UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 26, 2019 (February 21, 2019)

 

Summit Midstream Partners, LP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

001-35666

 

45-5200503

(State or other jurisdiction

 

(Commission

 

(IRS Employer

of incorporation)

 

File Number)

 

Identification No.)

 

1790 Hughes Landing Blvd

Suite 500

The Woodlands, TX 77380

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (832) 413-4770

 

Not applicable

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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.  

 


 

It em 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On February 26, 2019, Summit Midstream Partners, LP (the “Partnership”) announced several strategic initiatives through a series of related transactions, each as described below (collectively referred to as the “Transaction”).

Tioga Purchase and Sale Agreements

On February 22, 2019, Tioga Midstream, LLC, a subsidiary of the Partnership, and certain affiliates of the Partnership (collectively, “Summit”) entered into two Purchase and Sale Agreements (the “Tioga PSAs”) with Hess Infrastructure Partners LP and Hess North Dakota Pipelines LLC (collectively, “Hess Infrastructure”), pursuant to which Summit agreed to dispose of the Tioga Midstream system to Hess Infrastructure for a combined cash purchase price of $90 million, subject to adjustment as provided in the Tioga PSAs (the “Tioga Midstream Sale”). The Tioga Midstream system consists of approximately 236 miles of crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids and produced water gathering pipelines and associated equipment, facilities and appurtenances used for transporting hydrocarbons and produced water in Williams County, North Dakota.  

Pursuant to the terms of the Tioga PSAs, Summit is eligible to earn up to $10.0 million of additional cash contingency payments from Hess Infrastructure in future periods, subject to certain future performance metrics.

The Tioga PSAs generally contain customary representations, warranties and covenants, and Summit and Hess Infrastructure have agreed to indemnify each other and their respective affiliates, officers, directors and other representatives against certain losses resulting from any breach of their representations, warranties or covenants contained in the Tioga PSAs, subject to customary limitations and survival periods. Summit also has agreed to indemnify Hess for certain specified liabilities.

The foregoing description of the Tioga PSAs is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreements, which are filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

The Tioga Midstream Sale is expected to close on or before March 31, 2019; however, there can be no assurance that the Tioga Midstream Sale will close in the anticipated time frame or at all.

Amendment to Contribution Agreement

On February 25, 2019, the Partnership and Summit Midstream Partners Holdings, LLC (“SMP Holdings”) entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to that certain Contribution Agreement between SMP Holdings and the Partnership dated February 25, 2016 (the “Original Contribution Agreement”), pursuant to which the Partnership shall, as soon as reasonably practicable following the closing of transactions under the Tioga PSAs, make a cash payment of $100 million (the “2019 Prepayment”) of the remaining portion of the consideration due under the Original Contribution Agreement to SMP Holdings. Following the Amendment and the 2019 Prepayment, the Partnership shall be obligated to deliver (or cause to be delivered) to SMP Holdings $303.5 million in one or more payments over the period from March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, payable in (i) cash, (ii) the Partnership’s common units or (iii) a combination of cash and the Partnership’s common units (the “Remaining Consideration”). No less than 50% of the Remaining Consideration shall be paid on or before June 30, 2020 and interest shall accrue at a rate of 8% per annum on any portion of the Remaining Consideration that remains unpaid after March 31, 2020. The form(s) of Remaining Consideration to be delivered by the Partnership to SMP Holdings shall be determined by the Partnership in its sole discretion.

The Amendment shall become effective immediately following the 2019 Prepayment; however, if the Tioga PSAs are terminated prior to their closing, the Amendment shall terminate and become void.

The foregoing description of the Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Amendment, which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

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Equity Restructuring Agreement

On February 25, 2019, the Partnership, Summit Midstream GP, LLC, the general partner of the Partnership (the “General Partner”), and SMP Holdings, the sole member of the General Partner, entered into an Equity Restructuring Agreement (the “Equity Restructuring Agreement”), pursuant to which the incentive distribution rights and the approximately 2% general partner interest in the Partnership held by the General Partner will be converted into (i) 8,750,000 newly issued common units of the Partnership and (ii) a non-economic general partner interest in the Partnership (together, the “Equity Restructuring”).

The Equity Restructuring Agreement generally contains customary representations and warranties of the Partnership, SMP Holdings and the General Partner.

The closing of the Equity Restructuring Agreement is conditioned upon, and shall be effective only upon, the closing of the Amendment, both of which are expected to occur before the end of the first quarter of 2019. Immediately following the consummation of the Transaction, SMP Holdings will own 34,604,581 common units, representing a 42.1% limited partner interest in the Partnership.

The foregoing description of the Equity Restructuring Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.4 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The terms of the Equity Restructuring Agreement and the Amendment were approved unanimously by the conflicts committee of the Board of Directors of the General Partner, which committee consists entirely of independent directors, and by the entire Board of Directors of the General Partner (the “Board”).

Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

The description in Item 1.01 above of the Partnership’s agreement to issue common units in connection with the Equity Restructuring is incorporated into this Item 3.02 by reference. The sale and issuance of the Partnership’s common units in connection with the Equity Restructuring will be exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.

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

On February 26, 2019, the Partnership announced that, effective as of February 21, 2019, Steven J. Newby, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Summit Midstream Partners, LLC (“Summit Investments”) and Summit Midstream GP, LLC  (collectively with Summit Investments, the “Company”), has stepped down from his positions as a director and as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, by mutual agreement with the Board. The decision for Mr. Newby to depart did not result from any disagreement with the General Partner or the Partnership or any of its affiliates on any matter relating to the Partnership’s operations, policies or practices. Mr. Newby’s employment with the Company will terminate effective February 28, 2019.

Effective immediately, the Board has named Leonard W. Mallett, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, as interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Mallett will maintain his responsibilities as Chief Operations Officer and will be paid a one-time cash bonus in the amount of $100,000 for the increased duties and responsibilities that he is assuming during the interim period. In connection with his appointment as interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mallett has also joined the Board and the Board of Directors of Summit Investments. The Board has engaged an executive recruiting firm to assist it in conducting the search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Mallett, age 62, has more than 35 years of industry experience. He joined the Company as Chief Operations Officer in December 2015 from Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE: EPD), where he served in various key roles from 2006 to 2015, including most recently as its Group Senior Vice President in charge of Engineering. Prior to that, Mr. Mallett served in a variety of leadership roles in operations, engineering, commercial, health and safety, sourcing and technical support for the various pipelines and related facilities owned by TEPPCO, which was ultimately purchased by EPD. During the transition period, Mr. Mallett served as interim CEO while EPD was integrating the TEPPCO business. At the Company, he has provided leadership and strategic

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oversight for the safe, profitable and environmentally compliant operations of the Company’s diverse midstream assets.

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

The information set forth in Item 1.01 is incorporated herein by reference.

On February 26, 2019, the Partnership issued a press release relating to the entry into the Transaction, the departure of Mr. Newby from his positions as director and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the appointment of Mr. Mallett as interim President and Chief Executive Officer. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The information set forth in this Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, is being  furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any of the Partnership’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and regardless of any general incorporation language in such filings, except to the extent expressly set forth by specific reference in such filings. The filing of this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, of this Current Report on Form 8-K shall not be deemed an admission as to the materiality of any information herein that is required to be disclosed solely by reason of Regulation FD.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits .

Exhibit No.

 

Description

10.1

 

Purchase and Sale Agreement between Meadowlark Midstream Company, LLC, Tioga Midstream, LLC and Hess North Dakota Pipelines LLC dated as of February 22, 2019 .

10.2

 

Purchase and Sale Agreement between Meadowlark Midstream Company, LLC, Tioga Midstream, LLC and Hess Infrastructure Partners LP dated as of February 22, 2019.

10.3

 

Amendment to Contribution Agreement between Summit Midstream Partners Holdings, LLC and Summit Midstream Partners, LP dated February 25, 2019.

10.4

 

Equity Restructuring Agreement by and among Summit Midstream Partners, LP, Summit Midstream GP, LLC and Summit Midstream Partners Holdings, LLC dated as of February 25, 2019.

99.1

 

Press Release, dated February 26, 2019.

 

 

 

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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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Summit Midstream Partners, LP

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

By:

Summit Midstream GP, LLC (its general partner)

 

 

 

Date:

February 26, 2019

/s/ Marc D. Stratton

 

 

Marc D. Stratton, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT 10.1

Execution Version

 

PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

between

Meadowlark Midstream Company, LLC,

as Seller

Tioga Midstream, LLC,

as Tioga

and

Hess North Dakota Pipelines LLC,

as Buyer

dated as of February 22, 2019

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

Page

Article I
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

1.1 Definitions 2

1.2 Rules of Construction 12

Article II
PURCHASE AND SALE AND CLOSING

2.1 Purchase and Sale 13

2.2 Purchase Price 13

2.3 Closing 14

2.4 Closing Deliveries by Seller to Buyer 15

2.5 Closing Deliveries by Buyer to Seller 15

2.6 Settlement Statements 15

2.7 Express Exclusion of Operations Services from the Purchase and Sale 17

2.8 Withholding 17

Article III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING TIOGA AND THE HYDROCARBON GATHERING COMPANY

3.1 Organization; Good Standing 18

3.2 Authority 18

3.3 Capitalization of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company 18

3.4 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals 19

3.5 Compliance with Applicable Laws 19

3.6 Intellectual Property 20

3.7 Absence of Litigation 20

3.8 Real Property 21

3.9 Personal Property 22

3.10 Purchase Orders 23

3.11 Regulatory Status 23

3.12 Environmental Matters 23

3.13 Taxes 24

3.14 Contracts 25

3.15 Employees and Plans 26

3.16 Transactions with Affiliates 27

3.17 Broker’s Commissions 27

3.18 Records 27

3.19 Surety Bonds and Credit 27

3.20 No Bankruptcy 27

3.21 Financial Statements; No Undisclosed Material Liabilities; Indebtedness 27

3.22 Insurance 28

3.23 Bank Accounts 28

3.24 Imbalances 28

3.25 Preferential Purchase Rights 29

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3.26 Unrelated Activities and Liabilities 29

3.27 Absence of Changes 29

3.28 Use of Proceeds 29

Article IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

4.1 Organization; Good Standing 30

4.2 Authority 30

4.3 Ownership of Equity Interests 30

4.4 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals 30

4.5 Broker’s Commissions 30

4.6 No Bankruptcy 31

4.7 Legal Proceedings 31

Article V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING BUYER

5.1 Organization; Good Standing 31

5.2 Authority 31

5.3 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals 31

5.4 Legal Proceedings 32

5.5 Acquisition as Investment 32

5.6 Financial Resources 32

5.7 Opportunity for Independent Investigation 32

5.8 Broker’s Commissions 33

5.9 No Knowledge of Breach 33

Article VI
COVENANTS

6.1 Indebtedness; Distributions; Contributions 33

6.2 Tax Matters 34

6.3 Public Announcements 36

6.4 Regulatory and Other Approvals 37

6.5 Resignation and Removal 37

6.6 Removal of Name 37

6.7 Termination of Agreements with Seller and Non-Company Affiliates 37

6.8 Replacement of Insurance 38

6.9 Further Assurances 38

6.10 Casualty Loss 38

6.11 Conduct of Business 38

6.12 No Shop 41

6.13 Reorganization Transactions 42

6.14 Financial Statements 42

Article VII
BUYER’S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

7.1 Representations and Warranties 43

7.2 Performance 43

7.3 Officer’s Certificate 43

7.4 Orders and Laws 43

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7.5 Closing Deliverables 43

7.6 Indebtedness; Distributions 43

7.7 Water PSA Closing 43

7.8 Side Letter 44

Article VIII
SELLER’S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

8.1 Representations and Warranties 44

8.2 Performance 44

8.3 Officer’s Certificate 44

8.4 Orders and Laws 44

8.5 Closing Deliverables 44

8.6 Water PSA Closing 44

8.7 Side Letter 44

Article IX
TERMINATION

9.1 Right of Termination 45

9.2 Effect of Termination 45

9.3 Return of Documentation 46

9.4 Confidentiality 46

Article X
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY, WAIVERS AND ARBITRATION

10.1 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements 46

10.2 Indemnification of Buyer and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company by Seller 47

10.3 Indemnification of Seller by Buyer 48

10.4 Limitations 48

10.5 Claims Procedures 49

10.6 Waiver of Other Representations 51

10.7 Waiver of Remedies 51

10.8 Access to Information and Assets; Transition of Operations 52

10.9 Dispute Resolution and Arbitration 53

10.10 Arbitration Procedures 54

10.11 Losses 55

10.12 Tax Treatment 55

10.13 Express Negligence 55

Article XI
MISCELLANEOUS

11.1 Notices 56

11.2 Entire Agreement 57

11.3 Expenses 57

11.4 Disclosure 57

11.5 Waiver 57

11.6 Amendment 58

11.7 No Third Party Beneficiary 58

11.8 Assignment; Binding Effect 58

11.9 Invalid Provisions 58

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11.10 Counterparts 58

11.11 Governing Law; Enforcement, Jury Trial Waiver 58

11.12 Specific Performance 59


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EXHIBITS:

Exhibit A –Company Assignment Agreement

Exhibit B Hydrocarbon Gathering System

Exhibit C Form of Release

Exhibit D-1 Form of Hydrocarbon Gathering Shared Easements Assignment

Exhibit D-2 Form of Hydrocarbon Gathering Specified Shared Easements Assignment

Exhibit D-3 Form of Hydrocarbon Gathering Only Assets Assignment

Exhibit E Form of Easement Agreement

 

SCHEDULES:   

Schedule 1.1-NWC Sample Net Working Capital Calculation

Schedule 1.1-CP Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment

Schedule 1.1-FD Financing Documents

Schedule 1.1-PL Permitted Liens

Schedule 3.5 Compliance with Applicable Law s

Schedule 3.5-P Hydrocarbon Permits

Schedule 3.6(b) Hydrocarbon Intellectual Property

Schedule 3.7 Absence of Litigation

Schedule 3.8(a) Hydrocarbon Owned Real Property

Schedule 3.8(b) Hydrocarbon Real Property Leases

Schedule 3.8(c), Part 1 – Shared Easements

Schedule 3.8(c), Part 2 – Specified Shared Easements

Schedule 3.8(c), Part 3 – Hydrocarbon Gathering Only Easements

Schedule 3.8(d) Obligations to Dispose of Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property

Schedule 3.8(e) Hydrocarbon Gathering System Gaps

Schedule 3.8(g) Non-Company Owned Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property

Schedule 3.9(a) Certain Hydrocarbon Gathering Personal Property

Schedule  3.9(b)

–Hydrocarbon Gathering Personal Property Projected Capital Maintenance

Schedule 3.10 Hydrocarbon Purchase Orders

Schedule 3.12 Environmental Matters

Schedule 3.13 Taxes

Schedule 3.14 Hydrocarbon Material Contracts

Schedule 3.16 Transactions with Affiliates

Schedule 3.19 Hydrocarbon Surety Bonds and Credit

Schedule 3.21 Indebtedness

Schedule 3.22 Insurance

Schedule 3.23 Bank Accounts; Powers of Attorney

Schedule 3.24 Hydrocarbon Imbalances

Schedule 3.25 Preferential Rights

Schedule 3.27 Absence of Change

Schedule 5.9 No Knowledge of Breach

Schedule 6.11 Conduct of Business

Schedule 10.2(e) Special Liabilities

 

 

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PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

This PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of February 22, 2019 (the “ Execution Date ”), is made and entered into by and among Meadowlark Midstream Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Seller ”), Tioga Midstream, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Tioga ”) and Hess North Dakota Pipelines LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Buyer ”).  Hess Infrastructure Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Water Buyer ”), is also joining in the execution of this Agreement solely for purposes of acknowledging the provisions and limitations of Section 10.4(c) and for no other purpose (the Parties acknowledge that Water Buyer shall have no liability hereunder).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Seller owns all of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests (as defined below) in Tioga (the “ Tioga Company Interests ”), which holds assets comprising the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business (as defined below) and the Water Gathering Business (as defined below).

WHEREAS, Seller intends to cause Tioga to convey (and Tioga intends to convey), prior to Closing (as defined below), the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business and Tioga’s assets utilized therein (including the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets (as defined below)) to Tioga Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Hydrocarbon Gathering Company ”) in which Seller owns all of the issued and outstanding Hydrocarbon Company Interests (as defined below).

WHEREAS, Seller intends to cause Tioga to convey (and Tioga intends to convey), prior to Closing, the Water Gathering Business and Tioga’s assets utilized therein (including the Water Gathering Assets (as defined below)) to Tioga Water Gathering Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Water Gathering Company ”) in which Seller owns all of the issued and outstanding Water Company Interests (as defined below).

WHEREAS, pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of the Execution Date by and between Seller and Water Buyer (such agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented and/or restated, the “ Water PSA ”), Seller will sell all of the Tioga Company Interests and all of the Water Company Interests to Water Buyer.

WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase from Seller, all of the Hydrocarbon Company Interests, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

WHEREAS, Summit Midstream Partners, LP, an Affiliate of Seller, has executed concurrently with the execution of this Agreement a performance guarantee in favor of Buyer guaranteeing the performance and payment of Seller’s obligations under this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of such guarantee.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable

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consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

Article I
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

1.1 Definitions

.  As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms have the meanings set forth below:

1933 Act ” means the United States Securities Act of 1933 (codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 77a et seq.).

Accounting Referee ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.6(c) .

Acquired Company ” means any of Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company.

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, a Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person.  In this context “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, by any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of the power or authority, through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, to control or direct the management and policies of the entity; provided , however , that for purposes of this Agreement and any other agreements and/or instruments entered into in connection herewith, (i) Buyer and its subsidiaries are not Affiliates of Seller and its other Affiliates and (ii) prior to and at the Closing, Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and the Water Gathering Company are each an Affiliate of Seller and after the Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company will be a subsidiary and an Affiliate of Buyer and each of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company will be a subsidiary and an Affiliate of Water Buyer and thus none of Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and the Water Gathering Company will be an Affiliate of Seller.

Agreement ” has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.

Allocation Schedule ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.2(f) .

Asserted Liability ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.5(a) .

Assets ” means, collectively, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets and the Water Gathering Assets.  For the avoidance of doubt, the “ Assets ” do not include any Fiberspar inventory.

Base Purchase Price ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.2(a) .

Business ” means, collectively, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business and the Water Gathering Business.

Business Day ” means a day other than Saturday, Sunday or any day on which banks located in the State of New York or the State of Texas are authorized or obligated to close.

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Buyer ” has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.

Buyer Warranty Breach ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.3(a) .

Cash ” means money or currency in a deposit account of Tioga and/or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company at a financial institution, net of checks outstanding as of the time of determination.

Casualty Loss ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.10 .

Change of Control Transaction ” means (a) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition, in one or a series of transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of Summit Midstream Partners, LP to a Person that is not an Affiliate of Energy Capital Partners II, LLC or (b) any transaction (including by way of merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any Person that is not an Affiliate of Energy Capital Partners II, LLC, becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the common units (or other voting membership interest, as applicable) of any of the Summit Companies.

Charter Documents ” means with respect to any Person that is not a natural person, the articles of incorporation or organization, memorandum of association, articles of association and by-laws, the limited partnership agreement, the partnership agreement or the limited liability company agreement and/or such other organizational documents of such Person which establish the legal personality of such Person.

Claim ” means any demand, claim, action, investigation or Proceeding.

Claims Notice ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.5(a) .

Closing ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.3 .  

Closing Date ” means the date on which Closing occurs.  

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

Company Assignment Agreement ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.4(a) .

Company Warranty Breach ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.2(a) .

Confidentiality Agreement ” has the meaning given to it in Section 9.4 .

Consolidated Group ” means any affiliated, combined, consolidated, unitary or similar group with respect to any Taxes, including any affiliated group within the meaning of Section 1504 of the Code electing to file consolidated federal income Tax Returns and any similar group under foreign, state or local Law.

Contingency Payment ” means the amounts payable pursuant to Schedule 1.1-CP with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets.

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Contract ” means any legally binding contract, lease, license, evidence of Indebtedness, mortgage, indenture, purchase order, binding bid, letter of credit, security agreement or arrangement, in each case, whether written or oral.

Dispute ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.9(a) .

Dispute Notice ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.6(b) .

Due Diligence Information ” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.7(b) .

Easement ” means any easement, right-of-way, surface use agreement or similar interest burdening any Real Property.

Effective Date ” means 11:59 p.m. Prevailing Central Time on December 31, 2018.

Effective Date Net Working Capital ” means, as of the Effective Date, (a) the sum of (i) the product of (x) the sum of the current assets of Tioga (other than accounts receivable and Cash) plus Cash multiplied by (y) 68.2% plus (ii) the sum of the current accounts receivable of Tioga attributable to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business less (b) the product of (i) the sum of the current liabilities of Tioga multiplied by (ii) 68.2%. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the following items will be excluded from the calculation of Effective Date Net Working Capital: (A) any Income Tax assets and Income Tax liabilities, (B) any accounts payable related to capital expenditures, (C) any current deferred revenue, (D) any net change in deposits on property, plant and equipment for the period beginning April 16, 2014 and ending on the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Effective Date, (E) any prepaid insurance premiums allocated to Tioga for the insurance listed on Schedule 3.22 , (F) any prepaid rents or security deposits allocated to Tioga for office buildings, (G) any accrued obligations to pay bonuses of employees of the Summit Companies allocated to Tioga (but for the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of Effective Date Net Working Capital shall include 68.2% of the accrued obligations to pay expenses allocated to Tioga with respect to (I) salaries and benefits (other than bonuses) of field employees of the Summit Companies performing work for Tioga and (II) vehicles utilized by such employees, which expenses shall not exceed $135,000 per calendar month on a 100% basis) and (H) any Fiberspar inventory or liabilities or accounts payable associated therewith.  For illustrative purposes only, attached as Schedule 1.1-NWC is a sample calculation of Effective Date Net Working Capital prepared by Seller in good faith as of December 31, 2018.  In calculating Effective Date Net Working Capital, there shall be no allowances for doubtful accounts.

Environmental Law ” means any and all federal, state and local Laws pertaining to protection of the environment or the release, discharge or disposal of Hazardous Material, as in effect on the date hereof, in any and all jurisdictions in which the Hydrocarbon Gathering System operates or is located, including the Clean Air Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments Act of 1984, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and comparable state and local counterparts.

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Environmental Permits ” means any Permit issued pursuant to Environmental Laws.

Equity Interests ” means capital stock, partnership or membership interests or units (whether general or limited), and any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distribution of assets of, the issuing entity.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

Execution Date ” has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.

Final Settlement Statement ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.6(b) .

Financial Statements ” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.21(a) .

Financing Documents ” means the agreements and instruments listed on Schedule 1.1-FD .

Fundamental Representations ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.1 .

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, applied on a consistent basis.

Governmental Authority ” means any applicable federal, state, tribal or local governmental authority, agency, board, commission, council, court or official in the United States.

Hazardous Material ” means each substance designated or classified as a hazardous waste, hazardous substance, hazardous material, pollutant, contaminant or toxic substance under any Environmental Law.

Hydrocarbon Company Interests ” means 100% of the Equity Interests in the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company.

Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets ” means all of Tioga’s assets necessary for the ownership and operation of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business, including:

 

(i)

the Hydrocarbon Gathering System;

 

(ii)

the Hydrocarbon Gathering Easements;

 

(iii)

the Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property;

 

(iv)

the Hydrocarbon Gathering Personal Property;

 

(v)

the Hydrocarbon Gathering Permits;

 

(vi)

the Hydrocarbon Gathering Contracts;

 

(vii)

the Intellectual Property Rights (insofar as they relate to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business); and

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(viii)

the Records (insofar as they relate to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) .

Hydrocarbon Gathering Business ” means the ownership and operation of the Hydrocarbon Gathering System and other activities conducted by Tioga and/or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company that are in support thereof or incidental thereto.

Hydrocarbon Gathering Company ” has the meaning given to it in the Recitals.

Hydrocarbon Gathering Company LLC Agreement ” means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company dated as of February 19, 2019.

Hydrocarbon Gathering Contracts ” means the Contracts to which Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company is a party or is bound insofar as relating to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business, including the Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contracts.

Hydrocarbon Gathering Easements ” means (a) insofar as the same are also utilized with respect to the Water Gathering Assets, concurrent rights in and to (i) all of the Easements listed on Schedule 3.8(c), Part 1 and Schedule 3.8(c), Part 2 and (ii) all other Easements associated with the Hydrocarbon Gathering System and (b) insofar as not covered under clause (a), (i) all of the Easements listed on Schedule 3.8(c), Part 3 and (ii) all other Easements associated with the Hydrocarbon Gathering System.

Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contracts ” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.14(a) .

Hydrocarbon Gathering Permits ” means all Permits necessary for the ownership or operation of the Hydrocarbon Gathering System or other Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets.

Hydrocarbon Gathering Personal Property ” means all property listed on Schedule 3.9(a) , as well as all other equipment, machinery, fixtures and other personal property, operational or nonoperational, whether owned or leased, in each case, used or held for use in connection with the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business.

Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property ” means (a) insofar as the same are also utilized with respect to the Water Gathering Assets, (i) concurrent rights in and to all of the Real Property listed on Schedule 3.8(a) or Schedule 3.8(b) and (ii) all other Real Property associated with the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business and (b) insofar as not covered under clause (a), (i) all of the Real Property listed on Schedule 3.8(a) or Schedule 3.8(b) and (ii) all other Real Property associated with the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business.

Hydrocarbon Gathering System ” means the facilities depicted on Exhibit B , including a crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids gathering system comprised of approximately 153 miles of pipeline and its associated LACTs, meters, pumps, valves, fittings, equipment, personal property and related facilities and appurtenances located downstream of the point of entry, which is the upstream side of the furthest upstream pipe or equipment used for transporting hydrocarbons that is owned by Tioga prior to the Reorganization Transactions and by the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company after the Reorganization Transactions.

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Income Taxes ” means all income, gross or modified gross receipts (including the Texas franchise Tax), capital gains and similar Taxes.

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any Person, at any date, without duplication, and in each case, with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business, (a) all obligations of such Person for (i) borrowed money, including all principal, interest, premiums, fees, expenses, overdrafts and, to the extent required to be carried on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, penalties with respect thereto, whether short-term or long-term, and whether secured or unsecured or (ii) with respect to deposits or advances of any kind related to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business (other than any such deposits and advances of any Person relating to the purchase of products or services from Tioga (and, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) in the ordinary course of business), (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments or debt securities, (c) all obligations of such Person to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid under a letter of credit or bankers’ acceptances or similar instruments, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property or assets purchased by such Person, (e) all guarantees, whether direct or indirect, by such Person of indebtedness of others or indebtedness of any other Person secured by any assets of such Person, and (f) all other obligations of a Person which would be required to be shown as indebtedness on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Intellectual Property Rights ” means all material rights in any of the following to the extent subject to protection under applicable Law: (a) trademarks, service marks, brand names and trade names; (b) patents; (c) copyrights; (d) internet domain names; (e) trade secrets and other proprietary and confidential information and (f) any registrations or applications for registration for any of the foregoing.

Interim Financial Statements ” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.21(a) .

Knowledge ” when used (a) in a particular representation or warranty in this Agreement with respect to Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or Seller, means the actual knowledge (as opposed to any constructive or imputed knowledge) of any of Steve Newby, Louise Matthews, Brad Graves, Kim Ward, Mike Smith, Ryan Simmons, Brock Degeyter, Megan Davis, Leonard Mallett, Collin Ellis, Greg Haneiko, Rick Smith, Zak Covar, Marc Stratton, Bill Mault, Blake Motley or David Kimsey, and (b) with respect to Buyer, means the actual knowledge (as opposed to any constructive or imputed knowledge) of any of Michael Frailey, Chad Newton, Vicki Valentine, Dave Schmidt, Steve Maddison or Jerry Tamborski.

Laws ” means all laws, statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, court or other orders of a Governmental Authority, and other pronouncements having the effect of law of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means any mortgage, pledge, deed of trust, assessment, security interest, charge, lien, encumbrance, option, warranty, purchase right, lease or other similar burden or property interest.

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Loss ” means any and all judgments, losses, liabilities, amounts paid in settlement, damages, fines, penalties, deficiencies, expenses (including interest, court costs, reasonable fees of attorneys, accountants and other experts and other reasonable expenses of litigation or other Proceedings or of any Claim, default or assessment); provided, however , that any claim for Loss under the indemnities in Article X shall be subject to Section 10.11 .  For all purposes in this Agreement , the term “ Losses ” shall not include any Non-Reimbursable Damages.

Material Adverse Effect ” means any change, event, development or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate with all other changes, events, developments and occurrences, is materially adverse to the business, operations, Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, liabilities or financial condition of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company but excluding any of the foregoing resulting from (i) general economic conditions, (ii) changes or conditions generally affecting the U.S. economy or financial or capital markets or the oil and gas industry (including changes in commodity prices, general market prices, or costs of performing services or regulatory changes), (iii) changes in Laws, GAAP or regulatory accounting requirements or interpretations thereof, (iv) acts of war, insurrection, sabotage or terrorism, or the outbreak of hostilities or trade disputes involving the United States, (v) the occurrence of any natural disasters, (vi) execution of this Agreement and the announcement thereof, (vii) any act or omission by Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the Water Gathering Company (A) expressly prescribed under this Agreement or the Water PSA, as applicable or (B) taken with the prior written consent of Buyer or Water Buyer, as applicable (excluding, in each case, however, any unintended consequences resulting from such acts or omissions) or taken at the prior express written request of Buyer or Water Buyer, as applicable, following the execution of this Agreement, (viii) any failure by Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to meet any budgets, projections, forecasts or predictions of financial performance for any period (without limiting the underlying event that caused such failure from being a Material Adverse Effect if it satisfies the definition hereof), or (ix) any act of Buyer in connection with the exercise of its rights under Section 10.8 or any breach by Buyer or any of its Affiliates of a Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contract or a Contract that constitutes a Water Gathering Material Contract under the Water PSA, except to the extent any of the changes, events, circumstances, developments or occurrences referred to in any of clause (iv) or (v) above disproportionately impact Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company as compared to other companies in the industries and geographical area in which Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company operate.

No Shop Period ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.12 .

Non-Company Affiliate ” means any Affiliate of Seller, except for Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and the Water Gathering Company.

Non-Income Taxes ” means any Taxes imposed on Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company other than (i) Income Taxes and (ii) Taxes described in Section 6.2(c) .

Non-Reimbursable Damages ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.7(b) .

Operations Services ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.7 .

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Outside Date ” has the meaning given to it in Section 9.1(b ) .

Parties ” means each of Buyer, Tioga and Seller.

Permits ” means all permits, licenses or authorizations from any Governmental Authority.

Permitted Lien ” means (a) any Lien for Taxes not yet due or delinquent, (b) any Lien arising in the ordinary course of business by operation of Law with respect to a liability that is not yet due or delinquent, (c) any other imperfection or irregularity of title or other Lien that would not reasonably be expected to materially and adversely interfere with the conduct of the Business, (d) zoning, planning and other similar limitations and restrictions (in each case) to the extent the same does not materially and adversely interfere with the conduct of the Business and all rights of any Governmental Authority to regulate a property, (e) the terms and conditions of the Permits or the Contracts of Tioga related to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business (and, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) (in each case) to the extent the same does not materially and adversely interfere with the conduct of the Business, (f) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security Laws, (g) any Lien to be released on or prior to Closing, including any Lien pursuant to the Financing Documents and (h) the other matters identified on Schedule 1.1-PL .  

Person ” means any natural person, corporation, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, unlimited liability corporation, proprietorship, other business organization, trust, union, association or Governmental Authority.

Plan ” means, whether written or oral, each “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (including “multiemployer plans” within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA) and any and all employment, deferred compensation, change in control, severance, termination, loan, employee benefit, retention, bonus, pension, profit sharing, savings, retirement, welfare, incentive compensation, stock or equity-based compensation, stock purchase, stock appreciation, collective bargaining, fringe benefit, vacation, paid time off, sick leave or other similar agreements, plans, programs, policies, understandings or arrangements.

Pre-Closing Period means, with respect to Income Taxes, any Tax period (or portion thereof) ending on or before the Closing Date.

Pre-Effective Date Period ” means, with respect to Non-Income Taxes, any Tax period (or portion thereof) ending on or before the Effective Date.

Preliminary Settlement Statement ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.6(a) .

Proceeding ” means any complaint, lawsuit, action, suit or other proceeding at Law or in equity or order or ruling, in each case by or before any Governmental Authority or arbitral tribunal.

Prudent Industry Practices ” means generally accepted standards of care and diligence, practices, methods, and acts in the hydrocarbon gathering business for similar facilities located in the United States, which is not intended to be limited to the optimum standard, practice, method or act but rather to a spectrum of possible standards, practices, methods or acts.

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Purchase Price ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.2 .

Real Property ” means real property owned in fee or leased, used or held for use by a Person.

Records ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.8(a) .

Release ” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, injection, disposal or discharge of any Hazardous Materials into the environment, to the extent prohibited under, or not in compliance with, applicable Environmental Laws.

Reorganization Documents ” means any agreement or other document to be executed and delivered by any Party hereto, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and/or the Water Gathering Company in connection with the Reorganization Transactions.

Reorganization Transactions ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.13 .

Representatives ” means, as to any Person, its officers, directors, employees, managers, members, partners, shareholders, owners, counsel, accountants, financial advisers and consultants.

Rules ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.10(a) .

Schedules ” means the disclosure schedules prepared by Seller and attached to this Agreement.

SEC ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.14 .

Seller ” has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.

Seller Group ” means Seller and any of its Affiliates.

Seller Tax Returns ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.2(a)(ii) .

Seller Taxes ” means any and all (a) Income Taxes imposed on Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or for which Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company may otherwise be liable for any Pre-Closing Period, (b) Non-Income Taxes imposed on Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or for which Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company may otherwise be liable for any Pre-Effective Date Period, (c) Taxes of any Consolidated Group (or any member thereof, other than Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the Water Gathering Company) of which Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company (or any predecessor thereof) is or was a member prior to the Closing Date, or (d) Taxes (other than Transfer Taxes and the Taxes described in clause (a), (b) or (c)) imposed by any applicable Laws on Seller or its Affiliates (other than Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the Water Gathering Company) for any Tax period; provided that no such Tax will constitute a Seller Tax to the extent such Tax was included as a current liability in the final determination of Effective Date Net Working Capital.

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Seller Warranty Breach ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.2(b) .

Side Letter ” means that certain letter agreement, dated as of even date herewith, by and among Hess Trading Corporation, Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC, Hess Corporation and Tioga.

Special Liabilities ” means those matters set forth on Schedule 10.2(e) .

Summit Companies ” means Seller, Summit Midstream Partners, LP, Summit Midstream Holdings, LLC, Summit Midstream GP, LLC, Summit Midstream OpCo LLC, Summit Midstream Partners Holdings, LLC and Summit Midstream Partners, LLC.

Taxes ” means (a) all taxes, charges, fees, imposts, levies or other assessments in the nature of a tax, including income, corporate, capital, excise, property, sales, use, turnover, unemployment, social security, disability, withholding, real property, personal property, environmental (including any tax imposed by Section 59A of the Code), transfer, registration, value added and franchise taxes, deductions, withholdings and customs duties, imposed by any Governmental Authority, and including any interest or penalty imposed with respect thereto, whether disputed or not and (b) any liability in respect of any item described in clause (a), above, that arises by reason of a contract, assumption, transferee or successor liability, operation of Law or otherwise.

Tax Claim ” means any action, suit, arbitration, investigation, inquiry, hearing, request for information or filing, audit, examination, claim, demand, dispute, assessment, proposed adjustment or proceeding (whether administrative, regulatory or otherwise, or whether oral or in writing) with respect to Taxes or any Tax Returns of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company.

Tax Return ” means any return, report, rendition, claim for refund, statement, information return or other document (including any related or supporting information or schedule attached thereto, or amendment thereof) filed or required to be filed with any Governmental Authority in connection with the determination, assessment, collection or administration of any Taxes or the administration of any Laws relating to any Taxes.

Taxing Authority ” means, with respect to any Tax, the Governmental Authority or political subdivision thereof that imposes such Tax, and the agency (if any) charged with collection of such Tax for such entity or subdivision.

Third Party Acquisition ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.12 .

Tioga ” has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.

Tioga Company Interests ” has the meaning given to it in the Recitals.

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement and any agreement or other document to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement by any Party hereto or any of its Affiliates, but specifically excluding any Reorganization Documents.

Transfer Taxes ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.2(c) .

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Warranty Breach ” means any Buyer Warranty Breach, Company Warranty Breach, or Seller Warranty Breach.

Water Buyer ” has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.

Water Company Interests ” means 100% of the Equity Interests in the Water Gathering Company.

Water Gathering Assets ” has the meaning given to such term in the Water PSA.

Water Gathering Business ” has the meaning given to such term in the Water PSA.

Water Gathering Company ” has the meaning given to it in the Recitals.

Water Gathering Real Property ” has the meaning given to such term in the Water PSA.

Water PSA ” has the meaning given to it in the Recitals.

Willful Breach ” means, with respect to either Party, (a) such Party’s willful or deliberate act or a willful or deliberate failure to act by such Party, which act or failure to act constitutes in and of itself a material breach of any covenant set forth in this Agreement and which was undertaken with the actual knowledge of such Party that such act or failure to act would be, or would reasonably be expected to cause, a material breach of this Agreement or (b) the failure by such Party to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement after all conditions to such Party’s obligations in Article VII or Article VIII , as applicable, have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (other than those conditions which by their terms can only be satisfied simultaneously with the Closing but which would be capable of being satisfied at Closing if Closing were to occur).

Willful Misconduct ” means (a) an intentional or deliberate act or omission, the results of which are materially detrimental to the interest of another Person and which causes injury or death to such Person or damage to property or the environment, in each case, in any material respect or (b) an intentional act or omission done with knowledge of a situation creating a peril and with a wanton or reckless disregard or indifference to the consequences of such act and with the knowledge that such act is reasonably likely to result in injury or death to a Person or damage to property or the environment, in each case, in any material respect.

Year End Financial Statements ” has the meaning  given to it in Section 3.21(a) .

1.2 Rules of Construction

.

(a) The exhibits and Schedules attached to this Agreement constitute a part of this Agreement for all purposes.  All article, section, subsection and exhibit references used in this Agreement are to articles, sections, subsections and exhibits to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.  

(b) The headings preceding the text of articles and sections included in this Agreement and the headings to the Schedules attached to this Agreement are for convenience only

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and shall not be deemed part of this Agreement or be given any effect in interpreting this Agreement.   

(c) 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).  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 words “includes” or “including” shall mean “including without limitation,” the words “hereof,” “hereby,” “herein,” “hereunder” and similar terms in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not any particular section or article in which such words appear.  All currency amounts referenced herein are in United States Dollars unless otherwise specified.  The singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular wherever and as often as may be appropriate.  The words “shall” and “will” are interchangeably used throughout this Agreement and shall accordingly be given the same meaning, regardless of which word is used.

(d) Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified.  Whenever any action must be taken hereunder on or by a day that is not a Business Day, then such action may be validly taken on or by the next day that is a Business Day.

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

(f) Any reference herein to any Law, statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring to such Law, statute, rule or regulation as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to time and references to particular provisions of a Law include a reference to the corresponding provisions of any prior or succeeding Law.

(g) Each Party acknowledges that it and its attorneys have been given an equal opportunity to negotiate the terms and conditions of this Agreement and that any rule of construction to the effect that 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.

Article II
PURCHASE AND SALE AND CLOSING

2.1 Purchase and Sale

.  On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller, and Seller agrees to sell and to convey to Buyer, at Closing, the Hydrocarbon Company Interests, free and clear of all Liens other than those under state or federal securities Laws and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company LLC Agreement.

2.2 Purchase Price

.  The purchase price for the purchase and sale of the Hydrocarbon Company Interests is equal to the sum of the following (the “ Purchase Price ”) (the following

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adjustments to be made without duplication, both with respect to this Agreement and the Water PSA) :

(a) $61,382,000 (the “ Base Purchase Price ”);

(b) plus the Contingency Payment, if applicable, when and if due;

(c) plus (if positive) or minus (if negative) the amount of Effective Date Net Working Capital;

(d) minus the product of (i) any amounts paid or distributed by Tioga to or on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than an Acquired Company) from and after the Effective Date and prior to Closing (other than the product of (A) payments in respect of Tioga’s allocated share of expenses with respect to (1) the salaries and benefits of field employees of the Summit Companies performing work for Tioga and (2) vehicles utilized by such employees multiplied by (B) 68.2%) multiplied by (ii) 68.2%;

(e) minus any amounts paid or distributed by Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to or on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than an Acquired Company) from and after the Effective Date and prior to Closing; and

(f) plus the sum of (i) any amounts paid or contributed (in compliance with the provisions of Section 6.1(d) ) to Tioga by or on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than an Acquired Company) from and after the Effective Date and prior to Closing that were spent by Tioga prior to Closing for expenses solely attributable to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business and (ii) the product of (A) any amounts paid or contributed (in compliance with the provisions of Section 6.1(d) ) to Tioga by or on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than an Acquired Company) from and after the Effective Date and prior to Closing (other than amounts described in clause (i) of this clause (f)) multiplied by (B) 68.2%.  

The Parties acknowledge that there shall be no upward adjustments to the Base Purchase Price hereunder for Cash or other assets of an Acquired Company that are subject to reimbursement to Kraken Oil & Gas II LLC or any of its Affiliates (except to the extent that there is an offsetting downward adjustment to the Base Purchase Price representing the obligation to reimburse such Cash or other Assets).

2.3 Closing

.  The consummation of the purchase and sale of the Hydrocarbon Company Interests (the “ Closing ”) shall take place at the offices of Summit Midstream Partners, LLC, 5910 N. Central Expressway, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75206 at 10:00 A.M. local time, on March 22, 2019, or on such other date and at such other time and place as Buyer and Seller mutually agree.  All actions listed in Section 2.4 or Section 2.5 that occur on the Closing Date shall be deemed to occur simultaneously at the Closing.  The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Water PSA, if they occur, shall be deemed to have occurred immediately following the Closing under this Agreement, if the Closing occurs. If the Closing occurs, there shall be deemed to be, as of the Closing Date, an account payable of Tioga to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company in an amount equal to the product of (i) 68.2% multiplied by (ii) the remainder of (A) the Cash then held by Tioga less (B) the aggregate current liabilities of Tioga as of the Closing.

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2.4 Closing Deliveries by Seller to Buyer

.  At the Closing, Seller shall deliver, or shall cause to be delivered, to Buyer the following:

(a) a counterpart duly executed by Seller of an assignment of the Hydrocarbon Company Interests (the “ Company Assignment Agreement ”) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A evidencing the assignment and transfer to Buyer of the Hydrocarbon Company Interests;

(b) an executed certificate of non-foreign status that meets the requirements set forth in Treasury Regulation § 1.1445-2(b)(2);

(c) for each then-current officer, manager or director of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, a release and waiver in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C , duly executed by the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, on the one hand, and each such Person, on the other hand;

(d) for each then-current individual officer, manager or director of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, a written letter of resignation of each such Person in his or her capacity as such, duly executed by each such Person and effective immediately following the Closing; and

(e) for all bank accounts and powers of attorney listed on Schedule 3.23 , written evidence of the removal of all then-current signatories, in his or her capacity as such and effective immediately following the Closing.

2.5 Closing Deliveries by Buyer to Seller

.  At the Closing, Buyer shall deliver the following:

(a) a wire transfer or transfers of immediately available funds (to such account or accounts of Seller as Seller shall have notified Buyer of in writing at least two Business Days prior to the Closing Date) in an amount or amounts in the aggregate equal to the Purchase Price; and

(b) to Seller a counterpart duly executed by Buyer of the Company Assignment Agreement.

2.6 Settlement Statements

.

(a) Seller, Tioga and Buyer shall cooperate and provide each other access, including through electronic means, to Seller’s, Tioga’s and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company’s respective books and records as are reasonably requested in connection with the matters addressed in this Section 2.6 .  No later than five (5) Business Days prior to Closing, Seller shall prepare and provide Buyer with Seller’s good faith estimate of the Purchase Price reflecting each proposed adjustment to be made to the Base Purchase Price in accordance with Section 2.2 as of the date of preparation (the “ Preliminary Settlement Statement ”), together with the designation of Seller’s accounts for the wire transfers of funds.  Seller shall supply to Buyer reasonable documentation in the possession of Seller or any of its Affiliates to support the items for which adjustments are proposed or made in the Preliminary Settlement Statement delivered by Seller, and a brief explanation of any such adjustments and the reasons therefor.  Within two (2)

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Business Days of receipt of the draft Preliminary Settlement Statement, Buyer will deliver to Seller a written report containing all changes with the explanation thereof that Buyer proposes to be made to such estimated amounts.  Such estimated amounts, as agreed by the Parties, will be used to adjust the Base Purchase Price at Closing; provided that if the Parties do not agree upon either of such estimated amounts, then the amount of such estimated amount used to adjust the Base Purchase Price at Closing shall be that estimated amount set forth in good faith and initially delivered by Seller to Buyer pursuant to this Section 2.6(a) .

(b) Within 45 days after Closing, Seller shall provide Buyer with its good faith final calculation of the actual amounts for each of the estimated amounts required by Section 2.6(a) (the “ Final Settlement Statement ”), based on actual adjustments to the Base Purchase Price (other than adjustments pursuant to Section 2.2(b) ) and that takes into account all final adjustments made to the Base Purchase Price in accordance with Section 2.2 and shows the resulting final Purchase Price (excluding adjustments pursuant to Section 2.2(b) ).  If Buyer disagrees with any of the calculations provided by Seller pursuant to the Final Settlement Statement, then it shall provide Seller with written notice thereof (a “ Dispute Notice ”) within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof and shall include reasonable detail regarding such specific objections.  Any changes not specified in the Dispute Notice shall be deemed waived, and Seller’s determinations with respect to all such elements of the Final Settlement Statement that are not addressed specifically in the Dispute Notice shall be deemed agreed to by the Parties. If Buyer fails to timely deliver a Dispute Notice to Seller, the Final Settlement Statement as delivered by Seller will be deemed to be correct and mutually agreed upon by the Parties, and will, without limiting Section 2.6(c) , be final and binding on the Parties and not subject to further audit or arbitration.  If the final Purchase Price set forth in the Final Settlement Statement is mutually agreed upon by Seller and Buyer, the Final Settlement Statement and the final Purchase Price (other than adjustments pursuant to Section 2.2(b) ) shall, without limiting Section 2.6(c) , be final and binding on the Parties hereto.

(c) If Buyer and Seller working in good faith are unable to agree on such disputed items on or prior to the 90 th  day following the Closing Date, then either Party may refer such dispute to Grant Thornton LLP or, if that firm declines to act as provided in this Section 2.6(c) , another firm of independent public accountants, mutually acceptable to Buyer and Seller (the “ Accounting Referee ”), which firm shall make a final and binding determination as to all matters in dispute on a timely basis and promptly shall notify the Parties in writing of its resolution.  Such Accounting Referee handling the dispute resolution shall not have the power to modify or amend any term or provision of this Agreement. Each of Buyer and Seller shall bear and pay one-half of the fees and other costs charged by such accounting firm. If Buyer does not submit its objection to such disputed items to the Accounting Referee on or prior to the 30 th day following the date on which the Accounting Referee is finally selected, then Seller’s calculations as to such disputed items shall become final and binding upon the Parties for all purposes hereunder.

(d) Once the final Purchase Price (other than adjustments pursuant to Section 2.2(b) ) has been agreed (or deemed agreed) upon by the Parties pursuant to this Section 2.6 or determined by the Accounting Referee pursuant to Section 2.6(c) , as applicable, then, if such final Purchase Price is (i) more than the Purchase Price set forth in the Preliminary Settlement Statement, Buyer shall pay to a bank account in the United States designated by Seller by notice to Buyer the amount of such difference or (ii) less than the Purchase Price set forth in the

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Preliminary Settlement Statement, Seller shall pay to a bank account in the United States designated by Buyer by notice to Seller the amount of such difference, in each case, by wire transfer in immediately available funds no later than the fifth Business Day (or if later, the third Business Day after the Party to receive funds notifies the Party to pay funds of the account) after the date such final Purchase Price is agreed, or deemed agreed, pursuant to this Section 2.6 .

2.7 Express Exclusion of Operations Services from the Purchase and Sale

.    The Hydrocarbon Gathering Company utilizes, and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business is currently dependent upon, certain support services regarding scheduling and distribution, accounting, commercial, contract administration, asset management, engineering and project management, information technology, environmental, health and safety, regulatory, land management, human resources, legal, permitting, procurement, tax, technical and administration and related software that are owned and administered by the Summit Companies (including gas and liquids monitoring and leak detection programs, processes and programs for gas and liquids measurement, allocation, settlement and distribution of monthly statements to producers, collection and disbursement of applicable Taxes, supervisory control and data acquisition, the use of vehicles by employees of the Summit Companies performing operating services, and various management systems for maintaining and monitoring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and contractual obligations (collectively, the “ Operations Services ”)) that have been implemented in connection with Summit Midstream Partners, LLC’s enterprise-wide management program for midstream operations.  To the extent that the Operations Services use assets and involve personnel that will be retained by Seller or the Summit Companies, such assets and personnel (other than the vehicles) are not physically located on any Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property, Hydrocarbon Gathering Personal Property, Hydrocarbon Gathering Easement or the Hydrocarbon Gathering System. The Operations Services are proprietary, and non-transferable; therefore, it is expressly agreed and acknowledged that Buyer is not receiving the Operations Services in connection with this Agreement and Buyer will rely solely upon its own enterprise-wide management program for accounting, contract administration, information technology, environmental, health and safety, land management and administration support services and software.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer shall receive all the tangible hardware, communications, networking and measurement instrumentation and equipment associated with the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business operations conducted in the field.

2.8 Withholding

.  Buyer shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to Seller such amounts as Buyer is required to deduct and withhold under the Code, or any Tax law, with respect to the making of such payment; provided , however , Buyer shall provide at least five Business Days’ written notice to Seller if Buyer intends to withhold any amounts under this Section 2.8 and the Parties shall cooperate in good faith to minimize, to the extent permissible under applicable Law, the amount of any such deduction or withholding, including by providing any certificates or forms that are reasonably requested to establish an exemption from (or reduction in) any deduction or withholding.  To the extent that amounts are so withheld and paid to the appropriate Governmental Authority, such amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of whom such deduction and withholding was made.

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Article III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING TIOGA AND THE HYDROCARBON GATHERING COMPANY

Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as of the date hereof, and if the Closing occurs, as of the Closing (or, if a representation and warranty speaks as of an earlier date, then made at the Closing as of such earlier date), as follows:

3.1 Organization; Good Standing

.

(a) Each of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company is a limited liability company duly formed, 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 its properties and conduct the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business as it is now being conducted.  Each of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company is duly qualified or licensed to do business in each jurisdiction in which the ownership or operation of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets makes such qualification or licensing necessary.  

(b) True and complete copies of the Charter Documents of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and all amendments thereto have been furnished to Buyer.

3.2 Authority

.  Each of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents and the Reorganization Documents to which it is a party, to perform its obligations thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.  The execution and delivery by each of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company of the Transaction Documents and the Reorganization Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by each of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company of its obligations thereunder, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action.  Each of the Transaction Documents and the Reorganization Documents to which Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company is a party, when executed by Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company as required hereunder, will be duly and validly executed and delivered by Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and each of the Transaction Documents will constitute (when so executed and delivered) the legal, valid and binding obligation of Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, as applicable, enforceable against Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company in accordance with its terms and conditions, except that the enforcement hereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, arrangement or other similar Laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, or by general equitable principles.

3.3 Capitalization of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company

.  

(a) Except for the Hydrocarbon Company Interests, none of the following are issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding:  

(i) Equity Interests of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company;

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(ii) interests of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for Equity Interests of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company; or

(iii) options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or Contracts to which the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company is a party or by which it is bound, in any case obligating the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to issue, deliver, sell, purchase, redeem or acquire, or cause to be issued, delivered, sold, purchased, redeemed or acquired, Equity Interests of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, or obligating the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment or Contract.  

(b) The Hydrocarbon Company Interests are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required by the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company LLC Agreement) and, subject to the Laws of the State of Delaware, non-assessable (except as such non-assessability may be affected by Section 18-607 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act) and were not issued in violation of any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right or other similar right.  

(c) There are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other instruments or evidence of Indebtedness of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote).  

(d) The Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has not had, and currently does not have, any subsidiaries and has never owned Equity Interests in any Person.

3.4 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals

.  The execution and delivery by each of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company of each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by such Person of its obligations thereunder, do not:

(a) violate or result in a breach of such Person’s Charter Documents;

(b) violate or result in a default (in each case) in any material respect under any Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contract;

(c) violate or result in a breach of any Law applicable to such Person, except for such violations or breaches as would not be material; or

(d) require any consent or approval of any Person, including any Governmental Authority.

3.5 Compliance with Applicable Laws

.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.5 , (a) since April 16, 2014, Tioga has been (and Tioga and, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company are) in compliance in all material respects with all Laws (and neither it or any of its Affiliates has received any written or, to the Knowledge of Seller, oral notice of violation with respect to any Laws) applicable to any of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business, (b) Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) holds all material Permits necessary for the lawful conduct of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business and, to the Knowledge of Seller, a

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complete list of all such Permits is set forth on Schedule  3.5 - P and (c) Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) is in compliance in all material respect with such Permits; provided , however , that this Section  3.5 does not address Environmental Laws, which are exclusively addressed by Section 3.4 , Section 3.7 , Section 3.8 , Section 3.9 , Section 3.10 , Section  3.12 , Section 3.14 , Section 3.18 , Section 3.19 , Section 3.21 , Section 3.22 , Section 3.26 and Section 3.27 , or employee matters, which are exclusively addressed by Section 3.3 , Section 3.4 , Section 3.6 , Section 3.7 , Section 3.10 , Section 3.14 , Section  3.15 , Section 3.16 , Section 3.23 , Section 3.26 and Section 3.27 .

3.6 Intellectual Property

.  

(a) No material registrations or applications for registration are included in any Intellectual Property Rights held by Tioga (or, as of the Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company).  To the Knowledge of Seller and subject to Section 2.7 , Tioga (or, as of the Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) owns, licenses or otherwise has a valid right to use, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), all material Intellectual Property Rights necessary to conduct the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business as currently conducted.

(b) Schedule 3.6(b) sets forth a list of all agreements (excluding licenses for commercially available, “off-the-shelf” software with annual fees of less than $75,000) pursuant to which any Intellectual Property Right is licensed to Tioga relating to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business.

(c) To the Knowledge of Seller, the conduct of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business as currently conducted has not infringed or misappropriated any Intellectual Property Right of any non-Affiliate third party in any material respect.

(d) The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not result in the loss or impairment of any material right of Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to own, use, practice or exploit any Intellectual Property Rights held by or licensed to Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business (excluding licenses for commercially available, “off-the-shelf” software).

3.7 Absence of Litigation

.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.7 , there is no Claim or Proceeding (1) pending by or against Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority, nor are there any investigations relating to Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business pending by or before any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, or (2) to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business or any of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority, nor are there any material investigations relating to Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business), the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business or any Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets threatened by or before any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority that could be reasonably expected (due to the nature of the claims involved or the scope

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of their applicability to Tioga’s or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company’s business or operations) to involve amounts of $100,000 or more in value.

3.8 Real Property

.

(a) Set forth on Schedule 3.8(a) is a true and complete list of each parcel of Real Property owned in fee title by Tioga (and, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business.  Tioga has provided Buyer with true and complete copies of the conveyance documents to Tioga and to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company for each such parcel of Real Property owned in fee, including the legal description for each such parcel of Real Property owned in fee.  Tioga (and, as of Closing and following the proper recordation of the applicable conveyance instruments executed in connection with the Reorganization Transactions, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) has good and indefeasible fee title to all Real Property listed on such Schedule, free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens and those Liens set forth expressly identified as Liens and set forth on such Schedule.

(b) Set forth on Schedule 3.8(b) is a true and complete list of all leases pursuant to which Tioga (and, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) is granted a right to use or occupy all or any portion of Real Property relating to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business.  Tioga has provided Buyer with true and complete copies of such leases and any amendments thereto.  Each lease set forth on such Schedule is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company), and, to the Knowledge of Seller, the other Person(s) a party thereto.  Except as expressly set forth on such Schedule, (i) Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) is not in default in any material respect under any lease set forth on such Schedule, (ii) to the Knowledge of Seller, no landlord is in default in any material respect under any lease set forth on such Schedule, (iii) no event has occurred which constitutes a default in any material respect or, with lapse of time or giving of notice or both, would constitute a default in any material respect under any of the leases set forth on such Schedule and (iv) the leasehold interest in each such lease set forth on such Schedule is held by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) free and clear of all Liens except for the Permitted Liens and the terms of such lease.

(c) Set forth on Schedule 3.8(c), Part 1 , Schedule 3.8(c), Part 2 and Schedule 3.8(c), Part 3 is a true and complete list of all Hydrocarbon Gathering Easements that are material or necessary to the operation and conduct of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business.  Tioga has provided Buyer with true and complete copies of the documents creating such Easements, and any amendments thereto.  Each Easement set forth on such Schedules is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company), and, to the Knowledge of Seller, the other Person(s) a party thereto.  Except as set expressly forth on such Schedules, and excluding any matter that may arise as a result of or in connection with the execution of the Reorganization Documents, (i) Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) is not in default in any material respect under any Easement set forth on any of such Schedules, (ii) to the Knowledge of Seller, no owner of the Real Property burdened by any Easement set forth on any of such Schedules is in default in any material respect under any such Easement, (iii) no event has occurred which constitutes a default in any material respect or, with lapse of time or giving of notice or both, would constitute a default in any material respect under any of the Easements set forth on any of such Schedules, and (iv) Tioga’s (or, as of Closing, the

21


 

Hydrocarbon Gathering Company’s) interest in any such Easement set forth on any of such Schedules is held by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) free and clear of all Liens except for the Permitted Liens and the terms of such Easement .  

(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8(d) , neither Tioga nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company is obligated under any right of first refusal, option or other contractual right to sell, assign or otherwise dispose of any Real Property relating to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business, or any interest therein.

(e) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8(e) , the Easements granted to Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) that cover the Hydrocarbon Gathering System, together with any Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property related to the Hydrocarbon Gathering System, establish a continuous right of way for the Hydrocarbon Gathering System, and the Hydrocarbon Gathering System and the buildings and improvements used in connection therewith are located entirely on Real Property held by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) in connection with the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business, in each case, in all material respects.

(f) No member of the Seller Group has received any written notice of any eminent domain Proceeding or taking, nor, to the Knowledge of Seller, is any such Proceeding or taking contemplated with respect to all or any material portion of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property.

(g) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8(g) , no member of the Seller Group other than Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company owns or leases any real property or Easements that constitutes part of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business or that is necessary in connection with the ownership or operation thereof.

(h) Other than the assets associated with the Operations Services, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets constitute all of the assets, rights and properties, tangible or intangible, real or personal, that are used or necessary for use in connection with the operation of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business as currently operated.

(i) None of the assets retained by Seller or the Summit Companies as part of the Operations Services (other than the vehicles) are physically located on any Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property, Hydrocarbon Gathering Personal Property, Hydrocarbon Gathering Easement, or the Hydrocarbon Gathering System.

3.9 Personal Property

.  

(a) Schedule 3.9(a) lists all compressor stations, above-ground facilities and other equipment (other than (x) the individual components of any such compressor stations, above-ground facilities or other equipment, or (y) any installed pipeline) owned or leased by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) or used or held for use by Tioga (or, as of the Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) in each case, in the conduct of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business valued above $100,000.  Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) owns the Hydrocarbon Gathering Personal Property, free and clear of all Claims and Liens, except for Permitted Liens.  

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(b) To the Knowledge of Seller, as of the Execution Date, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Personal Property does not require any material maintenance capital expenditures in excess of the amounts set forth on Schedule 3.9(b) , ordinary wear and tear excepted, to be put into a condition that would permit normal operations in accordance with Prudent Industry Practices.

3.10 Purchase Orders

.   Schedule 3.10 sets forth a true and complete list as of the date hereof of all open orders for the purchase of goods or services by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) in an amount in excess of $100,000 relating to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business.

3.11 Regulatory Status

.

(a) The Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) are not currently regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a “natural gas company” under the Natural Gas Act or as a “public utility,” “public service company,” or similar designation(s) by any state public service commission or as a “holding company” or similar designation of such regulated entity or by the Department of Transportation under the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Rules on Pipeline Integrity Management.  Without limiting the foregoing, the rates charged by Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company are not currently regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the Interstate Commerce Act or the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.  The transfer of the Equity Interests of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company as contemplated by this Agreement does not require the approval of the North Dakota Public Service Commission.

(b) No rate refunds, rebates, offsets or like obligations are accrued or owed by Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to the North Dakota Public Service Commission with respect to services related to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets.

3.12 Environmental Matters

.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.12 :

(a) Tioga is, and since April 16, 2014, has been, and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company since its date of formation has been, with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business, in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws in all material respects, including timely possessing and complying in all material respects with the terms and conditions of all Environmental Permits;

(b) (i) No member of the Seller Group has (and, to the Knowledge of Seller, no predecessor in the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business has) received from any Governmental Authority any written notice of violation of, alleged violation of, non-compliance with, or liability or potential or alleged liability pursuant to, any Environmental Law involving the operations of the Hydrocarbon Gathering System or any other Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets other than notices with respect to matters that have been resolved to the satisfaction of any relevant Governmental Authority and for which the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has no further obligations outstanding and (ii) none of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business), the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the Hydrocarbon Gathering System or any other

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Hydrocarbon Gathering Asset is subject to any outstanding governmental order, “consent order” or other agreement;

(c) Since April 16, 2014, there has been no material Release, discharge or disposal of Hazardous Materials by Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or any member of the Seller Group on or from any Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property held by Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company in violation of any Environmental Laws or in a manner that could reasonably be expected to give rise to a material remedial or corrective action obligation pursuant to Environmental Laws; and

(d) Seller has made available for inspection by Buyer copies of (i) all environmental assessment and audit reports and other material environmental studies and (ii) all Environmental Permits, in each case, relating to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property held by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) or involving the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business and that are in the possession of any member of the Seller Group.

3.13 Taxes

.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.13 :

(a) All Tax Returns required to be filed by Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company have been duly and timely filed.  Each such Tax Return is true, correct and complete in all material respects.  All Taxes required to be paid by or with respect to Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid in full.  Since December 31, 2017, neither Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has incurred any liability for Taxes outside the ordinary course of business or otherwise inconsistent with past custom and practice.  All withholding Tax requirements imposed on Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company have been satisfied in all material respects.  Since January 1, 2017, no claim has been made by a Taxing Authority in a jurisdiction where Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company does not file a Tax Return that such entity is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction.  There are no Liens (other than statutory Liens for Taxes that are not yet due and payable) on any of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets of Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company that arose in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any Tax.

(b) There is not in force any extension of time with respect to the due date for the filing of any Tax Return of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or any waiver or agreement for any extension of time for the assessment or payment of any Tax by Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company.  There is no Tax Claim pending or threatened against, or with respect to, Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company.  No deficiencies for Taxes with respect to Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company have been claimed, proposed or assessed by any Taxing Authority that have not been resolved.

(c) Neither Tioga nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company is a party to or bound by any Tax allocation, sharing or indemnity agreements or arrangements (excluding, for the

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avoidance of doubt, any customary provisions contained in commercial agreements or contracts that are not primarily related to Taxes).   Neither Tioga nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company is liable for the Taxes of any other Person (other than Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the Water Gathering Company) (i) by virtue of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 or any similar provision of state, local or foreign applicable Law, (ii) as a transferee or successor, or (iii) by Contract (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any customary provisions contained in commercial agreements or contracts that are not primarily related to Taxes).

(d) Neither Tioga nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has made an election to change its default entity classification under Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-3.  Each of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company is a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income Tax purposes.

(e) Neither Tioga nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has been a party to a transaction that is or is substantially similar to a “reportable transaction,” as such term is defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(1), or any other transaction requiring disclosure under analogous provisions of state, local or foreign Tax law .

(f) To the Knowledge of Seller, there are no Transfer Taxes due or owing in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Reorganization Transactions).

Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in this Agreement, the representations and warranties in this Section 3.13 and Section 3.15 are the only representations and warranties in this Agreement with respect to the Tax matters of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company.

3.14 Contracts

.

(a) Schedule 3.14 contains a true and complete listing of each of the following Contracts to which Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) is a party that relate to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business (the Contracts listed in Schedule 3.14 , other than the Financing Documents, being “ Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contracts ”):

(i) each hydrocarbon purchase and sale, gathering, transportation, treating, dehydration, processing or similar Contract and any Contract for the provision of services relating to gathering, compression, collection, processing, treating or transportation of crude oil, natural gas or other hydrocarbons involving annual expenditures or revenues in excess of $50,000;

(ii) each Contract that constitutes a pipeline interconnect or facility operating agreement;

(iii) each Contract involving a remaining commitment to pay capital expenditures in excess of $50,000 in the aggregate;

(iv) each Contract for lease of personal property or Real Property involving aggregate payments in excess of $50,000 in any future calendar year;

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(v) each Contract between Seller or an Affiliate of Seller (other than Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company), on the one hand, and Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, on the other hand, which will survive the Closing;

(vi) each partnership or joint venture agreement;

(vii) each agreement relating to the acquisition or disposition of any business (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, or otherwise) or granting to any Person a right of first refusal, first offer or right to purchase any of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets material to the conduct of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business;

(viii) each Contract that provides for a limit on the ability of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or any of its Affiliates to compete in any line of business or in any geographic area during any period of time after the Closing;

(ix) each Contract evidencing Indebtedness, whether secured or unsecured, including all loan agreements, line of credit agreements, indentures, mortgages, promissory notes, agreements concerning long and short-term debt, together with all security agreements or other lien documents related to or binding on the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets; and

(x) except for Contracts of the nature described in clauses (i) through (v) above, each Contract involving aggregate payments or receipts in excess of $50,000, in any future calendar year that cannot be terminated by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) upon 30 days’ or less notice without payment of a penalty or other liability.

(b) True and complete copies of all Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contracts have been made available to Buyer.

(c) Each of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contracts is in full force and effect in all material respects and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) and, to the Knowledge of Seller, of the counterparties to such Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contracts. Neither Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) nor, to the Knowledge of Seller, any counterparty thereto, is in (or has received written notice or, to the Knowledge of Seller, oral notice, that it is in) default or breach in any material respect (or has taken or failed to take any action such that with notice, the passage of time or both it would be in default or breach in any material respect) under the terms of any such Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contract.

3.15 Employees and Plans

.  

(a) Neither Tioga nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has, or has ever had, any employees, independent contractors or consultants.

(b) Neither Tioga nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company currently or ever has maintained or contributed to any Plan or been a participating employer in any Plan.

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3.16 Transactions with Affiliates

.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.16 , neither Tioga nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company is owed any amount from, and does not owe any amount to, guarantee any amount owed by, have any Contracts with (excluding the Reorganization Documents) or have any commitments to (excluding the Reorganization Documents) any Affiliate, officer or director of Seller, Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or any member of a family group of any of the foregoing.

3.17 Broker’s Commissions

.  No member of the Seller Group has, directly or indirectly, entered into any Contract with any Person that would obligate Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, Buyer or Buyer’s Affiliates to pay any commission, brokerage fee or “finder’s fee” in connection with the transactions contemplated herein.

3.18 Records

.  The Records are located at the premises of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, have been maintained in all material respects in accordance with applicable Law and comprise in all material respects all of the books and records relating to the ownership and operation of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business), the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets.

3.19 Surety Bonds and Credit

.  Except as listed on Schedule 3.19 , neither Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business), the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company nor any other Person has any obligation to post any surety bond, letter of credit, guarantee or other form of support (credit or otherwise) in respect of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business), the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business.  Except as listed on such Schedule, neither Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business), the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company nor any other Person has any obligation to post any surety bond, letter of credit, guarantee or other form of support (credit or otherwise) in respect of Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company.

3.20 No Bankruptcy

.  There are no bankruptcy Proceedings pending against, being contemplated by or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company.

3.21 Financial Statements; No Undisclosed Material Liabilities; Indebtedness

.

(a) Seller has delivered to Buyer the following: (i) the unaudited balance sheet and related unaudited income statements, statements of cash flows, and statements of changes in members’ equity of Tioga for the year ended December 31, 2017 (collectively, the “ Year End Financial Statements ”) and (ii) the unaudited balance sheet and related unaudited income statements, statements of cash flows, and statements of changes in members’ equity of Tioga (for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2018) (the “ Interim Financial Statements ”).  The Year End Financial Statements and the Interim Financial Statements are hereinafter referred to, collectively, as the “ Financial Statements ”.  

(b) The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except that the Financial Statements shall not contain any notes) and are consistent with the books and records of Tioga.  Each of the balance sheets included in the Financial Statements (including any related notes and schedules) fairly presents in all material respects the financial position of

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Tioga , as of, and for the periods ended on, the respective dates thereof, and each of the income statements, statements of cash flows and s tatements of changes in members’ equity included in the Financial Statements (including any related notes and schedules) fairly presents in all material respects the results of operations, ca sh flows and changes in members’ equity, as the case may be, of Tioga for the periods set forth therein, in each case, in accordance with GAAP, subject, in the case of the Interim Financial Statements, to normal year-end adjustments and accruals and the absence of notes or other textual disclosures required under GAAP none of which are reasonably expected to be material in nature or amount.

(c) Except as listed on Schedule 3.21 , there are no liabilities of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or related to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets of any kind (whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, determined or determinable or otherwise), other than (i) liabilities that would not be required under GAAP to be disclosed, reflected, reserved against or otherwise provided for in the Financial Statements; and (ii) liabilities, other than Indebtedness under the Financing Documents, incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since December 31, 2018.

(d) Neither Tioga nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has any Indebtedness, except as provided in the Financing Documents which will be terminated at or prior to Closing.

3.22 Insurance

.   Schedule 3.22 sets forth a list of each insurance policy maintained by Tioga or by Seller or any of their Affiliates on behalf of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.22 , there is no claim pending under any such insurance policy with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, and none of Seller, Tioga or any of their respective Affiliates has received written notice of cancellation of any such insurance policy.  Neither Tioga nor any of its Affiliates has received any written notice from any insurer or reinsurer of any reservation of rights with respect to pending or paid claims.

3.23 Bank Accounts

.   Schedule 3.23 contains a list of (a) all banks or other financial institutions with which Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has an account, showing the type and account number of each such account, and the names of the persons authorized as signatories thereon or to act or deal in connection therewith and (b) all valid powers of attorney issued by Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company that remain in effect.

3.24 Imbalances

.  Except for the hydrocarbon imbalances reflected on Schedule 3.24 , and for normal and customary hydrocarbon gathering imbalances occurring after the dates set forth on such Schedule, as of the date of this Agreement, there do not exist any material hydrocarbon imbalances (i) under any Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contract or (ii) for which Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or any of their Affiliates has received a quantity of hydrocarbons prior to the date of this Agreement for which Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering

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Company or any of its Affiliates will have a duty to deliver an equivalent amount of hydrocarbons after the Closing .

3.25 Preferential Purchase Rights

.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.25 , no Person has a preferential right to purchase any of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets that would be triggered by the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

3.26 Unrelated Activities and Liabilities

.  

(a) Neither Tioga nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has engaged in any business other than the ownership, development, operation, maintenance, expansion, construction, commissioning and decommissioning of, and acquisition of, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets (and, with respect to Tioga, the Water Gathering Assets) and the provision of services in connection therewith.

(b) The Hydrocarbon Gathering Company (i) does not own any assets that are not Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets and (ii) has not assumed any liabilities unrelated to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets.

(c) Neither Tioga nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company own any Fiberspar inventory.

3.27 Absence of Changes

.  Except as reflected in the Interim Financial Statements, as set forth on Schedule 3.27 or for the Reorganization Transactions, since September 30, 2018, (a) the business of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has been conducted in the ordinary course in all material respects and in a manner materially consistent with past practices to preserve substantially intact Tioga’s (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company’s present business organization, (b) Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company have not acted or failed to act in a manner that would be in violation of Section 6.11 (other than Sections 6.11(a)(iv) , (v) and (vi) ) (if the terms of Section 6.11 had been in effect as of and after such dates), and (c) there has not been any event, occurrence or development which has had a Material Adverse Effect.

3.28 Use of Proceeds

.  Other than with respect to the payment of out-of-pocket expenses related to this Agreement or the Water PSA, Seller shall use all of the proceeds received hereunder for the payment of the Purchase Price for paying pre-existing Indebtedness guaranteed by the Acquired Companies pursuant to the Financing Documents.

Article IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as of the date hereof, and if the Closing occurs, as of the Closing (or, if a representation and warranty speaks as of an earlier date, then made at the Closing as of such earlier date), as follows:

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4.1 Organization; Good Standing

.  Seller is duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of formation.

4.2 Authority

.  Seller has the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all Transaction Documents to which it is a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.  The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by Seller of its obligations hereunder and thereunder have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action.  This Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party has been duly and validly executed and delivered (or will be duly and validly executed and delivered when required hereunder) by Seller and constitutes (or will constitute when so executed and delivered) the legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms and conditions, except that the enforcement hereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, arrangement or other similar Laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, or by general equitable principles.

4.3 Ownership of Equity Interests

.  The Hydrocarbon Company Interests are owned beneficially and of record by Seller, free and clear of all Liens other than Liens to be released at Closing and those arising under state or federal securities Laws and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company LLC Agreement.  The Hydrocarbon Company Interests are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required by the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company LLC Agreement) and, subject to the Laws of the State of Delaware, non-assessable (except as such non-assessability may be affected by Section 18-607 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act) and were not issued in violation of any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right or other similar right.

4.4 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals

.  The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by Seller of its obligations under this Agreement and each such Transaction Document, do not:

(a) violate or result in a breach of the Charter Documents of Seller, Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company;

(b) violate or result in a default (in each case) in any material respect under any Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contract;

(c) violate or result in a breach of any Law applicable to Seller, Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, except for such violations or breaches as would not be material; or

(d) require any consent or approval of any Person, including any Governmental Authority.

4.5 Broker’s Commissions

.  Seller has not, directly or indirectly, entered into any Contract with any Person that would obligate Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, Buyer or Buyer’s Affiliates to pay any commission, brokerage fee or “finder’s fee” in connection with the transactions contemplated herein.

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4.6 No Bankruptcy

.  There are no bankruptcy Proceedings pending against, being contemplated by or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against Seller.

4.7 Legal Proceedings

. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no Proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened, against Seller before or by any Governmental Authority, which seeks a writ, judgment, order or decree restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or which would adversely affect Seller’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

Article V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING BUYER

Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller as of the date hereof, and if the Closing occurs, as of the Closing (or, if a representation and warranty speaks as of an earlier date, then made at the Closing as of such earlier date), as follows:

5.1 Organization; Good Standing

. Buyer is a limited liability company duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of formation.

5.2 Authority

.  Buyer has all requisite organizational power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.  The execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by Buyer of its obligations hereunder and thereunder, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action on behalf of Buyer.  This Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party has been duly and validly executed and delivered (or will be duly and validly executed and delivered when required hereunder) by Buyer and constitutes (or will constitute when so executed and delivered) the legal, valid and binding obligation of Buyer enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms and conditions except as the same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, arrangement, moratorium or other similar Laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally or by general equitable principles.

5.3 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals

. The execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by Buyer of its obligations under this Agreement and each such Transaction Document, do not:

(a) violate or result in a breach of Buyer’s Charter Documents;

(b) violate or result in a default (in each case) in any material respect under any material Contract to which Buyer is a party;

(c) violate or result in a breach of any Law applicable to Buyer, except for such violations or breaches as would not be material; or

(d) require any consent or approval of any Person, including any Governmental Authority.

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5.4 Legal Proceedings

. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no Proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Buyer, threatened, against Buyer before or by any Governmental Authority, which seeks a writ, judgment, order or decree restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or adversely affect Buyer’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.5 Acquisition as Investment

.  Buyer is acquiring the Hydrocarbon Company Interests for its own account as an investment without the present intent to sell, transfer or otherwise distribute the same to any other Person in violation of any state or federal securities Laws.  Buyer has made, independently and without reliance on Seller (except to the extent that Buyer has relied on the representations, warranties and covenants in this Agreement and the Transaction Documents), its own analysis of the Hydrocarbon Company Interests, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets for the purpose of acquiring the Hydrocarbon Company Interests, and Buyer has had, or subject to Seller’s compliance with the access rights granted to Buyer under this Agreement, will have reasonable and sufficient access to documents, other information and materials as it considers appropriate to make its evaluations.  Buyer acknowledges that the Hydrocarbon Company Interests are not registered pursuant to the 1933 Act and that none of the Hydrocarbon Company Interests may be transferred, except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from registration under the 1933 Act.  Buyer is an “accredited investor” as defined under Rule 501 promulgated under the 1933 Act.

5.6 Financial Resources

.  Buyer has, or will have on the Closing Date, sufficient cash on hand, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it (a) to pay the Purchase Price and (b) to otherwise perform its obligations under this Agreement.

5.7 Opportunity for Independent Investigation

. Buyer is an experienced and knowledgeable investor in the United States.  In connection with its decision to enter into this Agreement, Buyer has conducted its own independent review and analysis of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business and of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, liabilities, results of operations, financial condition, technology and prospects of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, and acknowledges that Buyer has been provided access to personnel, properties, premises and records of Seller, Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company for such purpose.  In entering into this Agreement, Buyer has relied solely upon the representations, warranties and covenants contained herein and in the Transaction Documents and upon its own investigation and analysis of Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business (such investigation and analysis having been performed by Buyer), and Buyer:

(a) absent actual (but not constructive) fraud, acknowledges and agrees that it has not been induced by and has not relied upon any Due Diligence Information, representations, warranties or statements, whether oral or written, express or implied, made by Seller, Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or any of their respective Representatives, Affiliates or agents except for the representations, warranties and covenants expressly set forth in this Agreement or in the Transaction Documents;

(b) absent actual (but not constructive) fraud, acknowledges and agrees that, except for the representations, warranties and covenants expressly set forth in this Agreement or in the Transaction Documents, none of Seller, Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or

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any of their respective Representatives, Affiliates or agents makes or has made any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information provided or made available to Buyer or its Representatives, Affiliates or agents, including any information, document or material provided or made available, or statements made, to Buyer (including its Representatives, Affiliates and agents) during site or office visits, in any “data rooms,” management presentations or supplemental due diligence information provided to Buyer (including its Representatives, Affiliates and agents), in connection with discussions with management or in any other form in expectation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively, the “ Due Diligence Information ”);

(c) acknowledges and agrees that, except for the representations, warranties and covenants expressly set forth in this Agreement or in the Transaction Documents, (i) the Due Diligence Information includes certain projections, estimates and other forecasts and certain business plan information, (ii) there are uncertainties inherent in attempting to make such projections, estimates and other forecasts and plans and Buyer is aware of such uncertainties and (iii)  Buyer is taking full responsibility for making its own evaluation of the adequacy and accuracy of all projections, estimates and other forecasts and plans so furnished to it and any use of or reliance by Buyer on such projections, estimates and other forecasts and plans shall be at its sole risk; and

(d) agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, and absent actual (but not constructive) fraud, that none of Seller, Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company (except as expressly provided herein) or any of their respective Representatives, Affiliates or agents shall have any liability or responsibility whatsoever to Buyer or its Representatives, Affiliates or agents on any basis (including in contract or tort, under federal or state securities Laws or otherwise) resulting from the furnishing to Buyer, or from Buyer’s use of, any Due Diligence Information, except for liability or responsibility for the representations, warranties and covenants expressly set forth in this Agreement or in the Transaction Documents.

5.8 Broker’s Commissions

.  Buyer has not, directly or indirectly, entered into any Contract with any Person that would obligate Seller or any of its Affiliates to pay any commission, brokerage fee or “finder’s fee” in connection with the transactions contemplated herein.

5.9 No Knowledge of Breach

.  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.9 , as of the Execution Date, Buyer has no Knowledge of a breach of any of the representations and warranties of Seller in each of: Section 3.5 , Section 3.8 and Section 3.12 , and, only to the extent relating to Contracts to which Buyer or any of its Affiliates is a party, Section 3.14 and Section 3.24 .

Article VI
COVENANTS

6.1 Indebtedness; Distributions; Contributions

. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, at or prior to Closing:

(a) Seller shall (or shall cause Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to) deliver reasonable and customary evidence demonstrating the termination of any guarantees and other agreements comprising the Financing Documents and the release of all Liens on the

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Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets and/or on the Hydrocarbon Company Interests under the Financing Documents;

(b) Seller may cause Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to cause any accounts payable and/or accounts receivable between Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, on the one hand, and a Non-Company Affiliate, on the other hand, to be paid in full;

(c) Seller shall not cause Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to (and shall cause Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to not) pay cash dividends and/or make distributions or other payments of cash (other than the asset distributions contemplated by the Reorganization Transactions), to Seller or its Affiliates, except for cash payments by Tioga in respect of 68.2% of Tioga’s allocated share of expenses with respect to (i) the salaries and benefits of field employees of the Summit Companies performing work for Tioga and (ii) vehicles utilized by such employees (which expenses shall not exceed $135,000 per calendar month on a 100% basis); and

(d) Seller shall not make cash or other contributions to Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, except for cash contributions required to pay expenses of Tioga solely with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or, prior to the Reorganization Transactions, the Water Gathering Business or the Water Gathering Company, in each case, that are incurred in the ordinary course operation (consistent with past practices) of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business or the Water Gathering Business, as applicable, prior to Closing.

6.2 Tax Matters

.  

(a) Tax Returns.

(i) Seller shall cause to be prepared and filed the 2019 Texas franchise tax report of the combined group of which Summit Midstream Partners, LP is the reporting entity, which report shall include all items and activities of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company through and including the day immediately preceding the Closing Date.

(ii) With respect to any Tax Return that is required to be filed by Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company after the Closing Date with respect to a Pre-Effective Date Period, Seller shall prepare or cause to be prepared such Tax Return.  With respect to any Tax Return that is required to be filed by Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company prior to the Closing Date with respect to a Tax period that begins after the Effective Date, Seller shall prepare or cause to be prepared such Tax Return.  With respect to any Tax Return that is required to be filed by Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company after the Closing Date (other than the Tax Return set forth in Section 6.2(a)(i) ) with respect to a Tax period that begins after the Effective Date and before the Closing Date, Buyer shall prepare or cause to be prepared such Tax Return.  Tax Returns prepared by Seller pursuant to this Section 6.2(a)(ii) (“ Seller Tax Returns ”) shall be prepared on a basis consistent with past practice except to the extent otherwise provided in this Agreement or otherwise required by applicable Laws.  Reasonably in advance of (and,

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to the extent practicable, not less than 30 days prior to) the due date (including extensions) of each such Seller Tax Return, Seller shall deliver a copy of such Tax Return to Buyer for its review and reasonable comment, provided that Buyer’s comments hereunder with respect to a Tax Return of Tioga shall be limited to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business.  Seller shall consider in good faith any such comments received from Buyer reasonably in advance of (and, to the extent practicable, not less than ten days prior to) the due date (including extensions) for filing such Tax Return and shall deliver a final copy of such Tax Return, as filed, to Buyer not later than such due date. Seller shall cause each such Tax Return required to be filed prior to the Closing Date to be timely filed and shall timely pay or cause to be paid the Taxes shown due thereon .  Buyer shall cause each such Tax Return required to be filed by it pursuant to this Section 6.2(a)(ii) to be timely filed and shall timely pay or cause to be paid the Taxes shown due thereon; provided that not later than five days prior to the due date for the payment of Taxes with respect to any such Tax Return, Seller shall pay to Buyer the amount of any Seller Taxes owed with respect to such Tax Return.  

(b) [Reserved.]

(c) Seller and Buyer shall each be liable for and shall bear and pay, and pursuant to Article X shall indemnify and hold the other Party harmless from and against, 50% of any and all sales, use, stamp, transfer, conveyance, registration or other similar Taxes imposed on the Reorganization Transactions or the purchase and sale of the Hydrocarbon Company Interests pursuant to this Agreement (the “ Transfer Taxes ”).

(d) After Closing, each of Seller and Buyer shall (and shall cause their respective Affiliates to):

(i) timely sign and deliver such certificates or forms as may be necessary or appropriate to establish an exemption from (or otherwise reduce), or file Tax Returns or other reports with respect to, Taxes described in Section 6.2(c) ;

(ii) assist the other party in preparing any Tax Returns which such other party is responsible for preparing and filing in accordance with Section 6.2(a) , and in connection therewith, provide the other party with any necessary powers of attorney;

(iii) cooperate fully in preparing for and defending any Tax Claims;

(iv) make available to the other and to any Taxing Authority as reasonably requested all information, records, and documents relating to Taxes of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company; and

(v) furnish the other with copies of all correspondence received from any Taxing Authority in connection with any Tax Claim.

(e) No amended Tax Return with respect to a Pre-Effective Date Period or a Pre-Closing Period shall be filed by or on behalf of Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company without the prior written consent of Seller (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

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(f) Seller and Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to agree to an allocation schedule of the Purchase Price (plus any other items that are properly treated as consideration for U.S. federal income Tax purposes) among the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company’s assets based on the relative fair market values of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company’s assets, in accordance with Section 1060 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder within thirty (30) days after the date that the Final Settlement Statement is finally determined pursuant to Section 2.6 (the “ Allocation Schedule ”). If Buyer and Seller are unable to agree on an Allocation Schedule, each of Buyer and Seller shall use its own allocation of the Purchase Price.  If Seller and Buyer reach an agreement with respect to the Allocation Schedule, the Parties (x) shall use commercially reasonable efforts to update the Allocation Schedule in a manner consistent with Section 1060 of the Code following any adjustment to the Purchase Price pursuant to this Agreement, (y) shall, and shall cause their Affiliates to, report consistently with the Allocation Schedule, as adjusted, on all Tax Returns, including Internal Revenue Service Form 8594 , and neither Seller nor Buyer shall take any position on any Tax Return that is inconsistent with the Allocation Schedule, as adjusted , unless other wise required by applicable Laws, and (z) agree to promptly advise each other regarding the existence of any Tax audit, controversy or litigation related to the Allocation Schedule.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.2(f) to the contrary, neither Party shall be unreasonably impeded in its ability and discretion to negotiate, compromise and/or settle any Tax audit, claim or similar proceedings in connection with any such allocation.

(g) The amount of any refunds of (i) Income Taxes of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company for any Pre-Closing Period (other than any refund resulting from the carryback of a net operating loss or other Tax attribute from a period beginning after the Closing Date to a period ending on or prior to the Closing Date, which refund shall be for the account of Buyer) and (ii) Non-Income Taxes of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company for any Pre-Effective Date Period shall be for the account of Seller.  The amount of any refunds of (x) Income Taxes of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company for any Tax period beginning after the Closing Date and (y) Non-Income Taxes of Tioga (with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company for any Tax period beginning after the Effective Date shall be for the account of Buyer.  Each party shall forward, and shall cause its Affiliates to forward, to the party entitled to receive a refund of Tax pursuant to this Section 6.2(g) the amount of such refund within 30 days after such refund is received, net of any reasonable third-party costs or expenses incurred by such party or its Affiliates in procuring such refund.

6.3 Public Announcements

. The Parties will maintain the confidentiality of this Agreement and its terms except that any Party may disclose this Agreement or any of its terms to any of the following if such Persons are advised of the confidentiality obligations of such information and agree to maintain confidentiality with respect thereto: (a) any Affiliate or Representative of such Party and (b) any potential lender to such Party. Subject to the foregoing, the Parties will consult with each other prior to issuing any press release or announcement to the general public of any nature with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and shall not make or issue, or cause to be made or issued, any such press release or announcement to the general public prior to such consultation and without the prior written consent of the other Party (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) except to the

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extent, but only to such extent, that, in the reasonable opinion of the Party issuing such press release or announcement to the general public, such announcement or statement is required by Law, any listing agreement with any securities exchange or any securities exchange regulation, in which case the Party proposing to issue such press release or announcement to the general public shall use its reasonable efforts to consult in good faith with the other Party before issuing any such press release or announcement to the general public and shall reasonably cooperate with the other Party in good faith with respect to the timing, manner and content of disclosure.

6.4 Regulatory and Other Approvals

.   From the date of this Agreement until Closing:

(a) Each of Seller and Buyer shall cooperate in good faith and use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as promptly as practicable all consents and approvals that Seller or Buyer is required to obtain in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the Reorganization Transactions) prior to the Closing Date; provided that for purposes of clarification, the obtaining of such consents and approvals shall not be a condition to Closing; provided further , that Seller will send to the holder of any preferential purchase right applicable to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets that would be triggered by the transactions contemplated hereby, a written notice in material compliance with the contractual provisions applicable to such preferential purchase right, seeking such holder’s waiver, consent or approval to or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby within two Business Days of the date hereof.

(b) In connection with any filings with Governmental Authorities that are applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby, Seller and Buyer shall undertake promptly any and all actions required to complete lawfully the transactions contemplated by this Agreement prior to the Closing Date.

(c) Each of Seller and Buyer shall provide prompt notification to the other when it becomes aware that any consent or approval referred to in this Section 6.4 is obtained, taken, made, given or denied, as applicable.

6.5 Resignation and Removal

.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, effective immediately following the Closing, Seller shall cause and accept the resignation or removal of all managers, officers and/or directors on any board or operating, management or other committee of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company.

6.6 Removal of Name

.   As promptly as practicable, but in any case within 60 days after the Closing Date, Buyer shall eliminate the name “Summit” and any variants thereof from the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, and, except with respect to such grace period for eliminating existing usage, shall have no right to use any logos, trademarks or trade names belonging to Seller or any of its Affiliates.

6.7 Termination of Agreements with Seller and Non-Company Affiliates

.  As of the date hereof, each of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has entered into a termination and release with Seller and each Non-Company Affiliate with whom Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has an agreement or to whom Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company owes any obligation.

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6.8 Replacement of Insurance

.  Buyer acknowledges and agrees that, effective upon the Closing, all insurance policies carried by or for the benefit of Seller or its Affiliates with respect to Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets shall be terminated or modified by Seller or its Affiliates to exclude coverage of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, and, without limiting Buyer’s rights under Section 10.2 , Buyer shall have no rights thereunder or with respect thereto, including any rights to make claims thereunder or with respect thereto.

6.9 Further Assurances

.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at any time or from time to time after the Closing, at any Party’s request and without further consideration, the other Party shall (and in the case of Buyer, Buyer shall and shall cause the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to) execute and deliver to such Party such other instruments of sale, transfer, conveyance, assignment and confirmation, provide such materials and information and take such other actions as such Party may reasonably request in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

6.10 Casualty Loss

.  If, after the date hereof but prior to or on the Closing Date, any portion of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets are destroyed by fire, explosion, hurricane, storm, weather events, earthquake, act of God, civil unrest, or similar disorder, terrorist acts, war, or any other hostilities or other casualty or is expropriated or taken in condemnation or under right of eminent domain, whether or not fixed or repaired or in any way remediated (each a “ Casualty Loss ”), Buyer and Seller shall, subject to the satisfaction (or waiver) of the conditions to Closing set forth in Article VII and Article VIII , nevertheless be required to proceed with Closing.  To the extent Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, Seller or any of its or their Affiliates are entitled to recovery under any insurance policy on account of any Casualty Loss, Seller shall use its reasonable efforts to seek (or cause any of its Affiliates to seek) recovery under such insurance policy and shall pay to Buyer (if such recovery occurs prior to Closing) at Closing or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company (if such recovery occurs following Closing) promptly following receipt of such recovery, any amounts recovered under such policy.

6.11 Conduct of Business

.

(a) Seller covenants and agrees that, from and after the date hereof until the earlier of the Closing or the termination of this Agreement, except (I) as otherwise set forth in Schedule 6.11 or (II) with the prior written consent of Buyer, Seller shall (and shall cause Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, as applicable, to) with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business:

(i) operate in the usual and ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets in accordance with Prudent Industry Practices;

(iii) subject to Section 6.8 , keep in full force and effect insurance applicable to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering

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Company and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business comparable in amount and scope of coverage to that currently maintained;

(iv) keep and maintain accurate books, Records, and accounts in the usual and ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(v) provide prompt written notice following receipt by Seller, Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or any of their respective Affiliates of any written notice of violation or alleged default or breach of any Law, Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contract or Permit by Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or related to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets;

(vi) provide prompt written notice following receipt by Seller, Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or any of their respective Affiliates of any Proceeding or written Claim from any non-Affiliate third party relating to Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, seeking to restrain the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or seeking substantial damages with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

(vii) provide prompt written notice upon the occurrence of any Casualty Loss to any of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets.

(b) Except (I) as otherwise set forth in Schedule 6.11 , (II) with the prior written consent of Buyer or (III) for the Reorganization Transactions, from and after the date hereof until the earlier of the Closing or the termination of this Agreement:

(i) Seller shall not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, or grant any Lien with respect to, the Hydrocarbon Company Interests or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets (other than Permitted Liens); and

(ii) Seller shall cause Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company not to:

(A) enter into or adopt any Plan, any other equity based, incentive or deferred compensation plan or arrangement or other fringe benefit plan, or any consulting, employment, severance, bonus, termination or similar Contract with any Person;

(B) hire any employees or consultants or become liable for any obligation with respect to Seller’s or any of its Affiliates’ employees or consultants;

(C) make any loan to, or enter into any other transaction with, any manager, director or officer of Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or any of their respective Affiliates;

(D) (1) redeem, purchase or acquire, or offer to purchase or acquire any of the Hydrocarbon Company Interests, (2) effect any

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reorganization or recapitalization of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, (3) split, combine or reclassify any of the Hydrocarbon Company Interests or (4) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution, other than wholly in cash payable prior to Closing, in respect of the Hydrocarbon Company Interests ;

(E) (1) offer, sell, transfer, issue, dispose of or grant, or authorize the offering, sale, transfer, issuance, disposition or grant of, any Hydrocarbon Company Interest or (2) grant, or authorize the grant of, any Lien with respect to any Hydrocarbon Company Interest;

(F) acquire, directly or indirectly, (1) (whether by merger, consolidation, or otherwise) an Equity Interest in any business or division of any Person or (2) any material assets or properties (other than assets or properties relating to the Water Gathering Business) other than the acquisition of assets from suppliers or vendors in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

(G) sell, lease, exchange, abandon or otherwise dispose of any of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, or grant any Lien, preferential purchase right or consent (other than Permitted Liens) with respect to any of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets;

(H) adopt any amendments to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company LLC Agreement or other organizational documents (whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise);

(I) make any change in its method of accounting in effect on the date hereof, except as may be required to comply with GAAP or under applicable Law;

(J) except as required in connection with an emergency to the extent such a capital expenditure is required as a reasonable response thereto (and, in Seller’s good faith judgment, the delay in seeking Buyer’s consent as required by this Section 6.11 would adversely impact the effectiveness of any such response), incur or commit to incur any capital expenditures (other than capital expenditures in respect of the Water Gathering Business);

(K) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for or authorizing a liquidation, dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization;

(L) amend, modify, cancel, waive or assign any rights or obligations under, any Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contract, except as contemplated in the Side Letter;

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(M) other than the Water PSA, enter into or assume (1) any Contract that would constitute a Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contract or (2) any other Contract with any Person (other than Contracts that would constitute a Water Gathering Material Contract under the Water PSA), other than arms’-length Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business with a non-Affiliate third party consistent with past practice;

(N) borrow money other than under the Financing Documents which will be paid off, terminated or released at or prior to Closing, or guarantee any debt or obligations or any Person;

(O) make any regulatory filing with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business other than in the ordinary course of business;

(P) settle any Proceedings or Claims or otherwise waive any material right with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business;

(Q) make or change any material Tax election; settle or compromise any claim, notice, audit report or assessment in respect of material Taxes; change any annual Tax accounting period; adopt or change any material method of Tax accounting; file any material Tax Return except in accordance with Section 6.2(a)(ii) ; amend any material Tax Return; enter into any Tax allocation agreement, Tax sharing agreement, Tax indemnity agreement or closing agreement relating to any material Tax; surrender any right to claim a material Tax refund; or consent to any extension or waiver of the statute of limitations period applicable to any material Tax claim or assessment, in each case, with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business; or

(R) agree to do any of the foregoing.

6.12 No Shop

.  From and after the date hereof until the earlier of Closing or the termination of this Agreement (the “ No Shop Period ”), Seller shall (and shall cause its Affiliates, Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to) immediately cease and cause to be terminated any ongoing discussions or negotiations with respect to the occurrence of any acquisition, directly or indirectly, from Seller, Tioga or any of their Affiliates in one or a series of related transactions, of Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or substantially all of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets by purchase, merger, exchange, business combination or otherwise by, or on behalf of, any Person other than Buyer (collectively, a “ Third Party Acquisition ”) or any proposal reasonably likely to lead to a Third Party Acquisition.  Further, during the No Shop Period, Seller shall not, and shall not authorize or permit any of its Affiliates, Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or any of its or their respective Representatives to directly or indirectly solicit, participate in or initiate discussions (other than to respond negatively), negotiations, inquiries, proposals or offers with or from or provide any non-public information to any Person or group of Persons concerning any Third Party Acquisition or any inquiry, proposal or offer which may reasonably lead to a Third Party Acquisition.  During the No Shop Period, Seller shall not (and shall cause its Affiliates,

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Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company not to) enter into any agreement, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement, exchange agreement, option agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement or other agreement constituting or related to lead to, a Third Party Acquisition or any proposal for a Third Party Acquisition.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Section 6.12 shall in any way restrict any of the Summit Companies or any of their respective Representatives from consummating, or engaging in discussions or negotiations with any third party with respect to, a Change of Control Transaction provided that such Change of Control Transaction would not in any way relieve Seller or Tioga of its obligations under this Agreement and the Transaction Documents.

6.13 Reorganization Transactions

.  Prior to the Closing, Seller or Tioga, as applicable, shall cause the following transactions in subsections (a) through (c) (the “ Reorganization Transactions ”) to be consummated:

(a) the conveyance of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets from Tioga to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company pursuant to assignments, bill of sales and conveyances in the forms attached hereto as Exhibits D-1 , D-2 and D-3 ;

(b) the grant of an Easement on the Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property by the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to the Water Gathering Company pursuant to an easement agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E ; and

(c) the filing of the foregoing documents in subsections (a) through (b) in the applicable county records.

Seller shall provide to Buyer drafts of the Reorganization Documents prior to the execution of the same for Buyer’s review and confirmation (which will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).  Thereafter, prior to Closing, Seller shall provide to Buyer executed copies of the executed Reorganization Documents and reasonable evidence of the filing thereof, as applicable, in the applicable county records.

6.14 Financial Statements

.  If financial statements of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the business relating thereto are or would be required under Regulation S-X to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) or furnished to third parties in connection with any public filing or private or public offering of securities by Buyer or any of its Affiliates, Seller agrees that it shall, and shall cause each of its Affiliates to, use its respective commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with Buyer’s efforts to prepare such financial statements, including by (a) assisting Buyer and Buyer’s auditors in preparing such financial statements, (b) if requested by Buyer, using commercially reasonable efforts to cause Seller’s and its Affiliates’ independent auditors to deliver customary “comfort letters” in connection with such public offering, which comfort letters shall comply with the requirements of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board AU Section 634 (or any successor thereto) and cover such periods as are addressed by the applicable financial statements and (c) if requested by Buyer, providing such other information as is reasonably requested by Buyer or its applicable Affiliates, provided that such cooperation (i) will be provided at reasonable times and without unreasonable disruption to Seller’s and its Affiliates’ normal day-to-day activities, (ii) will not require Seller or any of its

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Affiliates to waive any attorney-client privilege or to violate any contractual o bligation or any applicable Law and (iii) will not require any financial statements or other financial information to be prepared other than to the extent required by the rules and regulations of the SEC.  Buyer shall promptly, upon request by Seller from time to time, reimburse Seller for all reasonable, documented out-of-pocket costs incurred by Seller and its Affiliates in connection with such cooperation.

Article VII
BUYER’S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

The obligation of Buyer to consummate the Closing is subject to the fulfillment of each of the following conditions (except to the extent waived in writing by Buyer in its sole discretion):

7.1 Representations and Warranties

.   The representations and warranties made by Seller in Article III and in Article IV (disregarding all materiality and Material Adverse Effect qualifications contained therein) (a) shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (other than those representations and warranties that speak to an earlier date) and (b) in the case of representations and warranties that speak as to an earlier date, such representations and warranties (disregarding all materiality and Material Adverse Effect qualifications contained therein) shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, except in the case of the foregoing clause (a) and clause (b) , for any representations and warranties other than Fundamental Representations (which must be true and correct in all material respects), where the failure to be true and correct would not have or reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and would not have or reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

7.2 Performance

.  Seller and Tioga shall have performed and complied, in all material respects, with the agreements, covenants and obligations required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by Seller or Tioga at or before the Closing.

7.3 Officer’s Certificate

.  Seller shall have delivered to Buyer at the Closing an officer’s certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 7.1 and Section 7.2 .

7.4 Orders and Laws

.  There shall not be (a) any Law restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (b) any Proceeding by a Person that is not an Affiliate of any of the Parties seeking monetary damages in excess of $1,000,000 in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

7.5 Closing Deliverables

.  Seller shall have delivered, or be ready, willing and able to deliver, the items required to be delivered by Seller pursuant to Section 2.4 .

7.6 Indebtedness; Distributions

.  Seller shall have fully complied (or be ready, willing and able to fully comply) with its obligations under Section 6.1(a) .

7.7 Water PSA Closing

.  Each of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the closing under the Water PSA has been satisfied by the parties thereto, and the parties thereto are

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ready, willing and able to (and do) close the transactions contemplated under the Water PSA immediately following the Closing of the transactions contemplated hereby .

7.8 Side Letter

.  The Side Letter shall remain in full force as to Tioga and shall not have been revoked by Tioga.

Article VIII
SELLER’S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

The obligation of Seller to consummate the Closing is subject to the fulfillment of each of the following conditions (except to the extent waived in writing by Seller in its sole discretion):

8.1 Representations and Warranties

.  The representations and warranties made by Buyer in Article V (disregarding all materiality qualifications contained therein) (a) shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (other than those representations and warranties that speak to an earlier date) and (b) in the case of representations and warranties that speak as to an earlier date, such representations and warranties (disregarding all materiality qualifications contained therein) shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, except in the case of the foregoing clause (a) and clause (b) , for any representations and warranties other than Fundamental Representations (which must be true and correct in all material respects), where the failure to be true and correct would not have or reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

8.2 Performance

.  Buyer shall have performed and complied, in all material respects, with the agreements, covenants and obligations required by this Agreement to be so performed or complied with by Buyer at or before the Closing.

8.3 Officer’s Certificate

.  Buyer shall have delivered to Seller at the Closing a certificate of an officer of Buyer, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 8.1 and Section 8.2 .

8.4 Orders and Laws

.  There shall not be (a) any Law restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (b) any Proceeding by a Person that is not an Affiliate of any of the Parties seeking monetary damages in excess of $1,000,000 in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

8.5 Closing Deliverables

.  Buyer shall have delivered, or be ready, willing and able to deliver, the items required to be delivered by Buyer pursuant to Section 2.5 .

8.6 Water PSA Closing

.  Each of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the closing under the Water PSA has been satisfied by the parties thereto, and the parties thereto are ready, willing and able to (and do) close the transactions contemplated under the Water PSA immediately following the Closing of the transactions contemplated hereby.

8.7 Side Letter

.  The Side Letter shall remain in full force as to Tioga and shall not have been revoked by Tioga.

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Article IX
TERMINATION

9.1 Right of Termination

.  Prior to Closing, this Agreement may be terminated:

(a) By written consent of Seller and Buyer;

(b) By Seller or Buyer if the Closing has not occurred before 90 days after the date hereof (the “ Outside Date ”);

(c) By Seller or Buyer if consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is enjoined, prohibited or otherwise restrained by the terms of any Law;

(d) By Seller if satisfaction of any of the conditions in Article VIII on or prior to the Outside Date is or becomes impossible (other than through failure of Seller to comply with its obligations under this Agreement); or  

(e) By Buyer if satisfaction of any of the conditions in Article VII on or prior to the Outside Date is or becomes impossible (other than through failure of Buyer to comply with its obligations under this Agreement).

A Party shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement under Section 9.1(b) , Section 9.1(d) or Section 9.1(e) if it is then in Willful Breach of this Agreement.

9.2 Effect of Termination

.

(a) I f any Party terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1 , all obligations and liabilities of the Parties under this Agreement shall terminate and become void and no Party shall have any further rights against the other Parties by virtue of this Agreement for breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement, except as provided in Sections 9.2(b) and 9.2(c) ; provided , however , that the terms of (and rights and obligations under) this Section 9.2 , Section 9.3 , Article I , Article X and Article XI (other than Section 11.3 and Section 11.12 ) shall remain in full force and effect and survive any termination of this Agreement.  Upon the termination of this Agreement, Seller shall be free immediately to enjoy all rights of ownership of Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, the Tioga Company Interests, the Hydrocarbon Company Interests and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets and to sell, transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of the same to any Person without any restriction under this Agreement.

(b) If at the time this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.1(b) or Section 9.1(d) or Seller has the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b) or Section 9.1(d) and (in either case) Buyer is in Willful Breach (or Water Buyer is in “Willful Breach” under the Water PSA and Seller has elected to terminate the Water PSA), then Seller shall be entitled to, at its option:

(i) terminate this Agreement and seek recovery of its damages up to an amount equal to 10% of the Base Purchase Price; or

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(ii) other than if Seller has the right to terminate this Agreement under Section 9.1(b) and Water Buyer is in Willful Breach under the Water PSA and Seller has elected to terminate the Water PSA, seek specific performance of this Agreement; provided that if Seller’s suit for specific performance fails, with no further opportunity for appeal or Seller makes an irrevocable election not to appeal, then at such time Seller shall have the right to elect the recovery set forth in Section 9.2(b)(i) .

(c) If at the time this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.1(b) or Section 9.1(e) or Buyer has the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b) or Section 9.1(e) and (in either case) Seller is in Willful Breach or is in “Willful Breach” under the Water PSA and Water Buyer has elected to terminate the Water PSA, then Buyer shall be entitled to, at its option:

(i) terminate this Agreement and seek recovery of its damages up to an amount equal to 10% of the Base Purchase Price; or

(ii) other than if Buyer has the right to terminate this Agreement under Section 9.1(b) and Seller is in Willful Breach under the Water PSA and Water Buyer has elected to terminate the Water PSA, seek specific performance of this Agreement; provided that if Buyer’s suit for specific performance fails, with no further opportunity for appeal or Buyer makes an irrevocable election not to appeal, then at such time Buyer shall have the right to elect the recovery set forth in Section 9.2(c)(i) .

9.3 Return of Documentation

.  Upon termination of this Agreement, Buyer shall return to Seller all original (and destroy all copies of) title, engineering, geological and geophysical data, environmental assessments and reports, maps and other information furnished by or on behalf of Seller to Buyer or prepared by or on behalf of Buyer in connection with its due diligence investigation of Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, the Hydrocarbon Company Interests and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, and an officer of Buyer shall certify same to Seller in writing.

9.4 Confidentiality

.  The Confidentiality Agreement between Summit Midstream Partners, LP and Hess Infrastructure Partners LP dated November 12, 2018 (the “ Confidentiality Agreement ”) shall terminate on the Closing Date unless this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Article IX , in which case the Confidentiality Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

Article X
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY, WAIVERS AND ARBITRATION

10.1 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements

.  The representations and warranties of Seller and Buyer set forth in this Agreement and the right of an indemnified Person to assert any Claim for indemnification related thereto or for any other Loss pursuant to this Article X shall survive Closing for 12 months, after which applicable date and time no Claims for indemnification may be asserted, regardless of when such right arose; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the representations and warranties set forth in (a) Sections 3.1 , 3.2 , 3.3 , 3.4(a) , 3.16 , 4.1 , 4.2 , 4.3 , 4.4(a) , 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.6 and 5.7 (the “ Fundamental Representations ”) shall survive the Closing indefinitely, (b) the representations and warranties in Section 3.12 shall

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survive the Closing for two years, (c) the representations and warranties in Section s 3.13 , 3.17 , 4.5 and 5.8 shall survive the Closing until 60 days following the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, including any extension thereof, with respect to the particular matter that is the subject matter thereof, and (d) each of the representations and warranties in Section 5.9 shall survive the Closing until the expiration of the survival period of the applicable representation and warranty of Seller that is the subject thereof.  The covenants and agreements (other than the covenants and agreements contained in Section 6. 2 ) of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing in accordance with their terms; provided , that the covenants and agreements contained in Section 6. 2 shall survive the Closing until 60 days following the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, including any extension thereof; provided further , that the right of any Party to make a claim for breach of any covenant of a Party that is to be performed or satisfied on or prior to the Closing shall survive until the first anniversary of the Closing Date.   Seller’s indemnification obligations with respect to (i) Section 10.2(d) shall survive the Closing until 60 days following the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, including any extension thereof, with respect to the particular matter that is the subject matter thereof, (ii) S ection s 10.2(f) , 10.2(g) , 10.2(h ) and 10.2(i) shall survive the Closing for two years and (iii) Section 10.2(e) shall survive Closing indefinitely.

10.2 Indemnification of Buyer and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company by Seller

.  Subject to the limitations on recourse and recovery set forth in this Article X , from and after the Closing, Seller will indemnify, defend and hold harmless Buyer, Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and their respective Affiliates from and against any and all Losses imposed upon or incurred after the Closing in connection with, arising out of or resulting from:

(a) the inaccuracy or breach of any representation or warranty made by Seller in Article III or in the certificate delivered by Seller pursuant to Section 7.3 (each such inaccuracy or breach, a “ Company Warranty Breach ”);

(b) the inaccuracy or breach of any representation or warranty made by Seller in Article IV or in the certificate delivered by Seller pursuant to Section 7.3 (each such inaccuracy or breach, a “ Seller Warranty Breach ”);

(c) any nonfulfillment or breach by Seller, Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company of any covenant or agreement made by Seller, Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company under this Agreement;

(d) any and all Seller Taxes;

(e) the Special Liabilities;

(f) all Claims asserted by any employee of Seller or its Affiliates or any other Person for illness, personal injury or death relating or attributable to the ownership or operation of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets prior to the Closing;

(g) any offsite waste disposal (including the disposal of any Hazardous Materials) to properties other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets occurring prior to the Closing;

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(h) any criminal (but not civil) liabilities, including criminal (but not civil) fines, sanctions or penalties, imposed or assessed as a result of the ownership, operation or use of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets prior to the Closing; and

(i) the Willful Misconduct of Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or any of their Affiliates with respect to operation of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets prior to Closing;

provided that solely for purposes of determining the amount of any Losses under subsections (a) and (b) above, any qualification or exception contained therein relating to materiality (including Material Adverse Effect) shall be disregarded.

10.3 Indemnification of Seller by Buyer

.  Subject to the limitations on recourse and recovery set forth in this Article X , from and after the Closing, Buyer shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Seller and its Affiliates from and against any and all Losses imposed upon or incurred after the Closing in connection with, arising out of or resulting from:

(a) the inaccuracy or breach of any representation or warranty made by Buyer in Article V or in the certificate delivered by Buyer pursuant to Section 8.3 (each such inaccuracy or breach, a “ Buyer Warranty Breach ”);

(b) any nonfulfillment or breach by Buyer of any covenant or agreement made by Buyer under this Agreement; and

(c) any and all liabilities associated with the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business (except to the extent Seller as of such time has an indemnity obligation to Buyer with respect thereto);

provided that solely for purposes of determining the amount of any Losses under subsection (a) above, any qualification or exception contained therein relating to materiality (including Material Adverse Effect) shall be disregarded.

10.4 Limitations

.

(a) Except for a Warranty Breach with respect to a Fundamental Representation or Sections 3.13 , 3.17 , 4.5 or 5.8 , if any Claim for indemnification by Buyer, Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and their respective Affiliates or Seller relating to any Warranty Breach that is subject to indemnification under Sections 10.2(a) , 10.2(b) or 10.3(a) results in aggregate Losses that do not exceed $25,000 then such Losses shall not be deemed to be Losses under this Agreement and shall not be eligible for indemnification under this Article X .

(b) Except for a Company Warranty Breach or Seller Warranty Breach with respect to a Fundamental Representation or Sections 3.13 , 3.17 or 4.5 , Buyer, Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and their respective Affiliates shall be entitled to be indemnified pursuant to Sections 10.2(a) or 10.2(b) for Losses incurred for any Company Warranty Breach or Seller Warranty Breach (excluding any item or Loss below the threshold listed in Section 10.4(a)) only if and to the extent that the aggregate amount of all such Losses exceeds 1% of the Base

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Purchase Price , subject to the other limitations on recovery and recourse set forth in this Agreement .

(c) Except for a Company Warranty Breach or Seller Warranty Breach with respect to a Fundamental Representation or Sections 3.13 , 3.17 or 4.5 , Seller’s liability under Sections 10.2(a) and 10.2(b) will be limited, in the aggregate, to 15% of the sum of (i) the Base Purchase Price plus (ii) the difference between (A) the “Base Purchase Price” under the Water PSA minus (B) the aggregate amounts paid by Seller under Sections 10.2(a) and 10.2(b) of the Water PSA.  Under no circumstance will Seller’s liability for any Losses under Section 10.2 (other than liability for Losses under Section 10.2(a) for breach of the representations and warranties in Section 3.13 , Section 10.2(c) for breach of the covenants and agreements in Section 6.2 or under Section 10.2(d) or Section 10.2(e) ), including Losses with respect to a Fundamental Representation or Sections 3.12 , 3.17 or 4.5 , exceed the value of the proceeds received by Seller in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  Except for a Company Warranty Breach or Seller Warranty Breach with respect to a Fundamental Representation or Sections 3.13 , 3.17 or 4.5 , in no event shall Seller’s aggregate liability under Sections 10.2(a) and 10.2(b) and Sections 10.2(a) and 10.2(b) of the Water PSA exceed, in the aggregate, 15% of the sum of (x) the Base Purchase Price plus (y) the “Base Purchase Price” under the Water PSA.

(d) No indemnifying Person shall be liable for any Losses that are subject to indemnification under Sections 10.2 or 10.3 unless a written demand for indemnification under this Agreement is delivered by the indemnified Person to the indemnifying Person with respect thereto prior to 5:00 P.M. Central Time on the final date pursuant to Section 10.1 , to assert a Claim for indemnification on the basis asserted in such written demand.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Claim for indemnification under this Agreement that is brought prior to such time will survive until such matter is resolved.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, under no circumstances shall any Party be entitled to double recovery under this Agreement, and to the extent a Party is compensated for a matter through any adjustment to the Base Purchase Price or any third party recovery or insurance recovery actually received, such Party shall not have a separate right to indemnification for such matter.

10.5 Claims Procedures

.

(a) Promptly after receipt by any indemnified Person of notice of the commencement or assertion of any Claim or Proceeding by a non-Affiliate third party or circumstances which, with the lapse of time, such indemnified Person believes is likely to give rise to a Claim or Proceeding by a non-Affiliate third party or of facts causing any indemnified Person to believe it has a Claim for indemnification hereunder (an “ Asserted Liability ”), such indemnified Person shall give written notice thereof (the “ Claims Notice ”) to the relevant indemnifying Person as promptly as reasonably practicable under the circumstances, provided that in any event, such indemnified Person shall give the Claims Notice to the indemnifying Person no later than 20 days after becoming aware of such Asserted Liability.  So long as the Claims Notice is given within the applicable survival period set forth in Section 10.1 , the failure to so notify the indemnifying Person shall not relieve the indemnifying Person of its obligations or liability hereunder, except to the extent such failure shall have actually prejudiced the indemnifying Person.  The Claims Notice

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shall describe the Asserted Liability in reasonable detail, shall indicate the amount (estimated, if necessary) of the Loss that has been or may be suffered, shall include a copy of all papers (if any) served with respect to the Claim or Proceeding and shall identify the specific basis under this Agreement for the Asserted Liability.  The indemnified Person and the indemnifying Person agree to keep each other reasonably appraised of any additional information obtained by such Person concerning any Asserted Liability.

(b) As to an Asserted Liability arising from a non-Affiliate third party action, the indemnifying Person shall be, subject to the limitations set forth in this Section 10.5 , entitled to assume control of and appoint lead counsel for such defense only for so long as it conducts such defense with reasonable diligence.  The indemnifying Person shall keep the indemnified Persons advised of the status of such non-Affiliate third party action and the defense thereof on a reasonably current basis and shall consider in good faith the recommendations made by the indemnified Persons with respect thereto.  If the indemnifying Person assumes the control of the defense of any non-Affiliate third party action in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10.5 , the indemnified Person shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any such non-Affiliate third party action and any applicable settlement thereof and to employ, at its expense, separate counsel of its choice for such purpose, it being understood, however, that the indemnifying Person shall continue to control such defense or such settlement; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnifying Person shall pay the reasonable costs and expenses of such defense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) of the indemnified Persons if (x) the indemnified Person’s outside counsel shall have reasonably concluded and advised in writing (with a copy to the indemnifying Person) that there are defenses available to such indemnified Person that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying Person, or (y) the indemnified Person’s outside counsel shall have advised in writing (with a copy to the indemnifying Person) the indemnified Person that there is a conflict of interest that would make it inappropriate under applicable standards of professional conduct to have common counsel for the indemnifying Person and the indemnified Person.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnifying Person shall obtain the prior written consent of the indemnified Person before entering into any settlement, compromise, admission or acknowledgement of the validity of such Asserted Liability if the settlement requires an admission of guilt or wrongdoing on the party of the indemnified Person, subjects the indemnified Person to criminal liability or does not unconditionally release the indemnified Person from all liabilities and obligations with respect to such Asserted Liability or the settlement imposes injunctive or other equitable relief against, or any continuing obligation or payment requirement on, the indemnified Person.  If the indemnifying Person does not elect to assume control of the defense of such non-Affiliate third party action, then the indemnified Person shall have the right to defend against such non-Affiliate third party action at the sole cost and expense of the indemnifying Person, with counsel of the indemnifying Person’s choosing (subject to the right of the indemnifying Person to elect to control the defense of such non-Affiliate third party action at any time prior to settlement or final determination thereof).  Any settlement of such non-Affiliate third party action by the indemnified Person shall require the consent of the indemnifying Person (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless the settlement is solely for money damages and results in a final resolution.

(c) Each Party shall cooperate in the defense or prosecution of any Asserted Liability arising from a non-Affiliate third party action and shall furnish or cause to be furnished such records, information and testimony (subject to any applicable confidentiality agreement), and

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attend such conferences, discovery proceedings, hearings, trials or appeals as may be reasonably requested in connection therewith.

10.6 Waiver of Other Representations

.

(a) NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, ABSENT ACTUAL (BUT NOT CONSTRUCTIVE) FRAUD, IT IS THE EXPLICIT INTENT OF EACH PARTY, AND THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE, THAT NEITHER SELLER, TIOGA NOR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE 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 HYDROCARBON COMPANY INTERESTS, THE HYDROCARBON GATHERING ASSETS, TIOGA OR THE HYDROCARBON GATHERING COMPANY, OR ANY PART THEREOF, EXCEPT THOSE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY CONTAINED IN ARTICLE III AND ARTICLE IV .  

(b) EXCEPT THOSE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY CONTAINED IN ARTICLE III AND ARTICLE IV , ABSENT ACTUAL (BUT NOT CONSTRUCTIVE) FRAUD, SELLER’S HYDROCARBON COMPANY INTERESTS ARE BEING TRANSFERRED THROUGH THE SALE OF THE HYDROCARBON COMPANY INTERESTS “AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH ALL FAULTS,” AND SELLER, TIOGA AND THEIR AFFILIATES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE CONDITION, VALUE OR QUALITY OF TIOGA, THE HYDROCARBON GATHERING COMPANY AND THE HYDROCARBON GATHERING ASSETS OR THE PROSPECTS (FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE), RISKS AND OTHER INCIDENTS OF TIOGA, THE HYDROCARBON GATHERING COMPANY AND THE HYDROCARBON GATHERING ASSETS.

10.7 Waiver of Remedies

.

(a) Other than for instances of actual fraud or under the other Transaction Documents and, without limiting the generality of the following with respect to the liability of Seller, excluding any Claims between Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, the Parties hereby agree that from and after Closing no Party shall have any liability, and no Party nor any of their respective Affiliates shall make any Claim, for any Loss or any other matter, under, relating to or arising out of this Agreement (including breach of representation, warranty, covenant or agreement) or any other Contract or other matter delivered pursuant hereto, or the transactions contemplated hereby, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, other Laws or otherwise, except for a claim for indemnification pursuant to Article X , and, in the case of Section 6.14 , the exercise of the right to enforce specific performance specified in Section 11.12 .

(b) NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF ACTUAL FRAUD, NO PARTY NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING (“ NON-REIMBURSABLE

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DAMAGES ”): SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES (INCLUDING ANY DAMAGES ON ACCOUNT OF LOST PROFITS OR OPPORTUNITIES, OR LOST OR DELAYED BUSINESS BASED ON VALUATION METHODOLOGIES ASCRIBING A DECREASE IN VALUE TO TIOGA OR THE HYDROCARBON GATHERING COMPANY, ON THE BASIS OF A MULTIPLE OF A REDUCTION IN A MULTIPLE-BASED OR YIELD-BASED MEASURE OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE), WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OTHER LAW OR OTHERWISE AND WHETHER OR NOT ARISING FROM THE OTHER PARTY’S OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES’ SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER FAULT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, ANY AMOUNTS PAYABLE TO NON-AFFILIATE THIRD PARTIES PURSUANT TO A CLAIM BY A NON-AFFILIATE THIRD PARTY SHALL NOT BE DEEMED NON-REIMBURSABLE DAMAGES .

10.8 Access to Information and Assets; Transition of Operations

.   

(a) Until the earlier of the Closing or the termination of this Agreement, at all reasonable times, Seller will (and will cause Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to), to the fullest extent permissible under applicable Laws and Contracts of Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, make available to Buyer and Buyer’s authorized Representatives (i) for examination as Buyer may reasonably request, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, including all of the books, records, documents, instruments, accounts, correspondence, writings, evidences of title and other papers and electronic files relating to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets (other than any income Tax records of Seller) in Seller’s or Seller’s Affiliates’ possession or the possession of Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company (the “ Records ”) and the Assets and (ii) access to the relevant employees of and data held by the Summit Companies as is necessary for Buyer to fully transition operation of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business (including its operation independent of the services and assets covered by the Operations Services) from Seller to Buyer by the Closing Date; provided , that Buyer shall not unreasonably interfere with the day‑to‑day operations of the business of Tioga or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and shall provide written notice to Seller at least two Business Days prior to any site visit on the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets by Buyer or Buyer’s authorized Representatives. Buyer’s examination shall not include any invasive sampling or testing or analysis without the prior written consent of Seller, which consent can be withheld in Seller’s sole discretion.   All such examinations conducted by Buyer or any Representative of Buyer shall be conducted at Buyer’s sole cost, risk and expense.  Upon completion of Buyer’s examination, Buyer shall at its sole cost and expense and without any cost or expense to Seller or its Affiliates (i) repair all damage done to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets in connection with Buyer’s and/or any of Buyer’s Representatives’ examinations, (ii) restore the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets to the approximate same condition as, or better condition than, they were prior to commencement of any such examinations and (iii) remove all equipment, tools and other property brought onto the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets in connection with such examinations. Any disturbance to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets resulting from such examinations will be promptly corrected by Buyer at Buyer’s sole cost and expense.

(b) After the Closing Date, Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, Seller and Buyer shall grant each other (or their respective designees), and Buyer shall cause the

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Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to grant to Seller (or its designee), access at all reasonable times to the Records, and shall afford such party the right (at such party’s expense) to take extracts therefrom and to make copies thereof, to the extent reasonably necessary to implement the provisions of, or to investigate or defend any Claims regarding Taxes with respect to Tioga and the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company.  Buyer shall maintain, and shall cause the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to maintain, the Records until the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date.

(c) Buyer and its Representatives shall abide by Seller’s, Tioga’s, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company’s and any non-Party operator’s safety rules provided to Buyer while conducting its evaluation of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets in accordance with this Section 10.8 , including any environmental or other inspection of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets.  Except for any matters discovered by Buyer or its Representatives which, if known or discovered prior to the date hereof would have been required to have been listed on Schedule 3.12 or another Schedule to this Agreement, Buyer hereby defends, indemnifies and holds harmless the Seller Group from and against any and all Claims arising out of, resulting from or relating to any field visit, environmental assessment or other activity conducted by Buyer or any of its Representatives with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets.  Such indemnity obligation shall apply even if such Claims arise out of, result from or relate to the sole, joint or concurrent negligence, strict liability or other fault of any member of the Seller Group or its Representatives, but excluding in each case, Claims arising out of, resulting from or relating to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any member of the Seller Group or its Representatives.  

10.9 Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

.

(a) Except with respect to the establishment of the Purchase Price as set forth in Section 2.6 , in the event of any dispute, controversy or Claim among the Parties, or any of them, arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach or invalidity thereof (including the enforcement of the process required by Section 2.6 ) (collectively, a “ Dispute ”), the Parties shall attempt in the first instance to resolve such Dispute through consultations between senior management of the Parties.  The Parties agree to attempt to resolve all Disputes arising hereunder promptly, equitably and in a good faith manner.  The Parties further agree to provide each other with reasonable access during normal business hours to any and all non-privileged records, information and data pertaining to such Dispute, upon reasonable advance notice.

(b) If such consultations do not result in a resolution of the Dispute within 30 Business Days after written notice by a Party to the other Parties describing the Dispute and requesting resolution, then the Dispute may be submitted by any Party to binding arbitration pursuant to the terms of Section 10.10 , irrespective of the magnitude thereof, the amount in dispute or whether such Dispute would otherwise be considered justifiable or ripe for resolution by any court or arbitral tribunal, by giving written notice thereof to the other Parties; provided , however , that in no event shall a Party have the right to submit the Dispute to arbitration if the institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such Dispute would be barred by any applicable statute of limitations or Section 10.1 .

(c) Any Dispute shall be resolved exclusively and finally by binding arbitration in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.10 .

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10.10 Arbitration Procedures

.

(a) Any Party electing to initiate arbitration of a Dispute shall designate its nomination for an arbitrator in its notice to the other Party electing to submit the Dispute to arbitration.  Each Party receiving such notice shall, within ten Business Days thereafter, by return written notice to all Parties, state whether it will accept such nomination, or decline to accept it and designate its nomination for an arbitrator.  One arbitrator shall control the proceedings if such nomination of an arbitrator is accepted by all Parties or if the receiving Party fails to nominate an arbitrator within the required ten Business Day period.  If the receiving Party timely nominates an arbitrator, the arbitral tribunal shall consist of three arbitrators, with one arbitrator being selected by Seller and one arbitrator being selected by Buyer, within five Business Days after the expiration of the ten-Business Day period reference above, and the two selected arbitrators choosing a third arbitrator, which third arbitrator must be a Person with the requisite knowledge and experience to make a fair and informed determination with respect to the matter in dispute, which Person shall not be an Affiliate of any Party, nor an employee, director, officer, shareholder, owner, partner, agent or a contractor of any Party or of any Affiliate of any Party, either presently or at any time during the previous two years.  In the event the arbitrators fail to appoint the third arbitrator within 30 days (or such longer time period as agreed to by the Parties) after they have accepted their appointment, the third arbitrator (meeting the qualifications specified in the preceding sentence) shall be appointed by the Houston office of the American Arbitration Association within ten Business Days after the expiration of such 30-day period.  The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, as supplemented to the extent necessary to determine any procedural appeal questions by the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9 of the United Stated Code).  If there is an inconsistency between Section 10.10 and the Commercial Arbitration Rules (the “ Rules ”) or the Federal Arbitration Act, the provisions of this Section 10.10 shall prevail.

(b) Within ten Business Days after the selection of the arbitrator(s), each Party shall submit to the arbitrator(s) such Party’s position with respect to the Dispute, which such position statement shall not conflict with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, together with supporting data, if any.  Within 30 days after the position statements are submitted, the arbitrator(s) shall hold a hearing during which the Parties may present evidence in support of their respective proposals.  The arbitrator(s) may also order discovery pursuant to the Rules.  The arbitrator(s) (by majority rule if there are three arbitrators) will determine the outcome of the Dispute.  The cost of the arbitration shall be split between the Parties equally and each Party shall pay for one‑half of the costs.

(c) The place of arbitration shall be Houston, Texas, unless in any particular case the Parties agree upon a different venue.

(d) The arbitrator(s) shall have no right or authority to grant or award Non-Reimbursable Damages, except as permitted by Section 10.7(b) .

(e) Any decision of the arbitrator(s) pursuant to this Section 10.10 shall be final and binding upon the Parties and shall be reached within 90 days after proposals for resolution of the Dispute have been submitted (or such longer time period as agreed to by the Parties).  The Parties agree that the arbitral award may be enforced against the Parties to the arbitration

54


 

proceeding or their assets wherever they may be found and that a judgment upon the arbitral award may be entered in any court having competent jurisdiction thereof.  The Parties expressly submit to the jurisdiction of any such court.  The Parties hereby waive, to the extent permitted by Law, any rights to appeal or to review of such award by any court or tribunal.

(f) When any Dispute occurs and is the subject of consultations or arbitration, the Parties shall continue to make payments of undisputed amounts in accordance with this Agreement, and the Parties shall otherwise continue to exercise their rights and fulfill their respective obligations under this Agreement.

(g) Consolidation of Arbitration .  To the extent that any arbitration is commenced pursuant to this Agreement and the Dispute alleged in such arbitration proceeding relates to any matters that would be covered by the guarantee delivered by Summit Midstream Partners, LP in favor of Buyer as of the Execution Date, the Parties agree that any arbitration proceeding commenced pursuant to such guarantee shall be consolidated with such arbitration proceeding commenced pursuant to this Agreement into a single proceeding before the arbitrator(s) appointed in accordance with this Section 10.10 . This Section 10.10(g) is expressly intended to afford the arbitrator(s) under such guarantee and/or this Agreement greater flexibility and discretion to consolidate related arbitration claims and proceedings as it deems appropriate, so that related claims and proceedings may be combined within a single proceeding, than is otherwise afforded under the Rules.

10.11 Losses

.  The Losses giving rise to any indemnification obligation hereunder shall be limited to the Losses suffered by the indemnified Persons.  The amount of any Losses for which any of Buyer, Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or any of their respective Affiliates is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement or in connection with or with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be reduced by any corresponding insurance proceeds actually received by such indemnified Person from any of the insurance policies listed on Schedule 3.22 .

10.12 Tax Treatment

.  To the extent permitted by applicable Law, Buyer and Seller agree to report each indemnification payment made under this Article X in respect of a Loss as an adjustment to the Purchase Price for U.S. federal and applicable state income Tax purposes.

10.13 Express Negligence

.  THE PARTIES INTEND THAT THE INDEMNITIES SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE X (AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS AGREEMENT) BE CONSTRUED AND APPLIED AS WRITTEN IN THIS AGREEMENT, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY RULE OF CONSTRUCTION TO THE CONTRARY.  WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, SUCH INDEMNITIES WILL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING ANY STATE’S “EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE” OR SIMILAR RULE THAT WOULD DENY COVERAGE BASED ON AN INDEMNIFIED PARTY’S SOLE OR CONCURRENT, ACTIVE OR PASSIVE NEGLIGENCE, EXCLUDING ANY PARTY’S OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES’ GROSS NEGLIGENCE.  IT IS THE INTENT OF THE PARTIES THAT, TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED ABOVE, THE INDEMNITIES SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE X (AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS AGREEMENT) WILL APPLY TO AN INDEMNIFIED PARTY’S SOLE OR CONCURRENT, ACTIVE OR PASSIVE NEGLIGENCE, BUT EXCLUDING ANY

55


 

PARTY’S OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES’ GROSS NEGLIGENCE.  THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THIS PROVISION IS “CONSPICUOUS” FOR PURPOSES OF ALL STATE LAWS.

Article XI
MISCELLANEOUS

11.1 Notices

.

(a) Unless this Agreement specifically requires otherwise, any notice, demand or request provided for in this Agreement, or served, given or made in connection with it, shall be in writing and shall be deemed properly served, given or made if delivered in person or sent by electronic e-mail delivery (including delivery of a document in Portable Document Format) (provided that for notices sent by e-mail that confirmation of receipt of such e-mail is requested and received, excluding automatic-read receipts, and which confirmation shall be provided reasonably promptly following receipt), by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service that provides a receipt of delivery, in each case, to the Parties at the addresses specified below:

If to Seller, to:

Meadowlark Midstream Company, LLC
5910 N. Central Expressway, Suite 350
Dallas, TX 75206
Attn: Brock Degeyter
E-mail:   bdegeyter@summitmidstream.com

If to Tioga or to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company prior to Closing, to:

Tioga Midstream, LLC
5910 N. Central Expressway, Suite 350
Dallas, TX 75206
Attn: Brock Degeyter
E-mail:   bdegeyter@summitmidstream.com

If to Buyer (or to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company from and after the Closing), to:

Hess North Dakota Pipelines LLC
1501 McKinney Street
Houston, TX 77010
Attn: Michael Frailey
E-mail: michael.frailey@hess.com

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

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Hess North Dakota Pipelines LLC
1501 McKinney Street

Houston, TX 77010

Attn: J. Chad Newton

E-mail: cnewton@hess.com

or at such other address as a Party may designate by written notice to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 11.1 .

(b) Notice given by personal delivery, mail or overnight courier pursuant to this Section 11.1 shall be effective upon physical receipt if such date is a Business Day and if received before 5:00 P.M. Central Time, or the next succeeding Business Day if received after 5:00 P.M. Central Time on any Business Day or during a non-Business Day.  Notice given by electronic transmission pursuant to this Section 11.1 shall be effective as of the date of confirmed delivery if delivered before 5:00 P.M. Central Time on any Business Day or the next succeeding Business Day if confirmed delivery is after 5:00 P.M. Central Time on any Business Day or during any non-Business Day.

11.2 Entire Agreement

.  This Agreement, the Exhibits and Schedules hereto, together with the Water PSA, the Confidentiality Agreement and the Transaction Documents, supersede all prior discussions, understanding, negotiations and agreements, whether oral or written, between the Parties and/or their respective Affiliates with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and collectively contain the sole and entire agreement between the Parties and their respective Affiliates hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

11.3 Expenses

.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, each Party shall pay all costs and expenses it has incurred or will incur in anticipation of, relating to and in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any legal fees and other costs incurred in connection with a dispute conducted under Section 2.6(b) ); provided , however , that each of Seller, on the one hand, and Buyer and Water Buyer, on the other hand, shall pay one-half of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred by Seller or its Affiliates to unaffiliated third parties (other than employees of Seller or its Affiliates) in connection with the Reorganization Transactions; provided , further , that notwithstanding the foregoing Buyer, Water Buyer and/or their Affiliates shall not be required to pay more than $50,000 (in the aggregate under this Agreement and the Water PSA) with respect to the legal fees of Seller and/or its Affiliates related to the Reorganization Transactions contemplated under this Agreement or the Water PSA.

11.4 Disclosure

. Tioga and Seller may, at their option, include in the Schedules items that are not material, and any such inclusion, or any references to dollar amounts, shall not be deemed to be an acknowledgment or representation that such items are material, to establish any standard of materiality or to define further the meaning of such terms for purposes of this Agreement.

11.5 Waiver

.  Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the Party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall be effective unless set forth

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in a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the Party waiving such term or condition.  No waiver by either Party of any term or condition of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a waiver of the same or any other term or condition of this Agreement on any future occasion.

11.6 Amendment

.  This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified only by a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the Parties.

11.7 No Third Party Beneficiary

.  Except for the provisions of Article X , the terms and provisions of this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors or permitted assigns, and it is not the intention of the Parties to confer third party beneficiary rights upon any other Person. Only a Party and its successors and permitted assigns will have the right to enforce the provisions of this Agreement on its own behalf or on behalf of any of its related indemnified parties under this Agreement (but shall not be obligated to do so).

11.8 Assignment; Binding Effect

.  Neither this Agreement nor any right, interest or obligation hereunder may be assigned by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt to do so will be void, except for assignments and transfers by operation of Law.  Subject to this Section 11.8 , this Agreement is binding upon, inures to the benefit of and is enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  

11.9 Invalid Provisions

.  If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any adverse manner to any of Seller or Buyer.  Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.

11.10 Counterparts

.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  Any PDF copies hereof or signature hereon shall, for all purposes, be deemed originals.

11.11 Governing Law; Enforcement, Jury Trial Waiver

.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED, CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OR CHOICE OF LAW PROVISION THAT WOULD RESULT IN THE IMPOSITION OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION’S LAW.  THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS SHALL GOVERN ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY, REMEDY OR CLAIM BETWEEN THE PARTIES ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THE EXISTENCE, VALIDITY, PERFORMANCE, OR BREACH THEREOF.  WITH RESPECT TO ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, INCLUDING THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE IN SECTIONS 10.9 AND 10.10

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AND ANY ARBITRATION AWARD, BUT WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE TERMS OF SECTIONS  10.9 AND 10.10 , EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY.

11.12 Specific Performance

.  Each Party hereby acknowledges and agrees that the rights of each Party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are special, unique and of extraordinary character and that, if any Party violates or fails or refuses to perform any covenant or agreement made by it herein, the non-breaching Party may be without an adequate remedy at law.  If any Party violates or fails or refuses to perform any covenant or agreement made by such Party herein, the non-breaching Party, in addition to any remedy at law for damages or other relief, may (at any time prior to the earlier of valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article IX and Closing or with respect to Section 6.14 , after Closing) institute and prosecute an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce specific performance of such covenant or agreement or seek any other equitable relief, and the breaching Party hereby waives any requirements for the posting of any bond or other security or the proof of actual damages in connection with such action.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officer of each party as of the date first above written.

Meadowlark Midstream Company, LLC

 

/s/ Leonard Mallett

 

 

By:
Name: Leonard Mallett

 

Title:

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer

 

 

Tioga Midstream, LLC

 

/s/ Leonard Mallett

 

 

By:
Name: Leonard Mallett

 

Title:

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer

 



SIGNATURE PAGE
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT


 


Hess North Dakota Pipelines LLC

 

/s/ John Gatling

 

 

By:
Name: John Gatling
Title: Vice President

 


SIGNATURE PAGE
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT


 

 

Solely for purposes of Section 10.4(c) :

 

Hess Infrastructure Partners LP

By: Hess Infrastructure Partners GP LLC,

its general partner

/s/ John Gatling

 

 

By:
Name: John Gatling
Title: Chief Operating Officer

 

 

SIGNATURE PAGE
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT


 

EXHIBIT A
COMPANY ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

Attached.

 

 


 

EXHIBIT B
HYDROCARBON GATHERING
SYSTEM

Attached.

 

 


 

SCHEDULE 1.1-CP

DETERMINATION OF CONTINGENCY PAYMENTS FOR HYDROCARBON GATHERING ASSETS

1. Definitions .  Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Schedule 1.1-CP shall have the meanings given to them in the Purchase and Sale Agreement to which this Schedule is attached (the “ Purchase Agreement ”).  In addition, the following terms as used herein shall have the following meanings:

Barrel ” means forty-two (42) Gallons.

Future Well ” means any new wells drilled, completed and turned in line for sales within lands described and depicted on Attachment I to this Schedule 1.1-CP by Hess Corporation or any of its Affiliates, during the period beginning January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2023.

“Gallon” means a United States gallon of 231 cubic inches of liquid at sixty degrees (60 o ) Fahrenheit and at the equilibrium pressure of the liquid.

Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Amount ” means, with respect to each Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Period:

(a) subject to clause (b) of this definition, the sum of the following:

(i) the product of (A) the volume of crude oil (in Barrels) produced by each Future Well (as measured by the meter at the applicable well pad) during the applicable Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Period multiplied by (B) a gathering rate equal to $0.45 per Barrel; plus

(ii) the product of (A) the aggregate natural gas volume (in Mcf) produced by each Future Well (as measured by the meter at the applicable well pad) during the applicable Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Period multiplied by (B) a gathering rate equal to $0.50 per Mcf.

(b) Notwithstanding clause (a) above, the aggregate Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Amounts payable pursuant to this Schedule shall not exceed the Hydrocarbon Maximum Contingency Payment, and if the aggregate Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Amounts paid hereunder equals the Hydrocarbon Maximum Contingency Payment, no further Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Amount shall be payable hereunder.

Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Period ” means each of the following: (a) the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2019; (b) the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2020; (c) the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2021 and ending on December 31, 2021; (d) the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2022 and ending on December 31, 2022; and (e) the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2023 and ending on December 31, 2023.

Hydrocarbon Maximum Contingency Payment ” means $6,820,000.

 


 

Mcf means one thousand (1,000) cubic feet of gas as a base temperature of sixty degrees (60 o ) Fahrenheit, and at a pressure base of fourteen and sixty-five one hundredths (14.65) pounds per square inch absolute.

Sale of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company Transaction ” means (a) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to a Person that is not an Affiliate of Hess Corp. or (b) any other transaction (including a stock sale, merger, consolidation, recapitalization or other transaction) after which the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company is no longer an Affiliate of Hess Corp.

2. Payment of Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Amounts .  Except to the extent that a Dispute relating to any Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Amount has not been resolved prior thereto, on or before April 1 of the calendar year immediately succeeding each Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Period, Buyer shall deliver to Seller, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by Seller prior to such date, the Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Amount attributable to such Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Period (not to exceed an aggregate amount payable hereunder equal to the Hydrocarbon Maximum Contingency Payment).

3. Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Notice . As promptly as practicable after the end of each Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Period (until Buyer has paid the Hydrocarbon Maximum Contingency Payment hereunder), Buyer shall issue to Seller a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail Buyer’s calculations of the Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Amount for such Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Period, together with reasonable supporting documentation (a “ Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Notice ”).

4. Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Objection Notice .  During the period beginning on Seller’s receipt of the Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Notice and ending 60 days after Seller’s receipt of the Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Notice, Buyer shall provide Seller and its representatives reasonable access to information reasonably requested by Seller in connection with Buyer’s preparation of the Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Notice.  If Seller disagrees with Buyer’s calculation of the Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Amount as set forth in any Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Notice, Seller may, within 60 days after its receipt of the Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Notice, issue to Buyer a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail its calculations of the Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Amount for such Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Period, together with reasonable supporting documentation (an “ Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Objection Notice ”).  The Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Objection Notice shall specify those items or amounts with respect to Buyer’s calculations of the Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Amount as to which Seller disagrees and shall describe in reasonable detail the basis for its disagreement with Buyer’s calculations of such items or amounts.  Seller shall be deemed to have agreed to all items and amounts contained in the Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Notice that Seller does not address in its Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Objection Notice.  If Seller fails to deliver a Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Objection Notice within such 60-day period, Buyer’s calculations in the Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Notice shall be final and binding.  If a Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Objection Notice is timely delivered by Seller, such dispute shall be a Dispute governed by Section 10.9 of the Purchase Agreement.  Promptly following the resolution of the Dispute relating to such

 


 

Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Notice pursuant to agreement or arbitration under Section 10.9 of the Purchase Agreement, Buyer shall promptly deliver to Seller, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by Seller prior to such date, any Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Amount determined to be owing for such Hydrocarbon Contingency Payment Period .

5. Sale of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company Transaction .  The Parties agree that no Sale of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company Transaction shall relieve Buyer of any of its obligations under this Schedule 1.1-CP .  


 


 

ATTACHMENT I

[See attached.]

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 10.2

Execution Version

 

PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

between

Meadowlark Midstream Company, LLC,

as Seller

Tioga Midstream, LLC,

as Tioga

and

Hess Infrastructure Partners LP,

as Buyer

dated as of February 22, 2019

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

Page

Article I
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

1.1 Definitions 2

1.2 Rules of Construction 13

Article II
PURCHASE AND SALE AND CLOSING

2.1 Purchase and Sale 14

2.2 Purchase Price 14

2.3 Closing 15

2.4 Closing Deliveries by Seller to Buyer 15

2.5 Closing Deliveries by Buyer to Seller 1 5

2.6 Settlement Statements 16

2.7 Express Exclusion of Operations Services from the Purchase and Sale 17

2.8 Withholding 18

Article III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING TIOGA AND THE WATER GATHERING COMPANY

3.1 Organization; Good Standing 18

3.2 Authority 18

3.3 Capitalization of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company 19

3.4 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals 19

3.5 Compliance with Applicable Laws 20

3.6 Intellectual Property 20

3.7 Absence of Litigation 21

3.8 Real Property 21

3.9 Personal Property 23

3.10 Purchase Orders 23

3.11 Regulatory Status 23

3.12 Environmental Matters 24

3.13 Taxes 2 4

3.14 Contracts 26

3.15 Employees and Plans 27

3.16 Transactions with Affiliates 27

3.17 Broker’s Commissions 27

3.18 Records 2 7

3.19 Surety Bonds and Credit 28

3.20 No Bankruptcy 28

3.21 Financial Statements; No Undisclosed Material Liabilities; Indebtedness 28

3.22 Insurance 29

3.23 Bank Accounts 29

3.24 Imbalances 29

3.25 Preferential Purchase Rights 29

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3.26 Unrelated Activities and Liabilities 29

3.27 Absence of Changes 30

3.28 Use of Proceeds 30

Article IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

4.1 Organization; Good Standing 30

4.2 Authority 30

4.3 Ownership of Equity Interests 3 0

4.4 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals 31

4.5 Broker’s Commissions 31

4.6 No Bankruptcy 31

4.7 Legal Proceedings 31

Article V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING BUYER

5.1 Organization; Good Standing 3 1

5.2 Authority 32

5.3 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals 32

5.4 Legal Proceedings 32

5.5 Acquisition as Investment 3 2

5.6 Financial Resources 33

5.7 Opportunity for Independent Investigation 33

5.8 Broker’s Commissions 34

5.9 No Knowledge of Breach 34

Article VI
COVENANTS

6.1 Indebtedness; Distributions; Contributions. 34

6.2 Tax Matters 35

6.3 Public Announcements 37

6.4 Regulatory and Other Approvals 3 7

6.5 Resignation and Removal 38

6.6 Removal of Name 38

6.7 Termination of Agreements with Seller and Non-Company Affiliates 38

6.8 Replacement of Insurance 38

6.9 Further Assurances 3 8

6.10 Casualty Loss 3 8

6.11 Conduct of Business 39

6.12 No Shop 42

6.13 Reorganization Transactions 4 2

6.14 Employees 43

6.15 Financial Statements 44

Article VII
BUYER’S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

7.1 Representations and Warranties 4 4

7.2 Performance 4 4

7.3 Officer’s Certificate 4 4

ii


 

7.4 Orders and Laws 45

7.5 Closing Deliverables 45

7.6 Indebtedness; Distributions 45

7.7 Hydrocarbon PSA Closing 45

7.8 Side Letter 45

Article VIII
SELLER’S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

8.1 Representations and Warranties 4 5

8.2 Performance 4 5

8.3 Officer’s Certificate 4 5

8.4 Orders and Laws 4 5

8.5 Closing Deliverables 46

8.6 Hydrocarbon PSA Closing 46

8.7 Side Letter 46

Article IX
TERMINATION

9.1 Right of Termination 46

9.2 Effect of Termination 4 6

9.3 Return of Documentation 4 7

9.4 Confidentiality 4 7

Article X
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY, WAIVERS AND ARBITRATION

10.1 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements 48

10.2 Indemnification of Buyer, Tioga and the Water Gathering Company by Seller 4 8

10.3 Indemnification of Seller by Buyer 49

10.4 Limitations 49

10.5 Claims Procedures 5 0

10.6 Waiver of Other Representations 5 2

10.7 Waiver of Remedies 5 2

10.8 Access to Information and Assets; Transition of Operations 5 3

10.9 Dispute Resolution and Arbitration 5 4

10.10 Arbitration Procedures 5 5

10.11 Losses 5 6

10.12 Tax Treatment 5 6

10.13 Express Negligence 57

Article XI
MISCELLANEOUS

11.1 Notices 5 7

11.2 Entire Agreement 5 8

11.3 Expenses 5 8

11.4 Disclosure 59

11.5 Waiver 59

11.6 Amendment 59

11.7 No Third Party Beneficiary 59

11.8 Assignment; Binding Effect 59

iii


 

11.9 Invalid Provisions 59

11.10 Counterparts 59

11.11 Governing Law; Enforcement, Jury Trial Waiver 60

11.12 Specific Performance 6 0


iv


 

EXHIBITS:

Exhibit A –Company Assignment Agreement

Exhibit B Water Gathering System

Exhibit C Form of Release

Exhibit D-1 Form of Water Gathering Shared Easements Assignment

Exhibit D-2 Form of Water Gathering Specified Shared Easements Assignment

Exhibit D-3 Form of Water Gathering Only Assets Assignment

Exhibit E-1 Form of Hydrocarbon Gathering Shared Easements Assignment

Exhibit E-2 Form of Hydrocarbon Gathering Specified Shared Easements Assignment

Exhibit E-3 Form of Hydrocarbon Gathering Only Assets Assignment

Exhibit F Form of Easement Agreement

 

 

SCHEDULES:

Schedule 1.1-NWC Sample Net Working Capital Calculation

Schedule 1.1-CP Water Contingency Payment

Schedule 1.1-FD Financing Documents

Schedule 1.1-PL Permitted Liens

Schedule 3.5 Compliance with Applicable Law s

Schedule 3.5-P Water Permits

Schedule 3.6(b) Water Intellectual Property

Schedule 3.7 Absence of Litigation

Schedule 3.8(a) Water Owned Real Property

Schedule 3.8(b) Water Real Property Leases

Schedule 3.8(c), Part 1 – Shared Easements

Schedule 3.8(c), Part 2 – Specified Shared Easements

Schedule 3.8(c), Part 3 – Water Gathering Only Easements

Schedule 3.8(d) Obligations to Dispose of Water Gathering Real Property

Schedule 3.8(e) Water Gathering System Gaps

Schedule 3.8(g) Non-Company Owned Water Gathering Real Property

Schedule 3.9(a) Certain Water Gathering Personal Property

Schedule 3.9(b) Water Gathering Personal Property Projected Capital Maintenance

Schedule 3.10 Water Purchase Orders

Schedule 3.12 Environmental Matters

Schedule 3.13 Taxes

Schedule 3.14 Water Material Contracts

Schedule 3.16 Transactions with Affiliates

Schedule 3.19 Water Surety Bonds and Credit

Schedule 3.21 Indebtedness

Schedule 3.22 Insurance

Schedule 3.23 Bank Accounts; Powers of Attorney

Schedule 3.24 Water Imbalances

Schedule 3.25 Preferential Rights

Schedule 3.27 Absence of Change

Schedule 5.9 No Knowledge of Breach

Schedule 6.11 Conduct of Business

Schedule 6.14 Available Employees

v


 

Schedule 10.2(e) Special Liabilities

 

 

vi


 

PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

This PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of February 22, 2019 (the “ Execution Date ”), is made and entered into by and among Meadowlark Midstream Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Seller ”), Tioga Midstream, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Tioga ”) and Hess Infrastructure Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Buyer ”). Hess North Dakota Pipelines LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Hydrocarbon Buyer ”), is also joining in the execution of this Agreement solely for purposes of acknowledging the provisions and limitations of Section 10.4(c) and for no other purpose (the Parties acknowledge that Hydrocarbon Buyer shall have no liability hereunder).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Seller owns all of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests (as defined below) in Tioga (the “ Tioga Company Interests ”), which holds assets comprising the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business (as defined below) and the Water Gathering Business (as defined below).

WHEREAS, Seller intends to cause Tioga to convey (and Tioga intends to convey), prior to Closing (as defined below), the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business and Tioga’s assets utilized therein (including the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets (as defined below)) to Tioga Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Hydrocarbon Gathering Company ”) in which Seller owns all of the issued and outstanding Hydrocarbon Company Interests (as defined below).

WHEREAS, Seller intends to cause Tioga to convey (and Tioga intends to convey), prior to Closing, the Water Gathering Business and Tioga’s assets utilized therein (including the Water Gathering Assets (as defined below)) to Tioga Water Gathering Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Water Gathering Company ”) in which Seller owns all of the issued and outstanding Water Company Interests (as defined below).

WHEREAS, pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of the Execution Date by and between Seller and Hydrocarbon Buyer (such agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented and/or restated, the “ Hydrocarbon PSA ”), immediately prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, Seller will sell all of the Hydrocarbon Company Interests to Hydrocarbon Buyer.

WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase from Seller, all of the Water Company Interests and the Tioga Company Interests, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

WHEREAS, Summit Midstream Partners, LP, an Affiliate of Seller, has executed concurrently with the execution of this Agreement a performance guarantee in favor of Buyer guaranteeing the performance and payment of Seller’s obligations under this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of such guarantee.

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AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

Article I
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

1.1 Definitions

.  As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms have the meanings set forth below:

1933 Act ” means the United States Securities Act of 1933 (codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 77a et seq.).

Accounting Referee ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.6(c) .

Acquired Company ” means any of Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the Water Gathering Company.

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, a Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person.  In this context “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, by any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of the power or authority, through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, to control or direct the management and policies of the entity; provided , however , that for purposes of this Agreement and any other agreements and/or instruments entered into in connection herewith, (i) Buyer and its subsidiaries are not Affiliates of Seller and its other Affiliates and (ii) prior to and at the Closing, Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and the Water Gathering Company are each an Affiliate of Seller and after the Closing, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company will be a subsidiary and an Affiliate of Hydrocarbon Buyer and each of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company will be a subsidiary and an Affiliate of Buyer and thus none of Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and the Water Gathering Company will be an Affiliate of Seller.

Agreement ” has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.

Allocation Schedule ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.2(f) .

Asserted Liability ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.5(a) .

Assets ” means, collectively, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets and the Water Gathering Assets and any other assets or liabilities owned by Tioga.  For the avoidance of doubt, the “ Assets ” do not include any Fiberspar inventory.

Available Employees ” shall mean those individuals listed on Schedule 6.14 .

2


 

Base Purchase Price ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.2(a) .

Business ” means, collectively, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business and the Water Gathering Business.

Business Day ” means a day other than Saturday, Sunday or any day on which banks located in the State of New York or the State of Texas are authorized or obligated to close.

Buyer ” has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.

Buyer Warranty Breach ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.3(a) .

Cash ” means money or currency in a deposit account of Tioga and/or the Water Gathering Company at a financial institution, net of checks outstanding as of the time of determination.

Casualty Loss ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.10 .

Change of Control Transaction ” means (a) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition, in one or a series of transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of Summit Midstream Partners, LP to a Person that is not an Affiliate of Energy Capital Partners II, LLC or (b) any transaction (including by way of merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any Person that is not an Affiliate of Energy Capital Partners II, LLC, becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the common units (or other voting membership interest, as applicable) of any of the Summit Companies.

Charter Documents ” means with respect to any Person that is not a natural person, the articles of incorporation or organization, memorandum of association, articles of association and by-laws, the limited partnership agreement, the partnership agreement or the limited liability company agreement and/or such other organizational documents of such Person which establish the legal personality of such Person.

Claim ” means any demand, claim, action, investigation or Proceeding.

Claims Notice ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.5(a) .

Closing ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.3 .  

Closing Date ” means the date on which Closing occurs.  

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

Company Assignment Agreement ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.4(a) .

Company Warranty Breach ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.2(a) .

Confidentiality Agreement ” has the meaning given to it in Section 9.4 .

3


 

Consolidated Group ” means any affiliated, combined, consolidated, unitary or similar group with respect to any Taxes, including any affiliated group within the meaning of Section 1504 of the Code electing to file consolidated federal income Tax Returns and any similar group under foreign, state or local Law.

Contingency Payment ” means the amounts payable pursuant to Schedule 1.1-CP with respect to the Water Gathering Assets.

Contract ” means any legally binding contract, lease, license, evidence of Indebtedness, mortgage, indenture, purchase order, binding bid, letter of credit, security agreement or arrangement, in each case, whether written or oral.

Dispute ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.9(a) .

Dispute Notice ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.6(b) .

Due Diligence Information ” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.7(b) .

Easement ” means any easement, right-of-way, surface use agreement or similar interest burdening any Real Property.

Effective Date ” means 11:59 p.m. Prevailing Central Time on December 31, 2018.

Effective Date Net Working Capital ” means, as of the Effective Date, (a) the sum of (i) the product of (x) the sum of the current assets of Tioga (other than accounts receivable and Cash) plus Cash multiplied by (y) 31.8% plus (ii) the sum of the current accounts receivable of Tioga attributable to the Water Gathering Business less (b) the product of (i) the sum of the current liabilities of Tioga multiplied by (ii) 31.8%.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the following items will be excluded from the calculation of Effective Date Net Working Capital: (A) any Income Tax assets and Income Tax liabilities, (B) any accounts payable related to capital expenditures, (C) any current deferred revenue, (D) any net change in deposits on property, plant and equipment for the period beginning April 16, 2014 and ending on the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Effective Date, (E) any prepaid insurance premiums allocated to Tioga for the insurance listed on Schedule 3.22 , (F) any prepaid rents or security deposits allocated to Tioga for office buildings, (G) any accrued obligations to pay bonuses of employees of the Summit Companies allocated to Tioga (but for the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of Effective Date Net Working Capital shall include 31.8% of the accrued obligations to pay expenses allocated to Tioga with respect to (I) salaries and benefits (other than bonuses) of field employees of the Summit Companies performing work for Tioga and (II) vehicles utilized by such employees, which expenses shall not exceed $135,000 per calendar month on a 100% basis) and (H) any Fiberspar inventory or liabilities or accounts payable associated therewith.  For illustrative purposes only, attached as Schedule 1.1-NWC is a sample calculation of Effective Date Net Working Capital prepared by Seller in good faith as of December 31, 2018.  In calculating Effective Date Net Working Capital, there shall be no allowances for doubtful accounts.  

Employee Offer Period ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.14 .

4


 

Environmental Law ” means any and all federal, state and local Laws pertaining to protection of the environment or the release, discharge or disposal of Hazardous Material, as in effect on the date hereof, in any and all jurisdictions in which the Water Gathering System operates or is located, including the Clean Air Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments Act of 1984, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and comparable state and local counterparts.

Environmental Permits ” means any Permit issued pursuant to Environmental Laws.

Equity Interests ” means capital stock, partnership or membership interests or units (whether general or limited), and any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distribution of assets of, the issuing entity.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

Execution Date ” has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.

Final Settlement Statement ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.6(b) .

Financial Statements ” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.21(a) .

Financing Documents ” means the agreements and instruments listed on Schedule 1.1-FD .

Fundamental Representations ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.1 .

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, applied on a consistent basis.

Governmental Authority ” means any applicable federal, state, tribal or local governmental authority, agency, board, commission, council, court or official in the United States.

Hazardous Material ” means each substance designated or classified as a hazardous waste, hazardous substance, hazardous material, pollutant, contaminant or toxic substance under any Environmental Law.

Hydrocarbon Buyer ” has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.

Hydrocarbon Company Interests ” means 100% of the Equity Interests in the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company.

Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets ” has the meaning given to such term in the Hydrocarbon PSA.

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Hydrocarbon Gathering Business ” has the meaning given to such term in the Hydrocarbon PSA.

Hydrocarbon Gathering Company ” has the meaning given to it in the Recitals.

Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property ” has the meaning given to such term in the Hydrocarbon PSA.

Hydrocarbon PSA ” has the meaning given to it in the Recitals.

Income Taxes means all income, gross or modified gross receipts (including the Texas franchise Tax), capital gains and similar Taxes.

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any Person, at any date, without duplication, and, in each case, other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business, (a) all obligations of such Person for (i) borrowed money, including all principal, interest, premiums, fees, expenses, overdrafts and, to the extent required to be carried on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, penalties with respect thereto, whether short-term or long-term, and whether secured or unsecured or (ii) with respect to deposits or advances of any kind (other than any such deposits and advances of any Person relating to the purchase of products or services from Tioga (and, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) in the ordinary course of business), (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments or debt securities, (c) all obligations of such Person to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid under a letter of credit or bankers’ acceptances or similar instruments, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property or assets purchased by such Person, (e) all guarantees, whether direct or indirect, by such Person of indebtedness of others or indebtedness of any other Person secured by any assets of such Person, and (f) all other obligations of a Person which would be required to be shown as indebtedness on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Intellectual Property Rights ” means all material rights in any of the following to the extent subject to protection under applicable Law: (a) trademarks, service marks, brand names and trade names; (b) patents; (c) copyrights; (d) internet domain names; (e) trade secrets and other proprietary and confidential information and (f) any registrations or applications for registration for any of the foregoing.

Interim Financial Statements ” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.21(a) .

Knowledge ” when used (a) in a particular representation or warranty in this Agreement with respect to Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or Seller, means the actual knowledge (as opposed to any constructive or imputed knowledge) of any of Steve Newby, Louise Matthews, Brad Graves, Kim Ward, Mike Smith, Ryan Simmons, Brock Degeyter, Megan Davis, Leonard Mallett, Collin Ellis, Greg Haneiko, Rick Smith, Zak Covar, Marc Stratton, Bill Mault, Blake Motley or David Kimsey, and (b) with respect to Buyer, means the actual knowledge (as opposed to any constructive or imputed knowledge) of any of Michael Frailey, Chad Newton, Vicki Valentine, Dave Schmidt, Steve Maddison or Jerry Tamborski.

6


 

Laws ” means all laws, statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, court or other orders of a Governmental Authority, and other pronouncements having the effect of law of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means any mortgage, pledge, deed of trust, assessment, security interest, charge, lien, encumbrance, option, warranty, purchase right, lease or other similar burden or property interest.

Loss ” means any and all judgments, losses, liabilities, amounts paid in settlement, damages, fines, penalties, deficiencies, expenses (including interest, court costs, reasonable fees of attorneys, accountants and other experts and other reasonable expenses of litigation or other Proceedings or of any Claim, default or assessment); provided , however, that any claim for Loss under the indemnities in Article X shall be subject to Section 10.11 .  For all purposes in this Agreement, the term “ Losses ” shall not include any Non-Reimbursable Damages.

Material Adverse Effect ” means any change, event, development or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate with all other changes, events, developments and occurrences, is materially adverse to the business, operations, Water Gathering Assets, liabilities or financial condition of Tioga (with respect to the Water Gathering Business and any other business of Tioga other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company but excluding any of the foregoing resulting from (i) general economic conditions, (ii) changes or conditions generally affecting the U.S. economy or financial or capital markets or the oil and gas industry (including changes in commodity prices, general market prices, or costs of performing services or regulatory changes), (iii) changes in Laws, GAAP or regulatory accounting requirements or interpretations thereof, (iv) acts of war, insurrection, sabotage or terrorism, or the outbreak of hostilities or trade disputes involving the United States, (v) the occurrence of any natural disasters, (vi) execution of this Agreement and the announcement thereof, (vii) any act or omission by Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the Water Gathering Company (A) expressly prescribed under this Agreement or the Hydrocarbon PSA, as applicable or (B) taken with the prior written consent of Buyer or Hydrocarbon Buyer, as applicable (excluding, in each case, however, any unintended consequences resulting from such acts or omissions) or taken at the prior express written request of Buyer or Hydrocarbon Buyer, as applicable, following the execution of this Agreement, (viii) any failure by Tioga (with respect to the Water Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company to meet any budgets, projections, forecasts or predictions of financial performance for any period (without limiting the underlying event that caused such failure from being a Material Adverse Effect if it satisfies the definition hereof), or (ix) any act of Buyer in connection with the exercise of its rights under Section 10.8 or any breach by Buyer or any of its Affiliates of a Water Gathering Material Contract or a Contract that constitutes a Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contract under the Hydrocarbon PSA, except to the extent any of the changes, events, circumstances, developments or occurrences referred to in any of clause (iv) or (v) above disproportionately impact Tioga (with respect to the Water Gathering Business and any other business of Tioga other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company as compared to other companies in the industries and geographical area in which Tioga and the Water Gathering Company operate.

No Shop Period ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.12 .

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Non-Company Affiliate ” means any Affiliate of Seller, except for Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and the Water Gathering Company.

Non-Income Taxes ” means any Taxes imposed on Tioga or the Water Gathering Company other than (i) Income Taxes and (ii) Taxes described in Section 6.2(c) .

Non-Reimbursable Damages ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.7(b) .

Operations Services ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.7 .

Outside Date ” has the meaning given to it in Section 9.1(b) .

Parties ” means each of Buyer, Tioga and Seller.

Permits ” means all permits, licenses or authorizations from any Governmental Authority.

Permitted Lien ” means (a) any Lien for Taxes not yet due or delinquent, (b) any Lien arising in the ordinary course of business by operation of Law with respect to a liability that is not yet due or delinquent, (c) any other imperfection or irregularity of title or other Lien that would not reasonably be expected to materially and adversely interfere with the conduct of the Business, (d) zoning, planning and other similar limitations and restrictions (in each case) to the extent the same does not materially and adversely interfere with the conduct of the Business and all rights of any Governmental Authority to regulate a property, (e) the terms and conditions of the Permits or the Contracts of Tioga related to the Water Gathering Business (and, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) (in each case) to the extent the same does not materially and adversely interfere with the conduct of the Business, (f) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security Laws, (g) any Lien to be released on or prior to Closing, including any Lien pursuant to the Financing Documents and (h) the other matters identified on Schedule 1.1-PL .

Person ” means any natural person, corporation, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, unlimited liability corporation, proprietorship, other business organization, trust, union, association or Governmental Authority.

Plan ” means, whether written or oral, each “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (including “multiemployer plans” within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA) and any and all employment, deferred compensation, change in control, severance, termination, loan, employee benefit, retention, bonus, pension, profit sharing, savings, retirement, welfare, incentive compensation, stock or equity-based compensation, stock purchase, stock appreciation, collective bargaining, fringe benefit, vacation, paid time off, sick leave or other similar agreements, plans, programs, policies, understandings or arrangements.

Pre-Closing Period means, with respect to Income Taxes, any Tax period (or portion thereof) ending on or before the Closing Date.

Pre-Effective Date Period means, with respect to Non-Income Taxes, any Tax period (or portion thereof) ending on or before the Effective Date.

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Preliminary Settlement Statement ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.6(a) .

Proceeding ” means any complaint, lawsuit, action, suit or other proceeding at Law or in equity or order or ruling, in each case by or before any Governmental Authority or arbitral tribunal.

Prudent Industry Practices ” means generally accepted standards of care and diligence, practices, methods, and acts in the water gathering business for similar facilities located in the United States, which is not intended to be limited to the optimum standard, practice, method or act but rather to a spectrum of possible standards, practices, methods or acts.

Purchase Price ” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.2 .

Real Property ” means real property owned in fee or leased, used or held for use by a Person.

Records ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.8(a) .

Release ” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, injection, disposal or discharge of any Hazardous Materials into the environment, to the extent prohibited under, or not in compliance with, applicable Environmental Laws.

Reorganization Documents ” means any agreement or other document to be executed and delivered by any Party hereto, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company and/or the Water Gathering Company in connection with the Reorganization Transactions.

Reorganization Transactions ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.13 .

Representatives ” means, as to any Person, its officers, directors, employees, managers, members, partners, shareholders, owners, counsel, accountants, financial advisers and consultants.

Rules ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.10(a) .

Schedules ” means the disclosure schedules prepared by Seller and attached to this Agreement.

SEC ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.15 .

Seller ” has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.

Seller Group ” means Seller and any of its Affiliates.

Seller Tax Returns ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.2(a)(ii) .

Seller Taxes ” means any and all (a) Income Taxes imposed on Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company or for which Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company may otherwise be liable for any Pre-Closing Period, (b) Non-Income Taxes imposed on Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company or for which Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or

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the Water Gathering Company may otherwise be liable for any Pre-Effective Date Period, ( c ) Taxes of any Consolidated Group (or any member thereof, other than Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the Water Gathering Company ) of which Tioga or the Water Gathering Company (or any predecessor thereof ) is or was a member prior to the Closing Date , or (d) Taxes (other than Transfer Taxes and the Taxes described in clause (a), (b) or (c)) imposed by any applicable Laws on Seller or its Affiliates (other than Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company or the Water Gathering Company) for any Tax period ; provided that no such Tax will constitute a Se ller Tax to the extent such Tax was included as a current liability in the final determination of Effective Date Net Working Capital .

Seller Warranty Breach ” has the meaning given to it in Section 10.2(b) .

Side Letter ” means that certain letter agreement, dated as of even date herewith, by and among Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC, Hess Corporation and Tioga.

Special Liabilities ” means those matters set forth on Schedule 10.2(e) .

Summit Companies ” means Seller, Summit Midstream Partners, LP, Summit Midstream Holdings, LLC, Summit Midstream GP, LLC, Summit Midstream OpCo LLC, Summit Midstream Partners Holdings, LLC and Summit Midstream Partners, LLC.

Taxes ” means (a) all taxes, charges, fees, imposts, levies or other assessments in the nature of a tax, including income, corporate, capital, excise, property, sales, use, turnover, unemployment, social security, disability, withholding, real property, personal property, environmental (including any tax imposed by Section 59A of the Code), transfer, registration, value added and franchise taxes, deductions, withholdings and customs duties, imposed by any Governmental Authority, and including any interest or penalty imposed with respect thereto, whether disputed or not and (b) any liability in respect of any item described in clause (a), above, that arises by reason of a contract, assumption, transferee or successor liability, operation of Law or otherwise.

Tax Claim ” means any action, suit, arbitration, investigation, inquiry, hearing, request for information or filing, audit, examination, claim, demand, dispute, assessment, proposed adjustment or proceeding (whether administrative, regulatory or otherwise, or whether oral or in writing) with respect to Taxes or any Tax Returns of Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company.

Tax Return ” means any return, report, rendition, claim for refund, statement, information return or other document (including any related or supporting information or schedule attached thereto, or amendment thereof) filed or required to be filed with any Governmental Authority in connection with the determination, assessment, collection or administration of any Taxes or the administration of any Laws relating to any Taxes.

Taxing Authority ” means, with respect to any Tax, the Governmental Authority or political subdivision thereof that imposes such Tax, and the agency (if any) charged with collection of such Tax for such entity or subdivision.

Third Party Acquisition ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.12 .

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Tioga ” has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.

Tioga Company Interests ” has the meaning given to it in the Recitals.

Tioga LLC Agreement ” means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Tioga dated as of April 16, 2014, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to the Limited Liability Agreement of Tioga dated as of August 4, 2017.

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement and any agreement or other document to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement by any Party hereto or any of its Affiliates, but specifically excluding any Reorganization Documents.

Transfer Taxes ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.2(c) .

Transferred Employee ” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.14 .

Warranty Breach ” means any Buyer Warranty Breach, Company Warranty Breach, or Seller Warranty Breach.

Water Company Interests ” means 100% of the Equity Interests in the Water Gathering Company.

Water Gathering Assets ” means all of Tioga’s assets necessary for the ownership and operation of the Water Gathering Business, including:

 

(i)

the Water Gathering System;

 

(ii)

the Water Gathering Easements;

 

(iii)

the Water Gathering Real Property;

 

(iv)

the Water Gathering Personal Property;

 

(v)

the Water Gathering Permits;

 

(vi)

the Water Gathering Contracts;

 

(vii)

the Intellectual Property Rights (insofar as they relate to the Water Gathering Business); and

 

(viii)

the Records (insofar as they relate to the Water Gathering Business).

Water Gathering Business ” means the ownership and operation of the Water Gathering System and other activities conducted by Tioga and/or the Water Gathering Company that are in support thereof or incidental thereto.

Water Gathering Company ” has the meaning given to it in the Recitals.

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Water Gathering Co mpany LLC Agreement ” means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Water Gathering Company dated as of February 19, 2019.

Water Gathering Contracts ” means the Contracts to which Tioga or the Water Gathering Company is a party or is bound insofar as relating to the Water Gathering Business, including the Water Gathering Material Contracts.

Water Gathering Easements ” means (a) insofar as the same are also utilized with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, concurrent rights in and to (i) all of the Easements listed on Schedule 3.8(c), Part 1 and Schedule 3.8(c), Part 2 and (ii) all other Easements associated with the Water Gathering System and (b) insofar as not covered under clause (a), (i) all of the Easements listed on Schedule 3.8(c), Part 3 and (ii) all other Easements associated with the Water Gathering System.

Water Gathering Material Contracts ” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.14(a) .

Water Gathering Permits ” means all Permits necessary for the ownership or operation of the Water Gathering System or other Water Gathering Assets.

Water Gathering Personal Property ” means all property listed on Schedule 3.9(a) , as well as all other equipment, machinery, fixtures and other personal property, operational or nonoperational, whether owned or leased, in each case, used or held for use in connection with the Water Gathering Business.

Water Gathering Real Property ” means (a) insofar as the same are also utilized with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets, (i) concurrent rights in and to all of the Real Property listed on Schedule 3.8(a) or Schedule 3.8(b) and (ii) all other Real Property associated with the Water Gathering Business and (b) insofar as not covered under clause (a), (i) all of the Real Property listed on Schedule 3.8(a) or Schedule 3.8(b) and (ii) all other Real Property associated with the Water Gathering Business.

Water Gathering System ” means the facilities depicted on Exhibit B , including a produced water gathering system comprised of approximately 83 miles of pipeline and its associated LACTs, meters, pumps, valves, fittings, equipment, personal property and related facilities and appurtenances located downstream of the point of entry, which is the upstream side of the furthest upstream pipe or equipment used for transporting produced water that is owned by Tioga prior to the Reorganization Transactions and by the Water Gathering Company after the Reorganization Transactions.

Willful Breach ” means, with respect to either Party, (a) such Party’s willful or deliberate act or a willful or deliberate failure to act by such Party, which act or failure to act constitutes in and of itself a material breach of any covenant set forth in this Agreement and which was undertaken with the actual knowledge of such Party that such act or failure to act would be, or would reasonably be expected to cause, a material breach of this Agreement or (b) the failure by such Party to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement after all conditions to such Party’s obligations in Article VII or Article VIII , as applicable, have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (other than those conditions which by their terms

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can only be satisfied simultaneously with the Closing but which would be capable of being satisfied at Cl osing if Closing were to occur) .

Willful Misconduct ” means (a) an intentional or deliberate act or omission, the results of which are materially detrimental to the interest of another Person and which causes injury or death to such Person or damage to property or the environment, in each case, in any material respect, or (b) an intentional act or omission done with knowledge of a situation creating a peril and with a wanton or reckless disregard or indifference to the consequences of such act and with the knowledge that such act is reasonably likely to result in injury or death to a Person or damage to property or the environment, in each case, in any material respect.

Year End Financial Statements ” has the meaning given to it in Section 3.21(a) .

1.2 Rules of Construction

.

(a) The exhibits and Schedules attached to this Agreement constitute a part of this Agreement for all purposes.  All article, section, subsection and exhibit references used in this Agreement are to articles, sections, subsections and exhibits to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.  

(b) The headings preceding the text of articles and sections included in this Agreement and the headings to the Schedules attached to this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed part of this Agreement or be given any effect in interpreting this Agreement.  

(c) 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).  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 words “includes” or “including” shall mean “including without limitation,” the words “hereof,” “hereby,” “herein,” “hereunder” and similar terms in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not any particular section or article in which such words appear.  All currency amounts referenced herein are in United States Dollars unless otherwise specified. The singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular wherever and as often as may be appropriate.  The words “shall” and “will” are interchangeably used throughout this Agreement and shall accordingly be given the same meaning, regardless of which word is used.

(d) Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified.  Whenever any action must be taken hereunder on or by a day that is not a Business Day, then such action may be validly taken on or by the next day that is a Business Day.

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

(f) Any reference herein to any Law, statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring to such Law, statute, rule or regulation as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to time and references to particular

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provisions of a Law include a reference to the corresponding provisions of any prior or succeeding Law.

(g) Each Party acknowledges that it and its attorneys have been given an equal opportunity to negotiate the terms and conditions of this Agreement and that any rule of construction to the effect that 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.

Article II
PURCHASE AND SALE AND CLOSING

2.1 Purchase and Sale

.  On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller, and Seller agrees to sell and to convey to Buyer, at Closing, immediately following the consummation of the transactions under the Hydrocarbon PSA, the Water Company Interests and the Tioga Company Interests, in each case free and clear of all Liens other than those under state or federal securities Laws and the Water Gathering Company LLC Agreement or the Tioga LLC Agreement, as applicable.

2.2 Purchase Price

.  The purchase price for the purchase and sale of the Water Company Interests and the Tioga Company Interests is equal to the sum of the following (the “ Purchase Price ”) (the following adjustments to be made without duplication, both with respect to this Agreement and the Hydrocarbon PSA):

(a) $28,618,000 (the “ Base Purchase Price ”);

(b) plus the Contingency Payment, if applicable, when and if due;

(c) plus (if positive) or minus (if negative) the amount of Effective Date Net Working Capital;

(d) minus the product of (i) any amounts paid or distributed by Tioga to or on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than an Acquired Company) from and after the Effective Date and prior to Closing (other than the product of (A) payments in respect of Tioga’s allocated share of expenses with respect to (1) the salaries and benefits of field employees of the Summit Companies performing work for Tioga and (2) vehicles utilized by such employees multiplied by (B) 31.8%) multiplied by (ii) 31.8%;

(e) minus any amounts paid or distributed by Water Gathering Company to or on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than an Acquired Company) from and after the Effective Date and prior to Closing; and

(f) plus the sum of (i) any amounts paid or contributed (in compliance with the provisions of Section 6.1(d) ) to Tioga by or on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than an Acquired Company) from and after the Effective Date and prior to Closing that were spent by Tioga prior to Closing for expenses solely attributable to the Water Gathering Business and (ii) the product of (A) any amounts paid or contributed (in compliance with the provisions of Section 6.1(d) ) to Tioga by or on behalf of Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than an Acquired Company)

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from and after the Effective Date and prior to Closing (other than amounts described in clause (i) of this clause (f)) multiplied by (B) 31.8%.

2.3 Closing

.  The consummation of the purchase and sale, immediately following the consummation of the transactions under the Hydrocarbon PSA, of the Water Company Interests and the Tioga Company Interests (the “ Closing ”) shall take place at the offices of Summit Midstream Partners, LLC, 5910 N. Central Expressway, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75206 at 10:00 A.M. local time, on March 22, 2019, or on such other date and at such other time and place as Buyer and Seller mutually agree.  All actions listed in Section 2.4 or Section 2.5 that occur on the Closing Date shall be deemed to occur simultaneously at the Closing. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Hydrocarbon PSA, if they occur, shall be deemed to have occurred immediately before the Closing under this Agreement, if the Closing occurs.  If the Closing occurs, there shall be deemed to be, as of the Closing Date, an account payable of Tioga to the Water Gathering Company in an amount equal to the product of (i) 31.8% multiplied by (ii) the remainder of (A) the Cash then held by Tioga less (B) the aggregate current liabilities of Tioga as of Closing.

2.4 Closing Deliveries by Seller to Buyer

.  At the Closing, Seller shall deliver, or shall cause to be delivered, to Buyer the following:

(a) a counterpart duly executed by Seller of an assignment of the Tioga Company Interests and the Water Company Interests (the “ Company Assignment Agreement ”) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A evidencing the assignment and transfer to Buyer of the Tioga Company Interests and the Water Company Interests;

(b) an executed certificate of non-foreign status that meets the requirements set forth in Treasury Regulation § 1.1445-2(b)(2);

(c) for each then-current officer, manager or director of the Water Gathering Company, a release and waiver in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C , duly executed by the Water Gathering Company, on the one hand, and each such Person, on the other hand;

(d) for each then-current officer, manager or director of Tioga, a release and waiver in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C , duly executed by Tioga, on the one hand, and each such Person, on the other hand;

(e) for each then-current individual officer, manager or director of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company, a written letter of resignation of each such Person in his or her capacity as such, duly executed by each such Person and effective immediately following the Closing; and

(f) for all bank accounts and powers of attorney listed on Schedule 3.23 , written evidence of the removal of all then-current signatories, in his or her capacity as such and effective immediately following the Closing.

2.5 Closing Deliveries by Buyer to Seller

.  At the Closing, Buyer shall deliver the following:

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(a) a wire transfer or transfers of immediately available funds (to such account or accounts of Seller as Seller shall have notified Buyer of in writing at least two Business Days prior to the Closing Date) in an amount or am ounts in the aggregate equal to the Purchase Price ; and

(b) to Seller a counterpart duly executed by Buyer of the Company Assignment Agreement.

2.6 Settlement Statements

.  

(a) Seller, Tioga and Buyer shall cooperate and provide each other access, including through electronic means, to Seller’s, Tioga’s and the Water Gathering Company’s respective books and records as are reasonably requested in connection with the matters addressed in this Section 2.6 .  No later than five (5) Business Days prior to Closing, Seller shall prepare and provide Buyer with Seller’s good faith estimate of the Purchase Price reflecting each proposed adjustment to be made to the Base Purchase Price in accordance with Section 2.2 as of the date of preparation (the “ Preliminary Settlement Statement ”), together with the designation of Seller’s accounts for the wire transfers of funds.  Seller shall supply to Buyer reasonable documentation in the possession of Seller or any of its Affiliates to support the items for which adjustments are proposed or made in the Preliminary Settlement Statement delivered by Seller, and a brief explanation of any such adjustments and the reasons therefor.  Within two (2) Business Days of receipt of the draft Preliminary Settlement Statement, Buyer will deliver to Seller a written report containing all changes with the explanation thereof that Buyer proposes to be made to such estimated amounts.  Such estimated amounts, as agreed by the Parties, will be used to adjust the Base Purchase Price at Closing; provided that if the Parties do not agree upon either of such estimated amounts, then the amount of such estimated amount used to adjust the Base Purchase Price at Closing shall be that estimated amount set forth in good faith and initially delivered by Seller to Buyer pursuant to this Section 2.6(a) .  

(b) Within 45 days after Closing, Seller shall provide Buyer with its good faith final calculation of the actual amounts for each of the estimated amounts required by Section 2.6(a) (the “ Final Settlement Statement ”), based on actual adjustments to the Base Purchase Price (other than adjustments pursuant to Section 2.2(b) ) and that takes into account all final adjustments made to the Base Purchase Price in accordance with Section 2.2 and shows the resulting final Purchase Price (excluding adjustments pursuant to Section 2.2(b) ).  If Buyer disagrees with any of the calculations provided by Seller pursuant to the Final Settlement Statement, then it shall provide Seller with written notice thereof (a “ Dispute Notice ”) within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof and shall include reasonable detail regarding such specific objections.  Any changes not specified in the Dispute Notice shall be deemed waived, and Seller’s determinations with respect to all such elements of the Final Settlement Statement that are not addressed specifically in the Dispute Notice shall be deemed agreed to by the Parties. If Buyer fails to timely deliver a Dispute Notice to Seller, the Final Settlement Statement as delivered by Seller will be deemed to be correct and mutually agreed upon by the Parties, and will, without limiting Section 2.6(c) , be final and binding on the Parties and not subject to further audit or arbitration.  If the final Purchase Price set forth in the Final Settlement Statement is mutually agreed upon by Seller and Buyer, the Final Settlement Statement and the final Purchase Price (other than adjustments pursuant to Section 2.2(b) ) shall, without limiting Section 2.6(c) , be final and binding on the Parties hereto.

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(c) If Buyer and Seller working in good faith are unable to agree on such disputed items on or prior to the 90 th  day following the Closing Date, then either Party may refer such dispute to Grant Thornton LLP or, if that firm declines to act as provided in this Section 2.6(c) , another firm of independent public accountants, mutually acceptable to Buyer and Seller (the “ Accounting Referee ”), which firm shall make a final and binding determination as to all matters in dispute on a timely basis and promptly shall notify the Parties in writing of its resolution.  Such Accounting Referee handling the dispute resolution shall not have the power to modify or amend any term or provision of this Agreement. Each of Buyer and Seller shall bear and pay one-half of the fees and other costs charged by such accounting firm. If Buyer does not submit its objection to such disputed items to the Accounting Referee on or prior to the 30 th day following the date on which the Accounting Referee is finally selected, then Seller’s calculations as to such disputed items shall become final and binding upon the Parties for all purposes hereunder.

(d) Once the final Purchase Price (other than adjustments pursuant to Section 2.2(b) ) has been agreed (or deemed agreed) upon by the Parties pursuant to this Section 2.6 or determined by the Accounting Referee pursuant to Section 2.6(c) , as applicable, then, if such final Purchase Price is (i) more than the Purchase Price set forth in the Preliminary Settlement Statement, Buyer shall pay to a bank account in the United States designated by Seller by notice to Buyer the amount of such difference or (ii) less than the Purchase Price set forth in the Preliminary Settlement Statement, Seller shall pay to a bank account in the United States designated by Buyer by notice to Seller the amount of such difference, in each case, by wire transfer in immediately available funds no later than the fifth Business Day (or if later, the third Business Day after the Party to receive funds notifies the Party to pay funds of the account) after the date such final Purchase Price is agreed, or deemed agreed, pursuant to this Section 2.6 .

2.7 Express Exclusion of Operations Services from the Purchase and Sale

.    The Water Gathering Company utilizes, and the Water Gathering Business is currently dependent upon, certain support services regarding scheduling and distribution, accounting, commercial, contract administration, asset management, engineering and project management, information technology, environmental, health and safety, regulatory, land management, human resources, legal, permitting, procurement, tax, technical and administration and related software that are owned and administered by the Summit Companies (including gas and liquids monitoring and leak detection programs, processes and programs for gas and liquids measurement, allocation, settlement and distribution of monthly statements to producers, collection and disbursement of applicable Taxes, supervisory control and data acquisition, the use of vehicles by employees of the Summit Companies performing operating services, and various management systems for maintaining and monitoring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and contractual obligations (collectively, the “ Operations Services ”)) that have been implemented in connection with Summit Midstream Partners, LLC’s enterprise-wide management program for midstream operations.  To the extent that the Operations Services use assets and involve personnel that will be retained by Seller or the Summit Companies, such assets and personnel (other than the vehicles) are not physically located on any Water Gathering Real Property, Water Gathering Personal Property, Water Gathering Easement or the Water Gathering System.  The Operations Services are proprietary, and non-transferable; therefore, it is expressly agreed and acknowledged that Buyer is not receiving the Operations Services in connection with this Agreement and Buyer will rely solely upon its own enterprise-wide management program for accounting, contract administration,

17


 

information technology, environmental, health and safety, land management and administration support services and software.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer shall receive all the tangible hardware, communications, networking and measurement instrumentation and equipment associated with the Water  Gathering Business operations conducted in the field .

2.8 Withholding

.  Buyer shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to Seller such amounts as Buyer is required to deduct and withhold under the Code, or any Tax law, with respect to the making of such payment; provided , however , Buyer shall provide at least five Business Days’ written notice to Seller if Buyer intends to withhold any amounts under this Section 2.8 and the Parties shall cooperate in good faith to minimize, to the extent permissible under applicable Law, the amount of any such deduction or withholding, including by providing any certificates or forms that are reasonably requested to establish an exemption from (or reduction in) any deduction or withholding.  To the extent that amounts are so withheld and paid to the appropriate Governmental Authority, such amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of whom such deduction and withholding was made.

Article III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING TIOGA AND THE WATER GATHERING COMPANY

Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as of the date hereof, and if the Closing occurs, as of the Closing (or, if a representation and warranty speaks as of an earlier date, then made at the Closing as of such earlier date), as follows:

3.1 Organization; Good Standing

.

(a) Each of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company is a limited liability company duly formed, 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 its properties and conduct the Water Gathering Business as it is now being conducted.  Each of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company is duly qualified or licensed to do business in each jurisdiction in which the ownership or operation of the Water Gathering Assets makes such qualification or licensing necessary.  

(b) True and complete copies of the Charter Documents of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company and all amendments thereto have been furnished to Buyer.

3.2 Authority

.  Each of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company has the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents and the Reorganization Documents to which it is a party, to perform its obligations thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.  The execution and delivery by each of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company of the Transaction Documents and the Reorganization Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by each of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company of its obligations thereunder, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action.  Each of the Transaction Documents and the Reorganization Documents to which Tioga or the Water Gathering Company is a party, when executed by Tioga or the Water Gathering

18


 

Company as required hereunder, will be duly and validly executed and delivered by Tioga or the Water Gathering Company and each of the Transaction Documents will constitute (when so executed and delivered) the legal, valid and binding obligation of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company, as applicable, enforceable against Tioga or the Water Gathering Company in accordance with its terms and conditions, except that the enforcement hereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, arrangement or other similar Laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, or by general equitable principles.

3.3 Capitalization of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company

.  

(a) Except for the Tioga Company Interests and the Water Company Interests, none of the following are issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding:  

(i) Equity Interests of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company;

(ii) interests of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for Equity Interests of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company; or

(iii) options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or Contracts to which Tioga or the Water Gathering Company is a party or by which it is bound, in any case obligating Tioga or the Water Gathering Company to issue, deliver, sell, purchase, redeem or acquire, or cause to be issued, delivered, sold, purchased, redeemed or acquired, Equity Interests of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company, or obligating Tioga or the Water Gathering Company to grant, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment or Contract.  

(b) The Tioga Company Interests and the Water Company Interests are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required by the Tioga LLC Agreement or the Water Gathering Company LLC Agreement, as applicable) and, subject to the Laws of the State of Delaware, non-assessable (except as such non-assessability may be affected by Section 18-607 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act) and were not issued in violation of any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right or other similar right.  

(c) There are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other instruments or evidence of Indebtedness of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote).  

(d) Neither Tioga nor the Water Gathering Company has had, and neither currently has, any subsidiaries and has never owned Equity Interests in any Person.

3.4 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals

.  The execution and delivery by each of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company of each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by such Person of its obligations thereunder, do not:

(a) violate or result in a breach of such Person’s Charter Documents;

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(b) violate or result in a default (in each case) in any material respect under any Water Gathering Material Contract or other material Contract to which it is a party (other than Contracts relating to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business);

(c) violate or result in a breach of any Law applicable to such Person, except for such violations or breaches as would not be material; or

(d) require any consent or approval of any Person, including any Governmental Authority.

3.5 Compliance with Applicable Laws

.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.5 , (a) since April 16, 2014, Tioga has been (and Tioga and, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company are) in compliance in all material respects with all Laws (and neither it or any of its Affiliates has received any written or, to the Knowledge of Seller, oral notice of violation with respect to any Laws) applicable to any of the Water Gathering Business or any other business of Tioga (other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business), (b) Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) holds all material Permits necessary for the lawful conduct of the Water Gathering Business and, to the Knowledge of Seller, a complete list of all such Permits is set forth on Schedule 3.5-P and (c) Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) is in compliance in all material respect with such Permits; provided , however , that this Section 3.5 does not address Environmental Laws, which are exclusively addressed by Section 3.4 , Section 3.7 , Section 3.8 , Section 3.9 , Section 3.10 , Section 3.12 , Section 3.14 , Section 3.18 , Section 3.19 , Section 3.21 , Section 3.22 , Section 3.26 and Section 3.27 , or employee matters, which are exclusively addressed by Section 3.3 , Section 3.4 , Section 3.6 , Section 3.7 , Section 3.10 , Section 3.14 , Section 3.15 , Section 3.16 , Section 3.23 , Section 3.26 and Section 3.27 .

3.6 Intellectual Property

.  

(a) No material registrations or applications for registration are included in any Intellectual Property Rights held by Tioga (or, as of the Closing, the Water Gathering Company) relating to the Water Gathering Business or any other business of Tioga (other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business).  To the Knowledge of Seller and subject to Section 2.7 , Tioga (or, as of the Closing, the Water Gathering Company) owns, licenses or otherwise has a valid right to use, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), all material Intellectual Property Rights necessary to conduct the Water Gathering Business as currently conducted.

(b) Schedule 3.6(b) sets forth a list of all agreements (excluding licenses for commercially available, “off-the-shelf” software with annual fees of less than $75,000) pursuant to which any Intellectual Property Right is licensed to Tioga relating to the Water Gathering Business or any other business of Tioga (other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business).

(c) To the Knowledge of Seller, the conduct of the Water Gathering Business or any other business of Tioga (other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) as currently conducted has not infringed or misappropriated any Intellectual Property Right of any non-Affiliate third party in any material respect.

(d) The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not result in the loss or impairment of any material right of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company to own,

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use, practice or exploit any Intellectual Property Rights held by or licensed to Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) with respect to the Water Gathering Business (excluding licenses for commercially available, “off-the-shelf” software).

3.7 Absence of Litigation

.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.7 , there is no Claim or Proceeding (1) pending by or against Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority, nor are there any investigations relating to Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company or the Water Gathering Business pending by or before any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, or (2) to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company or with respect to the Water Gathering Business or any of the Water Gathering Assets (or any other business of Tioga (other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business)) by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority, nor are there any material investigations relating to Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business), the Water Gathering Company, the Water Gathering Business or any Water Gathering Assets (or any other business of Tioga (other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business)) threatened by or before any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority that could be reasonably expected (due to the nature of the claims involved or the scope of their applicability to Tioga’s or the Water Gathering Company’s business or operations) to involve amounts of $100,000 or more in value.

3.8 Real Property

.

(a) Set forth on Schedule 3.8(a) is a true and complete list of each parcel of Real Property owned in fee title by Tioga (and, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) with respect to the Water Gathering Business, other than the Real Property underlying the Goliath Station described in Schedule 3.8(a) of the Hydrocarbon PSA.  Tioga has provided Buyer with true and complete copies of the conveyance documents to Tioga and to the Water Gathering Company for each such parcel of Real Property owned in fee, including the legal description for each such parcel of Real Property owned in fee.  Tioga (and, as of Closing and following the proper recordation of the applicable conveyance instruments executed in connection with the Reorganization Transactions, the Water Gathering Company) has good and indefeasible fee title to all Real Property listed on such Schedule, free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens and those Liens set forth expressly identified as Liens and set forth on such Schedule.

(b) Set forth on Schedule 3.8(b) is a true and complete list of all leases pursuant to which Tioga (and, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) is granted a right to use or occupy all or any portion of Real Property relating to Water Gathering Business.  Tioga has provided Buyer with true and complete copies of such leases and any amendments thereto.  Each lease set forth on such Schedule is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company), and, to the Knowledge of Seller, the other Person(s) a party thereto.  Except as expressly set forth on such Schedule, (i) Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) is not in default in any material respect under any lease set forth on such Schedule, (ii) to the Knowledge of Seller, no landlord is in default in any material respect under any lease set forth on such Schedule, (iii) no event has occurred which constitutes a default in any material respect or, with lapse of time or giving of notice or both, would constitute a default in any material respect under any of the leases set forth on such Schedule and (iv) the leasehold interest

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in each such lease set forth on such Schedule is held by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) free and clear of all Liens except for the Permitted Liens and the terms of such lease.

(c) Set forth on Schedule 3.8(c), Part 1 , Schedule 3.8(c), Part 2 and Schedule 3.8(c), Part 3 is a true and complete list of all Water Gathering Easements that are material or necessary to the operation and conduct of the Water Gathering Business.  Tioga has provided Buyer with true and complete copies of the documents creating such Easements, and any amendments thereto.  Each Easement set forth on such Schedules is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company), and, to the Knowledge of Seller, the other Person(s) a party thereto.  Except as set expressly forth on such Schedules, and excluding any matter that may arise as a result of or in connection with the execution of the Reorganization Documents, (i) Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) is not in default in any material respect under any Easement set forth on any of such Schedules, (ii) to the Knowledge of Seller, no owner of the Real Property burdened by any Easement set forth on any of such Schedules is in default in any material respect under any such Easement, (iii) no event has occurred which constitutes a default in any material respect or, with lapse of time or giving of notice or both, would constitute a default in any material respect under any of the Easements set forth on any of such Schedules, and (iv) Tioga’s (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company’s) interest in any such Easement set forth on any of such Schedules is held by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) free and clear of all Liens except for the Permitted Liens and the terms of such Easement.

(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8(d) , neither Tioga nor the Water Gathering Company is obligated under any right of first refusal, option or other contractual right to sell, assign or otherwise dispose of any Real Property relating to the Water Gathering Business, or any interest therein.

(e) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8(e) , the Easements granted to Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) that cover the Water Gathering System, together with any Water Gathering Real Property related to the Water Gathering System, establish a continuous right of way for the Water Gathering System, and the Water Gathering System and the buildings and improvements used in connection therewith are located entirely on Real Property held by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) in connection with the Water Gathering Business, in each case, in all material respects.

(f) No member of the Seller Group has received any written notice of any eminent domain Proceeding or taking, nor, to the Knowledge of Seller, is any such Proceeding or taking contemplated with respect to all or any material portion of the Water Gathering Real Property.

(g) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8(g) , no member of the Seller Group other than Tioga or the Water Gathering Company owns or leases any real property or Easements that constitutes part of the Water Gathering Business or that is necessary in connection with the ownership or operation thereof.

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(h) Other than the assets associated with the Operations Services, the Water Gathering Assets constitute all of the assets, rights and properties, tangible or intangible, real or personal, that are used or necessary for use in connection with the operation of the Water Gathering Business as currently operated.

(i) None of the assets retained by Seller or the Summit Companies as part of the Operations Services (other than the vehicles) are physically located on any Water Gathering Real Property, Water Gathering Personal Property, Water Gathering Easement or the Water Gathering System.

3.9 Personal Property

.  

(a) Schedule 3.9(a) lists all compressor stations, above-ground facilities and other equipment (other than (x) the individual components of any such compressor stations, above-ground facilities or other equipment, or (y) any installed pipeline) owned or leased by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) or used or held for use by Tioga (or, as of the Closing, the Water Gathering Company) in each case, in the conduct of the Water Gathering Business valued above $100,000.  Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) owns the Water Gathering Personal Property, free and clear of all Claims and Liens, except for Permitted Liens.  

(b) To the Knowledge of Seller, as of the Execution Date, the Water Gathering Personal Property does not require any material maintenance capital expenditures in excess of the amounts set forth on Schedule 3.9(b) , ordinary wear and tear excepted, to be put into a condition that would permit normal operations in accordance with Prudent Industry Practices.

3.10 Purchase Orders

.   Schedule 3.10 sets forth a true and complete list as of the date hereof of all open orders for the purchase of goods or services by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) in an amount in excess of $100,000 relating to the Water Gathering Business.  As of the Execution Date, there are no other open orders for goods or services by Tioga other than (a) as set forth in Schedule 3.10 or (b) prior to the Reorganization Transactions, relating to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business.

3.11 Regulatory Status

.

(a) The Water Gathering Company and Tioga (with respect to the Water Gathering Business and any other business of Tioga other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) are not currently regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a “natural gas company” under the Natural Gas Act or as a “public utility,” “public service company,” or similar designation(s) by any state public service commission or as a “holding company” or similar designation of such regulated entity or by the Department of Transportation under the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Rules on Pipeline Integrity Management.  Without limiting the foregoing, the rates charged by Tioga (with respect to the Water Gathering Business and any other business of Tioga other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company are not currently regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the Interstate Commerce Act or the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.  The transfer of the

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Equity Interests of the Water Gathering Company as contemplated by this Agreement does not require the approval of the North Dakota Public Service Commission.

(b) No rate refunds, rebates, offsets or like obligations are accrued or owed by Tioga or the Water Gathering Company to the North Dakota Public Service Commission with respect to services related to the Water Gathering Business or the Water Gathering Assets.

3.12 Environmental Matters

.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.12 :

(a) Tioga is, and since April 16, 2014, has been, and the Water Gathering Company since its date of formation has been, with respect to the Water Gathering Business and any other business of Tioga (other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business), in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws in all material respects, including timely possessing and complying in all material respects with the terms and conditions of all Environmental Permits;

(b) (i) No member of the Seller Group has (and, to the Knowledge of Seller, no predecessor in the Water Gathering Business has) received from any Governmental Authority any written notice of violation of, alleged violation of, non-compliance with, or liability or potential or alleged liability pursuant to, any Environmental Law involving the operations of the Water Gathering System or any other Water Gathering Assets or any other Assets of Tioga (other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets) other than notices with respect to matters that have been resolved to the satisfaction of any relevant Governmental Authority and for which the Water Gathering Company has no further obligations outstanding and (ii) none of Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business, if applicable), the Water Gathering Company or the Water Gathering System or any other Water Gathering Asset is subject to any outstanding governmental order, “consent order” or other agreement;

(c) Since April 16, 2014, there has been no material Release, discharge or disposal of Hazardous Materials by Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or any member of the Seller Group on or from any Water Gathering Real Property held by Tioga or the Water Gathering Company in violation of any Environmental Laws or in a manner that could reasonably be expected to give rise to a material remedial or corrective action obligation pursuant to Environmental Laws; and

(d) Seller has made available for inspection by Buyer copies of (i) all environmental assessment and audit reports and other material environmental studies and (ii) all Environmental Permits, in each case, relating to the Water Gathering Real Property held by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) or involving the Water Gathering Business and that are in the possession of any member of the Seller Group.

3.13 Taxes

.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.13 :

(a) All Tax Returns required to be filed by Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company have been duly and timely filed.  Each such Tax Return is true, correct and complete in all material respects.  All Taxes required to be paid by or with respect to Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid in full.  Since December 31, 2017, neither Tioga (other than with respect to the

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Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) nor the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company has incurred any liability for Taxes outside the ordinary course of business or otherwise inconsistent with past custom and practice.  All withholding Tax requirements imposed on Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company have been satisfied in all material respects.  Since January 1, 2017, no claim has been made by a Tax ing Authority in a jurisdiction where Tioga or the Water Gathering Company does not file a Tax Return that such entity is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdictio n.  There are no Liens (other than statutory Liens for Taxes that are not yet due and payable) on any of the Water Gathering Assets of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company that arose in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any Tax .

(b) There is not in force any extension of time with respect to the due date for the filing of any Tax Return of Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company or any waiver or agreement for any extension of time for the assessment or payment of any Tax by Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company.  There is no Tax Claim pending or threatened against, or with respect to, Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company.  No deficiencies for Taxes with respect to Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company have been claimed, proposed or assessed by any Taxing Authority that have not been resolved.

(c) Neither Tioga nor the Water Gathering Company is a party to or bound by any Tax allocation, sharing or indemnity agreements or arrangements (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any customary provisions contained in commercial agreements or contracts that are not primarily related to Taxes).  Neither Tioga nor the Water Gathering Company is liable for the Taxes of any other Person (other than Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company) (i) by virtue of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 or any similar provision of state, local or foreign applicable Law, (ii) as a transferee or successor, or (iii) by Contract (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any customary provisions contained in commercial agreements or contracts that are not primarily related to Taxes).

(d) Neither Tioga nor the Water Gathering Company has made an election to change its default entity classification under Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-3.  Each of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company is a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income Tax purposes.

(e) Neither Tioga nor the Water Gathering Company has been a party to a transaction that is or is substantially similar to a “reportable transaction,” as such term is defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(1), or any other transaction requiring disclosure under analogous provisions of state, local or foreign Tax law .

(f) To the Knowledge of Seller, there are no Transfer Taxes due or owing in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the Reorganization Transactions).

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Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in this Agreement, the representations and warranties in this Section 3.13 and Section 3.15 are the only representations and warranties in this Agreement with respect to the Tax matters of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company.

3.14 Contracts

.

(a) Schedule 3.14 contains a true and complete listing of each of the following Contracts to which Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) is a party that relate to the Water Gathering Business (the Contracts listed in Schedule 3.14 , other than the Financing Documents, being “ Water Gathering Material Contracts ”):

(i) each water purchase and sale, gathering, transportation, treating, processing or similar Contract and any Contract for the provision of services relating to gathering, collection, processing, treating or transportation of water involving annual expenditures or revenues in excess of $50,000;

(ii) each Contract that constitutes a pipeline interconnect or facility operating agreement;

(iii) each Contract involving a remaining commitment to pay capital expenditures in excess of $50,000 in the aggregate;

(iv) each Contract for lease of personal property or Real Property involving aggregate payments in excess of $50,000 in any future calendar year;

(v) each Contract between Seller or an Affiliate of Seller (other than Tioga or the Water Gathering Company), on the one hand, and Tioga or the Water Gathering Company, on the other hand, which will survive the Closing;

(vi) each partnership or joint venture agreement;

(vii) each agreement relating to the acquisition or disposition of any business (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of Water Gathering Assets, or otherwise) or granting to any Person a right of first refusal, first offer or right to purchase any of the Water Gathering Assets material to the conduct of the Water Gathering Business;

(viii) each Contract that provides for a limit on the ability of the Water Gathering Company or any of its Affiliates to compete in any line of business or in any geographic area during any period of time after the Closing;

(ix) each Contract evidencing Indebtedness, whether secured or unsecured, including all loan agreements, line of credit agreements, indentures, mortgages, promissory notes, agreements concerning long and short-term debt, together with all security agreements or other lien documents related to or binding on the Water Gathering Assets; and

(x) except for Contracts of the nature described in clauses (i) through (v) above, each Contract involving aggregate payments or receipts in excess of $50,000, in

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any future calendar year that cannot be terminated by Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) upon 30 days’ or less notice without payment of a penalty or other liability.

(b) True and complete copies of all Water Gathering Material Contracts have been made available to Buyer.

(c) Each of the Water Gathering Material Contracts is in full force and effect in all material respects and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) and, to the Knowledge of Seller, of the counterparties to such Water Gathering Material Contracts. Neither Tioga (or, as of Closing, the Water Gathering Company) nor, to the Knowledge of Seller, any counterparty thereto, is in (or has received written notice or, to the Knowledge of Seller, oral notice, that it is in) default or breach in any material respect (or has taken or failed to take any action such that with notice, the passage of time or both it would be in default or breach in any material respect) under the terms of any such Water Gathering Material Contract.

(d) As of the Execution Date, Tioga is not a party to or bound by any Contract that is not a Water Gathering Material Contract other than immaterial Contracts or, prior to the Reorganization Transactions, those Contracts relating to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business.

3.15 Employees and Plans

.  

(a) Neither Tioga nor the Water Gathering Company has, or has ever had, any employees, independent contractors or consultants.

(b) Neither Tioga nor the Water Gathering Company currently or ever has maintained or contributed to any Plan or been a participating employer in any Plan.

3.16 Transactions with Affiliates

.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.16 , neither Tioga nor the Water Gathering Company is owed any amount from, and does not owe any amount to, guarantee any amount owed by, have any Contracts with (excluding the Reorganization Documents) or have any commitments to (excluding the Reorganization Documents) any Affiliate, officer or director of Seller, Tioga or the Water Gathering Company or any member of a family group of any of the foregoing.

3.17 Broker’s Commissions

.  No member of the Seller Group has, directly or indirectly, entered into any Contract with any Person that would obligate Tioga, the Water Gathering Company, Buyer or Buyer’s Affiliates to pay any commission, brokerage fee or “finder’s fee” in connection with the transactions contemplated herein.

3.18 Records

.  The Records are located at the premises of the Water Gathering Company, have been maintained in all material respects in accordance with applicable Law and comprise in all material respects all of the books and records relating to the ownership and operation of Tioga (with respect to the Water Gathering Business), the Water Gathering Company, the Water Gathering Business and the Water Gathering Assets.

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3.19 Surety Bonds and Credit

.  Except as listed on Schedule 3.19 , neither Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business), the Water Gathering Company nor any other Person has any obligation to post any surety bond, letter of credit, guarantee or other form of support (credit or otherwise) in respect of Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business), the Water Gathering Company or the Water Gathering Business.  Except as listed on such Schedule, neither Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business), the Water Gathering Company nor any other Person has any obligation to post any surety bond, letter of credit, guarantee or other form of support (credit or otherwise) in respect of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company.

3.20 No Bankruptcy

.  There are no bankruptcy Proceedings pending against, being contemplated by or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against Tioga or the Water Gathering Company.

3.21 Financial Statements; No Undisclosed Material Liabilities; Indebtedness

.

(a) Seller has delivered to Buyer the following: (i) the unaudited balance sheet and related unaudited income statements, statements of cash flows, and statements of changes in members’ equity of Tioga for the year ended December 31, 2017 (collectively, the “ Year End Financial Statements ”) and (ii) the unaudited balance sheet and related unaudited income statements, statements of cash flows, and statements of changes in members’ equity of Tioga (for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2018) (the “ Interim Financial Statements ”).  The Year End Financial Statements and the Interim Financial Statements are hereinafter referred to, collectively, as the “ Financial Statements ”.  

(b) The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except that the Financial Statements shall not contain any notes) and are consistent with the books and records of Tioga.  Each of the balance sheets included in the Financial Statements (including any related notes and schedules) fairly presents in all material respects the financial position of Tioga, as of, and for the periods ended on, the respective dates thereof, and each of the income statements, statements of cash flows and statements of changes in members’ equity included in the Financial Statements (including any related notes and schedules) fairly presents in all material respects the results of operations, cash flows and changes in members’ equity, as the case may be, of Tioga for the periods set forth therein, in each case, in accordance with GAAP, subject, in the case of the Interim Financial Statements, to normal year-end adjustments and accruals and the absence of notes or other textual disclosures required under GAAP none of which are reasonably expected to be material in nature or amount.

(c) Except as listed on Schedule 3.21 , there are no liabilities of Tioga (with respect to the Water Gathering Business or any other business of Tioga other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company or related to the Water Gathering Assets or other Assets (other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets) of any kind (whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, determined or determinable or otherwise), other than (i) liabilities that would not be required under GAAP to be disclosed, reflected, reserved against or otherwise provided for in the Financial Statements; and (ii) liabilities, other than Indebtedness under the Financing Documents, incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since December 31, 2018.

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(d) Neither Tioga nor the Water Gathering Company has any Indebtedness, except as provided in the Financing Documents which will be terminated at or prior to Closing.

3.22 Insurance

.   Schedule 3.22 sets forth a list of each insurance policy maintained by Tioga or by Seller or any of their Affiliates on behalf of Tioga (with respect to the Water Gathering Business or any other business of Tioga other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company.  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.22 , there is no claim pending under any such insurance policy with respect to the Water Gathering Business or the Water Gathering Assets or any other Asset of Tioga (other than any Hydrocarbon Gathering Asset), and none of Seller, Tioga or any of their respective Affiliates has received written notice of cancellation of any such insurance policy.  Neither Tioga nor any of its Affiliates has received any written notice from any insurer or reinsurer of any reservation of rights with respect to pending or paid claims.

3.23 Bank Accounts

.   Schedule 3.23 contains a list of (a) all banks or other financial institutions with which Tioga or the Water Gathering Company has an account, showing the type and account number of each such account, and the names of the persons authorized as signatories thereon or to act or deal in connection therewith and (b) all valid powers of attorney issued by Tioga or the Water Gathering Company that remain in effect.

3.24 Imbalances

. Except for the produced water imbalances reflected on Schedule 3.24 , and for normal and customary water gathering imbalances occurring after the dates set forth on such Schedule, as of the date of this Agreement, there do not exist any material produced water imbalances (i) under any Water Gathering Material Contract or (ii) for which Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or any of their Affiliates has received a quantity of produced water prior to the date of this Agreement for which Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or any of its Affiliates will have a duty to deliver an equivalent amount of produced water after the Closing.

3.25 Preferential Purchase Rights

.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.25 , no Person has a preferential right to purchase any of the Water Gathering Assets that would be triggered by the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

3.26 Unrelated Activities and Liabilities

.  

(a) Neither Tioga nor the Water Gathering Company has engaged in any business other than the ownership, development, operation, maintenance, expansion, construction, commissioning and decommissioning of, and acquisition of, the Water Gathering Assets (and, with respect to Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets) and the provision of services in connection therewith.

(b) Each of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company (i) does not own any assets that are not Water Gathering Assets (other than, with respect to Tioga prior to the Reorganization Transactions, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets) and (ii) has not assumed any liabilities unrelated to the Water Gathering Assets (other than, with respect to Tioga, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets).

(c) Neither Tioga nor the Water Gathering Company own any Fiberspar inventory.

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3.27 Absence of Changes

.  Except as reflected in the Interim Financial Statements, as set forth on Schedule 3.27 or for the Reorganization Transactions, since September 30, 2018, (a) the business of Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) and the Water Gathering Company has been conducted in the ordinary course in all material respects and in a manner materially consistent with past practices to preserve substantially intact Tioga’s (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) and the Water Gathering Company’s present business organization, (b) Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) and the Water Gathering Company have not acted or failed to act in a manner that would be in violation of Section 6.11 (other than Sections 6.11(a)(iv) , (v) and (vi) ) (if the terms of Section 6.11 had been in effect as of and after such dates), and (c) there has not been any event, occurrence or development which has had a Material Adverse Effect.

3.28 Use of Proceeds

.  Other than with respect to the payment of out-of-pocket expenses related to this Agreement or the Hydrocarbon PSA, Seller shall use all of the proceeds received hereunder for the payment of the Purchase Price for paying pre-existing Indebtedness guaranteed by the Acquired Companies pursuant to the Financing Documents.

Article IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as of the date hereof, and if the Closing occurs, as of the Closing (or, if a representation and warranty speaks as of an earlier date, then made at the Closing as of such earlier date), as follows:

4.1 Organization; Good Standing

.  Seller is duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of formation.

4.2 Authority

.  Seller has the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all Transaction Documents to which it is a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.  The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by Seller of its obligations hereunder and thereunder have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action.  This Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party has been duly and validly executed and delivered (or will be duly and validly executed and delivered when required hereunder) by Seller and constitutes (or will constitute when so executed and delivered) the legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms and conditions, except that the enforcement hereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, arrangement or other similar Laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, or by general equitable principles.

4.3 Ownership of Equity Interests

.  The Tioga Company Interests and the Water Company Interests are owned beneficially and of record by Seller, free and clear of all Liens other than Liens to be released at Closing and those arising under state or federal securities Laws and, as applicable, the Tioga LLC Agreement or the Water Gathering Company LLC Agreement.  The Tioga Company Interests and the Water Company Interests are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required by the Tioga LLC Agreement or the Water Gathering Company

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LLC Agreement, as applicable) and, subject to the Laws of the State of Delaware, non-assessable (except as such non-assessability may be affected by Section 18-607 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act) and were not issued in violation of any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right or other similar right.

4.4 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals

.  The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by Seller of its obligations under this Agreement and each such Transaction Document, do not:

(a) violate or result in a breach of the Charter Documents of Seller, Tioga or the Water Gathering Company;

(b) violate or result in a default (in each case) in any material respect under any Water Gathering Material Contract or any other material Contract to which Seller or Tioga is a party or bound that relates to any other business of Tioga other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business;

(c) violate or result in a breach of any Law applicable to Seller, Tioga or the Water Gathering Company, except for such violations or breaches as would not be material; or

(d) require any consent or approval of any Person, including any Governmental Authority.

4.5 Broker’s Commissions

.  Seller has not, directly or indirectly, entered into any Contract with any Person that would obligate Tioga, the Water Gathering Company, Buyer or Buyer’s Affiliates to pay any commission, brokerage fee or “finder’s fee” in connection with the transactions contemplated herein.

4.6 No Bankruptcy

.  There are no bankruptcy Proceedings pending against, being contemplated by or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against Seller.

4.7 Legal Proceedings

. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no Proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened, against Seller before or by any Governmental Authority, which seeks a writ, judgment, order or decree restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or which would adversely affect Seller’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

Article V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING BUYER

Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Seller as of the date hereof, and if the Closing occurs, as of the Closing (or, if a representation and warranty speaks as of an earlier date, then made at the Closing as of such earlier date), as follows:

5.1 Organization; Good Standing

. Buyer is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of formation.

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5.2 Authority

.  Buyer has all requisite organizational power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.  The execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by Buyer of its obligations hereunder and thereunder, have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary limited partnership action on behalf of Buyer.  This Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party has been duly and validly executed and delivered (or will be duly and validly executed and delivered when required hereunder) by Buyer and constitutes (or will constitute when so executed and delivered) the legal, valid and binding obligation of Buyer enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms and conditions except as the same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, arrangement, moratorium or other similar Laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally or by general equitable principles.

5.3 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals

. The execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by Buyer of its obligations under this Agreement and each such Transaction Document, do not:

(a) violate or result in a breach of Buyer’s Charter Documents;

(b) violate or result in a default (in each case) in any material respect under any material Contract to which Buyer is a party;

(c) violate or result in a breach of any Law applicable to Buyer, except for such violations or breaches as would not be material; or

(d) require any consent or approval of any Person, including any Governmental Authority.

5.4 Legal Proceedings

. As of the date of this Agreement, there is no Proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Buyer, threatened, against Buyer before or by any Governmental Authority, which seeks a writ, judgment, order or decree restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or adversely affect Buyer’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.5 Acquisition as Investment

.  Buyer is acquiring the Tioga Company Interests and the Water Company Interests for its own account as an investment without the present intent to sell, transfer or otherwise distribute the same to any other Person in violation of any state or federal securities Laws.  Buyer has made, independently and without reliance on Seller (except to the extent that Buyer has relied on the representations, warranties and covenants in this Agreement and the Transaction Documents), its own analysis of the Tioga Company Interests, the Water Company Interests, Tioga, the Water Gathering Company and the Water Gathering Assets for the purpose of acquiring the Tioga Company Interests and the Water Company Interests, and Buyer has had, or subject to Seller’s compliance with the access rights granted to Buyer under this Agreement, will have reasonable and sufficient access to documents, other information and materials as it considers appropriate to make its evaluations.  Buyer acknowledges that the Tioga Company Interests and the Water Company Interests are not registered pursuant to the 1933 Act

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and that none of the Tioga Company Interests or the Water Company Interests may be transferred, except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from registration under the 1933 Act.  Buyer is an “accredited investor” as defined under Rule 501 promulgated under the 1933 Act.

5.6 Financial Resources

.  Buyer has, or will have on the Closing Date, sufficient cash on hand, available lines of credit or other sources of immediately available funds to enable it (a) to pay the Purchase Price and (b) to otherwise perform its obligations under this Agreement.

5.7 Opportunity for Independent Investigation

. Buyer is an experienced and knowledgeable investor in the United States.  In connection with its decision to enter into this Agreement, Buyer has conducted its own independent review and analysis of the Water Gathering Business and of the Water Gathering Assets, liabilities, results of operations, financial condition, technology and prospects of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company, and acknowledges that Buyer has been provided access to personnel, properties, premises and records of Seller, Tioga and the Water Gathering Company for such purpose.  In entering into this Agreement, Buyer has relied solely upon the representations, warranties and covenants contained herein and in the Transaction Documents and upon its own investigation and analysis of Tioga, the Water Gathering Company and the Water Gathering Business (such investigation and analysis having been performed by Buyer), and Buyer:

(a) absent actual (but not constructive) fraud, acknowledges and agrees that it has not been induced by and has not relied upon any Due Diligence Information, representations, warranties or statements, whether oral or written, express or implied, made by Seller, Tioga or the Water Gathering Company or any of their respective Representatives, Affiliates or agents except for the representations, warranties and covenants expressly set forth in this Agreement or in the Transaction Documents;

(b) absent actual (but not constructive) fraud, acknowledges and agrees that, except for the representations, warranties and covenants expressly set forth in this Agreement or in the Transaction Documents, none of Seller, Tioga or the Water Gathering Company or any of their respective Representatives, Affiliates or agents makes or has made any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information provided or made available to Buyer or its Representatives, Affiliates or agents, including any information, document or material provided or made available, or statements made, to Buyer (including its Representatives, Affiliates and agents) during site or office visits, in any “data rooms,” management presentations or supplemental due diligence information provided to Buyer (including its Representatives, Affiliates and agents), in connection with discussions with management or in any other form in expectation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively, the “ Due Diligence Information ”);

(c) acknowledges and agrees that, except for the representations, warranties and covenants expressly set forth in this Agreement or in the Transaction Documents, (i) the Due Diligence Information includes certain projections, estimates and other forecasts and certain business plan information, (ii) there are uncertainties inherent in attempting to make such projections, estimates and other forecasts and plans and Buyer is aware of such uncertainties and (iii)  Buyer is taking full responsibility for making its own evaluation of the adequacy and accuracy

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of all projections, estimates and other forecasts and plans so furnished to it and any use of or reliance by Buyer on such projections, estimates and other forecasts and plans shall be at its sole risk; and

(d) agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, and absent actual (but not constructive) fraud, that none of Seller, Tioga or the Water Gathering Company (except as expressly provided herein) or any of their respective Representatives, Affiliates or agents shall have any liability or responsibility whatsoever to Buyer or its Representatives, Affiliates or agents on any basis (including in contract or tort, under federal or state securities Laws or otherwise) resulting from the furnishing to Buyer, or from Buyer’s use of, any Due Diligence Information, except for liability or responsibility for the representations, warranties and covenants expressly set forth in this Agreement or in the Transaction Documents.

5.8 Broker’s Commissions

.  Buyer has not, directly or indirectly, entered into any Contract with any Person that would obligate Seller or any of its Affiliates to pay any commission, brokerage fee or “finder’s fee” in connection with the transactions contemplated herein.

5.9 No Knowledge of Breach

.  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.9 , as of the Execution Date, Buyer has no Knowledge of a breach of any of the representations and warranties of Seller in each of: Section 3.5 , Section 3.8 and Section 3.12 , and, only to the extent relating to Contracts to which Buyer or any of its Affiliates is a party, Section 3.14 and Section 3.24 .

Article VI
COVENANTS

6.1 Indebtedness; Distributions; Contributions.

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, at or prior to Closing:

(a) Seller shall (or shall cause Tioga and the Water Gathering Company to) deliver reasonable and customary evidence demonstrating the termination of any guarantees and other agreements comprising the Financing Documents and the release of all Liens on the Water Gathering Assets and/or on the Tioga Company Interests and the Water Company Interests under the Financing Documents;

(b) Seller may cause Tioga or the Water Gathering Company to cause any accounts payable and/or accounts receivable between Tioga or the Water Gathering Company, on the one hand, and a Non-Company Affiliate, on the other hand, to be paid in full;  

(c) Seller shall not cause Tioga or the Water Gathering Company to (and shall cause Tioga and the Water Gathering Company to not) pay cash dividends and/or make distributions or other payments of cash (other than the asset distributions contemplated by the Reorganization Transactions), to Seller or its Affiliates, except for cash payments by Tioga in respect of 31.8% of Tioga’s allocated share of expenses with respect to (i) the salaries and benefits of field employees of the Summit Companies performing work for Tioga and (ii) vehicles utilized by such employees (which expenses shall not exceed $135,000 per calendar month on a 100% basis); and

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(d) Seller shall not make cash or other contributions to Tioga or the Water Gathering Company, except for cash contributions required to pay expenses of Tioga solely with respect to the Water Gathering Business or the Water Gathering Company or, prior to the Reorganization Transactions, the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, in each case, that are incurred in the ordinary course operation (consistent with past practices) of the Water Gathering Business or the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business, as applicable, prior to Closing.

6.2 Tax Matters

.  

(a) Tax Returns.

(i) Seller shall cause to be prepared and filed the 2019 Texas franchise tax report of the combined group of which Summit Midstream Partners, LP is the reporting entity, which report shall include all items and activities of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company through and including the day immediately preceding the Closing Date.

(ii) With respect to any Tax Return that is required to be filed by Tioga or the Water Gathering Company after the Closing Date with respect to a Pre-Effective Date Period, Seller shall prepare or cause to be prepared such Tax Return.  With respect to any Tax Return that is required to be filed by Tioga or the Water Gathering Company prior to the Closing Date with respect to a Tax period that begins after the Effective Date, Seller shall prepare or cause to be prepared such Tax Return.  With respect to any Tax Return that is required to be filed by Tioga or the Water Gathering Company after the Closing Date (other than the Tax Return set forth in Section 6.2(a)(i) ) with respect to a Tax period that begins after the Effective Date and before the Closing Date, Buyer shall prepare or cause to be prepared such Tax Return.  Tax Returns prepared by Seller pursuant to this Section 6.2(a)(ii) (“ Seller Tax Returns ”) shall be prepared on a basis consistent with past practice except to the extent otherwise provided in this Agreement or otherwise required by applicable Laws.  Reasonably in advance of (and, to the extent practicable, not less than 30 days prior to) the due date (including extensions) of each such Seller Tax Return, Seller shall deliver a copy of such Tax Return to Buyer for its review and reasonable comment, provided that Buyer’s comments hereunder with respect to a Tax Return of Tioga shall not extend to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business.  Seller shall consider in good faith any such comments received from Buyer reasonably in advance of (and, to the extent practicable, not less than ten days prior to) the due date (including extensions) for filing such Tax Return and shall deliver a final copy of such Tax Return, as filed, to Buyer not later than such due date.  Seller shall cause each such Tax Return required to be filed prior to the Closing Date to be timely filed and shall timely pay or cause to be paid the Taxes shown due thereon. Buyer shall cause each such Tax Return required to be filed by it pursuant to this Section 6.2(a)(ii) to be timely filed and shall timely pay or cause to be paid the Taxes shown due thereon; provided that not later than five days prior to the due date for the payment of Taxes with respect to any such Tax Return, Seller shall pay to Buyer the amount of any Seller Taxes owed with respect to such Tax Return.  

(b) [Reserved.]

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(c) Seller and Buyer shall each be liable for and shall bear and pay, and pursuant to Article X shall indemnify and hold the other Party harmless from and against, 50% of any and all sales, use, stamp, transfer, conveyance, registration or other similar Taxes imposed on the Reorganization Transactions or the purchase and sale of the Tioga Company Interests and the Water Company Interests pursuant to this Agreement (the “ Transfer Taxes ”) .

(d) After Closing, each of Seller and Buyer shall (and shall cause their respective Affiliates to):

(i) timely sign and deliver such certificates or forms as may be necessary or appropriate to establish an exemption from (or otherwise reduce), or file Tax Returns or other reports with respect to, Taxes described in Section 6.2(c) ;

(ii) assist the other party in preparing any Tax Returns which such other party is responsible for preparing and filing in accordance with Section 6.2(a) , and in connection therewith, provide the other party with any necessary powers of attorney;

(iii) cooperate fully in preparing for and defending any Tax Claims;

(iv) make available to the other and to any Taxing Authority as reasonably requested all information, records, and documents relating to Taxes of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company; and

(v) furnish the other with copies of all correspondence received from any Taxing Authority in connection with any Tax Claim.

(e) No amended Tax Return with respect to a Pre-Effective Date Period or a Pre-Closing Period shall be filed by or on behalf of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company without the prior written consent of Seller (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

(f) Seller and Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to agree to an allocation schedule of the Purchase Price (plus any other items that are properly treated as consideration for U.S. federal income Tax purposes) among the Water Gathering Company’s assets based on the relative fair market values of the Water Gathering Company’s assets, in accordance with Section 1060 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder within thirty (30) days after the date that the Final Settlement Statement is finally determined pursuant to Section 2.6 (the “ Allocation Schedule ”).  If Buyer and Seller are unable to agree on an Allocation Schedule, each of Buyer and Seller shall use its own allocation of the Purchase Price.  If Seller and Buyer reach an agreement with respect to the Allocation Schedule, the Parties (x) shall use commercially reasonable efforts to update the Allocation Schedule in a manner consistent with Section 1060 of the Code following any adjustment to the Purchase Price pursuant to this Agreement, (y) shall, and shall cause their Affiliates to, report consistently with the Allocation Schedule, as adjusted, on all Tax Returns, including Internal Revenue Service Form 8594, and neither Seller nor Buyer shall take any position on any Tax Return that is inconsistent with the Allocation Schedule, as adjusted, unless otherwise required by applicable Laws, and (z) agree to promptly advise each other regarding the existence of any Tax audit, controversy or litigation related to the Allocation Schedule.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.2(f) to the contrary,

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neither Party shall be unreasonably impeded in its ability and discretion to negotiate, compromise and/or settle any Tax audit, claim or similar proceedings in connection with any such allocation.

(g) The amount of any refunds of (i) Income Taxes of Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company for any Pre-Closing Period (other than any refund resulting from the carryback of a net operating loss or other Tax attribute from a period beginning after the Closing Date to a period ending on or prior to the Closing Date, which refund shall be for the account of Buyer) and (ii) Non-Income Taxes of Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company for any Pre-Effective Date Period shall be for the account of Seller.  The amount of any refunds of (x) Income Taxes of Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company for any Tax period beginning after the Closing Date and (y) Non-Income Taxes of Tioga (other than with respect to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) or the Water Gathering Company for any Tax period beginning after the Effective Date shall be for the account of Buyer.  Each party shall forward, and shall cause its Affiliates to forward, to the party entitled to receive a refund of Tax pursuant to this Section 6.2(g) the amount of such refund within 30 days after such refund is received, net of any reasonable third-party costs or expenses incurred by such party or its Affiliates in procuring such refund.

6.3 Public Announcements

. The Parties will maintain the confidentiality of this Agreement and its terms except that any Party may disclose this Agreement or any of its terms to any of the following if such Persons are advised of the confidentiality obligations of such information and agree to maintain confidentiality with respect thereto: (a) any Affiliate or Representative of such Party and (b) any potential lender to such Party. Subject to the foregoing, the Parties will consult with each other prior to issuing any press release or announcement to the general public of any nature with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and shall not make or issue, or cause to be made or issued, any such press release or announcement to the general public prior to such consultation and without the prior written consent of the other Party (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) except to the extent, but only to such extent, that, in the reasonable opinion of the Party issuing such press release or announcement to the general public, such announcement or statement is required by Law, any listing agreement with any securities exchange or any securities exchange regulation, in which case the Party proposing to issue such press release or announcement to the general public shall use its reasonable efforts to consult in good faith with the other Party before issuing any such press release or announcement to the general public and shall reasonably cooperate with the other Party in good faith with respect to the timing, manner and content of disclosure.

6.4 Regulatory and Other Approvals

.   From the date of this Agreement until Closing:

(a) Each of Seller and Buyer shall cooperate in good faith and use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as promptly as practicable all consents and approvals that Seller or Buyer is required to obtain in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the Reorganization Transactions) prior to the Closing Date; provided that for purposes of clarification, the obtaining of such consents and approvals shall not be a condition to Closing; provided further , that Seller will send to the holder of any preferential purchase right applicable to the Water Gathering Assets that would be triggered by the transactions contemplated hereby, a written notice in material compliance with the contractual provisions

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applicable to such preferential purchase right, seeking such holder’s waiver, consent or approval to or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby within two Business Days of the date hereof .

(b) In connection with any filings with Governmental Authorities that are applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby, Seller and Buyer shall undertake promptly any and all actions required to complete lawfully the transactions contemplated by this Agreement prior to the Closing Date.

(c) Each of Seller and Buyer shall provide prompt notification to the other when it becomes aware that any consent or approval referred to in this Section 6.4 is obtained, taken, made, given or denied, as applicable.

6.5 Resignation and Removal

.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, effective immediately following the Closing, Seller shall cause and accept the resignation or removal of all managers, officers and/or directors on any board or operating, management or other committee of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company.

6.6 Removal of Name

.   As promptly as practicable, but in any case within 60 days after the Closing Date, Buyer shall eliminate the name “Summit” and any variants thereof from the Water Gathering Assets, and, except with respect to such grace period for eliminating existing usage, shall have no right to use any logos, trademarks or trade names belonging to Seller or any of its Affiliates.

6.7 Termination of Agreements with Seller and Non-Company Affiliates

.  As of the date hereof, each of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company has entered into a termination and release with Seller and each Non-Company Affiliate with whom Tioga or the Water Gathering Company has an agreement or to whom Tioga or the Water Gathering Company owes any obligation.

6.8 Replacement of Insurance

.  Buyer acknowledges and agrees that, effective upon the Closing, all insurance policies carried by or for the benefit of Seller or its Affiliates with respect to Tioga, the Water Gathering Company, the Water Gathering Business or the Water Gathering Assets shall be terminated or modified by Seller or its Affiliates to exclude coverage of the Water Gathering Business and the Water Gathering Assets, and, without limiting Buyer’s rights under Section 10.2 , Buyer shall have no rights thereunder or with respect thereto, including any rights to make claims thereunder or with respect thereto.

6.9 Further Assurances

.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at any time or from time to time after the Closing, at any Party’s request and without further consideration, the other Party shall (and in the case of Buyer, Buyer shall and shall cause Tioga or the Water Gathering Company, as applicable, to) execute and deliver to such Party such other instruments of sale, transfer, conveyance, assignment and confirmation, provide such materials and information and take such other actions as such Party may reasonably request in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  

6.10 Casualty Loss

.  If, after the date hereof but prior to or on the Closing Date, any portion of the Water Gathering Assets are destroyed by fire, explosion, hurricane, storm, weather

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events, earthquake, act of God , civil unrest, or similar disorder, terrorist acts, war, or any other hostilities or other casualty or is expropriated or taken in condemnation or under right of eminent domain, whether or not fixed or repaired or in any way remediated (each a “ Casualty Loss ”), Buyer and Seller shall, subject to the satisfaction (or waiver) of the conditions to Closing set forth in Article VII and Article VIII , nevertheless be required to proceed with Closing.  To the extent Tioga, the Water Gathering Company, Seller or any of its or their Affiliates are entitled to recovery under any insurance policy on account of any Casualty Loss, Seller shall use its reasonable efforts to seek (or cause any of its Affiliates to seek ) recovery under such insurance policy and shall pay to Buyer (if such recovery occurs prior to Closing) at Closing or the Water Gathering Company (if such recovery occurs following Closing) promptly following receipt of such recovery, any amounts recovered under such policy .

6.11 Conduct of Business

.

(a) Seller covenants and agrees that, from and after the date hereof until the earlier of the Closing or the termination of this Agreement, except (I) as otherwise set forth in Schedule 6.11 or (II) with the prior written consent of Buyer, Seller shall (and shall cause Tioga and the Water Gathering Company, as applicable, to) with respect to the Water Gathering Business:

(i) operate in the usual and ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the Water Gathering Assets in accordance with Prudent Industry Practices;

(iii) subject to Section 6.8 , keep in full force and effect insurance applicable to the Water Gathering Assets, Tioga, the Water Gathering Company and the Water Gathering Business comparable in amount and scope of coverage to that currently maintained;

(iv) keep and maintain accurate books, Records, and accounts in the usual and ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(v) provide prompt written notice following receipt by Seller, Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or any of their respective Affiliates of any written notice of violation or alleged default or breach of any Law, Water Gathering Material Contract or Permit by Tioga or the Water Gathering Company or related to the Water Gathering Assets;

(vi) provide prompt written notice following receipt by Seller, Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or any of their respective Affiliates of any Proceeding or written Claim from any non-Affiliate third party relating to Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or the Water Gathering Assets, seeking to restrain the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or seeking substantial damages with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

(vii) provide prompt written notice upon the occurrence of any Casualty Loss to any of the Water Gathering Assets.

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(b) Except (I) as otherwise set forth in Schedule 6.11 , (II ) with the prior written consent of Buyer or (III) for the Reorganization Transactions , from and after the date hereof until the earlier of the Closing or the termination of this Agreement :

(i) Seller shall not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, or grant any Lien with respect to, the Tioga Company Interests or the Water Company Interests or the Water Gathering Assets (other than Permitted Liens); and

(ii) Seller shall cause Tioga and the Water Gathering Company not to:

(A) enter into or adopt any Plan, any other equity based, incentive or deferred compensation plan or arrangement or other fringe benefit plan, or any consulting, employment, severance, bonus, termination or similar Contract with any Person;

(B) hire any employees or consultants or become liable for any obligation with respect to Seller’s or any of its Affiliates’ employees or consultants;

(C) make any loan to, or enter into any other transaction with, any manager, director or officer of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company or any of their respective Affiliates;

(D) (1) redeem, purchase or acquire, or offer to purchase or acquire any of the Tioga Company Interests or the Water Company Interests, (2) effect any reorganization or recapitalization of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company, (3) split, combine or reclassify any of the Tioga Company Interests or the Water Company Interests or (4) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution, other than wholly in cash payable prior to Closing, in respect of the Tioga Company Interests or the Water Company Interests;

(E) (1) offer, sell, transfer, issue, dispose of or grant, or authorize the offering, sale, transfer, issuance, disposition or grant of, any Tioga Company Interest or Water Company Interest or (2) grant, or authorize the grant of, any Lien with respect to any Tioga Company Interest or Water Company Interest;

(F) acquire, directly or indirectly, (1) (whether by merger, consolidation, or otherwise) an Equity Interest in any business or division of any Person or (2) any material assets or properties (other than assets or properties relating to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) other than the acquisition of assets from suppliers or vendors in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

(G) sell, lease, exchange, abandon or otherwise dispose of any of the Water Gathering Assets, or grant any Lien, preferential purchase right

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or consent (other than Permitted Liens) with respect to any of the Water Gathering Assets;

(H) adopt any amendments to the Tioga LLC Agreement, the Water Gathering Company LLC Agreement or other organizational documents (whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise);

(I) make any change in its method of accounting in effect on the date hereof, except as may be required to comply with GAAP or under applicable Law;

(J) except as required in connection with an emergency to the extent such a capital expenditure is required as a reasonable response thereto (and, in Seller’s good faith judgment, the delay in seeking Buyer’s consent as required by this Section 6.11 would adversely impact the effectiveness of any such response), incur or commit to incur any capital expenditures (other than capital expenditures in respect of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business);

(K) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for or authorizing a liquidation, dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization;

(L) amend, modify, cancel, waive or assign any rights or obligations under, any Water Gathering Material Contract, except as contemplated in the Side Letter;

(M) other than the Hydrocarbon PSA, enter into or assume (1) any Contract that would constitute a Water Gathering Material Contract or (2) any other Contract with any Person (other than Contracts that would constitute a Hydrocarbon Gathering Material Contract under the Hydrocarbon PSA), other than arms’-length Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business with a non-Affiliate third party consistent with past practice;

(N) borrow money other than under the Financing Documents which will be paid off, terminated or released at or prior to Closing, or guarantee any debt or obligations or any Person;

(O) make any regulatory filing with respect to the Water Gathering Business or any other business of Tioga (other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Business) other than in the ordinary course of business;

(P) settle any Proceedings or Claims or otherwise waive any material right with respect to the Assets (other than the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets) or the Water Gathering Business;

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(Q) make or change any material Tax election; settle or compromise any claim, notice, audit report or assessment in respect of material Taxes; change a ny annual Tax accounting period; adopt or chan ge any material method of Tax accounting; file any material Tax Return except in accordance with Section 6.2(a)(ii) ; amend any material Tax Return; enter into any T ax allocation agreement, T ax sharing agreement, T ax indemnity agreement or closing agreeme nt relating to any material Tax; surrender any right to claim a material Tax refund; or consent to any extension or waiver of the statute of limitations period applicable to any material Tax claim or assessment , in each case, with respect to the Water Gathering Business; or

(R) agree to do any of the foregoing.

6.12 No Shop

.  From and after the date hereof until the earlier of Closing or the termination of this Agreement (the “ No Shop Period ”), Seller shall (and shall cause its Affiliates, Tioga and the Water Gathering Company to) immediately cease and cause to be terminated any ongoing discussions or negotiations with respect to the occurrence of any acquisition, directly or indirectly, from Seller, Tioga or any of their Affiliates in one or a series of related transactions, of Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or substantially all of the Water Gathering Assets by purchase, merger, exchange, business combination or otherwise by, or on behalf of, any Person other than Buyer (collectively, a “ Third Party Acquisition ”) or any proposal reasonably likely to lead to a Third Party Acquisition.  Further, during the No Shop Period, Seller shall not, and shall not authorize or permit any of its Affiliates, Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or any of its or their respective Representatives to directly or indirectly solicit, participate in or initiate discussions (other than to respond negatively), negotiations, inquiries, proposals or offers with or from or provide any non-public information to any Person or group of Persons concerning any Third Party Acquisition or any inquiry, proposal or offer which may reasonably lead to a Third Party Acquisition.  During the No Shop Period, Seller shall not (and shall cause its Affiliates, Tioga and the Water Gathering Company not to) enter into any agreement, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement, exchange agreement, option agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement or other agreement constituting or related to lead to, a Third Party Acquisition or any proposal for a Third Party Acquisition.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Section 6.12 shall in any way restrict any of the Summit Companies or any of their respective Representatives from consummating, or engaging in discussions or negotiations with any third party with respect to, a Change of Control Transaction provided that such Change of Control Transaction would not in any way relieve Seller or Tioga of its obligations under this Agreement and the Transaction Documents.

6.13 Reorganization Transactions

.  Prior to the Closing, Seller or Tioga, as applicable, shall cause the following transactions in subsections (a) through (d) (the “ Reorganization Transactions ”) to be consummated:

(a) the conveyance of the Water Gathering Assets from Tioga to the Water Gathering Company pursuant to assignments, bill of sales and conveyances in the forms attached hereto as Exhibits D-1 , D-2 and D-3 ;

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(b) the conveyance of the Hydrocarbon Gathering Assets from Tioga to the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company pursuant to assignments, bill of sales and conveyances in the forms attached hereto as Exhibit s E-1 , E -2 and E -3 ;

(c) the grant of an Easement on the Hydrocarbon Gathering Real Property by the Hydrocarbon Gathering Company to the Water Gathering Company pursuant to an easement agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F ; and

(d) the filing of the foregoing documents in subsections (a) through (c) in the applicable county records.

Seller shall provide to Buyer drafts of the Reorganization Documents prior to the execution of the same for Buyer’s review and confirmation (which will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).  Thereafter, prior to Closing, Seller shall provide to Buyer executed copies of the executed Reorganization Documents and reasonable evidence of the filing thereof, as applicable, in the applicable county records.

6.14 Employees

.   Schedule 6.14 contains a list of all Available Employees and includes each such employee’s job title or position.  From the Execution Date through Closing (the “ Employee Offer Period ”), Seller shall make available to Buyer and its Affiliates information regarding the base salary or hourly rate, as applicable, of each Available Employee and provide Buyer and its Affiliates reasonable access to the Available Employees for purposes of interviewing for employment such Available Employees.  During the Employee Offer Period, Buyer or its Affiliates may, but are not obligated to, make written offers of employment to each Available Employee, with such offers providing such Available Employees at least five days to either accept or reject such offers, with such offers conditioned upon the occurrence of the Closing and effective as of the Closing, and with such other terms as Buyer and its Affiliates may desire.  At the end of the Employee Offer Period, Buyer will promptly provide Seller a list of all Available Employees who received an offer of employment, including which Available Employees have accepted or rejected an offer of employment and any Available Employees who have time remaining to accept or reject an outstanding offer of employment.  Any Available Employee who accepts an offer and actually begins employment with Buyer or its Affiliates shall be referred to herein as a “ Transferred Employee ”.  Seller shall retain all responsibility for payment of all wages and benefits for each Available Employee who becomes a Transferred Employee through the Closing, including, without limitation, any severance or other compensation or benefits due any Transferred Employee.  The provisions of this Section 6.14 are solely for the benefit of the respective Parties to this Agreement and their Affiliates and nothing in this Section 6.14 , express or implied, shall confer upon any employee (or any dependent or beneficiary thereof), any rights or remedies, including any right to continuance of employment or any other service relationship with Buyer, Seller or any of their Affiliates, or any right to compensation or benefits of any nature or kind whatsoever under this Agreement.  Nothing in this Section 6.14 , express or implied, shall interfere with the right of Seller or Buyer or any of their Affiliates to terminate the employment or other service relationship of any employee at any time, or obligate Seller or Buyer or any of their Affiliates to adopt, enter into or maintain any employee benefit plan or other compensatory plan, program or arrangement at any time.  For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Section 6.14 , Hess Corporation is deemed an Affiliate of Buyer.

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6.15 Financial Statements

.  If financial statements of the Water Gathering Company or the business relating thereto are or would be required under Regulation S-X to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) or furnished to third parties in connection with any public filing or private or public offering of securities by Buyer or any of its Affiliates, Seller agrees that it shall, and shall cause each of its Affiliates to, use its respective commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with Buyer’s efforts to prepare such financial statements, including by (a) assisting Buyer and Buyer’s auditors in preparing such financial statements, (b) if requested by Buyer, using commercially reasonable efforts to cause Seller’s and its Affiliates’ independent auditors to deliver customary “comfort letters” in connection with such public offering, which comfort letters shall comply with the requirements of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board AU Section 634 (or any successor thereto) and cover such periods as are addressed by the applicable financial statements and (c) if requested by Buyer, providing such other information as is reasonably requested by Buyer or its applicable Affiliates, provided that such cooperation (i) will be provided at reasonable times and without unreasonable disruption to Seller’s and its Affiliates’ normal day-to-day activities, (ii) will not require Seller or any of its Affiliates to waive any attorney-client privilege or to violate any contractual obligation or any applicable Law and (iii) will not require any financial statements or other financial information to be prepared other than to the extent required by the rules and regulations of the SEC.  Buyer shall promptly, upon request by Seller from time to time, reimburse Seller for all reasonable, documented out-of-pocket costs incurred by Seller and its Affiliates in connection with such cooperation.

Article VII
BUYER’S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

The obligation of Buyer to consummate the Closing is subject to the fulfillment of each of the following conditions (except to the extent waived in writing by Buyer in its sole discretion):

7.1 Representations and Warranties

.   The representations and warranties made by Seller in Article III and in Article IV (disregarding all materiality and Material Adverse Effect qualifications contained therein) (a) shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (other than those representations and warranties that speak to an earlier date) and (b) in the case of representations and warranties that speak as to an earlier date, such representations and warranties (disregarding all materiality and Material Adverse Effect qualifications contained therein) shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, except in the case of the foregoing clause (a) and clause (b) , for any representations and warranties other than Fundamental Representations (which must be true and correct in all material respects), where the failure to be true and correct would not have or reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and would not have or reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

7.2 Performance

.  Seller and Tioga shall have performed and complied, in all material respects, with the agreements, covenants and obligations required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by Seller or Tioga at or before the Closing.

7.3 Officer’s Certificate

.  Seller shall have delivered to Buyer at the Closing an officer’s certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 7.1 and Section 7.2 .

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7.4 Orders and Laws

.  There shall not be (a) any Law restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (b) any Proceeding by a Person that is not an Affiliate of any of the Parties seeking monetary damages in excess of $1,000,000 in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

7.5 Closing Deliverables

.  Seller shall have delivered, or be ready, willing and able to deliver, the items required to be delivered by Seller pursuant to Section 2.4 .

7.6 Indebtedness; Distributions

.  Seller shall have fully complied (or be ready, willing and able to fully comply) with its obligations under Section 6.1(a) .

7.7 Hydrocarbon PSA Closing

.  Each of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the closing under the Hydrocarbon PSA has been satisfied by the parties thereto, and the parties thereto are ready, willing and able to (and do) close the transactions contemplated under the Hydrocarbon PSA immediately before the Closing of the transactions contemplated hereby.

7.8 Side Letter

.  The Side Letter shall remain in full force as to Tioga and shall not have been revoked by Tioga.

Article VIII
SELLER’S CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

The obligation of Seller to consummate the Closing is subject to the fulfillment of each of the following conditions (except to the extent waived in writing by Seller in its sole discretion):

8.1 Representations and Warranties

.  The representations and warranties made by Buyer in Article V (disregarding all materiality qualifications contained therein) (a) shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (other than those representations and warranties that speak to an earlier date) and (b) in the case of representations and warranties that speak as to an earlier date, such representations and warranties (disregarding all materiality qualifications contained therein) shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, except in the case of the foregoing clause (a) and clause (b) , for any representations and warranties other than Fundamental Representations (which must be true and correct in all material respects), where the failure to be true and correct would not have or reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

8.2 Performance

.  Buyer shall have performed and complied, in all material respects, with the agreements, covenants and obligations required by this Agreement to be so performed or complied with by Buyer at or before the Closing.

8.3 Officer’s Certificate

.  Buyer shall have delivered to Seller at the Closing a certificate of an officer of Buyer, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 8.1 and Section 8.2 .

8.4 Orders and Laws

.  There shall not be (a) any Law restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this

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Agreement or (b) any Proceeding by a Person that is not an Affiliate of any of the Parties seeking monetary damages in excess of $1,000,000 in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

8.5 Closing Deliverables

.  Buyer shall have delivered, or be ready, willing and able to deliver, the items required to be delivered by Buyer pursuant to Section 2.5 .

8.6 Hydrocarbon PSA Closing

.  Each of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the closing under the Hydrocarbon PSA has been satisfied by the parties thereto, and the parties thereto are ready, willing and able to (and do) close the transactions contemplated under the Hydrocarbon PSA immediately before the Closing of the transactions contemplated hereby.

8.7 Side Letter

.  The Side Letter shall remain in full force as to Tioga and shall not have been revoked by Tioga.

Article IX
TERMINATION

9.1 Right of Termination

.  Prior to Closing, this Agreement may be terminated:

(a) By written consent of Seller and Buyer;

(b) By Seller or Buyer if the Closing has not occurred before 90 days after the date hereof (the “ Outside Date ”);

(c) By Seller or Buyer if consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is enjoined, prohibited or otherwise restrained by the terms of any Law;

(d) By Seller if satisfaction of any of the conditions in Article VIII on or prior to the Outside Date is or becomes impossible (other than through failure of Seller to comply with its obligations under this Agreement); or  

(e) By Buyer if satisfaction of any of the conditions in Article VII on or prior to the Outside Date is or becomes impossible (other than through failure of Buyer to comply with its obligations under this Agreement).

A Party shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement under Section 9.1(b) , Section 9.1(d) or Section 9.1(e) if it is then in Willful Breach of this Agreement.

9.2 Effect of Termination

.

(a) I f any Party terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1 , all obligations and liabilities of the Parties under this Agreement shall terminate and become void and no Party shall have any further rights against the other Parties by virtue of this Agreement for breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement, except as provided in Sections 9.2(b) and 9.2(c) ; provided, however , that the terms of (and rights and obligations under) this Section 9.2 , Section 9.3 , Article I , Article X and Article XI (other than Section 11.3 and Section 11.12 ) shall remain in full force and effect and survive any termination of this Agreement.  Upon

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the termination of this Agreement, Seller shall be free immediately to enjoy all rights of ownership of Tioga, the Water Gathering Company, the Tioga Company Interests, the Water Company Interests and the Water Gathering Assets and to sell, transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of the same to any Person without any restriction under this Agreement.

(b) If at the time this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.1(b) or Section 9.1(d) or Seller has the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b) or Section 9.1(d) and (in either case) Buyer is in Willful Breach (or Hydrocarbon Buyer is in “Willful Breach” under the Hydrocarbon PSA and Seller has elected to terminate the Hydrocarbon PSA), then Seller shall be entitled to, at its option:

(i) terminate this Agreement and seek recovery of its damages up to an amount equal to 10% of the Base Purchase Price; or

(ii) other than if Seller has the right to terminate this Agreement under Section 9.1(b) and Hydrocarbon Buyer is in Willful Breach under the Hydrocarbon PSA and Seller has elected to terminate the Hydrocarbon PSA, seek specific performance of this Agreement; provided that if Seller’s suit for specific performance fails, with no further opportunity for appeal or Seller makes an irrevocable election not to appeal, then at such time Seller shall have the right to elect the recovery set forth in Section 9.2(b)(i) .

(c) If at the time this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.1(b) or Section 9.1(e) or Buyer has the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b) or Section 9.1(e) and (in either case) Seller is in Willful Breach or is in “Willful Breach” under the Hydrocarbon PSA and Hydrocarbon Buyer has elected to terminate the Hydrocarbon PSA, then Buyer shall be entitled to, at its option:

(i) terminate this Agreement and seek recovery of its damages up to an amount equal to 10% of the Base Purchase Price; or

(ii) other than if Buyer has the right to terminate this Agreement under Section 9.1(b) and Seller is in Willful Breach under the Hydrocarbon PSA and Hydrocarbon Buyer has elected to terminate the Hydrocarbon PSA, seek specific performance of this Agreement; provided that if Buyer’s suit for specific performance fails, with no further opportunity for appeal or Buyer makes an irrevocable election not to appeal, then at such time Buyer shall have the right to elect the recovery set forth in Section 9.2(c)(i) .

9.3 Return of Documentation

.  Upon termination of this Agreement, Buyer shall return to Seller all original (and destroy all copies of) title, engineering, geological and geophysical data, environmental assessments and reports, maps and other information furnished by or on behalf of Seller to Buyer or prepared by or on behalf of Buyer in connection with its due diligence investigation of Tioga, the Water Gathering Company, the Tioga Company Interests, the Water Company Interests and the Water Gathering Assets, and an officer of Buyer shall certify same to Seller in writing.

9.4 Confidentiality

.  The Confidentiality Agreement between Summit Midstream Partners, LP and Hess Infrastructure Partners LP dated November 12, 2018 (the “ Confidentiality

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Agreement ”) shall terminate on the Closing Date unless this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Article IX , in which case the Confidentiality Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

Article X
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY, WAIVERS AND ARBITRATION

10.1 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements

.  The representations and warranties of Seller and Buyer set forth in this Agreement and the right of an indemnified Person to assert any Claim for indemnification related thereto or for any other Loss pursuant to this Article X shall survive Closing for 12 months, after which applicable date and time no Claims for indemnification may be asserted, regardless of when such right arose; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the representations and warranties set forth in (a) Sections 3.1 , 3.2 , 3.3 , 3.4(a) , 3.16 , 4.1 , 4.2 , 4.3 , 4.4(a) , 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.6 and 5.7 (the “ Fundamental Representations ”) shall survive the Closing indefinitely, (b) the representations and warranties in Section 3.12 shall survive the Closing for two years, (c) the representations and warranties in Sections 3.13 , 3.17 , 4.5 and 5.8 shall survive the Closing until 60 days following the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, including any extension thereof, with respect to the particular matter that is the subject matter thereof, and (d) each of the representations and warranties in Section 5.9 shall survive the Closing until the expiration of the survival period of the applicable representation and warranty of Seller that is the subject thereof.  The covenants and agreements (other than the covenants and agreements contained in Section 6.2 ) of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing in accordance with their terms; provided , that the covenants and agreements contained in Section 6.2 shall survive the Closing until 60 days following the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, including any extension thereof; provided further , that the right of any Party to make a claim for breach of any covenant of a Party that is to be performed or satisfied on or prior to the Closing shall survive until the first anniversary of the Closing Date.  Seller’s indemnification obligations with respect to (i) Section 10.2(d) shall survive the Closing until 60 days following the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, including any extension thereof, with respect to the particular matter that is the subject matter thereof, (ii) Sections 10.2(f) , 10.2(g) , 10.2(h) and 10.2(i) shall survive the Closing for two years and (iii) Section 10.2(e) shall survive Closing indefinitely.

10.2 Indemnification of Buyer, Tioga and the Water Gathering Company by Seller

.  Subject to the limitations on recourse and recovery set forth in this Article X , from and after the Closing, Seller will indemnify, defend and hold harmless Buyer, Tioga, the Water Gathering Company and their respective Affiliates from and against any and all Losses imposed upon or incurred after the Closing in connection with, arising out of or resulting from:

(a) the inaccuracy or breach of any representation or warranty made by Seller in Article III or in the certificate delivered by Seller pursuant to Section 7.3 (each such inaccuracy or breach, a “ Company Warranty Breach ”);

(b) the inaccuracy or breach of any representation or warranty made by Seller in Article IV or in the certificate delivered by Seller pursuant to Section 7.3 (each such inaccuracy or breach, a “ Seller Warranty Breach ”);

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(c) any nonfulfillment or breach by Seller, Tioga or the Water Gathering Company of any covenant or agreement made by Seller, Tioga or the Water Gathering Company under this Agreement;

(d) any and all Seller Taxes;

(e) the Special Liabilities;

(f) all Claims asserted by any employee of Seller or its Affiliates or any other Person for illness, personal injury or death relating or attributable to the ownership or operation of the Assets prior to the Closing;

(g) any offsite waste disposal (including the disposal of any Hazardous Materials) to properties other than the Assets occurring prior to the Closing;

(h) any criminal (but not civil) liabilities, including criminal (but not civil) fines, sanctions or penalties, imposed or assessed as a result of the ownership, operation or use of the Water Gathering Assets prior to the Closing; and

(i) the Willful Misconduct of Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or any of their Affiliates with respect to operation of the Water Gathering Assets prior to Closing;

provided that solely for purposes of determining the amount of any Losses under subsections (a) and (b) above, any qualification or exception contained therein relating to materiality (including Material Adverse Effect) shall be disregarded.

10.3 Indemnification of Seller by Buyer

.  Subject to the limitations on recourse and recovery set forth in this Article X , from and after the Closing, Buyer shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Seller and its Affiliates from and against any and all Losses imposed upon or incurred after the Closing in connection with, arising out of or resulting from:

(a) the inaccuracy or breach of any representation or warranty made by Buyer in Article V or in the certificate delivered by Buyer pursuant to Section 8.3 (each such inaccuracy or breach, a “ Buyer Warranty Breach ”);

(b) any nonfulfillment or breach by Buyer of any covenant or agreement made by Buyer under this Agreement; and

(c) any and all liabilities associated with Tioga or the Water Gathering Business (except to the extent Seller as of such time has an indemnity obligation to Buyer with respect thereto);

provided that solely for purposes of determining the amount of any Losses under subsection (a) above, any qualification or exception contained therein relating to materiality (including Material Adverse Effect) shall be disregarded.

10.4 Limitations

.

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(a) Except for a Warranty Breach with respect to a Fundamental Representation or Sections 3.13 , 3.17 , 4.5 , or 5.8 , if any Claim for indemnification by Buyer, Tioga, the Water Gathering Company and their respective Affiliates or Seller relating to any Warranty Breach that is subject to indemnification under Sections 10.2(a) , 10.2(b) or 10.3(a) results in aggregate Losses that do not exceed $25,000 then such Losses shall not be deemed to be Losses under this Agreement and shall not be eligible for indemnification under this Article X .

(b) Except for a Company Warranty Breach or Seller Warranty Breach with respect to a Fundamental Representation or Sections 3.13 , 3.17 or 4.5 , Buyer, Tioga and the Water Gathering Company and their respective Affiliates shall be entitled to be indemnified pursuant to Sections 10.2(a) or 10.2(b) for Losses incurred for any Company Warranty Breach or Seller Warranty Breach (excluding any item or Loss below the threshold listed in Section 10.4(a)) only if and to the extent that the aggregate amount of all such Losses exceeds 1% of the Base Purchase Price, subject to the other limitations on recovery and recourse set forth in this Agreement.

(c) Except for a Company Warranty Breach or Seller Warranty Breach with respect to a Fundamental Representation or Sections 3.13 , 3.17 or 4.5 , Seller’s liability under Sections 10.2(a) and 10.2(b) will be limited, in the aggregate, to 15% of the sum of (i) the Base Purchase Price plus (ii) the difference between (A) the “Base Purchase Price” under the Hydrocarbon PSA minus (B) the aggregate amounts paid by Seller under Sections 10.2(a) and 10.2(b) of the Hydrocarbon PSA.  Under no circumstance will Seller’s liability for any Losses under Section 10.2 (other than liability for Losses under Section 10.2(a) for breach of the representations and warranties in Section 3.13 , Section 10.2(c) for breach of the covenants and agreements in Section 6.2 or under Section 10.2(d) or Section 10.2(e) ), including Losses with respect to a Fundamental Representation or Sections 3.12 , 3.17 or 4.5 , exceed the value of the proceeds received by Seller in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  Except for a Company Warranty Breach or Seller Warranty Breach with respect to a Fundamental Representation or Sections 3.13 , 3.17 or 4.5 , in no event shall Seller’s aggregate liability under Sections 10.2(a) and 10.2(b) and Sections 10.2(a) and 10.2(b) of the Hydrocarbon PSA exceed, in the aggregate, 15% of the sum of (x) the Base Purchase Price plus (y) the “Base Purchase Price” under the Hydrocarbon PSA.

(d) No indemnifying Person shall be liable for any Losses that are subject to indemnification under Sections 10.2 or 10.3 unless a written demand for indemnification under this Agreement is delivered by the indemnified Person to the indemnifying Person with respect thereto prior to 5:00 P.M. Central Time on the final date pursuant to Section 10.1 , to assert a Claim for indemnification on the basis asserted in such written demand.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Claim for indemnification under this Agreement that is brought prior to such time will survive until such matter is resolved.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, under no circumstances shall any Party be entitled to double recovery under this Agreement, and to the extent a Party is compensated for a matter through any adjustment to the Base Purchase Price or any third party recovery or insurance recovery actually received, such Party shall not have a separate right to indemnification for such matter.

10.5 Claims Procedures

.

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(a) Promptly after receipt by any indemnified Person of notice of the commencement or assertion of any Claim or Proceeding by a non-Affiliate third party or circumstances which, with the lapse of time, such indemnified Person believes is likely to give rise to a Claim or Proceeding by a non-Affiliate third party or of facts causing any indemnified Person to believe it has a Claim for indemnification hereunder (an “ Asserted Liability ”), such indemnified Person shall give written notice thereof (the “ Claims Notice ”) to the relevant indemnifying Person as promptly as reasonably practicable under the circumstances, provided that in any event, such indemnified Person shall give the Claims Notice to the indemnifying Person no later than 20 days after becoming aware of such Asserted Liability.  So long as the Claims Notice is given within the applicable survival period set forth in Section 10.1 , the failure to so notify the indemnifying Person shall not relieve the indemnifying Person of its obligations or liability hereunder, except to the extent such failure shall have actually prejudiced the indemnifying Person.  The Claims Notice shall describe the Asserted Liability in reasonable detail, shall indicate the amount (estimated, if necessary) of the Loss that has been or may be suffered, shall include a copy of all papers (if any) served with respect to the Claim or Proceeding and shall identify the specific basis under this Agreement for the Asserted Liability.  The indemnified Person and the indemnifying Person agree to keep each other reasonably appraised of any additional information obtained by such Person concerning any Asserted Liability.

(b) As to an Asserted Liability arising from a non-Affiliate third party action, the indemnifying Person shall be, subject to the limitations set forth in this Section 10.5 , entitled to assume control of and appoint lead counsel for such defense only for so long as it conducts such defense with reasonable diligence.  The indemnifying Person shall keep the indemnified Persons advised of the status of such non-Affiliate third party action and the defense thereof on a reasonably current basis and shall consider in good faith the recommendations made by the indemnified Persons with respect thereto.  If the indemnifying Person assumes the control of the defense of any non-Affiliate third party action in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10.5 , the indemnified Person shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any such non-Affiliate third party action and any applicable settlement thereof and to employ, at its expense, separate counsel of its choice for such purpose, it being understood, however, that the indemnifying Person shall continue to control such defense or such settlement; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnifying Person shall pay the reasonable costs and expenses of such defense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) of the indemnified Persons if (x) the indemnified Person’s outside counsel shall have reasonably concluded and advised in writing (with a copy to the indemnifying Person) that there are defenses available to such indemnified Person that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying Person, or (y) the indemnified Person’s outside counsel shall have advised in writing (with a copy to the indemnifying Person) the indemnified Person that there is a conflict of interest that would make it inappropriate under applicable standards of professional conduct to have common counsel for the indemnifying Person and the indemnified Person.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnifying Person shall obtain the prior written consent of the indemnified Person before entering into any settlement, compromise, admission or acknowledgement of the validity of such Asserted Liability if the settlement requires an admission of guilt or wrongdoing on the party of the indemnified Person, subjects the indemnified Person to criminal liability or does not unconditionally release the indemnified Person from all liabilities and obligations with respect to such Asserted Liability or the settlement imposes injunctive or other equitable relief against, or any continuing obligation or payment requirement on, the indemnified Person.  If the indemnifying Person does not elect to

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assume control of the defense of such non-Affiliate third party action, then the indemnified Person shall have the right to defend against such non-Affiliate third party action at the sole cost and expense of the indemnifying Person, with counsel of the indemnifying Person’s choosing (subject to the right of the indemnifying Person to elect to control the defense of such non-Affiliate third party action at any time prior to settlement or final determination thereof).  Any settlement of such non-Affiliate third party action by the indemnified Person shall require the consent of the indemnifying Person (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless the settlement is solely for money damages and results in a final resolution.

(c) Each Party shall cooperate in the defense or prosecution of any Asserted Liability arising from a non-Affiliate third party action and shall furnish or cause to be furnished such records, information and testimony (subject to any applicable confidentiality agreement), and attend such conferences, discovery proceedings, hearings, trials or appeals as may be reasonably requested in connection therewith.

10.6 Waiver of Other Representations

.

(a) NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, ABSENT ACTUAL (BUT NOT CONSTRUCTIVE) FRAUD, IT IS THE EXPLICIT INTENT OF EACH PARTY, AND THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE, THAT NEITHER SELLER, TIOGA NOR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE 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 TIOGA COMPANY INTERESTS, THE WATER COMPANY INTERESTS, THE WATER GATHERING ASSETS, TIOGA OR THE WATER GATHERING COMPANY, OR ANY PART THEREOF, EXCEPT THOSE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY CONTAINED IN ARTICLE III AND ARTICLE IV .  

(b) EXCEPT THOSE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY CONTAINED IN ARTICLE III AND ARTICLE IV , ABSENT ACTUAL (BUT NOT CONSTRUCTIVE) FRAUD, SELLER’S TIOGA COMPANY INTERESTS AND WATER COMPANY INTERESTS ARE BEING TRANSFERRED THROUGH THE SALE OF THE TIOGA COMPANY INTERESTS AND THE WATER COMPANY INTERESTS “AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH ALL FAULTS,” AND SELLER, TIOGA AND THEIR AFFILIATES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE CONDITION, VALUE OR QUALITY OF TIOGA, THE WATER GATHERING COMPANY AND THE WATER GATHERING ASSETS OR THE PROSPECTS (FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE), RISKS AND OTHER INCIDENTS OF TIOGA, THE WATER GATHERING COMPANY AND THE WATER GATHERING ASSETS.

10.7 Waiver of Remedies

.

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(a) Other than for instances of actual fraud or under the other Transaction Documents and, without limiting the generality of the following with respect to the liability of Seller, excluding any Claims between Tioga and the Water Gathering Company, the Parties hereby agree that from and after Closing no Party shall have any liability, and no Party nor any of their respective Affiliates shall make any Claim, for any Loss or any other matter, under, relating to or arising out of this Agreement (including breach of representation, warranty, covenant or agreement) or any other Contract or other matter delivered pursuant hereto, or the transactions contemplated hereby, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, other Laws or otherwise, except for a claim for indemnification pursuant to Article X , and, in the case of Section 6.15 , the exercise of the right to enforce specific performance specified in Section 11.12 .

(b) NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF ACTUAL FRAUD, NO PARTY NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING (“ NON-REIMBURSABLE DAMAGES ”): SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES (INCLUDING ANY DAMAGES ON ACCOUNT OF LOST PROFITS OR OPPORTUNITIES, OR LOST OR DELAYED BUSINESS BASED ON VALUATION METHODOLOGIES ASCRIBING A DECREASE IN VALUE TO TIOGA OR THE WATER GATHERING COMPANY, ON THE BASIS OF A MULTIPLE OF A REDUCTION IN A MULTIPLE-BASED OR YIELD-BASED MEASURE OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE), WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OTHER LAW OR OTHERWISE AND WHETHER OR NOT ARISING FROM THE OTHER PARTY’S OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES’ SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER FAULT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, ANY AMOUNTS PAYABLE TO NON-AFFILIATE THIRD PARTIES PURSUANT TO A CLAIM BY A NON-AFFILIATE THIRD PARTY SHALL NOT BE DEEMED NON-REIMBURSABLE DAMAGES.

10.8 Access to Information and Assets; Transition of Operations

.   

(a) Until the earlier of the Closing or the termination of this Agreement, at all reasonable times, Seller will (and will cause Tioga and the Water Gathering Company to), to the fullest extent permissible under applicable Laws and Contracts of Tioga and the Water Gathering Company, make available to Buyer and Buyer’s authorized Representatives (i) for examination as Buyer may reasonably request, the Water Gathering Assets, including all of the books, records, documents, instruments, accounts, correspondence, writings, evidences of title and other papers and electronic files relating to the Water Gathering Business or the Water Gathering Assets (other than any income Tax records of Seller) in Seller’s or Seller’s Affiliates’ possession or the possession of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company (the “ Records ”) and the Assets and (ii) access to the relevant employees of and data held by the Summit Companies as is necessary for Buyer to fully transition operation of the Water Gathering Business (including its operation independent of the services and assets covered by the Operations Services) from Seller to Buyer by the Closing Date; provided , that Buyer shall not unreasonably interfere with the day‑to‑day operations of the business of Tioga or the Water Gathering Company and shall provide written notice to Seller at least two Business Days prior to any site visit on the Water Gathering Assets by Buyer or Buyer’s authorized Representatives. Buyer’s examination shall not include any invasive sampling or testing or analysis without the prior written consent of Seller, which consent can be withheld in Seller’s sole discretion.  All such examinations conducted by Buyer or any

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Representative of Buyer shall be conducted at Buyer’s sole cost, risk and expense.   Upon completion of Buyer’s examination , Buyer shall at its sole cost and expense and without any cost or expense to Seller or its Affiliates (i) repair all damage done to the Water Gathering Assets in connection with Buyer’s and/or any of Buyer’s Representatives’ examinations , (ii) restore the Water Gathering Assets to the approximate same condition as, or better condition than, they were prior to commencement of any such examinations and (iii) remove all equipment, tools and other property brought onto the Water Gathering Assets in connection with such examinations . Any disturbance to the Water Gathering Assets resulting from such examinations will be promptly corrected by Buyer at Buyer’s sole cost and expense.

(b) After the Closing Date, Tioga, the Water Gathering Company, Seller and Buyer shall grant each other (or their respective designees), and Buyer shall cause the Water Gathering Company to grant to Seller (or its designee), access at all reasonable times to the Records, and shall afford such party the right (at such party’s expense) to take extracts therefrom and to make copies thereof, to the extent reasonably necessary to implement the provisions of, or to investigate or defend any Claims regarding Taxes with respect to Tioga and the Water Gathering Company.  Buyer shall maintain, and shall cause Tioga or the Water Gathering Company to maintain, the Records until the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date.

(c) Buyer and its Representatives shall abide by Seller’s, Tioga’s, the Water Gathering Company’s and any non-Party operator’s safety rules provided to Buyer while conducting its evaluation of the Water Gathering Assets in accordance with this Section 10.8 , including any environmental or other inspection of the Water Gathering Assets.  Except for any matters discovered by Buyer or its Representatives which, if known or discovered prior to the date hereof would have been required to have been listed on Schedule 3.12 or another Schedule to this Agreement, Buyer hereby defends, indemnifies and holds harmless the Seller Group from and against any and all Claims arising out of, resulting from or relating to any field visit, environmental assessment or other activity conducted by Buyer or any of its Representatives with respect to the Water Gathering Assets.  Such indemnity obligation shall apply even if such Claims arise out of, result from or relate to the sole, joint or concurrent negligence, strict liability or other fault of any member of the Seller Group or its Representatives, but excluding in each case, Claims arising out of, resulting from or relating to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any member of the Seller Group or its Representatives.    

10.9 Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

.

(a) Except with respect to the establishment of the Purchase Price as set forth in Section 2.6 , in the event of any dispute, controversy or Claim among the Parties, or any of them, arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach or invalidity thereof (including the enforcement of the process required by Section 2.6 ) (collectively, a “ Dispute ”), the Parties shall attempt in the first instance to resolve such Dispute through consultations between senior management of the Parties.  The Parties agree to attempt to resolve all Disputes arising hereunder promptly, equitably and in a good faith manner.  The Parties further agree to provide each other with reasonable access during normal business hours to any and all non-privileged records, information and data pertaining to such Dispute, upon reasonable advance notice.

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(b) If such consultations do not result in a resolution of the Dispute within 30 Business Days after written notice by a Party to the other Parties describing the Dispute and requesting resolution, then the Dispute may be submitted by any Party to binding arbitration pursuant to the terms of Section 10.10 , irrespective of the magnitude thereof, the amount in dispute or whether such Dispute would otherwise be considered justifiable or ripe for resolution by any court or arbitral tribunal, by giving written notice thereof to the other Parties; provided , however , that in no event shall a Party have the right to submit the Dispute to arbitration if the institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such Dispute would be barred by any applicable statute of limitations or Section 10.1 .

(c) Any Dispute shall be resolved exclusively and finally by binding arbitration in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.10 .

10.10 Arbitration Procedures

.

(a) Any Party electing to initiate arbitration of a Dispute shall designate its nomination for an arbitrator in its notice to the other Party electing to submit the Dispute to arbitration.  Each Party receiving such notice shall, within ten Business Days thereafter, by return written notice to all Parties, state whether it will accept such nomination, or decline to accept it and designate its nomination for an arbitrator.  One arbitrator shall control the proceedings if such nomination of an arbitrator is accepted by all Parties or if the receiving Party fails to nominate an arbitrator within the required ten Business Day period.  If the receiving Party timely nominates an arbitrator, the arbitral tribunal shall consist of three arbitrators, with one arbitrator being selected by Seller and one arbitrator being selected by Buyer, within five Business Days after the expiration of the ten-Business Day period reference above, and the two selected arbitrators choosing a third arbitrator, which third arbitrator must be a Person with the requisite knowledge and experience to make a fair and informed determination with respect to the matter in dispute, which Person shall not be an Affiliate of any Party, nor an employee, director, officer, shareholder, owner, partner, agent or a contractor of any Party or of any Affiliate of any Party, either presently or at any time during the previous two years.  In the event the arbitrators fail to appoint the third arbitrator within 30 days (or such longer time period as agreed to by the Parties) after they have accepted their appointment, the third arbitrator (meeting the qualifications specified in the preceding sentence) shall be appointed by the Houston office of the American Arbitration Association within ten Business Days after the expiration of such 30-day period.  The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, as supplemented to the extent necessary to determine any procedural appeal questions by the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9 of the United Stated Code).  If there is an inconsistency between Section 10.10 and the Commercial Arbitration Rules (the “ Rules ”) or the Federal Arbitration Act, the provisions of this Section 10.10 shall prevail.

(b) Within ten Business Days after the selection of the arbitrator(s), each Party shall submit to the arbitrator(s) such Party’s position with respect to the Dispute, which such position statement shall not conflict with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, together with supporting data, if any.  Within 30 days after the position statements are submitted, the arbitrator(s) shall hold a hearing during which the Parties may present evidence in support of their respective proposals.  The arbitrator(s) may also order discovery pursuant to the Rules.  The arbitrator(s) (by majority rule if there are three arbitrators) will determine the outcome of the Dispute.  The cost of

55


 

the arbitration shall be split between the Parties equally and each Party shall pay for one ‑half of the costs.

(c) The place of arbitration shall be Houston, Texas, unless in any particular case the Parties agree upon a different venue.

(d) The arbitrator(s) shall have no right or authority to grant or award Non-Reimbursable Damages, except as permitted by Section 10.7(b) .

(e) Any decision of the arbitrator(s) pursuant to this Section 10.10 shall be final and binding upon the Parties and shall be reached within 90 days after proposals for resolution of the Dispute have been submitted (or such longer time period as agreed to by the Parties).  The Parties agree that the arbitral award may be enforced against the Parties to the arbitration proceeding or their assets wherever they may be found and that a judgment upon the arbitral award may be entered in any court having competent jurisdiction thereof.  The Parties expressly submit to the jurisdiction of any such court.  The Parties hereby waive, to the extent permitted by Law, any rights to appeal or to review of such award by any court or tribunal.

(f) When any Dispute occurs and is the subject of consultations or arbitration, the Parties shall continue to make payments of undisputed amounts in accordance with this Agreement, and the Parties shall otherwise continue to exercise their rights and fulfill their respective obligations under this Agreement.

(g) Consolidation of Arbitration .  To the extent that any arbitration is commenced pursuant to this Agreement and the Dispute alleged in such arbitration proceeding relates to any matters that would be covered by the guarantee delivered by Summit Midstream Partners, LP in favor of Buyer as of the Execution Date, the Parties agree that any arbitration proceeding commenced pursuant to such guarantee shall be consolidated with such arbitration proceeding commenced pursuant to this Agreement into a single proceeding before the arbitrator(s) appointed in accordance with this Section 10.10 . This Section 10.10(g) is expressly intended to afford the arbitrator(s) under such guarantee and/or this Agreement greater flexibility and discretion to consolidate related arbitration claims and proceedings as it deems appropriate, so that related claims and proceedings may be combined within a single proceeding, than is otherwise afforded under the Rules.

10.11 Losses

.  The Losses giving rise to any indemnification obligation hereunder shall be limited to the Losses suffered by the indemnified Persons .  The amount of any Losses for which any of Buyer, Tioga, the Water Gathering Company or any of their respective Affiliates is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement or in connection with or with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be reduced by any corresponding insurance proceeds actually received by such indemnified Person from any of the insurance policies listed on Schedule 3.22 .

10.12 Tax Treatment

.  To the extent permitted by applicable Law, Buyer and Seller agree to report each indemnification payment made under this Article X in respect of a Loss as an adjustment to the Purchase Price for U.S. federal and applicable state income Tax purposes.

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10.13 Express Negligence

.  THE PARTIES INTEND THAT THE INDEMNITIES SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE X (AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS AGREEMENT) BE CONSTRUED AND APPLIED AS WRITTEN IN THIS AGREEMENT, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY RULE OF CONSTRUCTION TO THE CONTRARY.  WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, SUCH INDEMNITIES WILL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING ANY STATE’S “EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE” OR SIMILAR RULE THAT WOULD DENY COVERAGE BASED ON AN INDEMNIFIED PARTY’S SOLE OR CONCURRENT, ACTIVE OR PASSIVE NEGLIGENCE, EXCLUDING ANY PARTY’S OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES’ GROSS NEGLIGENCE.  IT IS THE INTENT OF THE PARTIES THAT, TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED ABOVE, THE INDEMNITIES SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE X (AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS AGREEMENT) WILL APPLY TO AN INDEMNIFIED PARTY’S SOLE OR CONCURRENT, ACTIVE OR PASSIVE NEGLIGENCE, BUT EXCLUDING ANY PARTY’S OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES’ GROSS NEGLIGENCE.  THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THIS PROVISION IS “CONSPICUOUS” FOR PURPOSES OF ALL STATE LAWS.

Article XI
MISCELLANEOUS

11.1 Notices

.

(a) Unless this Agreement specifically requires otherwise, any notice, demand or request provided for in this Agreement, or served, given or made in connection with it, shall be in writing and shall be deemed properly served, given or made if delivered in person or sent by electronic e-mail delivery (including delivery of a document in Portable Document Format) (provided that for notices sent by e-mail that confirmation of receipt of such e-mail is requested and received, excluding automatic-read receipts, and which confirmation shall be provided reasonably promptly following receipt), by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service that provides a receipt of delivery, in each case, to the Parties at the addresses specified below:

If to Seller, to:

Meadowlark Midstream Company, LLC
5910 N. Central Expressway, Suite 350
Dallas, TX 75206
Attn: Brock Degeyter
E-mail:   bdegeyter@summitmidstream.com

If to Tioga or to the Water Gathering Company prior to Closing, to:

Tioga Midstream, LLC
5910 N. Central Expressway, Suite 350
Dallas, TX 75206
Attn: Brock Degeyter
E-mail:   bdegeyter@summitmidstream.com

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If to Buyer (or to Tioga or the Water Gathering Company from and after the Closing), to:

Hess Infrastructure Partners LP
1501 McKinney Street
Houston, TX 77010
Attn: Michael Frailey
E-mail: michael.frailey@hess.com

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

Hess Infrastructure Partners LP
1501 McKinney Street
Houston, TX 77010
Attn: J. Chad Newton
E-mail: cnewton@hess.com

or at such other address as a Party may designate by written notice to the other Parties in the manner provided in this Section 11.1 .

(b) Notice given by personal delivery, mail or overnight courier pursuant to this Section 11.1 shall be effective upon physical receipt if such date is a Business Day and if received before 5:00 P.M. Central Time, or the next succeeding Business Day if received after 5:00 P.M. Central Time on any Business Day or during a non-Business Day.  Notice given by electronic transmission pursuant to this Section 11.1 shall be effective as of the date of confirmed delivery if delivered before 5:00 P.M. Central Time on any Business Day or the next succeeding Business Day if confirmed delivery is after 5:00 P.M. Central Time on any Business Day or during any non-Business Day.

11.2 Entire Agreement

.  This Agreement, the Exhibits and Schedules hereto, together with the Hydrocarbon PSA, the Confidentiality Agreement and the Transaction Documents, supersede all prior discussions, understanding, negotiations and agreements, whether oral or written, between the Parties and/or their respective Affiliates with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and collectively contain the sole and entire agreement between the Parties and their respective Affiliates hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

11.3 Expenses

.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, each Party shall pay all costs and expenses it has incurred or will incur in anticipation of, relating to and in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any legal fees and other costs incurred in connection with a dispute conducted under Section 2.6(b) ); provided , however , that each of Seller, on the one hand, and Buyer and Hydrocarbon Buyer, on the other hand, shall pay one-half of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred by Seller or its Affiliates to unaffiliated third parties (other than employees of Seller or its Affiliates) in connection with the Reorganization Transactions; provided , further , that notwithstanding the foregoing Buyer, Hydrocarbon Buyer and/or their Affiliates shall not be required to pay more than $50,000 (in the aggregate under this Agreement and the Hydrocarbon

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PSA) with respect to the legal fees of Seller and/or its Affiliates related to the Reorganization Transactions contemplated under this Agreement or the Hydrocarbon PSA.

11.4 Disclosure

. Tioga and Seller may, at their option, include in the Schedules items that are not material, and any such inclusion, or any references to dollar amounts, shall not be deemed to be an acknowledgment or representation that such items are material, to establish any standard of materiality or to define further the meaning of such terms for purposes of this Agreement.

11.5 Waiver

.  Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the Party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the Party waiving such term or condition.  No waiver by either Party of any term or condition of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a waiver of the same or any other term or condition of this Agreement on any future occasion.

11.6 Amendment

.  This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified only by a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the Parties.

11.7 No Third Party Beneficiary

.  Except for the provisions of Article X , the terms and provisions of this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors or permitted assigns, and it is not the intention of the Parties to confer third party beneficiary rights upon any other Person. Only a Party and its successors and permitted assigns will have the right to enforce the provisions of this Agreement on its own behalf or on behalf of any of its related indemnified parties under this Agreement (but shall not be obligated to do so).

11.8 Assignment; Binding Effect

.  Neither this Agreement nor any right, interest or obligation hereunder may be assigned by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt to do so will be void, except for assignments and transfers by operation of Law.  Subject to this Section 11.8 , this Agreement is binding upon, inures to the benefit of and is enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  

11.9 Invalid Provisions

.  If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any adverse manner to any of Seller or Buyer.  Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.

11.10 Counterparts

.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  Any PDF copies hereof or signature hereon shall, for all purposes, be deemed originals.

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11.11 Governing Law; Enforcement, Jury Trial Waiver

.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED, CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OR CHOICE OF LAW PROVISION THAT WOULD RESULT IN THE IMPOSITION OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION’S LAW.  THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS SHALL GOVERN ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY, REMEDY OR CLAIM BETWEEN THE PARTIES ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THE EXISTENCE, VALIDITY, PERFORMANCE, OR BREACH THEREOF.  WITH RESPECT TO ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, INCLUDING THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE IN SECTIONS 10.9 AND 10.10 AND ANY ARBITRATION AWARD, BUT WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE TERMS OF SECTIONS 10.9 AND 10.10 , EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY.

11.12 Specific Performance

.  Each Party hereby acknowledges and agrees that the rights of each Party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are special, unique and of extraordinary character and that, if any Party violates or fails or refuses to perform any covenant or agreement made by it herein, the non-breaching Party may be without an adequate remedy at law.  If any Party violates or fails or refuses to perform any covenant or agreement made by such Party herein, the non-breaching Party, in addition to any remedy at law for damages or other relief, may (at any time prior to the earlier of valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article IX and Closing or with respect to Section 6.15 , after Closing) institute and prosecute an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce specific performance of such covenant or agreement or seek any other equitable relief, and the breaching Party hereby waives any requirements for the posting of any bond or other security or the proof of actual damages in connection with such action.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officer of each party as of the date first above written.

Meadowlark Midstream Company, LLC

 

/s/ Leonard Mallett

 

 

By:
Name: Leonard Mallett

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer

Title:President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer

 

 

Tioga Midstream, LLC

 

/s/ Leonard Mallett

 

 

By:
Name: Leonard Mallett

 

Title:

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer

 



SIGNATURE PAGE
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT


 

Hess Infrastructure Partners LP

By: Hess Infrastructure Partners GP LLC,

       its general partner

 

/s/ John Gatling

 

 

By:
Name: John Gatling
Title: Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE PAGE
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT


 

Solely for purposes of Section 10.4(c) :

 

Hess North Dakota Pipelines LLC

/s/ John Gatling

 

 

By:
Name: John Gatling
Title: Vice President

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE PAGE
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT


 

EXHIBIT A
COMPANY ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

Attached.

 

 


 

EXHIBIT B
WATER GATHERING
SYSTEM

Attached.

 


 

SCHEDULE 1.1-CP

DETERMINATION OF CONTINGENCY PAYMENTS FOR WATER GATHERING ASSETS

1. Definitions .  Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Schedule 1.1-CP shall have the meanings given to them in the Purchase and Sale Agreement to which this Schedule is attached (the “ Purchase Agreement ”).  In addition, the following terms as used herein shall have the following meanings:

Barrel ” means forty-two (42) Gallons.

Future Well ” means any new wells drilled, completed and turned in line for sales within lands described and depicted on Attachment I to this Schedule 1.1-CP by Hess Corporation or any of its Affiliates, during the period beginning January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2023.

Gallon ” means a United States gallon of 231 cubic inches of liquid at sixty degrees (60 o ) Fahrenheit and at the equilibrium pressure of the liquid.

Sale of the Water Gathering Company Transaction ” means (a) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Water Gathering Company to a Person that is not an Affiliate of Hess Corp. or (b) any other transaction (including a stock sale, merger, consolidation, recapitalization or other transaction) after which the Water Gathering Company is no longer an Affiliate of Hess Corp.

Water Contingency Payment Amount ” means, with respect to each Water Contingency Payment Period:

(a) subject to clause (b) of this definition, the product of (A) the aggregate volume of produced water (in Barrels) produced by each Future Well (as measured by the meter at the applicable well pad) during the Water Contingency Payment Period multiplied by (B) a gathering rate equal to $0.45 per Barrel.

(b) Notwithstanding clause (a) above, the aggregate Water Contingency Payment Amounts payable pursuant to this Schedule shall not exceed the Water Maximum Contingency Payment, and if the aggregate Water Contingency Payment Amounts paid hereunder equals the Water Maximum Contingency Payment, no further Water Contingency Payment Amount shall be payable hereunder.

Water Contingency Payment Period ” means each of the following: (a) the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2019; (b) the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2020; (c) the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2021 and ending on December 31, 2021; (d) the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2022 and ending on December 31, 2022; and (e) the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2023 and ending on December 31, 2023.

Water Maximum Contingency Payment ” means $3,180,000.


 

2. Payment o f Water Contingency Payment Amounts .  Except to the extent that a Dispute relating to any Water Contingency Payment Amount has not been resolved prior thereto, on or before April 1 of the calendar year immediately succeeding each Water Contingency Payment Period, Buyer shall deliver to Seller, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by Seller prior to such date, the Water Contingency Payment Amount attributable to such Water Contingency Payment Period (not to exceed an aggregate amount payable hereunder equal to the Water Maximum Contingency Payment).

3. Water Contingency Payment Notice . As promptly as practicable after the end of each Water Contingency Payment Period (until Buyer has paid the Water Maximum Contingency Payment hereunder), Buyer shall issue to Seller a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail Buyer’s calculations of the Water Contingency Payment Amount for such Water Contingency Payment Period, together with reasonable supporting documentation (a “ Water Contingency Payment Notice ”).

4. Water Contingency Payment Objection Notice .  During the period beginning on Seller’s receipt of the Water Contingency Payment Notice and ending 60 days after Seller’s receipt of the Water Contingency Payment Notice, Buyer shall provide Seller and its representatives reasonable access to information reasonably requested by Seller in connection with Buyer’s preparation of the Water Contingency Payment Notice.  If Seller disagrees with Buyer’s calculation of the Water Contingency Payment Amount as set forth in any Water Contingency Payment Notice, Seller may, within 60 days after its receipt of the Water Contingency Payment Notice, issue to Buyer a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail its calculations of the Water Contingency Payment Amount for such Water Contingency Payment Period, together with reasonable supporting documentation (an “ Water Contingency Payment Objection Notice ”).  The Water Contingency Payment Objection Notice shall specify those items or amounts with respect to Buyer’s calculations of the Water Contingency Payment Amount as to which Seller disagrees and shall describe in reasonable detail the basis for its disagreement with Buyer’s calculations of such items or amounts.  Seller shall be deemed to have agreed to all items and amounts contained in the Water Contingency Payment Notice that Seller does not address in its Water Contingency Payment Objection Notice.  If Seller fails to deliver a Water Contingency Payment Objection Notice within such 60-day period, Buyer’s calculations in the Water Contingency Payment Notice shall be final and binding.  If a Water Contingency Payment Objection Notice is timely delivered by Seller, such dispute shall be a Dispute governed by Section 10.9 of the Purchase Agreement.  Promptly following the resolution of the Dispute relating to such Water Contingency Payment Notice pursuant to agreement or arbitration under Section 10.9 of the Purchase Agreement, Buyer shall promptly deliver to Seller, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by Seller prior to such date, any Water Contingency Payment Amount determined to be owing for such Water Contingency Payment Period.

5. Sale of the Water Gathering Company Transaction .  The Parties agree that no Sale of the Water Gathering Company Transaction shall relieve Buyer of any of its obligations under this Schedule 1.1-CP .



 

ATTACHMENT I

[See attached.]

 

 

EXHIBIT 10.3

Execution Version

Amendment No. 1 to Contribution Agreement

 

This Amendment No. 1 (the “ Amendment ”) to that certain Contribution Agreement between Summit Midstream Partners Holdings, LLC (“ SMP Holdings ”) and Summit Midstream Partners, LP (“ Summit MLP ”), dated February 25, 2016 (the “ Contribution Agreement ”), is made and entered into as of February 25, 2019, by and between SMP Holdings and Summit MLP, who shall hereinafter be collectively referred to as the “ Parties .”  Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Contribution Agreement.

 

Recitals

WHEREAS, Summit MLP is proposing to sell the Tioga Gathering System to third parties, pursuant to the Tioga Purchase Agreements (as defined below);

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to amend the Contribution Agreement, to, inter alia, account for the sale of the Tioga Gathering System and to fix the amount of the Remaining Consideration;

WHEREAS, Section 10.6 of the Contribution Agreement provides that Summit MLP cannot execute any amendment, supplement or modification of the Contribution Agreement without the consent or approval of the Conflicts Committee;

WHEREAS, the Conflicts Committee of Summit MLP, by unanimous vote, has approved this Amendment;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements contained in this Amendment, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties do hereby agree as follows:

1. With effect from the Effective Time (as defined below), the Contribution Agreement shall be amended by deleting the defined terms “ Business Adjusted EBITDA ,” “ Cumulative G&A Adjuster ” and “ G&A Adjuster ”.

2. With effect from the Effective Time, the Contribution Agreement shall be amended by adding the following defined terms to the list of defined terms included in Section 1.1 of the Contribution Agreement:

2019 Prepayment ” means a cash payment in the amount of $100.0 million.

Tioga Closings ” means occurrence of the “Closing” (as that term is defined in the applicable Tioga Purchase Agreement) under both of the Tioga Purchase Agreements and receipt by Summit MLP (or any of its subsidiaries) of an aggregate of $90,000,000 in cash consideration, subject to adjustment as provided thereunder.

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Tioga Purchase Agreements ” means (1) that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement between and among Meadowlark, Tioga and Hess North Dakota Pipelines, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, pursuant to which Meadowlark has agreed to sell 100% of the equity interests of Tioga Hydrocarbon Gathering Company, LLC , and thereby dispose of the crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids gathering systems comprised of approximately 153 miles of pipeline and its associated LACTs, meters, pumps, valves, fittings, equipment, personal property and related facilities and appurtenances used for transporting hydrocarbons that is currently owned and operated by Tioga in Williams County, North Dakota and (2) that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement between and among Meadowlark, Tioga and Hess Infrastructure Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership, pursuant to which Meadowlark has agreed to sell 100% of the equity interests of Tioga and 100% of the equity interests of Tioga Water Gathering Company, LLC, and thereby dispose of, among other things, the produced water gathering system comprised of approximately 83 miles of pipeline and its associated LACTs, meters, pumps, valves, fittings, equipment, personal property and related facilities and appurtenances used for transporting produced water that is currently owned and operated by Tioga in Williams County, North Dakota.

3. With effect from the Effective Time, the defined term “ Remaining Consideration ” in the Contribution Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

Remaining Consideration ” means an amount equal to $303,500,000.00.

4. With effect from the Effective Time, Section 2.2 of the Contribution Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

2.2 Consideration .  As consideration for the contribution of the OpCo Interests, Summit MLP (a) has previously paid the Cash Consideration to SMP Holdings, which amount was adjusted pursuant to Section 2.6 by the 2016 Consideration Adjustment Amount of -$569,175, (b) shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Tioga Closings, deliver the 2019 Prepayment to SMP Holdings, and (c) shall deliver (or cause to be delivered) to SMP Holdings the Remaining Consideration in one or more payments over the period from March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (provided that no less than 50% of the Remaining Consideration shall be paid on or before June 30, 2020) in (i) cash in immediately available funds by wire transfer to an account specified by SMP Holdings, (ii) Common Units or (iii) a combination of cash and Common Units; provided that interest shall accrue at a rate of 8% per annum on any portion of the Remaining Consideration that remains unpaid after March 31, 2020 (collectively, with such accrued interest, the “ Consideration ”).  The form(s) of Remaining Consideration to be delivered by Summit MLP to SMP Holdings shall be determined by Summit MLP in its sole discretion; provided, however, that if Summit MLP chooses to make one or more payments, or any portion thereof, by delivering Common Units, such Common Units shall be valued at a per Common Unit price equal to the volume weighted daily average price of the Common Units for the ten trading days ending one trading day prior to the date of any such payment, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (or any applicable successor exchange).

5. This Amendment has been duly executed as of February 25, 2019, but the amendments to the Contribution Agreement set forth herein shall only become effective immediately following the Tioga Closings (the “ Effective Time ”).  In the event that either (a) one or both of the Tioga Purchase Agreements is terminated prior to the “Closing” under and as defined therein, or (b) both

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Tioga Closings do not occur before May 24, 2019 , this Amendment shall automatically terminate , become void and have no effect , a nd the Contribution Agreement, without modification by this Amendment, shall control .

6. No Waiver; Effect of Amendment .  Except as expressly stated herein, this Amendment shall not by implication or otherwise limit, impair, constitute a waiver of, or otherwise modify the rights and remedies of the Parties to the Contribution Agreement, and except as expressly amended hereby, the Contribution Agreement is hereby confirmed and ratified and shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.    From and after the Effective Time, each reference in the Contribution Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereof,” “hereunder,” “herein,” “hereby” or words of like import referring to the Contribution Agreement shall mean and be a reference to the Contribution Agreement as amended by this Amendment.

7. Counterparts .  This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Amendment. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Amendment by telefacsimile, by electronic mail in “portable document format” (“.pdf”) form, or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document, shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Amendment.

8. CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER .  THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED, CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OR CHOICE OF LAW PROVISION THAT WOULD RESULT IN THE IMPOSITION OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION’S LAW. THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY, REMEDY OR CLAIM BETWEEN THE PARTIES ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS AMENDMENT, INCLUDING THE EXISTENCE, VALIDITY, PERFORMANCE, OR BREACH THEREOF. WITH RESPECT TO ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AMENDMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, BUT WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE TERMS OF PARAGRAPH 9 BELOW, EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY.

9. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration; Additional Miscellaneous Terms .  The provisions of Section 1.2, Section 7.9, Section 7.10 and Article X of the Contribution Agreement shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Amendment, and to the Contribution Agreement as modified by this Amendment, taken together as a single agreement, reflecting the terms as modified hereby.

 

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Summit Midstream Partners

Summit Midstream Partners, LP

Holdings, LLC

By:  Summit Midstream GP, LLC

 

/s/ Brock M. Degeyter

 

/s/ Leonard Mallett

 

 

By:   By:  

 

Name:  Brock M. Degeyter Name:   Leonard Mallett

Title:  Executive Vice President, General Title:   President, Chief Executive Officer

Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Operations Officer

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EXHIBIT 10.4

Execution Version

EQUITY RESTRUCTURING AGREEMENT

This EQUITY RESTRUCTURING AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of February 25, 2019, is entered into by and among Summit Midstream Partners, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ SMLP ”), Summit Midstream GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of SMLP (the “ General Partner ”), and Summit Midstream Partners Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the sole member of the General Partner (“ Holdings ”). SMLP, the General Partner and Holdings are individually referred to herein as a “ party ” and collectively as the “ parties ”.

WHEREAS, the General Partner owns all of the Incentive Distribution Rights of, and an approximate 2.0% General Partner Interest in, SMLP;

WHEREAS, contemporaneous with the execution of this Agreement, SMLP and Holdings have entered into an Amendment to that certain Contribution Agreement, dated February 25, 2016, by and between SMLP and Holdings (the “ First Amendment ”), pursuant to which SMLP and Holdings agreed to, among other things, amend the defined term “Remaining Consideration” (as defined therein), subject to the terms and conditions of the First Amendment;

WHEREAS, contemporaneous with the execution of this Agreement, certain subsidiaries of SMLP (the “ SMLP Subsidiaries ”) and certain affiliates of Hess Midstream Partners, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Hess ”), entered into two Purchase and Sale Agreements (the “ Tioga PSAs ”), pursuant to which the SMLP Subsidiaries agreed to sell to Hess certain crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids and produced water gathering systems and their associated assets referred to as the Tioga gathering system; and

WHEREAS, subject to the consummation of the First Amendment and the transactions contemplated by the Tioga PSAs, Holdings, the General Partner and SMLP have agreed to the cancellation of the Incentive Distribution Rights and the restructuring of the General Partner Interest as provided in this Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I
INTERPRETATION

Rules of Interpretation

Section 1.2 . Unless expressly provided for elsewhere in this Agreement, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the following provisions:

(i) the words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” “hereof,” and other equivalent words shall refer to this Agreement as an entirety and not solely to the particular portion, article, section, subsection or other subdivision of this Agreement in which any such word is used;

 


 

(ii) the word “including” and its derivatives mean “including without limitation” and are terms of illustration and not of limitation;

(iii) all definitions set forth herein shall be deemed applicable whether the words defined are used herein in the singular or in the plural and correlative forms of defined terms shall have corresponding meanings;

(iv) the word “or” is not exclusive, and has the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or”;

(v) a defined term has its defined meaning throughout this Agreement, regardless of whether it appears before or after the place where it is defined;

(vi) all references to prices, values or monetary amounts refer to United States dollars;

(vii) wherever used herein, any pronoun or pronouns shall be deemed to include both the singular and plural and to cover all genders;

(viii) this Agreement has been jointly prepared by the parties hereto, and shall not be construed against any Person as the principal draftsperson hereof, and no consideration may be given to any fact or presumption that any party had a greater or lesser hand in drafting this Agreement;

(ix) the captions of the articles, sections or subsections appearing in this Agreement are inserted only as a matter of convenience and in no way define, limit, construe or describe the scope or extent of such section, or in any way affect this Agreement;

(x) any references herein to a particular Article or Section means an Article or Section of this Agreement unless otherwise expressly stated herein;

(xi) unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, and all determinations with respect to accounting matters hereunder shall be made, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, applied on a consistent basis;

(xii) all references to days shall mean calendar days unless otherwise provided;

(xiii) all references to time shall mean The Woodlands, Texas time; and

(xiv) references to any party shall include such party’s successors and permitted assigns.

Other Terms

.  Each capitalized term used in this Agreement that is not otherwise defined in this Agreement has the meaning given to it in the Existing LP Agreement.

ARTICLE II
The Transaction

Effectiveness

.  The Transaction (as defined below) and the provisions of

 

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this Agreement shall be conditioned upon, and shall be effective only upon, the closings of the transactions contemplated by the First Amendment and the Tioga PSAs (including receipt by the SMLP Subsidiaries of an aggregate amount of $90,000,000 in cash consideration under the Tioga PSAs, subject to adjustment as provided thereunder) (such closings together, the “ Closing s ”).  

Section 2.2 Cancellation of Incentive Distribution Rights and Restructuring of General Partner Interest .  Immediately following the Closings, Holdings shall cause the General Partner (acting pursuant to its authority in Section 13.1 of the Existing LP Agreement) to amend and restate (such amended and restated agreement being referred to as the “ Revised LP Agreement ”) the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of SMLP, dated as of November 14, 2017 (the “ Existing LP Agreement ”), to reflect, effective immediately following the Closings, the cancellation of the Incentive Distribution Rights (the “ Cancellation ”) and the conversion of the General Partner Interest to a non-economic general partner interest in SMLP (the “ Conversion ”).

Section 2.3 Consideration . In consideration for the Cancellation and the Conversion (and concurrently therewith), SMLP shall issue to the General Partner 8,750,000 Common Units (the “ Restructuring Common Units ”).  The issuance of the Restructuring Common Units, the Cancellation, the Conversion and the amendment of the Existing LP Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the “ Transaction .”

Section 2.4 Further Assurances .  The parties agree to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such further instruments or documents or take such other action as may be reasonably necessary or convenient to carry out the Transaction .

ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties of The General Partner

The General Partner hereby represents and warrants to Holdings and SMLP that:

Organization, Good Standing and Qualification

.   The General Partner is a Delaware limited liability company duly formed and validly existing under the Laws (as defined herein) of the state of Delaware and has all requisite limited liability company power and authority and has taken all action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the General Partner, enforceable against the General Partner in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and to legal principles of general applicability governing the availability of equitable remedies, including principles of good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law) (collectively, “ Enforceability Exceptions ”).

No Violations .

Section 3.3   The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the General Partner does not, and the consummation of the Transaction will not (i) constitute a breach or violation of, or result in a default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, or result in the termination or in a right of termination or cancellation of, or accelerate the performance required by, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture,

 

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deed of trust, license, franchise, lease, contract, agreement, joint venture or other instrument or obligation to which the General Partner is a party or by which the General Partner or its properties is subject or bound that is material to the General Partner , (ii) constitute a breach or violation of, or a default under the certificate of formation or limited liability company agreement of the General Partner , (iii) contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation of any provision of any law (statutory, common or otherwise), constitution, treaty, convention, ordinance, equitable principle, code, rule, regulation, order, write, injunction, decree or ruling (collectively, “ Laws ”) binding upon or applicable to the General Partner , or (iv) result in the creation of any lien, charge, pledge, mortgage, easement, security interest, claim or other encumbrance (“ Encumbrance ”) , other than, in each case, restrictions on transfer arising solely under applicable federal and state securities l aws on any of the General Partner ’s assets.

Equity Interests

. The General Partner is the beneficial and record holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights and has good and valid title to the Incentive Distribution Rights, free and clear of all Encumbrances, and there is no subscription, option, warrant, call, right, agreement or commitment relating to the issuance, sale, delivery, repurchase or transfer by the General Partner of the Incentive Distribution Rights, except as set forth in the Existing LP Agreement.

Section 3.5 Investment Intent and Securities Laws Compliance .

(a) The General Partner has been given reasonable access to full and fair disclosure of all material information regarding SMLP and the Restructuring Common Units, including reasonable access to the books and records of SMLP. The General Partner acknowledges and agrees that it has been provided, to its full satisfaction, with the opportunity to ask questions concerning the terms and conditions of an investment in SMLP and has knowingly and voluntarily elected instead to rely solely on its own investigation.

(b) The General Partner understands that the Restructuring Common Units are “restricted securities” and have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ 33 Act ”) or any applicable state securities Laws. The General Partner acknowledges that the Restructuring Common Units will bear a restrictive legend to that effect. The General Partner acknowledges and agrees that it must bear the economic risk of this investment indefinitely, that the Restructuring Common Units issued to the General Partner hereunder may not be sold or transferred or offered for sale or transfer by it without registration under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities or “Blue Sky” Laws or the availability of exemptions therefrom.

(c) The General Partner is an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act. The General Partner has such knowledge, sophistication and experience in business and financial matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment in the Restructuring Common Units, and has so evaluated the merits and risks of such investment. The General Partner is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Restructuring Common Units and, at the present time and in the foreseeable future, is able to afford a complete loss of such investment.

(d) The General Partner understands that the Restructuring Common Units are being offered and issued to the General Partner in reliance upon specific exemptions from the registration

 

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requirements of United States federal and state securities Laws and that SMLP is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and the General Partner’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings, which are true, correct and complete, of the General Partner set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the General Partner to acquire the Restructuring Common Units.

(e) The General Partner acknowledges that as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Holdings and its affiliates will beneficially own more than 20% of the Outstanding (as defined in the Existing LP Agreement and the Revised LP Agreement) SMLP Common Units (as defined in the Existing LP Agreement). The General Partner acknowledges and agrees, and hereby notifies Holdings and its affiliates, that the voting and other limitations described in the definition of “Outstanding” in the Existing LP Agreement and the Revised LP Agreement shall not apply to Holdings and its affiliates as a result of the SMLP Common Units acquired by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement.  The foregoing constitutes written notice by the General Partner to Holdings and its affiliates pursuant to the definition of “Outstanding” in the Existing LP Agreement and that will be included in the Revised LP Agreement that the voting and other limitations set forth therein shall not apply to Holdings and its affiliates.

Conflicts Committee Information

.  As of the date hereof, the projections provided by the General Partner to Evercore Group L.L.C. (in its capacity as financial advisor to the Conflicts Committee) (the “ Projections ”) as part of the Conflicts Committee’s review in connection with this Agreement and the First Amendment have a reasonable basis and are consistent with the current expectations of the management of the General Partner.  SMLP acknowledges that the Projections (a) are based on assumptions, estimates and expectations as to future performance, (b) are subject to risks and uncertainties, and (c) are not guarantees of future results or performance.

ARTICLE IV
Representations and Warranties of SMLP

SMLP hereby represents and warrants to the General Partner and Holdings that:

Organization, Good Standing and Qualification

.  SMLP is a Delaware limited partnership duly formed and validly existing under the Laws of the state of Delaware and has all requisite limited partnership power and authority and has taken all action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the Transaction.  This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of SMLP, enforceable against SMLP in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.

No Violation

s . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by SMLP does not, and the consummation of the Transaction will not, (i) constitute a breach or violation of, or result in a default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, or result in the termination or in a right of termination or cancellation of, or accelerate the performance required by, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, franchise, lease, contract, agreement, joint venture or other instrument or obligation to which SMLP is a party or by which SMLP or any of its properties is subject or bound that is

 

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material to SMLP , (ii) constitute a breach or violation of, or a default under the certificate of partnership or limited partnership agreement of SMLP (the “ SMLP Organizational Documents ”) , (iii) contravene or conflict with or constitute a violat ion of any provision of any Law binding upon or applicable to SMLP , or (iv) result in the creation of any Encumbrance on any assets of SMLP .

Restructuring Common Units

.  The Restructuring Common Units will be duly authorized and, when issued and delivered to the General Partner in accordance with the terms hereof, will be validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required by the Revised LP Agreement), and non-assessable (subject to Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act), and free and clear of all Encumbrances, except for (i) restrictions on transfer arising under applicable securities Laws and (ii) the applicable terms and conditions of the SMLP Organizational Documents.

ARTICLE V
Representations and Warranties of HOLDINGS

Holdings hereby represents and warrants to the General Partner and SMLP that:

Organization, Good Standing and Qualification

.  Holdings is a Delaware limited liability company duly formed and validly existing under the Laws of the state of Delaware and has all requisite limited liability company power and authority and has taken all action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the Transaction.  This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Holdings, enforceable against Holdings in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.

No Violations .

  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Holdings does not, and the consummation of the Transaction will not, (i) constitute a breach or violation of, or result in a default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, or result in the termination or in a right of termination or cancellation of, or accelerate the performance required by, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, franchise, lease, contract, agreement, joint venture or other instrument or obligation to which Holdings is a party or by which Holdings or any of its properties is subject or bound that is material to Holdings, (ii) constitute a breach or violation of, or a default under the certificate of formation or limited liability company agreement of Holdings, (iii) contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation of any provision of any Law binding upon or applicable to Holdings, or (iv) result in the creation of any Encumbrance on any assets of Holdings.

Section 5.3 Investment Intent and Securities Laws Compliance.

(a) Holdings has been given reasonable access to full and fair disclosure of all material information regarding SMLP and the Restructuring Common Units, including reasonable access to the books and records of SMLP. Holdings acknowledges and agrees that it has been provided, to its full satisfaction, with the opportunity to ask questions concerning the terms and conditions of an investment in Holdings and has knowingly and voluntarily elected instead to rely solely on its own investigation.

 

 

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(b) Holdings understands that the Restructuring Common Units are “restricted securities” and have not been registered under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities Laws. Holdings acknowledges that the Restructuring Common Units will bear a restrictive legend to that effect. Holdings acknowledges and agrees that it must bear the economic risk of this investment indefinitely, that the Restructuring Common Units issued to the General Partner hereunder may not be sold or transferred or offered for sale or transfer by it without registration under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities or “Blue Sky” L aws or the availability of exemptions therefrom.

 

(c) Holdings is an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act. Holdings has such knowledge, sophistication and experience in business and financial matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment in the Restructuring Common Units, and has so evaluated the merits and risks of such investment. Holdings is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Restructuring Common Units and, at the present time and in the foreseeable future, is able to afford a complete loss of such investment.

 

(d) Holdings understands that the Restructuring Common Units are being offered and issued to the General Partner in reliance upon specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities Laws and that SMLP is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and Holdings’ compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings, which are true, correct and complete, of Holdings set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the General Partner to acquire the Restructuring Common Units.

ARTICLE VI
governing law; consent to jurisdiction; waiver of jury trial

Section 6.1 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .  This Agreement and all questions relating to the interpretation or enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware without regard to any Laws of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction that would call for the application of the substantive laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.  Each party hereby agrees that service of summons, complaint or other process in connection with any actions or proceedings contemplated hereby may be made in accordance with Section 7.4 addressed to such party at the address specified pursuant to Section 7.4 .  Each of the parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or in the event, but only in the event, that such court declines to accept jurisdiction over such action or proceeding, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Superior Court of the State of Delaware (Complex Commercial Division) or, if subject matter jurisdiction over the matter that is the subject of any such action or proceeding is vested exclusively in the federal courts of the United States of America, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, and any appellate court from any thereof (collectively, the “ Courts ”), for the purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby (and agrees not to commence any action or proceeding relating hereto except in such Courts as provided herein).  Each of the parties further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document hand delivered or sent in accordance with Section 7.4 to such party’s address set forth in Section 7.4 will be effective service

 

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of process for any action or proceeding in the State of Delaware with respect to any matters to which it has submitted to jurisdiction as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence.  Each of the parties irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in the Courts, and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, each party agrees that a final judgment in any action or proceeding properly brought in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be conclusive and may be enforced by suit on the judgment in any jurisdiction or in any other manner provided at law or in equity.  EACH PARTY irrevocably and unconditionally WAIVES, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any RIGHT it may have TO a TRIAL BY JURY IN respect of ANY action or PROCEEDING directly or indirectly arising out of or in connection with THIS AGREEMENT EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH the transactions contemplated hereby. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH PARTY WOULD NOT SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER IN THE EVENT OF AN ACTION OR PROCEEDING, (B) SUCH PARTY HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (D) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 6.1.

ARTICLE VII
Miscellaneous

Termination

. In the event that either (a) one or both of the Tioga PSAs is terminated prior to the “Closing” under and as defined therein, or (b) the Closings have not occurred by May 24, 2019, this Agreement shall automatically terminate, become void and have no effect; provided , that nothing in this Section 7.1 shall relieve or release any party from any liability or damages arising out of such party’s willful breach of any provision of this Agreement and this Article VII shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

Section 7.2 Amendments and Modifications . This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by written agreement of the parties hereto (provided, however, that any approval on behalf of SMLP and/or the General Partner shall require the approval of the Conflicts Committee).

Section 7.3 Waiver of Compliance . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any failure of any of the parties to comply with any obligation, covenant, agreement or condition herein may be waived by the party entitled to the benefits thereof only by a written instrument signed by the party granting such waiver (provided, however, that any such waiver by SMLP may be given solely by the Conflicts Committee), but such waiver or failure to insist upon strict compliance with such obligation, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure.

Section 7.4 Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing

 

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and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or by email transmission, or mailed by a nationally recognized overnight courier, postage prepaid, to the p arties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a p arty as shall be specified by like notice; provided , that notices of a change of address shall be effective only upon receipt thereof):

If to Holdings:

 

Summit Midstream Partners, LLC

1790 Hughes Landing Blvd, Suite 500

The Woodlands, TX 77380

Attention: General Counsel

E-Mail: bdegeyter@summitmidstream.com

 

If to SMLP or the General Partner:

 

Summit Midstream Partners, LP

1790 Hughes Landing Blvd, Suite 500
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Attention: General Counsel

E-Mail: bdegeyter@summitmidstream.com

 

with a copy to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

811 Main Street, Suite 3700

Houston, Texas 77002

Attention: John M. Greer

     Nick Dhesi

E-Mail: john.greer@lw.com

              nick.dhesi@lw.com

 

and with a copy to:

 

Summit Midstream GP, LLC Conflicts Committee

1790 Hughes Landing Blvd, Suite 500
The Woodlands, TX 77380

Attention: Bob Wohleber

 

Section 7.5 Assignment . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their successors and permitted assigns. No party may assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other parties. Any attempted assignment or transfer in violation of this Agreement shall be null, void and ineffective.

Section 7.6 Specific Performance . The parties acknowledge and agree that a breach of this Agreement would cause irreparable damage to SMLP, the General Partner and Holdings, and SMLP, the General Partner and Holdings will not have an adequate remedy at Law.  Therefore,

 

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the obligations of the p arties under this Agreement shall be enforceable by a decree of specific performance issued by any court of competent jurisdiction, and appropriate injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection therewith.  Such remedies shall, however, be cumulative and not exclusive and shall be in addition to any other remedies which any p arty may have under this Agreement or otherwise.

Entire Agreement

. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous discussions, agreements and understandings, whether written or oral.

Severability

. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision or portion of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable Law in any jurisdiction by any applicable governmental authority, (a) such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or affect the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision in any other jurisdiction, (b) such provision shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable only to the extent strictly required by such governmental authority, (c) to the extent any such provision is deemed to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, each party agrees that it shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such governmental authority to modify such provision so that such provision shall be valid, legal and enforceable as originally intended to the greatest extent possible and (d) to the extent that the governmental authority does not modify such provision, each party agrees that they shall endeavor in good faith to exercise or modify such provision so that such provision shall be valid, legal and enforceable as originally intended to the greatest extent possible.

Facsimiles; Electronic Transmission; Counterparts

. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile or other electronic transmission (including scanned documents delivered by email) by any party and such execution shall be deemed binding for all purposes hereof, without delivery of an original signature being thereafter required.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when executed, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same document.

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

 

- 10 -


 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the parties to this Agreement as of the date first written above.

SUMMIT MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, LP

 

By: Summit Midstream GP, LLC, its general partner

/s/ Leonard Mallett

 

 

By

 

 

Name:

Leonard Mallett

 

Title:

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer

 

 

SUMMIT MIDSTREAM GP, LLC

/s/ Leonard Mallett

 

 

By

 

 

Name:

Leonard Mallett

 

Title:

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer

 

SUMMIT MIDSTREAM PARTNERS HOLDINGS, LLC

/s/ Brock M. Degeyter

 

 

By

 

 

Name:

Brock M. Degeyter

 

Title:

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

 

 

 

Signature Page to Equity Restructuring Agreement

EXHIBIT 99.1

Summit Midstream Partners, LP

1790 Hughes Landing Blvd, Suite 500

The Woodlands, TX 77380

 

 

Summit Midstream Partners, LP Announces Strategic Actions to Simplify Structure, Improve Distribution Coverage, Enhance Credit Profile and Drive Unitholder Value; Appoints Leonard Mallett as Interim Chief Executive Officer

 

Selling Non-Core Asset, Partially Prepaying and Fixing DPPO, Eliminating Economic GP Interest and IDRs, and Revising Distribution Policy

 

The Woodlands, Texas (February 26, 2019) Summit Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: SMLP) announced today that it is undertaking a series of strategic actions to reposition the Company to better serve its customers and create value for its unitholders by enhancing its ability to fund attractive growth opportunities and maintain a prudent capital structure.

 

To provide leadership for these new strategic actions, the Board of Directors of Summit Midstream GP, LLC (the “Board”) has named Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Leonard Mallett, as President and Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis, effective immediately. By mutual agreement with the Board, Steve Newby has stepped down as a director, President , and Chief Executive Officer of Summit Midstream Partners, LLC (“Summit Investments”) and Summit Midstream GP, LLC (collectively with Summit Investments, “Summit”) . Mr. Mallett will maintain his COO responsibilities during this interim period. The Board has engaged an executive recruiting firm to assist it in conducting the search for a permanent CEO.

 

Peter Labbat, director of SMLP and Managing Partner at Energy Capital Partners, SMLP’s largest unitholder, said “On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank Steve for his leadership and numerous contributions to Summit over the past 10 years, and wish him success in his future endeavors. As we move forward with this next phase of Summit’s strategic plan and evaluate opportunities for enhancing its operational and financial performance, Steve and the Board agreed that now was the right time to make this leadership change.”

 

Labbat continued, “Summit is fortunate to have on its senior management team a talented and experienced business leader in Leonard Mallett. Energy Capital Partners is confident that Leonard’s extensive midstream operating experience will help ensure that Summit continues to increase value for its customers and unitholders.”

 

Mr. Mallett has more than 35 years of industry experience. He joined Summit as Chief Operations Officer in December 2015 from Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (EPD), where he served in various key roles from 2006 through 2015, including most recently as its Group Senior Vice President in charge of Engineering. Prior to that, Mr. Mallett served in a variety of leadership roles in operations, engineering, commercial, health and safety, sourcing and technical support for the various pipelines and related facilities owned by TEPPCO, which was ultimately purchased by EPD.  During the transition period, Mr. Mallett served as interim CEO while EPD was integrating the TEPPCO business.  At Summit, he has provided leadership and strategic oversight for the safe, profitable, and environmentally compliant operations of the Company’s diverse midstream assets.

Simplification Transaction & Financial Realignment

SMLP is undertaking a series of strategic actions (together referred to as the “Transaction”) to place SMLP in a stronger financial position with increased flexibility to fund accretive growth projects and settle the Deferred Purchase Price Obligation (“DPPO”) by 2020 .   Among other things, the Transaction is expected to result in SMLP retaining approximately $85 million of incremental cash flow annually, which will improve its overall credit profile, reduce its cost of capital, and create a more competitive MLP, while significantly reducing its reliance on the public equity capital markets.  

 

The Transaction consists of the following actions:

Sale of Tioga Midstream, a non-core gathering system in North Dakota, to affiliates of Hess Infrastructure Partners LP for $90.0 million, subject to customary closing adjustments ;

 

EX 99.1-1


 

 

Prepayment of $100.0 million of the DPPO and an agreement to fix the remaining obligation due in 2020 at $303.5 million ;

 

Elimination of SMLP’s economic General Partner interest and incentive distribution rights (“IDRs”) in exchange for 8.75 million SMLP common units issued to a wholly owned subsidiary of Summit Investments ; and

 

Establishment of a new distribution policy through the reduction of SMLP’s distribution per common unit to $0.2875 per quarter, beginning with the distribution to be paid in respect of the first quarter of 2019 .

 

Mr. Mallett, interim President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “The Transaction announced today will drive improved operational and financial results with greater emphasis on our core focus areas, including the Utica, Williston, DJ and Permian. We are streamlining our business with a non-core asset sale, a strategy that we intend to dedicate even more focus and attention to evaluating in the near-term.  We are also positioning our balance sheet to fund attractive growth projects in 2019 as well as the DPPO by 2020, and further aligning the General Partner and the Limited Partners with the elimination of the IDRs.  We believe these actions bring notable benefits to SMLP’s credit profile, distribution coverage and cost of capital, which we believe will enhance long-term unitholder value.”  

 

Further details relating to the divestiture of Tioga Midstream and the $100.0 million prepayment of the DPPO and the agreement to fix the remaining obligation due in 2020 can be found in SMLP’s fourth quarter and full year 2018 earnings release issued today, February 26, 2019.

 

The Transaction was approved by the Board of Directors of SMLP’s General Partner.  The exchange of SMLP’s economic General Partner interest and IDRs for SMLP common units and the prepayment of the DPPO and the agreement to fix the remaining obligation due in 2020 were approved by the conflicts committee of SMLP’s Board of Directors, which consists entirely of independent directors.  The committee engaged Evercore as its independent financial advisor, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP as its legal advisor. Summit Investments engaged Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC to serve as its financial advisor in connection with the Transaction.  The Transaction is expected to close before the end of the first quarter of 2019 and the sale of Tioga Midstream is subject to customary closing conditions.

 

Fourth Quarter 2018 Earnings Call Information

SMLP will host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, to discuss its quarterly operating and financial results, as well as the strategic initiatives announced on February 26, 2019.  Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing 847-585-4405 or toll-free 888-771-4371 and entering the passcode 48142406.  The conference call will also be webcast live and can be accessed through the Investors section of SMLP's website at www.summitmidstream.com .

 

A replay of the conference call will be available until March 12, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, and can be accessed by dialing 888-843-7419 and entering the replay passcode 48142406#.  An archive of the conference call will also be available on SMLP's website.

 

About Summit Midstream Partners, LP

SMLP is a growth-oriented limited partnership focused on developing, owning and operating midstream energy infrastructure assets that are strategically located in the core producing areas of unconventional resource basins, primarily shale formations, in the continental United States.  SMLP provides natural gas, crude oil and produced water gathering services pursuant to primarily long-term and fee-based gathering and processing agreements with customers and counterparties in six unconventional resource basins: (i) the Appalachian Basin, which includes the Utica and Marcellus shale formations in Ohio and West Virginia; (ii) the Williston Basin, which includes the Bakken and Three Forks shale formations in North Dakota; (iii) the Denver-Julesburg Basin, which includes the Niobrara and Codell shale formations in Colorado and Wyoming; (iv) the Permian Basin, which includes the Bone Spring and Wolfcamp formations in New Mexico; (v) the Fort Worth Basin, which includes the Barnett Shale formation in Texas;

EX 99.1-2


 

and (vi) the Piceance Basin, which includes the Mesaverde formation as well as the Mancos and Niobrara shale formations in Colorado and Utah.  SMLP also owns a 40% ownership interest in Ohio Gathering, which is developing natural gas gathering and condensate stabilization infrastructure in the Utica Shale in Ohio. SMLP is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, with regional corporate offices in Denver, Colorado; Atlanta, Georgia; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Dallas, Texas.

 

About Summit Midstream Partners, LLC

Summit Midstream Partners, LLC ("Summit Investments") beneficially owns a 42.1% limited partner interest in SMLP, pro forma for the Transaction, and indirectly owns and controls the non-economic general partner of SMLP, Summit Midstream GP, LLC, which has sole responsibility for conducting the business and managing the operations of SMLP. Summit Investments is a privately held company controlled by Energy Capital Partners II, LLC, and certain of its affiliates. An affiliate of Energy Capital Partners II, LLC directly owns an 7.2% limited partner interest in SMLP, pro forma for the Transaction.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain statements concerning expectations for the future that are forward-looking within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed sale of Tioga Midstream, the prepayment and amendment of the DPPO, the proposed elimination of the economic General Partner interest and incentive distribution rights in SMLP in exchange for common units of SMLP, the future operational and financial performance of SMLP, the unitholder value to result from the transactions and the expected timing for closing of the transactions.  Forward-looking statements contain known and unknown risks and uncertainties (many of which are difficult to predict and beyond management’s control) that may cause SMLP’s actual results in future periods to differ materially from anticipated or projected results.  An extensive list of specific material risks and uncertainties affecting SMLP is contained in its 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2018, and as amended and updated from time to time. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and SMLP undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events.

SOURCE: Summit Midstream Partners, LP

Investor Contact:   Blake Motley, Vice President of Strategy & Head of Investor Relations, 832-930-7539, ir@summitmidstream.com

EX 99.1-3