safety audits and conduct semi-annual crisis management drills to test our abilities to respond to various situations. Health and safety programs are administered by our corporate health and safety department with the assistance of plant environmental, health and safety coordinators.
All of our production facilities are classified as mines and are subject to regulation by MSHA under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the "Mine Act"). MSHA inspects our mines on a regular basis and issues various citations and orders when it believes a violation has occurred under the Mine Act. Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.104) is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.
The exhibits to this report are listed in the Exhibit Index.

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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 thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Hi-Crush Partners LP
    (Registrant)
By: Hi-Crush GP LLC, its general partner
 
 
 
Date:
May 1, 2017
/s/ Laura C. Fulton
 
 
Laura C. Fulton, Chief Financial Officer

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Table of Contents

HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
2.1*
 
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated February 23, 2017, by and among Hi-Crush Partners LP, Permian Basin Sand Company, LLC, Permian Basin Sand Holdings, LLC, PRE Wildcat Holdings, LLC, the Sellers listed therein, and Platte River Equity III, L.P.
3.1
 
Certificate of Limited Partnership of Hi-Crush Partners LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-182574, filed with the SEC on July 9, 2012).
3.2
 
Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Hi-Crush Partners LP, dated January 31, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 5, 2013).
4.1
 
Lockup and Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 3, 2017, by and among Hi-Crush Partners LP, Platte River Equity III, L.P., Platte River Equity III-A, L.P., Platte River Equity III-Affiliates, L.P., PBS PRE III-B Holdings, LLC, Platte River Equity III-B, L.P., Steven Herron, Peter Melcher, and Mark Smiens (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 9, 2017).
10.1
 
Fifth Amendment, dated March 3, 2017, by and among Hi-Crush Partners LP, as borrower, ZB, N.A. DBA Amegy Bank, as administrative agent, and the lenders named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 9, 2017).
10.2
 
Contribution Agreement, dated February 23, 2017, by and among Hi-Crush Proppants LLC, Hi-Crush Augusta Acquisition Co. LLC and Hi-Crush Partners LP.
10.3
 
Hi-Crush Partners LP First Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, adopted as of September 21, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 10, 2017).
10.4
 
Form of Hi-Crush Partners LP 2017 Unit Purchase Program Enrollment Agreement and Terms and Conditions (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2017).
23.1
 
Consent of John T. Boyd Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 23.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 21, 2017).
31.1
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by the Principal Executive Officer, filed herewith.
31.2
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by the Principal Financial Officer, filed herewith.
32.1
 
Statement required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by Principal Executive Officer, filed herewith. (1)
32.2
 
Statement required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by Principal Financial Officer, filed herewith. (1)
95.1
 
Mine Safety Disclosure Exhibit
101
 
Interactive Data Files- XBRL
 
(1)
This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release Nos. 33-8212 and 34-47551.
*
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the Partnership agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted exhibit or schedule to the SEC upon request.




40
Exhibit 2.1
Execution Version





MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT
by and among
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP,
PERMIAN BASIN SAND COMPANY, LLC,
PERMIAN BASIN SAND HOLDINGS, LLC,
PRE WILDCAT HOLDINGS, LLC,
THE SELLERS LISTED ON EXHIBIT A
and
PLATTE RIVER EQUITY III, L.P., AS THE SELLERS’ REPRESENTATIVE
Dated as of
February 23, 2017






TABLE OF CONTENTS



 
 
Page
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
1
1.1
Definitions
1
1.2
Construction
8
ARTICLE 2
PURCHASE AND SALE
9
2.1
Purchase and Sale of the Acquired Interests
9
2.2
Purchase Price
9
2.3
Additional Real Property Interests
10
2.4
Closing
10
2.5
Tax Treatment; Purchase Price Allocation
11
ARTICLE 3
CLOSING DELIVERIES AND OTHER ACTIONS
11
3.1
Deliveries by Sellers
11
3.2
Deliveries by Buyer
12
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS
12
4.1
Existence and Good Standing
12
4.2
Power and Authority; Enforceability
12
4.3
Title to Acquired Interests
13
4.4
No Conflicts; Required Filings and Consents
13
4.5
Brokers
13
4.6
Litigation
13
4.7
Investment Intention
13
ARTICLE 5
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE ACQUIRED ENTITIES
14
5.1
Existence and Good Standing
14
5.2
Power and Authority; Enforceability
14
5.3
Capitalization; Subsidiaries
14
5.4
No Conflicts; Required Filings and Consents
14
5.5
Taxes
15
5.6
Real Property
16
5.7
Company Contracts
17
5.8
Brokers
17
ARTICLE 6
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
18
6.1
Existence and Good Standing
18
6.2
Power
18
6.3
Validity and Enforceability
18
6.4
No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents
18
6.5
Issued Units
18
6.6
Investment Intention
18
6.7
Brokers
19
6.8
Financing
19
ARTICLE 7
COVENANTS
19
7.1
Conduct of Business Prior to the Closing
19
7.2
Access to Information
20

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)



 
 
Page
7.3
Notification of Certain Matters
21
7.4
Confidentiality
21
7.5
No Public Announcement
21
7.6
Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation
21
7.7
Exclusive Dealing
22
7.8
Efforts to Close
23
7.9
Post-Closing Information
23
7.10
Pre-Closing Reorganization
23
7.11
Further Assurances
23
7.12
Financing
23
ARTICLE 8
TAX MATTERS
24
8.1
Apportionment of Straddle Period Taxes
24
8.2
Final Federal Partnership Returns
24
8.3
Transfer Taxes
24
8.4
Cooperation
24
ARTICLE 9
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
25
9.1
Condition to Obligations of All Parties
25
9.2
Conditions to Obligations of Buyer
25
9.3
Conditions to Obligations of the Sellers
26
9.4
Frustration of Closing Conditions
27
ARTICLE 10
TERMINATION
27
10.1
Termination
27
10.2
Effect of Termination
28
10.3
Remedies
28
ARTICLE 11
INDEMNIFICATION
28
11.1
Survival Periods
28
11.2
Indemnification
29
11.3
Limitations
30
11.4
Indemnification Procedures
30
11.5
Exclusive Remedy
32
11.6
Contribution among Sellers
32
ARTICLE 12
SELLER MATTERS
33
12.1
Sellers’ Representative
33
ARTICLE 13
MISCELLANEOUS
34
13.1
Expenses
34
13.2
No Assignment
34
13.3
Amendment and Waiver
34
13.4
Headings and Captions
35
13.5
Integration, Modification and Waiver
35
13.6
Severability
35
13.7
Notices
35

ii


TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)



 
 
Page
13.8
Specific Performance
36
13.9
Governing Law
36
13.10
Waiver of Jury Trial
37
13.11
Counterparts
37
13.12
No Third Party Beneficiaries
37
13.13
Disclosure Schedules
37
13.14
Conflict of Interest; Attorney-Client Privilege
37

iii



MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of this 23 rd day of February, 2017, is entered into by and between (i) Hi-Crush Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership ( “Buyer ”), (ii)  Permian Basin Sand Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), (iii) Permian Basin Sand Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ PBS Holdings ”), (iv) PRE Wildcat Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ PRE Wildcat Holdings ” and together with the Company and PBS Holdings, collectively, the “ Acquired Entities ”), (v) each of the Persons listed as a “Seller” on Exhibit A to this Agreement (each, a “ Seller ” and collectively, the “ Sellers ”), and (vi) Platte River Equity III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, in its capacity as the representative of the Sellers (in such capacity, the “ Sellers’ Representative ”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to such terms in Article I.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Platte River Equity III, L.P., Platte River Equity III-A, L.P. and Platte River Equity III-Affiliates, L.P. (collectively, “ PRE III ”) together own 100% of the membership interest of PRE Wildcat Holdings (the “ PRE Wildcat Holdings Interest ”);
WHEREAS, Steven Herron, Peter Melcher and Mark Smiens (together, the “ Individual Sellers ”), PRE Wildcat Holdings and PBS PRE III-B Holdings collectively own 100% of the issued and outstanding units of membership interest of PBS Holdings (collectively, the “ PBS Holdings Interest ”);
WHEREAS, PBS Holdings owns 100% of the membership interest of the Company; and
WHEREAS, Buyer desires to purchase (i) from PRE III all of the PRE Wildcat Holdings Interest, and (ii) from the Individual Sellers and PBS PRE III-B Holdings, all of the PBS Holdings Interest owned by each such Seller, and each such Seller desires to sell to Buyer, the foregoing respective equity interests of such Seller in exchange for the consideration set forth in Section 2.2 (together with the other transactions contemplated under this Agreement and the other Ancillary Agreements, collectively, the “ Transactions ”);
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement 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

1.1      Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth or as referenced below.
Acquired Entities ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.
Acquired Interests means, collectively, the PRE Wildcat Holdings Interest and the PBS Holdings Interest held by the Individual Sellers and PBS PRE III-B Holdings.
Additional Real Property Interests ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.3 .



    




Additional Real Property Purchase Price ” means an amount equal to $4,750,000.
Affiliate ” of any Person means any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, any such Person and any officer, director or controlling person of such Person; provided , that, for the purposes of this definition, “control” (including with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
Agreement ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.
Allocation ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.5 .
Allocation Schedule ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.5 .
Ancillary Agreements ” means, collectively, the Lockup and Registration Rights Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and each agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated by this Agreement or to be executed by Buyer or any Seller in connection with the Transactions.
Bartlit Beck ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 13.14(a) .
Business Day ” means any day except Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which commercial banks located in Houston, Texas are authorized or required by Law to be closed for business.
Buyer ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.
Buyer Indemnified Party ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 11.2(a) .
Buyer Material Adverse Effect ” means a material impairment or delay in or of the ability of Buyer to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the Transactions.
Cash Purchase Price ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.2 .
Certificate ” means the Certificate of Formation of each Acquired Entity as in effect on the date hereof.
Claims Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 11.4(a)(i) .
Closing ” shall mean the closing of the Transactions pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Closing Date ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.4 .
Closing Date Cash Payment ” means the amount equal to the Cash Purchase Price, less the amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.2(a)(i) and the Additional Real Property Purchase Price.
Closing Percentage ” means, with respect to a Seller, the percentage set forth across such Seller’s name on Exhibit A .
Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.


2




Commitment with respect to any Person means (a) options, warrants, convertible securities, exchangeable securities, subscription rights, conversion rights, exchange rights, or other Contracts that could require such Person to issue any of its Equity Interests, or any other securities convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for, or representing the right to subscribe for any Equity Interest of such Person, (b) statutory pre‑emptive rights or pre‑emptive rights granted under the applicable Person’s Organizational Documents, and (c) stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, profit participation, or other similar rights with respect to such Person.
Company ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.
Company Business means owning the Owned Real Property and negotiating and entering into the Company Contracts.
Company Contracts ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5.7 .
Company Material Adverse Effect ” means any event, circumstance, change, occurrence or effect that, individually or in the aggregate, has, or would reasonably be expected to have a material and adverse effect upon (a) the Owned Real Property or the assets, liabilities or financial condition of the Acquired Entities or the Company Business, taken together as a whole, or (b) the ability of the Sellers and Acquired Entities to consummate the Transactions; provided , however , that any adverse change, event, development or effect arising from or relating to any of the following shall not be deemed to constitute and shall not be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Company Material Adverse Effect: (i) the United States economy, the global economy, in each case, as a whole, or the industry or markets in which the Acquired Entities operate; (ii) national or international political or social conditions, including the engagement by the United States in hostilities, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence of any military or terrorist attack upon the United States, or any of its territories, possessions, or diplomatic or consular offices or upon any military installation, equipment or personnel of the United States; (iii) financial, banking, or securities markets (including any disruption thereof and any decline in the price of any security or any market index); (iv) changes in Law or Orders; (v) the taking of any action contemplated by this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements or with the consent of Buyer; (vi) any “act of God,” including, but not limited to, weather, natural disasters and earthquakes; (vii) any action taken by Buyer, including any breach by Buyer of this Agreement or the Confidentiality Agreement; or (viii) the announcement of the execution of this Agreement or any of the Transactions or other communication by Buyer or any of its Affiliates of its plans or intentions with respect to the Company Business, so long as, in the cases of clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (vi) above, the Acquired Entities are not disproportionately affected by such conditions as compared with other businesses in the same industry as the Acquired Entities.
Competing Business ” means directly or indirectly acquiring, investing in, holding an interest in, or financing property or an interest in property, or in entities that directly or indirectly hold property or an interest in property, that is located within a 250-mile radius of the boundaries of the Owned Real Property and on which frac sand mining occurs or that is acquired or held for purposes that include the mining of frac sand or selling such property or interests therein to third parties if such third parties, to the Knowledge of Sellers, intend to or are reasonably likely to, mine the frac sand thereon or advising or providing consulting services (other than (i) buying and reselling proppant sand outside such 250-mile radius; provided , that, for the avoidance of doubt, any such proppant sand is resold to a buyer and location outside such 250-mile radius, and (ii) proppant transloading, trucking and storage services) to any such third parties regarding any investment in, financing an interest in or operating any such property or interests therein or any such entities that directly or indirectly hold property or interest therein.


3




Confidentiality Agreement ” means that certain Confidentiality Agreement dated January 3, 2017 by and between the Company and Buyer.
Consent ” means any consent, approval, authorization, notification, waiver, or other similar action that is required.
Contract means any contract, agreement, option, arrangement, commitment, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, promise, obligation, right, instrument, document, or other similar understanding, whether written or oral.
Covered Liabilities ” means (i) any Liabilities in respect of the Company’s interest in and fee simple title to the Owned Real Property, (ii) any Liabilities from any alleged or actual breach or failure to comply with environmental laws to which the Owned Real Property is subject, (iii) any Liabilities arising from or related to the Contracts set forth on Schedule ‎7.1(k) (other than Liabilities arising from or related to any failure by an Acquired Entity to comply with the terms of such Contracts on or prior to the Closing Date) and (iv) any Liabilities for the prospects or future financial performance of the Acquired Entities or the commercial viability or quantity of sand or other resources on the Owned Real Property, other than, in each case, Liabilities for Taxes pursuant to ‎Article 8 .
Deed ” means that certain special warranty deed in respect of the Owned Real Property naming Stub Properties Co., as Grantor, and the Company, as Grantee, dated effective December 13, 2016, and filed of record on December 20, 2016, as Instrument No. C19870, Deed Records, Winkler County, Texas.
Defense Notice ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 11.4(a)(i) .
Direct Claim ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 11.4(b) .
Disclosure Schedules ” means the Schedules referred to in this Agreement and delivered by the Sellers or Buyer, as the case may be, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
Equity Interest ” means (a) with respect to a corporation, any and all shares of capital stock of such corporation, (b) with respect to a partnership, limited liability company, trust, or similar Person, any and all units, interests, or other partnership or limited liability company interests, and (c) any other direct or indirect equity ownership or participation in a Person.
End Date ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10.1(b) .
Escrow Agreement” means the Escrow Agreement by and among Buyer, the Sellers’ Representative and the Title Company, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B , subject to revisions from the Title Company reasonably acceptable to both Buyer and the Sellers’ Representative.
Final Federal Partnership Returns ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 8.2 .
Financing Date ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.4 .
Fraud Claims ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 11.2(b) .
Governmental Authority ” means, individually or collectively, any government or political subdivision or regulatory authority, whether federal, state, local or foreign, or any agency or instrumentality of any such government or political subdivision or regulatory authority, or any federal state, local or foreign court or arbitrator.

4




Indebtedness ” of any Person shall mean the liability of such Person for borrowed money, including any guaranty or other similar obligation with respect to any such indebtedness, and capital lease obligations.
Indemnified Party ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 11.4(a) .
Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 11.4(a) .
Individual Sellers ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.
Issued Units ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.2 .
Knowledge of Sellers ” or any other similar knowledge qualification, means the actual knowledge of each Seller, in each case obtained or obtainable after reasonable inquiry.
Law ” means, collectively, any law, statute, code (including the Code), ordinance, rule, regulation, constitution, treaty, common law, or other requirement of any Governmental Authority.
Liability and Liabilities means, collectively, any debt, obligation, or liability of or by any Person, whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, and due or to become due.
Liens ” means, collectively, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, title retention device, conditional sale or other security arrangement, collateral assignment, claim, charge, royalties, adverse claim of title, ownership or right to use, restriction or other encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset (including any restriction on (i) the voting of any security or the transfer of any security or other asset, (ii) the receipt of any income derived from any asset, (iii) the use of any asset or (iv) the possession, exercise or transfer of any other attribute of ownership of any asset).
LLC Agreements ” means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of each of the Acquired Entities, as in effect on the date hereof, together with all amendments and supplements thereto.
Lockup and Registration Rights Agreement ” means the Lockup and Registration Rights Agreement executed by the Sellers, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C .
Losses ” means, collectively, all claims, obligations, losses, damages, assessments, encumbrances, judgments, settlement payments, awards, penalties, fines, interest, Taxes and out‑of‑pocket costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs and expenses incurred in investigating, preparing, defending against, settling or prosecuting any litigation, claim, action, suit, or other Proceeding or demand); provided , however , in no event will “ Losses ” include any punitive, exemplary, special, or consequential damages, but for the avoidance of doubt, “Losses” shall include loss of profits, loss or diminution of value, losses based on any type of multiple, loss of revenue, or loss of business, to the extent a court of competent jurisdiction determines that loss of profits, loss or diminution of value, losses based on any type of multiple, loss of revenue, or loss of business should be included in the measure of direct damages for the matter giving rise to the claim for Losses; and, provided further , that “Losses” shall include all damages, including punitive, exemplary and consequential damages, to the extent such damages are payable or Liabilities to third parties.
Negotiation Period ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 11.4(b) .



5




Net Insurance Recovery ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 11.3(b) .
Offering ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.8 .
Order ” means, collectively, any order, judgment, injunction, assessment, award, decree, ruling, charge, writ or other decision of any Governmental Authority.
Ordinary Course of Business ” means the ordinary and usual course of day-to-day operations of the business of the Acquired Entities through the Closing Date consistent with past custom and practice.
Organizational Documents ” means, for any Person, (i) the articles or certificate of incorporation and the bylaws of a corporation; (ii) any charter or similar document adopted or filed in connection with the creation, formation, or organization of a Person (e.g., a certificate of formation, articles of organization or certificate of limited partnership), and any agreement governing such Person (e.g., a limited liability company agreement, operating agreement or partnership agreement); and (iii) any amendment to any of the foregoing.
Owned Real Property ” means all land, together with all buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures located thereon, including all electrical, mechanical, plumbing and other building systems, utility installations and water distribution systems, together with all easements, rights of way, rights of ingress and other rights and interests appurtenant thereto, owned by the Company.
PBS Holdings ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.
PBS Holdings Interest ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.
PBS PRE III-B Holdings ” means PBS PRE III-B Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Permit ” means, collectively, any permit, license, approval, certificate, qualification, consent or authorization issued by a Governmental Authority.
Person ” means, individually or collectively, any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, unincorporated association, trust or other entity.
PRE III ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.
Pre-Closing Reorganization ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 7.10 .
Pre-Closing Tax Period ” means any Tax period ending on or before the Closing Date, and, with respect to a Straddle Period, that portion of such Tax period that ends at the end of the day on the Closing Date.
PRE Notes ” means all promissory notes issued by PRE Wildcat Holdings to any of PRE III.
PRE Wildcat Holdings ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.
PRE Wildcat Holdings Interest ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.
Privileged Information ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 13.14(c) .


6




Proceeding ” means, collectively, any demand, charge, complaint, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration, hearing, audit, investigation or claim of any kind (whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, informal or other, at law or in equity) commenced, filed, brought, conducted or heard by, against, to, of or before or otherwise involving, any Governmental Authority or Person.
Property Tax ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 8.1(a) .
Purchase Price ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.2 .
Required Notification ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 7.3 .
Representative ” means, with respect to a particular Person, any director, officer, employee, manager, agent, consultant, advisor, or other representative of such Person, including legal counsel, accountants, investment bankers and other financial advisors.
Sand Purchase Contract ” means that certain Sand Purchase Agreement dated February 13, 2017 entered into by the Company.
Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Securities Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Seller ” and “ Sellers ” have the meanings ascribed to those terms in the preamble.
Seller Indemnified Party ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 11.2(b) .
Selling Expenses ” means, collectively, all unpaid costs, fees and expenses of outside professionals incurred prior to and through the Closing, by the Acquired Entities or any Seller of which the Acquired Entities have paid or agreed to pay relating to the process of selling the Acquired Entities, including, without limitation, all legal fees, accounting, tax, investment banking fees and expenses (including the fees and expenses of Simmons & Company International), expenses of procuring the Title Commitment, Title Policy and Survey, any bonuses, change of control, or similar payments payable by the Acquired Entities to employees or members of the Acquired Entities or any Persons upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, if any (including any applicable employment or payroll Taxes arising as a result of any such payments) and the amount required to be paid to satisfy the Underwood Notes and the PRE Notes in their entirety.
Sellers’ Representative ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble.
Straddle Period ” means any Tax period that begins on or before the Closing Date and ends thereafter.
Survey ” means that certain current as-built ALTA survey obtained by the Company and provided to Buyer, on or prior to the date hereof, in respect of the Owned Real Property.
Tax ” (including, with correlative meaning, “ Taxes ”) means (i) any U.S. federal, state, local, or foreign net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, profits, license, unclaimed property, escheat, withholding, payroll, employment, estimated, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, or windfall profits tax, alternative or add on minimum tax, customs duty, or other tax, fee, assessment, or charge of any kind whatsoever, whether disputed or not, together with any interest and penalty, addition to tax, or additional amount imposed by any Governmental Authority, (ii) any

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Liability for the payment of any amounts of the type described in clause (i) of this paragraph as a result of being a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group for any Tax period, including pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any analogous or similar applicable state, local or foreign Tax Law), or as a result of any Tax sharing, Tax indemnity or Tax allocation agreement, arrangement or understanding, and (iii) any Liability for the payment of any amounts of the type described in clause (i) or (ii) as a result of being liable for another Person’s taxes as a transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise, or as a result of any express or implied obligation to indemnify any other Person.
Tax Returns ” means, collectively, all returns, statements, reports, elections, schedules, claims for refund, and forms (including estimated Tax or information returns and reports) pertaining to Taxes, including any schedule, supplement or attachment thereto and any amendment thereof.
Termination Fee ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10.2(b) .
Third Party Claim ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 11.4(a) .
Title Commitment ” means the irrevocable commitment by the Title Company, delivered to Buyer on or prior to the date hereof, to issue the Title Policy.
Title Company ” means Stewart Title Company.
Title Policy ” means an owner’s policy of title insurance issued by the Title Company in favor of the Company in respect of the Owned Real Property.
Transactions ” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.
Transfer Taxes ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 8.3 .
Underwood Notes ” means those certain Promissory Notes issued by the Company to Stub Properties, Co. in the combined original principal amount of $12,000,000 in connection with the Company’s acquisition of the Owned Real Property.
Underwriting Agreement ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.8 .
Unit Purchase Price ” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.2 .
Units ” means common units representing limited partnership interests in Hi-Crush Partners LP.
VWAP ” means the average of the daily volume weighted average sales price of a Unit on the New York Stock Exchange rounded to the nearest one thousandth of a dollar (as reported by Bloomberg Financial Markets or, if not reported thereby, by another authoritative source reasonably selected by Buyer).
1.2      Construction . In this Agreement, unless as otherwise expressly indicated:
(a)      words expressed in the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa, and words expressed in the masculine shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa;
(b)      references to Articles, Sections, Exhibits, Schedules, Disclosure Schedules and Recitals are references to articles, sections, exhibits, schedules, Disclosure Schedules and recitals of this Agreement;


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(c)      references to “day” or “days” are to calendar days unless specified as a Business Day;
(d)      references to accounting terms not otherwise defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP;
(e)      references to “party” are to Buyer, on the one hand, and the Sellers, on the other hand, and references to “parties” are to, collectively, the Sellers and Buyer;
(f)      references to “the date hereof” shall mean as of the date of this Agreement;
(g)      if a word or phrase is defined, its other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning;
(h)      references to any agreement or document (including without limitation a reference to this Agreement) is to the agreement or document as amended, varied, supplemented, novated or replaced, except to the extent prohibited by this Agreement or such other agreement or document;
(i)      the Exhibits and Disclosure Schedules attached to this Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Agreement;
(j)      the parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement, and in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement;
(k)      the word “or” will have the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or”;
(l)      “shall” and “will” have equal force and effect;
(m)      references to “$” or to “dollars” shall mean the lawful currency of the United States of America; and
(n)      “include”, “includes”, and “including” are deemed to be followed by “without limitation” whether or not they are in fact followed by such words or words of similar import.

ARTICLE 2
PURCHASE AND SALE

2.1      Purchase and Sale of the Acquired Interests . Subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein, at the Closing, Buyer shall purchase (i) from PRE III all of the PRE Wildcat Holdings Interest, and (ii) from the Individual Sellers and PBS PRE III-B Holdings, all of the PBS Holdings Interest owned by each such Seller, and such Sellers shall sell, transfer, assign, convey and deliver to Buyer, all of the Acquired Interests, free and clear of any Liens (other than transfer restrictions arising under the Securities Act and applicable state securities Laws).
2.2      Purchase Price . The aggregate purchase price to be paid by Buyer for the Acquired Interests is $275,000,000 (the “ Purchase Price ”), with up to $75,000,000 of the Purchase Price being paid in the form of Units (the “ Unit Purchase Price ”) and the remainder of the Purchase Price being paid in the form of cash (the “ Cash Purchase Price ”). The final Unit Purchase Price shall be determined by Buyer in its

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sole discretion (which amount shall not exceed $75,000,000) and the number of Units to be issued in satisfaction of the payment of the Unit Purchase Price shall be determined by dividing the (a) Unit Purchase Price, by (b) the five-trading day VWAP for the period ending on and including the trading day immediately prior to the date of this Agreement (such number of Units, the “ Issued Units ”).
(a)      The Cash Purchase Price shall be payable at the Closing in the following order of priority:
(i)      Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid to each Person to whom Selling Expenses are due and owing as of the Closing Date the aggregate amount of such Selling Expenses payable to such Person as determined pursuant to final invoices issued to the Acquired Entities for and with respect to such Selling Expenses, which the Sellers shall cause to be delivered to Buyer at least three Business Days prior to the Closing Date;
(ii)      Buyer shall cause to be delivered into escrow an amount equal to the Additional Real Property Purchase Price to be held in an escrow account maintained by the Title Company pursuant to the Escrow Agreement; and
(iii)      Buyer shall pay, or cause to be paid, to the Sellers, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account or accounts designated in writing by the Sellers’ Representative (and in such amounts designated in writing by the Sellers’ Representative), an amount in cash equal to the Closing Date Cash Payment.
(b)      At the Closing, Buyer shall pay the Unit Purchase Price by issuing and delivering to the Sellers the Issued Units, in such amounts as designated in writing by the Sellers’ Representative. The Issued Units will be unregistered at the time of Closing and subject to the Lockup and Registration Rights Agreement.
2.3      Additional Real Property Interests . The Company is party to that certain letter of intent dated December 22, 2016, as amended, by and among the Company, Tony Underwood, Steven Underwood and Steve Sparks with respect to the purchase of certain real property interests described therein (the “ Additional Real Property Interests ”). In the event that Buyer causes the Company to purchase the Additional Real Property Interests after the Closing, the Title Company shall disburse the Additional Real Property Purchase Price to Buyer pursuant to the Escrow Agreement and Buyer shall apply the Additional Real Property Purchase Price towards the purchase of such Additional Real Property Interests. If the Buyer does not proceed with the purchase of the Additional Real Property Interests on or before September 30, 2017, then the Title Company shall disburse the Additional Real Property Purchase Price to the Sellers pursuant to the Escrow Agreement.
2.4      Closing . The Closing shall take place at 10:00 A.M., Houston time at such place as Buyer and the Sellers’ Representative may agree in writing or remotely via the exchange of executed documents and other closing documents by mail, e-mail and wire transfers, as applicable, on the later of (a) March 8, 2017 (the “ Financing Date ”) or (b) the date that is one Business Day following the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions precedent specified in Article 9 (other than any conditions to be satisfied on the Closing Date, but subject to the waiver or satisfaction of such conditions in accordance herewith) (such date, the “ Closing Date ”). The Closing shall be deemed to occur and be effective as of 12:01 A.M., Houston time on the Closing Date.
2.5      Tax Treatment; Purchase Price Allocation .


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(a)      For U.S. federal income tax purposes (and state, local, and foreign Tax purposes where applicable), the parties intend for the Transactions to be treated as a “merger or consolidation” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.708-1(c)) of PBS Holdings, PRE Wildcat Holdings and Buyer, governed by the “assets-over” form described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.708-1(c)(3)(i), in which PBS Holdings and PRE Wildcat Holdings are the “terminated” partnerships (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.708-1(c)) and Buyer is the “resulting” partnership (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.708-1(c)), with the applicable Sellers treated as selling a portion of their respective Acquired Interests to Buyer for each such Seller’s share of the Cash Purchase Price pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.708-1(c)(4) (and each such Seller hereby expressly consents to such application of Treasury Regulations Section 1.708-1(c)(4)) immediately prior to the Closing. Except as otherwise required by applicable Law, each party shall, and shall cause each of its Affiliates to (i) report, act, and file all Tax Returns in all respects and for all purposes consistent with the foregoing treatment, and (ii) not take any position for Tax purposes (whether in audits, Tax Returns, or otherwise) that is inconsistent with the foregoing treatment.
(b)      The methodology set forth on Schedule 2.5 shall be used by the Sellers, Buyer, and the Acquired Entities as the basis for reporting the Transactions for all Tax purposes (the “ Allocation Schedule ”). Any adjustments to the Purchase Price shall be allocated in a manner consistent with the Allocation Schedule. Except as otherwise required by applicable Law, each party shall, and shall cause each of its Affiliates to (i) report, act, and file all Tax Returns in all respects and for all purposes consistent with the Allocation Schedule, and (ii) not take any position for Tax purposes (whether in audits, Tax Returns, or otherwise) that is inconsistent with the Allocation Schedule; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall prevent Buyer or the Sellers from settling any proposed deficiency or adjustment by any Taxing authority based upon or arising out of the allocation set forth in the Allocation Schedule, and neither Buyer nor the Sellers shall be required to litigate before any court any proposed deficiency or adjustment by any Taxing authority challenging the allocation set forth in the Allocation Schedule.

ARTICLE 3
CLOSING DELIVERIES AND OTHER ACTIONS

3.1      Deliveries by Sellers . At the Closing, the Sellers shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Buyer the following items:
(a)      duly executed assignments of the Acquired Interests, from the applicable Seller, in favor of Buyer, in the form reasonably acceptable to Buyer, reflecting the assignment of the Acquired Interests to Buyer, free and clear of all Liens (other than transfer restrictions arising under the Securities Act and applicable state securities Laws);
(b)      a good standing certificate for each of the Acquired Entities, issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and in each state in which each Acquired Entity is certified, qualified or registered to do business as a foreign limited liability company, each of which shall be dated not later than five days prior to the Closing Date;
(c)      a copy of each Certificate, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as of a date not later than five days prior to the Closing Date, and a copy of the LLC Agreements;
(d)      the original limited liability company record books and minute books of each Acquired Entity, if any; provided , that , in the case of PRE Wildcat Holdings, excluding those records and minutes not related to its ownership of the PBS Holdings Interest;

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(e)      a certificate of each of the Sellers conforming to the requirements of Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-2(b)(2) stating that such Seller is not a “foreign person” within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Code, in the form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, dated as of the Closing Date and duly executed by such Seller;
(f)      the Lockup and Registration Rights Agreement; duly executed by the Sellers;
(g)      the Escrow Agreement, duly executed by the Sellers’ Representative;
(h)      executed payoff letters and releases, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, with respect to the payment in full of the Underwood Notes and the PRE Notes;
(i)      copies of all executed documents, including related resolutions or written consents, effecting the Pre-Closing Reorganization and the assignment of the Contracts that are to be assigned prior to Closing in accordance with Schedule 7.1(k) ; and
(j)      the certificate described in Section 9.2(c) .
3.2      Deliveries by Buyer . At the Closing, in addition to the payments required under Sections 2.2(a)(i) and (ii) , Buyer shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Sellers the following items:
(a)      the Closing Date Cash Payment;
(b)      an assignment of Units, in the form reasonably acceptable to the Sellers’ Representative, duly executed by Buyer in favor of the Sellers receiving Units, in accordance with Section 2.2(b) ;
(c)      the Lockup and Registration Rights Agreement, duly executed by Buyer;
(d)      the Escrow Agreement, duly executed by Buyer and the Title Company; and
(e)      the certificate described in Section 9.3(c) .

ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS

Each Seller (as to itself, but not as to any other Seller) represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:
4.1      Existence and Good Standing . Such Seller, if not an individual, is a limited partnership or limited liability company, as the case may be, duly formed, validly existing and currently in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Such Seller has full power and authority to own, lease or otherwise hold its properties and to conduct its business as it is currently being conducted.
4.2      Power and Authority; Enforceability . Such Seller has the requisite power and authority, as applicable, to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which such Seller is a party. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements, and the performance and the completion of the Transactions, by such Seller, if not an individual, has been duly authorized and approved by all required limited liability company or limited partnership (as applicable) action on the part of such Seller. This Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements have been duly executed and delivered by such Seller and, assuming due authorization, execution

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and delivery by Buyer, represents the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Seller enforceable against such Seller in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws and principles of equity affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally.
4.3      Title to Acquired Interests . Such Seller is the sole record and beneficial owner of all of the Acquired Interests set forth opposite his or its name on Exhibit A , and owns such Acquired Interests free and clear of all Liens and restrictions on transfer, except for transfer restrictions created under the Securities Act or state securities Laws or the Organizational Documents of the applicable Acquired Entity, true and complete copies of which Organizational Documents have been provided to Buyer. Except under the Organizational Documents of the applicable Acquired Entity, such Seller (a) has not entered into and is not bound by any Commitment with respect to the Acquired Interests and (b) is not a party to (i) any Contract (other than this Agreement) that could require such Seller to sell, convey, assign, otherwise transfer or create a Lien any of the Acquired Interests, or any part thereof or interest therein, or (ii) any voting trust, proxy, or other agreement or understanding with respect to voting any of the Acquired Interests. Such Seller does not own, directly or indirectly, any Equity Interests, rights exercisable or convertible therefor, or Commitments to acquire Equity Interests (except under the Organizational Documents of the applicable Acquired Entity) in or to the Acquired Entities other than the Acquired Interests owned by such Seller. Other than the Organizational Documents of the applicable Acquired Entity, such Seller is not a party to any Contract that restricts the right to sell, convey, assign, otherwise transfer or create a Lien upon the Acquired Interests or any part thereof or interest therein.
4.4      No Conflicts; Required Filings and Consents . Neither the execution and delivery by such Seller of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement to which such Seller is a party, nor the performance by such Seller of its obligations hereunder or thereunder, nor the consummation by such Seller of the Transactions, will (a) violate any provision of the Organizational Documents of such Seller (if not an individual) or the Acquired Entities, (b) violate any Permit, Law, Order, or other restriction of any Governmental Authority to which such Seller, the Acquired Interests of such Seller, or any Acquired Entity, or any of their respective assets or properties is subject or bound, (c) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of, create in any Person the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or require any notice under any Contract to which any Seller or any Acquired Entity is a party or by which any Seller, the Acquired Interests of such Seller, or the Acquired Entities or any of their respective assets or properties, is subject or bound, (d) provide any Person other than Buyer with the right to exercise any right of first refusal to purchase or other right to purchase the Acquired Interests of such Seller, or (e) require such Seller to give any notice to, make any filing with, or obtain any Consent of, any third party or Governmental Authority, except, in the cases of the foregoing subsections (a), (b), (c) and (e), as would not, individually or in the aggregate, adversely affect the ability of such Seller to consummate the Transactions or perform its obligations under this Agreement.
4.5      Brokers . Except as set forth on Schedule 4.5 , no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of such Seller or the Acquired Entities.
4.6      Litigation . There is no Order and no Proceeding pending, or to the Knowledge of such Seller, threatened (by any Person, Governmental Authority or quasi-governmental agency or authority or otherwise) against such Seller or to which such Seller is otherwise a party (a) relating to this Agreement, the Transactions or the Acquired Interests or the Owned Real Property or (b) that would give any Person the right to enjoin or rescind the Transactions or otherwise prevent such Seller from complying with the terms of this Agreement. There are no unsatisfied judgments against any Seller that are reasonably likely to have an adverse effect on such Seller’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

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4.7      Investment Intention . Such Seller is acquiring the Units for its own account, for investment purposes only and not with a view to the distribution of such Units. Such Seller understands that the sale of the Units has not been registered under the Securities Act and, subject to further restrictions in the Lockup and Registration Rights Agreement, the Units cannot be offered or re-sold until such offer and sale is subsequently registered under the Securities Act of 1933 in accordance with the Lockup and Registration Rights Agreement or unless an exemption from such registration is available to such Seller. Such Seller is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

ARTICLE 5
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE ACQUIRED ENTITIES

Each Seller jointly and severally represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:
5.1      Existence and Good Standing . Each Acquired Entity is a limited liability company duly formed, validly existing and currently in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is duly authorized, qualified or licensed to do business as a foreign limited liability company and in good standing in each of the jurisdictions in which it is so required to be authorized, qualified or licensed, which jurisdictions are set forth on Schedule 5.1 . There is no pending or, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, threatened Proceeding for the dissolution, liquidation, insolvency, or rehabilitation of any Acquired Entity.
5.2      Power and Authority; Enforceability . Each Acquired Entity has the requisite limited liability company power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements, and the performance and the completion of the Transactions, by each of the Acquired Entities has been duly authorized and approved by all required limited liability company action on the part of such Acquired Entity and its members. This Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements have been duly executed and delivered by each Acquired Entity and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Buyer, represents the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Acquired Entity enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws and principles of equity affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally.
5.3      Capitalization; Subsidiaries . The Acquired Interests are validly issued in accordance with the terms of their respective Limited Liability Company Agreements and registration or qualification provisions of the Securities Act, and any relevant state securities Laws, or pursuant to valid exemptions therefrom. There are no outstanding Commitments of any kind obligating any of the Acquired Entities (i) to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, Equity Interests in such Acquired Entity or any securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable therefor, or (ii) to grant, extend, or enter into any such Commitment. There are no Commitments with respect to the Equity Interests in any of the Acquired Entities, except as may be contained in this Agreement and the Organizational Documents of the Acquired Entities. There are no Contracts (other than the LLC Agreements) with respect to (or which affect) the voting, giving of written Consents with respect to the voting, transfer, conversion, issuance, or registration, of the Equity Interests in any of the Acquired Entities. After giving effect to the Pre-Closing Reorganization, none of the Acquired Entities directly or indirectly owns or controls any Equity Interest in any Person, except that PRE Wildcat Holdings owns 2,277,623.46 Class A Units of membership interest in PBS Holdings and PBS Holdings owns 100% of the membership interest in the Company.
5.4      No Conflicts; Required Filings and Consents . Except as set forth in Schedule 5.4 , neither the execution and delivery by any of the Acquired Entities of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement

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to which it is a party, nor the performance by any of the Acquired Entities of its obligations hereunder or thereunder, nor the consummation by the any of the Acquired Entities of the Transactions, will (i) violate any provision of the Organizational Documents of such Acquired Entity or any Permit, Law, Order, or other restriction of any Governmental Authority to which such Acquired Entity, the Acquired Interests, or such Acquired Entity’s assets or properties, is subject or bound, (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of, create in any Person the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or require any notice under any material Contract to which such Acquired Entity is a party or by which such Acquired Entity, the Acquired Interests, or such Acquired Entity’s assets or properties, is subject or bound, (iii) provide any Person other than Buyer with the right to exercise any right of first refusal to purchase or other right to purchase the Acquired Interests, or (iv) require such Acquired Entity to give any notice to, make any filing with, or obtain any Consent of, any third party or Governmental Authority, in each case except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, adversely affect the ability of such Acquired Entity to consummate the Transactions or perform such Acquired Entity’s obligations under this Agreement.
5.5      Taxes . Except as set forth on Schedule 5.5 :
(a)      All Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect to the Acquired Entities have been timely filed in accordance with all applicable Laws. All such Tax Returns correctly and completely reflect the income, business, assets, operations, activities and status of the Acquired Entities, as applicable, and were prepared in compliance with all applicable Laws.
(b)      None of the Acquired Entities is currently a beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return.
(c)      All Taxes required to be paid by or with respect to the Acquired Entities have been timely paid in full.
(d)      The Acquired Entities have withheld and remitted to the appropriate Governmental Authority all Taxes required to have been withheld and remitted in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, member or other Person. The Acquired Entities have properly received and maintained any and all certificates, forms, and other documents required by Law for any exemption from withholding and remitting any Taxes.
(e)      No claim has been made by any Governmental Authority in any jurisdiction where any Acquired Entity does not file Tax Returns that it is, or may be, subject to Tax by that jurisdiction.
(f)      No Tax Return of any Acquired Entity has ever been audited, examined or otherwise contested by any Governmental Authority, and no adjustment relating to any Tax Return has been proposed in writing by any Governmental Authority.
(g)      None of the Acquired Entities has entered into an agreement or waiver extending any statute of limitations with respect to Taxes, agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency, or entered into any closing agreement under applicable Tax Law.
(h)      There is no Proceeding commenced, ongoing, pending or threatened against or with respect to the Acquired Entities in respect of any Tax or for which any Acquired Entity may be liable, and no notice from any Governmental Authority indicating an intent to open a Proceeding pertaining to Taxes of or with respect to any Acquired Entity has been received by such Acquired Entity or any Seller. No Governmental Authority is now asserting or threatening to assert against any Acquired Entity any claim for

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additional or unpaid Taxes, and there is no basis for the assertion by any Governmental Authority of any such claim for additional or unpaid Taxes. No power of attorney granted by or with respect to any Acquired Entity with respect to any Tax is currently in force.
(i)      Except for Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable, (i) there are no Liens for Taxes upon the assets or properties of the Acquired Entities, and (ii) no claim for unpaid Taxes has been made by any Governmental Authority that could give rise to any such Lien.
(j)      None of the Acquired Entities has been a member of an affiliated, combined, consolidated, unitary, or aggregate Tax group for purposes of filing any Tax Return or otherwise has any potential Liability with respect to the Taxes of any other Person as a result of having been a member of an affiliated, combined, consolidated, unitary, or aggregate group for Tax purposes, including pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law). None of the Acquired Entities has any Liability for the Taxes of any Person (other than such Acquired Entity) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law), as a transferee or successor, by Contract, pursuant to any Law, or otherwise.
(k)      None of the Acquired Entities is a party to, bound by or has any obligation under any Tax sharing, allocation or indemnity agreement, arrangement or similar Contract.
(l)      PBS Holdings and PRE Wildcat Holdings are, and have at all times since their formation been and until the Closing will be, classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and, where applicable, state, local, and foreign Tax purposes), and no election has been filed or made, or will be file or made, to change such classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and, where applicable, state, local, and foreign Tax purposes).
(m)      The Company is, and has at all times since its formation been and until the Closing will be, disregarded as an entity separate from PBS Holdings for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and, where applicable, state, local, and foreign Tax purposes), and no election has been filed or made, or will be file or made, to change such classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and, where applicable, state, local, and foreign Tax purposes).
(n)      None of the Acquired Entities has participated in, is currently not participating in, or does not have any Liability for the payment of any Tax resulting from a Person’s participation in: (i) any “reportable transaction”, as defined in Section 6707A(c)(1) of the Code and Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b), or (ii) any transaction requiring disclosure under a corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law.
(o)      To the Knowledge of Sellers, (i) there are no Tax abatements, phase-ins, or exemptions affecting the Owned Real Property, (ii) no Proceedings are pending for an increase in the assessed valuation of the Owned Real Property for property Tax purposes, and (iii) there are no property Tax valuation appeals pending with respect to the Owned Real Property.
5.6      Real Property .
(a)      Schedule 5.6(a) sets forth a complete and accurate list and legal description of each parcel of Owned Real Property. The Company does not make any representations or warranties in this Agreement or otherwise with respect to its fee simple title to the Owned Real Property, and Buyer shall rely solely on the representations and warranties to the Company that are set forth in the Deed to the Owned Real Property. Except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.6(a) and the Deed to the Owned Real Property, Buyer is acquiring the Owned Real Property on an “as is, where is” basis.

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(b)      The Company does not have any leasehold or subleasehold estates or any other rights to use or occupy any land, buildings, structure, improvements, fixtures or other interest in real property other than its ownership of the Owned Real Property.
(c)      The Company has not received any written notice of violation of any zoning, subdivision or other land use, structural safety, or other similar Law, and to the Knowledge of Sellers, there is no basis for the issuance of any such notice or taking of any action for such violation. To the Knowledge of Sellers, there are no pending or threatened (i) requests, applications or proceedings to alter or restrict any zoning or other use restrictions applicable to any of the Owned Real Property, (ii) condemnation proceedings that would affect any of the Owned Real Property, or (iii) public improvements that would result in any material charge being levied or assessed against, or would result in the creation of any material Lien upon, any of the Owned Real Property. To the Knowledge of Sellers, there are no other matters materially and adversely affecting the current or Sellers’ intended use and occupancy of the Owned Real Property.
5.7      Company Contracts .
(a)      Schedule 5.7(a) sets forth each Contract to which any Acquired Entity is party or to which any of the assets of any Acquired Entity is bound, including, without limitation, all agreements, options or other arrangements with respect to the acquisition or lease of real property by an Acquired Entity, and any leases, subleases, licenses, concession or other agreements, written or oral, with respect to any real property and each policy of insurance maintained by the Company or under which the Company, the Company Business, or any assets, properties, directors or officers (in such capacity) thereof are covered, (collectively, the “ Company Contracts ”).
(b)      The Sellers have provided to Buyer true, correct and complete copies of each Company Contract, including any and all amendments, supplements and modifications thereto. Each Company Contract is a valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Acquired Entity party thereto and, to the Knowledge of Sellers, the other parties thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation, fraudulent conveyance and other similar Laws and principles of equity affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally. There are no existing defaults or any events which have occurred which, with or without notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a material default under any of the Company Contracts by the Acquired Entity party thereto, or to the Knowledge of Sellers, by any other party thereto. No counterparty to any Company Contract has provided any Acquired Entity written notice of any plan or intention, or to the Knowledge of Sellers, has threatened, to terminate, cancel, materially modify or not renew a Company Contract.
(c)      The Sellers have provided Buyer with a current draft or written summary of each Contract any Acquired Entity is currently negotiating with a third party.
5.8      Brokers . Except as set forth on Schedule 5.8 , no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of any of the Acquired Entities.

ARTICLE 6
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

Buyer hereby represents and warrants to each Seller as follows:


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6.1      Existence and Good Standing . Buyer is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
6.2      Power . Buyer has the limited partnership power and authority to execute, deliver and perform fully its obligations under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.
6.3      Validity and Enforceability . Buyer has the requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements, and the performance and the completion of the Transactions, by Buyer has been duly authorized and approved by all required action on the part of Buyer. This Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements have been duly executed and delivered by Buyer and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto, represents the legal, valid and binding obligation of Buyer enforceable against Buyer in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws and principles of equity affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally.
6.4      No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents . Neither the execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement to which Buyer is a party, nor the performance by Buyer of its obligations hereunder or thereunder, nor the consummation by Buyer of the Transactions, will (i) violate any provision of the Organizational Documents of Buyer, (ii) violate any Permit, Law, Order, or other restriction of any Governmental Authority to which Buyer is subject or bound, (iii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of, create in any Person the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or require any notice under any material Contract to which Buyer is a party or by which Buyer is subject or bound, or (iv) require Buyer to give any notice to, make any filing with, or obtain any Consent of, any third party or Governmental Authority, in each case except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, adversely affect the ability of Buyer to consummate the Transactions or perform Buyer’s obligations under this Agreement.
6.5      Issued Units . The Issued Units have been duly authorized by Buyer and, when issued and delivered at the Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued and fully paid.
6.6      Investment Intention . Buyer is acquiring the Acquired Interests for its own account, for investment purposes only and not with a view to the distribution of such Acquired Interests. Buyer understands that the sale of the Acquired Interests has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, and the Acquired Interests cannot be offered or re-sold unless such offer and sale is subsequently registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or an exemption from such registration is available to Buyer.
6.7      Brokers . No Person has acted directly or indirectly as a broker, finder or financial advisor for Buyer in connection with the negotiations relating to the Transactions, and no Person is entitled to any fee or commission or like payment in respect thereof based in any way on any agreement, arrangement or understanding made by or on behalf of Buyer.
6.8      Financing . No later than two Business Days after the date of this Agreement, Buyer will enter into, and provide to Sellers’ Representative a true, correct and complete copy of that certain underwriting agreement (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”) in respect of a public offering of its common units of limited partnership interest under its current S-3 shelf registration in an amount sufficient to finance the Cash Purchase Price (the “ Offering ”). Assuming the completion of the Offering in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the proceeds of the Offering will be sufficient to satisfy Buyer’s obligation to pay the Cash Purchase Price at the Closing.


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ARTICLE 7
COVENANTS

7.1      Conduct of Business Prior to the Closing . From the date hereof until the Closing, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or consented to in writing by Buyer, the Sellers shall, and shall cause the Acquired Entities to: (a) conduct the business of the Acquired Entities in the Ordinary Course of Business; and (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact its material business relationships with prospective customers, suppliers, and other Persons having business dealings with it. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, from the date hereof until the Closing Date, except as set forth on Schedule 7.1 , the Sellers shall:
(a)      cause the Acquired Entities to preserve and maintain all of their respective Permits;
(b)      cause the Acquired Entities to pay their respective debts, Taxes and other obligations when due;
(c)      cause the Acquired Entities to use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve and maintain the Owned Real Property in the same condition as it was on the date of this Agreement;
(d)      cause the Acquired Entities to continue in full force and effect without modification of any insurance policies, except as required by applicable Law;
(e)      cause the Acquired Entities to use commercially reasonable efforts to defend and protect their respective properties and assets, if any, from infringement or usurpation;
(f)      cause the Acquired Entities to satisfy any and all conditions set forth in the Title Commitment required for the issuance of the Title Policy;
(g)      cause the Acquired Entities to perform all obligations under all Contracts to which they are parties;
(h)      cause the Acquired Entities to maintain their respective books and records in accordance with past practice;
(i)      cause the Acquired Entities to comply in all material respects with all applicable Laws;
(j)      not cause or permit the Acquired Entities to amend their respective Organizational Documents, except in connection with the Pre-Closing Reorganization;
(k)      cause the Acquired Entities to terminate all Contracts other than those set forth in Schedule ‎7.1(k) and, prior to Closing, bear, pay, and perform all liabilities and obligations arising as a result of such terminations;
(l)      not cause or permit any of the Acquired Entities to enter into any (i) any customer, supply or other material Contract that is not terminable (without penalty or fees) upon 30 days’ notice at such Acquired Entity’s option or (ii) Contract with respect to the sale of any real property interest of such Acquired Entity, without written consent of Buyer;


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(m)      with respect to the Acquired Entities, (i) not make or revoke any material election in respect of Taxes, (ii) not incur any liability for Taxes other than in the ordinary course of business, (iii) not settle any claim or assessment in respect of Taxes, (iv) not consent to the extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any claim or assessment in respect of Taxes with any Governmental Authority, or (v) not surrender any right to claim a refund of Taxes; and
(n)      not cause or permit the Acquired Entities to take any action that would cause a representation under Article 4 or Article 5 to be untrue at Closing.
7.2      Access to Information . From the date hereof until the Closing, the Sellers shall, and shall cause the Acquired Entities to: (a) afford Buyer and its Representatives reasonable access to and the reasonable opportunity to inspect all of the Owned Real Property, assets, premises, books and records, contracts, agreements and other documents and data related to the Acquired Entities; (b) furnish Buyer and its Representatives with such financial, operating and other data and information related to the Acquired Entities as Buyer or any of its Representatives may reasonably request; and (c) instruct the Representatives of Sellers and the Acquired Entities to cooperate in all reasonable respects with Buyer in its investigation of the Acquired Entities and the Owned Real Property; provided , however , that any such access, inspection or investigation shall be conducted with reasonable advance notice to the Sellers’ Representative, under the supervision of Sellers’ designated personnel and in such a manner as not to unreasonably interfere with the normal operations of the Acquired Entities. All requests by Buyer for access, inspection, investigation, information or documents pursuant to this Section 7.2 shall be submitted or directed exclusively to the Sellers’ Representative or such other individuals as the Sellers’ Representative may designate in writing from time to time. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither the Sellers nor the Acquired Entities shall be required to disclose any information to Buyer if such disclosure would be reasonably likely to: (i) cause significant competitive harm to the Acquired Entities or the Company Business if the Transactions are not consummated, provided that disclosure of the Transactions and the Company Business after Closing shall be deemed not to cause competitive harm; (ii) jeopardize attorney-client privilege; or (iii) contravene any applicable Law, fiduciary duty or Contract entered into prior to the date of this Agreement.
7.3      Notification of Certain Matters . From time to time prior to the Closing, each party shall promptly notify the other party of the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event or circumstance, or knowledge of any fact, that indicates (a) that any of the representations and warranties or such party set forth herein are reasonably expected not to be or will not be as of the Closing, or are not, true and correct after obtaining actual knowledge thereof, (b) any failure on its part to comply with, in any material respect, any covenant or agreement to be complied with by it pursuant hereto or (c) any other circumstance that would reasonably be expected to prevent any condition to the Closing to be satisfied (any such notification, a “ Required Notification ”); provided , however , that in each case, such disclosure shall not be deemed to (i) amend or supplement the Disclosure Schedule, (ii) cure any breach of such representation, warranty, covenant or agreement, or (iii) otherwise limit or affect in any way the remedies available hereunder to the party receiving such notice (including, without limitation, the right to seek indemnification under Article 11 with respect to the subject matter of such Required Notification.
7.4      Confidentiality . In addition to and without in any way limiting the provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement, each party covenants and agrees that the terms of this Agreement and all information received pursuant to this Agreement shall, from and after the date hereof, be kept in strict confidence by such party and such party shall not disclose any such information to any third party. Such confidentiality shall be maintained to the same extent as such party maintains its own confidential information and shall be maintained until such time, if any, as any such data or information either is, or becomes, published or a matter of public knowledge through no fault or omission on the part of such party. Notwithstanding the preceding two sentences, each party shall be permitted to make any such disclosure (a) to such party’s officers,

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directors, managers, partners, equity holders, agents, advisors, attorneys or other representatives who legitimately need to know such information and who agree to keep such information confidential and are made aware of such party’s obligations of confidentiality under this Agreement, or (b) to the extent requested by a Governmental Authority or required by applicable Law or legal process.
7.5      No Public Announcement . Unless otherwise required by applicable Law, no press release or public announcement related to this Agreement or the Transactions, or, prior to the Closing, any other announcement or communication to the customers, suppliers or vendors of the Acquired Entities, shall be issued or made by any party, in each case without the joint approval of Buyer and Sellers’ Representative, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, provided , however , that the foregoing restrictions shall not restrict or prohibit (a) any party from making announcements or disclosures to its officers, directors, partners, employees, equity holders, attorneys, financing resources and other advisors, provided , that the disclosing party shall be liable to the other party for any unauthorized disclosure regarding this Agreement or the Transactions or (b) either party from making any announcement or disclosure related to this Agreement or the Transactions and the terms thereof to the extent its legal counsel advises it that it is legally required to make such announcement or disclosure.
7.6      Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation .
(a)      During the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, each Seller hereby agrees not to, directly or indirectly, alone or as a partner, joint venturer or equity interest holder of any Person, (i) engage in or assist others in engaging in a Competing Business; (ii) have an interest in any Person that engages directly or indirectly in a Competing Business, including as a partner, shareholder, member, employee, principal, agent, trustee or consultant; or (iii) intentionally interfere in any material respect with the business relationships (whether formed prior to or after the date of this Agreement) between any Acquired Entity and customers or suppliers of the Acquired Entities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 7.6 shall not prohibit any Seller from (x) making passive investments in entities the equity of which is traded on a regulated stock exchange but only to the extent such Seller owns no more than two percent of the outstanding stock thereof or (y) being employed by, providing services to, advising, managing or owning a direct or indirect equity interest in Wildcat Minerals LLC and its subsidiaries, so long as none of Wildcat Minerals LLC or its subsidiaries engages in a Competing Business.
(b)      During the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, the Sellers shall not, and shall not permit any of their Affiliates to, directly or indirectly, hire any Person employed on a salary (not hourly) basis by the Acquired Entities (other than any Seller), solicit any Person employed by the Acquired Entities (other than any Seller) or encourage any such employee to leave such employment or hire any such employee who has left such employment, except for general solicitations which are not directed specifically to any such employees, provided that Sellers and their Affiliates shall continue to be restricted from hiring anyone that responds to such solicitation.
(c)      During the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, the Sellers shall not, and shall not permit any of their Affiliates to, directly or indirectly, solicit or entice, or attempt to solicit or entice, any clients or customers of the Acquired Entities or potential clients or customers of the Acquired Entities for purposes of diverting their business or services from the Acquired Entities; provided Sellers shall not be deemed to violate this Section 7.6(b) solely due to Wildcat Minerals LLC or any of its subsidiaries (i) buying and reselling proppant sand outside a 250-mile radius from the boundaries of the Owned Real Property; provided , that, for the avoidance of doubt, any such proppant


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sand is resold to a buyer and location outside such 250-mile radius, or (ii) engaging in proppant transloading, trucking and storage services.
(d)      Each of Sellers acknowledges that a breach or threatened breach of this Section 7.6 would give rise to irreparable harm to Buyer, for which monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy, and hereby agrees that in the event of a breach or a threatened breach by any Seller of any such obligations, Buyer shall, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies that may be available to it in respect of such breach, be entitled to seek equitable relief, including a temporary restraining order, an injunction, specific performance and any other relief that may be available from a court of competent jurisdiction (without any requirement to post bond).
(e)      The Sellers acknowledge that the restrictions contained in this Section 7.6 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of Buyer and constitute a material inducement to Buyer to enter into this Agreement and consummate the Transactions. In the event that any covenant contained in this Section 7.6 should ever be adjudicated to exceed the time, geographic, product or service, or other limitations permitted by applicable Law in any jurisdiction, then any court is expressly empowered to reform such covenant, and such covenant shall be deemed reformed, in such jurisdiction to the maximum time, geographic, product or service, or other limitations permitted by applicable Law. The covenants contained in this Section 7.6 and each provision hereof are severable and distinct covenants and provisions. The invalidity or unenforceability of any such covenant or provision as written shall not invalidate or render unenforceable the remaining covenants or provisions hereof, and any such invalidity or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such covenant or provision in any other jurisdiction.
7.7      Exclusive Dealing .
(a)      During the period from the date of this Agreement until the earlier of (i) the date this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article 10 and (ii) the Closing Date, neither the Sellers, nor any of their Affiliates (including the Acquired Entities) shall take any action, directly or indirectly, to solicit or engage in discussions or negotiations with, or provide any information to, any Person, other than Buyer (and its Affiliates and Representatives), concerning the purchase of the Acquired Entities (whether by merger, sale of assets, sale of equity, refinancing, recapitalization or other similar transaction).
(b)      Buyer acknowledges that the mere receipt by any Seller or the Acquired Entities or any of their Representatives of an unsolicited inquiry or proposal regarding any transaction of the type described in this Section 7.7 will not constitute a breach of the Sellers’ obligations under this Section 7.7 , so long as the Sellers do not otherwise violate any of the covenants imposed upon the Sellers under this Section 7.7 . The Sellers shall promptly advise Buyer orally and in writing of any proposal regarding any transaction of the type described in this Section 7.7 , subject to any obligations of confidentiality owed to the Person making such proposal.
7.8      Efforts to Close . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Buyer and the Sellers shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (a) take or cause to be taken all actions, and to do or cause to be done all other things, necessary, proper or advisable to expeditiously satisfy the closing conditions set forth in Article 9 and to consummate the Transactions as promptly as practicable, and (b) obtain in a timely manner all necessary waivers, consents and approvals and to effect all necessary registrations and filings in connection with the foregoing.
7.9      Post-Closing Information . For a period of six years following the Closing, or such shorter period that records are required to be retained by applicable Law, Buyer shall, and shall cause the Acquired Entities and any applicable Affiliates of Buyer to, (i) retain all books, records and other documents of the

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Acquired Entities relating to periods prior to the Closing and (ii) provide to the Sellers and/or their respective Representatives and Affiliates reasonable access to such books, records and other documents, following receipt of a reasonable, written request therefor, to the extent necessary for each Seller or its Affiliates to prepare for, prosecute or defend against any Proceeding related to the Acquired Entities or the Company Business, or to enable the Sellers, their Affiliates, and their respective Representatives to prepare, complete and file all required federal, State and local Tax Returns in accordance with applicable Law with respect to the period before Closing.
7.10      Pre-Closing Reorganization . Prior to the Closing, PRE III shall cause PRE Wildcat Holdings to distribute to its members all of the assets of PRE Wildcat Holdings (including all membership interest of Wildcat Minerals Holdings, LLC owned by PRE Wildcat Holdings) other than the PBS Holdings Interest owned by PRE Wildcat Holdings (the “ Pre-Closing Reorganization ”).
7.11      Further Assurances . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each party agrees, from time to time as and when requested by any other party, to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such documents, and to use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all such further or other appropriate actions and to do, or cause to be done, all other things, as such other party may reasonably deem necessary or desirable to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and give effect to the Transactions.
7.12      Financing . During the period from the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the date this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 10.1 and the Closing Date, Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things, necessary, proper or advisable to complete the Offering on the terms and conditions described in the Underwriting Agreement.

ARTICLE 8
TAX MATTERS

8.1      Apportionment of Straddle Period Taxes . The portion of Taxes attributable to a Straddle Period that are allocated to the Pre-Closing Tax Period of such Straddle Period shall be determined as follows:
(a)      in the case of any real property, personal property, ad valorem and similar Taxes (“ Property Tax ”), the amount of such Property Tax attributable to the Pre-Closing Tax Period of such Straddle Period shall be deemed to be the amount of such Property Tax for the entire Straddle Period, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in such Straddle Period ending on and including the Closing Date, and the denominator of which is the number of total days in the entire Straddle Period; and
(b)      in the case of any Tax that is based on income, sales, revenue, production or similar items, or other Taxes that are not Property Taxes, the amount of any such Tax that is attributable to the Pre-Closing Tax Period of such Straddle Period shall be determined based on an interim closing of the books as of and including the Closing Date.
8.2      Final Federal Partnership Returns . The Sellers shall, at their own cost and expense, prepare or cause to be prepared (in a manner consistent with past custom and practice except as otherwise required by Law), and timely file or cause to be timely filed, (i) the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Forms 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income, of PBS Holdings and PRE Wildcat Holdings for the taxable period ending on the Closing Date (the “ Final Federal Partnership Returns ”). The Sellers shall deliver a copy of the Final Federal Partnership Return, together with all supporting documentation and workpapers, to

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Buyer for Buyer’s review and reasonable comments at least 30 prior to the due date for filing the Final Federal Partnership Returns. If Buyer has any reasonable comments to the Final Federal Partnership Returns, Buyer shall, at least five days prior to the due date for filing the Final Federal Partnership Returns, notify the Sellers’ Representative of any such comments, and the Sellers shall incorporate or cause to be incorporated any such comments into the Final Federal Partnership Returns that is filed with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Notwithstanding anything contained in this agreement to the contrary, as a protective matter, PBS Holdings shall make an election under Section 754 of the Code on the Final Federal Partnership Returns.
8.3      Transfer Taxes . All transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration, recording, value added and other such Taxes incurred in connection with consummation of the Transactions (“ Transfer Taxes ”) are to be borne one-half by the Buyer and one-half by the Sellers. The Buyer shall prepare and cause to be filed any and all Tax Returns and other documentation relating to Transfer Taxes shall be prepared and caused to be filed by the Buyer, and the Sellers shall cooperate in the preparation and filing of any such Tax Returns. All costs attributable to preparation and filing of any such Tax Returns shall be borne one-half by the Buyer and one-half by the Sellers. Each Party agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate, reduce or eliminate any Transfer Taxes.
8.4      Cooperation . Each of Buyer and the Sellers shall, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to, cooperate fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested by the other, in connection with the filing of Tax Returns of or with respect to the Acquired Entities and any Proceeding in respect of Taxes of or with respect to the Acquired Entities. Such cooperation shall include the retention and (upon the request of the other party) the provision of records and information that are reasonably relevant to any such Tax Returns or Proceeding and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder. Each Seller agrees to, and agrees to cause its Affiliates to, (i) retain all books and records in its possession with respect to Tax matters relating to the Acquired Entities for any Tax period beginning on or before the Closing Date until the expiration of the statute of limitations of the Tax periods to which such Tax Returns and other documents relate, without regard to extensions except to the extent notified by Buyer in writing of such extensions for the respective Tax periods, and (ii) to give Buyer reasonable written notice prior to transferring, destroying or discarding any such books and records and, if Buyer so requests, to allow Buyer to take possession of such books and records. A Seller shall give prompt written notice to Buyer if such Seller (or any Affiliate of such Seller) receives any communication or notice with respect to any Proceeding relating to the Taxes of or attributable to the Acquired Entities that, if pursued successfully, could result in or give rise to, or could reasonably be expected to result in or give rise to, Liability of Buyer, the Acquired Entities or any of their Affiliates for Taxes. Each of Buyer and the Sellers further agrees, upon request, to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any certificate or other document from any Governmental Authority or any other Person as may be necessary to mitigate, reduce or eliminate any Tax that could be imposed on any party (or its Affiliates), including with respect to the Transactions.
ARTICLE 9     
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
9.1      Condition to Obligations of All Parties . The obligations of each of Buyer and the Sellers to consummate the Transactions shall be subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of the condition that the consummation of the Transactions shall not be restrained, enjoined or prohibited by any Order and there shall not have been any Law enacted, promulgated or deemed applicable to the Transactions by any Governmental Authority that prevents the consummation of the Transactions or has the effect of making such consummation thereof illegal.


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9.2      Conditions to Obligations of Buyer . The obligations of Buyer to consummate the Transactions shall be subject to the fulfillment or Buyer’s waiver, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:
(a)      the representations and warranties of the Sellers contained in Article 4 and Article 5 (other than the representations and warranties contained in Section ‎5.7 (Company Contracts) with respect to any Contract other than the Sand Purchase Contract, the truth or accuracy of which Contracts (other than the Sand Purchase Contract) shall not be a condition to Buyer’s obligations to consummate the Transactions) shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, provided , however , that with respect to any representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality or “Company Material Adverse Effect,” or similar references, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date;
(b)      the Sellers shall have duly performed and complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it prior to or on the Closing Date; provided , that, with respect to agreements and covenants that are qualified by materiality, the Sellers shall have performed such agreements and covenants in all respects;
(c)      Buyer shall have received a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date and signed by each of the Sellers, that each of the conditions set forth in Sections 9.2(a) and 9.2(b) have been satisfied;
(d)      the Sellers shall have delivered, or caused the delivery of, all the certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents required to be delivered to Buyer pursuant to Section 3.1 ;
(e)      the Seller shall have caused the Acquired Entities to have $0.00 in cash and cash equivalents and no Indebtedness, other than the Underwood Notes and the PRE Notes, which shall be repaid contemporaneously with or immediately after the Closing with the proceeds of the Cash Purchase Price.
(f)      the Title Commitment shall remain in effect as of the Closing Date;
(g)      no Proceeding shall have been commenced or threatened against Buyer, any of the Sellers or the Acquired Entities, which shall seek to restrain, prohibit or invalidate the Transactions, provided such Proceeding is not disclosed in this Agreement. No injunction or restraining order shall have been issued by any Governmental Authority, and be in effect, which restrains or prohibits any of the Transactions;
(h)      all approvals, consents and waivers that are listed on Schedule 5.4 shall have been received, and executed counterparts thereof (where applicable) shall have been delivered to Buyer at or prior to the Closing; and
(i)      from the date of this Agreement, there shall not have occurred any Company Material Adverse Effect, nor shall any event or events have occurred that, individually or in the aggregate, with or without the lapse of time, could reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect; and
(j)      Buyer shall have completed a public offering of common units from its shelf registration statement producing net proceeds sufficient to pay at least the Cash Purchase Price.



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9.3      Conditions to Obligations of the Sellers . The obligations of the Sellers to consummate the Transactions shall be subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the Sellers’ Representative, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:
(a)      the representations and warranties of Buyer contained in Article 6 shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, provided , that, with respect to any representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality, “Buyer Material Adverse Effect,” or similar references, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date;
(b)      Buyer shall have duly performed and complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it prior to or on the Closing Date;
(c)      the Sellers’ Representative shall have received a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date and signed by a duly authorized officer of Buyer, that each of the conditions set forth in Sections 9.3(a) and 9.3(b) have been satisfied;
(d)      no Proceeding shall have been commenced or threatened against Buyer, which shall seek to restrain, prohibit or invalidate the Transactions; and
(e)      Buyer shall have delivered, or caused the delivery of, all the funds, certificates, instruments, agreements and other documents required to be delivered to the Seller pursuant to Section 3.2 .
9.4      Frustration of Closing Conditions . Neither Buyer nor the Sellers may rely on the failure of any condition set forth in this Article 9 to be satisfied if such failure was caused by such party’s bad faith actions or such party’s breach of this Agreement, including such party’s failure to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Closing to occur in accordance with Section 7.8 and Section 7.12 .
ARTICLE 10
TERMINATION
10.1      Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:
(a)      by the mutual written consent of Buyer and the Sellers’ Representative;
(b)      by Buyer or the Sellers’ Representative by written notice to the other if the Closing does not occur on or before March 31, 2017 (the “ End Date ”); provided , however , that the right to terminate this Agreement under this clause (b) shall not be available to any party whose material breach of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement under this Agreement has been the cause of or resulted in the failure of the Closing to occur on or before such date;
(c)      by Buyer by written notice to the Sellers’ Representative if Buyer is not then in material breach of any provision of this Agreement and there has been a breach, inaccuracy in or failure to perform any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by any Seller pursuant to this Agreement that would give rise to the failure of any of Buyer’s conditions specified in Section 9.1 or 9.2 , and such breach, inaccuracy or failure cannot be cured by the Sellers by the End Date;



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(d)      by the Sellers’ Representative by written notice to Buyer if no Seller is then in material breach of any provision of this Agreement and there has been a breach, inaccuracy in or failure to perform any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement that would give rise to the failure of any of the Seller’s conditions specified in Section 9.1 or 9.3 and such breach, inaccuracy or failure cannot be cured by Buyer by the End Date;
(e)      as described in Section 10.2(b) ; or
(f)      by Buyer or the Sellers’ Representative if (i) there shall be any Law that makes consummation of the Transactions illegal or otherwise prohibited, or (ii) any Governmental Authority shall have issued an Order permanently restraining or enjoining the Transactions and such Order shall have become final and non-appealable.
10.2      Effect of Termination .
(a)      In the event of termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 10.1 , this Agreement shall immediately become void and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of Buyer (other than pursuant to Section 10.2(b) ) or the Sellers or their respective officers, directors, stockholders or Affiliates; provided , however , that the provisions of Sections 7.4 (Confidentiality), 7.5 (No Public Announcement) and 10.3 (Remedies), and Article 13 shall remain in full force and effect and survive any termination of this Agreement. In addition, if this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 10.1 , Buyer and the Sellers agree that the term of the Confidentiality Agreement shall be extended for a period of one year from the date of such termination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no such termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 10.1 shall prevent or restrict any party’s right to assert claims under this Agreement or recover Losses for breaches of representations, warranties and covenants prior to such termination.
(b)      If the condition set forth in Section 9.2(j) has not been satisfied on or prior to the Financing Date (unless such failure occurs during or follows the New York Stock Exchange’s cessation of all equity trading for two consecutive trading days) and all other conditions set forth in Sections ‎9.1 and ‎9.2 have been satisfied or waived as of the Financing Date (excluding conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing; provided that such conditions are capable of being satisfied as of the Closing Date) and Buyer does not satisfy its obligation to close the Transactions at such time, then Buyer shall pay to the Sellers $10,000,000 (the “ Termination Fee ”), by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Sellers’ Representative, no later than five Business Days after the Financing Date. The Sellers and the Acquired Entities agree that if the Termination Fee is actually paid, then this Agreement shall automatically terminate and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, prior to the Closing, the remedy provided for in the prior sentence shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Sellers and the Acquired Entities against Buyer for, and in no event will the Sellers and the Acquired Entities seek to recover any other money damages or seek any other remedy based on a claim in law or equity with respect to, (i) any Losses suffered as a result of the failure of the Closing to be consummated, (ii) the termination of this Agreement, (iii) any Liabilities or obligations arising under this Agreement, or (iv) any claims or Proceedings arising out of or relating to any breach, termination or failure of Buyer under this Agreement. Each of the parties further acknowledges that the payment of the Termination Fee by Buyer is not a penalty, but in each case is liquidated damages in a reasonable amount that will compensate the Sellers and the Acquired Entities in the circumstances in which such fees are payable for the efforts and resources expended and the opportunities foregone while negotiating this Agreement and in reliance on this Agreement and on the expectation of the consummation of the Transactions, which amount would otherwise be impossible to calculate with precision.


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10.3      Remedies . Except as provided in Section 10.2(b) , any party hereto terminating this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1 shall have, in addition to all other remedies available hereunder and under applicable Law, the right to recover Losses sustained by such party as a result of any bad faith intentional breach by the other party of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or for Fraud; provided , however , that the party seeking relief is not in breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement under circumstances which would have permitted the other party to terminate the Agreement under Section 10.1 .

ARTICLE 11
INDEMNIFICATION

11.1      Survival Periods .
(a)      The representations and warranties of Sellers and Buyer contained in this Agreement will survive until the date that is 60 days following the expiration of the statute of limitations otherwise applicable thereto. The provisions of this Section 11.1(a) are intended by the parties to extend or shorten, as the case may be, the otherwise applicable statute of limitations for claims in respect of any breach of the representations and warranties of Sellers and Buyer in this Agreement.
(b)      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article 11 , (i) any claim for indemnification hereunder that is pending prior to the expiration of such representation, warranty, covenant or agreement upon which such claim is based may continue to be asserted and indemnified against until finally resolved and (ii) no Indemnifying Party shall have any liability to any Indemnified Party under this Article 11 for and with respect to any inaccuracies in or breaches of representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, as applicable, unless notice of such claim with respect thereto has been furnished to the Sellers on prior to the expiration date thereof in accordance with Section 11.4 .
11.2      Indemnification .
(a)      On the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations contained in this Article 11 , the Sellers shall, severally and jointly, indemnify and hold harmless Buyer and its officers, directors, managers, partners, employees, agents, representatives, stockholders, members and Affiliates (each, a “ Buyer Indemnified Party ”) from and against any and all Losses arising from: (i) any inaccuracies in or any breach of any representation or warranty of any Seller contained in Article 5 ; (ii) any fraud (“ Fraud Claims ”) by any Seller; and (iii) for a period of six years after the Closing Date, any and all Liabilities of the Acquired Entities existing, or arising out of facts or events, circumstances or matters existing, on or prior to the Closing Date, other than the Covered Liabilities, including, without limitation, any and all (A) Taxes (or the non-payment thereof) of, or attributable to, the Acquired Entities or the Owned Real Property for any Pre-Closing Tax Period (in the case of any Straddle Period, determined in the manner set forth in Section 8.1 ); (B) to the extent not otherwise covered in (A), Taxes arising from the payment of any Selling Expenses; (C) Taxes for which the Acquired Entities becomes liable by reason of (1) being a member of an affiliated, combined, consolidated, unitary, or aggregate group at any time prior to the Closing, including pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 or any analogous or similar provision under any state, local or foreign Tax law, (2) being a successor-in-interest or transferee of any other Person, Contract, any Law, or otherwise, which Taxes relate to an event or transaction occurring prior to Closing, or (3) having an express or implied obligation to indemnify any other Person under any Tax sharing, allocation or indemnity agreement, arrangement or similar Contract that was executed or in effect at any time prior to Closing; and (D) Sellers’ share of Transfer Taxes as set forth in Section 8.3 .


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(b)      Each Seller shall be solely and individually responsible for and indemnify and hold harmless the Buyer Indemnified Parties from and against any and all Losses arising from: (i) any inaccuracies in or any breach of any representation or warranty of such Seller (and not of any other Seller) contained in Article 4 ; and (ii) any breach of the covenants or agreements of such Seller (and not of any other Seller) contained in this Agreement.
(c)      Buyer shall indemnify and hold harmless Sellers and their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, stockholders, members and Affiliates (each, a “ Seller Indemnified Party ”) from and against any and all Losses based upon, arising out of or otherwise in respect of: (i) any inaccuracies in or any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Buyer contained in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; (ii) Buyer’s or its agents’ access to and inspection of the Owned Real Property pursuant to Section 7.2 ; and (iii) any fraud by Buyer.
(d)      For purposes of this Article 11 , any inaccuracy in or breach of any representation or warranty shall be determined without regard to any materiality, Company Material Adverse Effect or other similar qualification contained in or otherwise applicable to such representation or warranty.
11.3      Limitations .
(a)      Cap . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article 11 , (i) the Sellers shall not be liable in the aggregate to Buyer under Sections 11.2(a) (i) and 11.2(a) (iii) in excess of the Purchase Price, and (ii) no Seller shall individually be liable to Buyer under Section 11.2(b) in excess of the portion of the Purchase Price actually received by such Seller, in each case other than with respect to Fraud Claims, which shall not be subject to the foregoing limitations.
(b)      Losses Net of Insurance Proceeds . If an Indemnified Party reasonably determines that any Loss that gives rise to the right to receive indemnification hereunder is covered by insurance, then such Indemnified Party shall file a claim thereunder, and use commercially reasonable efforts to prosecute such claim, and the amount of any Losses otherwise recoverable under this Article 11 shall be reduced by the amount of such proceeds actually received by the Indemnified Party or Affiliate thereof (net of any costs reasonably incurred to obtain such insurance proceeds) (such net amount, a “ Net Insurance Recovery ”). If an Indemnified Party or any of its Affiliates actually receives any such insurance proceeds after such Indemnified Party is indemnified with respect to all or a portion of any Losses under this Article 11 , such Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Indemnifying Party and pay to such Indemnifying Party the amount of the Net Insurance Recovery with respect to such Losses.
11.4      Indemnification Procedures .
(a)      Third Party Claims .
(i)      If any Person entitled to indemnification under this Agreement (an “ Indemnified Party ”) receives notice of the assertion of any claim or of the commencement of any Proceeding by any Person who is not a party hereto or an Affiliate of a party hereto (a “ Third Party Claim ”) against such Indemnified Party, with respect to which a party hereto is or may be required to provide indemnification under this Agreement (an “ Indemnifying Party ”), the Indemnified Party shall promptly give written notice regarding such claim, including a reasonably detailed description of the Third Party Claim, the breach of this Agreement giving rise to the applicable indemnification obligations of the Indemnifying Party, copies of all written correspondence, notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnified Party relating to such Third Party Claim, and to the extent reasonably ascertainable, the estimated amount of Losses that the Indemnified Party has suffered or is reasonably likely

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to suffer, in respect of such Third Party Claim (a “ Claims Notice ”), to the Indemnifying Party within 30 days after becoming aware of such claim. Thereafter, the Indemnified Party shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party, promptly following receipt thereof, copies of all correspondence, notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnified Party relating to such Third Party Claim, to the extent any such documents are not privileged or subject to obligations of confidentiality. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right, which shall be exercised by delivering written notice to the Indemnified Party (the “ Defense Notice ”) within 30 days after receipt from the Indemnified Party of a Claims Notice, which Defense Notice shall specify the counsel it will appoint to defend such claim, to conduct at its expense the defense against such claim in its own name, or if necessary in the name of the Indemnified Party; provided , however , that the Indemnified Party shall have the right to approve such defense counsel, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. An Indemnifying Party’s delivery of a Defense Notice shall constitute an acceptance of its obligation hereunder to indemnify the Indemnified Party with respect to all Losses, if any, resulting from the subject Third Party Claim. A failure by an Indemnified Party to give timely, complete or accurate notice as provided in this Section 11.4(a)(i) will not affect the rights or obligations of any Indemnified Party except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is prejudiced thereby (so long as a valid Claims Notice is given before the expiration of the applicable period set forth in Section 11.1 ).
(ii)      If the Indemnifying Party shall fail to give a Defense Notice within the required 30-day period set forth in Section 11.4(a)(i) , it shall be deemed to have elected not to conduct the defense of the subject claim, and in such event the Indemnified Party shall have the right, at the Indemnifying Party’s expense (to the extent indemnifiable hereunder), to conduct the defense in good faith and appoint defense counsel and to consent to the entry of any judgment or compromise and settle the Third Party Claim in good faith without prior consent of the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right at its expense to participate in such defense assisted by counsel of its own choosing, and, for purposes of clarity, the Indemnifying Party shall not be deemed to have accepted, or waived any rights or defenses with respect to, any liability for or with respect to any claim for which indemnification is sought hereunder as a result of any failure to deliver a Defense Notice within the required 30-day period set forth in Section 11.4(a)(i) .
(iii)      If the Indemnifying Party does deliver a Defense Notice within the required 30-day period set forth in Section 11.4(a)(i) and thereby elects to conduct the defense of the subject Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall conduct the defense in good faith at its expense and shall have the right to consent to the entry of any judgment or compromise and settle the Third Party Claim in good faith without prior consent of the Indemnified Party; provided , however , that no Indemnifying Party shall consent to the entry of any judgment or compromise or enter into any settlement without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party if: (i) such judgment or settlement does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by each claimant or plaintiff to each Indemnified Party of a full release from all Liability in respect to such Third Party Claim, (ii) such judgment or settlement would result in the finding or admission of any violation of any Law, (iii) such judgment or settlement would impose Liability on the part of the Indemnified Party for which the Indemnified Party is not indemnified hereunder (other than customary confidentiality obligations), or (iv) as a result of such judgment or settlement, injunctive or other equitable or similar relief would be imposed against any Indemnified Party or such judgment or settlement could reasonably be expected to interfere with or adversely affect any Indemnified Party’s business or operations as conducted in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. The Indemnified Party shall have the right at its expense to participate in such defense assisted by counsel of its own choosing.
(iv)      All of the parties shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Third Party Claim in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder and Buyer and each Seller shall (and Buyer shall cause the Acquired Entities to) furnish such records, information and testimony, attend such conferences, discovery proceedings, hearings, trials and appeals, and make such employees available on a

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mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any relevant material, in each case as may be reasonably requested in connection therewith.
(b)      Direct Claims . If any claim for indemnification hereunder involves a matter other than a Third-Party Claim (a “ Direct Claim ”), the Indemnified Party shall promptly deliver a Claims Notice to an Indemnifying Party requesting indemnification and specifying the basis on which indemnification is sought and the amount of asserted Losses. The failure by any Indemnified Party to notify the Indemnifying Party promptly (so long as a valid Claims Notice is given before the expiration of the applicable period set forth in Section 11.1 ) shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability that it may have to such Indemnified Party under Section 11.2 except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is prejudiced thereby. The Indemnifying Party shall have 30 days to object to such Direct Claim by delivery of a written notice of such objection to the Indemnified Party specifying in reasonable detail the basis for such objection. No action shall be taken in respect of such Direct Claim by the Indemnified Party until the expiration of such 30-day response period unless waiting until the expiration of such period will reasonably materially harm such Indemnified Party’s ability to recover for such Direct Claim; provided , however , that this limitation shall not apply to any action by the Indemnified Party seeking an injunction, a permanent or temporary restraining order or any other form of equitable relief. Failure to timely so object shall constitute a final and binding acceptance of the Direct Claim by the Indemnifying Party. If an objection is timely interposed by the Indemnifying Party, then the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party shall negotiate in good faith for a period of 30 days from the date the Indemnified Party receives such objection (the “ Negotiation Period ”). After the Negotiation Period, if the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party still do not agree on the resolution of a Direct Claim, either the Indemnifying Party or the Indemnified Party may submit the dispute concerning such Direct Claim for judicial resolution as provided in Section 13.10 .
(c)      Final Judgments; Purchase Price Adjustment . Any final judgment entered or settlement agreed upon pursuant to and in accordance with this Article 11 shall be binding upon the Indemnifying Party, and shall conclusively be deemed to be an obligation with respect to which the Indemnified Party is entitled to prompt indemnification hereunder. All indemnification payments under this Article 11 shall be deemed adjustments to the Purchase Price.
11.5      Exclusive Remedy .
(a)      Exclusive Remedy . Other than as set forth in Section 13.8 (Specific Performance) and Section 7.6 (Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation), or with respect to any claim for Fraud, each party acknowledges and agrees that from and after the Closing, its sole and exclusive remedy with respect to any and all claims against another party for any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation set forth herein or otherwise relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, regardless of the manner in which such claim is characterized or pleaded (i.e. whether such claim is characterized or pleaded as arising in tort, breach of contract, strict liability, indemnification, or otherwise) shall be pursuant to the indemnification provisions set forth in this Article 11 . In furtherance of the foregoing, from and after the Closing, each party hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, any and all rights, claims and causes of action for any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or obligation set forth herein or otherwise relating to the subject matter of this Agreement it may have against the other parties hereto and their Affiliates and each of their respective Representatives arising under or based upon any applicable Law, except pursuant to the indemnification provisions set forth under this Agreement, as set forth in Section 13.8 (Specific Performance) and Section 7.6 (Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation), or with respect to any Fraud Claim.
11.6      Contribution among Sellers . As among the Sellers, but without otherwise limiting any obligation of any Seller to any Buyer Indemnified Party under this Article 11 , with respect to Losses for

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which any Buyer Indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification under Section 11.2(a) , (a) PRE III shall be solely responsible for any such Losses to the extent they relate solely to PRE Wildcat Holdings, its assets, Liabilities or operations, (b) each Seller shall be solely responsible for any such Losses to the extent they relate solely to his or its own fraud, and (c) to the extent any other Seller actually pays any Buyer Indemnified Party any amount in respect of the Losses described in (a) and (b) of this Section 11.6 , the Seller responsible for such Losses under this Section 11.6 shall promptly reimburse such other Seller for the amount of such payment and shall indemnify such other Seller against any reasonable costs and expenses actually incurred by such other Seller in connection with any indemnification claim by any Buyer Indemnified Party against such other Seller in respect of such Losses.

ARTICLE 12
SELLER MATTERS

12.1      Sellers’ Representative .
(a)      Each Seller hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints Platte River Equity III, L.P. as such Seller’s true, lawful and sole agent and attorney-in-fact to act for and on behalf of such Seller in all matters relating to or arising out of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, including (i) receiving all demands and notices on or with respect to such Seller under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, (ii) taking any action or refraining from taking any action as Sellers’ Representative may deem appropriate in its discretion relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, (iii) executing and delivering the Lockup and Registration Rights Agreement, Escrow Agreement and any other Ancillary Agreements, any amendment to this Agreement or such Ancillary Agreements, and all other instruments and documents of every kind incident to or otherwise relating to this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, (iv) directing any payments due from Buyer authorizing the delivery to Buyer of all or any portion of the funds from the Escrow Account, (v) taking any action on behalf of Sellers or any individual Seller that may be necessary or desirable, as determined by Sellers’ Representative in its sole discretion, in connection with negotiating or entering into settlements, resolutions and compromises with respect to indemnification claims of the Buyer Indemnified Parties, (vi) accepting notices on behalf of Sellers or any individual Seller in accordance with Section 13.7 , (vii) granting any consent or approval on behalf of Sellers or any individual Seller under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, (viii) authorizing distribution of the Additional Real Property Purchase Price, (ix) taking all actions on behalf of each Seller pursuant to this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement to which such Seller is a party and (x) taking all actions necessary or appropriate in the judgment of Sellers’ Representative for the accomplishment of the foregoing. Each Seller shall be fully bound by the acts, decisions and agreements of Sellers’ Representative taken and done pursuant to the authority herein granted, and such Seller hereby confirms all that Sellers’ Representative shall do or cause to be done by virtue of its appointment as Sellers’ Representative. The appointment of Sellers’ Representative pursuant to this Section 12.1 (x) is coupled with an interest, shall be irrevocable and (to the maximum extent permitted by Law) shall survive the dissolution, termination, death, incompetency or bankruptcy of any Seller and shall be binding on such Seller’s beneficiaries, heirs, representatives and successors and (y) may be exercised by Sellers’ Representative by signing separately as Sellers’ Representative for each Seller or, after listing all Sellers executing an instrument, by signing as Sellers’ Representative for all of them. Buyer and all other Persons may conclusively and absolutely rely, without inquiry, upon any action of Sellers’ Representative in all matters referred to in this Agreement.
(b)      Each Seller hereby agrees to indemnify and to save and hold harmless Sellers’ Representative from any liability incurred by Sellers’ Representative based upon or arising out of any act, whether of omission or commission, of Sellers’ Representative pursuant to the authority herein granted, other than acts, whether of omission or commission, of Sellers’ Representative that constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct in the exercise by Sellers’ Representative of the authority granted by this Section 12.1 .

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Sellers’ Representative shall be entitled to rely on the advice of counsel, accountants or other independent experts experienced in the matter at issue, and any error in judgment or other act or omission of Sellers’ Representative pursuant to such advice shall in no event subject Sellers’ Representative to liability to any Seller.
(c)      Sellers’ Representative, or any successor hereafter appointed, may resign and shall be discharged of his, her or its duties hereunder upon the appointment of a successor Sellers’ Representative, as hereinafter provided. In case of such resignation, or in the event of the death or inability to act of Sellers’ Representative, a successor may be named by Sellers representing a majority of the Closing Percentages. Each such successor Sellers’ Representative shall have all the power, authority, rights and privileges hereby conferred upon the original Sellers’ Representative, and the term “Sellers’ Representative” as used herein shall be deemed to include any such successor Sellers’ Representative.
(d)      In connection with the performance of its responsibilities as Sellers’ Representative under this Agreement, Sellers’ Representative shall have the right at any time and from time to time to select and engage, at the cost and expense of Sellers (based on each Seller’s Closing Percentage), such attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, advisors, consultants and clerical personnel and obtain such other professional and expert assistance, as Sellers’ Representative determines is necessary or desirable.
(e)      Unless otherwise agreed in writing by each Seller, Sellers’ Representative shall not be entitled to any compensation for the performance of services under this Agreement, but shall be entitled, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, to payment or reimbursement of all expenses incurred as Sellers’ Representative. A decision, act, consent or instruction of the Sellers’ Representative constitutes a decision of all the Sellers and is final, binding and conclusive upon the Sellers, and Buyer may rely upon any such decision, act, consent or instruction of the Sellers’ Representative as being the decision, act, consent or instruction of the Sellers. Buyer is hereby relieved from any Liability to any Person for any acts done or omissions by Buyer in accordance with such decision, act, consent or instruction of the Sellers’ Representative. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Buyer is entitled to rely, without inquiry, upon any document delivered by the Sellers’ Representative as being genuine and correct and having been duly signed or sent by the Sellers’ Representative.
(f)      Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Seller hereby agrees that Buyer shall have no responsibility to see to the payment of any amounts due to a Seller under this Agreement to the appropriate Seller, its sole responsibility being to make any such payments to such accounts as are specified in writing by the Sellers’ Representative.

ARTICLE 13
MISCELLANEOUS

13.1      Expenses . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each of the parties shall bear their respective expenses incurred or to be incurred in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the completion of the Transactions. For the avoidance of doubt, Sellers shall be responsible for all Selling Expenses.
13.2      No Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned or delegated, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise by any of the parties without the prior written consent of the Sellers’ Representative and Buyer, and any such assignment without such prior written consent shall be null and void. No assignment shall release the assigning party of its obligations or liabilities under this Agreement. Subject to the preceding sentences, this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the parties and their

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respective successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the above, Buyer may, without the consent of Sellers, assign its rights under this Agreement to (i) any Affiliate of Buyer or (ii) any lender of Buyer, as collateral security for indebtedness due and owing by Buyer or the Acquired Entities to such lender, provided that in each case specified in clause (i) and (ii) of this sentence, Buyer shall remain directly liable to the Sellers for all of Buyer’s obligations or liabilities under this Agreement.
13.3      Amendment and Waiver . This Agreement may only be amended by an instrument in writing signed by Buyer and the Sellers’ Representative on behalf of Sellers. No breach of any provision hereof shall be deemed waived unless expressly waived in writing by the party hereto who may assert such breach. Without limiting the generality or effect of the preceding sentence, no delay in exercising any right under this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of such right, and no waiver of any breach or default shall be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default of the same or any other provision of this Agreement.
13.4      Headings and Captions . The headings and captions contained in this Agreement are included for purposes of convenience only, and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any term or provision contained herein.
13.5      Integration, Modification and Waiver . This Agreement, together with the Exhibits, schedules, Disclosure Schedules and certificates or other instruments and agreements (including the Ancillary Agreements and the Confidentiality Agreement) delivered under or in connection with this Agreement: (i) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes all prior understandings of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and (ii) are not intended to confer, and shall not be construed as conferring, upon any Person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder; provided , however , that the Buyer Indemnified Parties and the Seller Indemnified Parties are intended third-party beneficiaries of Article 11 . None of the parties is relying upon any statement or representation of the other party except as expressly set forth herein, and each party is relying on its own judgment in connection with the execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
13.6      Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced under any Law or as a matter of public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties to this Agreement shall use reasonable efforts to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the Transactions be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.
13.7      Notices . All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person, (b) when dispatched by electronic facsimile transfer or electronic mail (with a confirmation report or other reliable confirmation that the transmission or message was received), (c) one Business Day after having been dispatched by a nationally recognized overnight courier service or (d) five Business Days after being sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the appropriate party at the address or facsimile number specified below:
If to Sellers or the Acquired Entities (prior to the Closing), to the Sellers’ Representative :
Platte River Equity III, L.P.
200 Fillmore Street, Suite 200
Denver, Colorado 80206

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Attn: Peter W. Calamari
E-mail: pcalamari@platteriverequity.com
with a copy to :
Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott LLP
1899 Wynkoop Street, Suite 800
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attn: M. Robert Morrill
E-mail: robert.morrill@bartlit-beck.com
If to the Acquired Entities (after the Closing) or Buyer :
Hi-Crush Partners LP
Three Riverway, Suite 1350
Houston, Texas 77056
Attention: General Counsel
Facsimile No.: (713) 963-0088
Telephone No.: (713) 980-6200
Email: MSkolos@hicrush.com
with a copy to :
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
Fulbright Tower
1301 McKinney, Suite 5100
Houston, TX 77010-3095
Attention: Edward Rhyne
Facsimile No.: (713) 651-5246
Telephone No.: (713) 651-8334
Email: Edward.Rhyne@nortonrosefulbright.com
Any party may change its mailing or electronic mail address or facsimile number for the purposes of this Section 13.7 by giving notice as provided in this Agreement.
13.8      Specific Performance . The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at Law or in equity.
13.9      Governing Law . This Agreement will be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of law. Any Proceeding among the parties or any Indemnified Parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the Transactions shall be instituted exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Houston, Texas, and each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such Proceeding. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any Proceeding in such courts and irrevocably waive and agree not to plead or claim in any such court that any such Proceeding in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Notwithstanding the


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foregoing, any action for specific performance or other injunctive relief permitted under this Agreement may be instituted in any court that exercises appropriate jurisdiction over such action and the parties thereto.
13.10      Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER IN THE EVENT OF A LEGAL ACTION, (II) SUCH PARTY HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (III) SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (IV) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 13.10 .
13.11      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement. Any party to this Agreement may deliver an executed counterpart hereof and of any of the Ancillary Agreements by facsimile transmission or electronic mail (as a portable document format (PDF) file) to another party hereto or thereto and any such delivery shall have the same force and effect as the delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement or such Ancillary Agreement (as applicable). Minor variations in the form of the signature page, including footers from earlier versions of this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any such other document, shall be disregarded in determining the party’s intent or the effectiveness of such signature.
13.12      No Third Party Beneficiaries . Except as provided in Article 11 , this Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person or entity any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
13.13      Disclosure Schedules . The specification of any dollar amount in the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or the inclusion of any specific item in the Disclosure Schedules is not intended to imply that such amounts (or higher or lower amounts) or such items are or are not material, and no party shall use the fact of the setting of such amounts or the fact of the inclusion of any such item in the Disclosure Schedules in any dispute, claim or controversy as to whether any obligation, item or matter not described herein or included in the Disclosure Schedules is or is not material for purposes of this Agreement. Any item of information, matter or document disclosed or referenced in, or attached to, the Disclosure Schedules shall not (a) be used as a basis for interpreting the terms “material,” “Material Adverse Effect” or other similar terms in this Agreement or to establish a standard of materiality, (b) represent a determination that such item or matter did not arise in the ordinary course of business or (c) constitute, or be deemed to constitute, an admission to any third party concerning such item or matter. Any information, item or other disclosure set forth in any part of the Disclosure Schedules shall be deemed to have been set forth in all other applicable parts of the Disclosure Schedules and shall be deemed to be disclosed and incorporated by reference in any other part of the Disclosure Schedules as though fully set forth in such part of the Disclosure Schedules to the extent the relevance of such matter to such section is reasonably apparent on its face.


36




13.14      Conflict of Interest; Attorney-Client Privilege .
(a)      Each of the parties hereby agrees, notwithstanding any prior representation of PRE III, PBS PRE III-B Holdings and the Acquired Entities by Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott LLP (“ Bartlit Beck ”), that Bartlit Beck may serve as counsel to the Sellers, the Sellers’ Representative and their respective agents, successors and Affiliates in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions. Following consummation of the Transactions, if PRE III, PBS PRE III-B Holdings or the Sellers’ Representative so desires, and without the need for any further consent or waiver by Buyer, the Acquired Entities or their respective Affiliates, Bartlit Beck may serve as counsel to the Sellers, the Sellers’ Representative and their respective agents, successors and Affiliates in connection with any matter, including any matter related to the Transactions or any Proceeding or controversy relating thereto. In the event of any conflict or dispute between the Sellers or the Sellers’ Representative or any of their agents, successors and Affiliates on the one hand, and Buyer, the Acquired Entities or any of their respective agents, successors or Affiliates on the other, in which the legal interests of the relevant parties are not aligned, Buyer and the Acquired Entities, on their own behalf and on behalf of their Affiliates, hereby consent to Bartlit Beck’s continued and future representation of the Sellers or the Sellers’ Representative or any of their agents, successors and Affiliates and agree not to assert any such conflict of interest or that Bartlit Beck is barred by any attorney-client privilege, attorney work-product or other similar applicable privilege, protection or expectation of client confidence from disclosing to the Sellers or their Affiliates any information acquired by Bartlit Beck in the course of its representation of the Acquired Entities before the Closing Date, or to seek to disqualify Bartlit Beck from representing the Sellers or the Sellers’ Representative or any of their agents, successors and Affiliates, notwithstanding any adversity that may develop. Without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding sentence, after the Closing, Bartlit Beck is permitted to represent the Sellers, Sellers’ Representative, any of their agents, successors and Affiliates, or any one or more of them, in connection with any negotiation or transaction or any dispute, claim or controversy (including any Proceeding) with Buyer, the Acquired Entities or any of their respective agents, successors or Affiliates under or relating to this Agreement, the Transactions and any related matter, including claims for indemnification under this Agreement.
(b)      From and after the Closing Date, the Acquired Entities shall cease to have any attorney-client relationship with Bartlit Beck. Buyer and the Acquired Entities covenant from and after the Closing Date not to disclose or use (and to cause their Affiliates not to disclose or use) in any dispute or Proceeding adverse to the interests of the Sellers or the Sellers’ Representative or any of their agents, successors and Affiliates any communications made prior to the Closing between any of the Acquired Entities or any Seller or the Sellers’ Representative, on the one hand, and their external legal counsel (including Bartlit Beck), on the other hand, that were made in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution or delivery of, or performance under, this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (the “ Privileged Information ”). Buyer and the Acquired Entities further covenant to assert (and to cause their Affiliates to assert) in any such dispute or Proceeding any applicable attorney-client privilege with respect to the Privileged Information in the event Buyer, any of the Acquired Entities or any of their Affiliates is compelled to disclose the Privileged Information. The Parties acknowledge that Bartlit Beck has represented only PRE III, PBS PRE III-B Holdings and the Acquired Entities in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement, the Ancillary Documents and the Transactions, and that Bartlit Beck has not undertaken to represent, nor represented, any other Person in connection therewith.
[Signatures on the Following Page]

37




IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
BUYER :
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
By:    Hi-Crush GP, LLC, its General Partner


By: /s/ Robert E. Rasmus
Name: Robert E. Rasmus
Title: Chief Executive Officer


ACQUIRED ENTITIES :
PERMIAN BASIN SAND COMPANY, LLC

By: /s/ Authorized Person
Name: Authorized Person
Title: Authorized Officer
    
PERMIAN BASIN SAND HOLDINGS, LLC

By: /s/ Authorized Person
Name: Authorized Person
Title: Authorized Officer
    
PRE WILDCAT HOLDINGS, LLC

By: /s/ Authorized Person
Name: Authorized Person
Title: Authorized Officer
    
SELLERS :
PLATTE RIVER EQUITY III, L.P.
By:    Platte River Investors III, LLC, its General     Partner

By: /s/ Peter W. Calamari
Name: Peter W. Calamari
Title: Managing Director





Signature Page 1 of 2 to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement




PLATTE RIVER EQUITY III-A, L.P.
By:    Platte River Investors III, LLC, its General     Partner

By: /s/ Peter W. Calamari
Name: Peter W. Calamari
Title: Managing Director


PLATTE RIVER EQUITY III-AFFILIATES, L.P.
By:    Platte River Investors III, LLC, its General     Partner


By: /s/ Peter W. Calamari
Name: Peter W. Calamari
Title: Managing Director


PBS PRE III-B Holdings, LLC
By: /s/ Authorized Person
Name: Authorized Person
Title: Authorized Officer


/s/ Steven Herron                
Steven Herron

/s/ Peter Melcher                
Peter Melcher

/s/ Mark Smiens                
Mark Smiens
    
SELLERS’ REPRESENTATIVE:
PLATTE RIVER EQUITY III, L.P.
By:    Platte River Investors III, LLC, its General     Partner

By: /s/ Peter W. Calamari
Name: Peter W. Calamari
Title: Managing Director




Signature Page 2 of 2 to Membership Interest Purchase Agreement

Exhibit 10.2
Execution Version




CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT


by and among


HI-CRUSH PROPPANTS LLC,
HI-CRUSH AUGUSTA ACQUISITION CO. LLC
and

HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
dated as of

February 23, 2017









Exhibit 10.2
Execution Version

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
Section 1.1
Definitions
3

Section 1.2
Rules of Construction
10

 
 
 
ARTICLE II
CONTRIBUTION; CLOSING
Section 2.1
The Contribution Transactions
11

Section 2.2
The Closing
11

Section 2.3
Earnout
12

 
 
 
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
RELATING TO PROPPANTS
Section 3.1
Organization
14

Section 3.2
Authorization; Enforceability
14

Section 3.3
No Conflict
14

Section 3.4
Proppants Brokers’ Fees
15

Section 3.5
Proppants Credit Agreement
15

Section 3.6
Investment Intent
15

 
 
 
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
RELATING TO THE CONTRIBUTED ENTITIES
Section 4.1
Organization
16

Section 4.2
Capitalization
16

Section 4.3
Subsidiaries
17

Section 4.4
Financial Statements; Records; Undisclosed Liabilities
17

Section 4.5
Absence of Certain Changes
17

Section 4.6
Contracts
18

Section 4.7
Litigation
19

Section 4.8
Taxes
19

Section 4.9
Environmental Matters
20

Section 4.10
Legal Compliance; Permits
20

Section 4.11
Employees
20

Section 4.12
Reserve Engineer
20

Section 4.13
Title to Properties and Related Matters
21

Section 4.14
Insurance
22

Section 4.15
Brokers’ Fees
22


i


Exhibit 10.2
Execution Version

 
 
Page

ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO ACQUISITION CO.
Section 5.1
Organization of the Acquisition Co.
23

Section 5.2
Authorization; Enforceability
23

Section 5.3
No Conflict
23

Section 5.4
Litigation
24

Section 5.5
Acquisition Co.
24

 
 
 
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 6.1
Organization of the Partnership
24

Section 6.2
Authorization; Enforceability
24

Section 6.3
No Conflict
25

Section 6.4
Litigation
25

Section 6.5
Partnership Brokers’ Fees
25

 
 
 
ARTICLE VII
COVENANTS
Section 7.1
Conduct of Business
25

Section 7.2
Third Party Approvals
26

Section 7.3
Financing
27

 
 
 
ARTICLE VIII
TAX MATTERS
Section 8.1
Tax Returns
27

Section 8.2
Transfer Taxes
28

Section 8.3
Tax Indemnity
28

Section 8.4
Scope
29

 
 
 
ARTICLE IX
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS
Section 9.1
Conditions to the Obligations of Proppants
29

Section 9.2
Conditions to Obligations of Acquisition Co. and the Partnership
30

 
 
 
ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 10.1
Survival
31

Section 10.2
Indemnification
31

Section 10.3
Indemnification Procedures
32

Section 10.4
Additional Agreements Regarding Indemnification
34

Section 10.5
Waiver of Other Representations
36

Section 10.6
Consideration Adjustment
36


ii


Exhibit 10.2
Execution Version

 
 
Page

Section 10.7
Exclusive Remedy
36

 
 
 
ARTICLE XI
TERMINATION
Section 11.1
Termination
37

Section 11.2
Effect of Termination
37

 
 
 
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 12.1
Notices
37

Section 12.2
Assignment
38

Section 12.3
Rights of Third Parties
38

Section 12.4
Expense
38

Section 12.5
Counterparts
38

Section 12.6
Entire Agreement
39

Section 12.7
Disclosure Schedule
39

Section 12.8
Amendments
39

Section 12.9
Publicity
39

Section 12.10
Severability
39

Section 12.11
Governing Law; Jurisdiction
39




iii


Exhibit 10.2
Execution Version


Disclosure Schedule
Schedule 1.1(ii)    -    Proppants Knowledge
Schedule 1.1(iii)    -    Partnership Knowledge
Schedule 1.1(iv)    -    Permitted Liens
Schedule 3.3        -    Proppants Approvals
Schedule 3.4        -    Proppants Brokers’ Fees
Schedule 4.2(c)    -    Capitalization
Schedule 4.4(a)    -    Financial Statements
Schedule 4.4(b)    -    Undisclosed Liabilities
Schedule 4.5        -    Absence of Certain Changes
Schedule 4.6(c)    -    Enforceability of Material Contracts; No Defaults
Schedule 4.7        -    Litigation
Schedule 4.8        -    Taxes
Schedule 4.9        -    Environmental Matters
Schedule 4.13(a)(i)    -    Owned Real Property
Schedule 4.13(a)(ii)    -    Leased Real Property
Schedule 4.14        -    Insurance
Schedule 5.3        -    Acquisition Co. Approvals
Schedule 5.5        -    Acquisition Co. Brokers’ Fees
Schedule 6.3        -    Partnership Approvals
Schedule 6.5        -    Partnership Brokers’ Fees
Schedule 7.1        -    Conduct of Business




iv


 

CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
THIS CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT , dated as of February 23, 2017 (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into by and among Hi-Crush Proppants LLC, a limited liability company organized under the Laws of the State of Delaware (“ Proppants ”), Hi-Crush Augusta Acquisition Co. LLC, a limited liability company organized under the Laws of the State of Delaware (“ Acquisition Co. ”), and Hi-Crush Partners LP, a limited partnership organized under the Laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Partnership ”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS , Proppants is the sole member of Hi-Crush GP LLC, a limited liability company organized under the Laws of the State of Delaware (the “ General Partner ”) and the general partner of the Partnership, which owns a non-economic general partner interest in the Partnership;
WHEREAS , the Partnership is the sole member of Acquisition Co.;
WHEREAS , Proppants owns (i) all of the issued and outstanding Whitehall Membership Interests (as defined below); (ii) all of the issued and outstanding PDQ Membership Interests (as defined below); and (iii) the 2% Augusta Interest (as defined below);
WHEREAS , Proppants, Acquisition Co. and the Partnership desire for Proppants to contribute to Acquisition Co. all of the outstanding Whitehall Membership Interests, PDQ Membership Interests and 2% Augusta Interest (the “ Contributed Interests ”) and, in exchange Acquisition Co. will pay to Proppants cash in an amount equal to $140.0 million (the “ Consideration ” and such transaction, the “ Contribution Transactions ”);
WHEREAS , pursuant to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended hereto, the “ Proppants Credit Agreement ”), dated as of December 20, 2013, as amended, by and among Proppants, Amegy Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Swing Line Lender, and the Lenders named therein, Whitehall (as defined below) and PDQ (as defined below) have previously agreed to guarantee the Indebtedness (as defined below) of Proppants;
WHEREAS , immediately prior to the Closing, the parties to the Proppants Credit Agreement intend to amend the Proppants Credit Agreement to remove Whitehall and PDQ as guarantors of the Proppants Credit Agreement (the “ Proppants Credit Agreement Amendment ”) and to release Whitehall and PDQ from all responsibility for the repayment of any existing or future Indebtedness of Proppants under the Proppants Credit Agreement; and
WHEREAS , the Conflicts Committee (as defined below) has (i) received an opinion of Evercore Group L.L.C., the financial advisor to the Conflicts Committee, that (a) the Consideration paid by Acquisition Co. in exchange for the Contributed Interests is fair to the Partnership and its unaffiliated common unitholders from a financial point of view, (ii) found this Agreement and the



2




 

transactions contemplated hereby, including the Contribution Transactions, to be in the best interest of the Partnership and (iii) approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties (as defined below) agree as follows:
ARTICLE I     
DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
Section 1.1      Definitions . As used herein, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:
2% Augusta Interest ” means the 2% interest in the issued and outstanding membership interests of Augusta (as defined herein).
Accountant ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.3(c).
Accredited Investor ” has the meaning set forth in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.
Acquisition Co. ” has the meaning provided such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
Acquisition Co. Approvals ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 5.3
Acquisition Co. Fundamental Representations and Warranties ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 5.1, Section 5.2, Section 5.3 and Section 5.5.
Affiliate ” has the meaning provided such term in the Partnership Agreement.
Agreement ” has the meaning provided such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
Augusta ” means Hi-Crush Augusta LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Augusta LLC Agreement ” means the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Hi-Crush Augusta LLC dated as of April 28, 2014.
Balance Sheet Date ” means December 31, 2016.
Basket ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.4(b).
Business ” means the operations and business conducted by each of Whitehall, PDQ and Augusta, as applicable.
Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of Texas or a federal holiday in the United States.



3




 

Cap ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.4(d).
Claim Notice ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.3(a).
Closing ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.2(a).
Closing Date ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.2(a).
Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Commission ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Common Units ” has the meaning provided such term in the Partnership Agreement.
Conflicts Committee ” has the meaning provided such term in the Partnership Agreement.
Consideration ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Contract ” means any legally binding agreement, commitment, lease, license or contract.
Contributed Entities ” means Whitehall, PDQ and Augusta.
Contributed Entities LLC Agreements ” means the Whitehall LLC Agreement, the PDQ LLC Agreement and the Augusta LLC Agreement.
Contributed Interests ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Contribution Transactions ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Cross Receipt” means a cross receipt acknowledging the receipt by the Parties of the documents and deliverables required to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.2(b), Section 2.2(c) and Section 2.2(d).
Disclosure Schedule ” means the schedules attached hereto.
“Dispute Resolution Period” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.3(b).
Dollars ” and “ $ ” mean the lawful currency of the United States.
“Earnout Period” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.3(c).
Effective Time ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.2(a).
Environmental Law ” means any Law relating to the environment, natural resources, human health and safety, or the protection thereof, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq. , the Hazardous Materials Transportation


4




 

Act, 49 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq. , the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq. , the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. , the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq. , the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq. , the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. § 136 et seq. , the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 33 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq. , the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300f et seq. , and any Law relating to the prevention of pollution, remediation of contamination or the restoration of environmental quality, and all analogous state or local statutes, and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Financial Statements ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 4.4(a).
GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles of the United States, consistently applied.
General Partner ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, municipal, county, local or similar governmental authority, regulatory or administrative agency, court or arbitral body.
Hazardous Substance(s )” means each substance defined, designated or classified as a hazardous waste, hazardous substance, hazardous material, solid waste, pollutant, contaminant or toxic substance under any Environmental Law and any petroleum or petroleum products that have been Released into the environment.
Incentive Distribution Rights ” has the meaning provided such term in the Partnership Agreement.
Indebtedness ” 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 pay the deferred purchase price of property, except trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business, (d) 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, (e) all capitalized lease obligations of such Person, and (f) all indebtedness of any other Person of the type referred to in clauses (a) to (e) 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 provided such term in Section 10.3(a).
Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.3(a).



5




 

Indemnified Tax Claim ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 8.3(b).
Intellectual Property ” means intellectual property rights, statutory or common law, worldwide, including (a) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, slogans, logos and all goodwill associated therewith, and any applications or registrations for any of the foregoing, (b) copyrights and any applications or registrations for any of the foregoing, and (c) patents, all confidential know-how, trade secrets and similar proprietary rights in confidential inventions, discoveries, improvements, processes, techniques, devices, methods, patterns, formulae and specifications.
Knowledge ” as to Acquisition Co. means the actual knowledge of the Persons listed on Schedule 1.1(i); as to Proppants means the actual knowledge of those Persons listed on Schedule 1.1(ii) ; and as to the Partnership means the actual knowledge of those Persons listed on Schedule 1.1(iii) .
Law ” means any applicable law, rule, regulation, ordinance, order, judgment or decree of a Governmental Authority.
Leased Real Property ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 4.13(a).
Lien ” means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, pledge, charge, security interest or other encumbrance of any kind in respect of such property or asset.
Losses ” means all actual liabilities, losses, damages, fines, penalties, judgments, settlements, awards, costs and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel); provided, however , that (a) Losses shall not include any special, punitive, exemplary, incidental, consequential or indirect damages nor shall Losses include lost profits, lost opportunities or other speculative damages, except that this clause (a) shall not apply to the extent a Party is required to pay such damages to a third party in connection with a matter for which such Party is entitled to indemnification under ARTICLE X and (b) the amount of any Loss shall be reduced by (i) any insurance proceeds actually recovered with respect to such Loss, (ii) any Tax Benefits with respect to such Loss, and (iii) indemnification or reimbursement payments actually recovered from third parties with respect to such Loss.
Material Adverse Effect ” with respect to any Person, means, any circumstance, change or effect that, individually or in the aggregate, (a) is or would reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the business, operations or financial condition of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) materially impedes or would reasonably be expected to impede the ability of the Parties to complete the transactions contemplated herein, but shall exclude any circumstance, change or effect resulting or arising from:
(i)      any change in general economic conditions in the industries or markets in which such Person and its Subsidiaries operate;
(ii)      seasonal reductions in revenues or earnings of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, substantially consistent with the historical results of such businesses;


6




 

(iii)      national or international political conditions, including any engagement in hostilities, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence of any military or terrorist attack;
(iv)      changes in Law or GAAP; or
(v)      the entry into or announcement of this Agreement, actions contemplated by this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, clauses (i), (iii) and (iv) shall not apply in the event of a materially disproportionate effect on such Person as compared to other entities in the industry or markets in which such Person and its Subsidiaries operate.
Material Contracts ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 4.6(a).
Objection Notice ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.3(b).
Organizational Documents ” means any charter, certificate of incorporation, certificate of formation, articles of association, bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement or similar formation or governing documents and instruments.
Owned Real Property ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 4.13(a).
Parties ” means Proppants, Acquisition Co. and the Partnership.
Partnership ” has the meaning provided such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
Partnership Adjusted EBITDA ” means net income plus depreciation, depletion and amortization, taxes and interest expense, net of interest income, of the Partnership on a consolidated basis, adjusted for any non-cash impairments of long-lived assets and excluding any such items of income and expense associated with (1) acquisitions by the Partnership and its subsidiaries after January 1, 2017 (other than the acquisitions contemplated by this Agreement) (collectively, “ After-Acquired Assets ”) and (2) activity attributable to such After-Acquired Assets associated with the Partnership’s PropStream™ integrated delivery solution, PropBeast™ proprietary conveyor system and PropX investment.  Partnership Adjusted EBITDA shall be calculated using the Partnership’s audited financial statements with respect to a fiscal year and such calculation shall otherwise be in accordance with the Partnership’s practices for calculating Partnership Adjusted EBITDA as of the date of this Agreement.
“Partnership Adjusted EBITDA Notice” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.3(a).
Partnership Agreement ” means the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of January 31, 2013, as the same may be amended, supplemented, modified or restated
Partnership Approvals ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 6.3.


7




 

Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties ” means the representations and warranties contained in Section 6.1, Section 6.2, Section 6.3 and Section 6.5.
Partnership Indemnified Parties ” has the meaning provided such term in Section  10.2(a).
Permits ” means authorizations, licenses, permits or certificates issued by Governmental Authorities; provided, however , right-of-way agreements and similar rights and approvals are not included in the definition of Permits.
Permitted Liens ” means (a) Liens for Taxes not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) statutory Liens (including materialmen’s, warehousemen’s, mechanic’s, repairmen’s, landlord’s, and other similar Liens) arising in the ordinary course of business securing payments not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (c) the rights of lessors and lessees under leases, and the rights of third parties under any agreement, in each case executed in the ordinary course of business and that do not materially and adversely affect the ability of each of the Contributed Entities to conduct its Business as currently conducted, (d) the rights of licensors and licensees under licenses executed in the ordinary course of business and that do not materially and adversely affect the ability of each of the Contributed Entities to conduct its Business as currently conducted, (e) restrictive covenants, easements and defects, imperfections or irregularities of title or Liens, if any, of a nature that do not materially and adversely affect the assets or properties subject thereto, (f) preferential purchase rights and other similar arrangements with respect to which consents or waivers are obtained for this transaction or as to which the time for asserting such rights has expired at the Closing Date without an exercise of such rights, (g) restrictions on transfer with respect to which consents or waivers are obtained for this transaction, (h) Liens granted in the ordinary course of business which do not secure the payment of Indebtedness and which do not materially and adversely affect the ability of each of the Contributed Entities to conduct its Business as currently conducted, (i) Liens listed in Schedule 1.1(iii) , and (j) Liens created by the Partnership or its successors and assigns.
Person ” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, Governmental Authority or other entity of any kind.
PDQ ” means PDQ Properties LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company.
PDQ LLC Agreement ” means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of PDQ, dated as of March 12, 2015.
PDQ Membership Interests ” has the meaning provided to the term “Membership Interest” in the PDQ LLC Agreement.
Proceeding ” means any proceeding, action, claim, suit, investigation or inquiry by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Entity.
Proppants ” has the meaning provided such term in the preamble to this Agreement.


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Proppants Approvals ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 3.3.
Proppants Credit Agreement ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Proppants Credit Agreement Amendment ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties ” means the representations and warranties contained in ARTICLE III, Section 4.1, Section 4.2, Section 4.9 and Section 4.13.
Proppants Indemnified Parties ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.2(b).
Real Property ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 4.13(a).
Real Property Lease ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 4.13(a).
Release ” means any depositing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, placing, emitting, discarding, abandoning, emptying, discharging, migrating, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing of, without limitation, Hazardous Substances, into the environment.
Representatives ” means, as to any Person, its officers, directors, employees, counsel, accountants, financial advisers and consultants.
Sand Reserve Information ” means all information related to the sand reserves of Whitehall included in the reserve reports of John T. Boyd Company, dated February 6, 2017.
Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Subsidiary ” has the meaning provided such term in the Partnership Agreement.
Tax ” means all taxes, assessments, duties, levies, imposts or other similar charges imposed by a Governmental Authority, including all income, franchise, profits, capital gains, capital stock, transfer, gross receipts, sales, use, transfer, service, occupation, ad valorem, property, excise, severance, windfall profits, premium, stamp, license, payroll, employment, social security, unemployment, disability, environmental (including taxes under Code Section 59A), alternative minimum, add-on, value-added, backup withholding and other taxes, assessments, duties, levies, imposts or other similar charges of any kind whatsoever (whether payable directly or by withholding and whether or not requiring the filing of a Tax Return), and all estimated taxes, deficiency assessments, additions to tax, additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Authority, penalties and interest.
Tax Authority ” means any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or imposition of any Tax.
Tax Benefit ” means, with respect to a Loss, an amount by which the Tax liability of a Person (or group of Persons filing a Tax Return that includes such Person) is reduced as a result of

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such Loss or the amount of any Tax refund or Tax credit that is generated (including, by deduction, loss, credit or otherwise) as a result of such Loss, and any related interest received from any relevant Tax Authority; provided, however , in each case, only the reasonable present value of any Tax Benefit shall be considered with respect to a Loss.
Tax Indemnified Party ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 8.3(b).
Tax Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 8.3(b).
Tax Proceeding ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 8.1(b).
Tax Return ” means any report, return, election, document, estimated Tax filing, declaration or other filing provided to any Tax Authority, including any amendments thereto.
Third Party Claim ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.3(a).
Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Proppants Credit Agreement Amendment and such other agreements, documents or instruments as are reasonably required to be delivered by Proppants, the General Partner or the Partnership at or prior to the Closing Date pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise reasonably required in or contemplated in connection herewith.
United States ” or “ U.S. ” means United States of America.
Whitehall ” means Hi-Crush Whitehall LLC, a limited liability company organized under the Laws of the State of Delaware.
Whitehall LLC Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Whitehall, dated as of August 2, 2012.
Whitehall Membership Interests ” has the meaning provided to the term “Membership Interest” in the Whitehall LLC Agreement.
Section 1.2      Rules of Construction.
(a)      All article, section and schedule references used in this Agreement are to articles, sections and schedules to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. The schedules attached to this Agreement constitute a part of this Agreement and are incorporated herein for all purposes.
(b)      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 neutral 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.


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(c)      The Parties acknowledge that each Party and its attorney have reviewed this Agreement and that any rule of construction to the effect that 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.
(d)      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.
(e)      All references to currency herein shall be to, and all payments required hereunder shall be paid in, Dollars.
(f)      All accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings given to them under GAAP.
(g)      Any event hereunder requiring the payment of cash or cash equivalents on a day that is not a Business Day shall be deferred until the next Business Day.
(h)      References to any Law are references to such Law as it may be amended from time to time, and references to particular provisions of a Law include a reference to the corresponding provisions of any succeeding Law.
ARTICLE II     
CONTRIBUTION; CLOSING
Section 2.1      The Contribution Transactions . At the Closing, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Proppants shall contribute to Acquisition Co., and Acquisition Co. shall accept from Proppants, the Contributed Interests, free and clear of any Liens other than transfer restrictions imposed thereon by securities Laws or the Contributed Entities LLC Agreements, and in exchange for the contribution of the Contributed Interests by Proppants, Acquisition Co. shall pay Proppants the Consideration.
Section 2.2      The Closing.
(a)      The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall take place at the offices of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., 1001 Fannin, Suite 2500, Houston, Texas 77002, commencing at 10:00 a.m. (Houston, Texas time) on the third (3 rd ) Business Day following the date on which all conditions to the obligations of the Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby have been satisfied or waived (other than conditions that will be satisfied by actions the Parties shall take at the Closing itself), or such other date as the Parties may mutually determine (the “ Closing Date ”); provided, however , the Closing shall be deemed to have been consummated at 11:59 p.m. (Houston, Texas time) on the Closing Date (the “ Effective Time ”).
(b)      At the Closing, Proppants will deliver the following documents and deliverables:


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(i)      an assignment effecting the transfer to Acquisition Co. of ownership of all of the Contributed Interests and such other documentation as is reasonably required to transfer the Contributed Interests to Acquisition Co.;
(ii)      a certification in the form prescribed by Treasury Regulation Section 1.1445-2(b)(2) to the effect that Proppants is not a foreign person;
(iii)      a counterpart of the Cross Receipt, duly executed by Proppants;
(iv)      the certificates contemplated by Section 9.1(d) and Section 9.2(d); and
(v)      documents necessary to release Whitehall and PDQ from their obligations as guarantors under the Proppants Credit Agreement, including, among others, (i) the Proppants Credit Agreement Amendment and (ii) a release agreement; and
(vi)      such other certificates, instruments of conveyance and documents as may be reasonably requested by a Party and agreed to by Proppants prior to the Closing Date to carry out the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
(c)      At the Closing, Acquisition Co. will deliver the following documents and deliverables:
(i)      the Consideration by wire transfer of immediately available U.S. federal funds to an account specified by Proppants;
(ii)      a counterpart of the Cross Receipt, duly executed by Acquisition Co.;
(iii)      the certificate contemplated by Section 9.1(d); and
(iv)      such other certificates, instruments of conveyance and documents as may be reasonably requested by a Party and agreed to by the Partnership prior to the Closing Date to carry out the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
(d)      At the Closing, the Partnership will deliver the following documents and deliverables:
(i)      a counterpart of the Cross Receipt, duly executed by the Partnership; and
(ii)      the certificate contemplated by Section 9.1(d); and
(iii)      such other certificates, instruments of conveyance and documents as may be reasonably requested by a Party and agreed to by Acquisition Co. prior to the Closing Date to carry out the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
Section 2.3      Earnout.


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(a)      For each of the fiscal years ending December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018 (each such fiscal year, an “ Earnout Period ”), the Partnership shall prepare and deliver to Proppants, within 90 days after the end of each such fiscal year, a written notice specifying the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA for such fiscal year (the “ Partnership Adjusted EBITDA Notice ”). If Partnership Adjusted EBITDA for an Earnout Period is (i) less than 85% of the amount set forth on Schedule A for such Earnout Period, then Acquisition Co. shall have no obligation to pay Proppants any additional amount with respect to such Earnout Period, (ii) 85% or more, but less than the amount set forth on Schedule A for such Earnout Period, then Acquisition Co. shall pay Proppants an additional $10.0 million with respect to the Contribution Transactions in respect of such Earnout Period, or (iii) equal to or in excess of the amount set forth on Schedule A for such Earnout Period, then Acquisition Co. shall pay Proppants $20.0 million with respect to the Contribution Transactions in respect of such Earnout Period. In addition, if total Partnership Adjusted EBITDA for both of the fiscal years ending December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, in the aggregate, equals or exceeds the combined amount set forth on Schedule A for both such fiscal years, then Acquisition Co. shall pay Proppants an additional $25.0 million with respect to the Contribution Transactions in respect of such two fiscal year period. All payments hereunder shall be made in cash or in Common Units, at the election of the Partnership, within 30 days after the final determination of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA with respect to the applicable period as set forth in this Section 2.3. For the avoidance of doubt, the aggregate amount of additional payments under this Section 2.3 with respect to all periods shall not exceed $65.0 million. If the Partnership sells all or substantially all of its assets to a third party, or if a third party acquires all of the outstanding Common Units of the Partnership, then the financial metrics set forth in this Section 2.3 shall be deemed to have been satisfied at the maximum amount provided herein and Proppants shall be entitled to receive a payment (in cash or in Common Units, at the election of the Partnership) equal to $65.0 million less the sum of all previous payments to Proppants under this Section 2.3.
(b)      If Proppants objects to the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA with respect to an Earnout Period as set forth in the Partnership Adjusted EBITDA Notice, then Proppants shall provide the Partnership with written notice of same (which notice shall contain a reasonably detailed explanation of the basis for such objection) (such notice, an “ Objection Notice ”) within 30 days after the receipt of the Partnership Adjusted EBITDA Notice. If Proppants fails to object to the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA with respect to an Earnout Period as set forth in the Partnership Adjusted EBITDA Notice within such 30 days period, then Proppants shall be deemed to have agreed with and accepted the Partnership’s calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA with respect to such Earnout Period for all purposes of this Agreement. If Proppants timely provides an Objection Notice as contemplated by this Section 2.3(b), then, for a period of 30 days after the Partnership’s receipt of such Objection Notice (the “ Dispute Resolution Period ”), the Partnership shall (i) provide Proppants with reasonable access to the books, records (including work papers, schedules, memoranda and other documents), supporting data, facilities and employees of the Partnership for purposes of evaluating the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA and (ii) reasonably cooperate with Proppants and its representatives in connection with such review, including providing on a timely basis all other information reasonably necessary or useful in connection with the review of the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA.



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(c)      If Proppants provides an Objection Notice in accordance with Section 2.3(b) and the Partnership and Proppants cannot agree on the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA during the Dispute Resolution Period, then the Partnership and Proppants will submit their respective calculations of the items in dispute (including any adjustments the parties wish to make as a result of negotiations up to the date of such submission) to an accounting firm of national standing agreed to by the Partnership and Proppants (the “ Accountant ”). The Accountant will review each party’s calculations, and with respect to each disputed item, make a selection as to which of the disputed items presented to it is, in the aggregate, more accurate (selecting one of such items without interpolation or adjustment). The decision of the Accountant will be made within 20 days after being engaged, or as soon thereafter as reasonably practicable, and will be final and binding on the parties hereto. The costs and expenses of the Accountant will be split evenly by the Partnership and Proppants. Each of the Partnership and Proppants will make available to the Accountant all reasonably relevant books and records relating to the calculations submitted and all other information reasonably requested by the Accountant for purposes of evaluating the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA.
(d)      The Conflicts Committee shall review and approve the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA as determined under this Section 2.3.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
RELATING TO PROPPANTS
Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Schedule, Proppants hereby represents and warrants as follows:
Section 3.1      Organization . It is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware.
Section 3.2      Authorization; Enforceability . It has all requisite limited liability company power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party and to perform all obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all requisite limited liability company action, on its part, and no other limited liability company proceeding on its part is necessary to authorize this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party, or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Closing will be duly and validly executed and delivered by it, and this Agreement constitutes and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Closing will constitute the valid and binding obligations of it, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity.


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Section 3.3      No Conflict . The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party by it and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by it (assuming all required filings, consents, approvals, authorizations and notices set forth in Schedule 3.3 (collectively, the “ Proppants Approvals ”) have been made, given or obtained) do not and shall not:
(a)      violate any Law applicable to Proppants or any filing with, consent, approval or authorization of, or notice to, any Governmental Authority;
(b)      violate the Organizational Documents of Proppants; or
(c)      (i) breach any Contract to which Proppants is a party, (ii) result in the termination of any such Contract, (iii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the Contributed Interests or (iv) constitute an event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would result in any such breach, termination or creation of a Lien upon any of the Contributed Interests, except, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) for such breaches or terminations as would not reasonably be expected to adversely affect the ability of Proppants to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is or will be a party.
Section 3.4      Proppants Brokers’ Fees . Except as set forth on Schedule 3.4 , no broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by it or any of its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries).
Section 3.5      Proppants Credit Agreement . Immediately after the Effective Time, Whitehall and PDQ shall have no responsibility, as a guarantor or otherwise, for the repayment of any existing or future Indebtedness under the Proppants Credit Agreement.
Section 3.6      Investment Intent .
(a)      Proppants acknowledges and agrees that the Common Units acquired by Proppants pursuant to this Agreement will be acquired for investment for Proppant’s own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof in violation of applicable securities laws. Proppants is an experienced investor in securities and acknowledges that it can bear the economic risk of its investment in the Common Units acquired pursuant to this Agreement and has such knowledge and experience in financial or business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment in the Common Units.
(b)      Proppants is an Accredited Investor.
(c)      Proppants understands that any Common Units issued hereunder will not be registered under the Securities Act; Proppants’ further understands that Proppants must hold any Common Units acquired by it hereunder indefinitely until such Common Units are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and qualified by state authorities or an exemption from such registration and qualification requirements is available.


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ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
RELATING TO THE CONTRIBUTED ENTITIES
Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Schedule, Proppants hereby represents and warrants as follows:
Section 4.1      Organization . Whitehall is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite limited liability company power and authority to own, operate or lease its properties and assets and to conduct the Business as it is now being conducted. Whitehall is duly licensed or qualified in each jurisdiction in which the ownership or operation of its assets or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Whitehall. Proppants has made available to the Parties true copies of all existing Organizational Documents of Whitehall.
PDQ is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Wisconsin, and has all requisite limited liability power and authority to own, operate or lease its properties and assets and to conduct the Business as it is now being conducted. PDQ is duly licensed or qualified in each jurisdiction in which the ownership or operation of its assets or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to PDQ. Proppants has made available to the Parties true copies of all existing Organizational Documents of PDQ.
Section 4.2      Capitalization .
(a)      As of the date of this Agreement, Proppants has good and valid title to, holds of record and owns all of the outstanding Contributed Interests, free and clear of any Liens other than transfer restrictions imposed thereon by securities Law or arising under the Contributed Entities LLC Agreements. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding equity interests in Whitehall and PDQ other than those included in the Contributed Interests. All of the outstanding membership interests in Whitehall and PDQ are duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid (to the extent required by the Contributed Entities LLC Agreements) and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be effected by Section 18-607 of the Delaware LLC Act and Section 183.0607 of the Wisconsin Code), and were issued free of preemptive rights in compliance with applicable Laws.
(b)      Upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Acquisition Co. will acquire good and valid title to all of the Contributed Interests, free and clear of any Liens other than transfer restrictions imposed thereon by securities Laws or arising under the Contributed Entities LLC Agreements.
(c)      Except as set forth in Schedule 4.2(c), there are no voting agreements, proxies or other similar agreements or understandings with respect to the Contributed Interests.


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(d)      There are no outstanding options, warrants, rights or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for limited liability company interests of a Contributed Entity issued or granted by such Contributed Entity, any other commitments or agreements to which a Contributed Entity is a party providing for the issuance by it of additional limited liability company interests or the repurchase or redemption by it of limited liability company interests, and there are no agreements of any kind which may obligate a Contributed Entity to issue, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its limited liability company interests, except as are provided in the Contributed Entities LLC Agreements.
(e)      As of Closing, Proppants shall have converted all amounts due to Proppants from the Contributed Entities (whether reflected in the Financial Statements or otherwise) into equity of the Contributed Entities, and no such amount has otherwise been paid by the Contributed Entities to Proppants since December 31, 2016.
Section 4.3      Subsidiaries . None of the Contributed Entities own any equity interests in any Person.
Section 4.4      Financial Statements; Records; Undisclosed Liabilities.
(a)      Schedule 4.4(a) sets forth true, accurate, correct and complete copies of the balance sheets of Whitehall as of the Balance Sheet Date and December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the statements of operations, statements of cash flows and statements of member capital (deficit) for the year ended December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (the “ Financial Statements ”). The Financial Statements (i) are in all material respects in accordance with the books and records of Whitehall, (ii) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, and (iii) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and the results of operations of Whitehall as of the Balance Sheet Date.
(b)      Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.4(b) , and other than potential obligations associated with sand supply agreements, none of the Contributed Entities have any liabilities or obligations (whether known or unknown, whether absolute or contingent, whether liquidated or unliquidated and whether due or to become due) reasonably expected to be in excess of $450,000, other than liabilities or obligations expressly reflected on, or reserved against in, the Financial Statements.
Section 4.5      Absence of Certain Changes . Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.5 , since the Balance Sheet Date, (a) there has not been any Material Adverse Effect with respect to a Contributed Entity, (b) there has been no damage, destruction or loss to the assets or properties of a Contributed Entity which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to such Contributed Entity and (c) there have been no additional or new liabilities or obligations (whether known or unknown, whether absolute or contingent, whether liquidated or unliquidated and whether due or to become due) with respect to the Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, in excess of $450,000, other than potential costs associated with sand supply agreements that include revenues in excess of such potential costs.

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Section 4.6      Contracts.
(a)      Material Contracts ” means each of the following agreements to which Whitehall or PDQ is a party:
(i)      each Contract for the sale or delivery of frac sand;
(ii)      each Contract requiring the payment by Whitehall or PDQ of any royalties or similar payments or arrangements in connection with the production or sale of frac sand;
(iii)      each Contract for Indebtedness;
(iv)      each Contract involving a remaining commitment by Whitehall or PDQ to make capital expenditures in excess of $250,000;
(v)      each Contract for lease of real or personal property involving payments in excess of $250,000 in any calendar year;
(vi)      each Contract between Proppants or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and Whitehall or PDQ, on the other hand;
(vii)      each Contract that provides for a limit on the ability of Whitehall or PDQ to compete in any line of business or with any Person or in any geographic area during any period of time;
(viii)      any Contract that involves a confidentiality, standstill or similar arrangement;
(ix)      except for Contracts of the nature described in clauses (ii) through (vii) above, any Contract for the purchase of materials, supplies, goods, services, equipment or other assets that provides for aggregate payments by Whitehall or PDQ of $250,000 or more in any 12 month period;
(x)      any employment, independent contractor or consulting Contract;
(xi)      any management service, financial advisory or any other similar type of Contract;
(xii)      any Contract which contains restrictions with respect to payment of dividends or any other distribution in respect of the capital stock or other equity interests of Whitehall or PDQ;
(xiii)      any Contract which is a current insurance policy of, or covering any of the material assets or a business of Whitehall or PDQ;
(xiv)      any Intellectual Property Contract material to the operations of the business of Whitehall or PDQ;

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(xv)      any Contract that grants or evidences a Lien on any properties or assets of Whitehall or PDQ, other than Permitted Liens;
(xvi)      any partnership or joint venture agreement (other than the Organizational Documents of Whitehall or PDQ); and
(xvii)      any Contract relating to the acquisition or disposition of any business (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise) or granting to any Person a right of first refusal, first offer or right to purchase any of the assets of Whitehall or PDQ which right survives the Closing, other than Permitted Liens.
(b)      True and complete copies of all Material Contracts have been made available to the Partnership.
(c)      Except as set forth in Schedule 4.6(c) , each Material Contract (i) is in full force and effect and (ii) represents the legal, valid and binding obligation of Whitehall or PDQ, as applicable and, to the Knowledge of Proppants, represents the legal, valid and binding obligation of the other parties thereto, in each case enforceable in accordance with its terms subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.6(c) , neither Whitehall or PDQ, or, to the Knowledge of Proppants, any other party is in breach of any Material Contract, and none of Proppants, Whitehall or PDQ has received any written notice of termination or breach of any Material Contract.
Section 4.7      Litigation . Except as set forth in Schedule 4.7 , (a) there are no legal actions before any Governmental Authority or lawsuits pending or, to the Knowledge of Proppants, threatened against Whitehall or PDQ, and (b) and neither Whitehall nor PDQ is subject to any injunction, order or unsatisfied judgment from any Governmental Authority.
Section 4.8      Taxes . Except as set forth on Schedule 4.8 , (a) all Tax Returns required to be filed by a Contributed Entity or with respect to the acquisition, ownership or operation of such Contributed Entity’s assets have been duly and timely filed with the appropriate Tax Authority, and were, when filed, true, correct and complete in all material respects, (b) all material Taxes due and owing by such Contributed Entity or with respect to the acquisition, ownership or operation of such Contributed Entity’s assets have been timely paid in full, (c) there are no Liens (other than Permitted Liens) on any of the assets of such Contributed Entity that arose in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any Tax, (d) there is no claim, action or proceeding pending by any applicable Tax Authority in connection with any Tax due from such Contributed Entity or with respect to the acquisition, ownership or operation of such Contributed Entity’s assets, (e) no Tax Returns of such Contributed Entity or with respect to the acquisition, ownership or operation of such Contributed Entity’s assets are now under audit or examination by any Tax Authority, (f) there are no agreements or waivers providing for an extension of time with respect to the filing of any such Tax Returns or the assessment or collection of any such Tax, (g) no written claim has been made by any Tax Authority in a jurisdiction where a Contributed Entity does not file a Tax Return that it is or may be subject to taxation in that jurisdiction, (h) the Contributed Entities are not a party to any Tax sharing agreement or otherwise liable for the Taxes of any other Person (including as a transferee

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or successor), (i) since the date of its formation, each Contributed Entity has been disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for federal income tax purposes, and (j) the Contributed Entities have no liability for Taxes of any Person under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), as a transferee, successor, or by Contract.
Section 4.9      Environmental Matters . Except as set forth on Schedule 4.9 or as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Whitehall or PDQ:
(a)      the operations of Whitehall and PDQ are in compliance with all Environmental Laws, which compliance includes the possession and maintenance of, and compliance with, all Permits required under all Environmental Laws;
(b)      Whitehall and PDQ are not the subject of any outstanding administrative or judicial order or judgment, agreement or arbitration award from any Governmental Authority under any Environmental Laws requiring remediation or the payment of a fine or penalty or limiting the operations of Whitehall or PDQ;
(c)      Whitehall and PDQ are not subject to any action pending or threatened in writing, whether judicial or administrative, alleging noncompliance with or potential liability under any Environmental Law;
(d)      there has been no Release of any Hazardous Substance into the environment by Whitehall or PDQ or its assets, operations and the Business except in compliance with applicable Environmental Law; and
(e)      there has been no exposure of any Person or property to any Hazardous Substances in connection with the operation of the assets of Whitehall or PDQ that could reasonably be expected to form the basis of a claim for damages or compensation.
The Partnership acknowledges that this Section 4.9 shall be deemed to be the only representation and warranty in this Agreement with respect to environmental matters.
Section 4.10      Legal Compliance; Permits . Except with respect to (i) matters set forth in Schedule 4.7 (Litigation), (ii) compliance with Laws concerning Taxes (as to which representations and warranties are made only pursuant to Section 4.8) and (iii) compliance with Environmental Laws (as to which representations and warranties are made only pursuant to Section 4.9), (a) Whitehall and PDQ are in compliance with all Laws in all material respects, (b) neither Whitehall or PDQ has received notice of any violation of any Law and (c) Whitehall and PDQ each possess all Permits necessary for it to own its assets and operate the Business as currently conducted, and all such Permits are in full force and effect.
Section 4.11      Employees . Each of Whitehall and PDQ (i) has no employees and (ii) does not maintain or contribute to and is not subject to any liability in respect of any employee benefit or welfare plan of any nature, including plans subject to ERISA.


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Section 4.12      Reserve Engineer. John T. Boyd Company was, as of the date of its reserve report related to the sand reserves of Whitehall, dated February 6, 2017, an independent mining engineer and geologist with respect to Whitehall. To the Knowledge of Proppants, the Sand Reserve Information has been calculated in accordance with standard mining engineering procedures used in the sand industry and applicable government reporting requirements and applicable law. To the Knowledge of Proppants, the factual, non-interpretive Sand Reserve Information on which the reserve report of John T. Boyd Company, dated February 6, 2017, was based was accurate in all material respects.
Section 4.13      Title to Properties and Related Matters.
(a)      As of the date hereof, Schedule 4.13(a)(i) sets forth a true, correct and complete list of (i) each parcel of real property (including any mineral interest) owned by Whitehall and PDQ (collectively, the “ Owned Real Property ”) and (ii) as of the date hereof, Schedule 4.13(a)(ii) sets forth a true, correct and complete list of each lease, sublease, license or other arrangement under which real property (including any mineral interest) is leased, occupied or possessed by Whitehall and PDQ or under which Whitehall or PDQ has a right to lease, occupy or possess real property (each, a “ Real Property Lease ” and each real property subject thereto, a “ Leased Real Property ”) (the Owned Real Property and Leased Real Property collectively referred to as the “ Real Property ”). With respect to each Leased Real Property, Schedule 4.13(a)(ii) sets forth the date of and parties to each lease and, the dates of all amendments to each lease. True, correct and complete copies of the Real Property Leases, and any amendments through the date hereof, have been made available to Buyer. To the extent that it is in possession thereof, Whitehall and PDQ have provided preexisting owners’ title insurance policies for the Owned Real Property and preexisting ALTA surveys for the Real Property.
(b)      Each of Whitehall and PDQ has (i) good, valid and marketable fee simple title to or valid leasehold interests in all of its Real Property, as applicable, including to all buildings, structures and other improvements located thereon, (ii) good, valid and marketable title to the mineral interests underlying the estimates of Whitehall’s proved reserves described in the Sand Reserve Information and (iii) good, valid and marketable title to all of its personal property used in the ordinary conduct of the Business, except (x) for such defects in title as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to materially and adversely impact the ability of Whitehall or PDQ to conduct the Business and (y) for easements, rights of way and similar property use rights which are addressed in Section 4.13(c), in each case free and clear of Liens other than Permitted Liens.
(c)      Each of Whitehall and PDQ has such easements, rights of way and other similar property use rights which are sufficient to conduct its Business as currently conducted. The Partnership acknowledges that this Section 4.13(c) shall be deemed to be the only representation and warranty in the Agreement with respect to easements, rights of way and other similar property use rights held or used by Whitehall and PDQ.
(d)      Each Real Property Lease is valid, binding and enforceable against Whitehall or PDQ, as applicable, and, to Proppants’ Knowledge, the other parties thereto. Each of Whitehall and PDQ, as applicable, is in compliance in all material respects with the terms and conditions of each Real Property Lease. All rents and additional rents, royalties, license fees, charges or other

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payments due and payable by Whitehall or PDQ under the Real Property Leases have been paid through the date of this Agreement and will continue to be paid when due through the Closing Date. To the Knowledge of Proppants, no event has occurred and no condition exists which, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, would give rise to a right on the part of the applicable landlord thereunder to terminate the Real Property Lease or would otherwise constitute a default thereunder. Without limiting the foregoing, each of Whitehall and PDQ has not received any notice from any landlord asserting the existence of a default under any Real Property Lease or been informed that the landlord under any Real Property Lease has taken action (or, to the Knowledge of Proppants, threatened) to terminate the applicable Real Property Lease before the expiration date specified in such Real Property Lease.
(e)      Each of Whitehall and PDQ has not received notice of any pending or threatened condemnation, incorporation, annexation or similar proceeding with respect to the Real Property or any portion thereof, and to the Knowledge of Proppants, no condemnation, incorporation, annexation or similar proceeding with respect to the Real Property or any portion thereof is threatened.
(f)      No event has occurred and no condition exists which, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, would permit any party to exercise a repurchase or similar right with respect to the Real Property.
(g)      To the Knowledge of Proppants, the use of the Real Property for the purposes for which it is presently being used is permitted under applicable zoning Laws and applicable regulations of, and agreements with, Governmental Entities.
(h)      To the Knowledge of Proppants, there are no pending or threatened special assessments, reassessments or changes in real property tax basis with respect to the Real Property or any portion thereof.
Section 4.14      Insurance . Set forth on Schedule 4.14 is an accurate and complete list of each current insurance policy which covers each of Whitehall or PDQ or its businesses, properties, assets or employees (including, without limitation, self-insurance), and lists whether such policies are ‘occurrence’ or ‘claims made’ policies. Such policies are in full force and effect, all premiums due thereon have been paid, and Whitehall or PDQ is otherwise in compliance in all material respects with the terms and provisions of such policies. Each of Whitehall and PDQ is not in default under any of the insurance policies set forth on Schedule 4.14 (or required to be set forth on Schedule 4.14 ) and, to the Knowledge of Proppants, there exists no event, occurrence, condition or act (including, without limitation, the transactions contemplated under this Agreement) which, with the giving of notice, the lapse of time or the happening of any other event or condition, would become a default thereunder. Schedule 4.14 also sets forth a list of all pending claims and the claims history for Whitehall and PDQ during the past three (3) years (including, without limitation, with respect to insurance obtained but not currently maintained). Each of Whitehall and PDQ has made available to the Partnership all of its currently effective insurance policies.
Section 4.15      Brokers’ Fees . No broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the transactions

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contemplated in this Agreement based upon arrangements made by each Contributed Entity or any of its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries).
ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO ACQUISITION CO.
The Partnership hereby represents and warrants as follows:
Section 5.1      Organization of the Acquisition Co . Acquisition Co. is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite limited liability company power and authority to own, operate or lease its properties and assets and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted. Acquisition Co. is duly licensed or qualified in each jurisdiction in which the ownership or operation of its assets or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Acquisition Co. Acquisition Co. has made available to the Parties true copies of all existing Organizational Documents of Acquisition Co.
Section 5.2      Authorization; Enforceability . Acquisition Co. has all requisite limited liability company power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party and to perform all obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all requisite limited liability company action on the part of Acquisition Co. This Agreement has been and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Closing will be duly and validly executed and delivered by Acquisition Co., and each of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party constitutes or at the Closing will constitute, as applicable, a valid and binding obligation of Acquisition Co., enforceable against Acquisition Co. in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity.
Section 5.3      No Conflict. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party by Acquisition Co. and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by Acquisition Co. (assuming all required filings, consents, approvals authorizations and notices set forth in Schedule 5.3 (collectively, the “ Acquisition Co. Approvals ”) have been made, given or obtained) do not and shall not:
(a)      violate in any material respect, any Law applicable to Acquisition Co. or require of Acquisition Co. any filing with, consent, approval or authorization of, or, notice to, any Governmental Authority;
(b)      violate any Organizational Document of Acquisition Co.; or


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(c)      (i) breach any material Contract, to which Acquisition Co. is a party, (ii) result in the termination of any such material Contract, (iii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of Acquisition Co. or (iv) constitute an event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would result in any such breach, termination or creation of a Lien.
Section 5.4      Litigation . There are no legal actions before any Governmental Authority or lawsuits pending or, to the Knowledge of Acquisition Co., threatened against Acquisition Co. that would adversely affect the ability of Acquisition Co. to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Acquisition Co., and there are no orders or unsatisfied judgments from any Governmental Authority binding upon Acquisition Co. that would adversely affect the ability of Acquisition Co. to perform its obligations under this Agreement or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Acquisition Co..
Section 5.5      Acquisition Co. Brokers’ Fees. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.5, no broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by Acquisition Co. or any of its Subsidiaries.
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE PARTNERSHIP
The Partnership hereby represents and warrants as follows:
Section 6.1      Organization of the Partnership . The Partnership is a limited partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite partnership power and authority to own, operate or lease its properties and assets and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted. The Partnership is duly licensed or qualified in each jurisdiction in which the ownership or operation of its assets or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Partnership. The Partnership has made available to the Parties true copies of all existing Organizational Documents of the Partnership.
Section 6.2      Authorization; Enforceability . The Partnership has all requisite partnership power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party and to perform all obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all requisite limited partnership action on the part of the Partnership. This Agreement has been and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Closing will be duly and validly executed and delivered by the Partnership, and each of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party constitutes or at the Closing will constitute, as applicable, a valid and binding obligation of the Partnership, enforceable against the Partnership in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity.

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Section 6.3      No Conflict. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party by the Partnership and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by the Partnership (assuming all required filings, consents, approvals authorizations and notices set forth in Schedule 6.3 (collectively, the “ Partnership Approvals ”) have been made, given or obtained) do not and shall not:
(a)      violate in any material respect, any Law applicable to the Partnership or require of the Partnership any filing with, consent, approval or authorization of, or, notice to, any Governmental Authority;
(b)      violate any Organizational Document of the Partnership; or
(c)      (i) breach any material Contract, to which the Partnership is a party, (ii) result in the termination of any such material Contract, (iii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Partnership or (iv) constitute an event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would result in any such breach, termination or creation of a Lien.
Section 6.4      Litigation . There are no legal actions before any Governmental Authority or lawsuits pending or, to the Knowledge of the Partnership, threatened against the Partnership that would adversely affect the ability of the Partnership to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Partnership, and there are no orders or unsatisfied judgments from any Governmental Authority binding upon the Partnership that would adversely affect the ability of the Partnership to perform its obligations under this Agreement or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Partnership.
Section 6.5      Partnership Brokers’ Fees. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.5 , no broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries.
ARTICLE VII
COVENANTS
Section 7.1      Conduct of Business . From the date of this Agreement through the Closing, except: (1) as set forth on Schedule 7.1 , (2) as contemplated by this Agreement, including Section 7.3(a) hereof, or (3) as consented to by Acquisition Co. in writing, Proppants shall not permit the Contributed Entities to:
(a)      amend their Organizational Documents;
(b)      liquidate, dissolve, recapitalize or otherwise wind up their business;




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(c)      sell, assign, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any material assets, other than frac sand in the ordinary course of business;
(d)      incur any Indebtedness or issue or sell any equity interests, notes, bonds or other securities of any of the Contributed Entities, or any option, warrant or right to acquire the same not in the ordinary course of business in excess of $900,000 in the aggregate, except for Indebtedness under the Proppants Credit Agreement;
(e)      adopt any profit sharing, compensation, savings, insurance, pension, retirement or other benefit plan or hire any employees;
(f)      materially amend, terminate or grant a material waiver under any Material Contract or Permit;
(g)      create or assume any Lien, other than a Permitted Lien;
(h)      make capital expenditures in excess of $600,000 in the aggregate;
(i)      terminate or close any facility, business or operation of the Contributed Entities except in the ordinary course of business;
(j)      take or omit any action that would permit any party to exercise a repurchase or similar right with respect to the Real Property;
(k)      settle or compromise any Proceeding;
(l)      make or change any material Tax election; enter into any Tax allocation agreement, Tax sharing agreement, Tax indemnity agreement or closing agreement relating to any material Tax; consent to any extension or waiver of the statute of limitations period applicable to any material Tax claim or assessment; or take any action that would change the classification of each of the Contributed Entities for United States federal income tax purposes; or
(m)      agree, whether in writing or otherwise, to do any of the foregoing.
Section 7.2      Third Party Approvals .
(a)      The Partnership shall (and shall cause its Subsidiaries, including Acquisition Co. to) use reasonable efforts to obtain all material consents and approvals of third parties that the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries are required to obtain in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Partnership Approvals.
(b)      Proppants shall (and shall cause its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries) to) use reasonable efforts to obtain all material consents and approvals of third parties that Proppants or any of its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries) are required to obtain in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Proppants Approvals.



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Section 7.3      Financing .
(a)      Prior to Closing, the Partnership shall consummate an underwritten public offering of Common Units providing net proceeds to the Partnership of not less than $140.0 million, which proceeds shall be used to fund all or a portion of the Consideration (the “ Equity Financing ”).
ARTICLE VIII
TAX MATTERS
Section 8.1      Tax Returns .
(a)      The Parties agree that the income of each of Whitehall and PDQ, and 2% of the income of Augusta for the period up to and including the Closing Date will be reflected on the federal income Tax Return of Proppants, and that the income of each of Whitehall and PDQ, and 2% of the income of Augusta for the period after the Closing Date will be reflected on the federal income Tax Return of the Partnership to be allocated (i) in the case of any Taxes determined on a periodic basis, pro rata based on the number of days prior to or on the Closing Date (such amount to be allocated to Proppants) and for any time thereafter (such amount to be allocated to the Partnership), or (ii) for all other Taxes, based on the closing of the books of each of Whitehall, PDQ and Augusta, as of the end of the Closing Date.
(b)      The Parties shall cooperate fully, and cause their Affiliates to cooperate fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested by the other Party, to accomplish the apportionment of income described pursuant to this Section 8.1, requests for the provision of any information or documentation within the knowledge or possession of the other Party as reasonably necessary to facilitate compliance with financial reporting obligations arising under FASB Statement No. 109 (including compliance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48), and any audit, litigation or other proceeding (each a “ Tax Proceeding ”) with respect to Taxes. Such cooperation shall include access to, the retention and (upon the other Party’s request) the provision of records and information that are reasonably relevant to any Tax Return or Tax Proceeding, and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder. The Partnership and Proppants will use reasonable efforts to cause each of the Contributed Entities to, retain all books and records with respect to Tax matters pertinent to such Contributed Party relating to any taxable period beginning before the Effective Time until the later of six years after the Effective Time or the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations of the respective taxable periods (including any extensions thereof), and to abide by all record retention agreements entered into with any Tax Authority. The Partnership and Proppants each agree, upon request, to use reasonable efforts to obtain any certificate or other document from any Tax Authority or any other Person as may be necessary to mitigate, reduce or eliminate any Tax that could be imposed with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 8.2      Transfer Taxes . Responsibility for the payment of all state and local transfer, sales, use, stamp, registration or other similar Taxes resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be borne 50% by Acquisition Co. and 50% by Proppants.

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Section 8.3      Tax Indemnity.
(a)      Proppants shall be liable for, shall pay and shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and its Subsidiaries from and against all Losses such parties incur arising from (i) any breach of the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.8, (ii) any Taxes of Proppants or its Affiliates arising prior to and including the Closing Date, (iii) any liability of each Contributed Entity for the Tax of another Person as a result of being (A) a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group or (B) a party to any Contract providing for an obligation to indemnify any other Person for Tax. The Partnership shall be solely liable for, shall pay and shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Proppants and its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries) from any and all Taxes which arise as a result of the ownership of the Contributed Interests after the Effective Time.
(b)      If any claim (an “ Indemnified Tax Claim ”) is made by any Tax Authority that, if successful, would result in indemnification of any Party (the “ Tax Indemnified Party ”) by another Party (the “ Tax Indemnifying Party ”) under this Section 8.3, the Tax Indemnified Party shall promptly, but in no event later than the earlier of (i) 45 days after receipt of notice from the Tax Authority of such claim or (ii) 15 days prior to the date required for the filing of any protest of such claim, notify the Tax Indemnifying Party in writing of such fact.
(c)      The Tax Indemnifying Party (in cooperation with the other members of Whitehall, PDQ and Augusta pursuant to the documents governing the management of the affairs of Whitehall, PDQ and Augusta, respectively) shall control all decisions with respect to any Tax Proceeding involving an Indemnified Tax Claim and the Tax Indemnified Party shall take such action (including settlement with respect to such Tax Proceeding or the prosecution of such Tax Proceeding to a determination in a court or other tribunal of initial or appellate jurisdiction) in connection with a Tax Proceeding involving an Indemnified Tax Claim as the Tax Indemnifying Party shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including the selection of counsel and experts and the execution of powers of attorney; provided, however , that (i) within 30 days after the notice required by Section 8.3(b) has been delivered (or such earlier date that any payment of Taxes with respect to such claim is due but in no event sooner than five days after the Tax Indemnifying Party’s receipt of such notice), the Tax Indemnifying Party requests that such claim be contested, and (ii) if the Tax Indemnified Party is requested by the Tax Indemnifying Party to pay the Tax claimed and sue for a refund, the Tax Indemnifying Party shall have advanced to the Tax Indemnified Party, on an interest-free basis, the amount of such claim. The Tax Indemnified Party shall not make any payment of an Indemnified Tax Claim for at least 30 days (or such shorter period as may be required by Law) after the giving of the notice required by Section 8.3(b) with respect to such claim, shall give to the Tax Indemnifying Party any information requested related to such claim, and otherwise shall cooperate with the Tax Indemnifying Party in order to contest effectively any such claim.
Section 8.4      Scope . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this ARTICLE VIII shall be the exclusive remedy for any claims relating to Taxes (including any claims relating to representations respecting Tax matters including Section 4.8). The rights under this ARTICLE VIII shall survive the Closing until 30 days after the expiration of the statute of limitations (including extensions) applicable to such Tax matter. No claim may be made or brought by any Party hereto after the expiration of the applicable survival period unless such claim has been asserted by written

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notice specifying the details supporting the claim on or prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period. For the avoidance of doubt, this ARTICLE VIII shall not be subject to the provisions of ARTICLE X.
ARTICLE IX
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS
Section 9.1      Conditions to the Obligations of Proppants . The obligations of Proppants to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing by Proppants:
(a)      all necessary filings with and consents, approvals, Permits, and orders of any Governmental Authority required by Law for the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement shall have been made and obtained (or any applicable waiting period shall have expired), other than those that would not reasonably be expected, in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on Proppants. The Proppants Approvals, the Acquisition Co. Approvals and the Partnership Approvals shall have been made or obtained, other than those that would not reasonably be expected, in the aggregate, to result in material Losses to Proppants, Acquisition Co. or the Partnership;
(b)      (i) the Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties and the Acquisition Co. Fundamental Representations and Warranties shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing, as if made at and as of that time (other than such representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a certain date, which need only be true as of such certain date) and (ii) all other representations and warranties of Acquisition Co. and the Partnership contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects ( disregarding all qualifications as to materiality and Material Adverse Effect and qualifications of similar import contained therein ) as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing, as if made at and as of that time (other than such representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a certain date, which need only be true as of such certain date), except where the failure of such representations, individually or in the aggregate, to be true and correct would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect Acquisition Co. or to the Partnership;
(c)      Acquisition Co. and the Partnership shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all of the covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by Acquisition Co. and the Partnership on or before the Closing;
(d)      (c)    Acquisition Co. and the Partnership shall have delivered a certificate, dated the Closing Date, certifying that the conditions specified in Section 9.1(b) and Section 9.1(c) have been fulfilled;
(e)      no statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction, judgment or other order shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated, enforced or issued by any Governmental Authority, or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be in effect, and no investigation, action or proceeding before a court or any other governmental agency or body

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shall have been instituted or threatened challenging or seeking to restrain or prohibit the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and
(f)      Acquisition Co. and the Partnership shall have delivered or caused to be delivered the Closing deliverables set forth in Section 2.2(c).
Section 9.2      Conditions to Obligations of Acquisition Co. and the Partnership . The obligation of Acquisition Co. and the Partnership to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing by Acquisition Co. and the Partnership (with the approval of the Conflicts Committee):
(a)      all necessary filings with and consents, approvals, licenses, Permits, and orders of any Governmental Authority required by Law for the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement shall have been made and obtained (or any applicable waiting period shall have expired), other than those that do not or would not reasonably be expected to result in Losses to a Contributed Entity. The Proppants Approvals, Acquisition Co. Approvals and the Partnership Approvals shall have been made or obtained, other than those that do not or would not reasonably be expected to result in material Losses to Acquisition Co., the Partnership or Proppants;
(b)      (i) the Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties and the representation set forth in Section 4.5 shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing, as if made at and as of that time (other than such representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a certain date, which need only be true as of such certain date) and (ii) all other representations and warranties of Proppants contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects ( disregarding all qualifications as to materiality and Material Adverse Effect and qualifications of similar import contained therein ) as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing, as if made at and as of that time (other than such representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a certain date, which need only be true as of such certain date), except where the failure of such representations, individually or in the aggregate, to be true and correct would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Acquisition Co. or the Partnership;
(c)      Proppants shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all of the covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or before the Closing;
(d)      Proppants shall have delivered a certificate dated the Closing Date, certifying that the conditions specified in Section 9.2(b) and Section 9.2(c) have been fulfilled;
(e)      no statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction, judgment or other order shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated, enforced or issued by any Governmental Authority, or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be in effect, and no investigation, action or proceeding before a Governmental Authority shall have been


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instituted or threatened challenging or seeking to restrain or prohibit the transactions contemplated hereby;
(f)      Proppants shall have delivered or caused to be delivered the Closing deliverables set forth in Section 2.2(b);
(g)      Acquisition Co. shall have obtained funds necessary to pay the Consideration; and
(h)      the Partnership shall have consummated the Equity Financing.
ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 10.1      Survival.
(a)      Subject to ARTICLE VIII relating to Taxes, the representations and warranties of the Parties contained in this Agreement and all covenants contained in this Agreement that are to be performed prior to the Closing will survive the closing for 12 months following the Closing; provided, however , that the Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties, the Acquisition Co. Fundamental Representations and Warranties and the Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties shall survive the Closing for five years following the Closing. No Party shall have any liability for indemnification claims made under this ARTICLE X with respect to any such representation, warranty or pre-closing covenant unless a Claim Notice is provided by the non-breaching Party to the other Party prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period for such representation, warranty or pre-closing covenant. If a Claim Notice has been timely given in accordance with this Agreement prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period for such representation, warranty or pre-closing covenant or claim, then the applicable representation, warranty or pre-closing covenant shall survive as to such claim, until such claim has been finally resolved.
(b)      All covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement to be performed after the Closing will survive the Closing in accordance with their terms.
Section 10.2      Indemnification.
(a)      Subject to ARTICLE VIII relating to Taxes and the provisions of this ARTICLE X, from and after the Closing, Proppants shall indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership, the Partnership’s Subsidiaries, including Acquisition Co. and their respective Representatives (the “ Partnership Indemnified Parties ”) from and against all Losses that the Partnership Indemnified Parties incur arising from any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of Proppants in this Agreement or in any closing certificate to be delivered by Proppants at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement.
(b)      Subject to ARTICLE VIII relating to Taxes and the provisions of this ARTICLE X, from and after the Closing, Acquisition Co. and the Partnership shall, jointly and severally, indemnify and hold harmless Proppants and its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and

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its Subsidiaries, including Acquisition Co. and its Subsidiaries) and their respective Representatives (the “ Proppants Indemnified Parties ”) from and against all Losses that the Proppants Indemnified Parties incur arising from or out of any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of Acquisition Co. or the Partnership in this Agreement or any closing certificate to be delivered by Acquisition Co. or the Partnership at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement.
(c)      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Parties shall have a duty to use reasonable efforts to mitigate any Loss arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(d)      Notwithstanding anything in this ARTICLE X to the contrary, all Losses relating to Taxes which are the subject of ARTICLE VIII shall only be subject to indemnification under Section 8.3.
Section 10.3      Indemnification Procedures . Claims for indemnification under this Agreement (other than claims involving a Tax Proceeding, the procedures for which are set forth in ARTICLE VIII) shall be asserted and resolved as follows:
(a)      Any Partnership Indemnified Party or Proppants Indemnified Party claiming indemnification under this Agreement (an “ Indemnified Party ”) with respect to any claim asserted against the Indemnified Party by a third party (“ Third Party Claim ”) in respect of any matter that is subject to indemnification under Section 10.2 shall promptly (i) notify the Party providing the indemnification hereunder (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) of the Third Party Claim and (ii) transmit to the Indemnifying Party a written notice (“ Claim Notice ”) describing in reasonable detail the nature of the Third Party Claim and a copy of all papers served with respect to such claim (if any). Failure to timely provide such Claim Notice shall not affect the right of the Indemnified Party’s indemnification hereunder, except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is prejudiced by such delay or omission.
(b)      The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend the Indemnified Party against such Third Party Claim (unless (i) such Third Party Claim is asserted against the Indemnifying Party also and the Indemnified Party determines in good faith that joint representation would be inappropriate, or (ii) the Indemnifying Party fails to provide reasonable assurance to the Indemnified Party of its financial capacity to defend such Third Party Claim and provide indemnification with respect to any Losses arising from Third Party Claim). If the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party elects to assume the defense of the Third Party Claim, then the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend such Third Party Claim with counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party (who shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party), by all appropriate proceedings, to a final conclusion or settlement at the discretion of the Indemnifying Party in accordance with this Section 10.3(b) and, after notice from the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnified Party of its election to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party will not, as long as it diligently conducts such defense, be liable to the Indemnified Party under this ARTICLE X for any fees of other counsel or any other expenses with respect to the defense of such Third Party Claim, in each case subsequently incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with the defense of such Third Party Claim, other than reasonable costs of investigation. The Indemnifying Party shall have full control of such defense

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and proceedings, including any compromise or settlement thereof; provided, however , that the Indemnifying Party shall not enter into any settlement agreement without the written consent of the Indemnified Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); provided, further, that such consent shall not be required if (i) the settlement agreement contains a complete and unconditional general release by the third party asserting the claim to all Indemnified Parties affected by the claim, (ii) the settlement agreement does not contain any sanction or restriction upon the conduct of any business by the Indemnified Party or its Affiliates, (iii) there is no finding or admission of any violation of applicable Law or any violation of the rights of any Person and no effect on any other Third Party Claims that may be made against the Indemnified Party, (iv) the sole relief provided is monetary damages that are paid in full by the Indemnifying Party and (v) the Indemnified Party will have no liability with respect to any compromise or settlement of such Third Party Claims. If requested by the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party agrees, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, to cooperate with the Indemnifying Party and its counsel in contesting any Third Party Claim which the Indemnifying Party elects to contest, including the making of any related counterclaim against the Person asserting the Third Party Claim or any cross complaint against any Person. The Indemnified Party may participate in, but not control, any defense or settlement of any Third Party Claim controlled by the Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Section 10.3(b), and the Indemnified Party shall bear its own costs and expenses with respect to such participation.
(c)      If the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party elects to defend the Indemnified Party pursuant to Section 10.3(b), then the Indemnified Party shall have the right to defend, and be reimbursed for its reasonable cost and expense (but only if the Indemnified Party is actually entitled to indemnification hereunder) in regard to the Third Party Claim with counsel selected by the Indemnified Party, by all appropriate proceedings, which proceedings shall be prosecuted diligently by the Indemnified Party. In such circumstances, the Indemnified Party shall defend any such Third Party Claim in good faith and have full control of such defense and proceedings; provided, however , that the Indemnified Party may not enter into any compromise or settlement of such Third Party Claim if indemnification is to be sought hereunder, without the Indemnifying Party’s consent. The Indemnifying Party may participate in, but not control, any defense or settlement controlled by the Indemnified Party pursuant to this Section 10.3(c), and the Indemnifying Party shall bear its own costs and expenses with respect to such participation.
(d)      Subject to the other provisions of this ARTICLE X, a claim for indemnification for any matter not involving a Third Party Claim may be asserted by notice to the Party from whom indemnification is sought.
(e)      The Parties hereby consent to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any court in which a Proceeding is brought against any Indemnified Party for purposes of any Claim that an Indemnified Person may have under this Agreement with respect to such Proceeding or the matters alleged therein, and agree that process may be served on any Party with respect to such a claim anywhere in the world.



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(f)      The Indemnified Party or the Indemnifying Party, as the case may be, shall furnish such information (so long as such information is not subject to any confidentiality agreements or attorney-client privilege; provided, that the parties shall take all reasonable measures to fully provide such information in compliance with such obligations) in reasonable detail as it may have with respect to a Third Party Claim (including copies of any summons, complaint or other pleading which may have been served on such party and any written claim, invoice, billing or other document evidencing or asserting the same) to the other party if such other party is assuming defense of such Third Party Claim, and make available all records and other similar materials which are reasonably required in the defense of such Third Party Claim and shall otherwise reasonably cooperate with and assist the defending party in the defense of such Third Party Claim.
(g)      With respect to any Third Party Claim subject to indemnification under this ARTICLE X: (i) both the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, as the case may be, shall keep the other Person reasonably informed of the status of such Third Party Claims and any related judicial or other proceedings at all stages thereof where such Person is not represented by its own counsel and (ii) the parties agree (each at its own expense) to render to each other such assistance as they may reasonably require of each other and to cooperate in good faith with each other in order to ensure the proper and adequate defense of any Third Party Claim.
(h)      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10.3, the indemnification procedures set forth in ARTICLE VIII shall control any indemnities relating to Taxes.
Section 10.4      Additional Agreements Regarding Indemnification . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein and subject to ARTICLE VIII relating to Taxes:
(a)      a breach of any representation or warranty (other than with respect to a breach of the Acquisition Co. Fundamental Representations and Warranties, Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties or the Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties) in connection with any single item or group of related items that results in Losses of less than $25,000 shall be deemed, for all purposes of this ARTICLE X not to be a breach of such representation, warranty or pre-closing covenant;
(b)      Proppants shall not have any liability arising out of or relating to Section 10.2(a) for breaches of representations or warranties (other than with respect to a breach of the Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties) except if the aggregate Losses actually incurred by the Partnership Indemnified Parties thereunder exceed $1,400,000 (the “ Basket ”), and then, subject to Section 10.4(d), only to the extent such aggregate Losses exceed such amount;
(c)      neither Acquisition Co. nor the Partnership shall have any liability arising out of or relating to Section 10.2(b) for breaches of representations or warranties (other than with respect to a breach of the Acquisition Co. Fundamental Representations and Warranties or the Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties) except if the aggregate Losses actually incurred by the Proppants Indemnified Parties thereunder exceed the Basket, and then, subject to Section 10.4(e), only to the extent such aggregate Losses exceed such amount;


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(d)      in no event shall (i) the aggregate liability of Proppants arising out of or relating to Section 10.2(a) for breaches of representations or warranties (other than with respect to a breach of the Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties) exceed $28,000,000 (the “ Cap ”) and (ii) the aggregate liability of Proppants arising out of or relating to Section 10.2(a) for breaches of the Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties exceed $140,000,000;
(e)      in no event shall (i) the joint and several aggregate liability of Acquisition Co. and the Partnership arising out of or relating to Section 10.2(b) for breaches of representations or warranties (other than with respect to a breach of the Acquisition Co. Fundamental Representations and Warranties and the Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties) exceed the Cap and (ii) the joint and several aggregate liability of Acquisition Co. and the Partnership arising out of or relating to Section 10.2(b) for breaches of the Acquisition Co. Fundamental Representations and Warranties and the Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties exceed $140,000,000;
(f)      for the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 10.4 shall affect the provisions of ARTICLE VIII.
(g)      for purposes of determining whether a breach of any representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.5) has occurred and whether any Indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification for any liabilities under this ARTICLE X arising from any such breach of such representation or warranty and in calculating the amount of such liabilities, the Parties shall disregard (i) any requirement in any such representation or warranty that an event or fact be material, have, or be reasonably expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, or otherwise be subject to a similar qualification as to materiality, material adverse effect or words of similar import and (ii) any other references to materiality, material adverse effect or words of similar import in any such representation or warranty.
(h)      Under no circumstance shall Proppants be entitled to offset any indemnification obligations to the Partnership Indemnified Parties arising under this ARTICLE X against any amounts due to Proppants under Section 2.3 hereof without the prior written consent of the Partnership (which shall include the prior written consent of the Conflicts Committee).
Section 10.5      Waiver of Other Representations.
(a)      NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY HEREIN, IT IS THE EXPLICIT INTENT OF EACH PARTY HERETO, AND THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE, THAT NONE OF PROPPANTS OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES HAS MADE OR IS MAKING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO THE CONDITION, MERCHANTABILITY, USAGE, SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE CONTRIBUTED INTERESTS, THE BUSINESS, THE



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CONTRIBUTED ENTITIES OR THEIR ASSETS OR ANY PART THEREOF, EXCEPT THOSE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT.
(b)      NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY HEREIN, IT IS THE EXPLICIT INTENT OF EACH PARTY HERETO, AND THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE, THAT NONE OF THE PARTNERSHIP OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES (INCLUDING ACQUISITION CO.) OR REPRESENTATIVES HAS MADE OR IS MAKING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO THE CONDITION, MERCHANTABILITY, USAGE, SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTNERSHIP, ITS BUSINESS OR ASSETS OR ANY PART THEREOF, EXCEPT THOSE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT.
Section 10.6      Consideration Adjustment . The Parties agree to treat all payments made pursuant to this ARTICLE X as adjustments to the purchase price for Tax purposes, except as otherwise required by Law following a final determination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or a Governmental Authority with competent jurisdiction.
Section 10.7      Exclusive Remedy.
(a)      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein except as provided in Section 8.2, Section 8.3, Section 10.2 or Section 11.2, no Party shall have any liability, and no Party shall make any claim, for any Loss or other matter (and Acquisition Co., the Partnership and Proppants each hereby waive any right of contribution against the other and their respective Affiliates), under, arising out of or relating to this Agreement, any other document, agreement, certificate or other matter delivered pursuant hereto or the transactions contemplated hereby, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, other Laws or otherwise.
(b)      NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY HEREIN, NO PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS, LOST OPPORTUNITIES OR OTHER SPECULATIVE DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OTHER LAW OR OTHERWISE AND WHETHER OR NOT ARISING FROM ANY OTHER PARTY’S SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER FAULT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THIS SECTION 10.7 SHALL NOT LIMIT A PARTY’S RIGHT TO RECOVERY UNDER ARTICLE IX FOR ANY SUCH DAMAGES TO THE EXTENT SUCH PARTY IS REQUIRED TO PAY SUCH DAMAGES TO A THIRD PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH A MATTER FOR WHICH SUCH PARTY IS OTHERWISE ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE X.





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ARTICLE XI
TERMINATION
Section 11.1      Termination . At any time prior to the Closing, this Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby abandoned:
(a)      by the mutual consent of the Parties as evidenced in writing signed by each of the Parties;
(b)      by any of the Parties if any Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction has issued a final, non-appealable order, decree, ruling or injunction (other than a temporary restraining order) or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or
(c)      by any of the Parties if the Closing has not occurred on or before June 30, 2017 or such later date as the Parties may agree upon.
Section 11.2      Effect of Termination . In the event of termination and abandonment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect without any liability on the part of any Party hereto other than for any prior breaches, as to which the Parties will remain liable and/or to which the other Party shall be entitled to all rights and remedies available under Law or equity. The provisions of Section 11.2 and Section 12.4 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 12.1      Notices . Any notice, request, demand and other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, and may be served by personal delivery, facsimile or by depositing same in the mail, addressed to the Party to be notified, first class, postage prepaid, and registered or certified with a return receipt requested. Notice deposited in the mail in the manner hereinabove described shall be deemed to have been given and received on the date of the delivery as shown on the return receipt. Notice served in any other manner shall be deemed to have been given and received only if and when actually received by the addressee (except that notice given by facsimile shall be deemed given and received upon receipt only if received during normal business hours and, if received other than during normal business hours, shall be deemed received as of the opening of business on the next Business Day). For purposes of notice, the addresses of the Parties shall be as follows:
(a)      If to Proppants, to:
Hi-Crush Proppants LLC
Three Riverway, Suite 1350
Houston, TX 77056
Attention:    General Counsel
Facsimile:    (713) 963-0088


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(b)      If to the Partnership, to:
Hi-Crush Partners LP
Three Riverway, Suite 1350
Houston, TX 77056
Attention:    General Counsel
Facsimile:    (713) 963-0088
(c)    If to Acquisition Co., to:
Hi-Crush Augusta Acquisition Co. LLC
Three Riverway, Suite 1350
Houston, TX 77056
Attention:    General Counsel
Facsimile:    (713) 963-0088
or to such other address or addresses as the Parties may from time to time designate in writing.
Section 12.2      Assignment . No Party shall assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the other Party (which, in the case of the Partnership, shall include the prior written approval of the Conflicts Committee). Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.
Section 12.3      Rights of Third Parties . Except for the provisions of Section 10.2 which are intended to be enforceable by the Persons respectively referred to therein, 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.
Section 12.4      Expense . Except as otherwise provided herein, each Party shall bear its own expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions herein contemplated hereby whether or not such transactions shall be consummated, including all fees of its legal counsel, financial advisers and accountants.
Section 12.5      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any facsimile copies hereof or signature hereon shall, for all purposes, be deemed originals.
Section 12.6      Entire Agreement . This Agreement (together with the Disclosure Schedule to this Agreement) constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the Parties or any of their respective Affiliates relating to such subject matter.
Section 12.7      Disclosure Schedule . Unless the context otherwise requires, all capitalized terms used in the Disclosure Schedule shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in this

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Agreement. No reference to or disclosure of any item or other matter in the Disclosure Schedule shall be construed as an admission or indication that such item or other matter is material or that such item or other matter is required to be referred to or disclosed in the Disclosure Schedule. No disclosure in the Disclosure Schedule relating to any possible breach or violation of any agreement or Law shall be construed as an admission or indication that any such breach or violation exists or has actually occurred. The inclusion of any information in the Disclosure Schedule shall not be deemed to be an admission or acknowledgment by Proppants, in and of itself, that such information is material to or outside the ordinary course of the Business of each of the Contributed Entities or required to be disclosed on the Disclosure Schedule.
Section 12.8      Amendments . This Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, and terms and conditions may be waived, only by a duly authorized agreement in writing which makes reference to this Agreement executed by each Party (which, in the case of the Partnership, shall require the prior written approval of the Conflicts Committee).
Section 12.9      Publicity . All press releases or other public communications of any nature whatsoever relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the method of the release for publication thereof, shall be subject to the prior consent of the Partnership and Proppants, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed by any Party; provided, however , that 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 after consultation with the other Party as is reasonable under the circumstances.
Section 12.10      Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The Parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Agreement, then they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the Parties to the greatest extent legally permissible.
Section 12.11      Governing Law; Jurisdiction .
(a)      This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Texas without regard to the Laws that might be applicable under conflicts of laws principles.
(b)      The Parties agree that the appropriate, exclusive and convenient forum for any disputes between any of the Parties hereto arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be in any state or federal court in Houston, Texas, and each of the Parties hereto irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts solely in respect of any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement. The Parties further agree that the Parties shall not bring suit with respect to any disputes arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any court or jurisdiction other than the above specified courts; provided, however , that

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the foregoing shall not limit the rights of the Parties to obtain execution of judgment in any other jurisdiction. The Parties further agree, to the extent permitted by Law, that a final and unappealable judgment against a Party in any action or proceeding contemplated above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction within or outside the United States by suit on the judgment, a certified or exemplified copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such judgment. Except to the extent that a different determination or finding is mandated due to the Law being that of a different jurisdiction, the Parties agree that all judicial determinations or findings by a state or federal court in Houston, Texas with respect to any matter under this Agreement shall be binding.
(c)      To the extent that any Party hereto has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, each such party hereby irrevocably (i) waives such immunity in respect of its obligations with respect to this Agreement and (ii) submits to the personal jurisdiction of any court described in Section 12.11(b).
(d)      THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE THAT THEY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE OR INTERPRET THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
(Signature Page Follows)

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Contribution Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each Party as of the date first above written.
PROPPANTS:


HI-CRUSH PROPPANTS LLC



By:     /s/ Robert E. Rasmus    
Name:     Robert E. Rasmus
Title: Chief Executive Officer


ACQUISITION CO.:


HI-CRUSH AUGUSTA ACQUISITION CO. LLC

By:    Hi-Crush Partners LP, its sole member

By:    Hi-Crush GP, LLC, its general partner


By: /s/ Robert E. Rasmus    
Name: Robert E. Rasmus
Title: Chief Executive Officer



PARTNERSHIP:


HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP

By:    Hi-Crush GP LLC, its general partner



By: /s/ Robert E. Rasmus    
Name: Robert E. Rasmus
Title: Chief Executive Officer


[Signature Page to the Contribution Agreement]



Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
(Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Robert E. Rasmus, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hi-Crush Partners LP;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
/s/ Robert E. Rasmus
Robert E. Rasmus
Chief Executive Officer
May 1, 2017




Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
(Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Laura C. Fulton, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hi-Crush Partners LP;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
/s/ Laura C. Fulton
Laura C. Fulton
Chief Financial Officer
May 1, 2017




Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
(Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 of Hi-Crush Partners LP (the “Partnership”) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”) and pursuant to 18. U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Robert E. Rasmus, Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership, certify, that to my knowledge:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.
 
 
/s/ Robert E. Rasmus
Robert E. Rasmus
Chief Executive Officer
May 1, 2017




Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
(Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 of Hi-Crush Partners LP (the “Partnership”) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”) and pursuant to 18. U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Laura C. Fulton, Chief Financial Officer of the Partnership, certify, that to my knowledge:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.
 
 
/s/ Laura C. Fulton
Laura C. Fulton
Chief Financial Officer
May 1, 2017




Exhibit 95.1
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
The following disclosures are provided pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”) and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, which requires certain disclosures by companies required to file periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that operate mines regulated under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”).
Mine Safety Information
Whenever the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) believes a violation of the Mine Act, any health or safety standard or any regulation has occurred, it may issue a citation which describes the alleged violation and fixes a time within which the U.S. mining operator must abate the alleged violation. In some situations, such as when MSHA believes that conditions pose a hazard to miners, MSHA may issue an order removing miners from the area of the mine affected by the condition until the alleged hazards are corrected. When MSHA issues a citation or order, it generally proposes a civil penalty, or fine, as a result of the alleged violation, that the operator is ordered to pay. Citations and orders can be contested and appealed, and as part of that process, may be reduced in severity and amount, and are sometimes dismissed. The number of citations, orders and proposed assessments vary depending on the size and type (underground or surface) of the mine as well as by the MSHA inspector(s) assigned.
Mine Safety Data
The following provides additional information about references used in the table below to describe the categories of violations, orders or citations issued by MSHA under the Mine Act:
Section 104 S&S Citations: Citations received from MSHA under section 104 of the Mine Act for violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a mine safety or health hazard.
Section 104(b) Orders: Orders issued by MSHA under section 104(b) of the Mine Act, which represents a failure to abate a citation under section 104(a) within the period of time prescribed by MSHA. This results in an order of immediate withdrawal from the area of the mine affected by the condition until MSHA determines that the violation has been abated.
Section 104(d) Citations and Orders: Citations and orders issued by MSHA under section 104(d) of the Mine Act for an unwarrantable failure to comply with mandatory health or safety standards.
Section 110(b)(2) Violations: Flagrant violations issued by MSHA under section 110(b)(2) of the Mine Act.
Section 107(a) Orders: Orders issued by MSHA under section 107(a) of the Mine Act for situations in which MSHA determined an “imminent danger” (as defined by MSHA) existed.
Pattern or Potential Pattern of Violations
The following provides additional information about references used in the table below to describe elevated pattern of violation enforcement actions taken by MSHA under the Mine Act:
Pattern of Violations : A pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that are of such nature as could have significantly and substantially contributed to the cause and effect of mine health or safety hazards under section 104(e) of the Mine Act.
Potential Pattern of Violations : The potential to have a pattern of violations under section 104(e).
Pending Legal Actions
The following provides additional information of the types of proceedings brought before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (FMSHRC):
Contest Proceedings: A contest proceeding may be filed by an operator to challenge the issuance of a citation or order issued by MSHA.
Civil Penalty Proceedings: A civil penalty proceeding may be filed by an operator to challenge a civil penalty MSHA has proposed for a violation contained in a citation or order. The Partnership does not institute civil penalty proceedings based solely on the assessment amount of proposed penalties. Any initiated adjudications address substantive matters of law and policy instituted on conditions that are alleged to be in violation of mandatory standards of the Mine Act.
Discrimination Proceedings: Involves a miner’s allegation that he or she has suffered adverse employment action because he or she engaged in activity protected under the Mine Act, such as making a safety complaint. Also includes temporary reinstatement proceedings involving cases in which a miner has filed a complaint with MSHA stating that he or she has suffered discrimination and the miner has lost his or her position.
Compensation Proceedings: A compensation proceeding may be filed by miners entitled to compensation when a mine is closed by certain closure orders issued by MSHA. The purpose of the proceeding is to determine the amount of compensation, if any, due to miners idled by the orders.





Temporary Relief: Applications for temporary relief are applications filed under section 105(b)(2) of the Mine Act for temporary relief from any modification or termination of any order.
Appeals: An appeal may be filed by an operator to challenge judges’ decisions or orders to the Commission, including petitions for discretionary review and review by the Commission on its own motion.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 :
Mine (a)
 
Wyeville, WI
 
Whitehall, WI
 
Augusta, WI
 
Blair, WI
Section 104 citations for violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a mine safety or health hazard (#)
  
 
 
 
Section 104(b) orders (#)
  
 
 
  
Section 104(d) citations and orders (#)
  
 
 
  
Section 110(b)(2) violations (#)
  
 
 
  
Section 107(a) orders (#)
  
 
 
  
Proposed assessments under MSHA (b)
  
$—
 
$575.00
 
$—
 
$—
Mining-related fatalities (#)
 
 
 
  
Section 104(e) notice
  
No
 
No
 
No
 
No
Notice of the potential for a pattern of violations under Section 104(e)
  
No
 
No
 
No
 
No
Legal actions before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (“FMSHRC”) initiated (#)
  
 
 
 
Legal actions before the FMSHRC resolved (#)
  
 
 
 
Legal actions pending before the FMSHRC, end of period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contests of citations and orders referenced in Subpart B of 29 CFR Part 2700 (#)
  
 
 
  
Contests of proposed penalties referenced in Subpart C of 29 CFR Part 2700 (#)
  
 
 
  
Complaints for compensation referenced in Subpart D of 29 CFR Part 2700 (#)
  
 
 
 
Complaints of discharge, discrimination or interference referenced in Subpart E of 29 CFR Part 2700 (#)
  
 
 
 
Applications for temporary relief referenced in Subpart F of 29 CFR Part 2700 (#)
  
 
 
 
Appeals of judges’ decisions or orders referenced in Subpart H of 29 CFR Part 2700 (#)
  
 
 
 
Total pending legal actions (#)
  
 
 
 
(a)
The definition of mine under section 3 of the Mine Act includes the mine, as well as other items used in, or to be used in, or resulting from, the work of extracting minerals, such as land, structures, facilities, equipment, machines, tools and minerals preparation facilities. Unless otherwise indicated, any of these other items associated with a single mine have been aggregated in the totals for that mine. MSHA assigns an identification number to each mine and may or may not assign separate identification numbers to related facilities such as preparation facilities. We are providing the information in the table by mine rather than MSHA identification number because that is how we manage and operate our mining business and we believe this presentation will be more useful to investors than providing information based on MSHA identification numbers.
(b)
Represents the total dollar value of the proposed assessment from MSHA under the Mine Act pursuant to the citations and/or orders preceding such dollar value in the corresponding row.