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PENN OCTANE CORP - 10-K - 20041110 - SIGNATURES
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By: /s/Ian T. Bothwell
--------------------
Ian T. Bothwell
Vice President, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary,
Chief Financial Officer
November 9, 2004
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
/s/Jerome B. Richter Jerome B. Richter November 9, 2004
----------------------
Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/Richard Shore, Jr. Richard Shore, Jr. November 9, 2004
---------------------- President
/s/Charles Handly Charles Handly November 9, 2004
---------------------- Executive Vice President, Chief
Operations Officer
/s/Ian T. Bothwell Ian T. Bothwell November 9, 2004
---------------------- Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
/s/Jerry Lockett Jerry Lockett November 9, 2004
---------------------- Vice President and Secretary
/s/Stewart J. Paperin Stewart J. Paperin November 9, 2004
---------------------- Director
/s/Harvey L. Benenson Harvey L. Benenson November 9, 2004
---------------------- Director
/s/Emmett M. Murphy Emmett M. Murphy November 9, 2004
---------------------- Director
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DISPUTES RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT ARE REQUIRED TO BE SETTLED PURSUANT TO
CERTAIN DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES AS PROVIDED IN ARTICLE 7 AND APPENDIX A OF
THIS AGREEMENT.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into effective as
of the 13th day of May, 2003, between Richard Shore, Jr. ("Employee"), and Penn
Octane Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), whose principal
executive offices are located in Palm Desert, California.
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Employee, and Employee desires to be
employed by the Company, on terms hereinafter set forth;
WHEREAS, Shore Capital LLC ("Shore Capital"), an entity wholly owned by
Employee, and Penn Octane Corporation are parties to a letter agreement dated
November 29, 2002 (the "Shore Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, Shore Capital, Employee and the Company desire to terminate the
Shore Agreement and release and terminate their respective rights and
obligations thereunder as provided in this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the mutual covenants contained herein
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DUTIES
1.1 Employment. During the term of this Agreement, the Company agrees to
employ Employee in the capacity as President, and Employee accepts such
employment, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
1.2 Extent of Service. During the term of this Agreement, Employee shall
devote his full-time business time, energy and skill to the affairs of the
Company and its affiliated companies, including, without limitation, Rio Vista
Energy Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership to be formed by the Company
("Rio Vista"). The provisions of this Section 1.2 shall not prevent Employee
from making monetary investments in businesses so long as such business does not
directly compete with the Company, Rio Vista or any other entity controlled by
Rio Vista; provided, however, the foregoing shall not, in any event, prohibit
Employee from purchasing and holding as an investment not more than one percent
(1%) of any class of publicly-traded securities of any entity (other than the
Company or Rio Vista) which conducts a business in competition with the business
of the Company or Rio Vista or any entity controlled by Rio Vista, so long as
Employee does not participate in any way with the management, operation or
control of such entity.
1.3 Duties. Employee's duties hereunder shall include such duties as may be
prescribed from time to time by the Board. Employee shall also perform, without
additional compensation, such duties for the Company's affiliated companies.
ARTICLE 2
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof and continue
for a period of two years unless earlier terminated pursuant to Article 4
hereof.
ARTICLE 3
COMPENSATION
3.1 Monthly Base Salary and Per Annum Payment. As compensation for services
rendered under this Agreement, Employee shall be entitled to receive from the
Company a monthly base salary (before standard deductions) equal to $30,000,
subject to periodic review and upward adjustment by the Board in its sole
discretion (downward adjustment shall not be permitted). Employee's monthly base
salary shall be payable at regular intervals (at least semi-monthly) in
accordance with the prevailing practice and policy of the Company.
3.2 Stock Options. As additional compensation for services rendered under
this Agreement, Employee or his designees shall receive options (the "Options"),
exercisable after the date of the distribution of common units of Rio Vista to
the stockholders of the Company, to purchase 97,415 common units of Rio Vista at
a per unit exercise price of $8.47, to purchase 763,737 shares of common stock
of the Company at a per share exercise price of $1.14 and to purchase 25% of the
limited liability company interests of Rio Vista GP LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company to be formed by the Company as the general partner of Rio
Vista, at an exercise price equal to the pro rata portion of the tax basis
capital of Rio Vista immediately after the distribution of common units of Rio
Vista to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the option agreements in
the forms attached hereto as Exhibit A, Exhibit B and Exhibit C, respectively
(collectively, the "Option Agreements").
3.3 Benefits. Employee shall, in addition to the compensation provided
for herein, be entitled to the following additional benefits:
(a) Medical, Health and Disability Benefits. Employee shall be
entitled to receive all medical, health and disability benefits that may, from
time to time, be provided by the Company to all employees of the Company as a
group.
(b) Other Benefits. Employee shall also be entitled to receive any
other benefits that may, from time to time, be provided by the Company to all
employees of Company as a group.
(c) Vacation. Employee shall be entitled to an annual vacation as
determined in accordance with the prevailing practice and policy of the Company.
(d) Holidays. Employee shall be entitled to holidays in accordance
with the prevailing practice and policy of the Company.
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(e) Reimbursement of Expenses. The Company shall reimburse Employee
for all expenses reasonably incurred by Employee in conjunction with the
rendering of services at the Company's request, provided that such expenses are
incurred in accordance with the prevailing practice and policy of the Company
and are properly deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes. As a
condition to such reimbursement, Employee shall submit an itemized accounting of
such expenses in reasonable detail, including receipts where required under
federal income tax laws.
ARTICLE 4
TERMINATION
4.1 Termination by the Company Without Cause. Subject to the provisions of
this Article 4, this Agreement may be terminated by the Company without cause
upon 30 days prior written notice thereof given to Employee. In the event of
such termination, the Company shall pay Employee his monthly base salary
(subject to standard deductions) and per annum payment (subject to standard
deductions) through the remainder of the term of this Agreement and Employee
shall be entitled to continue to be covered under the Company's group health
insurance program pursuant to benefit continuation as prescribed in the COBRA.
Such COBRA benefits shall commence on the date of termination and the Company
shall pay, on Employee's behalf, any and all costs associated with extending
such group health benefits under COBRA for a period of 12 months following the
termination date. Payment or performance by the Company in accordance with this
Article 4 shall constitute Employee's full severance pay
and the Company shall have no further obligation to Employee arising out of such
termination.
4.2 Termination For Cause. This Agreement may be terminated by the Company
for "Cause" (as defined in Section 8.2 herein) upon written notice thereof given
by the Company to Employee. In the event of termination pursuant to this Section
4.2, the Company shall pay Employee his monthly base salary (subject to standard
deductions) earned pro rata to the date of such termination and the Company
shall have no further obligations to Employee hereunder.
4.3 Termination Upon Death or Disability. In the event that Employee dies,
this Agreement shall terminate upon Employee's death. Likewise, if Employee
becomes unable to perform the essential functions of his duties hereunder, with
or without reasonable accommodation, on account of illness, disability or other
reason whatsoever for a period of more than 180 consecutive or nonconsecutive
days in any 12-month period, the Company may, upon notice to Employee, terminate
this Agreement. In the event of termination pursuant to this Section 4.3,
Employee (or his legal representatives) shall be entitled only to his monthly
base salary earned pro rata for services actually rendered prior to the date of
such termination; provided, however, to the extent to which Employee has
received short-term or long-term disability benefits under employee benefit
plans maintained from time to time by the Company, such benefits shall be
deducted from his monthly base salary.
4.4 Voluntary Termination by Employee for Good Reason. Employee may at any
time voluntarily terminate his employment for "good reason" (as defined below)
upon 30 days prior written notice thereof to the Company. In such event, the
Company shall pay Employee his monthly base salary (subject to standard
deductions) and per annum payment (subject to standard
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deductions) through the remainder of the term of this Agreement. For purposes
of this Agreement, "good reason" shall mean the occurrence of any of the
following events:
(a) Removal from the offices Employee holds on the date of this
Agreement or a material reduction in Employee's authority or responsibility, but
not including termination of Employee for "cause," as defined in Section 8.2
herein; or
(b) The Company otherwise commits a material breach of this Agreement.
4.5 Termination by Employee. This Agreement may be terminated by Employee,
without cause, upon 30 days' prior written notice thereof given by Employee to
the Company. In the event of termination pursuant to this Section 4.5, the
Company shall pay Employee his monthly base salary (subject to standard
deductions) earned pro rata to the date of such termination and the Company
shall have no further obligations to Employee hereunder.
4.6 Survival of Provisions. The covenants and provisions of Articles 5, 6
and 7 hereof shall survive any termination of this Agreement and continue for
the periods indicated, regardless of how such termination may be brought about.
4.7 Options. Termination under this Article 4 shall affect the Options in
accordance with the provisions of the Option Agreements.
ARTICLE 5
PROPRIETARY PROPERTY; CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
5.1 Proprietary Property; Confidential Information. Employee acknowledges
that in and as a result of Employee's employment hereunder, Employee will be
making use of, acquiring and/or adding to Confidential Information. As a
material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement and to pay to
Employee the compensation and benefits stated herein, Employee covenants and
agrees that Employee shall not, at any time during or following the term of
Employee's employment, directly or indirectly, divulge or disclose for any
purpose whatsoever any Confidential Information or proprietary information of
the Company. Upon termination of this Agreement, regardless of how such
termination may be brought about, Employee shall deliver to the Company any and
all documents, instruments, notes, papers or other expressions or embodiments of
confidential information which are in Employee's possession or control.
5.2 Publicity. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of ten
years thereafter, Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, originate or
participate in the origination of any publicity, news release or other public
announcements, written or oral, whether to the public press or otherwise,
relating to this Agreement, to any amendment hereto, to Employee's employment
hereunder or to the Company, without the prior written approval of the Company.
ARTICLE 6
[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]
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ARTICLE 7
ARBITRATION
Except for the provisions of Article 5 of this Agreement dealing with
proprietary property and confidential information, with respect to which the
Company expressly reserves the right to petition a court directly for injunctive
and other relief, any claim, dispute or controversy of any nature whatsoever,
including but not limited to tort claims or contract disputes between the
parties to this Agreement or their respective heirs, executors, administrators,
legal representatives, successors and assigns, as applicable, arising out of or
related to Employee's employment or the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
including the implementation, applicability or interpretation thereof, shall be
resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures set forth in
Appendix A attached hereto and made a part hereof.
ARTICLE 8
DEFINITIONS
8.1 "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
8.2 "Cause" shall be exclusively limited to the following, as
determined by the Board in its sole judgment: (i) Employee breaches any material
terms of this Agreement; (ii) Employee is convicted of a felony; (iii) Employee
fails, after at least one warning, to perform duties assigned under this
Agreement (other than a failure due to death or physical or mental disability);
(iv) Employee intentionally engages in conduct which is demonstrably and
materially injurious to the Company; (v) Employee commits fraud or theft of
personal or Company property from Company premises; (vi) Employee falsifies
Company documents or records; (vii) Employee engages in acts of gross
carelessness or willful negligence to endanger life or property on Company
premises; (viii) Employee uses, distributes or is under the influence of illegal
drugs, alcohol or other intoxicant on Company premises; (ix) Employee possesses
or stores hand guns on Company premises; or (x) Employee intentionally violates
state, federal or local laws and regulations in the course and scope of his
employment.
8.3 "COBRA" means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.
8.4 "Confidential Information" means that information and proprietary
property belonging to the Company or its affiliates of a special and unique
nature and value relating to such matters as the Company's trade secrets,
systems, procedures manuals, financial data, confidential reports, business
strategies and list of customers.
ARTICLE 9
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally,
mailed by certified mail (return receipt requested) or sent by an overnight
delivery service with tracking procedures or by facsimile to the parties at the
following addresses or at such other addresses as shall be specified by the
parties by like notice: If to Employee, at the address set forth below his name
on the signature page hereof; and if to the Company, at 77-530 Enfield Lane,
Building D, Palm Desert, California 92211, Attention: Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer.
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9.2 Equitable Relief. In the event of a breach or a threatened breach by
Employee of any of the provisions contained in Article 5 of this Agreement,
Employee acknowledges that the Company will suffer irreparable injury not fully
compensable by money damages and, therefore, will not have an adequate remedy
available at law. Accordingly, the Company shall be entitled to obtain such
injunctive relief or other equitable remedy from any court of competent
jurisdiction as may be necessary or appropriate to prevent or curtail any such
breach, threatened or actual. The foregoing shall be in addition to and without
prejudice to any other rights that the Company may have under this Agreement, at
law or in equity, including, without limitation, the right to sue for damages.
9.3 No Rights in Contracts. Employee acknowledges and agrees that he or she
shall not have any rights in or to any contracts entered into with clients or
customers of the Company in connection with services provided by Employee
hereunder (including those in which Employee may be specifically named with the
Company), unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company.
9.4 Assignment. The rights and obligations of the Company under this
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the successors
and assigns of the Company. Employee's rights under this Agreement are not
assignable and any attempted assignment thereof shall be null and void.
9.5 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the
laws of the State of Texas.
9.6 Entire Agreement; Release; Amendments. This Agreement constitutes the
entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all other agreements between
the parties which may relate to the subject matter contained in this Agreement.
Without limiting the foregoing, the Shore Agreement is heareby terminated in its
entirety, the parties thereto hereby waive and release all of their respective
rights and obligations under the Shore Agreement, and Shore Capital LLC and
Employee hereby release the Company and its employees, directors and affiliates
from any and all claims arising under or related to the Shore Agreement. This
Agreement may not be amended or modified except by an agreement in writing which
refers to this Agreement and is signed by both parties.
9.7 Headings. The headings of sections and subsections of this Agreement
are for convenience only and shall not in any way affect the interpretation of
any provision of this Agreement or of the Agreement itself.
9.8 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall
be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law.
If any provision of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under
applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such
prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision
or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
9.9 Waiver. The waiver by any party of a breach of any provision hereof
shall not be deemed to constitute the waiver of any prior or subsequent breach
of the same provision or any other provisions hereof. Further, the failure of
any party to insist upon strict adherence to any
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term of this Agreement on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver
or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to
that term or any other term of this Agreement unless such party expressly waives
such provision pursuant to a written instrument which refers to this Agreement
and is signed by such party.
(Signatures on following page.)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Employment Agreement as
of the day and year first above written.
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By: /s/ Jerome B. Richter
--------------------------
Jerome B. Richter,
Chief Executive Officer
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EMPLOYEE:
/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.
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Address: 12 Green Valley Dr.
Lafayette, CA 94549
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO FOR
PURPOSES OF THE WAIVER AND
RELEASE UNDER SECTION 9.6:
SHORE CAPITAL LLC
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-----------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr., President
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APPENDIX A
DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES
Re: Employment Agreement effective May 13, 2003 (including any amendments,
the "Agreement"), between Penn Octane Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and Richard Shore, Jr. ("Employee"). Unless otherwise defined in
this Appendix A, terms defined in the Agreement and used herein shall have the
meanings set forth therein.
A. Negotiations. If any claim, dispute or controversy described in Article
7 of the Agreement (collectively, the "Dispute") arises, either party may, by
written notice to the party, have the Dispute referred to the persons designated
below for attempted resolution by good faith negotiations within 45 days after
such written notice is received. Such designated persons are as follows:
1. Company. The Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer or
his designee; and
2. Employee. Employee or his designee.
Any settlement reached by the parties under this paragraph A shall not be
binding until reduced to writing and signed by both parties. When reduced to
writing, such settlement agreement shall supersede all other agreements, written
or oral, to the extent such agreements specifically pertain to the matters so
settled. If the above-designated persons are unable to resolve such dispute
within such 45-day period, either party may invoke the provisions of paragraph B
below.
B. Arbitration. All Disputes shall be settled by negotiation among the
parties as described in paragraph A above or, if such negotiation is
unsuccessful, by binding arbitration in accordance with procedures set forth in
paragraphs C and D below.
C. Notice. Notice of demand for binding arbitration by one party shall be
given in writing to the other party pursuant to the Agreement. In no event may a
notice of demand of any kind be filed more than one (1) year after the date the
Dispute is first asserted in writing to the other party pursuant to paragraph A
above, and if such demand is not timely filed, the Dispute referenced in the
notice given pursuant to paragraph A above shall be deemed released, waived,
barred and unenforceable for all time, and barred as if by statute of
limitations.
D. Binding Arbitration. Upon filing of a notice of demand for binding
arbitration by either party, arbitration shall be commenced and conducted as
follows:
1. Arbitrators. All Disputes and related matters in question shall be
referred to and decided and settled by a panel of three arbitrators, one
selected by the Company, one selected by Employee and the third selected by the
two arbitrators so selected. Selection of the arbitrators to be selected by the
Company and Employee shall be made within ten (10) business days after the date
of giving of a notice of demand for arbitration, and the two arbitrators so
appointed shall appoint the third within 10 business days following their
appointment.
2. Cost of Arbitration. The cost of arbitration proceedings, including
without limitation the arbitrators' compensation and expenses, hearing room
charges, court reporter transcript charges etc., shall be borne by the parties
equally or otherwise as the arbitrators may determine. The arbitrators may award
the prevailing party its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in
connection with the arbitration. The arbitrators are specifically instructed to
award attorneys' fees for instances of abuse in the discovery process.
3. Location of Proceedings. The arbitration proceedings shall be held
in Houston, Texas, unless the parties agree otherwise.
4. Pre-hearing Discovery. The parties shall have the right to conduct
and enforce pre-hearing discovery in accordance with the then current Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure, subject to these limitations:
(a) Each party may serve no more than one set of interrogatories
limited to 30 questions, including sub-parts;
(b) Each party may depose the other party's expert witnesses who
will be called to testify at the hearing, plus two fact witnesses without regard
to whether they will be called to testify (each party will be entitled to a
total of no more than 24 hours of deposition time of the other party's
witnesses), provided however, that the arbitrators may provide for additional
depositions upon showing of good cause; and
(c) Document discovery and other discovery shall be under the
control of and enforceable by the arbitrators.
5. Discovery disputes. All discovery disputes shall be decided by the
arbitrators. The arbitrators are empowered;
(a) to issue subpoenas to compel pre-hearing document or
deposition discovery;
(b) to enforce the discovery rights and obligations of the
parties; and
(c) to otherwise to control the scheduling and conduct of the
proceedings.
Notwithstanding any contrary foregoing provisions, the arbitrators shall have
the power and authority to, and to the fullest extent practicable shall,
abbreviate arbitration discovery in a manner which is fair to all parties in
order to expedite the conclusion of each alternative dispute resolution
proceeding.
6. Pre-hearing Conference. Within fifteen (15) days after selection of
the third arbitrator, or as soon thereafter as is mutually convenient to the
arbitrators, the arbitrators shall hold a pre-hearing conference to establish
schedules for completion of discovery, for exchange of exhibit and witness
lists, for arbitration briefs and for the hearing, and to decide procedural
matters and address all other questions that may be presented.
7. Hearing Procedures. The hearing shall be conducted to preserve its
privacy and to allow reasonable procedural due process. Rules of evidence need
not be strictly followed, and the hearing shall be streamlined as follows:
(a) Documents shall be self-authenticating, subject to valid
objection by the opposing party;
(b) Expert reports, witness biographies, depositions and
affidavits may be utilized, subject to the opponent's right of a live
cross-examination of the witness in person;
(c) Charts, graphs and summaries shall be utilized to present
voluminous data, provided (i) that the underlying data is made available to the
opposing party thirty (30) days prior to the hearing, and (ii) that the preparer
of each chart, graph or summary is available for explanation and live
cross-examination in person;
(d) The hearing should be held on consecutive business days
without interruption to the maximum extent practicable; and
(e) The arbitrators shall establish all other procedural rules
for the conduct of the arbitration in accordance with the rules of arbitration
of the Center for Public Resources.
8. Governing Law. This arbitration provision shall be governed by, and
all rights and obligations specifically enforceable under and pursuant to, the
Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. Sec. 1, et seq.)
9. Consolidation. No arbitration shall include, by consolidation,
joinder or in any other manner, any additional person not a party to the
Agreement, except by written consent of both parties containing a specific
reference to these provisions.
10. Award. The arbitrators are empowered to render an award of general
compensatory damages and equitable relief (including, without limitations,
injunctive relief), but are not empowered to award exemplary, special or
punitive damages. The award rendered by the arbitrators (a) shall be final, (b)
shall not constitute a basis for collateral estoppel as to any issue and (c)
shall not be subject to vacation or modification.
11. Confidentiality. The parties hereto will maintain the substance of
any proceedings hereunder in confidence and the arbitrators, prior to any
proceedings hereunder, will sign an agreement whereby the arbitrators agree to
keep the substance of any proceedings hereunder in confidence.
EXHIBIT A
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
OPTION
EXHIBIT B
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
OPTION
EXHIBIT C
RIO VISTA GP LLC
OPTION
January 13, 2004
FirstName LastName
Company
Company1
Address1
Address2
City , State Zip
RE: AMENDMENT - PROMISSORY NOTE ("NOTE") OF PENN OCTANE CORPORATION (THE
"COMPANY") CURRENTLY HELD BY YOU WITH A DUE DATE OF DECEMBER 15, 2003
AND RELATED AGREEMENTS AND INSTRUMENTS
Dear Holder Of The Promissory Notes:
Reference is made to the promissory note(s) which is currently held by you
in connection with one or more of the following transactions with the Company:
i.) The promissory note(s) originally issued by the Company in
connection with the private placement on or around December 17,
1999 (the "Original Notes"), as amended (the "Restructured
Notes"), and/or
ii.) The promissory note(s) originally issued by the Company
contemporaneously with the restructuring of the Original Notes
(the "New Notes").
iii.) The promissory note originally issued in June 2002 for $200,000
and December 2002 for $300,000 (the "Additional Notes").
The Restructured Notes, the New Notes and the Additional Notes are
collectively referred to as the "Promissory Notes" and all of the
underlying agreements pertaining to the Promissory Notes, including the
purchase agreement, the note agreement, the common stock purchase warrant
agreement, the registration rights agreement, and all related amendments,
if any, are collectively referred to as the "Original Documents".
The Promissory Notes, including unpaid interest were due and payable on
December 15, 2003. The Company desires to extend the payment due date on the
Promissory Notes until December 15, 2005 under the following conditions: (i) The
principal amount of the Promissory Notes will be due in one balloon payment on
December 15, 2005, except that the Promissory Notes may be repaid at any time
without penalty in whole or in part at the sole option of the Company, (ii) the
Company will continue to pay interest on the Promissory Notes at a rate of
16.50% per annum, payable quarterly, (iii) The Company will also extend the
expiration date of the warrants currently held by you in connection with the
original issuance of the Promissory Notes to December 15, 2008. In connection
with the New Notes and Additional Notes, whereby the holders of those notes did
not receive any warrants in connection with their investment, the Company will
issue warrants under the
Amendment To Promissory Notes
January 13, 2004
Page 2 of 8
same terms and conditions of the warrants described herein, (iv) the Company
agrees to continue to pay you a fee equal to 1.5% of the principal amount of the
Promissory Notes which remain outstanding, if any, at the close of business on
December 15, 2003, March 15, 2004, June 15, 2004, September 15, 2004, December
15, 2004, March 15, 2005, June 15, 2005, September 15, 2005 and December 15,
2005. In the case of the Additional Notes, the fee will continue to be 2.0%, (v)
the Company will issue additional warrants to the holders of the Promissory
Notes to purchase units in Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P., provided that the
Company successfully completes the Spin-off. The warrants will granted based on
2,500 warrants for each $100,000 of Promissory Notes extended at the time this
Amendment is executed and 2,500 warrants for each $100,000 of Promissory Notes
outstanding on December 16, 2004, if any. The warrants will expire on December
15, 2008 and the exercise price will be based on a formula as described below,
and (vi) the Company will provide the holders of the Promissory Notes with a
letter confirmation from RZB regarding RZB's agreement to refrain from taking
any action against certain assets of the Company until all the Promissory Notes
have been fully repaid and the Company on a good faith basis will provide a
perfected security interest in the US portion of its owned pipelines after the
indebtedness of Cowboy and Tanner have been fully repaid.
The holders of the Promissory Notes are currently aware of the Company's
efforts to complete the Spin-off as more fully described in the Company's Form
10-K for the year ended July 31, 2003, filed on November 3, 2003 and the
Company's 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2003, filed on December 17,
2003. In connection with the Spin-off, the Company will be required to obtain
consents from the holders of the Promissory Notes to complete the Spin-off. This
amendment will provide for the consent by the holders of the Promissory Notes
for the Company to complete the Spin-off under the terms described below
The Company also desires to remove Investec as the collateral agent in
connection with the Promissory Notes. This amendment will provide for consent by
the holders of the Promissory Notes for the Company to replace Investec as
collateral agent replacing them with The Law Offices of Kevin Finck, counsel to
the Company.
This amendment will also provide for consent by the holders of the
Promissory Notes for the collateral agent to immediately release 1,000,000
shares of common stock of the Company owned by Mr. Jerome Richter (the "Shares")
and pledged as security in connection with the Promissory Notes upon the
Company's perfection of security interest in certain assets as described below.
The parties agree to establish a mutually agreeable escrow agent to hold the
Shares.
For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, the Company and you hereby agree that your Original
Documents shall be, and hereby are, amended, effective from and after December
15, 2003, to the fullest extent necessary to effectuate the following:
2
Amendment To Promissory Notes
January 13, 2004
Page 3 of 8
1. Promissory Notes. The Promissory Notes held by you are hereby amended to
the full extent necessary to effectuate the following:
(a) Extend the payment due date from "December 15, 2003" to
"December 15, 2005".
(b) Principal payments shall be due on December 15, 2005.
(c) The Promissory Notes may be repaid by the Company in whole
or part at any time prior to December 15, 2005 without
penalty.
(d) Payment of interest on the Promissory Notes outstanding at
the rate of 16.50% per annum payable as follows: The
December 15, 2003 payment which has yet to be made will be
paid on the execution date of this Amendment and remaining
quarterly interest will be paid on March 15, 2004, June 15,
2004, September 15, 2004, December 15, 2004, March 15, 2005,
June 15, 2005, September 15, 2005 and December 15, 2005.
2. Additional Payment. The Company will pay to you a fee equal to 1.5% on the
principal amount of your Promissory Notes which are outstanding on each of
the following dates; December 15, 2003, March 15, 2004, June 15, 2004,
September 15, 2004, December 15, 2004, March 15, 2005, June 15, 2005,
September 15, 2005 and December 15, 2005. The fee will be payable in
accordance with the interest payment dates described in 1(d) above. The fee
is not due on any principal balance which is paid down during any of the
interim periods. The fee payable for the Additional Notes is 2.0%.
3. Warrants. The Company will extend the expiration date on those warrants
which you received in connection with the original issuance of the
Promissory Notes and related amendments. The current expiration date on
those warrants shall be changed from "December 15, 2006" to "December 15,
2008".
In connection with the above, the Company will issue to the holder of the
New Notes and Additional Notes new warrants under the same terms and
conditions of the warrants issued to the holders of the Restructured Notes.
4. Issuance of Rio Vista Warrants. In the event that the Spin-off is
successfully completed by the Company (see 9. below), the Company agrees
that the holders of the Promissory Notes shall be entitled to receive
warrants to purchase units of Rio Vista under the following terms and
conditions:
a. Holder of the Promissory Notes shall be entitled to receive 2,500
warrants to purchase units of Rio Vista for every $100,000 of
principal of Promissory Notes extended,
b. Holder of the Promissory Notes shall be entitled to receive an
3
Amendment To Promissory Notes
January 13, 2004
Page 4 of 8
additional 2,500 warrants to purchase units of Rio Vista for
every $100,000 of principal of Promissory Notes outstanding at
December 16, 2004,
c. Exercise price of all warrants will be based on the 1st qtly
distribution paid by Rio Vista, annualized, to provide a 20%
yield (example: Dividend $.25. Annualized $1.00, Exercise price
$5.00),
d. The expiration date of warrants will be December 15, 2006,
e. The warrants will be callable by Rio Vista in the event that the
annualized current dividend provides a 10% yield based on the
average common unit trading price for 30 consecutive days,
f. Issuance of the warrants herein are only required if Rio Vista is
successfully Spun-off. No additional obligation from the Company
to the holder of the Promissory Notes if the Company does not
complete the Spin-off of Rio Vista,
5. RZB Subordination. You hereby agree that the attached draft subordination
letter from RZB is satisfactory (see Exhibit A) in connection with RZB's
agreement to refrain from taking any action against certain assets of the
Company until all the Promissory Notes have been fully repaid
6. Agreement Not To Pledge Assets: The Company agrees that it will not pledge
any of its assets before or after the Spin-off occurs nor will it allow Rio
Vista to pledge any of its assets without the consent of the Borrower and
the holders of the Replacement Notes. The Company further agrees that it
will on a good faith basis provide the holders of the Promissory Notes and
the Replacement Notes a perfected security interest in the US portion of
its owned pipelines, except that such perfection will not be attempted
until the Cowboy and Tanner obligations have been fully repaid, expected to
be no later than March 31, 2004. The Company is not responsible for any
consents which cannot be obtained in connection with such perfection.
7. Collateral Agent. Investec will no longer serve as collateral agent in
connection with the Promissory Notes and be replaced by "The Law Offices of
Kevin Finck"
8. Release of Collateral. Upon the perfection of the security interest
described in 6. above, the holders of the Promissory Notes hereby consent
to the immediate release of 1,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company
owned by Mr. Jerome Richter (the "Shares") and pledged as additional
security in connection obligations owing by the Company under the
Promissory Notes. In addition, the parties agree to determine a mutually
agreeable escrow agent to retain custody of the Shares during the time that
the Promissory Notes are outstanding.
9. Consent to Spin-off. The holders of the Promissory Notes hereby consent to
the Company completing the Spin-off as more fully described in the Form 10
filed by Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. ("Rio Vista") with the SEC, as
amended, and
4
Amendment To Promissory Notes
January 13, 2004
Page 5 of 8
as described in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2003,
and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2003 provided that the
Spin-off provides for the following:
a. The Company or Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. ("Rio Vista") will
be prohibited from entering into any further agreement to pledge
any of its pipeline or terminal assets until the Promissory Notes
have been paid in full
b. Rio Vista will guaranty performance under the Promissory Notes
c. Rio Vista will be prohibited from making any distributions
("Distributions") to unitholders to the extent that any payments
required as of the date of the Distribution have not been made.
d. The form of providing for the above conditions will be documented
by the Company on a good faith basis
10. Philadelphia Brokerage Corporation. In connection with the restructuring of
the Promissory Notes, the Company has agreed to pay Philadelphia Brokerage
Corporation a fee of 1.5% of the total amount of Promissory Notes
restructured and the total amount of Replacement Notes issued (see below).
In addition, Philadelphia Brokerage Corporation will receive 10,000
warrants to purchase units in Rio Vista at the time this Amendment is
executed and 10,000 additional warrants on December 16, 2004 (or a pro rata
portion thereon based on the remaining principal amount of Promissory Notes
and Replacement Notes outstanding at December 16, 2003 and the total amount
of Promissory Notes and Replacements at the time this amendment is
executed. The terms and conditions of the warrants will be the same as
those issued to the holders of the Promissory Notes as described in 4.
above.
11. Declining Noteholders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
in your Original Documents, you hereby agree that, to the extent that any
other holders of the Promissory Notes do not agree to this amendment letter
by December 13, 2003 (collectively, the "Declining Promissory
Noteholders"), the Company shall be entitled to repay such Declining
Promissory Noteholders all amounts owing by the Company to such Declining
Promissory Noteholders under their respective Original Documents without,
by virtue thereof, in any way breaching or otherwise being in default of
any of your Original Documents. Any such amounts paid, shall be excluded
from the definition of "Financing" provided for in your Original Documents.
In addition to the above, to the extent that any amounts are required to be
repaid in connection with Declining Noteholders, you hereby agree to allow
the Company to obtain additional financing (the "Replacement Notes") equal
to the amount of Promissory Notes repaid to the Declining Noteholders under
the same
5
Amendment To Promissory Notes
January 13, 2004
Page 6 of 8
terms and conditions outlined in this Amendment, except that the holders of
the Replacement Notes shall not be entitled to receive any warrants in the
Company which were issued in connection with the Restructured Notes. In
addition, you agree that the holders of the Replacement Notes shall
participate pari-pasu with any collateral granted to the holders of the
Promissory Notes.
If you are in agreement with the terms of this amendment letter, please
indicate so by signing below and faxing an executed copy to Ian Bothwell at
(760) 772-8588 no later than the close of business on January 16, 2004.
Very truly yours,
Penn Octane Corporation
By: __________________________________
Its: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
6
The undersigned holder of the Promissory Note and other Original Documents
referred to in this amendment letter hereby acknowledges his/her/its agreement
to all of the provisions of this amendment letter and intention to be so bound.
The undersigned also agrees to keep the contents of this amendment letter and
any documents or discussions regarding the same strictly confidential and not to
use the same for any purpose pending public disclosure thereof by the Company;
provided, however, that the undersigned may consult with his, her or its agents
and advisors with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and, in
connection therewith, disclose the terms and contents of this amendment letter
and any other documents relating to the subject matter thereof or hereof.
FirstName LastName
Company
Company1
By: __________________________________
Its: _________________________________
Date:_________________________________
Promissory Note Amount: $ Note Amt
Name and Telephone Number of Holder:
Amendment To Promissory Notes
January 13, 2004
Page 8 of 8
EXHIBIT A - DRAFT
This letter will confirm that RZB Finance LLC ("RZB") agrees to subordinate its
liens and security interests in all of Penn Octane Corporation's (the "Company")
assets, personal property, fixtures, intangibles and property constituting
Collateral (as defined in the General Security Agreement between the Company and
RZB), except for (i) cash held in the Company's accounts at RZB, (ii) inventory
of every type and description, whether raw, in process or finished and all
documents, documents of title and receipts covering any inventory and all
products and proceeds thereof; (iii) accounts, accounts receivable, contract
rights, general intangibles, payment intangibles, tax refund claims,
instruments, promissory notes, chattel paper, supporting obligations, letters of
credit and letter-of-credit rights and other rights to payment of money and all
products and proceeds thereof; (iv) the Seadrift lease dated October 2003, as
amended, modified or supplemented from time to time; (v) the Company's LPG
supply agreements and all rights and remedies relating thereto and (vi) the PMI
agreements, as to all of the foregoing items in clauses (i) through and
including (vi), whether now owned or hereafter acquired and wherever located
(all such property, except the property described in clauses (i) through and
including (vi), the "Subordinated Collateral").
Accordingly, RZB consents that the Subordinated Collateral can be pledged by the
Company to the Company's existing creditors (which shall be deemed to include
those creditors which may substitute as note holders in connection with existing
indebtedness, and the holders of any indebtedness incurred to refinance existing
indebtedness) and RZB agrees that it shall not take any action which would
prevent such creditors (the "Senior Creditors") from foreclosing and enforcing
liens superior to RZB in such Subordinated Collateral in the event the Company
is in default under the related indebtedness.
Except as expressly set forth herein, nothing contained herein shall limit or
affect any of RZB's rights or remedies against the Company.
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York without
regard to principles of conflicts of law. Unless the context otherwise
requires, all terms used herein which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code
of the State of New York as in effect from time to time shall have the meanings
therein stated. The subordination contained herein is conditioned upon the
parties submitting and consenting to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of
the State of New York located in New York County and of the United States
District Court for the Southern District of New York in connection with any
action or proceeding under, arising from or relating to this Agreement. The
subordination contained herein is conditioned upon the parties waiving, to the
fullest extent they may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum
to the maintenance of such action or proceeding. Each of the parties agrees
that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and
may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other
manner provided by law. The Senior Creditors and RZB hereby IRREVOCABLY WAIVE
TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING UNDER OR RELATING TO THIS
AGREEMENT.
The subordination contained herein is conditioned upon the Senior Creditors not
challenging or disputing (a) the validity, perfection or priority of RZB's
security interest in any Collateral (other than Subordinated Collateral), or (b)
any relief requested by RZB to protect or realize on its Collateral (other than
Subordinated Collateral) in any bankruptcy case with respect to the Company
including, without limitation, any cash collateral order or debtor-in-possession
financing.
This agreement is solely for the benefit of RZB and the Senior Creditors and
their successors and assigns and no other person shall have any right or benefit
under or because of the existence of this Agreement.
The Senior Creditors shall permit use of any collateral subject to their senior
security interest for storage, processing, transportation or delivery of RZB's
collateral for a period of 60 days after notice from the Senior Creditors or
their representative to RZB of the beginning of such 60-day period, all without
charge, cost or expense to RZB.
CONTRIBUTION, CONVEYANCE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
This Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement (this "Agreement") is
entered into as of September 16, 2004, by and among Penn Octane Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("POCC"), Rio Vista GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (the "GP"), Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership (the "MLP"), Rio Vista Operating GP LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company (the "Operating GP"), and Rio Vista Operating Partnership
L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the "Operating Partnership").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, prior to the date hereof, POCC formed the GP, as a wholly-owned
direct subsidiary, and purchased for $1,000.00 all of the limited liability
company interests in the GP;
WHEREAS, the GP and POCC formed the MLP, with the GP purchasing a 2%
general partner interest for $20 and POCC purchasing common units representing a
98% limited partner interest for $980.00;
WHEREAS, the MLP formed the Operating GP and purchased all of the limited
liability company interests in the Operating GP for $1,000.00;
WHEREAS, POCC and the Operating GP formed the Operating Partnership, with
the Operating GP purchasing a 0.10% general partner interest for $1.00 and POCC
purchasing a 99.9% limited partner interest for $999.00;
WHEREAS, each of the following transactions shall occur as of 4:58 P.M.
Eastern Time on September 30, 2004 (the "Contribution Effective Time"):
1. POCC will contribute all of its ownership interest in the outstanding
capital stock of its subsidiaries (the "Subsidiary Interests") set forth on
Exhibit A (the "Subsidiaries") hereto to the Operating Partnership as a capital
contribution;
2. POCC will contribute to the Operating Partnership the assets set forth
in the Conveyance Agreement described in Section 1.2 below (the "LPG Assets") as
an additional capital contribution; and
3. The GP will convey $1,000 to the MLP in exchange for the issuance of
incentive distribution rights to the GP;
WHEREAS, each of the following transactions shall occur as of 4:59 P.M.
Eastern Time on September 30, 2004 (the "Closing Day Effective Time"):
1. POCC will contribute all of its limited partner interest in the
Operating Partnership to the MLP as an additional capital contribution.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual undertakings and
agreements hereunder, the parties to this Agreement undertake and agree as
follows:
ARTICLE I
CONVERSIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS OF VARIOUS ASSETS
SECTION 1.1 CONTRIBUTION OF THE SUBSIDIARY INTERESTS BY POCC TO THE
OPERATING PARTNERSHIP. At the Contribution Effective Time, POCC hereby grants,
contributes, transfers, assigns and conveys to the Operating Partnership, its
successors and assigns, all right, title and interest in and to the Subsidiary
Interests as a capital contribution and the Operating Partnership hereby accepts
the Subsidiary Interests.
SECTION 1.2 CONTRIBUTION OF LPG ASSETS BY POCC TO THE OPERATING
PARTNERSHIP. At the Contribution Effective Time, POCC hereby grants,
contributes, transfers, assigns and conveys to the Operating Partnership, its
successors and assigns, all right, title and interest in and to the LPG Assets
as a capital contribution, and the Operating Partnership hereby accepts the LPG
Assets. In order to give full effect to the foregoing grant, contribution,
transfer, assignment and conveyance, POCC, as grantor, and the Operating
Partnership, as grantee, shall execute a Conveyance Agreement in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit B together with such other special warranty deeds,
conveyances or other documents required to transfer the LPG Assets in the
jurisdictions in which they are located.
SECTION 1.3 CONTRIBUTION OF OPERATING PARTNERSHIP INTEREST BY POCC TO THE
MLP. At the Closing Day Effective Time, POCC hereby grants, contributes,
transfers, assigns and conveys to the MLP, its successors and assigns, all
right, title and interest of POCC in and to the 99.9% limited partner interest
in the Operating Partnership as an additional capital contribution to the MLP
and the MLP hereby accepts such limited partner interest as an additional
capital contribution to the MLP.
SECTION 1.4 CONVEYANCE BY THE GP TO THE MLP. At the Contribution Effective
Time, the GP hereby conveys to the MLP $1,000.00 in exchange for all of the
incentive distribution rights under the First Amended and Restated Agreement of
Limited Partnership of the MLP.
ARTICLE II
RECORDATION OF EVIDENCE OF OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS
SECTION 2.1. In connection with the conveyances that are referred to in
Article I to this Agreement, the parties to this Agreement acknowledge that
certain jurisdictions in which the assets of the applicable parties to such
conveyances are located may require that documents be recorded by such parties
resulting from such conveyances in order to evidence title to the assets owned
by such parties. All such documents shall evidence such new ownership and are
not intended to modify, and shall not modify, any of the terms, covenants and
conditions herein set forth.
ARTICLE III
ASSUMPTION OF CERTAIN LIABILITIES
SECTION 3.1 ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS BY THE OPERATING
PARTNERSHIP AND THE MLP. In connection with the contributions of the LPG Assets
and the Subsidiary Interests to the Operating Partnership, the Operating
Partnership hereby assumes and agrees to duly and timely pay, perform and
discharge all obligations and liabilities associated with the Contributed
Assets, that arise from and after the Closing Day Effective Time, to the full
extent that either of the Subsidiaries or POCC would have been obligated to pay,
perform and discharge such obligations and liabilities in the future, were it
not for the execution and delivery of this Agreement; provided, however, that
said assumption and agreement to duly and timely pay, perform and discharge such
obligations and liabilities shall not increase the obligation of the Operating
Partnership with respect to such obligations and liabilities beyond that of POCC
as to the LPG Assets, or the Subsidiaries as to the assets acquired by the
Operating Partnership in such interest conveyed by any of POCC or the
Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Contributed Assets"
shall mean, collectively, the LPG Assets and the Subsidiary Interests.
2
ARTICLE IV
TITLE MATTERS
SECTION 4.1 DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; SUBROGATION.
(a) (i) NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY CONTAINED IN THIS
AGREEMENT, THE MLP AND THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE
THAT POCC AND THE SUBSIDIARIES HAVE NOT MADE, DO NOT MAKE, AND
SPECIFICALLY NEGATE AND DISCLAIM, ANY REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES,
PROMISES, COVENANTS, AGREEMENTS OR GUARANTIES OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER
WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, ORAL OR WRITTEN,
PAST OR PRESENT (ALL OF WHICH ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED BY POCC AND THE
SUBSIDIARIES) REGARDING (1) THE TITLE, VALUE, NATURE, QUALITY OR
CONDITION OF THE CONTRIBUTED ASSETS, (2) THE INCOME TO BE DERIVED FROM
THE CONTRIBUTED ASSETS, (3) THE SUITABILITY OF THE CONTRIBUTED ASSETS
FOR ANY AND ALL ACTIVITIES AND USES WHICH THE MLP MAY CONDUCT THEREON,
(4) THE COMPLIANCE OF OR BY THE CONTRIBUTED ASSETS, OR THEIR
OPERATIONS WITH ANY LAWS (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY ZONING,
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, POLLUTION OR LAND USE LAWS, RULES,
REGULATIONS, ORDERS OR REQUIREMENTS), OR (5) THE HABITABILITY,
MERCHANTABILITY, MARKETABILITY, PROFITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE CONTRIBUTED ASSETS.
(ii) THE MLP AND THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THEY
HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT THE CONTRIBUTED ASSETS, AND THAT
THEY ARE RELYING SOLELY ON THEIR OWN INVESTIGATION OF THE CONTRIBUTED
ASSETS, AND NOT ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED OR TO BE PROVIDED BY POCC
AND THE SUBSIDIARIES, AND POCC AND THE SUBSIDIARIES ARE NOT LIABLE OR
BOUND IN ANY MANNER BY ANY VERBAL OR WRITTEN STATEMENTS,
REPRESENTATIONS OR INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE CONTRIBUTED ASSETS,
FURNISHED BY ANY AGENT, EMPLOYEE, SERVANT OR THIRD PARTY.
(iii) THE MLP AND THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGE THAT TO THE MAXIMUM
EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRIBUTED ASSETS,
AS PROVIDED FOR HEREIN IS MADE ON AN "AS IS", "WHERE IS" BASIS WITH
ALL FAULTS AND THE CONTRIBUTED ASSETS, ARE CONTRIBUTED OR DISTRIBUTED
AND CONVEYED BY POCC AND THE SUBSIDIARIES SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING.
THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL SURVIVE SUCH CONTRIBUTION OR DISTRIBUTION AND
CONVEYANCE OR THE TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
(iv) THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 4.1 HAVE BEEN NEGOTIATED BY POCC, THE
SUBSIDIARIES, THE MLP AND THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP AFTER DUE
CONSIDERATION AND ARE INTENDED TO BE A COMPLETE EXCLUSION AND NEGATION
OF ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF POCC AND THE SUBSIDIARIES,
WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, WITH RESPECT TO THE CONTRIBUTED
ASSETS, THAT MAY ARISE PURSUANT TO ANY LAW NOW OR HEREAFTER IN EFFECT,
OR OTHERWISE.
(b) The contributions of the Contributed Assets, made under this Agreement
are made with full rights of substitution and subrogation of the
Operating Partnership, and all persons claiming by, through and under
the Operating Partnership, to the extent assignable, in and to all
covenants and warranties by the predecessors-in-title of POCC and the
Subsidiaries, and with full subrogation of all rights accruing under
applicable statutes of limitation and all rights of action of warranty
3
against all former owners of the Contributed Assets.
(c) POCC, the Subsidiaries, the MLP, the GP, the Operating Partnership and
Operating GP agree that the disclaimers contained in this Section 4.1
are "conspicuous" disclaimers. Any covenants implied by statute or law
by the use of the words "grant," "convey," "bargain," "sell,"
"assign," "transfer," "deliver," or "set over" or any of them or any
other words used in this Agreement or any exhibits hereto are hereby
expressly disclaimed, waived or negated.
ARTICLE V
FURTHER ASSURANCES
SECTION 5.1 FURTHER ASSURANCES. From time to time after the date
hereof, and without any further consideration, POCC, the Subsidiaries, the GP,
the MLP, the Operating GP and the Operating Partnership shall execute,
acknowledge and deliver all such additional deeds, assignments, conveyances,
instruments, notices, releases, acquittances and other documents, and will do
all such other acts and things, all in accordance with applicable law, as may be
necessary or appropriate more fully and effectively to vest in the Operating
Partnership and the MLP and their successors and assigns beneficial and record
title to the Contributed Assets hereby contributed and assigned to the Operating
Partnership or intended so to be and to more fully and effectively carry out the
purposes and intent of this Agreement.
SECTION 5.2 OTHER ASSURANCES. From time to time after the date hereof,
and without any further consideration, each of the parties to this Agreement
shall execute, acknowledge and deliver all such additional instruments, notices
and other documents, and will do all such other acts and things, all in
accordance with applicable law, as may be necessary or appropriate to more fully
and effectively carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 6.1 HEADINGS; REFERENCES; INTERPRETATION. All article and
section headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be
deemed to control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions
hereof. The words "hereof," "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar
import, when used in this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole,
including without limitation, all exhibits attached hereto, and not to any
particular provision of this Agreement. All references herein to articles,
sections, and exhibits shall, unless the context requires a different
construction, be deemed to be references to the articles, sections and exhibits
of this Agreement, respectively, and all such Exhibits attached hereto are
hereby incorporated herein and made a part hereof for all purposes. All personal
pronouns used in this Agreement, whether used in the masculine, feminine or
neuter gender, shall include all other genders, and the singular shall include
the plural and vice versa. The use herein of the word "including" following any
general statement, term or matter shall not be construed to limit such
statement, term or matter to the specific items or matters set forth immediately
following such word or to similar items or matters, whether or not non-limiting
language (such as "without limitation," "but not limited to," or words of
similar import) is used with reference thereto, but rather shall be deemed to
refer to all other items or matters that could reasonably fall within the
broadest possible scope of such general statement, term or matter.
SECTION 6.2 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties signatory hereto and their
respective successors and assigns.
SECTION 6.3 NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. The provisions of this Agreement are
intended to bind the parties signatory hereto as to each other and are not
intended to and do not create rights in any other person or confer upon any
other person any benefits, rights or remedies and no person is or is intended to
be a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
4
SECTION 6.4 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one agreement binding on
the parties hereto.
SECTION 6.5 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas applicable to
contracts made and to be performed wholly within such state without giving
effect to conflict of law principles thereof, except to the extent that it is
mandatory that the law of some other jurisdiction, shall apply.
SECTION 6.6 SEVERABILITY. If any of the provisions of this Agreement are
held by any court of competent jurisdiction to contravene, or to be invalid
under, the laws of any political body having jurisdiction over the subject
matter hereof, such contravention or invalidity shall not invalidate the entire
Agreement. Instead, this Agreement shall be construed as if it did not contain
the particular provision or provisions held to be invalid, and an equitable
adjustment shall be made and necessary provision added so as to give effect to
the intention of the parties as expressed in this Agreement at the time of
execution of this Agreement.
SECTION 6.7 AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION. This Agreement may be amended or
modified from time to time only by the written agreement of all the parties
hereto.
SECTION 6.8 INTEGRATION. This Agreement, together with that certain
Omnibus Agreement dated of even date herewith, to be entered into by and among
POCC, certain of POCC's subsidiaries, the MLP, the GP, the Operating Partnership
and the Operating GP (the "Omnibus Agreement"), supersedes all previous
understandings or agreements between the parties, whether oral or written, with
respect to its subject matter. This document is an integrated agreement which
contains the entire understanding of the parties. No understanding,
representation, promise or agreement, whether oral or written, other than those
contained in the Omnibus Agreement, is intended to be or shall be included in or
form part of this Agreement unless it is contained in a written amendment hereto
executed by the parties hereto after the date of this Agreement.
(Signatures on following page)
5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the parties
hereto as of the date first above written.
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
----------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
RIO VISTA GP LLC
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
----------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
By: RIO VISTA GP LLC,
its General Partner
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
----------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
RIO VISTA OPERATING GP LLC
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
----------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P.
By: Rio Vista Operating GP LLC,
its General Partner
By: Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P.,
its sole member
By: Rio Vista GP LLC,
its General Partner
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-----------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
6
EXHIBIT A
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
Penn-Octane de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Termatsal, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Penn Octane International LLC
EXHIBIT B
CONVEYANCE AGREEMENT
Recording Requested by and When Recorded Return to: Fulbright & Jaworski
L.L.P., 300 Convent St., Suite 2200, San Antonio, Texas, Attn: Christian G.
Herff.
CONVEYANCE AGREEMENT
This Conveyance Agreement (this "Conveyance"), effective as of 4:58 P.M.
Eastern Time on September 30, 2004 (the "Effective Date"), is from PENN OCTANE
CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (herein called "Grantor"), and in favor of
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P., whose mailing address is 820 Gessner Road,
Suite 1285, Houston, TX 77024 (herein called "Grantee").
ARTICLE I
GRANTING CLAUSE
1.1 GRANTING CLAUSES. Grantor hereby contributes, conveys, assigns,
transfers, delivers, and sets over unto Grantee, its successors and assigns, all
right, title, interests and estate of Grantor in and to the following described
property, to-wit:
ALL OF THE ASSETS SET FORTH ON SCHEDULE A ATTACHED HERETO
The property described in this Section 1.1 shall be referred to herein
collectively as the "Subject Property".
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Subject Property, subject to the terms and
conditions hereof, unto Grantee, its successors and assigns, forever.
ARTICLE II
ENCUMBRANCES AND WARRANTY DISCLAIMERS
2.1 PERMITTED ENCUMBRANCES. This Conveyance is made and accepted expressly
subject to (a) all liens, charges, encumbrances, contracts, agreements,
instruments, obligations, defects, restrictions, security interests, options or
preferential rights to purchase, adverse claims, reservations, exceptions,
easements, rights-of-way, conditions, leases, other matters affecting the
Subject Property or to which it is subject; and (b) to all matters that a
current on the ground survey or visual inspection would reflect.
2.2 CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT. This Conveyance is expressly made subject to
the terms and conditions of that certain Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption
Agreement dated as of September 16, 2004, among Grantor, Grantee and the other
parties thereto (the "Contribution Agreement"). All capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Contribution
Agreement, unless otherwise defined herein. Nothing contained in this Conveyance
shall in any way affect the provisions set forth in the Contribution Agreement
nor shall this Conveyance expand or contract any rights or remedies under the
Contribution Agreement. This Conveyance is intended only to effect the transfer
of the Subject Property to Grantee as provided for in the Contribution Agreement
and shall be governed entirely in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the Contribution Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this
Conveyance and the terms of the Contribution Agreement, the terms of the
Contribution Agreement shall prevail.
2.3 DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; SUBROGATION. Except as expressly provided
herein or in the Contribution Agreement, this Conveyance is made, and is
accepted by Grantee, without warranty of title, express, implied or statutory,
and without recourse, but with full substitution and subrogation of Grantee, and
all persons claiming by, through, and under Grantee, to the extent assignable,
in and to all covenants and warranties by the predecessors in title of Grantor
and with full subrogation of all rights accruing under applicable statutes of
limitation or prescription and all rights of action of warranty against all
former owners of the Subject Property. Except as expressly provided herein or in
the Contribution Agreement, any covenants implied by statute or by the
D-1
use of the words "convey", "sell", "assign", "transfer", "deliver", or "set
over" or any of them or any other words used in this Conveyance, are hereby
expressly disclaimed, waived and negated.
ARTICLE III
MISCELLANEOUS
3.1 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Grantor and Grantee agree to take all such further
actions and to execute, acknowledge and deliver all such further documents that
are necessary or useful in carrying out the purposes of this Conveyance. So long
as authorized by applicable law so to do, Grantor agrees to execute, acknowledge
and deliver to Grantee all such other additional instruments, notices,
affidavits, deeds, conveyances, assignments and other documents and to do all
such other and further acts and things as may be necessary or useful to more
fully and effectively grant, assign, convey, transfer and deliver to Grantee the
Subject Property conveyed hereby or intended so to be conveyed.
3.2 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY. This Conveyance
shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, Grantor and Grantee
and their successors and assigns. The provisions of this Conveyance are not
intended to and do not create rights in any other person or entity or confer
upon any other person or entity any benefits, rights or remedies and no person
or entity is or is intended to be a third party beneficiary of any of the
provisions of this Conveyance.
3.3 GOVERNING LAW. This Conveyance and the legal relations between the
parties shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the
State of Texas, excluding any conflict of law rule which would refer any issue
to the laws of another jurisdiction, except when it is mandatory that the law of
the jurisdiction wherein the Subject Property is located shall apply.
3.4 HEADINGS; REFERENCES; DEFINED TERMS. All Section headings in this
Conveyance are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect
the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof. The words "hereof",
"herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import, when used in this
Conveyance, shall refer to this Conveyance as a whole, including, without
limitation, all Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto, and not to any
particular provision of this Conveyance.
3.5 COUNTERPARTS. This Conveyance may be executed in any number of
counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one agreement binding on
the parties hereto.
3.6 SEVERABILITY. If any of the provisions of this Conveyance are held by
any court of competent jurisdiction to contravene, or to be invalid under, the
laws of any political body having jurisdiction over the subject matter hereof,
such contravention or invalidity shall not invalidate the entire agreement.
Instead, this Conveyance shall be construed as if it did not contain the
particular provision or provisions held to be invalid and an equitable
adjustment shall be made and necessary provision added so as to give effect to
the intention of the parties as expressed in this Conveyance at the time of
execution of this Conveyance.
D-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Conveyance has been duly executed by the parties
hereto on the dates of the acknowledgments set forth below, to be effective,
however, as of the Effective Date.
GRANTOR:
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By:
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
GRANTEE:
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P.
By: Rio Vista Operating GP LLC,
its General Partner
By: Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P.,
its sole member
By: Rio Vista GP LLC,
its General Partner
By:
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
D-3
THE STATE OF TEXAS )
)
COUNTY OF ___________ )
This instrument was acknowledged before me on the ____ day of ___________,
2004, by ______________, ______________ of ________________________, on behalf
of and in [HIS/HER] capacity as __________ of ________________________.
NOTARY PUBLIC
My Commission Expires:___________________
D-4
SCHEDULE A
D-5
CONVEYANCE AGREEMENT
Recording Requested by and When Recorded Return to: Fulbright & Jaworski
L.L.P., 300 Convent St., Suite 2200, San Antonio, Texas, Attn: Christian G.
Herff.
CONVEYANCE AGREEMENT
This Conveyance Agreement (this "Conveyance"), effective as of 4:58 P.M.
Eastern Time on September 30, 2004 (the "Effective Date"), is from PENN OCTANE
CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (herein called "Grantor"), and in favor of
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P., whose mailing address is 820 Gessner Road,
Suite 1285, Houston, TX 77024 (herein called "Grantee").
ARTICLE I
GRANTING CLAUSE
1.1 GRANTING CLAUSES. Grantor hereby contributes, conveys, assigns,
transfers, delivers, and sets over unto Grantee, its successors and assigns, all
right, title, interests and estate of Grantor in and to the following described
property, to-wit:
ALL OF THE ASSETS SET FORTH ON SCHEDULE A ATTACHED HERETO
The property described in this Section 1.1 shall be referred to herein
collectively as the "Subject Property".
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Subject Property, subject to the terms and
conditions hereof, unto Grantee, its successors and assigns, forever.
ARTICLE II
ENCUMBRANCES AND WARRANTY DISCLAIMERS
2.1 PERMITTED ENCUMBRANCES. This Conveyance is made and accepted expressly
subject to (a) all liens, charges, encumbrances, contracts, agreements,
instruments, obligations, defects, restrictions, security interests, options or
preferential rights to purchase, adverse claims, reservations, exceptions,
easements, rights-of-way, conditions, leases, other matters affecting the
Subject Property or to which it is subject; and (b) to all matters that a
current on the ground survey or visual inspection would reflect.
2.2 CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT. This Conveyance is expressly made subject to
the terms and conditions of that certain Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption
Agreement dated as of September 16, 2004, among Grantor, Grantee and the other
parties thereto (the "Contribution Agreement"). All capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Contribution
Agreement, unless otherwise defined herein. Nothing contained in this Conveyance
shall in any way affect the provisions set forth in the Contribution Agreement
nor shall this Conveyance expand or contract any rights or remedies under the
Contribution Agreement. This Conveyance is intended only to effect the transfer
of the Subject Property to Grantee as provided for in the Contribution Agreement
and shall be governed entirely in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the Contribution Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this
Conveyance and the terms of the Contribution Agreement, the terms of the
Contribution Agreement shall prevail.
2.3 DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; SUBROGATION. Except as expressly provided
herein or in the Contribution Agreement, this Conveyance is made, and is
accepted by Grantee, without warranty of title, express, implied or statutory,
and without recourse, but with full substitution and subrogation of Grantee, and
all persons claiming by, through, and under Grantee, to the extent assignable,
in and to all covenants and warranties by the predecessors in title of Grantor
and with full subrogation of all rights accruing under applicable statutes of
limitation or prescription and all rights of action of warranty against all
former owners of the Subject Property. Except as expressly provided herein or in
the Contribution Agreement, any covenants implied by statute or by the
D-1
use of the words "convey", "sell", "assign", "transfer", "deliver", or "set
over" or any of them or any other words used in this Conveyance, are hereby
expressly disclaimed, waived and negated.
ARTICLE III
MISCELLANEOUS
3.1 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Grantor and Grantee agree to take all such further
actions and to execute, acknowledge and deliver all such further documents that
are necessary or useful in carrying out the purposes of this Conveyance. So long
as authorized by applicable law so to do, Grantor agrees to execute, acknowledge
and deliver to Grantee all such other additional instruments, notices,
affidavits, deeds, conveyances, assignments and other documents and to do all
such other and further acts and things as may be necessary or useful to more
fully and effectively grant, assign, convey, transfer and deliver to Grantee the
Subject Property conveyed hereby or intended so to be conveyed.
3.2 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY. This Conveyance
shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, Grantor and Grantee
and their successors and assigns. The provisions of this Conveyance are not
intended to and do not create rights in any other person or entity or confer
upon any other person or entity any benefits, rights or remedies and no person
or entity is or is intended to be a third party beneficiary of any of the
provisions of this Conveyance.
3.3 GOVERNING LAW. This Conveyance and the legal relations between the
parties shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the
State of Texas, excluding any conflict of law rule which would refer any issue
to the laws of another jurisdiction, except when it is mandatory that the law of
the jurisdiction wherein the Subject Property is located shall apply.
3.4 HEADINGS; REFERENCES; DEFINED TERMS. All Section headings in this
Conveyance are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect
the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof. The words "hereof",
"herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import, when used in this
Conveyance, shall refer to this Conveyance as a whole, including, without
limitation, all Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto, and not to any
particular provision of this Conveyance.
3.5 COUNTERPARTS. This Conveyance may be executed in any number of
counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one agreement binding on
the parties hereto.
3.6 SEVERABILITY. If any of the provisions of this Conveyance are held by
any court of competent jurisdiction to contravene, or to be invalid under, the
laws of any political body having jurisdiction over the subject matter hereof,
such contravention or invalidity shall not invalidate the entire agreement.
Instead, this Conveyance shall be construed as if it did not contain the
particular provision or provisions held to be invalid and an equitable
adjustment shall be made and necessary provision added so as to give effect to
the intention of the parties as expressed in this Conveyance at the time of
execution of this Conveyance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Conveyance has been duly executed by the parties
hereto on the dates of the acknowledgments set forth below, to be effective,
however, as of the Effective Date.
GRANTOR:
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-----------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
GRANTEE:
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P.
By: Rio Vista Operating GP LLC,
its General Partner
By: Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P.,
its sole member
By: Rio Vista GP LLC,
its General Partner
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
)
COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO )
This instrument was acknowledged before me on the 15th day of September,
2004, by Richard Shore, Jr., President of Penn Octane Corporation, on behalf of
and in his capacity as President of Penn Octane Corporation.
/s/ Barbara Booth
-------------------------------------
NOTARY PUBLIC
|
My Commission Expires: Nov. 12, 2006
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
)
COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO )
This instrument was acknowledged before me on the 15th day of September,
2004, by Richard Shore, Jr., President of Rio Vista GP LLC, on behalf of and in
his capacity as President of Rio Vista GP LLC.
/s/ Barbara Booth
-------------------------------------
NOTARY PUBLIC
|
My Commission Expires: Nov. 12, 2006
SCHEDULE A
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
AND
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEPTEMBER 16, 2004
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
THIS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is dated September 16, 2004,
by and among PENN OCTANE CORPORATION., a Delaware corporation ("POC"), RIO VISTA
ENERGY PARTNERS L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("RVP"), and the Tax
Subsidiaries (as defined in Article 1) of RVP.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, POC is the sole limited partner of RVP and owner of common units
representing a 98% limited partner interest in RVP (the "RVP Common Units"); and
WHEREAS, POC desires to distribute to its stockholders all of the RVP
Common Units;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual terms,
covenants and conditions herein contained, and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following
respective meanings:
1.1 "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to POC or RVP, any Person, that
directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, controls or is under
common control of POC or RVP, as the case may be. For purposes of this
definition, control shall include the ownership of 50% or more of the legal or
beneficial interest in any Person or the power to direct or cause the direction
of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of
voting securities, by contract or otherwise. A Person who is an Affiliate shall
only be considered an Affiliate for so long as that Person meets the definition
of an Affiliate. An officer, director, general partner, managing member or
trustee of a Person or Affiliate of such Person shall not be considered to be an
Affiliate unless such Person is under the direct or indirect control or common
control of POC or RVP, as the case may be. For purposes of clarity, POC and RVP
shall not be considered to be an Affiliate of the other, nor shall any other
company in which a director or officer of POC or RVP is also a director, officer
or stockholder be considered an Affiliate of POC or RVP unless POC or RVP, as
the case may be, itself controls such company.
1.2 "Agreement" shall have the meaning specified in the preamble.
1.3 "Business Day" shall mean any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a
day on which commercial banks located in Houston, Texas are required or
authorized by law to close.
1.4 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.5 "Common Unit" shall mean the common units of RVP as defined in the
RVP First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership.
1
1.6 "Distribution" shall mean the distribution by POC to its stockholders
of the RVP Common Units.
1.7 "Distribution Agent" shall mean Computershare Investor Services.
1.8 "Distribution Date" shall mean the time and date as of which the
Distribution is effective.
1.9 "Liability" shall mean any and all claims, demands, liabilities,
responsibilities, disputes, causes of action, losses, damages, assessments,
costs and expenses (including interest, awards, judgments, penalties,
settlements, fines, costs of remediation, diminutions in value, costs and
expenses incurred in connection with investigating and defending any claims or
causes of action (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and expenses
and all fees and expenses of consultants and other professionals)) and
obligations of every nature whatsoever, liquidated or unliquidated, known or
unknown, matured or unmatured, or fixed or contingent.
1.10 "Nasdaq" shall mean The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
1.11 "POC" shall mean Penn Octane Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
1.12 "POC Common Stock" shall mean POC's common stock, $.01 par value.
1.13 "Person" shall mean an individual, partnership, corporation, business
trust, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, joint stock
company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, governmental
authority or other entity of whatever nature.
1.14 "RVP" for purposes of the assumption and indemnification provisions of
this Agreement, shall include Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. and any and all
predecessors or successors thereto, whether by merger, purchase or other
acquisition of substantially all of the assets or otherwise, and any and all
predecessors or successors to such entities.
1.15 "RVP Assets" shall mean, collectively, all the property, assets and
rights, tangible and intangible, owned or operated by the RVP Companies on,
before or after the Distribution Date.
1.16 "RVP Common Units" shall have the meaning specified in the
introduction to this Agreement.
1.17 "RVP Company" shall mean any Subsidiary of RVP.
1.18 "RVP First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership"
shall mean that certain limited partnership agreement of RVP dated September 16,
2004.
1.19 "RVP Properties" shall mean the properties currently or previously
owned or operated by any RVP Company.
1.20 "Record Date" shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.1 hereof.
1.21 "SEC" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
1.22 "Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any Person, (i) a corporation
a majority of whose Voting Stock is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned
by such Person, by one or more wholly owned subsidiaries of such Person or by
such Person and one or more wholly owned subsidiaries of such Person, (ii) a
partnership in which such Person or a wholly owned subsidiary of such Person is,
at the date of determination, a general or limited partner of such partnership,
but only if such Person or its wholly owned subsidiary is entitled to receive
more than fifty percent of the assets of such partnership upon its dissolution
or (iii) any other Person (other than a corporation or partnership) in which
such Person, a wholly owned subsidiary of such Person or such Person and one or
more wholly owned subsidiaries of such Person, directly or indirectly, at the
date of determination thereof, has (x) at least a majority ownership interest or
(y) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or
other governing body of such Person.
1.23 "Tax Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to POC or RVP as the context
may require, (i) any corporation or association taxable as a corporation that is
connected in an unbroken chain of stock ownership satisfying the requirements of
Section 1504(a) of the Code beginning with POC or RVP as the case may be
(provided that, for this purpose, after the Distribution Date, RVP shall be
regarded as a corporation that is the common parent of the RVP Group); (ii) any
entity not a corporation that is a "disregarded" entity for federal income tax
purposes pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 301.7701-3 and that is owned
by POC, RVP or any Tax Subsidiary of either (determined after application of
clause (i) above) and (iii) any "disregarded" entity owned by POC, RVP or any
Tax Subsidiary of either (determined after application of clauses (i) and (ii)
above).
1.24 "Transfer Agent" shall mean Computershare Investor Services.
1.25 "Voting Stock" shall mean, with respect to any Person, securities of
any class or classes of capital stock in such Person entitling the holders
thereof (whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has
voting power by reason of any contingency) to vote in the election of the
members of the board of directors or other governing body of such Person.
ARTICLE 2
MECHANICS OF DISTRIBUTION
2.1 Mechanics of RVP Distribution. The Distribution shall be effected by
the distribution to each holder of record of POC Common Stock, as of the record
date designated for the Distribution by or pursuant to the authorization of the
Board of Directors of POC (the "Record Date"), of one Common Unit for every
eight shares of POC Common Stock held by such holder. No fraction of a Common
Unit shall be issued, but in lieu thereof POC shall cause the Distribution Agent
to aggregate all fractional shares that would be issued but for this Section 2.1
and sell such aggregated fractional shares in the public market and the
aggregate net cash proceeds of those sales shall be distributed ratably to those
POC stockholders who would otherwise have received the fractional interests.
2.2 Timing of Distribution. The Board of Directors of POC shall formally
or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article 3, by delivery of certificates
for RVP Common Units to the Transfer Agent for delivery of Common Units to the
holders entitled thereto. The Distribution shall be deemed to be effective upon
notification by POC to the Transfer Agent that the Distribution has been
declared and that the Transfer Agent is authorized to proceed with the
distribution of the Common Units.
ARTICLE 3
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF POC
The obligations of POC to consummate the Distribution hereunder shall be
subject to the fulfillment of each of the following conditions:
(a) The Board of Directors of POC and the Independent Committee of the
Board of Directors of POC shall be satisfied that, after giving effect to the
Distribution and the transactions contemplated under the Contribution,
Conveyance and Assumption Agreement dated September 16, 2004 (the "Contribution
Agreement") by and among POC, RVP, the GP (as defined therein), the Operating GP
(as defined therein) and the Operating Partnership (as defined therein), (i) POC
will not be insolvent and will not have unreasonably small capital with which to
engage in its businesses and (ii) the POC surplus (as such term is defined by
Delaware General Corporation Law) will be sufficient to permit, without
violation of Delaware law, the Distribution.
(b) POC and RVP (or its Subsidiary) shall have executed the Purchase
Contract for the sale of liquified petroleum gas by POC to RVP (or its
Subsidiary).
(c) POC and RVP shall have executed the Omnibus Agreement, which is to
govern the business relationship between POC and RVP following the Distribution.
(d) The transactions contemplated under the Contribution Agreement
shall have been effected.
(e) The Common Units shall have been approved for trading on the
National Market System of the Nasdaq Stock Market or on such other public market
acceptable to the Board of Directors of POC, and the Nasdaq Stock Market or such
other public market shall not have (i) withdrawn its certification filed with
the SEC that the Common Units have been approved for listing, (ii) suspended
trading in either the Common Units or the POC Common Stock or (iii) filed with
the SEC a Form 25 to strike either the Common Units or the POC Common Stock from
listing and registration thereof.
(f) RVP's Registration Statement on Form 10 shall have become
effective pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and the SEC shall not have commenced any action to prohibit or restrict
the Distribution in any way.
(g) All material governmental and third party approvals and consents
necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated under this Agreement and
the Contribution Agreement shall have been obtained.
(h) No order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of
competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the
Distribution or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
the other agreements relating to the Distribution may be in effect.
(i) The Board of Directors of POC and the Independent Committee of the
Board of Directors of POC shall have received a copy of an independent appraisal
of the assets to be transferred pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, and each
of the Board of Directors of POC and the Independent Committee of the Board of
Directors of POC have determined in their sole discretion that, based on such
independent appraisal, the estimated tax liabilities to be incurred by POC as a
result of the Distribution are acceptable.
(j) The Board of Directors of POC and the Independent Committee of the
Board of Directors of POC shall not have determined, in their sole discretion,
to abandon, defer or modify the Distribution or the terms thereof.
ARTICLE 4
MISCELLANEOUS
4.1 RVP Covenants. To assure the performance of the obligations of RVP
under this Agreement, RVP hereby covenants and agrees that it will not, and will
cause its respective Subsidiaries not to, merge, convert into another entity,
engage in a share exchange for a majority of its units, liquidate or transfer,
assign or otherwise convey or allocate, directly or indirectly, in one or more
transactions, whether or not related, a majority of its assets (determined in
good faith by a board resolution prior to the transaction on a fair value and
consolidated basis) to any Person unless the acquiring Person (i) expressly
assumes the obligations of it hereunder, (ii) executes and delivers to POC an
agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to POC, agreeing to be bound by
each and every provision of this Agreement as if it were RVP and (iii) has a net
worth on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the acquisition or business
combination equal to or greater than that of RVP (on a consolidated basis) and
RVP's compliance with the provisions Article 3 of this Agreement. Any such
assumption of liability by the acquiring Person shall not release RVP from its
obligations under this Agreement.
4.2 Governing Law. All questions arising out of this Agreement and the
rights and obligations created herein, or its validity, existence,
interpretation, performance or breach, shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the internals laws of the State of Texas, without regard to or
the application of the rules of conflicts of laws set forth in such laws.
4.3 Notices. All notices and other communications to be given or made
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be (a) personally delivered with signed
receipt obtained acknowledging delivery; (b) transmitted by postage prepaid
registered mail, return receipt requested (air mail if international); or (c)
transmitted by facsimile; to a party at the address set
out below (or at such other address as it may have provided notification for the
purposes hereof to the other party hereto in accordance with this Section).
If to RVP or to any of the Rio Vista GP LLC
Tax Subsidiaries of RVP: 820 Gessner Road, Suite 1285
Houston, Texas 77024
Fax number: (713) _________
Attention: President
With a copy to:
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
300 Convent St., Suite 2200
San Antonio, Texas 78205
Fax number: (210) 270-7205
Attention: Phillip M. Renfro
If to POC: Penn Octane Corporation
77-530 Enfield Lane, Building D
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Fax number: (760) 772-8588
Attention: President
With a copy to:
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
300 Convent St., Suite 2200
San Antonio, Texas 78205
Fax number: (210) 270-7205
Attention: Phillip M. Renfro
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4.4 Expenses. Except as otherwise set forth herein or in any agreement
executed in connection herewith all costs and expenses related to the
Distribution and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be borne by POC.
4.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the Schedules, Annexes and
other writings referred to herein or delivered pursuant hereto, the Omnibus
Agreement dated of even date herewith between POC and RVP and the Contribution
Agreement constitute the entire agreement between POC, RVP and the Tax
Subsidiaries of RVP with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all
other agreements, representations, warranties, statements, promises and
understandings, whether oral or written, with respect to the subject matter
hereof. This Agreement may not be amended, altered or modified except by a
writing signed by duly authorized officers of POC, RVP and the Tax Subsidiaries
of RVP.
4.6 Waiver. No consent or waiver, express or implied, by a party hereto to
or of any breach or default by the other party hereto in the performance by such
other party of its
obligations hereunder will be deemed or construed to be a consent or waiver to
or of any other breach or default in the performance by such other party of the
same or any other obligations of such other party hereunder. Failure on the part
of a party to complain of any act or failure to act of the other party or to
declare the other party in default, irrespective of how long such failure
continues, will not constitute a waiver by such party of its rights hereunder.
The giving of consent by a party in any one instance will not limit or waive the
necessity to obtain such party's consent in any future instance.
4.7 Binding Effect; Assignment; No Third Party Benefit.
(a) This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns. None of the parties to this Agreement may assign its rights
under this Agreement without the prior written consent of all of the other
parties; provided, however, POC may assign any of its rights and obligations
under this Agreement to any Subsidiary of POC, without the consent of any other
party to this Agreement.
(b) Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or
shall confer upon any person other than RVP, POC, the RVP Indemnified Parties
and the Tax Subsidiaries of RVP any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature
whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
4.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
4.9 References. All references in this Agreement to Articles, Sections and
other subdivisions refer to the Articles, Sections and other subdivisions of
this Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. The words "this Agreement",
"herein", "hereof", "hereby", "hereunder" and words of similar import refer to
this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly
so limited.
4.10 Terminology. All personal pronouns used in this Agreement, whether
used in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender, will include all other
genders; and the singular will include the plural and vice versa. The headings
of the Articles and Sections of this Agreement are included for convenience only
and will not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the
construction hereof or thereof.
4.11 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is determined by
arbitration as provided herein or a court of competent jurisdiction to be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable shall be ineffective to the extent of such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability, without affecting in any way the
remaining provisions hereof in such jurisdiction or rendering that or any other
provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable, so long as the
material purposes of this Agreement can be determined and effectuated. Should
any provision of this Agreement be so declared invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the parties shall agree on a valid provision to substitute for
it.
4.12 Further Assurances. Each party hereto agrees to do all acts and things
and to make, execute and deliver such written instruments, as will from time to
time be reasonably required to carry out the terms and provisions of this
Agreement.
4.13 Amendments. Any term of this Agreement may be amended and the
observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived, only by a written
instrument executed by POC, RVP and the Tax Subsidiaries of RVP.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Distribution
Agreement as of the date first set forth in the introduction to this Agreement.
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By: /s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-----------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
By: RIO VISTA GP LLC,
its General Partner
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
OMNIBUS AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION,
RIO VISTA GP LLC,
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
AND
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P.
OMNIBUS AGREEMENT
THIS OMNIBUS AGREEMENT is entered into as of September 16, 2004 by and
among Penn Octane Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("POCC"), Rio Vista GP
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "General Partner"), Rio Vista
Energy Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the "Partnership"), and
Rio Vista Operating Partnership L.P. (the "Operating Partnership"). The
above-named entities are sometimes referred to in this Agreement each as a
"Party" and collectively as the "Parties."
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, POCC and its Affiliates (as defined herein) formed the
Partnership, the General Partner and the Operating Partnership for the purpose
of conducting of the Business (as defined below);
WHEREAS, certain assets and services used by POCC or its Affiliates in the
conduct of the Business prior to the formation of the Partnership were not
transferred to the Partnership;
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to ensure the continued effective operation of
the Business, and the Parties recognize that the continued effective operation
of the Business requires that POCC provide certain management and employee
services to the Business as set forth in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to evidence other agreements and relationships,
as more fully set out in this Agreement, with respect to the transfer of the
Business to the Partnership and the Operating Partnership as well as the
operation of the Business by the Partnership and the Operating Partnership.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants,
conditions, and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
Parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS. (a) As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have
the respective meanings set forth below:
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is
controlled by or is under common control with, the Person in question. As used
herein, the term "control" means the possession, direct or indirect, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a
Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise.
2
"Agreement" means this Omnibus Agreement, as it may be amended, modified,
or supplemented from time to time in accordance with Section 4.7 hereof.
"Assets" means the "Contributed Assets" as such term is defined in the
Contribution Agreement.
"Business" means (i) providing transportation, terminalling and
distribution services for hydrocarbon products and by-products, and (ii)
marketing and selling hydrocarbon products and by-products.
"Closing Date" means the date of the Distribution.
"Conflicts Committee" is defined in the Partnership Agreement.
"control" means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to
direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person,
whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
"Contribution Agreement" means the Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption
Agreement, dated September 16, 2004, by and among various POCC Entities, the
Partnership, the Operating Partnership, the General Partner and Rio Vista
Operating GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
"Covered Environmental Losses" is defined in Section 2.1(a).
"Distribution" means the distribution by POCC of all the outstanding common
units of the Partnership representing limited partner interests to the
stockholders of POCC.
"Environmental Laws" means all federal, state, and local laws, statutes,
rules, regulations, orders, and ordinances, now or hereafter in effect, relating
to protection of human health and the environment including, without limitation,
the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act, the Superfund Amendments Reauthorization Act, the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act, the Clean Air Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the
Toxic Substances Control Act, the Oil Pollution Act, the Safe Drinking Water
Act, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, and other environmental
conservation and protection laws, each as amended from time to time.
"General Partner" is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.
"Hazardous Substance" means any substance that is designated, defined, or
classified as a hazardous waste, hazardous material, pollutant, contaminant, or
toxic or hazardous substance, or that is otherwise regulated under any
Environmental Law, including, without limitation, any hazardous substance as
defined under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act.
3
"Indemnified Party" means the Partnership Entities or the POCC Entities, as
the case may be, in their capacity as the parties entitled to indemnification in
accordance with Article II.
"Indemnifying Party" means either the Partnership Entities or the POCC
Entities, as the case may be, in its capacity as the parties from whom
indemnification may be sought in accordance with Article II.
"Losses" means any losses, damages, liabilities, claims, demands, causes of
action, judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, costs, and expenses
(including, without limitation, court costs and reasonable attorney's and
expert's fees) of any and every kind or character.
"POCC" is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.
"POCC Entities" means POCC and each of its Subsidiaries (other than the
General Partner, the Partnership and any Subsidiary of the Partnership).
"Partnership" is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.
"Partnership Agreement" means the First Amended and Restated Agreement of
Limited Partnership of Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. No amendment or
modification to the Partnership Agreement subsequent to the Closing Date shall
be given effect for the purposes of this Agreement unless consented to by each
of the Parties to this Agreement.
"Partnership Entities" means the Partnership, the General Partner and each
Subsidiary of the Partnership.
"Party" and "Parties" is defined in the introduction to this Agreement.
"Pass-Through Environmental Losses" is defined in Section 2.1(b).
"Person" means an individual or a corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association,
government agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.
"Retained Assets" means, collectively, any assets and investments owned by
any of the POCC Group that were not conveyed, contributed or otherwise
transferred to any of the Partnership Entities prior to or on the Closing Date.
"Services" is defined in Section 3.1.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which
more than 50% of the voting power is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date
of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or
a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which
such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a
general or limited partner of such partnership, but only if more than 50% of the
partnership interests of such partnership (considering all of the partnership
interests of the
4
partnership as a single class) is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of
determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a
combination thereof, or (c) any other Person (other than a corporation or a
partnership) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a
combination thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, has
(i) at least a majority ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct
the election of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such
Person.
ARTICLE II
INDEMNIFICATION
2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Subject to the limitations contained in this Section 2.1(a), POCC
shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the Partnership Entities from
and against environmental and toxic tort Losses suffered, incurred or paid by
any of the Partnership Entities by reason of or arising out of:
(i) any violation or correction of violation of Environmental
Laws associated with the Assets or the Retained Assets, or
(ii) any event or condition associated with the ownership or
operation of the Assets or the Retained Assets (including, without limitation,
the presence of Hazardous Substances on, under, about or migrating to or from
the Assets or the Retained Assets or the disposal or release of Hazardous
Substances generated by operation of the Assets or the Retained Assets at
non-Asset locations) including, without limitation, (A) the cost and expense of
any investigation, assessment, evaluation, monitoring, containment, cleanup,
repair, restoration, remediation, or other corrective action required or
necessary under Environmental Laws, (B) the cost or expense of the preparation
and implementation of any closure, remedial, corrective action, or other plans
required or necessary under Environmental Laws, and (C) the cost and expense for
any environmental or toxic tort pre-trial, trial, or appellate legal or
litigation support work,
but only to the extent that such violation complained of under Section 2.1(a)(i)
or such events or conditions included under Section 2.1(a)(ii) occurred before
the Closing Date (collectively, "Covered Environmental Losses").
(b) POCC shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless any of the
Partnership Entities from and against any Losses suffered or incurred by any of
the Partnership Entities to the extent that POCC is entitled to and receives
indemnification, is defended or held harmless against any such Losses from any
third-party pursuant to any agreement between any third-party and POCC
(collectively, "Pass-Through Environmental Losses"). In furtherance of such
agreement, POCC agrees to use its best commercially reasonable efforts to
pursue, for the benefit of the Partnership Entities, any such indemnification
with respect to which it might be entitled if
5
requested by the Partnership; provided that, the Partnership shall reimburse
POCC for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with pursuing such
indemnity on behalf of the Partnership.
(c) The Partnership shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless POCC
from and against Losses suffered or incurred by any of the POCC Entities by
reason of or arising out of:
(i) any violation or correction of violation of Environmental
Laws associated with the Assets, or
(ii) any event or condition associated with ownership or
operation of the Assets (including, but not limited to, the presence of
Hazardous Substances on, under, about or migrating to or from the Assets or the
disposal or release of Hazardous Substances generated by operation of the Assets
at non-Asset locations) including, without limitation, (A) the cost and expense
of any investigation, assessment, evaluation, monitoring, containment, cleanup,
repair, restoration, remediation, or other corrective action required or
necessary under Environmental Laws, (B) the cost or expense of the preparation
and implementation of any closure, remedial, corrective action, or other plans
required or necessary under Environmental Laws, and (C) the cost and expense for
any environmental or toxic tort pre-trial, trial, or appellate legal or
litigation support work,
but only to the extent such violation complained of under Section 2.1(c)(i) or
such events or conditions included under Section 2.1(c)(ii) occurred after the
Closing Date.
2.2 ADDITIONAL INDEMNIFICATION
(a) In addition to and not in limitation of the indemnification
provided under Sections 2.1(a) and 2.1(b), POCC shall indemnify, defend, and
hold harmless the Partnership Entities from and against any Losses suffered or
incurred by the Partnership Entities by reason of or arising out of
(i) any events and conditions associated with the ownership or
operation of the Retained Assets, whether occurring before or after the Closing
Date,
(ii) the failure of the Partnership Entities to be the owner of
such valid leasehold interests or fee ownership interests in and to the Assets
as are necessary to enable the Partnership Entities to continue to own and
operate the Assets and the Business in the same manner that the Assets and the
Business were owned and operated by the POCC Entities during the one-year period
immediately prior to the Closing Date to the extent that POCC is notified of any
of the foregoing within three years after the Closing Date,
(iii) the failure of the Partnership Entities to have any consent
or permit necessary to allow the Partnership Entities to own or operate the
Assets and the Business in the same manner that the Assets and the Business were
owned and operated by the POCC Entities
6
during the one-year period immediately prior to the Closing Date to the extent
that POCC is notified of any of the foregoing within three years after the
Closing Date,
(iv) all legal actions against POCC, including without
limitation, those set forth on Schedule 2.2 hereto, and
(v) all federal, state and local income tax liabilities
attributable to the operation of the Assets prior to the Closing Date.
(b) In addition to and not in limitation of the indemnification
provided under Sections 2.1(c), or under the Partnership Agreement, the
Partnership shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the POCC Entities from
and against any Losses suffered or incurred by any of the POCC Entities by
reason of or arising out of events and conditions associated with:
(i) the operation of the Assets and the Business,
(ii) the performance of the Services by POCC and/or its employees
pursuant to this Agreement (provided that POCC is not in breach of this
Agreement), in each case occurring on or after the Closing Date (other than
Covered Environmental Losses which are provided for under Section 2.1), unless
in any such case such indemnification would not be permitted under Section 7.7
of the Partnership Agreement, and
(c) In addition to and not in limitation of the indemnification
provided under Sections 2.1(c) and 2.2(b), or under the Partnership Agreement,
the Partnership shall indemnify, for a period of three years from the fiscal
year end that includes the Closing Date, the POCC Entities for federal income
tax liabilities, including penalties and interest, resulting from the
Distribution and restructuring transactions connected with it to the extent such
federal income tax liabilities exceed $2.5 million in the aggregate.
2.3 INDEMNIFICATION PROCEDURES.
(a) The Indemnified Party agrees that within a reasonable period of
time after it becomes aware of facts giving rise to a claim for indemnification
under this Article II, it will provide notice thereof in writing to the
Indemnifying Party, specifying the nature of and specific basis for such claim.
(b) The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control all aspects
of the defense of (and any counterclaims with respect to) any claims brought
against the Indemnified Party that are covered by the indemnification under this
Article II, including, without limitation, the selection of counsel,
determination of whether to appeal any decision of any court and the settling of
any such matter or any issues relating thereto; provided however, that no such
settlement shall be entered into without the consent of the Indemnified Party
unless it includes a full release of the Indemnified Party from such matter or
issues, as the case may be.
7
(c) The Indemnified Party agrees to cooperate fully with the
Indemnifying Party, with respect to all aspects of the defense of any claims
covered by the indemnification under this Article II, including, without
limitation, the prompt furnishing to the Indemnifying Party of any
correspondence or other notice relating thereto that the Indemnified Party may
receive, permitting the name of the Indemnified Party to be utilized in
connection with such defense, the making available to the Indemnifying Party of
any files, records or other information of the Indemnified Party that the
Indemnifying Party considers relevant to such defense and the making available
to the Indemnifying Party of any employees of the Indemnified Party; provided
however, that in connection therewith the Indemnifying Party agrees to use
reasonable efforts to minimize the impact thereof on the operations of the
Indemnified Party. In no event shall the obligation of the Indemnified Party to
cooperate with the Indemnifying Party as set forth in the immediately preceding
sentence be construed as imposing upon the Indemnified Party an obligation to
hire and pay for counsel in connection with the defense of any claims covered by
the indemnification set forth in this Article II; provided however, that the
Indemnified Party may, at its own option, cost and expense, hire and pay for
counsel in connection with any such defense. The Indemnifying Party agrees to
keep any such counsel hired by the Indemnified Party reasonably informed as to
the status of any such defense, but the Indemnifying Party shall have the right
to retain sole control over such defense.
(d) In determining the amount of any Losses for which the Indemnified
Party is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, the gross amount of
the indemnification will be reduced by (i) any insurance proceeds realized or to
be realized by the Indemnified Party, and such correlative insurance benefit
shall be net of any incremental insurance premium that becomes due and payable
by the Indemnified Party as a result of such claim and (ii) all amounts
recovered or recoverable by the Indemnified Party under contractual indemnities
from third parties.
ARTICLE III
SERVICES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
3.1 SERVICES. During the term of this Agreement, POCC agrees to provide
(either directly or through its Subsidiaries) on behalf of the General Partner
in accordance with Article VII of the Partnership Agreement, the employees or
independent contractors, corporate staff, support services and administrative
services necessary to operate the Business (the "Services"). POCC shall perform
the Services in a manner that is substantially identical in nature and quality
to the services performed by POCC for the Business during the one-year period
immediately prior to the Closing Date. The General Partner and the Partnership
agree that POCC shall be reimbursed for all costs and expenses incurred in
connection with the performance of the Services as if it were the General
Partner in accordance with Section 7.4(b) and 7.6(c) of the Partnership
Agreement.
3.2 DESIGNATION OF AGENTS. In connection with the provision of the Services
by the employees of POCC, the General Partner, on behalf of the Partnership,
hereby appoints and empowers POCC and each current and future employee of POCC
who is fulfilling a job
8
function for the Partnership in connection with the conduct by the Partnership
of its business in the ordinary course, as agent of the Partnership with full
power and authority to execute and deliver on behalf of the Partnership, any
documents, contracts, governmental filings or other instruments commensurate
with, but limited to, such job function. The power and authority granted
pursuant to this Section 3.2 to a person described in the preceding sentence
will be valid only for so long as such person is employed by POCC.
3.3 RIGHT TO OPERATE. POCC shall have the right, but not the obligation, to
act as operator of the Partnership's facilities to the same extent it acted as
operator of such facilities prior to the effective date of this Agreement for so
long as POCC has responsibilities associated with such facilities.
3.4 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. Each of POCC, the General Partner, the
Partnership and the Operating Partnership agree that the execution or material
amendment of any "significant agreement" (as such term is defined below) must be
approved by the Conflicts Committee. The term "significant agreement" means any
agreement between the General Partner, the Partnership or the Operating
Partnership, on the one hand, and any POCC Entity, on the other hand, that
requires aggregate annual payments to or from any POCC Entity or POCC Entities
in excess of $100,000.
3.5 BREACH BY PENN OCTANE. In the event POCC fails to perform the Services
as provided in Section 3.1 and does not cure such failure within ten (10) days
of receiving written notice of same from the General Partner, the Partnership,
in addition to any other remedies at law or in equity, may terminate this
Agreement and engage a third party for the provision of the Services. POCC shall
cooperate in good faith with the Partnership and the General Partner in
transitioning the Services to any such third party.
ARTICLE IV
MISCELLANEOUS
4.1 INSURANCE MATTERS. POCC hereby agrees to cause each of the Partnership
Entities to be named as additional insureds in POCC's current insurance program,
which is described on Schedule 4.1 attached hereto. Each of the Partnership
Entities shall pay for its allocated cost of that insurance coverage in an
amount equal to POCC's cost of insuring the assets and operations of Partnership
Entity and generally in accordance with the allocations and methodology
described in Schedule 4.1.
4.2 CHOICE OF LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. This Agreement shall be
subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any
conflicts-of-law rule or principle that might refer the construction or
interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state. Each Party hereby
submits to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in Harris County,
Texas.
9
4.3 NOTICE. All notices or requests or consents provided for by, or
permitted to be given pursuant to, this Agreement must be in writing and must be
given by depositing same in the United States mail, addressed to the Person to
be notified, postpaid, and registered or certified with return receipt requested
or by delivering such notice in person or by telecopier or telegram to such
Person. Notice given by personal delivery or mail shall be effective upon actual
receipt. Notice given by telegram or telecopier shall be effective upon actual
receipt if received during the recipient's normal business hours, or at the
beginning of the recipient's next business day after receipt if not received
during the recipient's normal business hours. All notices to be sent to a Party
pursuant to this Agreement shall be sent to or made at the address set forth
below such Party's signature to this Agreement, or at such other address as such
Party may stipulate to the other parties in the manner provided in this Section
4.3.
4.4 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of
the Parties relating to the matters contained herein, superseding all prior
contracts or agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the matters
contained herein.
4.5 TERMINATION. Unless earlier terminated as provided in this Section 4.5,
the term of this Agreement shall be five (5) years from the date hereof and
shall be automatically renewed for subsequent five (5) year terms, unless and
until either party provides written notice to the other party at least sixty
(60) days prior to the expiration of the initial five (5) year term or any
renewal term that such party does not wish to renew this Agreement on the
expiration of the then current term. This Agreement, other than the provisions
of Article II, shall terminate on the earlier to occur of (i) ninety (90) days
after either party notifies the other party in writing that the Partnership is
no longer an Affiliate of POCC and (ii) this Agreement is terminated by the
Partnership under Section 3.5. Termination of this Agreement shall not terminate
any Indemnifying Party's continuing obligation of indemnification pursuant to
Article II of this Agreement which obligations shall survive as provided in
Article II.
4.6 EFFECT OF WAIVER OR CONSENT. No waiver or consent, express or implied,
by any Party to or of any breach or default by any Person in the performance by
such Person of its obligations hereunder shall be deemed or construed to be a
consent or waiver to or of any other breach or default in the performance by
such Person of the same or any other obligations of such Person hereunder.
Failure on the part of a Party to complain of any act of any Person or to
declare any Person in default, irrespective of how long such failure continues,
shall not constitute a waiver by such Party of its rights hereunder until the
applicable statute of limitations period has run.
4.7 AMENDMENT OR MODIFICATION. This Agreement may be amended or modified
from time to time only by the written agreement of all the Parties hereto;
provided however, that the Partnership may not, without the prior approval of
the Conflicts Committee, agree to any amendment or modification of this
Agreement. Each such instrument shall be reduced to writing and shall be
designated on its face an "Amendment" or an "Addendum" to this Agreement.
10
4.8 ASSIGNMENT. No Party shall have the right to assign its rights or
obligations under this Agreement without the consent of the other Parties
hereto.
4.9 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts with the same effect as if all signatory parties had signed the
same document. All counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute
one and the same instrument.
4.10 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement or the application
thereof to any Person or circumstance shall be held invalid or unenforceable to
any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such
provision to other Persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and
shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.
4.11 FURTHER ASSURANCES. In connection with this Agreement and all
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each signatory party hereto agrees
to execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments and to perform
such additional acts as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, carry out
and perform all of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement and
all such transactions.
4.12 LAWS AND REGULATIONS. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement
to the contrary, no Party to this Agreement shall be required to take any act,
or fail to take any act, under this Agreement if the effect thereof would be to
cause such Party to be in violation of any applicable law, statute, rule or
regulation.
4.13 NEGOTIATION OF RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS, ASSIGNEES, AND THIRD
PARTIES. The provisions of this Agreement are enforceable solely by the Parties
to this Agreement, and no limited partner, member, assignee or other Person of
the Partnership or General Partner shall have the right, separate and apart from
the Partnership or the General Partner, to enforce any provision of this
Agreement or to compel any Party to this Agreement to comply with the terms of
this Agreement.
[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
11
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Omnibus Agreement
on, and effective as of, the date first written above.
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.
By: RIO VISTA GP LLC,
On behalf of itself and on behalf of
Partnership as its General Partner
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-------------------------
Name: Richard Shore, Jr.
Title: President
|
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P.
By: RIO VISTA OPERATING GP LLC
By: RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS
L.P., its sole member
By: RIO VISTA GP LLC
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By: /s/ Jerome B. Richter
------------------------
Name: Jerome B. Richter
Title: Chief Executive Officer
|
12
SCHEDULE 2.2
PENDING LEGAL ACTIONS AGAINST PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
NONE
13
SCHEDULE 4
INSURANCE
14
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
OMNIBUS AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION,
RIO VISTA GP LLC,
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
AND
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P.
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO OMNIBUS AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO OMNIBUS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered
into effective as of September 16, 2004 by and among Penn Octane Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("POCC"), Rio Vista GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (the "General Partner"), Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership (the "Partnership"), and Rio Vista Operating Partnership
L.P. (the "Operating Partnership"). The above-named entities are sometimes
referred to in this Agreement each as a "Party" and collectively as the
"Parties."
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, each of the Parties is a party to that certain Omnibus Agreement
dated as of September 16, 2004 (the "Original Agreement");
WHEREAS, it was and is the intent of the Parties under Section 2.2(b)(i) of
the Original Agreement that the Partnership indemnify, defend and hold harmless
the POCC Entities from and against any Losses arising out of events or
conditions associated with the operation of the Assets rather than the Assets
and the Business as set forth in the Original Agreement;
WHEREAS, it was and is the intent of the Parties that the definition of
"Business" in the Original Agreement means the business conducted through the
use of the Assets;
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to amend the Original Agreement to reflect
their intent with respect to such indemnity and definition of Business; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 4.7 of the Original Agreement, the
amendment to the Original Agreement effected by this Agreement has been approved
by the Conflicts Committee.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants,
conditions, and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
Parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the same meanings as
set forth in the Original Agreement unless otherwise defined herein.
2. The definition of "Business" in Article I of the Original Agreement is
hereby replaced, amended, restated and superseded in its entirety with the
following:
"Business" means the business conducted through the use of the Assets,
including (i) providing transportation, terminalling and distribution
services for hydrocarbon products and by-products, and (ii) marketing
and selling hydrocarbon products and by-products.
3. Section 2.2(b)(i) of the Original Agreement is hereby replaced, amended,
estated and superseded in its entirety with the following:
"(i) the operation of the Assets,"
4. Any and all of the terms and conditions of the Original Agreement are
hereby amended and modified wherever necessary, even though not specifically
addressed herein, so as to conform to the amendments and modifications contained
in this Agreement.
5. Except as modified hereby, all of the provisions of the Original
Agreement are hereby ratified and confirmed and shall continue in full force and
effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment No. 1
to Omnibus Agreement in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original, as of the date and year first above written.
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.
By: RIO VISTA GP LLC,
On behalf of itself and on behalf of
Partnership as its General Partner
By: Richard Shore, Jr.
Name: Richard Shore, Jr.
Title: President
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P.
By: RIO VISTA OPERATING GP LLC
By: RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS
L.P., its sole member
By: RIO VISTA GP LLC
By: Richard Shore, Jr.
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By: Jerome B. Richter
Name: Jerome B. Richter
Title: Chief Executive Officer
PURCHASE CONTRACT
BETWEEN
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
"SELLER"
AND
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P.
"BUYER"
ARTICLE I QUANTITY OF LPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ARTICLE II. TERM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Section 2.1 Term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Section 2.2 Termination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ARTICLE III PRICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ARTICLE IV. TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ARTICLE V POINT OF DELIVERY, FACILITIES AND OWNERSHIP AND
CONTROL OF LPG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Section 5.1 Point of Delivery; Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Section 5.2 Ownership and Control of LPG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ARTICLE VI. DELIVERY PRESSURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ARTICLE VII. NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Section 7. Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Section 7.2 Change of Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ARTICLE VIII. ASSIGNMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ARTICLE IX. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
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EXHIBITS
Exhibit A - General Terms and Conditions
PURCHASE CONTRACT
THIS PURCHASE CONTRACT (this "Contract") is made and entered into effective
as of the 1st day of October, 2004, by and between PENN OCTANE CORPORATION, a
Delaware corporation (hereinafter called "Seller"), and RIO VISTA OPERATING
PARTNERSHIP L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (hereinafter called "Buyer"):
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell and deliver to Buyer and Buyer desires to
purchase and receive from Seller liquefied petroleum gas ("LPG"), in the
quantities and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
WHEREAS, the Conflicts Committee of Rio Vista GP LLC has approved of the
terms and conditions of this Contract;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and of the mutual
covenants and agreements contained herein, and the general terms and provisions
hereof, Buyer and Seller agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
QUANTITY OF LPG
Seller agrees to sell and deliver to Buyer and Buyer agrees to purchase and
receive from Seller a monthly volume of LPG equal to the total amount of LPG per
month that Buyer sells or otherwise distributes using, in whole or in part, any
of the Contributed Assets to the extent Seller is able to supply quantities of
LPG sufficient for Buyer's needs. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, Buyer shall have no obligation to purchase LPG from Seller in the
event the distribution of such LPG by Buyer to its customers would not require
the use, in whole or in part, of any of the Contributed Assets. In addition, to
the extent Seller does not or cannot supply quantities of LPG sufficient for
Buyer's needs, Buyer may purchase LPG from other suppliers during the period
that Seller does not or cannot supply quantities of LPG sufficient for Buyer's
needs without any obligation to Seller hereunder.
ARTICLE II.
TERM
Section 2.1 Term. This Contract shall be effective as of the 1st day of
October, 2004, and, subject to the provisions of this Contract, shall continue
and remain in full force and effect for so long as the earlier to occur of (i)
Seller ceases to have the right to access the Seadrift Pipeline and (ii) Buyer
ceases to use, in whole or in part, any of the Contributed Assets for the sale
of LPG.
Section 2.2 Termination. In the event Buyer takes no LPG under this
Contract for thirty (30) consecutive Days for any reason whatsoever other than
force majeure, Seller shall have the right, at its option, exercisable at any
time within fifteen (15) Days following such thirty (30) consecutive Day period,
to terminate this Contract by delivering to Buyer written notice of termination.
In the event Seller so elects to terminate this Contract, such termination shall
be
effective as of 7:00 o'clock a.m. Central Time on the first Day of the Month
next following the date of delivery of such notice to Buyer, whereupon the
parties hereto shall be relieved of all liabilities and obligations hereunder
except for liabilities and obligations of the parties that shall have accrued as
of such date of termination. In the event Seller does not or cannot supply
quantities of LPG sufficient for Buyer's needs for thirty (30) consecutive Days
for any reason whatsoever other than force majeure, Buyer shall have the right,
at its option, exercisable at any time within fifteen (15) Days following such
thirty (30) consecutive Day period, to terminate this Contract by delivering to
Seller written notice of termination. In the event Buyer so elects to terminate
this Contract, such termination shall be effective as of 7:00 o'clock a.m.
Central Time on the first Day of the Month next following the date of delivery
of such notice to Seller, whereupon the parties hereto shall be relieved of all
liabilities and obligations hereunder except for liabilities and obligations of
the parties that shall have accrued as of such date of termination.
ARTICLE III.
PRICE
Subject to the provisions of this Contract, the amount payable by Buyer to
Seller for each Gallon of LPG purchased hereunder each Month shall equal the
Purchase Price.
ARTICLE IV.
TAXES
Seller shall pay or cause to be paid all taxes and assessments imposed on
Seller with respect to the LPG delivered hereunder prior to its delivery to
Buyer, and Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid all taxes and assessments imposed
upon Buyer with respect to LPG delivered hereunder after its receipt by Buyer.
Neither party shall be responsible or liable for any taxes or other statutory
charges levied or assessed against any of the facilities of the other party used
for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Contract.
ARTICLE V.
POINT OF DELIVERY, FACILITIES AND OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF LPG
Section 5.1 Point of Delivery; Facilities. Seller shall deliver the
LPG to Buyer hereunder at the point at which the LPG exits the Seadrift Pipeline
and is delivered into Buyer's facilities at its Brownsville, Texas terminal or
any other point which employs the use of the Contributed Assets. Buyer shall be
responsible for arranging for Buyer or its designee, to receive delivery of LPG
sold hereunder to Buyer at the Delivery Point into Buyer's or its designee's
gathering system.
Section 5.2 Ownership and Control of LPG. Title to the LPG sold and
delivered hereunder shall pass to Buyer at the Delivery Point. As between the
parties hereto, Seller shall be in control and possession of the LPG and
responsible for any damage or injury caused thereby until same shall have been
delivered to Buyer, after which delivery Buyer shall be deemed to be in
exclusive control and possession thereof and responsible for any injury or
damage caused thereby.
ARTICLE VI.
DELIVERY PRESSURE
The LPG delivered or caused to be delivered hereunder by Seller to Buyer or
its designee(s) at the Delivery Point shall be delivered at a pressure
sufficient to enter the facilities at such point of Buyer or its designee(s).
ARTICLE VII.
NOTICES
Section 7.1 Notices. Every notice, consent, approval, communication,
request or reply which is required or which may be given by either party to the
other under the terms of this Contract must be in writing, and may be effected
by actual delivery to the party to be notified, by depositing such notice in the
United States mail, postage prepaid, registered or certified mail, and addressed
to the party to be notified with return receipt requested, or by facsimile
transmission. Every notice deposited in the United States mail as hereinabove
authorized shall, in the absence of a strike, lock-out, boycott or other labor
dispute affecting the delivery of United States mail, be effective three (3)
days following the date on which it is so deposited. Notice given by facsimile
transmission shall be effective on completion and confirmation of the facsimile
transmission. Notice given in any other manner shall be effective only if and
when received by the party to be notified. For purposes of notice, the
addresses of the parties, until changed as hereinafter provided, shall be as
follows:
Seller Penn Octane Corporation
77-530 Enfield Lane, Building D
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Attn: Jerome B. Richter, President
Facsimile: (760) 772-8588
Buyer Rio Vista Operating Partnership L.P.
820 Gessner Road, Suite 1285
Houston, Texas 77024
Attn: General Partner
Facsimile: (713) _____________
Section 7.2 Change of Address. Each of the parties shall have the
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right, from time to time, to change its address, and each shall have the right
to specify as its address any other address within the United States of America
by delivering to the other party not less than ten (10) days' prior notice in
writing of such new address.
ARTICLE VIII.
ASSIGNMENT
All the terms, conditions and provisions of this Contract shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns; provided, however, no assignment of this Contract by
either party shall be effective or binding until a copy of such assignment has
been furnished to the other party.
ARTICLE IX.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
Annexed hereto as a part hereof are General Terms and Conditions of this
Contract which General Terms and Conditions constitute a part of this Contract
and the terms and provisions hereof to the same extent as if written in full in
the body hereof.
(Signatures on following page)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Contract in
multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of
which constitute one and the same instrument as of the date first above
mentioned.
"SELLER"
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By: /s/ Jerome B. Richter
---------------------------------
Jerome B. Richter, Chief
Executive Officer
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"BUYER"
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P.
By: RIO VISTA OPERATING GP LLC,
Its General Partner
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
---------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
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EXHIBIT A
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS
1.1 For the purpose of this Contract, the following terms shall have the
meanings ascribed thereto unless their use in context is specifically to the
contrary:
(a) Day - That period of time consisting of twenty-four (24) consecutive
hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. Central Time.
(b) COGS - is the average cost to Seller per Gallon of LPG on a monthly
basis of all LPG supplies obtained by Seller, including the base cost per Gallon
of LPG, costs to mix the product, premiums/discounts paid to suppliers for LPGs,
mercaptain, testing and inspection costs.
(c) Contributed Assets - shall have the meaning set forth in that certain
Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement dated September 16, 2004
between Seller and Buyer.
(d) ECCPL - the twelve inch pipeline to which the Seller has access and
which connects ExxonMobil Corporation's Viola valve station in Nueces County,
Texas to the inlet of the King Ranch Gas Plant.
(e) Gallon - 231 cubic inches or 0.133681 cubic feet of liquid at sixty
(60) degrees Fahrenheit and at the equilibrium vapor pressure of the liquid.
(f) Margin Allocation Amount - is the product of (i) the quotient of (a)
the difference of Revenues minus COGS divided by (b) the Total LPG Gallons,
multiplied by (ii) the quotient of (c) Penn Costs divided by (d) Total Costs.
(g) Month - A chart accounting month commencing at 7:00 a.m. on the first
day of the chart accounting month and ending at 7:00 a.m. on the first day of
the following chart accounting month.
(h) OPIS - the Oil Price Information Service.
(i) Penn Costs - All costs of Seller on a per Gallon of LPG basis
associated with the ownership or lease and operation of assets related to
bringing LPG from suppliers to the Delivery Point. These costs principally
relate to all variable charges for use of the ECCPL (including minimum thruput
charges), the Seadrift Pipeline (including minimum fixed rental charges),
minimum Markham storage reservation fees, utilities, trucking costs, insurance
costs and
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depreciation. Penn Costs shall also include all indirect selling, general and
administrative costs (excluding amounts paid by Buyer). In determining Penn
Costs, only cost items paid in cash or to be paid in cash plus depreciation and
amortization excluding interest and income taxes, gains/losses on disposal of
assets shall be included.
(j) Point of Delivery and Delivery Point - the point of delivery as
described in Section 5.1 of the Contract.
(k) Purchase Price - is the sum of the Margin Allocation Amount and the
Product Price Allocation.
(l) Product Price Allocation - the average monthly per Gallon price of LPG
in accordance with Buyer specifications (generally 90% propane and 10% butane)
based on the price quoted for the month average of Mont Belvieu non-tet propane
per OPIS and the month average price for Mont Belvieu non-tet normal butane per
OPIS.
(m) Revenues - Total proceeds per Gallon of LPG to Buyer from the sale of
LPG supplied by Seller.
(n) Rio Vista Costs - All costs to Buyer on a per Gallon of LPG basis
associated with ownership or lease and operation of assets employed by Buyer to
bring LPG supplied by Seller from the Delivery Point to Buyer's customers. These
costs principally relate to the costs of operating the Brownsville terminal
facility, the US-Mexico pipelines and the Matamoros terminal facility and any
other asset brought on-line in the future which is put into operation for the
purpose of enhancing or providing sales of LPG to customers from LPG supplies
provided by Seller. Rio Vista Costs include payroll costs, rent, insurance,
utilities, repairs and maintenance and depreciation. Rio Vista Costs shall also
include all indirect selling, general and administrative costs (including costs
allocated from Seller, including costs incurred as a result of the creation of
Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. as a publicly traded limited partnership). In
determining Rio Vista Costs, only costs items paid in cash or to be paid in cash
plus depreciation and amortization excluding interest and income taxes,
gains/losses on disposal of assets shall be included.
(o) Seadrift Pipeline - an approximately 132 mile pipeline which is leased
by Seller from the Seadrift Corporation and connects ExxonMobil Corporation's
King Ranch Gas Plant in Kleberg County, Texas and Duke Energy's La Gloria Gas
Plant in Jim Wells County, Texas to Buyer's Brownsville, Texas terminal
facility.
(p) Total Costs - The sum of the Penn Costs and the Rio Vista Costs
calculated on a monthly basis.
(q) Total LPG Gallons - is the total number of Gallons of LPG sold by Buyer
from supplies of LPG provided by Seller in any one month calculation period.
ARTICLE II.
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QUALITY
Seller agrees that the LPG delivered hereunder shall be of
merchantable quality meeting the pressure and quality specifications of
customers of Buyer. Buyer shall not be obligated to purchase any LPG which
fails to meet the foregoing contract quality specifications. If LPG does not
meet such specifications and Buyer desires not to purchase LPG, Seller will be
given a 15 day written notice of such intent. Except as hereinafter expressly
provided, Buyer shall be obligated to purchase all LPG tendered by Seller
hereunder, whether or not such LPG meets the quality specifications of any
particular third party purchaser or transporter, so long as such LPG meets the
foregoing contract quality specifications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in
the event (a) LPG delivered by Seller to Buyer hereunder is unmarketable and,
such LPG, when blended together with LPG from any other sources available to
Buyer that exceeds the quality of Seller's LPG, for purposes of improving the
overall quality of Seller's LPG, is still unmarketable, and (b) Buyer reasonably
demonstrates to Seller's satisfaction that Buyer has made reasonable efforts to
market the LPG but has been unable to market the LPG due specifically to the
quality of Seller's LPG, then Buyer shall be relieved from its obligation to
purchase and take the portion of Seller's LPG which is unmarketable but only for
the period of time such LPG remains unmarketable. In the event that such LPG
remains unmarketable for a period of ninety (90) days, Seller's obligation to
sell and deliver to Buyer and Buyer's obligation to purchase and receive
hereunder the portion of Seller's LPG that is unmarketable shall cease and
Seller shall be entitled to dispose of such LPG to any third party or parties
free and clear of any claim by Buyer hereunder.
ARTICLE III.
MEASUREMENT
3.1 The unit of volume for purposes of measurement of LPG delivered
hereunder shall be one (1) Gallon. All fundamental constants, observations,
records and procedures involved in the determining and/or verifying of the
quality and other characteristics of LPG delivered hereunder shall, unless
otherwise specified herein, be in accordance with the standards and methods
prescribed in Gas Measurement Committee Report No. 3, dated April, 1955, of the
American Gas Association as now and from time to time amended.
3.2 The temperature of the LPG flowing through the meter or meters shall be
assumed to be sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit, but may be determined by continuous
use of a recording thermometer installed by Seller (if deemed necessary by Buyer
and at Buyer's expense) so that it will properly record the temperature of the
LPG flowing through the meter or meters. The arithmetical average of the
temperatures recorded while LPG is passing through the meter or meters in each
chart period shall be used in computing measurements for that chart period.
3.3 The specific gravity of the LPG flowing through the meter or meters
shall be assumed to be .600; however, at Buyer's option and expense, the
specific gravity may be determined by use of a sampling device, connected so as
to collect a representative sample of the
-10-
LPG delivered hereunder. The specific gravity of the LPG sample will be
determined by calculation from a fractional analysis obtained with a
chromatograph. The specific gravity will be calculated from the fractional
analysis using data in the most up-to-date table, "Physical Constants of
Paraffin Hydrocarbons," published by the Natural LPG Processors Association.
The specific gravity so determined will be used in calculating LPG deliveries
for the Month during which the sample is collected.
3.4 The reading, calibrating and adjustment of such equipment and
instruments on which quantities of LPG delivered hereunder are determined and
the changing of charts shall be done by employees, agents or representatives of
Buyerr. Upon request of Seller, Buyer shall submit to Seller records and charts
from such equipment, subject to return by Seller within twenty (20) days after
receipt thereof. The charts and records shall be kept on file for a period of
three (3) years for the mutual use of the parties hereto.
3.5 At least once each year Buyer, or its affiliates, shall test and
calibrate the meter and instruments or cause the same to be tested and
calibrated consistent with prior practices. Buyer shall give Seller notice of
the time of all tests sufficiently in advance of holding same so that Seller may
conveniently have Seller's representative present; however, if Seller's
representative is not present, Buyer or a third party acting for Buyer may
proceed with the test.
3.6 If the metering equipment in the aggregate is found to be inaccurate by
two percent (2%) or more, registrations thereof and any payments based upon such
registrations shall be corrected at the rate of such inaccuracy for any period
which is definitely known or agreed upon, then for a period extending back
one-half (1/2) of the time elapsed since the last test not exceeding, however,
fifteen (15) days. Following any test, any metering equipment found to be
inaccurate to any degree shall be adjusted immediately to record accurately.
3.7 If for any reason any meter, scale or other system of measurement is
out of service or out of repair so that the quantity of LPG received and/or sold
by Buyercannot be ascertained or computed from the reading thereof, the quantity
of LPG so received and/or sold during the period the system of measurement is
out of repair shall be estimated and agreed upon by the parties hereto upon the
basis of the best available data, using the first of the following methods which
is feasible:
(a) by using the registration of any check measuring equipment of
Buyer if installed and accurately registering;
(b) by correcting the error if the percentage or amount of error is
ascertainable by calibration, test or mathematical calculation;
(c) by estimating the quantity of purchases during preceding periods
under similar conditions when the meter was registering accurately.
3.8 For the purpose of measurement and meter calibration, the atmospheric
pressure shall be assumed to be constant at fourteen and seven-tenths (14.7)
psia.
-11-
3.9 The measurement hereunder shall be corrected for deviation from Boyle's
law at the pressure and temperature under which LPG is delivered hereunder.
3.10 It is agreed that the value of the EXPANSION FACTOR, REYNOLDS NUMBER
FACTOR, SUPERCOMPRESSABILITY FACTOR and MANOMETER FACTOR (where Mercury type
orifice meters are used) shall be actual values.
ARTICLE IV.
BILLING AND PAYMENT
Buyer shall render to Seller on or before the tenth day of each month
a statement of the quantity of LPG (in terms of Gallons) purchased by Buyer from
Seller during the preceding Month or for which payment is due, and the amount
payable. Buyer shall make payment to Seller for LPG received and/or sold during
the preceding Month upon Seller's receipt of the proceeds from the sales of such
LPG. Such payments shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available
funds to the bank account of Seller specified by Seller to Buyer from time to
time pursuant to Article VII of the Contract. Accounting shall be by Buyer, and
billings for payment shall be accompanied by a statement showing such
calculations and adjustments, if any, as were used to arrive at the amount set
out.
ARTICLE V.
WARRANTY OF TITLE
Seller warrants title to all LPG delivered hereunder by Seller, that
Seller has the right to sell the same and that such LPG is free from liens
(other than liens in favor of RZB Finance LLC) and adverse claims of every kind.
Seller will pay all royalties, taxes and other sums due on production of the LPG
delivered hereunder. Seller further warrants that the LPG delivered hereunder
is free and clear of any prior contract or dedication to any third party that
limits or restricts the right of Seller to sell LPG to Buyer hereunder, or that
gives such third party a claim to either the proceeds paid or a claim that a
like quantity of LPG be tendered to such third party at a later date. Seller
will indemnify and save Buyer harmless against all loss, damage and expense of
every character on account of adverse claims to the LPG delivered by Seller or
of royalties, taxes, payments or other charges thereon applicable before or upon
delivery to Buyer. If Seller's title is questioned or involved in any legal
action, Buyer may withhold payment of sums due hereunder up to the amount of the
claim until title is freed from such question or such action is finally
determined, or until Seller furnishes either bond with surety or an escrow
arrangement satisfactory to Buyer and conditioned to save Buyer harmless.
ARTICLE VI.
REGULATORY BODIES
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This Contract shall be subject to all valid and applicable laws, rules
and regulations of any duly constituted governmental body having jurisdiction
herein. Buyer does not require any governmental authority or approval to enter
into this Contract or to accept the delivery of LPG from Seller hereunder. If at
any time there is a new law, rule or regulation, or changed interpretation of
any existing law, rule or regulation that requires Buyer to obtain any
governmental approval or authorization, Buyer will notify Seller of the
requirement and will furnish Seller with any application filed, the evidence to
support the application and of the order or authorization entered.
ARTICLE VII.
FORCE MAJEURE
In the event either party hereto is rendered unable, wholly or in
part, by force majeure, to carry out its obligations under this Contract, other
than to make payments due hereunder, then on such party's giving notice and
reasonable full particulars of such force majeure in writing or by telecopy to
the other party as soon as possible after the occurrence of the cause relied
upon, the obligations of the party giving notice, so far as they are affected by
such force majeure, shall be suspended during, but only during, the continuance
of any inability so caused. The term "force majeure," as used herein, shall
mean acts of God, strikes, lockouts, acts of the public enemy, wars, blockades,
insurrections, riots, epidemics, landslides, lightning, earthquakes, hurricanes
or the threat thereof, fires, storms, floods, washouts, arrest and restraints of
rulers of people, civil disturbances, the freezing of wells or lines of pipe,
requisitions, directives, diversions, embargoes, priorities, expropriations of
government or governmental authorities, legal or de facto, whether purporting to
act under some constitution, decree, law or otherwise, failure of pipelines,
facilities or lines of pipe provided such failure of pipelines, facilities or
lines of pipe is not reasonably within the control of the party claiming
suspension, the partial or entire failure of LPG wells, and the inability to
acquire, or the delays in acquiring at reasonable cost and after the exercise of
reasonable diligence, such servitudes, right of way grants, permits, licenses,
approvals and authorizations by regulatory bodies, and/or such supplies and
materials (or permission from regulatory bodies to use supplies and materials on
hand), as may be necessary in order that obligations assumed hereunder may be
lawfully performed in the manner herein contemplated. Upon the occurrence of an
event constituting force majeure, the same shall, so far as possible, be
remedied with all reasonable dispatch. The settlement of strikes or other labor
difficulties shall be entirely within the discretion of the party having the
difficulty, and the above requirement that any force majeure shall be remedied
with all reasonable dispatch shall not require the settlement of strikes or
other labor difficulties by acceding to the demands of any opposing party
therein when such course is inadvisable in the discretion of the party having
the difficulty.
ARTICLE VIII.
INDEMNITY
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Buyer shall indemnify, defend and hold Seller harmless from and
against all loss, cost and expense, including court costs and attorney's fees,
for any claims, suits, judgments, demands, actions or liability growing out of
the operations conducted hereunder by Buyer or arising while the LPG is in
Buyer's exclusive control and possession. Likewise, Seller shall indemnify,
defend and hold Buyer harmless from and against any loss, cost and expense,
including court costs and attorney's fees, for any claims, suits, judgments,
demands, actions or liability growing out of Seller's operations of its wells,
leases, equipment, pipelines and other facilities and appurtenances thereto or
arising while the LPG is in Seller's exclusive control and possession.
ARTICLE IX.
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Entirety - This Contract contains the entire agreement between the
parties and there are no oral promises, agreements or warranties affecting it.
9.2 Titles - The numbering and titling of particular provisions of this
Contract are for the purpose of facilitating administration and shall not be
construed as having any substantive effect on the terms of this Contract.
9.3 Waiver - Waiver of any breach or failure to enforce any of the terms
and conditions of this Contract at any time shall not in any way affect, limit
or waive either party's right thereafter to enforce and compel compliance with
every term and condition hereof.
9.4 Time of Essence - Time is of the essence in this Contract in all
respects.
9.5 Preparer - This Contract was prepared jointly by the parties hereto and
not by either party to the exclusion of the other.
9.6 Severability - In the event that any clause or provision in this
Contract shall, for any reason, be deemed illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the
remaining provisions and clauses shall not be affected, impaired or invalidated
and shall remain in full force and effect. In lieu of such illegal, invalid or
unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically as a part of this
Contract a provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or
unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.
9.7 Governing Law - As to all matters of construction and interpretation,
this Contract shall be interpreted, construed and governed by the laws of the
State of Texas, excluding conflicts of law principles that might require the
application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
9.8 Damages - Neither party shall be liable to the other for any indirect,
incidental, consequential or punitive damages which may occur, in whole or in
part, as a result of a party's performance or non-performance of any of the
terms and conditions of this Contract.
End of General Terms and Conditions
-14-
THIS OPTION AND THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS PURCHASABLE UPON
EXERCISE HEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
AMENDED, OR UNDER ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS. IT MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR
SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT AS TO THE SECURITIES UNDER SAID ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL
SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
UNIT PURCHASE OPTION
Void after July 10, 2006
Option No. 1 July 10, 2003
FOR VALUE RECEIVED and pursuant to the terms of a letter agreement dated
November 29, 2002, between Shore Capital LLC and Penn Octane Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Penn Octane"), and a resulting employment agreement dated
May 13, 2003, between Penn Octane and Richard Shore, Jr., the undersigned, Penn
Octane, hereby certifies that Shore Capital LLC (the "Holder"), or assigns, is
entitled, subject to the terms set forth below, to purchase from Penn Octane
after the date (the "Distribution Date") Penn Octane completes the distribution
(the "Distribution") to its stockholders of all of the outstanding common units
of Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("Rio Vista"),
and before 5:00 P.M. New York time, on July 10, 2006 (the "Expiration Date") 25%
of the outstanding Units (as defined below) of Rio Vista GP LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company (the "Company") for a purchase price per Unit (the
"Exercise Price") equal to the number of Units to be purchased divided by the
pro rata portion of the tax basis capital of Rio Vista immediately following the
Distribution.
As used herein the following terms, unless the context otherwise requires,
have the following respective meanings:
(a) The term "Company" includes any corporation that shall succeed to or
assume the obligations of the Company.
(b) The term "Exercise Price" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in the first paragraph hereof.
(c) The term "Limited Liability Company Agreement" shall mean the Amended
and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company dated September
8, 2004.
(c) The term "Purchase Price" shall mean the amount equal to the product of
the Exercise Price and the number of Units to be purchased upon the full
exercise of this Option.
(d) The term "Units" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the
Limited Liability Company Agreement.
1. Exercise of Option. This Option may be exercised in full by the Holder
hereof at any time after the Distribution Date and before the Expiration Date by
surrender of this Option,
with the form of subscription, addendum agreement to the limited liability
company agreement of the Company and the Voting Agreement attached hereto duly
executed by such Holder, to the Company and Penn Octane at their respective
principal offices, accompanied by payment of the Purchase Price. The Purchase
Price shall be paid by cash or check payable to the order of Penn Octane
Corporation.
2. When Exercise Effective. The exercise of this Option shall be deemed to
have been effected immediately prior to the close of business on the business
day on which this Option is surrendered as provided in Section 1 and the
documents referenced in Section 1 are duly executed and delivered as provided in
Section 1, and at such time the Holder shall be deemed to be the record holder
of such Units for all purposes.
3. Delivery on Exercise. As soon as practicable after the exercise of this
Option in full, and in any event within ten (10) business days thereafter, Penn
Octane at its expense (including the payment by it of any applicable issue
taxes) will cause to be delivered to the holder hereof a certificate or
certificates for the number of Units to which such holder shall be entitled on
such exercise.
4. Investment Intent. Unless a current registration statement under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), shall be in effect
with respect to the securities to be purchased upon exercise of this Option, the
Holder hereof, by accepting this Option, covenants and agrees that, at the time
of exercise hereof, and at the time of any proposed transfer of securities
acquired upon exercise hereof, such Holder will deliver to the Company and Penn
Octane a written statement that the securities acquired by the Holder are for
such Holder's own account, and are not acquired with a view to, or for sale in
connection with, any distribution thereof (or any portion thereof) except
pursuant to current registration statement under the Securities Act or an
available exemption from registration.
5. Transfer. This Option is not transferable without the prior written
consent of Penn Octane.
6. No Rights or Liability as a Member. This Option does not entitle the
Holder hereof to any voting rights or other rights as a Member (as defined in
Limited Liability Company Agreement). No provisions hereof and no enumeration
herein of the rights or privileges of the Holder hereof shall give rise to any
liability of such holder as a Member of the Company. The Units to be purchased
pursuant to this Option are subject to the terms of the Limited Liability
Company Agreement. The Holder shall not be deemed to be a Member and shall not
have any rights of a Member or rights of an assignee from a Member with respect
to, any Units subject to this Option unless and until the Holder has satisfied
all requirements for exercise of this Option pursuant to its terms. Before
receiving the Units subject to this Option, the Holder shall take such action
and execute such documents as the Company and Penn Octane may require to become
a Member of the Company.
7. Damages. Penn Octane recognizes and agrees that the Holder hereof will
not have an adequate remedy if Penn Octane fails to comply with the terms of
this Option and that damages will not be readily ascertainable, and Penn Octane
expressly agrees that, in the event of such failure, it shall not oppose an
application by the Holder of this Option or any other person
2
entitled to the benefits of this Option requiring specific performance of any
and all provisions hereof or enjoining the Penn Octane from continuing to commit
any such breach of the terms hereof.
8. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing and sent (a) by telecopy if the sender on the same
day sends a confirming copy of such notice by a recognized overnight delivery
service (charges prepaid), or (b) by first class mail, or (c) by a recognized
overnight delivery service (with charges prepaid), addressed (1) if to the
Holder of this Option, at such Holder's address as it appears in the records of
Penn Octane (unless otherwise indicated by such Holder), (2) if to Penn Octane,
at its office at 77-530 Enfield Lane, Building D, Palm Desert, CA 92211,
Attention: Chief Executive Officer, or at such other address as Penn Octane
shall have furnished to the Holder of the Option in writing or (3) if to the
Company, at its office at 820 Gessner Road, Suite 1285, Houston, Texas 77024 or
at such other address as the Company or Penn Octane shall have furnished to the
Holder of the Option in writing
9. Payment of Taxes. Penn Octane shall pay all transfer taxes and other
governmental charges (not including state and federal income taxes) that may be
imposed in respect to the issue or delivery of the Units purchased upon the
exercise of this Option. At the time this Option is exercised, in whole or in
part, or at any time thereafter as requested by Penn Octane, Holder hereby
authorizes withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to Holder, and
otherwise agrees to make adequate provision for, any sums required to satisfy
the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of Penn Octane
or an affiliate, if any, which arise in connection with this Option. This
Option is not exercisable unless the tax withholding obligations of Penn Octane
and/or any affiliate are satisfied. Accordingly, Holder may not be able to
exercise this Option when desired even though this Option is vested, and Penn
Octane shall have no obligation to issue a certificate for such Units or release
such Units from any escrow provided for herein.
10. Governing Law. All issues and questions concerning the construction,
validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Option and the attachments
hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the
State of Texas without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law
rules or provisions (whether of the State of Texas or any other jurisdiction)
that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the
State of Texas. In furtherance of the foregoing, the internal law of the State
of Texas shall control the interpretation and construction of this Option (and
all attachments hereto), even though under that jurisdiction's choice of law or
conflict of law analysis, the substantive law of some other jurisdiction would
ordinarily apply.
11. Consent to Jurisdiction.
(a) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of any Texas
state court or federal court o the United States of America sitting in Houston,
Texas, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding
arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment relating thereto, and
each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that
all claims in respect
3
of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such Texas state
court or, to the extent permitted by law, in such federal court. Each of the
parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding
shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the
judgment or in any other manner provided by law.
(b) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any
objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit,
action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Option or the
transactions contemplated hereby in any Texas state or federal court. Each of
the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by
law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or
proceeding in any such court.
(c) Each party to this Option irrevocably consents to service of
process in the manner provided for notices in Section 8. Nothing in this Option
will affect the right of any party to this Option to serve process in any other
manner permitted by law.
12. Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY
ARISE UNDER THIS OPTION IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES,
AND THEREFORE IT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY
HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS OPTION OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
HEREBY OR THEREBY.
(b) EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (i) NO REPRESENTATIVE,
AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE,
THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE
FOREGOING WAIVER, (ii) IT UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF
SUCH WAIVER, (iii) IT MAKES SUCH WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (iv) IT HAS BEEN
INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS OPTION BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVER AND
CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 12.
13. Miscellaneous. This Option and any term hereof may be changed, waived,
discharged or terminated only by an instrument in writing signed by the party
against which enforcement of such change, waiver, discharge or termination is
sought. The headings in this Option are for purposes of reference only, and
shall not limit or otherwise affect any of the terms hereof.
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By: Jerome B. Richter
Jerome B. Richter, Chief Executive Officer
4
ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED TO
WITH RESPECT TO ITS RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER:
SHORE CAPITAL LLC
By: /s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-------------------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr., President
|
5
ATTACHMENT A TO OPTION
FORM OF SUBSCRIPTION
(TO BE SIGNED ONLY ON EXERCISE OF OPTION)
To: PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
The undersigned, the holder of the within Option, hereby irrevocably elects
to exercise the purchase rights represented by such Option for, and to purchase
thereunder, 25% of the outstanding Units of RIO VISTA GP LLC and herewith makes
payment of $___________ therefor,
and requests that the certificates for such units be issued in the name of,
and delivered to the undersigned, whose address is________________________
____________________________________.
(Signature must conform in all
respects to name of holder as specified
on the face of the Option)
Address
Dated: ________________________
6
ATTACHMENT B TO OPTION
ADDENDUM AGREEMENT TO THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
AGREEMENT OF RIO VISTA GP LLC
7
ATTACHMENT C TO OPTION
VOTING AGREEMENT
8
THIS OPTION AND THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS PURCHASABLE UPON
EXERCISE HEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
AMENDED, OR UNDER ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS. IT MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR
SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT AS TO THE SECURITIES UNDER SAID ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL
SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
UNIT PURCHASE OPTION
Void after July 10, 2006
Option No. 2 July 10, 2003
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, PENN OCTANE CORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation ("Penn Octane"), hereby certifies that Jerome B. Richter (the
"Holder"), or assigns, is entitled, subject to the terms set forth below, to
purchase from Penn Octane after the date (the "Distribution Date") Penn Octane
completes the distribution (the "Distribution") to its stockholders of all of
the outstanding common units of Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership ("Rio Vista"), and before 5:00 P.M. New York time, on July
10, 2006 (the "Expiration Date") 25% of the outstanding Units (as defined below)
of Rio Vista GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Company"), for a
purchase price per Unit (the "Exercise Price") equal to the number of Units to
be purchased divided by the pro rata portion of the tax basis capital of Rio
Vista immediately following the Distribution.
As used herein the following terms, unless the context otherwise requires,
have the following respective meanings:
(a) The term "Company" includes any corporation that shall succeed to or
assume the obligations of the Company.
(b) The term "Exercise Price" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term
in the first paragraph hereof.
(c) The term "Limited Liability Company Agreement" shall mean the Amended
and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company dated September
8, 2004.
(c) The term "Purchase Price" shall mean the amount equal to the product of
the Exercise Price and the number of Units to be purchased upon the full
exercise of this Option.
(d) The term "Units" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the
Limited Liability Company Agreement.
1. Exercise of Option. This Option may be exercised in full by the Holder
hereof at any time after the Distribution Date and before the Expiration Date by
surrender of this Option, with the form of subscription, addendum agreement to
the limited liability company agreement of the Company and the Voting Agreement
attached hereto duly executed by such Holder, to the Company and Penn Octane at
their respective principal offices, accompanied by payment of the
Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be paid by cash or check payable to the
order of Penn Octane Corporation.
2. When Exercise Effective. The exercise of this Option shall be deemed to
have been effected immediately prior to the close of business on the business
day on which this Option is surrendered as provided in Section 1 and the
documents referenced in Section 1 are duly executed and delivered as provided in
Section 1, and at such time the Holder shall be deemed to be the record holder
of such Units for all purposes.
3. Delivery on Exercise. As soon as practicable after the exercise of this
Option in full, and in any event within ten (10) business days thereafter, Penn
Octane at its expense (including the payment by it of any applicable issue
taxes) will cause to be delivered to the holder hereof a certificate or
certificates for the number of Units to which such holder shall be entitled on
such exercise.
4. Investment Intent. Unless a current registration statement under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), shall be in effect
with respect to the securities to be purchased upon exercise of this Option, the
Holder hereof, by accepting this Option, covenants and agrees that, at the time
of exercise hereof, and at the time of any proposed transfer of securities
acquired upon exercise hereof, such Holder will deliver to the Company and Penn
Octane a written statement that the securities acquired by the Holder are for
such Holder's own account, and are not acquired with a view to, or for sale in
connection with, any distribution thereof (or any portion thereof) except
pursuant to current registration statement under the Securities Act or an
available exemption from registration.
5. Transfer. This Option is not transferable without the prior written
consent of Penn Octane.
6. No Rights or Liability as a Member. This Option does not entitle the
Holder hereof to any voting rights or other rights as a Member (as defined in
Limited Liability Company Agreement). No provisions hereof and no enumeration
herein of the rights or privileges of the Holder hereof shall give rise to any
liability of such holder as a Member of the Company. The Units to be purchased
pursuant to this Option are subject to the terms of the Limited Liability
Company Agreement. The Holder shall not be deemed to be a Member and shall not
have any rights of a Member or rights of an assignee from a Member with respect
to, any Units subject to this Option unless and until the Holder has satisfied
all requirements for exercise of this Option pursuant to its terms. Before
receiving the Units subject to this Option, the Holder shall take such action
and execute such documents as the Company and Penn Octane may require to become
a Member of the Company.
7. Damages. Penn Octane recognizes and agrees that the Holder hereof will
not have an adequate remedy if Penn Octane fails to comply with the terms of
this Option and that damages will not be readily ascertainable, and Penn Octane
expressly agrees that, in the event of such failure, it shall not oppose an
application by the Holder of this Option or any other person entitled to the
benefits of this Option requiring specific performance of any and all provisions
hereof or enjoining the Penn Octane from continuing to commit any such breach of
the terms hereof.
2
8. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing and sent (a) by telecopy if the sender on the same
day sends a confirming copy of such notice by a recognized overnight delivery
service (charges prepaid), or (b) by first class mail, or (c) by a recognized
overnight delivery service (with charges prepaid), addressed (1) if to the
Holder of this Option, at such Holder's address as it appears in the records of
Penn Octane (unless otherwise indicated by such Holder), (2) if to Penn Octane,
at its office at 77-530 Enfield Lane, Building D, Palm Desert, CA 92211,
Attention: Chief Executive Officer, or at such other address as Penn Octane
shall have furnished to the Holder of the Option in writing or (3) if to the
Company, at its office at 820 Gessner Road, Suite 1285, Houston, Texas 77024 or
at such other address as the Company or Penn Octane shall have furnished to the
Holder of the Option in writing.
9. Payment of Taxes. Penn Octane shall pay all transfer taxes and other
governmental charges (not including state and federal income taxes) that may be
imposed in respect to the issue or delivery of the Units purchased upon the
exercise of this Option. At the time this Option is exercised, in whole or in
part, or at any time thereafter as requested by Penn Octane, Holder hereby
authorizes withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to Holder, and
otherwise agrees to make adequate provision for, any sums required to satisfy
the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of Penn Octane
or an affiliate, if any, which arise in connection with this Option. This Option
is not exercisable unless the tax withholding obligations of Penn Octane and/or
any affiliate are satisfied. Accordingly, Holder may not be able to exercise
this Option when desired even though this Option is vested, and Penn Octane
shall have no obligation to issue a certificate for such Units or release such
Units from any escrow provided for herein.
10. Governing Law. All issues and questions concerning the construction,
validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Option and the attachments
hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the
State of Texas without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law
rules or provisions (whether of the State of Texas or any other jurisdiction)
that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the
State of Texas. In furtherance of the foregoing, the internal law of the State
of Texas shall control the interpretation and construction of this Option (and
all attachments hereto), even though under that jurisdiction's choice of law or
conflict of law analysis, the substantive law of some other jurisdiction would
ordinarily apply.
11. Consent to Jurisdiction.
(a) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of any Texas
state court or federal court o the United States of America sitting in Houston,
Texas, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding
arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment relating thereto, and
each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that
all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and
determined in such Texas state court or, to the extent permitted by law, in such
federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any
such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other
jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.
3
(b) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any
objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit,
action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Option or the
transactions contemplated hereby in any Texas state or federal court. Each of
the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by
law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or
proceeding in any such court.
(c) Each party to this Option irrevocably consents to service of
process in the manner provided for notices in Section 8. Nothing in this Option
will affect the right of any party to this Option to serve process in any other
manner permitted by law.
12. Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY
ARISE UNDER THIS OPTION IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES,
AND THEREFORE IT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY
HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS OPTION OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
HEREBY OR THEREBY.
(b) EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (i) NO REPRESENTATIVE,
AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE,
THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE
FOREGOING WAIVER, (ii) IT UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF
SUCH WAIVER, (iii) IT MAKES SUCH WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (iv) IT HAS BEEN
INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS OPTION BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVER AND
CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 12.
13. Miscellaneous. This Option and any term hereof may be changed, waived,
discharged or terminated only by an instrument in writing signed by the party
against which enforcement of such change, waiver, discharge or termination is
sought. The headings in this Option are for purposes of reference only, and
shall not limit or otherwise affect any of the terms hereof.
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By: /s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
----------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr., President
|
4
ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED TO
WITH RESPECT TO ITS RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER:
/s/Jerome B. Richter
--------------------------------------
Jerome B. Richter
|
5
ATTACHMENT A TO OPTION
FORM OF SUBSCRIPTION
(TO BE SIGNED ONLY ON EXERCISE OF OPTION)
To: PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
The undersigned, the holder of the within Option, hereby irrevocably elects
to exercise the purchase rights represented by such Option for, and to purchase
thereunder, 25% of the outstanding Units of RIO VISTA GP LLC and herewith makes
payment of $___________ therefor,
and requests that the certificates for such units be issued in the name of,
and delivered to the undersigned, whose address is ______________________
________________________________________________.
(Signature must conform in all
respects to name of holder as specified
on the face of the Option)
Address
Dated: ________________________
6
ATTACHMENT B TO OPTION
ADDENDUM AGREEMENT TO THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
AGREEMENT OF RIO VISTA GP LLC
7
ATTACHMENT C TO OPTION
VOTING AGREEMENT
8
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
UNIT OPTION AGREEMENT
Void after July 10, 2006
Option No. 1 Date of Grant: July 10, 2003
FOR VALUE RECEIVED and pursuant to the terms of a letter agreement dated
November 29, 2002, between Shore Capital LLC and Penn Octane Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Penn Octane"), and a resulting employment agreement dated
May 13, 2003, between Penn Octane and Richard Shore, Jr., the undersigned, RIO
VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P., a limited partnership organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies that Shore Capital LLC is
entitled, subject to the terms set forth below, to purchase from the Partnership
after the completion of the distribution by Penn Octane to its stockholders of
all of the outstanding Common Units of the Partnership and before 5:00 P.M. New
York time, on July 10, 2006 (the "Expiration Date"), 97,415 Common Units of the
Partnership. The purchase price per Common Unit shall be $8.47 (the "Exercise
Price").
The details of this Option Agreement (this "Agreement") are as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS.
(a) "AFFILIATE" means, with respect to any specified person, any
person that directly or through one or more intermediaries controls or is
controlled by or is under common control with the specified person. As used in
this definition, the term "control" means the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and
policies of a person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by
contract or otherwise. For purposes of clarification, Penn Octane Corporation is
an Affiliate of the Partnership and the General Partner.
(b) "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(c) "GENERAL PARTNER" means Rio Vista GP LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company, and its successors or assigns.
(d) "MANAGER" means a manager of the General Partner under the
Delaware Limited Liability Company Act.
(e) "OFFICER" means any person designated by the General Partner as an
officer.
(f) "OPTION" means an option to acquire Common Units granted pursuant
to this Agreement.
(g) "OPTIONHOLDER" means the person to whom an Option to acquire
Common Units is granted pursuant to this Agreement.
(h) "PARTNERSHIP" means Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership, and its successors or assigns.
(i) "PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT" means the limited partnership agreement of
the Partnership, as amended.
(j) "PURCHASE PRICE" means the amount equal to the product of the
Exercise Price and the number of Common Units to be purchased upon exercise of
this Option.
(k) "COMMON UNIT" has the meaning set forth in the Partnership
Agreement or any equity interest into which a Common Unit is exchanged or
converted.
2. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) ADMINISTRATION BY GENERAL PARTNER. The General Partner shall
administer this Agreement. Any interpretation of this Agreement by the General
Partner and any decision by the General Partner under this Agreement shall be
final and binding on all persons.
(b) POWERS OF GENERAL PARTNER. The General Partner shall have the
power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of this
Agreement:
(i) to construe and interpret this Agreement, and to establish,
amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration; the General
Partner, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or
inconsistency in this Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it shall deem
necessary or expedient to make this Agreement fully effective; and
(ii) generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts
as the General Partner deems necessary or expedient to promote the best
interests of the Partnership which are not in conflict with the provisions of
this Agreement.
3. NUMBER OF COMMON UNITS, EXERCISE PRICE AND CAPITALIZATION ADJUSTMENTS.
The number of Common Units subject to this Option and the exercise price per
Common Unit may be adjusted from time to time for capitalization adjustments
described in this Section. If any change is made in the Common Units subject to
this Agreement, without the receipt of consideration by the Partnership (through
conversion, merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, unit
distribution, distribution in property other than cash, Common Units split,
liquidating distribution, combination of Common Units, exchange of Common Units,
change in structure or other transaction not involving the receipt of
consideration by the Partnership), the Common Units subject to this Agreement
will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and number of securities and
price per Common Unit. The General Partner, the determination of which shall be
final, binding and conclusive, shall make such adjustments. (The conversion of
any convertible securities of the Partnership shall not be treated as a
transaction "without receipt of consideration" by the Partnership.)
4. METHOD OF PAYMENT. Payment of the Purchase Price is due in full upon
exercise of all or any part of this Option. The Optionholder may elect to make
payment of the Purchase Price in cash or by check.
-2-
5. WHOLE COMMON UNITS. This Option may only be exercised for whole Common
Units.
6. SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, this Option may not be exercised unless the Common Units
issuable upon exercise of this Option are then registered under the Securities
Act or, if such Common Units are not then so registered, the Partnership has
determined that such exercise and issuance would be exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act. The Partnership shall use its commercially
reasonable efforts to register such Common Units under the Securities Act.
7. TERM. The term of this Option commences on the date Penn Octane
completes the distribution to its stockholders of all the outstanding Common
Units of the Partnership and expires on the Expiration Date.
8. EXERCISE.
(a) Subject to Section 8(c), the Optionholder may exercise this Option
during its term by delivering a Notice of Exercise (in a form designated by the
General Partner) together with the Purchase Price to the Secretary of the
General Partner, or to such other person as the General Partner may designate,
during regular business hours, together with such additional documents as the
General Partner may then require.
(b) By exercising this Option, the Optionholder agrees that, as a
condition to any exercise of this Option, the Partnership or the General Partner
may require the Optionholder to enter an arrangement providing for the payment
by the Optionholder to the Partnership of any tax withholding obligation of the
Partnership, as reasonably determined by the Partnership, arising by reason of
(1) the exercise of this Option, or (2) the disposition of Common Units acquired
upon such exercise.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, during the term
of this Option, this Option may only be exercised during the first ten (10) days
of the first month of each fiscal quarter of the Partnership and during such
other periods as the General Partner may designate in its sole discretion for
purposes of minimizing the accounting costs to the Partnership resulting from
such exercise.
9. TRANSFERABILITY. This Option is not transferable, except to any
Affiliate of the Optionholder, and is exercisable only by the Optionholder or
such Affiliate. The transferability of the Common Units issued upon exercise of
this Option shall be subject to the conditions, restrictions and limitations set
forth in this Agreement, the Partnership Agreement and any other agreements the
Optionholder may have with the Partnership.
(a) The provisions of this Section 9 may be waived with respect to any
transfer by the Partnership, upon duly authorized action of the General Partner.
(b) Any sale or transfer, or purported sale or transfer, of the Common
Units by the Optionholder shall be null and void unless the terms, conditions,
and provisions of this Section 9 are observed and followed.
-3-
10. WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS
(a) At the time this Option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at
any time thereafter as requested by the Partnership, you hereby authorize
withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to you, and otherwise
agree to make adequate provision for, any sums required to satisfy the federal,
state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Partnership or an
Affiliate, if any, which arise in connection with this Option.
(b) This Option is not exercisable unless the tax withholding
obligations of the Partnership and/or any Affiliate are satisfied. Accordingly,
you may not be able to exercise this Option when desired even though this Option
is vested, and the Partnership shall have no obligation to issue a certificate
for such Common Units or release such Common Units from any escrow provided for
herein.
11. TAX CONSEQUENCES AND CAPITAL ACCOUNT UPON EXERCISE OF OPTION. It is
intended that neither the Optionholder, the Partnership nor any of the partners
(owners) of the Partnership shall have any federal income tax consequences upon
grant of this Option, or, except as described herein, upon exercise of this
Option. Additionally, it is intended that the Optionholder shall not be treated
as a partner with respect to the Common Units subject to this Agreement until
such time as this Option is exercised. It is intended that, upon exercise of
this Option, the Optionholder shall include in income ("Exercise Income") in the
tax year of exercise an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market
value of Common Units on the date of exercise over the sum of the amount the
Optionholder has paid or will pay to the Partnership ("Option Consideration")
upon the grant and exercise of the Option. It is intended that the Partnership
shall be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of Exercise Income, which,
if the Partnership continues to be a partnership for federal income tax
purposes, shall be allocated solely to the partners of the Partnership other
than the Optionholder to whom the Exercise Income is attributable. Upon exercise
of this Option, Optionholder shall receive a positive capital account in the
Partnership (assuming the Partnership continues to be classified as a
partnership for federal income purposes) equal to the sum of the Exercise Income
to the Optionholder and the amount of Option Consideration paid by the
Optionholder. Should the federal income tax consequences differ from that
described in this section, the General Partner shall have the authority to
change the capital account or allocations of income and deduction to the
Optionholder as described herein in manner which in its discretion most closely
achieves the same economic effect of the consequences described in this Section.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the General Partner shall have
the authority to change the tax reporting described above with respect to the
issuance or exercise of this Option or alter the capital accounts or allocations
of Partnership items as necessary to preserve or achieve the uniformity of
Common Units.
12. NOTICES. Any notices provided for in this Option or this Agreement
shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon receipt or,
in the case of notices delivered by the Partnership to the Optionholder, five
(5) days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to
the Optionholder at the last address provided to the Partnership.
-4-
13. THIS AGREEMENT; PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. This Option is subject to all
the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of which are hereby made a part
of this Option, and is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules
and regulations which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant
to this Agreement, and the Common Units to be delivered are subject to the terms
of the Partnership Agreement. In the event of any conflict among Optionholder's
rights under the Common Units, this Agreement and the Partnership Agreement, the
terms of the Partnership Agreement shall control.
14. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) AVAILABILITY OF COMMON UNITS. During the term of this Option, the
Partnership shall keep available at all times the number of Common Units
required to satisfy the Option.
(b) PARTNER RIGHTS. No Optionholder shall be deemed to be partner of
the Partnership, or to have any of the rights of a partner or rights of an
assignee from a partner with respect to, any Common Units subject to the Option
unless and until such Optionholder has satisfied all requirements for exercise
of the Option pursuant to its terms.
(c) INVESTMENT ASSURANCES. Unless the Common Units issuable upon
exercise of this Option are then registered under the Securities Act, the
General Partner may require an Optionholder, as a condition of exercising or
acquiring Common Units under the Option, to give written assurances that he is
an "accredited investor," as defined in the rules and regulations under the
Securities Act. The General Partner may, upon advice of counsel to the General
Partner, place legends on Common Units certificates issued under the Option as
such counsel deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with applicable
securities laws, including, but not limited to, legends restricting the transfer
of the Common Units.
(d) PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. Before receiving Common Units, the
Optionholder shall take such action and execute such documents as the General
Partner may require to become a partner of the Partnership.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Option Agreement has been duly executed by
the parties hereto as of the Date of Grant.
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
By: RIO VISTA GP LLC, general partner
By: /s/ Ian T. Bothwell
-----------------------------------
Ian T. Bothwell, Treasurer
|
-5-
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
SHORE CAPITAL LLC
By: /s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
----------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr., President
|
-6-
NEITHER THIS WARRANT NOR THE SHARES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE
HEREOF HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933, AS AMENDED (THE "ACT"), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY
STATE. NEITHER THIS WARRANT NOR THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE HEREOF MAY BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE
TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION
OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.
COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT
Void after July 10, 2006
Warrant to Purchase 763,737 Shares
of Common Stock, $0.01 par value
of Penn Octane Corporation
Dated October 1, 2004
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION (POCC)
This is to Certify That, FOR VALUE RECEIVED,
Shore Capital, LLC, a California limited liability company,
or registered assign(s) (herein referred to as the "Holder") is entitled to
purchase, subject to the provisions hereof, from PENN OCTANE CORPORATION, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), but not later than 5:00 p.m., California
time, on July 10, 2006 (or, if such date is not a Business Day in Palm Desert,
California, then on the next succeeding day which shall be a Business Day),
763,737 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of the Company (the "Common
Stock") at an exercise price of $1.14 per share, subject to adjustment as to
number of shares and purchase price as set forth in Section 6 below. The
exercise price of a share of Common Stock in effect at any time and as adjusted
from time to time is hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Exercise Price".
For purposes of this Warrant, a "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a
Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York,
or in Palm Desert, California, are authorized by law or regulation to close.
The shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants are sometimes
herein called the "Warrant Stock."
Common Stock Purchase Warrant
Page 2 of 8
1. Exercise of Warrant. This Warrant may be exercised in whole or in part
at any time and from time to time, subject to the limitations as set forth in
Section 2, by presentation and surrender hereof to the Company at its principal
office with the Purchase Form annexed hereto duly executed and accompanied by
payment of the Exercise Price in immediately available funds for the number of
shares specified in such form. If this Warrant is exercised in part only, the
Company shall, upon surrender of this Warrant for cancellation, execute and
deliver a new Warrant evidencing the right of the Holder to purchase the balance
of the shares purchasable hereunder. Upon receipt by the Company of this Warrant
at the office of the Company, in proper form for exercise, accompanied by
payment of the Exercise Price, the Holder shall be deemed to be the holder of
record of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such exercise,
notwithstanding that certificates representing such shares of Common Stock shall
not then be actually delivered to the Holder. The issuance of certificates for
shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of this Warrant shall be made without
charge to the Holder for any issuance tax in respect thereof (with the exception
of any federal or state income taxes applicable thereto), all such taxes to be
paid by the Company, it being understood however that the Holder shall be
required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved
in the issuance and delivery of any certificate in a name other than that of the
Holder. The Company will at no time close its transfer books against the
transfer of this Warrant or the issuance of any shares of Common Stock issuable
upon the exercise of this Warrant in any manner which interferes with the timely
exercise of this Warrant.
2. Vesting Of Warrants. The Warrants shall be fully vested and exercisable
as of October 1, 2004, provided that the Company has completed the distribution
of common units of Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. to the stockholders of the
Company on or before September 30, 2004.
3. Reservation of Shares; Stock Fully Paid. The Company agrees that at all
times there shall be authorized and reserved for issuance upon exercise of this
Warrant such number of shares of its Common Stock as shall be required for
issuance or delivery upon exercise of this Warrant. All shares which may be
issued upon exercise hereof will, upon issuance, and receipt of payment
therefor, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
4. Fractional Shares. This Warrant shall not be exercisable in such manner
as to require the issuance of fractional shares. If, as a result of adjustment
in the Exercise Price or the number of shares of Common Stock to be received
upon exercise of this Warrant, fractional shares would be issuable, no such
fractional shares shall be issued. In lieu thereof, the Company shall pay the
Holder an amount in cash equal to such fraction multiplied by the Fair Market
Value of a share of Common Stock. The term "Fair Market Value" shall mean, as of
a particular date, the market price on such date.
For purposes of this Warrant, the market price on any day shall be the
last sale price on such day on the NASDAQ Stock Market, or, if the Common Stock
is not then listed or admitted to trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market, on such
other principal stock exchange on which such stock is then listed or admitted to
trading, or, if no sale takes place on such day on any such
-2-
Common Stock Purchase Warrant
Page 3 of 8
exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day as
officially quoted on any such exchange, or, if the Common Stock is not then
listed or admitted to trading on any stock exchange, the average of the reported
closing bid and asked prices on such day in the over-the-counter market as
quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation
System or, if not so quoted, then as furnished by any member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. selected by the Company. If there shall
be no meaningful over-the-counter market, then Fair Market Value shall be such
amount, not less than book value, as may be determined by the Board of Directors
of the Company.
5. Rights of the Holder. The Holder shall not, by virtue hereof, be
entitled to any rights of a stockholder in the Company, either at law or in
equity, and the rights of the Holder are limited to those expressed in this
Warrant.
6. Adjustment of Exercise Price and Number of Shares. The number and kind
of securities purchasable upon the exercise or exchange of this Warrant and the
Exercise Price shall be subject to adjustment from time to time upon the
occurrence of certain events, as follows:
A. Adjustment for Change in Capital Stock. If at any time after the date
hereof, the Company:
1. pays a dividend or makes a distribution on its Common Stock in
shares of its Common Stock;
2. subdivides its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater
number of shares;
3. combines its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller
number of shares;
4. makes a distribution on its Common Stock in shares of its capital
stock other than Common Stock; or
5. issues by reclassification of its Common Stock any shares of its
capital stock;
then the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such action shall be
adjusted so that the Holder may receive, upon exercise or exchange of this
Warrant and payment of the same aggregate consideration, the number of shares of
capital stock of the Company which the Holder would have owned immediately
following such action if the Holder had exercised or exchanged the Warrant
immediately prior to such action.
-3-
Common Stock Purchase Warrant
Page 4 of 8
The adjustment shall become effective immediately after the record date in
the case of a dividend or distribution and immediately after the effective date
in the case of a subdivision, combination or reclassification.
B. Adjustment for Other Distributions. If at any time after the date
hereof, the Company distributes to all holders of its Common Stock any of its
assets or debt securities, the Exercise Price following the record date shall be
adjusted in accordance with the following formula:
E'= E x M-F
M
where: E' = the adjusted Exercise Price.
E = the Exercise Price immediately prior to the adjustment.
M = the current market price (as defined in Section 4 above) per share of Common
Stock on the record date of the distribution.
F = the aggregate fair market value (as conclusively determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company) on the record date of the assets or debt securities to be
distributed divided by the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock.
|
The adjustment shall be made successively whenever any such distribution is
made and shall become effective immediately after the record date for the
determination of shareholders entitled to receive the distribution. In the event
that such distribution is not actually made, the Exercise Price shall again be
adjusted to the Exercise Price as determined without giving effect to the
calculation provided hereby. In no event shall the Exercise Price be adjusted to
an amount less than zero.
In addition to the foregoing, the number of shares of capital stock of the
Company which the holder is entitled to receive upon exercise of their Warrant
shall be appropriately and equitably adjusted as determined by the Company's
Board of Directors to make appropriate provision for any adjustments in the
Exercise price made on account of the foregoing
This subsection does not apply to cash dividends or cash distributions paid
out of consolidated current or retained earnings as shown on the books of the
Company and paid in the ordinary course of business.
C. Deferral of Issuance or Payment. In any case in which an event covered
by this Section 6 shall require that an adjustment in the Exercise Price be made
effective as of a record date, the Company may elect to defer making such
adjustment until the occurrence of such event.
-4-
Common Stock Purchase Warrant
Page 5 of 8
If the Company so defers making any such adjustment and if this Warrant is
exercised after such record date but before the occurrence of such event, the
shares of Common Stock and other capital stock of the Company, if any, issuable
upon such exercise, had such adjustment been made as of the record date, over
and above the shares of Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company, if
any, issuable upon such exercise on the basis of the Exercise Price as
unadjusted, shall be issued promptly following the occurrence of such event and
the Company shall pay to the Holder by check any amount in lieu of the issuance
of fractional shares pursuant to Section 4.
D. When No Adjustment Required. No adjustment need be made for a change in
the par value or no par value of the Common Stock.
E. Statement of Adjustments. Whenever the Exercise Price and number of
shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder is required to be adjusted as
provided herein, the Company shall promptly prepare a certificate signed by its
President or any Vice President and its Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer,
setting forth, in reasonable detail, the event requiring the adjustment, the
amount of the adjustment, the method by which such adjustment was calculated
(including a description hereunder), and the Exercise Price and number of shares
of Common Stock purchasable hereunder after giving effect to such adjustment,
and shall promptly cause copies of such certificates to be mailed to the Holder.
F. No Adjustment Upon Exercise of Warrants. No adjustments shall be made
under any Section herein in connection with the issuance of Warrant Stock upon
exercise or exchange of the Warrants.
G. No adjustment for Small Amounts. Anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, no adjustment of the Exercise Price shall be made if the amount
of such adjustment shall be less than $0.05 per share, but in such case, any
adjustment that would otherwise be required then to be made shall be carried
forward and shall be made at the time and together with the next subsequent
adjustment which, together with any adjustment so carried forward, shall amount
to $.05 per share or more.
H. Common Stock Defined. Whenever reference is made in Section 6.A to the
issue of shares of Common Stock, the term "Common Stock" shall include any
equity securities of any class of the Company hereinafter authorized which shall
not be limited to a fixed sum or percentage in respect of the right of the
holders thereof to participate in dividends or distributions of assets upon the
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.
Subject to the provisions of Section 8 hereof, however, shares issuable upon
exercise or exchange hereof shall include only shares of the class designated as
Common Stock of the Company as of the date hereof or shares of any class or
classes resulting from any reclassification or reclassifications thereof or as a
result of any corporate reorganization as provided for in Section 8 hereof.
-5-
Common Stock Purchase Warrant
Page 6 of 8
7. Notice to Warrant Holders. So long as this Warrant shall be outstanding,
(i) if the Company shall pay any dividend or make any distribution upon its
Common Stock, or (ii) if the Company shall offer to the holders of Common Stock
for subscription or purchase by them any shares of stock or securities of any
class or any other rights, or (iii) if any capital reorganization of the
Company, reclassification of the capital stock of the Company, consolidation or
merger of the Company with or into another corporation, or any conveyance of all
or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or voluntary or involuntary
dissolution or liquidation of the Company shall be effected, then, in any such
case, the Company shall cause to be mailed to the Holder, at least thirty (30)
days prior to the date specified in (x) or (y) below, as the case may be, a
notice containing a brief description of the proposed action and stating the
date on which (x) a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend,
distribution or rights, or (y) such reclassification, reorganization,
consolidation, merger, conveyance, dissolution or liquidation is to take place
and the date, if any is to be fixed, as of which the holders of Common Stock of
record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of Common Stock for securities
or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, reorganization,
consolidation, merger, conveyance, dissolution or liquidation.
8. Reclassification, Reorganization, Consolidation or Merger. In the event
of any reclassification, capital reorganization or other change of outstanding
shares of Common Stock of the Company (other than a subdivision or combination
of the outstanding Common Stock and other than a change in the par value of the
Common Stock) or in the event of any consolidation or merger of the Company with
or into another corporation (other than a merger in which merger the Company is
the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification,
capital reorganization or other change of outstanding shares of Common Stock of
the class issuable upon exercise or exchange of this Warrant) or in the event of
any sale, lease, transfer or conveyance to another corporation of the property
and assets of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, the
Company shall, as a condition precedent to such transaction, cause effective
provisions to be made so that the Holder shall have the right thereafter, by
exercising this Warrant, to purchase the kind and amount of shares of stock and
other securities and property (including cash) receivable upon such
reclassification, capital reorganization and other change, consolidation,
merger, sale or conveyance by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock
that might have been received upon exercise or exchange of this Warrant
immediately prior to such reclassification, capital reorganization, change,
consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance. Any such provision shall include
provisions for adjustments in respect of such shares of stock and other
securities and property that shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable
to the adjustments provided for in this Warrant. The foregoing provisions of
this Section 8 shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, capital
reorganizations and changes of shares of Common Stock and to successive
consolidations, mergers, sales or conveyances. In the event that in connection
with any such capital reorganization or classification, consolidation, merger,
sale or conveyance, additional shares of Common Stock shall be issued in
exchange, conversion, substitution or payment, in whole or in part, for, or of,
a security of the Company other than Common Stock, any such issue shall be
treated as an issue of Common Stock covered by the provisions of Section 6.A
hereof.
-6-
Common Stock Purchase Warrant
Page 7 of 8
9. Certain Obligations of the Company. The Company agrees that it will not
increase the par value of the shares of Warrant Stock issuable upon exercise of
this Warrant above the prevailing and currently applicable Exercise Price
hereunder, and that before taking any action that would cause an adjustment
reducing the prevailing and current applicable Exercise Price hereunder below
the then par value of the Warrant Stock at the time issuable upon exercise of
this Warrant, the Company will take such corporate action, as in the opinion of
its counsel, may be necessary in order that the Company may validly issue fully
paid, nonassessable shares of such Warrant Stock. The Company will maintain an
office or agency (which shall initially be the Company's principal office in
Redwood City, California) where presentations and demands to or upon the Company
in respect of this Warrant may be made and will give notice in writing to the
registered holders of the then outstanding Warrants, at their addresses as shown
on the books of the Company, of each change of location thereof.
10. Determination by Board of Directors. All determinations by the Board of
Directors of the Company under the provisions of this Warrant will be made in
good faith with due regard to the interest of the Holder and in accordance with
sound financial practices.
11. Notice. All notices to the Holder shall be in writing, and all notices
and certificates given to the Holder shall be sent registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, to such Holder at his address appearing on the records
of the Company.
12. Replacement of Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Mutilated Warrants. Upon
receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft,
destruction or mutilation of this Warrant and, in the case of any such loss,
theft or destruction, upon delivery of any indemnity bond in such reasonable
amount as the Company may determine in the case of any such mutilation, upon the
surrender of such Warrant for cancellation, the Company at its expense, will
execute and deliver, in lieu of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated
Warrant, a new Warrant of like tenor.
13. Number and Gender. Whenever the singular number is used herein, the
same shall include the plural where appropriate, and words of any gender shall
include each other gender where appropriate.
14. Applicable Law. This Warrant shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of California, without regard to its
conflict of laws principles.
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By:/s/ Ian T. Bothwell
---------------------------------------
Name: Ian T. Bothwell
Title: Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer
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Common Stock Purchase Warrant
Page 8 of 8
PURCHASE FORM
Dated __________ , ____
The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the within
Warrant to purchase ___________ shares of Common Stock and hereby makes payment
of in payment of the exercise price thereof.
Signature______________________________
-8-
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS 1
SECTION 1.1 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SECTION 1.2 Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ARTICLE II ORGANIZATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SECTION 2.1 Formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SECTION 2.2 Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SECTION 2.3 Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office; Other
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SECTION 2.4 Purpose and Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SECTION 2.5 Powers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SECTION 2.6 Power of Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SECTION 2.7 Term. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
SECTION 2.8 Title to Partnership Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
ARTICLE III RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SECTION 3.1 Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SECTION 3.2 Management of Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SECTION 3.3 Outside Activities of the Limited Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SECTION 3.4 Rights of Limited Partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ARTICLE IV CERTIFICATES; RECORD HOLDERS; TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS;
REDEMPTION OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SECTION 4.1 Certificates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SECTION 4.2 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates . . . . . . . . . 25
SECTION 4.3 Record Holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SECTION 4.4 Transfer Generally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SECTION 4.5 Registration and Transfer of Limited Partner Interests. . . . . . . 27
SECTION 4.6 Transfer of the General Partner's General Partner Interest. . . . . 28
SECTION 4.7 Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
SECTION 4.8 Restrictions on Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
SECTION 4.9 Citizenship Certificates; Non-citizen Assignees . . . . . . . . . . 30
SECTION 4.10 Redemption of Partnership Interests of Non-citizen Assignees. . . . 31
-i-
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page
ARTICLE V CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCE OF PARTNERSHIP
INTERESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
SECTION 5.1 Organizational Contributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
SECTION 5.2 Contributions by the General Partner and its Affiliates . . . . . . 32
SECTION 5.3 Contributions by Initial Limited Partners and Distributions to the
General Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
SECTION 5.4 Interest and Withdrawal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 5.5 Capital Accounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 5.6 Issuances of Additional Partnership Securities. . . . . . . . . . . 36
SECTION 5.7 Limitations on Issuance of Additional Partnership Securities. . . . 36
SECTION 5.8 [Reserved]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 5.9 Limited Preemptive Right. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 5.10 Splits and Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 5.11 Fully Paid and Non-Assessable Nature of Limited Partner
Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
ARTICLE VI ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SECTION 6.1 Allocations for Capital Account Purposes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SECTION 6.2 Allocations for Tax Purposes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
SECTION 6.3 Requirement and Characterization of Distributions; Distributions to
Record Holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
SECTION 6.4 Distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus. . . . . . . 48
SECTION 6.5 Distributions of Available Cash from Capital Surplus. . . . . . . . 49
SECTION 6.6 Adjustment of Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distribution
Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
SECTION 6.7 [Reserved] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
SECTION 6.8 Special Provisions Relating to the Holders of Incentive Distribution
Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
SECTION 6.9 Entity-Level Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
ARTICLE VII MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
SECTION 7.1 Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
SECTION 7.2 Certificate of Limited Partnership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
SECTION 7.3 Restrictions on the General Partner's Authority . . . . . . . . . . 53
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SECTION 7.4 Reimbursement of the General Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 7.5 Outside Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
SECTION 7.6 Loans from the General Partner; Loans or Contributions from the
Partnership; Contracts with Affiliates; Certain Restrictions on the
General Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SECTION 7.7 Indemnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
SECTION 7.8 Liability of Indemnitees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
SECTION 7.9 Resolution of Conflicts of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
SECTION 7.10 Other Matters Concerning the General Partner. . . . . . . . . . . . 61
SECTION 7.11 Purchase or Sale of Partnership Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
SECTION 7.12 Registration Rights of the General Partner and its Affiliates . . . 62
SECTION 7.13 Reliance by Third Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
ARTICLE VIII BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
SECTION 8.1 Records and Accounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
SECTION 8.2 Fiscal Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
SECTION 8.3 Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
ARTICLE IX TAX MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
SECTION 9.1 Tax Returns and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
SECTION 9.2 Tax Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
SECTION 9.3 Tax Controversies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
SECTION 9.4 Withholding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
ARTICLE X ADMISSION OF PARTNERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
SECTION 10.1 Admission of Initial Limited Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
SECTION 10.2 Admission of Substituted Limited Partner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
SECTION 10.3 Admission of Successor General Partner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
SECTION 10.4 Admission of Additional Limited Partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
SECTION 10.5 Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership . . . 68
ARTICLE XI WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL OF PARTNERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
SECTION 11.1 Withdrawal of the General Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
SECTION 11.2 Removal of the General Partner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
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SECTION 11.3 Interest of Departing Partner and Successor General Partner . . . . 71
SECTION 11.4 Withdrawal of Limited Partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
ARTICLE XII DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
SECTION 12.1 Dissolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
SECTION 12.2 Continuation of the Business of the Partnership After
Dissolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
SECTION 12.3 Liquidator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
SECTION 12.4 Liquidation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
SECTION 12.5 Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership . . . . . . . . 75
SECTION 12.6 Return of Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
SECTION 12.7 Waiver of Partition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
SECTION 12.8 Capital Account Restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS;
RECORD DATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
SECTION 13.1 Amendment to be Adopted Solely by the General Partner . . . . . . . 75
SECTION 13.2 Amendment Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
SECTION 13.3 Amendment Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
SECTION 13.4 Special Meetings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
SECTION 13.5 Notice of a Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
SECTION 13.6 Record Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
SECTION 13.7 Adjournment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
SECTION 13.8 Waiver of Notice; Approval of Meeting; Approval of Minutes . . . . 79
SECTION 13.9 Quorum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
SECTION 13.10 Conduct of a Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
SECTION 13.11 Action Without a Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
SECTION 13.12 Voting and Other Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
ARTICLE XIV MERGER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
SECTION 14.1 Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
SECTION 14.2 Procedure for Merger or Consolidation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
SECTION 14.3 Approval by Limited Partners of Merger or Consolidation. . . . . . . 83
SECTION 14.4 Certificate of Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
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SECTION 14.5 Effect of Merger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
ARTICLE XV GENERAL PROVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
SECTION 15.1 Addresses and Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
SECTION 15.2 Further Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
SECTION 15.3 Binding Effect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
SECTION 15.4 Integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
SECTION 15.5 Creditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
SECTION 15.6 Waiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
SECTION 15.7 Counterparts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
SECTION 15.8 Applicable Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
SECTION 15.9 Invalidity of Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
SECTION 15.10 Consent of Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
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FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
THIS FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF RIO
VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P., dated as of September 16, 2004, is entered into by
and among Rio Vista GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as the General
Partner, and Penn Octane Corporation, a Delaware corporation, as the
Organizational Limited Partner, together with any other Persons who become
Partners in the Partnership or parties hereto as provided herein. In
consideration of the covenants, conditions and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 Definitions. The following definitions shall be for all
purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary, applied to the
terms used in this Agreement.
"Acquisition" means any transaction in which any Group Member acquires
(through an asset acquisition, merger, stock acquisition or other form of
investment) control over all or a portion of the assets, properties or business
of another Person for the purpose of increasing the operating capacity or
revenues of the Partnership Group from the operating capacity or revenues of the
Partnership Group existing immediately prior to such transaction.
"Additional Book Basis" means the portion of any remaining Carrying Value
of an Adjusted Property that is attributable to positive adjustments made to
such Carrying Value as a result of Book-Up Events. For purposes of determining
the extent that Carrying Value constitutes Additional Book Basis:
(a) Any negative adjustment made to the Carrying Value of an Adjusted
Property as a result of either a Book-Down Event or a Book-Up Event
shall first be deemed to offset or decrease that portion of the
Carrying Value of such Adjusted Property that is attributable to any
prior positive adjustments made thereto pursuant to a Book-Up Event or
Book-Down Event.
(b) If Carrying Value that constitutes Additional Book Basis is reduced as
a result of a Book-Down Event and the Carrying Value of other property
is increased as a result of such Book-Down Event, an allocable portion
of any such increase in Carrying Value shall be treated as Additional
Book Basis; provided that the amount treated as Additional Book Basis
pursuant hereto as a result of such Book-Down Event shall not exceed
the amount by which the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments
after such Book-Down Event exceeds the remaining Additional Book Basis
attributable to all of the Partnership's Adjusted Property after such
Book-Down Event (determined without regard to the application of this
clause (b) to such Book-Down Event).
1
"Additional Book Basis Derivative Items" means any Book Basis Derivative
Items that are computed with reference to Additional Book Basis. To the extent
that the Additional Book Basis attributable to all of the Partnership's Adjusted
Property as of the beginning of any taxable period exceeds the Aggregate
Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of the beginning of such period (the
"Excess Additional Book Basis"), the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for
such period shall be reduced by the amount that bears the same ratio to the
amount of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items determined without regard to
this sentence as the Excess Additional Book Basis bears to the Additional Book
Basis as of the beginning of such period.
"Additional Limited Partner" means a Person admitted to the Partnership as
a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 10.4 and who is shown as such on the books
and records of the Partnership.
"Adjusted Capital Account" means the Capital Account maintained for each
Partner as of the end of each fiscal year of the Partnership, (a) increased by
any amounts that such Partner is obligated to restore under the standards set by
Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (or is deemed obligated to
restore under Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5)) and (b)
decreased by (i) the amount of all losses and deductions that, as of the end of
such fiscal year, are reasonably expected to be allocated to such Partner in
subsequent years under Sections 704(e)(2) and 706(d) of the Code and Treasury
Regulation Section 1.751-1(b)(2)(ii), and (ii) the amount of all distributions
that, as of the end of such fiscal year, are reasonably expected to be made to
such Partner in subsequent years in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
or otherwise to the extent they exceed offsetting increases to such Partner's
Capital Account that are reasonably expected to occur during (or prior to) the
year in which such distributions are reasonably expected to be made (other than
increases as a result of a minimum gain chargeback pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(i)
or 6.1(d)(ii)). The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account is intended
to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith. The
"Adjusted Capital Account" of a Partner in respect of a General Partner
Interest, a Common Unit or an Incentive Distribution Right or any other
specified interest in the Partnership shall be the amount which such Adjusted
Capital Account would be if such General Partner Interest, Common Unit,
Incentive Distribution Right or other interest in the Partnership were the only
interest in the Partnership held by such Partner from and after the date on
which such General Partner Interest, Common Unit, Incentive Distribution Right
or other interest was first issued.
"Adjusted Operating Surplus" means, with respect to any period, Operating
Surplus generated during such period (a) less (i) any net increase in Working
Capital Borrowings with respect to such period and (ii) any net reduction in
cash reserves for Operating Expenditures with respect to such period not
relating to an Operating Expenditure made during such period, and (b) plus (i)
any net decrease in Working Capital Borrowings with respect to such period, and
(ii) any net increase in cash reserves for Operating Expenditures with respect
to such period required by any debt instrument for the repayment of principal,
interest or premium. Adjusted Operating Surplus does not include that portion of
Operating Surplus included in clause (a)(i) of the definition of Operating
Surplus.
2
"Adjusted Property" means any property the Carrying Value of which has been
adjusted pursuant to Section 5.5(d)(i) or 5.5(d)(ii).
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is
controlled by or is under common control with, the Person in question. As used
herein, the term "control" means the possession, direct or indirect, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a
Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise.
"Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments" means, as of the end of any
taxable period, the sum of the Remaining Net Positive Adjustments of all the
Partners.
"Agreed Allocation" means any allocation, other than a Required Allocation,
of an item of income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to the provisions of
Section 6.1, including, without limitation, a Curative Allocation (if
appropriate to the context in which the term "Agreed Allocation" is used).
"Agreed Value" of any Contributed Property means the fair market value of
such property or other consideration at the time of contribution as determined
by the General Partner using such reasonable method of valuation as it may
adopt. The General Partner shall, in its discretion, use such method as it deems
reasonable and appropriate to allocate the aggregate Agreed Value of Contributed
Properties contributed to the Partnership in a single or integrated transaction
among each separate property on a basis proportional to the fair market value of
each Contributed Property. With respect to the Contributed Property deemed
contributed to the Partnership by an Initial Limited Partner (as described in
the definition of Contributed Property), the Agreed Value shall be the value
assigned for federal income tax purposes by the General Partner (in its
reasonable discretion) to such Contributed Property.
"Agreement" means this First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited
Partnership of Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P., as it may be amended,
supplemented or restated from time to time.
"Assignee" means a Non-citizen Assignee or a Person to whom one or more
Limited Partner Interests have been transferred in a manner permitted under this
Agreement and who has executed and delivered a Transfer Application as required
by this Agreement, but who has not been admitted as a Substituted Limited
Partner.
"Associate" means, when used to indicate a relationship with any Person,
(a) any corporation or organization of which such Person is a director, officer
or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of 20% or more of any class
of voting stock or other voting interest; (b) any trust or other estate in which
such Person has at least a 20% beneficial interest or as to which such Person
serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (c) any relative or
spouse of such Person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same
principal residence as such Person.
"Available Cash" means, with respect to any Quarter ending prior to the
Liquidation Date:
3
(a) the sum of (i) all cash and cash equivalents of the Partnership Group
on hand at the end of such Quarter, and (ii) all additional cash and
cash equivalents of the Partnership Group on hand on the date of
determination of Available Cash with respect to such Quarter resulting
from Working Capital Borrowings made subsequent to the end of such
Quarter, less
(b) the amount of any cash reserves that are necessary or appropriate in
the reasonable discretion of the General Partner to (i) provide for
the proper conduct of the business of the Partnership Group (including
reserves for future capital expenditures and for anticipated future
credit needs of the Partnership Group) subsequent to such Quarter,
(ii) comply with applicable law or any loan agreement, security
agreement, mortgage, debt instrument or other agreement or obligation
to which any Group Member is a party or by which it is bound or its
assets are subject or (iii) provide funds for distributions under
Section 6.4 or 6.5 in respect of any one or more of the next four
Quarters; provided, however, that the General Partner may not
establish cash reserves pursuant to (iii) above if the effect of such
reserves would be that the Partnership is unable to distribute the
Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all Common Units, plus any
Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage on all Common Units, with respect to
such Quarter; and, provided further, that disbursements made by a
Group Member or cash reserves established, increased or reduced after
the end of such Quarter but on or before the date of determination of
Available Cash with respect to such Quarter shall be deemed to have
been made, established, increased or reduced, for purposes of
determining Available Cash, within such Quarter if the General Partner
so determines.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Available Cash" with respect to the Quarter
in which the Liquidation Date occurs and any subsequent Quarter shall equal
zero.
"Book Basis Derivative Items" means any item of income, deduction, gain or
loss included in the determination of Net Income or Net Loss that is computed
with reference to the Carrying Value of an Adjusted Property (e.g.,
depreciation, depletion, or gain or loss with respect to an Adjusted Property).
"Book-Down Event" means an event which triggers a negative adjustment to
the Capital Accounts of the Partners pursuant to Section 5.5(d).
"Book-Tax Disparity" means with respect to any item of Contributed Property
or Adjusted Property, as of the date of any determination, the difference
between the Carrying Value of such Contributed Property or Adjusted Property and
the adjusted basis thereof for federal income tax purposes as of such date. A
Partner's share of the Partnership's Book-Tax Disparities in all of its
Contributed Property and Adjusted Property will be reflected by the difference
between such Partner's Capital Account balance as maintained pursuant to Section
5.5 and the hypothetical balance of such Partner's Capital Account computed as
if it had been maintained strictly in accordance with federal income tax
accounting principles.
4
"Book-Up Event" means an event which triggers a positive adjustment to the
Capital Accounts of the Partners pursuant to Section 5.5(d).
"Business" has the meaning assigned to such term in the Omnibus Agreement.
"Business Day" means Monday through Friday of each week, except that a
legal holiday recognized as such by the government of the United States of
America or the State of Texas shall not be regarded as a Business Day.
"Capital Account" means the capital account maintained for a Partner
pursuant to Section 5.5. The "Capital Account" of a Partner in respect of a
General Partner Interest, a Common Unit, an Incentive Distribution Right or any
other Partnership Interest shall be the amount which such Capital Account would
be if such General Partner Interest, Common Unit, Distribution Right or other
Partnership Interest were the only interest in the Partnership held by such
Partner from and after the date on which such General Partner Interest, Common
Unit, Incentive Distribution Right or other Partnership Interest was first
issued.
"Capital Contribution" means any cash, cash equivalents or the Net Agreed
Value of Contributed Property that a Partner contributes to the Partnership
pursuant to this Agreement or the Contribution Agreement.
"Capital Improvement" means any (a) addition or improvement to the capital
assets owned by any Group Member or (b) acquisition of existing, or the
construction of new, capital assets (including, without limitation, LPG
transportation, storage facilities and logistics assets, and related assets), in
each case if such addition, improvement, acquisition or construction is made to
increase the operating capacity or revenues of the Partnership Group from the
operating capacity or revenues of the Partnership Group existing immediately
prior to such addition, improvement, acquisition or construction.
"Capital Surplus" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.3(a).
"Carrying Value" means (a) with respect to a Contributed Property, the
Agreed Value of such property reduced (but not below zero) by all depreciation,
amortization and cost recovery deductions charged to the Partners' and
Assignees' Capital Accounts in respect of such Contributed Property, and (b)
with respect to any other Partnership property, the adjusted basis of such
property for federal income tax purposes, all as of the time of determination.
The Carrying Value of any property shall be adjusted from time to time in
accordance with Sections 5.5(d)(i) and 5.5(d)(ii) and to reflect changes,
additions or other adjustments to the Carrying Value for dispositions and
acquisitions of Partnership properties, as deemed appropriate by the General
Partner.
"Cause" means a court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final,
non-appealable judgment finding the General Partner liable for actual fraud,
gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct in its capacity as a general
partner of the Partnership.
"Certificate" means a certificate (i) substantially in the form of Exhibit
A to this Agreement, (ii) issued in global form in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the
5
Depositary or (iii) in such other form as may be adopted by the General Partner
in its discretion, issued by the Partnership evidencing ownership of one or more
Common Units or a certificate, in such form as may be adopted by the General
Partner in its discretion, issued by the Partnership evidencing ownership of one
or more other Partnership Securities.
"Certificate of Limited Partnership" means the Certificate of Limited
Partnership of the Partnership filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware as such Certificate of Limited Partnership may be amended, supplemented
or restated from time to time.
"Citizenship Certification" means a properly completed certificate in such
form as may be specified by the General Partner by which a Limited Partner or an
Assignee certifies that he (and if he is a nominee holding for the account of
another Person, that to the best of his knowledge such other Person) is an
Eligible Citizen.
"Claim" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.12(c).
"Closing Date" means the date of the Distribution.
"Closing Price" means the last sale price on such day, regular way, or in
case no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and
asked prices on such day, regular way, in either case as reported in the
principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities
listed or admitted for trading on the principal National Securities Exchange
(other than the Nasdaq Stock Market) on which such Limited Partner Interests of
such class are listed or admitted to trading or, if such Limited Partner
Interests of such class are not listed or admitted to trading on any National
Securities Exchange (other than the Nasdaq Stock Market), the last quoted price
on such day or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked
prices on such day in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the Nasdaq
Stock Market or such other system then in use, or, if on any such day such
Limited Partner Interests of such class are not quoted by any such organization,
the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day as furnished by a
professional market maker making a market in such Limited Partner Interests of
such class selected by the General Partner, or if on any such day no market
maker is making a market in such Limited Partner Interests of such class, the
fair value of such Limited Partner Interests on such day as determined
reasonably and in good faith by the General Partner.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect
from time to time. Any reference herein to a specific section or sections of the
Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any corresponding provision of
any successor law.
"Combined Interest" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
11.3(a).
"Commission" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Common Unit" means a Partnership Security representing a fractional part
of the Partnership Interests of all Limited Partners and Assignees and of the
General Partner, and having the rights and obligations specified with respect to
Common Units in this Agreement.
6
"Common Unit Arrearage" means, with respect to any Common Unit, whenever
issued, the excess, if any, of (a) the Minimum Quarterly Distribution with
respect to a Common Unit in respect of such Quarter over (b) the sum of all
Available Cash distributed with respect to a Common Unit in respect of such
Quarter pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(i).
"Conflicts Committee" means a committee of the Board of Managers of the
General Partner composed entirely of three or more managers who are not (a)
security holders, officers or employees of the General Partner, (b) officers,
directors or employees of any Affiliate of the General Partner or (c) holders of
any ownership interest in the Partnership Group other than Common Units and who
also meet the independence standards required to serve on an audit committee of
a board of directors by the National Securities Exchange on which the Common
Units are listed for trading.
"Contributed Property" means each property or other asset, in such form as
may be permitted by the Delaware Act, but excluding cash, contributed to the
Partnership. Once the Carrying Value of a Contributed Property is adjusted
pursuant to Section 5.5(d), such property shall no longer constitute a
Contributed Property, but shall be deemed an Adjusted Property. For purposes of
this definition, each Limited Partner who receives Initial Common Units in the
Distribution shall be treated as having received a distribution of an undivided
interest in the assets contributed pursuant to the Contribution Agreement by
Penn Octane Corporation to the Partnership, subject to applicable liabilities
described in the Contribution Agreement, followed immediately thereafter by a
contribution of the Partner's undivided interest in such assets subject to
applicable liabilities, to the Partnership in exchange for the Partner's Initial
Common Units received in the Distribution. For this purpose, each Limited
Partner's undivided interest in the assets expressed as a percentage shall be
the same percentage as the Limited Partner's Percentage Interest determined
immediately following the Distribution.
"Contribution Agreement" means that certain Contribution, Conveyance and
Assumption Agreement, dated as of September 16, 2004, among the General Partner,
the Partnership, the Operating Partnership, Penn Octane Corporation and certain
other Affiliates of Penn Octane Corporation, together with the additional
conveyance documents and instruments contemplated or referenced thereunder.
"Controlled Person" means any corporation or partnership of which the
Partnership or any Subsidiary owns or controls an interest in excess of 25%.
"Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage" means, with respect to any Common Unit,
whenever issued, and as of the end of any Quarter, the excess, if any, of (a)
the sum resulting from adding together the Common Unit Arrearage as to an
Initial Common Unit for each Quarter ending on or before the last day of such
Quarter over (b) the sum of any distributions theretofore made pursuant to
Section 6.4(a)(ii) and the second sentence of Section 6.5 with respect to an
Initial Common Unit (including any distributions to be made in respect of the
last of such Quarters).
"Curative Allocation" means any allocation of an item of income, gain,
deduction, loss or credit pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1(d)(x).
7
"Current Market Price" as of any date of any class of Limited Partner
Interests means the average of the daily Closing Prices per Limited Partner
Interest of such class for the 20 consecutive Trading Days immediately prior to
such date.
"Delaware Act" means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act,
6 Del. C. Section 17-101, et seq., as amended, supplemented or restated from
time to time, and any successor to such statute.
"Departing Partner" means a former General Partner from and after the
effective date of any withdrawal or removal of such former General Partner
pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2.
"Depositary" means, with respect to any Units issued in global form, The
Depository Trust Company and its successors and permitted assigns.
"Distribution" means the pro rata distribution by Penn Octane Corporation
of its 98% Limited Partner Interest representing 98% of the Common Units to the
stockholders of Penn Octane Corporation, as described in the Registration
Statement.
"Economic Risk of Loss" has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation
Section 1.752-2(a).
"Eligible Citizen" means a Person who is (i) qualified to own interests in
real property in jurisdictions in which any Group Member does business or
proposes to do business from time to time, and whose status as a Limited Partner
or Assignee does not or would not subject such Group Member to a significant
risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any of its properties or any interest
therein and (ii) is not a Non-citizen.
"Event of Withdrawal" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
11.1(a).
"First Liquidation Target Amount" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 6.1(c)(i)(C).
"First Target Distribution" means $0.292 per Unit per Quarter (or, with
respect to the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the last day
of the calendar quarter that includes the Closing Date, it means the product of
$0.292 multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator is the number of days in
such period, and of which the denominator is 91), subject to adjustment in
accordance with Sections 6.6 and 6.9.
"Fully Diluted Basis" means, when calculating the number of Outstanding
Units for any period, a basis that includes, in addition to the Outstanding
Units, all Partnership Securities and options, rights, warrants and appreciation
rights relating to an equity interest in the Partnership (a) that are
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Units that are senior to or
pari passu with the Common Units, (b) whose conversion, exercise or exchange
price is less than the Current Market Price on the date of such calculation, (c)
that may be converted into or exercised or exchanged for such Units prior to or
during the Quarter following the end of the last Quarter contained in the period
for which the calculation is being made without the satisfaction of any
contingency beyond the control of the holder other than the payment of
consideration and the
8
compliance with administrative mechanics applicable to such conversion, exercise
or exchange, and (d) were not converted into or exercised or exchanged for such
Units prior to the end of the last quarter referred to in clause (c) above.
"General Partner" means Rio Vista GP LLC and its successors and permitted
assigns as general partner of the Partnership.
"General Partner Interest" means the ownership interest of the General
Partner in the Partnership (in its capacity as a general partner without
reference to any Limited Partner Interest held by it) which may be evidenced by
Partnership Securities or a combination thereof or interest therein, and
includes any and all benefits to which the General Partner is entitled as
provided in this Agreement, together with all obligations of the General Partner
to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
"Group" means a Person that with or through any of its Affiliates or
Associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of
acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or
consent given to such Person in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made
to 10 or more Persons) or disposing of any Partnership Securities with any other
Person that beneficially owns, or whose Affiliates or Associates beneficially
own, directly or indirectly, Partnership Securities.
"Group Member" means a member of the Partnership Group.
"Holder" as used in Section 7.12, has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 7.12(a).
"Incentive Distribution Right" means a non-voting Limited Partner Interest
issued to the General Partner in exchange for the conveyance by the General
Partner of $1,000 to the Partnership pursuant to Section 5.2, which Partnership
Interest will confer upon the holder thereof only the rights and obligations
specifically provided in this Agreement with respect to Incentive Distribution
Rights (and no other rights otherwise available to or other obligations of a
holder of a Partnership Interest). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to
the contrary, the holder of an Incentive Distribution Right shall not be
entitled to vote such Incentive Distribution Right on any Partnership matter
except as may otherwise be required by law.
"Incentive Distributions" means any amount of cash distributed to the
holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to Sections 6.4(a)(iv),
(v), and (vi).
"Indemnified Persons" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
7.12(c).
"Indemnitee" means (a) the General Partner, (b) any Departing Partner, (c)
any Person who is or was an Affiliate of the General Partner or any Departing
Partner, (d) any Person who is or was a member, partner, officer, director,
employee, manager, agent or trustee of any Group Member, the General Partner or
any Departing Partner or any Affiliate of any Group Member, the General Partner
or any Departing Partner, and (e) any Person who is or was serving at the
request of the General Partner or any Departing Partner or any Affiliate of the
General Partner or any Departing Partner as an officer, director, employee,
member, manager, partner, agent,
9
fiduciary or trustee of another Person; provided, that a Person shall not be an
Indemnitee by reason of providing, on a fee-for-services basis, trustee,
fiduciary or custodial services.
"Initial Common Units" means the Common Units distributed in the
Distribution.
"Initial Limited Partners" means the General Partner and the stockholders
of Penn Octane Corporation that receive Initial Common Units in the
Distribution, in each case upon being admitted to the Partnership in accordance
with Section 10.1.
"Initial Unit Capital Account" means (a) with respect to each Initial
Limited Partner, the value assigned for federal income tax purposes by the
General Partner (in its reasonable discretion) to the Contributed Property
contributed by an Initial Limited Partner to the Partnership (as described in
the definition of Contributed Property) in exchange for the Initial Common
Units, reduced by the amount of liabilities to which such property is subject as
determined by the General Partner in its reasonable discretion or (b) with
respect to any other class or series of Units, the price per Unit at which such
class or series of Units is initially sold by the Partnership, as determined by
the General Partner, in each case adjusted as the General Partner determines to
be appropriate to give effect to any distribution, subdivision or combination of
Units.
"Interim Capital Transactions" means the following transactions if they
occur prior to the Liquidation Date: (a) borrowings, refinancings or refundings
of indebtedness and sales of debt securities (other than Working Capital
Borrowings and other than for items purchased on open account in the ordinary
course of business) by any Group Member; (b) sales of equity interests by any
Group Member; and (c) sales or other voluntary or involuntary dispositions of
any assets of any Group Member other than (i) sales or other dispositions of
inventory, accounts receivable and other assets in the ordinary course of
business, and (ii) sales or other dispositions of assets as part of normal
retirements or replacements.
"Issue Price" means the price at which a Unit is purchased from the
Partnership, after taking into account any sales commission or underwriting
discount charged to the Partnership.
"Limited Partner" means, unless the context otherwise requires, (a) the
Organizational Limited Partner prior to the Distribution, each Initial Limited
Partner, each Substituted Limited Partner, each Additional Limited Partner and
any Departing Partner upon the change of its status from General Partner to
Limited Partner pursuant to Section 11.3 or (b) solely for purposes of Articles
V, VI, VII and IX, each Assignee; provided, however, that when the term "Limited
Partner" is used herein in the context of any vote or other approval, including
without limitation Articles XIII and XIV, such term shall not, solely for such
purpose, include any holder of an Incentive Distribution Right except as may
otherwise be required by law.
"Limited Partner Interest" means the ownership interest of a Limited
Partner or Assignee in the Partnership, which may be evidenced by Common Units,
Incentive Distribution Rights or other Partnership Securities or a combination
thereof or interest therein, and includes any and all benefits to which such
Limited Partner or Assignee is entitled as provided in this Agreement, together
with all obligations of such Limited Partner or Assignee to comply with the
terms and
10
provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that when the term "Limited
Partner Interest" is used herein in the context of any vote or other approval,
including without limitation Articles XIII and XIV, such term shall not, solely
for such purpose, include any holder of an Incentive Distribution Right except
as may otherwise be required by law.
"Liquidation Date" means (a) in the case of an event giving rise to the
dissolution of the Partnership of the type described in clauses (a) and (b) of
the first sentence of Section 12.2, the date on which the applicable time period
during which the holders of Outstanding Units have the right to elect to
reconstitute the Partnership and continue its business has expired without such
an election being made, and (b) in the case of any other event giving rise to
the dissolution of the Partnership, the date on which such event occurs.
"Liquidator" means one or more Persons selected by the General Partner to
perform the functions described in Section 12.3 as liquidating trustee of the
Partnership within the meaning of the Delaware Act.
"Minimum Quarterly Distribution" means $0.25 per Unit per Quarter (or with
respect to the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the last day
of the calendar quarter that includes the Closing Date, it means the product of
$0.25 multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator is the number of days in
such period and of which the denominator is 91), subject to adjustment in
accordance with Sections 6.6 and 6.9.
"National Securities Exchange" means an exchange registered with the
Commission under Section 6(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such
statute, or the Nasdaq Stock Market or any successor thereto.
"Net Agreed Value" means, (a) in the case of any Contributed Property, the
Agreed Value of such property reduced by any liabilities either assumed by the
Partnership upon such contribution or to which such property is subject when
contributed, and (b) in the case of any property distributed to a Partner or
Assignee by the Partnership, the Partnership's Carrying Value of such property
(as adjusted pursuant to Section 5.5(d)(ii)) at the time such property is
distributed, reduced by any indebtedness either assumed by such Partner or
Assignee upon such distribution or to which such property is subject at the time
of distribution, in either case, as determined under Section 752 of the Code.
"Net Income" means, for any taxable year, the excess, if any, of the
Partnership's items of income and gain (other than those items taken into
account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for
such taxable year over the Partnership's items of loss and deduction (other than
those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net
Termination Loss) for such taxable year. The items included in the calculation
of Net Income shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and shall
not include any items specially allocated under Section 6.1(d); provided that
the determination of the items that have been specially allocated under Section
6.1(d) shall be made as if Section 6.1(d)(xi) were not in this Agreement.
11
"Net Loss" means, for any taxable year, the excess, if any, of the
Partnership's items of loss and deduction (other than those items taken into
account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for
such taxable year over the Partnership's items of income and gain (other than
those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net
Termination Loss) for such taxable year. The items included in the calculation
of Net Loss shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and shall not
include any items specially allocated under Section 6.1(d); provided that the
determination of the items that have been specially allocated under Section
6.1(d) shall be made as if Section 6.1(d)(xi) were not in this Agreement.
"Net Positive Adjustments" means, with respect to any Partner, the excess,
if any, of the total positive adjustments over the total negative adjustments
made to the Capital Account of such Partner pursuant to Book-Up Events and
Book-Down Events.
"Net Termination Gain" means, for any taxable year, the sum, if positive,
of all items of income, gain, loss or deduction recognized by the Partnership
after the Liquidation Date. The items included in the determination of Net
Termination Gain shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and shall
not include any items of income, gain or loss specially allocated under Section
6.1(d).
"Net Termination Loss" means, for any taxable year, the sum, if negative,
of all items of income, gain, loss or deduction recognized by the Partnership
after the Liquidation Date. The items included in the determination of Net
Termination Loss shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and shall
not include any items of income, gain or loss specially allocated under Section
6.1(d).
"Non-citizen" means (1) any person (including any individual, a
partnership, a corporation or an association) who is not a United States
citizen, within the meaning of Section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916, as amended
or as it may hereafter be amended; (2) any foreign government or representative
thereof; (3) any corporation, the president, chief executive officer or chairman
of the board of directors of which is a Non-citizen, or of which more than a
minority or the number of its directors necessary to constitute a quorum are
Non-citizens; (4) any corporation organized under the laws of any foreign
government; (5) any corporation of which 25% or greater interest is owned
beneficially or of record, or may be voted by, a Non-citizen or Non-citizens, or
which by any other means whatsoever is controlled by or in which control is
permitted to be exercised by a Non-citizen or Non-citizens (the General Partner
being authorized to determine reasonably the meaning of "control" for this
purpose); (6) any partnership or association which is controlled by a
Non-citizen or Non-citizens; or (7) any person (including an individual,
partnership, corporation or association) who acts as representative of or
fiduciary for any person described in clauses (1) through (6) above.
"Non-citizen Assignee" means a Person whom the General Partner has
determined in its discretion does not constitute an Eligible Citizen and as to
whose Partnership Interest the General Partner has become the Substituted
Limited Partner pursuant to Section 4.9.
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"Nonrecourse Built-in Gain" means with respect to any Contributed
Properties or Adjusted Properties that are subject to a mortgage or pledge
securing a Nonrecourse Liability, the amount of any taxable gain that would be
allocated to the Partners pursuant to Sections 6.2(b)(i)(A), 6.2(b)(ii)(A) and
6.2(b)(iii) if such properties were disposed of in a taxable transaction in full
satisfaction of such liabilities and for no other consideration.
"Nonrecourse Deductions" means any and all items of loss, deduction or
expenditure (including, without limitation, any expenditure described in Section
705(a)(2)(B) of the Code) that, in accordance with the principles of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-2(b), are attributable to a Nonrecourse Liability.
"Nonrecourse Liability" has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation
Section 1.752-1(a)(2).
"Notice of Election to Purchase" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 15.1(b).
"Omnibus Agreement" means that Omnibus Agreement, dated as of the Closing
Date, among Penn Octane Corporation, the General Partner, the Partnership and
the Operating Partnership.
"Operating Expenditures" means all Partnership Group expenditures,
including, but not limited to, taxes, reimbursements of the General Partner,
repayment of Working Capital Borrowings, debt service payments and capital
expenditures, subject to the following:
(a) Payments (including prepayments) of principal of and premium on
indebtedness other than Working Capital Borrowings shall not
constitute Operating
(b) Operating Expenditures shall not include (i) capital expenditures made
for Acquisitions or for Capital Improvements, (ii) payment of
transaction expenses relating to Interim Capital Transactions or (iii)
distributions to Partners. Where capital expenditures are made in part
for Acquisitions or for Capital Improvements and in part for other
purposes, the General Partner's good faith allocation between the
amounts paid for each shall be conclusive.
"Operating Partnership" means Rio Vista Operating Partnership L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership, and any successors thereto.
"Operating Partnership Agreement" means the Partnership Agreement of the
Operating Partnership, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time
to time.
"Operating Surplus" means, with respect to any period ending prior to the
Liquidation Date, on a cumulative basis and without duplication,
(a) the sum of (i) all cash and cash equivalents of the Partnership Group
on hand as of the close of business on the Closing Date, (ii) all cash
receipts of the Partnership Group for the period beginning on the
Closing Date and ending with the last day
13
of such period, other than cash receipts from Interim Capital
Transactions (except to the extent specified in Section 6.5) and (iii)
all cash receipts of the Partnership Group after the end of such
period but on or before the date of determination of Operating Surplus
with respect to such period resulting from Working Capital Borrowings,
less
(b) the sum of (i) Operating Expenditures for the period beginning on the
Closing Date and ending with the last day of such period and (ii) the
amount of cash reserves that is necessary or advisable in the
reasonable discretion of the General Partner to provide funds for
future Operating Expenditures; provided, however, that disbursements
made (including contributions to a Group Member or disbursements on
behalf of a Group Member) or cash reserves established, increased or
reduced after the end of such period but on or before the date of
determination of Available Cash with respect to such period shall be
deemed to have been made, established, increased or reduced, for
purposes of determining Operating Surplus, within such period if the
General Partner so determines.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Operating Surplus" with respect to the
Quarter in which the Liquidation Date occurs and any subsequent Quarter shall
equal zero.
"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel (who may be regular
counsel to the Partnership or the General Partner or any of its Affiliates)
acceptable to the General Partner in its reasonable discretion.
"Organizational Limited Partner" means Penn Octane Corporation in its
capacity as the organizational limited partner of the Partnership pursuant to
this Agreement.
"Outstanding" means, with respect to Partnership Securities, all
Partnership Securities that are issued by the Partnership and reflected as
outstanding on the Partnership's books and records as of the date of
determination; provided, however, that if at any time any Person or Group (other
than the General Partner or its Affiliates) beneficially owns 20% or more of any
Outstanding Partnership Securities of any class then Outstanding, all
Partnership Securities owned by such Person or Group shall not be voted on any
matter and shall not be considered to be Outstanding when sending notices of a
meeting of Limited Partners to vote on any matter (unless otherwise required by
law), calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for
other similar purposes under this Agreement, except that Common Units so owned
shall be considered to be Outstanding for purposes of Section 11.1(b)(iv) (such
Common Units shall not, however, be treated as a separate class of Partnership
Securities for purposes of this Agreement); provided, further, that the
foregoing limitation shall not apply (i) to any Person or Group who acquired 20%
or more of any Outstanding Partnership Securities of any class then Outstanding
directly from the General Partner or its Affiliates, including any Person or
Group who acquired 20% or more of any Outstanding Partnership Securities in the
Distribution, (ii) to any Person or Group who acquired 20% or more of any
Outstanding Partnership Securities of any class then Outstanding directly or
indirectly from a Person or Group described in clause (i) provided that the
General Partner shall have notified such Person or Group in writing that such
limitation shall not apply, or (iii) to any Person or Group who acquired 20% or
more of any
14
Partnership Securities issued by the Partnership with the prior approval of the
Board of Managers of the General Partner; provided further, that the provisions
contained herein may be amended by the General Partner as provided in Section
13.1 hereof.
"Partner Nonrecourse Debt" has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation
Section 1.704-2(b)(4).
"Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain" has the meaning set forth in
Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
"Partner Nonrecourse Deductions" means any and all items of loss, deduction
or expenditure (including, without limitation, any expenditure described in
Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code) that, in accordance with the principles of
Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i), are attributable to a Partner
Nonrecourse Debt.
"Partners" means the General Partner and the Limited Partners.
"Partnership" means Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership, and any successors thereto.
"Partnership Group" means the Partnership, the Operating Partnership and
any Subsidiary of any such entity, treated as a single consolidated entity.
"Partnership Interest" means an interest in the Partnership, which shall
include the General Partner Interest and Limited Partner Interests.
"Partnership Minimum Gain" means that amount determined in accordance with
the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(d).
"Partnership Security" means any class or series of equity interest in the
Partnership (but excluding any options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights
relating to an equity interest in the Partnership), including without
limitation, Common Units and Incentive Distribution Rights.
"Percentage Interest" means as of any date of determination (a) as to the
General Partner (in its capacity as General Partner without reference to any
Limited Partner Interests held by it), 2.0%, (b) as to any Unitholder or
Assignee holding Units, the product obtained by multiplying (i) 98% less the
percentage applicable to paragraph (c) by (ii) the quotient obtained by dividing
(A) the number of Units held by such Unitholder or Assignee by (B) the total
number of all Outstanding Units, and (c) as to the holders of additional
Partnership Securities issued by the Partnership in accordance with Section 5.6,
the percentage established as a part of such issuance. The Percentage Interest
with respect to an Incentive Distribution Right shall at all times be zero.
"Per Unit Capital Amount" means, as of any date of determination, the
Capital Account, stated on a per Unit basis, underlying any Unit held by a
Person other than the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner
who holds Units.
15
"Person" means an individual or a corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association,
government agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.
"Pro Rata" means (a) when modifying Units or any class thereof, apportioned
equally among all designated Units in accordance with their relative Percentage
Interests, (b) when modifying Partners and Assignees, apportioned among all
Partners and Assignees in accordance with their relative Percentage Interests
and (c) when modifying holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, apportioned
equally among all holders of Incentive Distribution Rights in accordance with
the relative number of Incentive Distribution Rights held by each such holder.
"Purchase Date" means the date determined by the General Partner as the
date for purchase of all Outstanding Units of a certain class (other than Units
owned by the General Partner and its Affiliates) pursuant to Article XV.
"Quarter" means, unless the context requires otherwise, a fiscal quarter,
or, with respect to the first fiscal quarter after the Closing Date, the portion
of such fiscal quarter after the Closing Date, of the Partnership.
"Recapture Income" means any gain recognized by the Partnership (computed
without regard to any adjustment required by Section 734 or Section 743 of the
Code) upon the disposition of any property or asset of the Partnership, which
gain is characterized as ordinary income because it represents the recapture of
deductions previously taken with respect to such property or asset.
"Record Date" means the date established by the General Partner for
determining (a) the identity of the Record Holders entitled to notice of, or to
vote at, any meeting of Limited Partners or entitled to vote by ballot or give
approval of Partnership action in writing without a meeting or entitled to
exercise rights in respect of any lawful action of Limited Partners or (b) the
identity of Record Holders entitled to receive any report or distribution or to
participate in any offer.
"Record Holder" means the Person in whose name a Common Unit is registered
on the books of the Transfer Agent as of the opening of business on a particular
Business Day, or with respect to other Partnership Securities, the Person in
whose name any such other Partnership Security is registered on the books which
the General Partner has caused to be kept as of the opening of business on such
Business Day.
"Redeemable Interests" means any Partnership Interests for which a
redemption notice has been given, and has not been withdrawn, pursuant to
Section 4.10.
"Registration Statement" means the Registration Statement on Form 10 (File
No. 0-50394) as it has been or as it may be amended or supplemented from time to
time, filed by the Partnership with the Commission under the Securities Act to
register the Common Units distributed in the Distribution.
"Remaining Net Positive Adjustments" means as of the end of any taxable
period, (i) with respect to the Unitholders holding Common Units, the excess of
(a) the Net Positive
16
Adjustments of the Unitholders holding Common Units as of the end of such period
over (b) the sum of those Partners' Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative
Items for each prior taxable period, (ii) with respect to the General Partner
(as holder of the General Partner Interest), the excess of (a) the Net Positive
Adjustments of the General Partner as of the end of such period over (b) the sum
of the General Partner's Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items with
respect to the General Partner Interest for each prior taxable period, and (iii)
with respect to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, the excess of (a)
the Net Positive Adjustments of the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights as
of the end of such period over (b) the sum of the Share of Additional Book Basis
Derivative Items of the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights for each
prior taxable period.
"Required Allocations" means (a) any limitation imposed on any allocation
of Net Losses or Net Termination Losses under Section 6.1(b) and (b) any
allocation of an item of income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to Section
6.1(d)(i), 6.1(d)(ii), 6.1(d)(iv), 6.1(d)(vii), 6.1(d)(ix) or 6.1(d)(x).
"Residual Gain" or "Residual Loss" means any item of gain or loss, as the
case may be, of the Partnership recognized for federal income tax purposes
resulting from a sale, exchange or other disposition of a Contributed Property
or Adjusted Property, to the extent such item of gain or loss is not allocated
pursuant to Section 6.2(b)(i)(A) or 6.2(b)(ii)(A), respectively, to eliminate
Book-Tax Disparities.
"Second Liquidation Target Amount" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 6.1(c)(i)(D).
"Second Target Distribution" means $0.362 per Unit per Quarter (or, with
respect to the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the last day
of the calendar quarter that includes the Closing Date, it means the product of
$0.362 multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator is equal to the number of
days in such period and of which the denominator is 91), subject to adjustment
in accordance with Sections 6.6 and 6.9.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, supplemented
or restated from time to time and any successor to such statute.
"Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items" means in connection with
any allocation of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for any taxable period,
(i) with respect to the Unitholders holding Common Units, the amount that bears
the same ratio to such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items as the
Unitholders' Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of the end of such period
bears to the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of that time, (ii)
with respect to the General Partner (as holder of the General Partner Interest),
the amount that bears the same ratio to such Additional Book Basis Derivative
Items as the General Partner's Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of the end
of such period bears to the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustment as of
that time, and (iii) with respect to the Partners holding Incentive Distribution
Rights, the amount that bears the same ratio to such Additional Book Basis
Derivative Items as the Remaining Net Positive Adjustments of the Partners
holding the
17
Incentive Distribution Rights as of the end of such period bears to the
Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of that time.
"Special Approval" means approval by a majority of the members of the
Conflicts Committee.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which
more than 50% of the voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the
occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other
governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date
of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or
a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which
such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a
general or limited partner of such partnership, but only if more than 50% of the
partnership interests of such partnership (considering all of the partnership
interests of the partnership as a single class) is owned, directly or
indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more
Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, or (c) any other Person
(other than a corporation or a partnership) in which such Person, one or more
Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, directly or indirectly,
at the date of determination, has (i) at least a majority ownership interest or
(ii) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or
other governing body of such Person.
"Substituted Limited Partner" means a Person who is admitted as a Limited
Partner to the Partnership pursuant to Section 10.2 in place of and with all the
rights of a Limited Partner and who is shown as a Limited Partner on the books
and records of the Partnership.
"Surviving Business Entity" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 14.2(b).
"Third Liquidation Target Amount" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 6.1(c)(i)(E).
"Third Target Distribution" means $0.462 per Unit per Quarter (or, with
respect to the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the last day
of the calendar quarter that includes the Closing Date, it means the product of
$0.462 multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator is equal to the number of
days in such period and of which the denominator is 91), subject to adjustment
in accordance with Sections 6.6 and 6.9.
"Trading Day" means a day on which the principal National Securities
Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests of any class are listed or
admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business or, if Limited
Partner Interests of a class are not listed or admitted to trading on any
National Securities Exchange, a day on which banking institutions in New York
City generally are open.
"transfer" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.4(a).
"Transfer Agent" means such bank, trust company or other Person (including
the General Partner or one of its Affiliates) as shall be appointed from time to
time by the Partnership to act as registrar and transfer agent for the Common
Units; provided that if no Transfer Agent is
18
specifically designated for any other Partnership Securities, the General
Partner shall act in such capacity.
"Transfer Application" means an application and agreement for transfer of
Units in the form set forth on the back of a Certificate or in a form
substantially to the same effect in a separate instrument.
"Unit" means a Partnership Security that is designated as a "Unit" and
shall include Common Units but shall not include (i) a General Partner Interest
or (ii) Incentive Distribution Rights.
"Unit Majority" means at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units.
"Unitholders" means the holders of Units.
"Unpaid MQD" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.1(c)(i)(B).
"Unrealized Gain" attributable to any item of Partnership property means,
as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market
value of such property as of such date (as determined under Section 5.5(d)) over
(b) the Carrying Value of such property as of such date (prior to any adjustment
to be made pursuant to Section 5.5(d) as of such date).
"Unrealized Loss" attributable to any item of Partnership property means,
as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (a) the Carrying Value
of such property as of such date (prior to any adjustment to be made pursuant to
Section 5.5(d) as of such date) over (b) the fair market value of such property
as of such date (as determined under Section 5.5(d)).
"Unrecovered Capital" means at any time, with respect to a Unit, the
Initial Unit Capital Account less the sum of all distributions constituting
Capital Surplus theretofore made in respect of an Initial Common Unit and any
distributions of cash (or the Net Agreed Value of any distributions in kind) in
connection with the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership theretofore
made in respect of an Initial Common Unit, adjusted as the General Partner
determines to be appropriate to give effect to any distribution, subdivision or
combination of such Units.
"U.S. GAAP" means United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
consistently applied.
"Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 11.1(b).
"Working Capital Borrowings" means borrowings used solely for working
capital purposes or to pay distributions to Partners made pursuant to a credit
facility or other arrangement to the extent such borrowings are required to be
reduced to a relatively small amount each year (or for the year in which the
Initial Offering is consummated, the 12-month period beginning on the Closing
Date) for an economically meaningful period of time.
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SECTION 1.2 Construction. Unless the context requires otherwise: (a)
any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine,
feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs
shall include the plural and vice versa; (b) references to Articles and Sections
refer to Articles and Sections of this Agreement; and (c) the term "include" or
"includes" means includes, without limitation, and "including" means including,
without limitation.
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATION
SECTION 2.1 Formation. The General Partner and the Organizational
Limited Partner have previously formed the Partnership as a limited partnership
pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act and hereby amend and restate the
original Agreement of Limited Partnership of Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. in
its entirety. This amendment and restatement shall become effective on the date
of this Agreement. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this
Agreement, the rights, duties (including fiduciary duties), liabilities and
obligations of the Partners and the administration, dissolution and termination
of the Partnership shall be governed by the Delaware Act. All Partnership
Interests shall constitute personal property of the owner thereof for all
purposes and a Partner has no interest in specific Partnership property.
SECTION 2.2 Name. The name of the Partnership shall be "Rio Vista
Energy Partners L.P." The Partnership's business may be conducted under any
other name or names deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner in
its sole discretion, including the name of the General Partner. The words
"Limited Partnership," "L.P.," "Ltd." or similar words or letters shall be
included in the Partnership's name where necessary for the purpose of complying
with the laws of any jurisdiction that so requires. The General Partner in its
discretion may change the name of the Partnership at any time and from time to
time and shall notify the Limited Partners of such change in the next regular
communication to the Limited Partners.
SECTION 2.3 Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office;
Other Offices. Unless and until changed by the General Partner, the registered
office of the Partnership in the State of Delaware shall be located at 615 South
DuPont Highway, City of Dover, County of Kent, Delaware 19901, and the
registered agent for service of process on the Partnership in the State of
Delaware at such registered office shall be Capitol Services, Inc. The
principal office of the Partnership shall be located at 820 Gessner Road, Suite
1285, Houston, Texas 77024 or such other place as the General Partner may from
time to time designate by notice to the Limited Partners. The Partnership may
maintain offices at such other place or places within or outside the State of
Delaware as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate. The address of
the General Partner shall be 820 Gessner Road, Suite 1285, Houston, Texas 77024
or such other place as the General Partner may from time to time designate by
notice to the Limited Partners.
SECTION 2.4 Purpose and Business. The purpose and nature of the
business to be conducted by the Partnership shall be to (a) own the equity of
the general partner of the Operating Partnership and to serve as a limited
partner of the Operating Partnership and, in connection therewith, to exercise
all the rights and powers conferred upon the Partnership as a
20
partner of the Operating Partnership pursuant to the Operating Partnership
Agreement or otherwise, (b) engage directly in, or enter into or form any
corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other
arrangement to engage indirectly in, any business activity that the Operating
Partnership is permitted to engage in by the Operating Partnership Agreement or
that its subsidiaries are permitted to engage in by their limited liability
company or partnership agreements and, in connection therewith, to exercise all
of the rights and powers conferred upon the Partnership pursuant to the
agreements relating to such business activity, (c) engage directly in, or enter
into or form any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability
company or other arrangement to engage indirectly in, any business activity that
is approved by the General Partner and which lawfully may be conducted by a
limited partnership organized pursuant to the Delaware Act and, in connection
therewith, to exercise all of the rights and powers conferred upon the
Partnership pursuant to the agreements relating to such business activity;
provided, however, that the General Partner reasonably determines, as of the
date of the acquisition or commencement of such activity, that such activity (i)
generates "qualifying income" (as such term is defined pursuant to Section 7704
of the Code) or a Subsidiary or a Partnership activity that generates qualifying
income or (ii) enhances the operations of an activity of the Operating
Partnership, and (d) do anything necessary or appropriate to the foregoing,
including the making of capital contributions or loans to a Group Member. The
General Partner has no obligation or duty to the Partnership, the Limited
Partners or the Assignees to propose or approve, and in its discretion may
decline to propose or approve, the conduct by the Partnership of any business.
SECTION 2.5 Powers. The Partnership shall be empowered to do any and
all acts and things necessary, appropriate, proper, advisable, incidental to or
convenient for the furtherance and accomplishment of the purposes and business
described in Section 2.4 and for the protection and benefit of the Partnership.
SECTION 2.6 Power of Attorney. Each Limited Partner and each Assignee
hereby constitutes and appoints the General Partner and, if a Liquidator shall
have been selected pursuant to Section 12.3, the Liquidator (and any successor
to the Liquidator by merger, transfer, assignment, election or otherwise) and
each of their authorized officers and attorneys-in-fact, as the case may be,
with full power of substitution, as his true and lawful agent and
attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in his name, place and stead,
to:
(i) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the
appropriate public offices (A) all certificates, documents and other
instruments (including this Agreement and the Certificate of Limited
Partnership and all amendments or restatements hereof or thereof) that
the General Partner or the Liquidator deems necessary or appropriate
to form, qualify or continue the existence or qualification of the
Partnership as a limited partnership (or a partnership in which the
limited partners have limited liability) in the State of Delaware and
in all other jurisdictions in which the Partnership may conduct
business or own property; (B) all certificates, documents and other
instruments that the General Partner or the Liquidator deems necessary
or appropriate to reflect, in accordance with its terms, any
amendment, change, modification or restatement of this Agreement; (C)
all certificates, documents and other instruments (including
conveyances and a
21
certificate of cancellation) that the General Partner or the
Liquidator deems necessary or appropriate to reflect the dissolution
and liquidation of the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement; (D) all certificates, documents and other instruments
relating to the admission, withdrawal, removal or substitution of any
Partner pursuant to, or other events described in, Article IV, X, XI
or XII; (E) all certificates, documents and other instruments relating
to the determination of the rights, preferences and privileges of any
class or series of Partnership Securities issued pursuant to Section
5.6; and (F) all certificates, documents and other instruments
(including agreements and a certificate of merger) relating to a
merger or consolidation of the Partnership pursuant to Article XIV;
and
(ii) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record all ballots,
consents, approvals, waivers, certificates, documents and other
instruments necessary or appropriate, in the discretion of the General
Partner or the Liquidator, to make, evidence, give, confirm or ratify
any vote, consent, approval, agreement or other action that is made or
given by the Partners hereunder or is consistent with the terms of
this Agreement or is necessary or appropriate, in the discretion of
the General Partner or the Liquidator, to effectuate the terms or
intent of this Agreement; provided, that when required by Section 13.3
or any other provision of this Agreement that establishes a percentage
of the Limited Partners or of the Limited Partners of any class or
series required to take any action, the General Partner and the
Liquidator may exercise the power of attorney made in this Section
2.6(a)(ii) only after the necessary vote, consent or approval of the
Limited Partners or of the Limited Partners of such class or series,
as applicable. Nothing contained in this Section 2.6(a) shall be
construed as authorizing the General Partner to amend this Agreement
except in accordance with Article XIII or as may be otherwise
expressly provided for in this Agreement. b) The foregoing power of
attorney is hereby declared to be irrevocable and a power coupled with
an interest, and it shall survive and, to the maximum extent permitted
by law, not be affected by the subsequent death, incompetency,
disability, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy or termination of any
Limited Partner or Assignee and the transfer of all or any portion of
such Limited Partner's or Assignee's Partnership Interest and shall
extend to such Limited Partner's or Assignee's heirs, successors,
assigns and personal representatives. Each Limited Partner or Assignee
hereby agrees to be bound by any representation made by the General
Partner or the Liquidator acting in good faith pursuant to such power
of attorney; and each Limited Partner or Assignee hereby waives, to
the maximum extent permitted by law, any and all defenses that may be
available to contest, negate or disaffirm the action of the General
Partner or the Liquidator taken in good faith under such power of
attorney. Each Limited Partner or Assignee shall execute and deliver
to the General Partner or the Liquidator, within 15 days after receipt
of the request therefor, such further designation, powers of attorney
and other instruments as the General Partner or the Liquidator deems
necessary to effectuate this Agreement and the purposes of the
Partnership.
22
SECTION 2.7 Term. The term of the Partnership commenced upon the
filing of the Certificate of Limited Partnership in accordance with the Delaware
Act and shall continue in existence until the dissolution of the Partnership in
accordance with the provisions of Article XII. The existence of the Partnership
as a separate legal entity shall continue until the cancellation of the
Certificate of Limited Partnership as provided in the Delaware Act.
SECTION 2.8 Title to Partnership Assets. Title to Partnership assets,
whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, shall be
deemed to be owned by the Partnership as an entity, and no Partner or Assignee,
individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such
Partnership assets or any portion thereof. Title to any or all of the
Partnership assets may be held in the name of the Partnership, the General
Partner, one or more of its Affiliates or one or more nominees, as the General
Partner may determine. The General Partner hereby declares and warrants that any
Partnership assets for which record title is held in the name of the General
Partner or one or more of its Affiliates or one or more nominees shall be held
by the General Partner or such Affiliate or nominee for the use and benefit of
the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided,
however, that the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts to cause record
title to such assets (other than those assets in respect of which the General
Partner determines that the expense and difficulty of conveyancing makes
transfer of record title to the Partnership impracticable) to be vested in the
Partnership as soon as reasonably practicable; provided, further, that, prior to
the withdrawal or removal of the General Partner or as soon thereafter as
practicable, the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts to effect the
transfer of record title to the Partnership and, prior to any such transfer,
will provide for the use of such assets in a manner satisfactory to the General
Partner. All Partnership assets shall be recorded as the property of the
Partnership in its books and records, irrespective of the name in which record
title to such Partnership assets is held.
23
ARTICLE III
RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS
SECTION 3.1 Limitation of Liability. The Limited Partners and the
Assignees shall have no liability under this Agreement except as expressly
provided in this Agreement or the Delaware Act.
SECTION 3.2 Management of Business. No Limited Partner or Assignee, in
its capacity as such, shall participate in the operation, management or control
(within the meaning of the Delaware Act) of the Partnership's business, transact
any business in the Partnership's name or have the power to sign documents for
or otherwise bind the Partnership. Any action taken by any Affiliate of the
General Partner or any officer, director, employee, manager, member, general
partner, agent or trustee of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, or
any officer, director, employee, manager, member, general partner, agent or
trustee of a Group Member, in its capacity as such, shall not be deemed to be
participation in the control of the business of the Partnership by a limited
partner of the Partnership (within the meaning of Section 17-303(a) of the
Delaware Act) and shall not affect, impair or eliminate the limitations on the
liability of the Limited Partners or Assignees under this Agreement.
SECTION 3.3 Outside Activities of the Limited Partners. Subject to the
provisions of Section 7.5 and the Omnibus Agreement, which shall continue to be
applicable to the Persons referred to therein, regardless of whether such
Persons shall also be Limited Partners or Assignees, any Limited Partner or
Assignee shall be entitled to and may have business interests and engage in
business activities in addition to those relating to the Partnership, including
business interests and activities in direct competition with the Partnership
Group. Neither the Partnership nor any of the other Partners or Assignees shall
have any rights by virtue of this Agreement in any business ventures of any
Limited Partner or Assignee.
SECTION 3.4 Rights of Limited Partners.
(a) In addition to other rights provided by this Agreement or by
applicable law, and except as limited by Section 3.4(b), each Limited Partner
shall have the right, for a purpose reasonably related to such Limited Partner's
interest as a limited partner in the Partnership, upon reasonable written demand
and at such Limited Partner's own expense:
(i) to obtain true and full information regarding the status of the
business and financial condition of the Partnership;
(ii) promptly after becoming available, to obtain a copy of the
Partnership's federal, state and local income tax returns for
each year;
(iii) to have furnished to him a current list of the name and last
known business, residence or mailing address of each Partner;
(iv) to have furnished to him a copy of this Agreement and the
Certificate of Limited Partnership and all amendments thereto,
together with a copy of
24
the executed copies of all powers of attorney pursuant to which
this Agreement, the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all
amendments thereto have been executed;
(v) to obtain true and full information regarding the amount of cash
and a description and statement of the Net Agreed Value of any
other Capital Contribution by each Partner and which each Partner
has agreed to contribute in the future, and the date on which
each became a Partner; and
(vi) to obtain such other information regarding the affairs of the
Partnership as is just and reasonable.
(b) The General Partner may keep confidential from the Limited Partners
and Assignees, for such period of time as the General Partner deems reasonable,
(i) any information that the General Partner reasonably believes to be in the
nature of trade secrets or (ii) other information the disclosure of which the
General Partner in good faith believes (A) is not in the best interests of the
Partnership Group, (B) could damage the Partnership Group or (C) that any Group
Member is required by law or by agreement with any third party to keep
confidential (other than agreements with Affiliates of the Partnership the
primary purpose of which is to circumvent the obligations set forth in this
Section 3.4).
ARTICLE IV
CERTIFICATES; RECORD HOLDERS; TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; REDEMPTION OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
SECTION 4.1 Certificates. Upon the Partnership's issuance of Common
Units to any Person, the Partnership shall issue one or more Certificates in the
name of such Person evidencing the number of such Units being so issued. In
addition, (a) upon the General Partner's request, the Partnership shall issue to
it one or more Certificates in the name of the General Partner evidencing its
interests in the Partnership and (b) upon the request of any Person owning
Incentive Distribution Rights or any other Partnership Securities other than
Common Units, the Partnership shall issue to such Person one or more
certificates evidencing such Incentive Distribution Rights or other Partnership
Securities other than Common Units. Certificates shall be executed on behalf of
the Partnership by the Chairman of the Board, President or any Vice President
and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the General Partner. No Common
Unit Certificate shall be valid for any purpose until it has been countersigned
by the Transfer Agent; provided, however, that if the General Partner elects to
issue Common Units in global form, the Common Unit Certificates shall be valid
upon receipt of a certificate from the Transfer Agent certifying that the Common
Units have been duly registered in accordance with the directions of the
Partnership.
SECTION 4.2 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates.
(a) If any mutilated Certificate is surrendered to the Transfer Agent, the
appropriate officers of the General Partner on behalf of the
Partnership shall execute, and the
25
Transfer Agent shall countersign and deliver in exchange therefor, a
new Certificate evidencing the same number and type of Partnership
Securities as the Certificate so surrendered.
(b) The appropriate officers of the General Partner on behalf of the
Partnership shall execute and deliver, and the Transfer Agent shall
countersign a new Certificate in place of any Certificate previously
issued if the Record Holder of the Certificate:
(i) makes proof by affidavit, in form and substance satisfactory to
the General Partner, that a previously issued Certificate has
been lost, destroyed or stolen;
(ii) requests the issuance of a new Certificate before the General
Partner has notice that the Certificate has been acquired by a
purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of an
adverse claim;
(iii) if requested by the General Partner, delivers to the General
Partner a bond, in form and substance satisfactory to the General
Partner, with surety or sureties and with fixed or open penalty
as the General Partner may reasonably direct, in its sole
discretion, to indemnify the Partnership, the Partners, the
General Partner and the Transfer Agent against any claim that may
be made on account of the alleged loss, destruction or theft of
the Certificate; and
(iv) satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the
General Partner.
If a Limited Partner or Assignee fails to notify the General Partner within
a reasonable time after he has notice of the loss, destruction or theft of a
Certificate, and a transfer of the Limited Partner Interests represented by the
Certificate is registered before the Partnership, the General Partner or the
Transfer Agent receives such notification, the Limited Partner or Assignee shall
be precluded from making any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner
or the Transfer Agent for such transfer or for a new Certificate.
(c) As a condition to the issuance of any new Certificate under this
Section 4.2, the General Partner may require the payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be
imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees
and expenses of the Transfer Agent) reasonably connected therewith.
SECTION 4.3 Record Holders. The Partnership shall be entitled to
recognize the Record Holder as the Partner or Assignee with respect to any
Partnership Interest and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any
equitable or other claim to or interest in such Partnership Interest on the part
of any other Person, regardless of whether the Partnership shall have actual or
other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law or any applicable
rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange
on which such Partnership Interests are listed for trading. Without limiting the
foregoing, when a Person (such as a broker, dealer, bank,
26
trust company or clearing corporation or an agent of any of the foregoing) is
acting as nominee, agent or in some other representative capacity for another
Person in acquiring and/or holding Partnership Interests, as between the
Partnership on the one hand, and such other Persons on the other, such
representative Person (a) shall be the Partner or Assignee (as the case may be)
of record and beneficially, (b) must execute and deliver a Transfer Application
and (c) shall be bound by this Agreement and shall have the rights and
obligations of a Partner or Assignee (as the case may be) hereunder and as, and
to the extent, provided for herein.
SECTION 4.4 Transfer Generally.
(a) The term "transfer," when used in this Agreement with respect to a
Partnership Interest, shall be deemed to refer to a transaction by which the
General Partner assigns its General Partner Interest to another Person who
becomes the general partner of the Partnership, by which the holder of a Limited
Partner Interest assigns such Limited Partner Interest to another Person who is
or becomes a Limited Partner or an Assignee, and includes a sale, assignment,
gift, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, mortgage, exchange or any other
disposition by law or otherwise.
(b) No Partnership Interest shall be transferred, in whole or in part,
except in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Article IV.
Any transfer or purported transfer of a Partnership Interest not made in
accordance with this Article IV shall be null and void.
(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent a
disposition by any member of the General Partner of any or all of the limited
liability company interests of the General Partner. At any time, any member of
the General Partner may sell or transfer all or part of such member's limited
liability company interests in the General Partner without Unitholder approval.
SECTION 4.5 Registration and Transfer of Limited Partner Interests.
(a) The Partnership shall keep or cause to be kept on behalf of the
Partnership a register in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it
may prescribe and subject to the provisions of Section 4.5(b), the Partnership
will provide for the registration and transfer of Limited Partner Interests. The
Transfer Agent is hereby appointed registrar and transfer agent for the purpose
of registering Common Units and transfers of such Common Units as herein
provided. The Partnership shall not recognize transfers of Certificates
evidencing Limited Partner Interests unless such transfers are effected in the
manner described in this Section 4.5. Upon surrender of a Certificate for
registration of transfer of any Limited Partner Interests evidenced by a
Certificate, and subject to the provisions of Section 4.5(b), the appropriate
officers of the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership shall execute and
deliver, and in the case of Common Units, the Transfer Agent shall countersign
and deliver, in the name of the holder or the designated transferee or
transferees, as required pursuant to the holder's instructions, one or more new
Certificates evidencing the same aggregate number and type of Limited Partner
Interests as was evidenced by the Certificate so surrendered.
27
(b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 4.9, the Partnership shall
not recognize any transfer of Limited Partner Interests until the Certificates
evidencing such Limited Partner Interests are surrendered for registration of
transfer and such Certificates are accompanied by a Transfer Application duly
executed by the transferee (or the transferee's attorney-in-fact duly authorized
in writing). No charge shall be imposed by the Partnership for such transfer;
provided, that as a condition to the issuance of any new Certificate under this
Section 4.5, the Partnership may require the payment of a sum sufficient to
cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed with respect
thereto.
(c) Limited Partner Interests may be transferred only in the manner
described in this Section 4.5. The transfer of any Limited Partner Interests and
the admission of any new Limited Partner shall not constitute an amendment to
this Agreement.
(d) Until admitted as a Substituted Limited Partner pursuant to Section
10.2, the Record Holder of a Limited Partner Interest shall be an Assignee in
respect of such Limited Partner Interest. Limited Partners may include
custodians, nominees or any other individual or entity in its own or any
representative capacity.
(e) A transferee of a Limited Partner Interest who has completed and
delivered a Transfer Application shall be deemed to have (i) requested admission
as a Substituted Limited Partner, (ii) agreed to comply with and be bound by and
to have executed this Agreement, (iii) represented and warranted that such
transferee has the right, power and authority and, if an individual, the
capacity to enter into this Agreement, (iv) granted the powers of attorney set
forth in this Agreement and (v) given the consents and approvals and made the
waivers contained in this Agreement.
(f) The General Partner and its Affiliates shall have the right at any
time to transfer their Common Units, if any, to one or more Persons.
SECTION 4.6 Transfer of the General Partner's General Partner Interest.
(a) Subject to Section 4.6(c) below, prior to October 31, 2008, the
General Partner shall not transfer all or any part of its General Partner
Interest to a Person unless such transfer (i) has been approved by the prior
written consent or vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding
Common Units (excluding Common Units held by the General Partner and its
Affiliates) or (ii) is of all, but not less than all, of its General Partner
Interest to (A) an Affiliate of the General Partner (other than an individual)
or (B) another Person (other than an individual) in connection with the merger
or consolidation of the General Partner with or into another Person (other than
an individual) or the transfer by the General Partner of all or substantially
all of its assets to another Person (other than an individual).
(b) Subject to Section 4.6(c) below, on or after October 31, 2008, the
General Partner may transfer all or any of its General Partner Interest without
Unitholder approval.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no transfer by the
General Partner of all or any part of its General Partner Interest to another
Person shall be permitted unless (i) the transferee agrees to assume the rights
and duties of the General Partner under this
28
Agreement and to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) the
Partnership receives an Opinion of Counsel that such transfer would not result
in the loss of limited liability of any Limited Partner or of any limited
partner of the Operating Partnership or cause the Partnership or the Operating
Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or
otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the
extent not already so treated or taxed) and (iii) such transferee also agrees to
purchase all (or the appropriate portion thereof, if applicable) of the
partnership or membership interest of the General Partner as the general partner
or managing member, if any, of each other Group Member. In the case of a
transfer pursuant to and in compliance with this Section 4.6, the transferee or
successor (as the case may be) shall, subject to compliance with the terms of
Section 10.3, be admitted to the Partnership as the General Partner immediately
prior to the transfer of the Partnership Interest, and the business of the
Partnership shall continue without dissolution.
SECTION 4.7 Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights. Prior to
October 31, 2008, a holder of Incentive Distribution Rights may transfer any or
all of the Incentive Distribution Rights held by such holder without any consent
of the Unitholders (a) to an Affiliate of such holder (other than an individual)
or (b) to another Person (other than an individual) in connection with (i) the
merger or consolidation of such holder of Incentive Distribution Rights with or
into such other Person or (ii) the transfer by such holder of all or
substantially all of its assets to such other Person or (iii) the sale of all or
substantially all of the equity interests of such holder to such other Person.
Any other transfer of the Incentive Distribution Rights prior to October 31,
2008, shall require the prior approval of holders of at least a majority of the
Outstanding Common Units (excluding Common Units held by the General Partner and
its Affiliates). On or after October 31, 2008, any holder of Incentive
Distribution Rights may transfer any or all of its Incentive Distribution Rights
without Unitholder approval. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no
transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights to another Person shall be permitted
unless the transferee agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 4.8 Restrictions on Transfers.
(a) Except as provided in Section 4.8(d) below, but notwithstanding the
other provisions of this Article IV, no transfer of any Partnership Interests
shall be made if such transfer would (i) violate the then applicable federal or
state securities laws or rules and regulations of the Commission, any state
securities commission or any other governmental authority with jurisdiction over
such transfer, (ii) terminate the existence or qualification of the Partnership
or the Operating Partnership under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
formation, or (iii) cause the Partnership or the Operating Partnership to be
treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as
an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated
or taxed).
(b) The General Partner may impose restrictions on the transfer of
Partnership Interests if a subsequent Opinion of Counsel determines that such
restrictions are necessary to avoid a significant risk of the Partnership or the
Operating Partnership becoming an association taxable as a corporation or
otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes. The
restrictions may be imposed by making such amendments to this Agreement as the
General Partner may determine to be necessary or appropriate to impose such
restrictions; provided,
29
however, that any amendment that the General Partner believes, in the exercise
of its reasonable discretion, could result in the delisting or suspension of
trading of any class of Limited Partner Interests on the principal National
Securities Exchange on which such class of Limited Partner Interests is then
traded must be approved, prior to such amendment being effected, by the holders
of at least a majority of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests of such
class.
(c) [RESERVED]
(d) Nothing contained in this Article IV, or elsewhere in this
Agreement, shall preclude the settlement of any transactions involving
Partnership Interests entered into through the facilities of any National
Securities Exchange on which such Partnership Interests are listed for trading.
SECTION 4.9 Citizenship Certificates; Non-citizen Assignees.
(a) If any Group Member is or becomes subject to any federal, state or
local law or regulation that, in the reasonable determination of the General
Partner, creates a substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any
property in which the Group Member has an interest based on the nationality,
citizenship or other related status of a Limited Partner or Assignee, the
General Partner may request any Limited Partner or Assignee to furnish to the
General Partner, within 30 days after receipt of such request, an executed
Citizenship Certification or such other information concerning his nationality,
citizenship or other related status (or, if the Limited Partner or Assignee is a
nominee holding for the account of another Person, the nationality, citizenship
or other related status of such Person) as the General Partner may request. If a
Limited Partner or Assignee fails to furnish to the General Partner within the
aforementioned 30-day period such Citizenship Certification or other requested
information or if upon receipt of such Citizenship Certification or other
requested information the General Partner determines, with the advice of
counsel, that a Limited Partner or Assignee is not an Eligible Citizen, the
Partnership Interests owned by such Limited Partner or Assignee shall be subject
to redemption in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.10. In addition,
the General Partner may require that the status of any such Partner or Assignee
be changed to that of a Non-citizen Assignee and, thereupon, the General Partner
shall be substituted for such Non-citizen Assignee as the Limited Partner in
respect of his Limited Partner Interests.
(b) The General Partner shall, in exercising voting rights in respect
of Limited Partner Interests held by it on behalf of Non-citizen Assignees,
distribute the votes in the same ratios as the votes of Partners (including
without limitation the General Partner) in respect of Limited Partner Interests
other than those of Non-citizen Assignees are cast, either for, against or
abstaining as to the matter.
(c) Upon dissolution of the Partnership, a Non-citizen Assignee shall
have no right to receive a distribution in kind pursuant to Section 12.4 but
shall be entitled to the cash equivalent thereof, and the Partnership shall
provide cash in exchange for an assignment of the Non-citizen Assignee's share
of the distribution in kind. Such payment and assignment shall be treated for
Partnership purposes as a purchase by the Partnership from the Non-citizen
Assignee of his Limited Partner Interest (representing his right to receive his
share of such distribution in kind).
30
(d) At any time after he can and does certify that he has become an
Eligible Citizen, a Non-citizen Assignee may, upon application to the General
Partner, request admission as a Substituted Limited Partner with respect to any
Limited Partner Interests of such Non-citizen Assignee not redeemed pursuant to
Section 4.10, and upon his admission pursuant to Section 10.2, the General
Partner shall cease to be deemed to be the Limited Partner in respect of the
Non-citizen Assignee's Limited Partner Interests.
SECTION 4.10 Redemption of Partnership Interests of Non-citizen
Assignees.
(a) If at any time a Limited Partner or Assignee fails to furnish a
Citizenship Certification or other information requested within the 30-day
period specified in Section 4.9(a), or if upon receipt of such Citizenship
Certification or other information the General Partner determines, with the
advice of counsel, that a Limited Partner or Assignee is not an Eligible
Citizen, the Partnership may, unless the Limited Partner or Assignee establishes
to the satisfaction of the General Partner that such Limited Partner or Assignee
is an Eligible Citizen or has transferred his Partnership Interests to a Person
who is an Eligible Citizen and who furnishes a Citizenship Certification to the
General Partner prior to the date fixed for redemption as provided below, redeem
the Partnership Interest of such Limited Partner or Assignee as follows:
(i) The General Partner shall, not later than the 30th day before the date
fixed for redemption, give notice of redemption to the Limited Partner
or Assignee, at his last address designated on the records of the
Partnership or the Transfer Agent, by registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid. The notice shall be deemed to have been given when so
mailed. The notice shall specify the Redeemable Interests, the date
fixed for redemption, the place of payment, that payment of the
redemption price will be made upon surrender of the Certificate
evidencing the Redeemable Interests and that on and after the date
fixed for redemption no further allocations or distributions to which
the Limited Partner or Assignee would otherwise be entitled in respect
of the Redeemable Interests will accrue or be made.
(ii) The aggregate redemption price for Redeemable Interests shall be an
amount equal to the Current Market Price (the date of determination of
which shall be the date fixed for redemption) of Limited Partner
Interests of the class to be so redeemed multiplied by the number of
Limited Partner Interests of each such class included among the
Redeemable Interests. The redemption price shall be paid, in the
discretion of the General Partner, in cash or by delivery of a
promissory note of the Partnership in the principal amount of the
redemption price, bearing interest at the rate of 10% annually and
payable in three equal annual installments of principal together with
accrued interest, commencing one year after the redemption date.
(iii) Upon surrender by or on behalf of the Limited Partner or Assignee, at
the place specified in the notice of redemption, of the Certificate
evidencing the Redeemable Interests, duly endorsed in blank or
accompanied by an assignment duly executed in blank, the Limited
Partner or Assignee or his duly authorized representative shall be
entitled to receive the payment therefor.
31
(iv) After the redemption date, Redeemable Interests shall no longer
constitute issued and Outstanding Limited Partner Interests.
(b) The provisions of this Section 4.10 shall also be applicable to
Limited Partner Interests held by a Limited Partner or Assignee as nominee of a
Person determined to be other than an Eligible Citizen.
(c) Nothing in this Section 4.10 shall prevent the recipient of a
notice of redemption from transferring his Limited Partner Interest before the
redemption date if such transfer is otherwise permitted under this Agreement.
Upon receipt of notice of such a transfer, the General Partner shall withdraw
the notice of redemption, provided the transferee of such Limited Partner
Interest certifies to the satisfaction of the General Partner in a Citizenship
Certification delivered in connection with the Transfer Application that he is
an Eligible Citizen. If the transferee fails to make such certification, such
redemption shall be effected from the transferee on the original redemption
date.
ARTICLE V
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
SECTION 5.1 Organizational Contributions. In connection with the
formation of the Partnership under the Delaware Act, the General Partner
purchased a 2% General Partner Interest in the Partnership for $20.00 and has
been admitted as a General Partner of the Partnership, and the Organizational
Limited Partner purchased Common Units representing a 98% Limited Partner
Interest in the Partnership for $980.00 and has been admitted as a Limited
Partner of the Partnership. As of the Closing Date, the Organizational Limited
Partner shall cease to be a Limited Partner of the Partnership.
SECTION 5.2 Contributions by the General Partner and its Affiliates.
(a) On or prior to the Closing Date and pursuant to the Contribution
Agreement, (i) the General Partner shall convey to the Partnership, $1,000.00 in
exchange for the Incentive Distribution Rights, and (ii) the Organizational
Limited Partner shall contribute to the Partnership its limited partner interest
in the Operating Partnership as a Capital Contribution.
(b) Upon the issuance of any additional Limited Partner Interests by
the Partnership, the General Partner shall be required to make additional
Capital Contributions equal to 2/98ths of any amount contributed to the
Partnership by the Limited Partners in exchange for such additional Limited
Partner Interests. Except as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence and
Article XII, the General Partner shall not be obligated to make any additional
Capital Contributions to the Partnership.
SECTION 5.3 Contributions by Initial Limited Partners and Distributions
to the General Partner.
(a) [RESERVED]
32
(b) [RESERVED]
(c) [RESERVED]
SECTION 5.4 Interest and Withdrawal. No interest shall be paid by the
Partnership on Capital Contributions. No Partner or Assignee shall be entitled
to the withdrawal or return of its Capital Contribution, except to the extent,
if any, that distributions made pursuant to this Agreement or upon termination
of the Partnership may be considered as such by law and then only to the extent
provided for in this Agreement. Except to the extent expressly provided in this
Agreement, no Partner or Assignee shall have priority over any other Partner or
Assignee either as to the return of Capital Contributions or as to profits,
losses or distributions. Any such return shall be a compromise to which all
Partners and Assignees agree within the meaning of Section 17-502(b) of the
Delaware Act.
SECTION 5.5 Capital Accounts.
(a) The Partnership shall maintain for each Partner (or a beneficial
owner of Partnership Interests held by a nominee in any case in which the
nominee has furnished the identity of such owner to the Partnership in
accordance with Section 6031(c) of the Code or any other method acceptable to
the General Partner in its sole discretion) owning a Partnership Interest a
separate Capital Account with respect to such Partnership Interest in accordance
with the rules of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). Such Capital
Account shall be increased by (i) the amount of all Capital Contributions made
to the Partnership with respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to this
Agreement and (ii) all items of Partnership income and gain (including, without
limitation, income and gain exempt from tax) computed in accordance with Section
5.5(b) and allocated with respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to
Section 6.1, and decreased by (x) the amount of cash or Net Agreed Value of all
actual and deemed distributions of cash or property made with respect to such
Partnership Interest pursuant to this Agreement and (y) all items of Partnership
deduction and loss computed in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and allocated with
respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to Section 6.1.
(b) For purposes of computing the amount of any item of income, gain,
loss or deduction which is to be allocated pursuant to Article VI and is to be
reflected in the Partners' Capital Accounts, the determination, recognition and
classification of any such item shall be the same as its determination,
recognition and classification for federal income tax purposes (including,
without limitation, any method of depreciation, cost recovery or amortization
used for that purpose), provided, that:
(i) Solely for purposes of this Section 5.5, the Partnership shall be
treated as owning directly its proportionate share (as determined by
the General Partner based upon the provisions of the Operating
Partnership Agreement) of all property owned by the Operating
Partnership or any other Subsidiary that is classified as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes.
(ii) All fees and other expenses incurred by the Partnership to promote the
sale of (or to sell) a Partnership Interest that can neither be
deducted nor amortized under
33
Section 709 of the Code, if any, shall, for purposes of Capital
Account maintenance, be treated as an item of deduction at the time
such fees and other expenses are incurred and shall be allocated among
the Partners pursuant to Section 6.1.
(iii) Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), the computation of all items of income, gain,
loss and deduction shall be made without regard to any election under
Section 754 of the Code which may be made by the Partnership and, as
to those items described in Section 705(a)(1)(B) or 705(a)(2)(B) of
the Code, without regard to the fact that such items are not
includable in gross income or are neither currently deductible nor
capitalized for federal income tax purposes. To the extent an
adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant
to Section 734(b) or 743(b) of the Code is required, pursuant to
Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into
account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment
in the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain or loss.
(iv) Any income, gain or loss attributable to the taxable disposition of
any Partnership property shall be determined as if the adjusted basis
of such property as of such date of disposition were equal in amount
to the Partnership's Carrying Value with respect to such property as
of such date.
(v) In accordance with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code, any
deductions for depreciation, cost recovery or amortization
attributable to any Contributed Property shall be determined as if the
adjusted basis of such property on the date it was acquired by the
Partnership were equal to the Agreed Value of such property. Upon an
adjustment pursuant to Section 5.5(d) to the Carrying Value of any
Partnership property subject to depreciation, cost recovery or
amortization, any further deductions for such depreciation, cost
recovery or amortization attributable to such property shall be
determined (A) as if the adjusted basis of such property were equal to
the Carrying Value of such property immediately following such
adjustment and (B) using a rate of depreciation, cost recovery or
amortization derived from the same method and useful life (or, if
applicable, the remaining useful life) as is applied for federal
income tax purposes; provided, however, that, if the asset has a zero
adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes, depreciation, cost
recovery or amortization deductions shall be determined using any
reasonable method that the General Partner may adopt.
(vi) If the Partnership's adjusted basis in a depreciable or cost recovery
property is reduced for federal income tax purposes pursuant to
Section 48(q)(1) or 48(q)(3) of the Code, the amount of such reduction
shall, solely for purposes hereof, be deemed to be an additional
depreciation or cost recovery deduction in the year such property is
placed in service and shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant
to Section 6.1. Any restoration of such basis pursuant to Section
48(q)(2) of the Code shall, to the extent possible, be allocated in
the same manner to the
34
Partners to whom such deemed deduction was allocated.
(c) (i) A transferee of a Partnership Interest shall succeed to a pro
rata portion of the Capital Account of the transferor relating to the
Partnership Interest so transferred.
(ii) [RESERVED]
(d) (i) In accordance with Treasury Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), on an issuance of additional Partnership
Interests for cash or Contributed Property or the conversion of the
General Partner's Combined Interest to Common Units pursuant to
Section 11.3(b), the Capital Account of all Partners and the Carrying
Value of each Partnership property immediately prior to such issuance
shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or
Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property, as if such
Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss had been recognized on an actual
sale of each such property immediately prior to such issuance and had
been allocated to the Partners at such time pursuant to Section 6.1 in
the same manner as any item of gain or loss actually recognized during
such period would have been allocated. In determining such Unrealized
Gain or Unrealized Loss, the aggregate cash amount and fair market
value of all Partnership assets (including, without limitation, cash
or cash equivalents) immediately prior to the issuance of additional
Partnership Interests shall be determined by the General Partner using
such reasonable method of valuation as it may adopt; provided,
however, that the General Partner, in arriving at such valuation, must
take fully into account the fair market value of the Partnership
Interests of all Partners at such time. The General Partner shall
allocate such aggregate value among the assets of the Partnership (in
such manner as it determines in its discretion to be reasonable) to
arrive at a fair market value for individual properties.
(ii) In accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f),
immediately prior to any actual or deemed distribution to a Partner of
any Partnership property (other than a distribution of cash that is
not in redemption or retirement of a Partnership Interest), the
Capital Accounts of all Partners and the Carrying Value of all
Partnership property shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect
any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such
Partnership property, as if such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss
had been recognized in a sale of such property immediately prior to
such distribution for an amount equal to its fair market value, and
had been allocated to the Partners, at such time, pursuant to Section
6.1 in the same manner as any item of gain or loss actually recognized
during such period would have been allocated. In determining such
Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss, the aggregate cash amount and fair
market value of all Partnership assets (including, without limitation,
cash or cash equivalents) immediately prior to a distribution shall
(A) in the case of an actual distribution which is not made pursuant
to Section 12.4 or in the case of a deemed distribution, be determined
and allocated in the same manner as that provided in Section 5.5(d)(i)
or (B) in the case of a liquidating distribution pursuant to Section
35
12.4, be determined and allocated by the Liquidator using such
reasonable method of valuation as it may adopt.
SECTION 5.6 Issuances of Additional Partnership Securities.
(a) Subject to Section 5.7, the Partnership may issue additional
Partnership Securities and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights
relating to the Partnership Securities for any Partnership purpose at any time
and from time to time to such Persons for such consideration and on such terms
and conditions as shall be established by the General Partner in its sole
discretion, all without the approval of any Limited Partners.
(b) Each additional Partnership Security authorized to be issued by the
Partnership pursuant to Section 5.6(a) may be issued in one or more classes, or
one or more series of any such classes, with such designations, preferences,
rights, powers and duties (which may be senior to existing classes and series of
Partnership Securities), as shall be fixed by the General Partner in the
exercise of its sole discretion, including (i) the right to share Partnership
profits and losses or items thereof; (ii) the right to share in Partnership
distributions; (iii) rights upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership;
(iv) whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Partnership may
redeem the Partnership Security; (v) whether such Partnership Security is issued
with the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the terms and
conditions of such conversion or exchange; (vi) the terms and conditions upon
which each Partnership Security will be issued, evidenced by certificates and
assigned or transferred; and (vii) the right, if any, of each such Partnership
Security to vote on Partnership matters, including matters relating to the
relative rights, preferences and privileges of such Partnership Security.
(c) The General Partner is hereby authorized and directed to take all
actions that it deems necessary or appropriate in connection with (i) each
issuance of Partnership Securities and options (and the exercise thereof),
rights (and the exercise thereof), warrants (and the exercise thereof) and
appreciation rights relating to Partnership Securities pursuant to this Section
5.6, (ii) the conversion of the General Partner Interest or any Incentive
Distribution Rights into Units pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (iii)
the admission of Additional Limited Partners and (iv) all additional issuances
of Partnership Securities. The General Partner is further authorized and
directed to specify the relative rights, powers and duties of the holders of the
Units or other Partnership Securities being so issued. The General Partner shall
do all things necessary to comply with the Delaware Act and is authorized and
directed to do all things it deems to be necessary or advisable in connection
with any future issuance of Partnership Securities or in connection with the
conversion of the General Partner Interest or any Incentive Distribution Rights
into Units pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including compliance with
any statute, rule, regulation or guideline of any federal, state or other
governmental agency or any National Securities Exchange on which the Units or
other Partnership Securities are listed for trading.
SECTION 5.7 Limitations on Issuance of Additional Partnership
Securities. Except as otherwise specified in this Section 5.7, the issuance of
Partnership Securities pursuant to Section 5.6 shall be subject to the following
restrictions and limitations:
(a) No fractional Units shall be issued by the Partnership.
36
SECTION 5.8 [RESERVED].
SECTION 5.9 Limited Preemptive Right. Except as provided in this
Section 5.9 and in Section 5.2, no Person shall have any preemptive,
preferential or other similar right with respect to the issuance of any
Partnership Security, whether unissued, held in the treasury or hereafter
created. The General Partner shall have the right, which it may from time to
time assign in whole or in part to any of its Affiliates, to purchase
Partnership Securities from the Partnership whenever, and on the same terms
that, the Partnership issues Partnership Securities to Persons other than the
General Partner and its Affiliates, to the extent necessary to maintain the
Percentage Interests of the General Partner and its Affiliates equal to that
which existed immediately prior to the issuance of such Partnership Securities.
SECTION 5.10 Splits and Combinations.
(a) Subject to Sections 5.10(d), 6.6 and 6.9 (dealing with adjustments
of distribution levels), the Partnership may make a Pro Rata distribution of
Partnership Securities to all Record Holders or may effect a subdivision or
combination of Partnership Securities so long as, after any such event, each
Partner shall have the same Percentage Interest in the Partnership as before
such event, and any amounts calculated on a per Unit basis (including any Common
Unit Arrearage or Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage) or stated as a number of
Units are proportionately adjusted retroactive to the beginning of the
Partnership.
(b) Whenever such a distribution, subdivision or combination of
Partnership Securities is declared, the General Partner shall select a Record
Date as of which the distribution, subdivision or combination shall be effective
and shall send notice thereof at least 20 days prior to such Record Date to each
Record Holder as of a date not less than 10 days prior to the date of such
notice. The General Partner also may cause a firm of independent public
accountants selected by it to calculate the number of Partnership Securities to
be held by each Record Holder after giving effect to such distribution,
subdivision or combination. The General Partner shall be entitled to rely on any
certificate provided by such firm as conclusive evidence of the accuracy of such
calculation.
(c) Promptly following any such distribution, subdivision or
combination, the Partnership may issue Certificates to the Record Holders of
Partnership Securities as of the applicable Record Date representing the new
number of Partnership Securities held by such Record Holders, or the General
Partner may adopt such other procedures as it may deem appropriate to reflect
such changes. If any such combination results in a smaller total number of
Partnership Securities Outstanding, the Partnership shall require, as a
condition to the delivery to a Record Holder of such new Certificate, the
surrender of any Certificate held by such Record Holder immediately prior to
such Record Date.
(d) The Partnership shall not issue fractional Units upon any
distribution, subdivision or combination of Units. If a distribution,
subdivision or combination of Units would result in the issuance of fractional
Units but for the provisions of Section 5.7(a) and this Section 5.10(d), each
fractional Unit shall be rounded to the nearest whole Unit (and a 0.5 Unit shall
be rounded to the next higher Unit).
37
SECTION 5.11 Fully Paid and Non-Assessable Nature of Limited Partner
Interests. All Limited Partner Interests issued pursuant to, and in accordance
with the requirements of, this Article V shall be fully paid and non-assessable
Limited Partner Interests in the Partnership, except as such non-accessibility
may be affected by Section 17-607 of the Delaware Act.
ARTICLE VI
ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
SECTION 6.1 Allocations for Capital Account Purposes. For purposes of
maintaining the Capital Accounts and in determining the rights of the Partners
among themselves, the Partnership's items of income, gain, loss and deduction
(computed in accordance with Section 5.5(b)) shall be allocated among the
Partners in each taxable year (or portion thereof) as provided herein below.
(a) Net Income. After giving effect to the special allocations set
forth in Section 6.1(d), Net Income for each taxable year and all items of
income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Income for
such taxable year shall be allocated as follows:
(i) First, 100% to the General Partner, in an amount equal to the
aggregate Net Losses allocated to the General Partner pursuant to
Section 6.1(b)(iii) for all previous taxable years until the aggregate
Net Income allocated to the General Partner pursuant to this Section
6.1(a)(i) for the current taxable year and all previous taxable years
is equal to the aggregate Net Losses allocated to the General Partner
pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(iii) for all previous taxable years;
(ii) Second, 2% to the General Partner, in an amount equal to the aggregate
Net Losses allocated to the General Partner pursuant to Section
6.1(b)(ii) for all previous taxable years and 98% to the Unitholders,
in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests, until the
aggregate Net Income allocated to such Partners pursuant to this
Section 6.1(a)(ii) for the current taxable year and all previous
taxable years is equal to the aggregate Net Losses allocated to such
Partners pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(ii) for all previous taxable
years; and
(iii) Third, 2% to the General Partner, and 98% to the Unitholders, Pro
Rata.
(b) Net Losses. After giving effect to the special allocations set
forth in Section 6.1(d), Net Losses for each taxable period and all items of
income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Losses for
such taxable period shall be allocated as follows:
(i) First, 2% to the General Partner, and 98% to the Unitholders, Pro
Rata, until the aggregate Net Losses allocated pursuant to this
Section 6.1(b)(i) for the current taxable year and all previous
taxable years is equal to the aggregate Net Income allocated to such
Partners pursuant to Section 6.1(a)(iii) for all previous taxable
years, provided that the Net Losses shall not be allocated pursuant to
this Section 6.1(b)(i) to the extent that such allocation would cause
any Unitholder to have a
38
deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account at the end of such
taxable year (or increase any existing deficit balance in its Adjusted
Capital Account);
(ii) Second, 2% to the General Partner, and 98% to the Unitholders, Pro
Rata; provided, that Net Losses shall not be allocated pursuant to
this Section 6.1(b)(ii) to the extent that such allocation would cause
any Unitholder to have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital
Account at the end of such taxable year (or increase any existing
deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account);
(iii) Third, the balance, if any, 100% to the General Partner.
(c) Net Termination Gains and Losses. After giving effect to the
special allocations set forth in Section 6.1(d), all items of income, gain, loss
and deduction taken into account in computing Net Termination Gain or Net
Termination Loss for such taxable period shall be allocated in the same manner
as such Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss is allocated hereunder. All
allocations under this Section 6.1(c) shall be made after Capital Account
balances have been adjusted by all other allocations provided under this Section
6.1 and after all distributions of Available Cash provided under Sections 6.4
and 6.5 have been made; provided, however, that solely for purposes of this
Section 6.1(c), Capital Accounts shall not be adjusted for distributions made
pursuant to Section 12.4.
(i) If a Net Termination Gain is recognized (or deemed recognized pursuant
to Section 5.5(d)), such Net Termination Gain shall be allocated among
the Partners in the following manner (and the Capital Accounts of the
Partners shall be increased by the amount so allocated in each of the
following subclauses, in the order listed, before an allocation is
made pursuant to the next succeeding subclause):
(A) First, to each Partner having a deficit balance in its Capital
Account, in the proportion that such deficit balance bears to the
total deficit balances in the Capital Accounts of all Partners,
until each such Partner has been allocated Net Termination Gain
equal to any such deficit balance in its Capital Account;
(B) Second, 98% to all Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata,
and 2% to the General Partner, until the Capital Account in
respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum
of (1) its Unrecovered Capital plus (2) the Minimum Quarterly
Distribution for the Quarter during which the Liquidation Date
occurs, reduced by any distribution pursuant to Section 6.4(a)(i)
with respect to such Common Unit for such Quarter (the amount
determined pursuant to this clause (2) is hereinafter defined as
the "Unpaid MQD") plus (3) any then existing Cumulative Common
Unit Arrearage;
(C) Third, 98% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General
Partner, until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit
then
39
Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) its Unrecovered Capital,
plus (2) the Unpaid MQD, plus (3) any then existing Cumulative
Common Unit Arrearage, plus (4) the excess of (aa) the First
Target Distribution less the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for
each Quarter of the Partnership's existence over (bb) the
cumulative per Unit amount of any distributions of Available Cash
that is deemed to be Operating Surplus made pursuant to Section
6.4(a)(iii) (the sum of (1) plus (2) plus (3) plus (4) is
hereinafter defined as the "First Liquidation Target Amount");
(D) Fourth, 85% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, 13% to the holders of
the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and 2% to the
General Partner, until the Capital Account in respect of each
Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) the First
Liquidation Target Amount, plus (2) the excess of (aa) the Second
Target Distribution less the First Target Distribution for each
Quarter of the Partnership's existence over (bb) the cumulative
per Unit amount of any distributions of Available Cash that is
deemed to be Operating Surplus made pursuant to Section
6.4(a)(iv) (the sum of (1) plus (2) is hereinafter defined as the
"Second Liquidation Target Amount");
(E) Fifth, 75% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, 23% to the holders of
the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and 2% to the
General Partner, until the Capital Account in respect of each
Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) the
Second Liquidation Target Amount, plus (2) the excess of (aa) the
Third Target Distribution less the Second Target Distribution for
each Quarter of the Partnership's existence over (bb) the
cumulative per Unit amount of any distributions of Available Cash
that is deemed to be Operating Surplus made pursuant to Section
6.4(a)(v) (the sum of (1) plus (2) is hereinafter defined as the
"Third Liquidation Target Amount"); and
(F) Finally, any remaining amount 50% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata,
48% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro
Rata, and 2% to the General Partner.
(ii) If a Net Termination Loss is recognized (or deemed recognized pursuant
to Section 5.5(d)), such Net Termination Loss shall be allocated among
the Partners in the following manner:
(A) First, 98% to all Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, and
2% to the General Partner, until the Capital Account in respect
of each Common Unit then Outstanding has been reduced to zero;
and
(B) Second, the balance, if any, 100% to the General Partner.
40
(d) Special Allocations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Section 6.1, the following special allocations shall be made for such taxable
period:
(i) Partnership Minimum Gain Chargeback. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Section 6.1, if there is a net decrease in
Partnership Minimum Gain during any Partnership taxable period,
each Partner shall be allocated items of Partnership income and
gain for such period (and, if necessary, subsequent periods) in
the manner and amounts provided in Treasury Regulation Sections
1.704-2(f)(6), 1.704-2(g)(2) and 1.704-2(j)(2)(i), or any
successor provision. For purposes of this Section 6.1(d), each
Partner's Adjusted Capital Account balance shall be determined,
and the allocation of income or gain required hereunder shall be
effected, prior to the application of any other allocations
pursuant to this Section 6.1(d) with respect to such taxable
period (other than an allocation pursuant to Sections 6.1(d)(vi)
and 6.1(d)(vii)). This Section 6.1(d)(i) is intended to comply
with the Partnership Minimum Gain chargeback requirement in
Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted
consistently therewith.
(ii) Chargeback of Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain.
Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section 6.1 (other
than Section 6.1(d)(i)), except as provided in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4), if there is a net decrease in
Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain during any Partnership
taxable period, any Partner with a share of Partner Nonrecourse
Debt Minimum Gain at the beginning of such taxable period shall
be allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such period
(and, if necessary, subsequent periods) in the manner and amounts
provided in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and
1.704-2(j)(2)(ii), or any successor provisions. For purposes of
this Section 6.1(d), each Partner's Adjusted Capital Account
balance shall be determined, and the allocation of income or gain
required hereunder shall be effected, prior to the application of
any other allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d), other than
Section 6.1(d)(i) and other than an allocation pursuant to
Sections 6.1(d)(vi) and 6.1(d)(vii), with respect to such taxable
period. This Section 6.1(d)(ii) is intended to comply with the
chargeback of items of income and gain requirement in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted
consistently therewith.
(iii) Priority Allocations.
(A) If the amount of cash or the Net Agreed Value of any property
distributed (except cash or property distributed pursuant to
Section 12.4) to any Unitholder with respect to its Units for a
taxable year is greater (on a per
41
Unit basis) than the amount of cash or the Net Agreed Value of
property distributed to the other Unitholders with respect to
their Units (on a per Unit basis), then (1) each Unitholder
receiving such greater cash or property distribution shall be
allocated gross income in an amount equal to the product of (aa)
the amount by which the distribution (on a per Unit basis) to
such Unitholder exceeds the distribution (on a per Unit basis) to
the Unitholders receiving the smallest distribution and (bb) the
number of Units owned by the Unitholder receiving the greater
distribution; and (2) the General Partner shall be allocated
gross income in an aggregate amount equal to 1/98th of the sum of
the amounts allocated in clause (1) above.
(B) After the application of Section 6.1(d)(iii)(A), all or any
portion of the remaining items of Partnership gross income or
gain for the taxable period, if any, shall be allocated 100% to
the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, until the
aggregate amount of such items allocated to the holders of
Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to this paragraph
6.1(d)(iii)(B) for the current taxable year and all previous
taxable years is equal to the cumulative amount of all Incentive
Distributions made to the holders of Incentive Distribution
Rights from the Closing Date to a date 45 days after the end of
the current taxable year.
(iv) Qualified Income Offset. Notwithstanding the other provisions of
this Section 6.1 (other than Sections 6.1(d)(i) and (d)(ii)), in the
event any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations
or distributions described in Treasury Regulation Sections
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5), or
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), items of Partnership income and gain shall be
specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient
to eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations
promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, the deficit balance, if
any, in its Adjusted Capital Account created by such adjustments,
allocations or distributions as quickly as possible unless such
deficit balance is otherwise eliminated pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(i)
or (ii).
(v) Gross Income Allocations. In the event any Partner has a deficit
balance in its Capital Account at the end of any Partnership taxable
period in excess of the sum of (A) the amount such Partner is required
to restore pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and (B) the
amount such Partner is deemed obligated to restore pursuant to
Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5), such
Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership gross income
and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible;
provided, that an allocation pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(v) shall
be made only if and to the extent that such Partner would have a
deficit balance in its Capital Account as adjusted after all other
allocations provided for in this Section 6.1 have been tentatively
made as if this Section 6.1(d)(v) were not in this Agreement.
(vi) Nonrecourse Deductions. Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable
period shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with their
respective Percentage Interests. If the General Partner determines in
its good faith discretion that the Partnership's
42
Nonrecourse Deductions must be allocated in a different ratio to
satisfy the safe harbor requirements of the Treasury Regulations
promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, the General Partner is
authorized, upon notice to the other Partners, to revise the
prescribed ratio to the numerically closest ratio that does satisfy
such requirements.
(vii) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions. Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for
any taxable period shall be allocated 100% to the Partner that bears
the Economic Risk of Loss with respect to the Partner Nonrecourse Debt
to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in
accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i). If more than
one Partner bears the Economic Risk of Loss with respect to a Partner
Nonrecourse Debt, such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions attributable
thereto shall be allocated between or among such Partners in
accordance with the ratios in which they share such Economic Risk of
Loss.
(viii) Nonrecourse Liabilities. For purposes of Treasury Regulation Section
1.752-3(a)(3), the Partners agree that Nonrecourse Liabilities of the
Partnership in excess of the sum of (A) the amount of Partnership
Minimum Gain and (B) the total amount of Nonrecourse Built-in Gain
shall be allocated among the Partners in accordance with their
respective Percentage Interests.
(ix) Code Section 754 Adjustments. To the extent an adjustment to the
adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to Section 734(b)
or 743(c) of the Code is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation
Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining
Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital
Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment
increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases
such basis), and such item of gain or loss shall be specially
allocated to the Partners in a manner consistent with the manner in
which their Capital Accounts are required to be adjusted pursuant to
such Section of the Treasury Regulations.
(x) Curative Allocation.
(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.1, other
than the Required Allocations, the Required Allocations shall be
taken into account in making the Agreed Allocations so that, to
the extent possible, the net amount of items of income, gain,
loss and deduction allocated to each Partner pursuant to the
Required Allocations and the Agreed Allocations, together, shall
be equal to the net amount of such items that would have been
allocated to each such Partner under the Agreed Allocations had
the Required Allocations and the related Curative Allocation not
otherwise been provided in this Section 6.1. Notwithstanding the
preceding sentence, Required Allocations relating to (1)
Nonrecourse Deductions shall not be taken into account except to
the extent that there
43
has been a decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain and (2) Partner
Nonrecourse Deductions shall not be taken into account except to
the extent that there has been a decrease in Partner Nonrecourse
Debt Minimum Gain. Allocations pursuant to this Section
6.1(d)(x)(A) shall only be made with respect to Required
Allocations to the extent the General Partner reasonably
determines that such allocations will otherwise be inconsistent
with the economic agreement among the Partners. Further,
allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(x)(A) shall be
deferred with respect to allocations pursuant to clauses (1) and
(2) hereof to the extent the General Partner reasonably
determines that such allocations are likely to be offset by
subsequent Required Allocations.
(B) The General Partner shall have reasonable discretion, with
respect to each taxable period, to (1) apply the provisions of
Section 6.1(d)(x)(A) in whatever order is most likely to minimize
the economic distortions that might otherwise result from the
Required Allocations, and (2) divide all allocations pursuant to
Section 6.1(d)(x)(A) among the Partners in a manner that is
likely to minimize such economic distortions.
(xi) Corrective Allocations. In the event of any allocation of Additional
Book Basis Derivative Items or any Book-Down Event or any recognition
of a Net Termination Loss, the following rules shall apply:
(A) In the case of any allocation of Additional Book Basis Derivative
Items (other than an allocation of Unrealized Gain or Unrealized
Loss under Section 5.5(d) hereof), the General Partner shall
allocate additional items of gross income and gain away from the
holders of Incentive Distribution Rights to the Unitholders and
the General Partner, or additional items of deduction and loss
away from the Unitholders and the General Partner to the holders
of Incentive Distribution Rights, to the extent that the
Additional Book Basis Derivative Items allocated to the
Unitholders or the General Partner exceed their Share of
Additional Book Basis Derivative Items. For this purpose, the
Unitholders and the General Partner shall be treated as being
allocated Additional Book Basis Derivative Items to the extent
that such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items have reduced the
amount of income that would otherwise have been allocated to the
Unitholders or the General Partner under the Partnership
Agreement (e.g., Additional Book Basis Derivative Items taken
into account in computing cost of goods sold would reduce the
amount of book income otherwise available for allocation among
the Partners). Any allocation made pursuant to this Section
6.1(d)(xi)(A) shall be made after all of the other Agreed
Allocations have been made as if this Section 6.1(d)(xi) were not
in this Agreement and, to the extent necessary, shall require the
reallocation of items that have been allocated pursuant to such
other Agreed Allocations.
(B) In the case of any negative adjustments to the Capital Accounts
of the Partners resulting from a Book-Down Event or from the
recognition of a
44
Net Termination Loss, such negative adjustment (1) shall first be
allocated, to the extent of the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive
Adjustments, in such a manner, as reasonably determined by the
General Partner, that to the extent possible the aggregate
Capital Accounts of the Partners will equal the amount which
would have been the Capital Account balance of the Partners if no
prior Book-Up Events had occurred, and (2) any negative
adjustment in excess of the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive
Adjustments shall be allocated pursuant to Section 6.1(c) hereof.
(C) In making the allocations required under this Section 6.1(d)(xi),
the General Partner, in its sole discretion, may apply whatever
conventions or other methodology it deems reasonable to satisfy
the purpose of this Section 6.1(d)(xi).
SECTION 6.2 Allocations for Tax Purposes.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, for federal income tax
purposes, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction shall be allocated among
the Partners in the same manner as its correlative item of "book" income, gain,
loss or deduction is allocated pursuant to Section 6.1.
(b) In an attempt to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities attributable to a
Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, items of income, gain, loss,
depreciation, amortization and cost recovery deductions shall be allocated for
federal income tax purposes among the Partners as follows:
(i) (A) In the case of a Contributed Property, such items attributable
thereto shall be allocated among the Partners in the manner provided
under Section 704(c) of the Code that takes into account the variation
between the Agreed Value of such property and its adjusted basis at
the time of contribution; and (B) any item of Residual Gain or
Residual Loss attributable to a Contributed Property shall be
allocated among the Partners in the same manner as its correlative
item of "book" gain or loss is allocated pursuant to Section 6.1.
(ii) (A) In the case of an Adjusted Property, such items shall (1) first,
be allocated among the Partners in a manner consistent with the
principles of Section 704(c) of the Code to take into account the
Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such property and
the allocations thereof pursuant to Section 5.5(d)(i) or 5.5(d)(ii),
and (2) second, in the event such property was originally a
Contributed Property, be allocated among the Partners in a manner
consistent with Section 6.2(b)(i)(A); and (B) any item of Residual
Gain or Residual Loss attributable to an Adjusted Property shall be
allocated among the Partners in the same manner as its correlative
item of "book" gain or loss is allocated pursuant to Section 6.1.
(iii) The General Partner shall apply the principles of Treasury Regulation
Section 1.704-3(d) to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities.
45
(c) For the proper administration of the Partnership and for the
preservation of uniformity of the Limited Partner Interests (or any class or
classes thereof), the General Partner shall have sole discretion to (i) adopt
such conventions as it deems appropriate in determining the amount of
depreciation, amortization and cost recovery deductions; (ii) make special
allocations for federal income tax purposes of income (including, without
limitation, gross income) or deductions; and (iii) amend the provisions of this
Agreement as appropriate (x) to reflect the proposal or promulgation of Treasury
Regulations under Section 704(b) or Section 704(c) of the Code (including
without limitation Treasury Regulations regarding compensatory and
noncompensatory options) or (y) otherwise to preserve or achieve uniformity of
the Limited Partner Interests (or any class or classes thereof). The General
Partner may adopt such conventions, make such allocations and make such
amendments to this Agreement as provided in this Section 6.2(c) only if such
conventions, allocations or amendments would not have a material adverse effect
on the Partners, the holders of any class or classes of Limited Partner
Interests issued and Outstanding or the Partnership, and if such allocations are
consistent with the principles of Section 704 of the Code. Additionally, the
General partner has the authority to amend the provisions of this Agreement as
necessary to conform to proposed or promulgated Treasury Regulations under
Subchapter K of the Code regarding compensatory and noncompensatory options to
acquire a Partnership Security.
(d) The General Partner in its discretion may determine to depreciate
or amortize the portion of an adjustment under Section 743(b) of the Code
attributable to unrealized appreciation in any Adjusted Property (to the extent
of the unamortized Book-Tax Disparity) using a predetermined rate derived from
the depreciation or amortization method and useful life applied to the
Partnership's common basis of such property, despite any inconsistency of such
approach with Treasury Regulation Section 1.167(c)-l(a)(6) or any successor
regulations thereto. If the General Partner determines that such reporting
position cannot reasonably be taken, the General Partner may adopt depreciation
and amortization conventions under which all purchasers acquiring Limited
Partner Interests in the same month would receive depreciation and amortization
deductions, based upon the same applicable rate as if they had purchased a
direct interest in the Partnership's property. If the General Partner chooses
not to utilize such aggregate method, the General Partner may use any other
reasonable depreciation and amortization conventions to preserve the uniformity
of the intrinsic tax characteristics of any Limited Partner Interests that would
not have a material adverse effect on the Limited Partners or the Record Holders
of any class or classes of Limited Partner Interests.
(e) Any gain allocated to the Partners upon the sale or other taxable
disposition of any Partnership asset shall, to the extent possible, after taking
into account other required allocations of gain pursuant to this Section 6.2, be
characterized as Recapture Income in the same proportions and to the same extent
as such Partners (or their predecessors in interest) have been allocated any
deductions directly or indirectly giving rise to the treatment of such gains as
Recapture Income.
(f) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit recognized by
the Partnership for federal income tax purposes and allocated to the Partners in
accordance with the provisions hereof shall be determined without regard to any
election under Section 754 of the Code which may be made by the Partnership;
provided, however, that such allocations, once
46
made, shall be adjusted as necessary or appropriate to take into account those
adjustments permitted or required by Sections 734 and 743 of the Code.
(g) Each item of Partnership income, gain, loss and deduction shall for
federal income tax purposes, be determined on an annual basis and prorated on a
monthly basis and shall be allocated to the Partners as of the opening of the
Nasdaq National Market on the first Business Day of each month; provided,
however, that gain or loss on a sale or other disposition of any assets of the
Partnership or any other extraordinary item of income or loss realized and
recognized other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined by the
General Partner in its sole discretion, shall be allocated to the Partners as of
the opening of the Nasdaq National Market on the first Business Day of the month
in which such gain or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes. The
General Partner may revise, alter or otherwise modify such methods of allocation
as it determines necessary or appropriate in its sole discretion, to the extent
permitted or required by Section 706 of the Code and the regulations or rulings
promulgated thereunder.
(h) Allocations that would otherwise be made to a Limited Partner under
the provisions of this Article VI shall instead be made to the beneficial owner
of Limited Partner Interests held by a nominee in any case in which the nominee
has furnished the identity of such owner to the Partnership in accordance with
Section 6031(c) of the Code or any other method acceptable to the General
Partner in its sole discretion.
SECTION 6.3 Requirement and Characterization of Distributions;
Distributions to Record Holders.
(a) Within 45 days following the end of each Quarter, an amount equal
to 100% of Available Cash with respect to such Quarter shall, subject to Section
17-607 of the Delaware Act, be distributed in accordance with this Article VI by
the Partnership to the Partners as of the Record Date selected by the General
Partner in its reasonable discretion. All amounts of Available Cash distributed
by the Partnership on any date from any source shall be deemed to be Operating
Surplus until the sum of all amounts of Available Cash theretofore distributed
by the Partnership to the Partners pursuant to Section 6.4 equals the Operating
Surplus from the Closing Date through the close of the immediately preceding
Quarter. Any remaining amounts of Available Cash distributed by the Partnership
on such date shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 6.5, be deemed to be
"Capital Surplus." All distributions required to be made under this Agreement
shall be made subject to Section 17-607 of the Delaware Act.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 6.3(a), in the event of the dissolution and
liquidation of the Partnership, all receipts received during or after the
Quarter in which the Liquidation Date occurs, other than from borrowings
described in (a)(ii) of the definition of Available Cash, shall be applied and
distributed solely in accordance with, and subject to the terms and conditions
of, Section 12.4.
(c) The General Partner shall have the discretion to treat taxes paid
by the Partnership on behalf of, or amounts withheld with respect to, all or
less than all of the Partners, as a distribution of Available Cash to such
Partners.
47
(d) Each distribution in respect of a Partnership Interest shall be
paid by the Partnership, directly or through the Transfer Agent or through any
other Person or agent, only to the Record Holder of such Partnership Interest as
of the Record Date set for such distribution. Such payment shall constitute full
payment and satisfaction of the Partnership's liability in respect of such
payment, regardless of any claim of any Person who may have an interest in such
payment by reason of an assignment or otherwise.
SECTION 6.4 Distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus.
(a) Available Cash with respect to any Quarter that is deemed to be
Operating Surplus pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.3 or 6.5, subject to
Section 17-607 of the Delaware Act, shall be distributed as follows, except as
otherwise required by Section 5.6(b) in respect of additional Partnership
Securities issued pursuant thereto:
(i) First, 98% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General
Partner, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then
Outstanding an amount equal to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for
such Quarter;
(ii) Second, 98% to the Unitholders, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General
Partner, until there has been distributed in respect of each Common
Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the Cumulative Common Unit
Arrearage existing with respect to such Quarter;
(iii) Third, 98% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General
Partner, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then
Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the First Target
Distribution over the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter;
(iv) Fourth, 85% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, 13% to the holders of the
Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General
Partner, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then
Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the Second Target
Distribution over the First Target Distribution for such Quarter;
(v) Fifth, 75% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, 23% to the holders of the
Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General
Partner, until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then
Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the Third Target
Distribution over the Second Target Distribution for such Quarter; and
(vi) Thereafter, 50% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, 48% to the holders of
the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General
Partner;
provided, however, if the Minimum Quarterly Distribution, the First Target
Distribution, the Second Target Distribution and the Third Target Distribution
have been reduced to zero pursuant to the second sentence of Section 6.6(a), the
distribution of Available Cash that is deemed to be
48
Operating Surplus with respect to any Quarter will be made solely in accordance
with Section 6.4(a)(vi).
SECTION 6.5 Distributions of Available Cash from Capital Surplus.
Available Cash that is deemed to be Capital Surplus pursuant to the provisions
of Section 6.3(a) shall, subject to Section 17-607 of the Delaware Act, be
distributed, unless the provisions of Section 6.3 require otherwise, 98% to all
Unitholders, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General Partner, until a hypothetical
holder of an Initial Common Unit has received with respect to such Common Unit,
during the period since the Closing Date through such date, distributions of
Available Cash that are deemed to be Capital Surplus in an aggregate amount
equal to the Initial Unit Capital Account. Available Cash that is deemed to be
Capital Surplus shall then be distributed 98% to all Unitholders holding Common
Units, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General Partner, until there has been distributed
in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the
Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage. Thereafter, all Available Cash shall be
distributed as if it were Operating Surplus and shall be distributed in
accordance with Section 6.4.
SECTION 6.6 Adjustment of Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target
Distribution Levels.
(a) The Minimum Quarterly Distribution, First Target Distribution,
Second Target Distribution, Third Target Distribution, Common Unit Arrearages
and Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages shall be proportionately adjusted in the
event of any distribution, combination or subdivision (whether effected by a
distribution payable in Units or otherwise) of Units or other Partnership
Securities in accordance with Section 5.10. In the event of a distribution of
Available Cash that is deemed to be from Capital Surplus, the then applicable
Minimum Quarterly Distribution, First Target Distribution, Second Target
Distribution and Third Target Distribution, shall be adjusted proportionately
downward to equal the product obtained by multiplying the otherwise applicable
Minimum Quarterly Distribution, First Target Distribution, Second Target
Distribution and Third Target Distribution, as the case may be, by a fraction of
which the numerator is the Unrecovered Capital of the Common Units immediately
after giving effect to such distribution and of which the denominator is the
Unrecovered Capital of the Common Units immediately prior to giving effect to
such distribution.
(b) The Minimum Quarterly Distribution, First Target Distribution,
Second Target Distribution and Third Target Distribution, shall also be subject
to adjustment pursuant to Section 6.9.
SECTION 6.7 [RESERVED].
SECTION 6.8 Special Provisions Relating to the Holders of Incentive
Distribution Rights. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this
Agreement, the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights (a) shall (i)
possess the rights and obligations provided in this Agreement with respect to a
Limited Partner pursuant to Articles III and VII and (ii) have a Capital Account
as a Partner pursuant to Section 5.5 and all other provisions related thereto
and (b) shall not (i) be entitled to vote on any matters requiring the approval
or vote of the holders of Outstanding Units, (ii) be entitled to any
distributions other than as provided in Sections
49
6.4(a)(iv) through (vi), and 12.4 or (iii) be allocated items of income, gain,
loss or deduction other than as specified in this Article VI.
SECTION 6.9 Entity-Level Taxation. If legislation is enacted or the
interpretation of existing language is modified by the relevant governmental
authority which causes a Group Member to be treated as an association taxable as
a corporation or otherwise subjects a Group Member to entity-level taxation for
federal, state or local income tax purposes, the then applicable Minimum
Quarterly Distribution, First Target Distribution, Second Target Distribution
and Third Target Distribution, shall be adjusted to equal the product obtained
by multiplying (a) the amount thereof by (b) one minus the sum of (i) the
highest marginal federal corporate (or other entity, as applicable) income tax
rate of the Group Member for the taxable year of the Group Member in which such
Quarter occurs (expressed as a percentage) plus (ii) the effective overall state
and local income tax rate (expressed as a percentage) applicable to the Group
Member for the calendar year next preceding the calendar year in which such
Quarter occurs (after taking into account the benefit of any deduction allowable
for federal income tax purposes with respect to the payment of state and local
income taxes), but only to the extent of the increase in such rates resulting
from such legislation or interpretation. Such effective overall state and local
income tax rate shall be determined for the taxable year next preceding the
first taxable year during which the Group Member is taxable for federal income
tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation or is otherwise subject
to entity-level taxation by determining such rate as if the Group Member had
been subject to such state and local taxes during such preceding taxable year.
ARTICLE VII
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS
SECTION 7.1 Management.
(a) The General Partner shall conduct, direct and manage all activities
of the Partnership. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement,
all management powers over the business and affairs of the Partnership shall be
exclusively vested in the General Partner, and no Limited Partner or Assignee
shall have any management power over the business and affairs of the
Partnership. In addition to the powers now or hereafter granted a general
partner of a limited partnership under applicable law or which are granted to
the General Partner under any other provision of this Agreement, the General
Partner, subject to Section 7.3, shall have full power and authority to do all
things and on such terms as it, in its sole discretion, may deem necessary or
appropriate to conduct the business of the Partnership, to exercise all powers
set forth in Section 2.5 and to effectuate the purposes set forth in Section
2.4, including the following:
(i) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money, the
assumption or guarantee of, or other contracting for, indebtedness and
other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of indebtedness,
including indebtedness that is convertible into Partnership
Securities, and the incurring of any other obligations;
50
(ii) the making of tax, regulatory and other filings, or rendering of
periodic or other reports to governmental or other agencies having
jurisdiction over the business or assets of the Partnership;
(iii) the acquisition, disposition, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance,
hypothecation or exchange of any or all of the assets of the
Partnership or the merger or other combination of the Partnership with
or into another Person (the matters described in this clause (iii)
being subject, however, to any prior approval that may be required by
Section 7.3);
(iv) the use of the assets of the Partnership (including cash on hand) for
any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement, including the
financing of the conduct of the operations of the Partnership Group;
subject to Section 7.6(a), the lending of funds to other Persons
(including other Group Members), the repayment or guarantee of
obligations of the Partnership Group and the making of capital
contributions to any member of the Partnership Group;
(v) the negotiation, execution and performance of any contracts,
conveyances or other instruments (including instruments that limit the
liability of the Partnership under contractual arrangements to all or
particular assets of the Partnership, with the other party to the
contract to have no recourse against the General Partner or its assets
other than its interest in the Partnership, even if same results in
the terms of the transaction being less favorable to the Partnership
than would otherwise be the case);
(vi) the distribution of Partnership cash;
(vii) the selection and dismissal of employees (including employees having
titles such as "president," "vice president," "secretary" and
"treasurer") and agents, outside attorneys, accountants, consultants
and contractors and the determination of their compensation and other
terms of employment or hiring;
(viii) the maintenance of such insurance for the benefit of the Partnership
Group and the Partners as it deems necessary or appropriate;
(ix) the formation of, or acquisition of an interest in, and the
contribution of property and the making of loans to, any other limited
or general partnerships, joint ventures, corporations, limited
liability companies or other relationships (including the acquisition
of interests in, and the contributions of property to, any Group
Member from time to time) subject to the restrictions set forth in
Section 2.4;
(x) the control of any matters affecting the rights and obligations of the
Partnership, including the bringing and defending of actions at law or
in equity and otherwise engaging in the conduct of litigation and the
incurring of legal expense and the settlement of claims and
litigation;
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(xi) the indemnification of any Person against liabilities and
contingencies to the extent permitted by law;
(xii) the entering into of listing agreements with any National Securities
Exchange and the delisting of some or all of the Limited Partner
Interests from, or requesting that trading be suspended on, any such
exchange (subject to any prior approval that may be required under
Section 4.8);
(xiii) unless restricted or prohibited by Section 5.7, the purchase, sale
or other acquisition or disposition of Partnership Securities, or the
issuance of additional options, rights, warrants and appreciation
rights relating to Partnership Securities; and
(xiv) the undertaking of any action in connection with the Partnership's
participation in the Operating Partnership or any other subsidiary of
the Partnership as a member or partner.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the
Operating Partnership Agreement, the Delaware Act or any applicable law, rule or
regulation, each of the Partners and the Assignees and each other Person who may
acquire an interest in Partnership Securities hereby (i) approves, ratifies and
confirms the execution, delivery and performance by the parties thereto of the
Operating Partnership Agreement, the Omnibus Agreement, the Contribution
Agreement, the Distribution Agreement, and the Purchase Contract dated October
1, 2004, between Penn Octane Corporation and the Operating Partnership and the
other agreements described in or filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement
that are related to the transactions contemplated by the Registration Statement;
(ii) agrees that the General Partner (on its own or through any officer of the
Partnership) is authorized to execute, deliver and perform the agreements
referred to in clause (i) of this sentence and the other agreements, acts,
transactions and matters described in or contemplated by the Registration
Statement on behalf of the Partnership without any further act, approval or vote
of the Partners or the Assignees or the other Persons who may acquire an
interest in Partnership Securities; and (iii) agrees that the execution,
delivery or performance by the General Partner, any Group Member or any
Affiliate of any of them, of this Agreement or any agreement authorized or
permitted under this Agreement (including the exercise by the General Partner or
any Affiliate of the General Partner of the rights accorded pursuant to Article
XV), shall not constitute a breach by the General Partner of any duty that the
General Partner may owe the Partnership or the Limited Partners or any other
Persons under this Agreement (or any other agreements) or of any duty stated or
implied by law or equity.
SECTION 7.2 Certificate of Limited Partnership. The General Partner
has caused the Certificate of Limited Partnership to be filed with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware as required by the Delaware Act. The General
Partner shall use all reasonable efforts to cause to be filed such other
certificates or documents as may be determined by the General Partner in its
sole discretion to be reasonable and necessary or appropriate for the formation,
continuation, qualification and operation of a limited partnership (or a
partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability) in the State
of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership may
52
elect to do business or own property. To the extent that such action is
determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion to be reasonable and
necessary or appropriate, the General Partner shall file amendments to and
restatements of the Certificate of Limited Partnership and do all things to
maintain the Partnership as a limited partnership (or a partnership or other
entity in which the limited partners have limited liability) under the laws of
the State of Delaware or of any other state in which the Partnership may elect
to do business or own property. Subject to the terms of Section 3.4(a), the
General Partner shall not be required, before or after filing, to deliver or
mail a copy of the Certificate of Limited Partnership, any qualification
document or any amendment thereto to any Limited Partner.
SECTION 7.3 Restrictions on the General Partner's Authority.
(a) The General Partner may not, without written approval of the
specific act by holders of all of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests or
by other written instrument executed and delivered by holders of all of the
Outstanding Limited Partner Interests subsequent to the date of this Agreement,
take any action in contravention of this Agreement, including, except as
otherwise provided in this Agreement, (i) committing any act that would make it
impossible to carry on the ordinary business of the Partnership; (ii) possessing
Partnership property, or assigning any rights in specific Partnership property,
for other than a Partnership purpose; (iii) admitting a Person as a Partner;
(iv) amending this Agreement in any manner; or (v) transferring its interest as
a general partner of the Partnership.
(b) Except as provided in Articles XII and XIV, the General Partner may
not sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the
Partnership's assets in a single transaction or a series of related transactions
(including by way of merger, consolidation or other combination) or approve on
behalf of the Partnership the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Operating Partnership without the
approval of holders of a Unit Majority; provided however that this provision
shall not preclude or limit the General Partner's ability to mortgage, pledge,
hypothecate or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of the
assets of the Partnership or the Operating Partnership and shall not apply to
any forced sale of any or all of the assets of the Partnership or the Operating
Partnership pursuant to the foreclosure of, or other realization upon, any such
encumbrance. Without the approval of holders of a Unit Majority, the General
Partner shall not, on behalf of the Partnership, (i) consent to any amendment to
the Operating Partnership Agreement or (ii) except as expressly permitted by
Section 7.9(d), take any action permitted to be taken by a partner of the
Operating Partnership, in either case, that would adversely affect the Limited
Partners (including any particular class of Partnership Interests as compared to
any other class of Partnership Interests) in any material respect, except, in
either case, as permitted under Sections 4.6, 11.1 and 11.2 with respect to the
election of a successor general partner or managing member of any Group Member.
SECTION 7.4 Reimbursement of the General Partner.
(a) Except as provided in this Section 7.4 and elsewhere in this
Agreement, the General Partner shall not be compensated for its services as a
general partner or managing member of any Group Member.
53
(b) The General Partner shall be reimbursed on a monthly basis, or such
other reasonable basis as the General Partner may determine in its sole
discretion, for (i) all direct and indirect expenses it incurs or payments it
makes on behalf of the Partnership (including salary, bonus, incentive
compensation and other amounts paid to any Person including Affiliates of the
General Partner to perform services for the Partnership or for the General
Partner in the discharge of its duties to the Partnership), and (ii) all other
necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to the Partnership or otherwise
reasonably incurred by the General Partner in connection with operating the
Partnership's business (including expenses allocated to the General Partner by
its Affiliates). The General Partner shall determine the expenses that are
allocable to the Partnership in any reasonable manner determined by the General
Partner in its sole discretion. Reimbursements pursuant to this Section 7.4
shall be in addition to any reimbursement to the General Partner as a result of
indemnification pursuant to Section 7.7.
(c) Subject to Section 5.7, the General Partner, in its sole discretion
and without the approval of the Limited Partners (who shall have no right to
vote in respect thereof), may propose and adopt on behalf of the Partnership
employee benefit plans, employee programs and employee practices (including
plans, programs and practices involving the issuance of Partnership Securities
or options to purchase Partnership Securities), or cause the Partnership to
issue Partnership Securities in connection with, or pursuant to, any employee
benefit plan, employee program or employee practice maintained or sponsored by
the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, in each case for the benefit of
employees of the General Partner, any Group Member or any Affiliate, or any of
them, in respect of services performed, directly or indirectly, for the benefit
of the Partnership Group. The Partnership agrees to issue and sell to the
General Partner or any of its Affiliates any Partnership Securities that the
General Partner or such Affiliates are obligated to provide to any employees
pursuant to any such employee benefit plans, employee programs or employee
practices. Expenses incurred by the General Partner in connection with any such
plans, programs and practices (including the net cost to the General Partner or
such Affiliates of Partnership Securities purchased by the General Partner or
such Affiliates from the Partnership to fulfill options or awards under such
plans, programs and practices) shall be reimbursed in accordance with Section
7.4(b). Any and all obligations of the General Partner under any employee
benefit plans, employee programs or employee practices adopted by the General
Partner as permitted by this Section 7.4(c) shall constitute obligations of the
General Partner hereunder and shall be assumed by any successor General Partner
approved pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2 or the transferee of or successor to
all of the General Partner's General Partner Interest pursuant to Section 4.6.
SECTION 7.5 Outside Activities.
(a) After the Closing Date, the General Partner, for so long as it is
the General Partner of the Partnership agrees that its sole business will be to
act as a general partner or managing member, as the case may be, of the
Partnership and any other partnership or limited liability company of which the
Partnership or the Operating Partnership is, directly or indirectly, a partner
or member and to undertake activities that are ancillary or related thereto
(including being a limited partner in the Partnership).
54
(b) Penn Octane Corporation has entered into the Omnibus Agreement with
the General Partner, and the Partnership, which agreement sets forth certain
aspects of the business relationship between Penn Octane Corporation and its
Affiliates and the Partnership.
(c) Each Indemnitee (other than the General Partner) shall have the
right to engage in businesses of every type and description and other activities
for profit and to engage in and possess an interest in other business ventures
of any and every type or description, whether in businesses engaged in or
anticipated to be engaged in by any Group Member, independently or with others,
including business interests and activities in direct competition with the
business and activities of any Group Member, and none of the same shall
constitute a breach of this Agreement or any duty express or implied by law to
any Group Member or any Partner or Assignee. Neither any Group Member, any
Limited Partner nor any other Person shall have any rights by virtue of this
Agreement, the Operating Partnership Agreement, the limited liability company or
partnership agreement of any other Group Member or the partnership relationship
established hereby or thereby in any business ventures of any Indemnitee.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) the
engaging in competitive activities by any Indemnitees (other than the General
Partner) in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.5 is hereby
approved by the Partnership and all Partners, (ii) it shall be deemed not to be
a breach of the General Partner's fiduciary duty or any other obligation of any
type whatsoever of the General Partner for the Indemnitees (other than the
General Partner) to engage in such business interests and activities in
preference to or to the exclusion of the Partnership and (iii) Penn Octane
Corporation, the General Partner and the Indemnitees shall have no obligation to
present business opportunities to the Partnership.
(e) The General Partner and any of its Affiliates may acquire Units or
other Partnership Securities in addition to those acquired on the Closing Date
and, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, shall be entitled to
exercise all rights of the General Partner or Limited Partner, as applicable,
relating to such Units or Partnership Securities.
(f) The term "Affiliates" when used in Section 7.5(a) and Section
7.5(e) with respect to the General Partner shall not include any Group Member or
any Subsidiary of the Group Member.
(g) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, to the
extent that provisions of Sections 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.10 or other Sections of this
Agreement purport or are interpreted to have the effect of restricting the
fiduciary duties that might otherwise, as a result of Delaware or other
applicable law, be owed by the General Partner to the Partnership and its
Limited Partners, or to constitute a waiver or consent by the Limited Partners
to any such restriction, such provisions shall be inapplicable and have no
effect in determining whether the General Partner has complied with its
fiduciary duties in connection with determinations made by it under this Section
7.5.
SECTION 7.6 Loans from the General Partner; Loans or Contributions from
the Partnership; Contracts with Affiliates; Certain Restrictions on the General
Partner.
55
(a) The General Partner or any of its Affiliates may lend to any Group
Member, and any Group Member may borrow from the General Partner or any of its
Affiliates, funds needed or desired by the Group Member for such periods of time
and in such amounts as the General Partner may determine; provided, however,
that in any such case the lending party may not charge the borrowing party
interest at a rate greater than the rate that would be charged the borrowing
party or impose terms less favorable to the borrowing party than would be
charged or imposed on the borrowing party by unrelated lenders on comparable
loans made on an arm's-length basis (without reference to the lending party's
financial abilities or guarantees). The borrowing party shall reimburse the
lending party for any costs (other than any additional interest costs) incurred
by the lending party in connection with the borrowing of such funds. For
purposes of this Section 7.6(a) and Section 7.6(b), the term "Group Member"
shall include any Affiliate of a Group Member that is controlled by the Group
Member. No Group Member may lend funds to the General Partner or any of its
Affiliates (other than another Group Member).
(b) The Partnership may lend or contribute to any Group Member, and any
Group Member may borrow from the Partnership, funds on terms and conditions
established in the sole discretion of the General Partner; provided, however,
that the Partnership may not charge the Group Member interest at a rate less
than the rate that would be charged to the Group Member (without reference to
the General Partner's financial abilities or guarantees) by unrelated lenders on
comparable loans. The foregoing authority shall be exercised by the General
Partner in its sole discretion and shall not create any right or benefit in
favor of any Group Member or any other Person.
(c) The General Partner may itself, or may enter into an agreement with
any of its Affiliates to, render services to a Group Member or to the General
Partner in the discharge of its duties as General Partner of the Partnership.
Any services rendered to a Group Member by the General Partner or any of its
Affiliates shall be on terms that are fair and reasonable to the Partnership;
provided, however, that the requirements of this Section 7.6(c) shall be deemed
satisfied as to (i) any transaction approved by Special Approval, (ii) any
transaction, the terms of which are no less favorable to the Partnership Group
than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties
or (iii) any transaction that, taking into account the totality of the
relationships between the parties involved (including other transactions that
may be particularly favorable or advantageous to the Partnership Group), is
equitable to the Partnership Group. The provisions of Section 7.4 shall apply to
the rendering of services described in this Section 7.6(c).
(d) The Partnership Group may transfer assets to joint ventures, other
partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies or other business
entities in which it is or thereby becomes a participant upon such terms and
subject to such conditions as are consistent with this Agreement and applicable
law.
(e) Neither the General Partner nor any of its Affiliates shall sell,
transfer or convey any property to, or purchase any property from, the
Partnership, directly or indirectly, except pursuant to transactions that are
fair and reasonable to the Partnership; provided, however, that the requirements
of this Section 7.6(e) shall be deemed to be satisfied as to (i) the
transactions effected pursuant to Sections 5.2 and 5.3, the Contribution
Agreement and any other transactions
56
described in or contemplated by the Registration Statement, (ii) any transaction
approved by Special Approval, (iii) any transaction, the terms of which are no
less favorable to the Partnership than those generally being provided to or
available from unrelated third parties, or (iv) any transaction that, taking
into account the totality of the relationships between the parties involved
(including other transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous
to the Partnership), is equitable to the Partnership. With respect to any
contribution of assets to the Partnership in exchange for Partnership
Securities, the Conflicts Committee, in determining whether the appropriate
number of Partnership Securities are being issued, may take into account, among
other things, the fair market value of the assets, the liquidated and contingent
liabilities assumed, the tax basis in the assets, the extent to which tax-only
allocations to the transferor will protect the existing partners of the
Partnership against a low tax basis, and such other factors as the Conflicts
Committee deems relevant under the circumstances.
(f) The General Partner and its Affiliates will have no obligation to
permit any Group Member to use any facilities or assets of the General Partner
and its Affiliates, except as may be provided in contracts entered into from
time to time specifically dealing with such use, nor shall there be any
obligation on the part of the General Partner or its Affiliates to enter into
such contracts.
(g) Without limitation of Sections 7.6(a) through 7.6(f), and
notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the existence of the
conflicts of interest described in the Registration Statement are hereby
approved by all Partners.
SECTION 7.7 Indemnification.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law but subject to the
limitations expressly provided in this Agreement, all Indemnitees shall be
indemnified and held harmless by the Partnership from and against any and all
losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including
legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or
other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or
proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which
any Indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or
otherwise, by reason of its status as an Indemnitee; provided, that in each case
the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner that such Indemnitee
reasonably believed to be in, or (in the case of a Person other than the General
Partner) not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and, with respect
to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe its conduct was
unlawful; provided, further, no indemnification pursuant to this Section 7.7
shall be available to the General Partner with respect to its obligations
incurred pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, the Contribution Agreement and the
Distribution Agreement (other than obligations incurred by the General Partner
on behalf of the Partnership). The termination of any action, suit or proceeding
by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or
its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that the Indemnitee acted in a
manner contrary to that specified above. Any indemnification pursuant to this
Section 7.7 shall be made only out of the assets of the Partnership, it being
agreed that the General Partner shall not be personally liable for such
indemnification and shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any monies or
property to the Partnership to enable it to effectuate such indemnification.
57
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal
fees and expenses) incurred by an Indemnitee who is indemnified pursuant to
Section 7.7(a) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall,
from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition
of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the
Partnership of any undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay such
amount if it shall be determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be
indemnified as authorized in this Section 7.7.
(c) The indemnification provided by this Section 7.7 shall be in
addition to any other rights to which an Indemnitee may be entitled under any
agreement, pursuant to any vote of the holders of Outstanding Limited Partner
Interests, as a matter of law or otherwise, both as to actions in the
Indemnitee's capacity as an Indemnitee and as to actions in any other capacity,
and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to serve in such capacity
and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors, assigns and
administrators of the Indemnitee.
(d) The Partnership may purchase and maintain (or reimburse the General
Partner or its Affiliates for the cost of) insurance, on behalf of the General
Partner, its Affiliates and such other Persons as the General Partner shall
determine, against any liability that may be asserted against or expense that
may be incurred by such Person in connection with the Partnership's activities
or such Person's activities on behalf of the Partnership, regardless of whether
the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such Person against such
liability under the provisions of this Agreement.
(e) For purposes of this Section 7.7, the Partnership shall be deemed
to have requested an Indemnitee to serve as fiduciary of an employee benefit
plan whenever the performance by it of its duties to the Partnership also
imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, it to the plan or
participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on an
Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law
shall constitute "fines" within the meaning of Section 7.7(a); and action taken
or omitted by it with respect to any employee benefit plan in the performance of
its duties for a purpose reasonably believed by it to be in the interest of the
participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose
which is in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership.
(f) In no event may an Indemnitee subject the Limited Partners to
personal liability by reason of the indemnification provisions set forth in this
Agreement.
(g) An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification in whole or in
part under this Section 7.7 because the Indemnitee had an interest in the
transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction
was otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement.
(h) The provisions of this Section 7.7 are for the benefit of the
Indemnitees, their heirs, successors, assigns and administrators and shall not
be deemed to create any rights for the benefit of any other Persons.
58
(i) No amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 7.7 or any
provision hereof shall in any manner terminate, reduce or impair the right of
any past, present or future Indemnitee to be indemnified by the Partnership, nor
the obligations of the Partnership to indemnify any such Indemnitee under and in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.7 as in effect immediately
prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising
from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such
amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or
be asserted.
SECTION 7.8 Liability of Indemnitees.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this
Agreement, no Indemnitee shall be liable for monetary damages to the
Partnership, the Limited Partners, the Assignees or any other Persons who have
acquired interests in the Partnership Securities, for losses sustained or
liabilities incurred as a result of any act or omission if such Indemnitee acted
in good faith.
(b) Subject to its obligations and duties as General Partner set forth
in Section 7.1(a), the General Partner may exercise any of the powers granted to
it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder
either directly or by or through its agents, and the General Partner shall not
be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent
appointed by the General Partner in good faith.
(c) To the extent that, at law or in equity, an Indemnitee has duties
(including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership
or to the Partners, the General Partner and any other Indemnitee acting in
connection with the Partnership's business or affairs shall not be liable to the
Partnership or to any Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of
this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they
restrict or otherwise modify the duties and liabilities of an Indemnitee
otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners to replace
such other duties and liabilities of such Indemnitee.
(d) Any amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 7.8 or any
provision hereof shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect the
limitations on the liability to the Partnership, the Limited Partners, the
General Partner, and the Partnership's and General Partner's directors, officers
and employees under this Section 7.8 as in effect immediately prior to such
amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or
relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment,
modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.
SECTION 7.9 Resolution of Conflicts of Interest.
(a) Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the
Operating Partnership Agreement or the limited liability company agreement or
partnership agreement of any other Group Member, whenever a potential conflict
of interest exists or arises between the General Partner or any of its
Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Partnership, the Operating Partnership, any
other Group Member, any Partner or any Assignee, on the other, any resolution or
course of action by the General Partner or its Affiliates in respect of such
conflict of interest shall be
59
permitted and deemed approved by all Partners, and shall not constitute a breach
of this Agreement, of the Operating Partnership Agreement, of any agreement
contemplated herein or therein, or of any duty stated or implied by law or
equity, if the resolution or course of action is, or by operation of this
Agreement is deemed to be, fair and reasonable to the Partnership. The General
Partner shall be required in connection with its resolution of such conflict of
interest to seek Special Approval of such resolution. Any such approval by the
Conflicts Committee shall be subject to the presumption that, in making its
decision, the Conflicts Committee acted on an informed basis, in good faith, and
in the honest belief that the action taken was in the best interests of the
Partnership, and in any proceeding brought by any Unitholder or by or on behalf
of such Unitholder or any other Unitholders or the Partnership challenging such
approval, the Person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding shall have the
burden of overcoming such presumption. Any conflict of interest and any
resolution of such conflict of interest shall be conclusively deemed fair and
reasonable to the Partnership if such conflict of interest or resolution is (i)
approved by Special Approval, (ii) on terms no less favorable to the Partnership
than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties
or (iii) fair to the Partnership, taking into account the totality of the
relationships between the parties involved (including other transactions that
may be particularly favorable or advantageous to the Partnership). The General
Partner (including the Conflicts Committee in connection with Special Approval)
shall be authorized in connection with its determination of what is "fair and
reasonable" to the Partnership and in connection with its resolution of any
conflict of interest to consider (A) the relative interests of any party to such
conflict, agreement, transaction or situation and the benefits and burdens
relating to such interest; (B) any customary or accepted industry practices and
any customary or historical dealings with a particular Person; (C) any
applicable generally accepted accounting practices or principles; and (D) such
additional factors as the General Partner (including the Conflicts Committee)
determines in its sole discretion to be relevant, reasonable or appropriate
under the circumstances. In any proceeding brought by any Unitholder by or on
behalf of such Unitholder or any other Unitholders or the Partnership alleging
that such a resolution by the General Partner (and not by the Conflicts
Committee, whose resolution shall be conclusive as provided above) is not fair
to the Partnership, such Unitholder shall have the burden of proof of overcoming
such conclusion. Nothing contained in this Agreement, however, is intended to
nor shall it be construed to require the General Partner (including the
Conflicts Committee) to consider the interests of any Person other than the
Partnership. In the absence of bad faith by the General Partner, the resolution,
action or terms so made, taken or provided by the General Partner with respect
to such matter shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement or any other
agreement contemplated herein or a breach of any standard of care or duty
imposed herein or therein or, to the extent permitted by law, under the Delaware
Act or any other law, rule or regulation.
(b) Whenever this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby
provides that the General Partner or any of its Affiliates is permitted or
required to make a decision (i) in its "sole discretion" or "discretion," that
it deems "necessary or appropriate" or "necessary or advisable" or under a grant
of similar authority or latitude, except as otherwise provided herein, the
General Partner or such Affiliate shall be entitled to consider only such
interests and factors as it desires and shall have no duty or obligation to give
any consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, the Partnership, the
Operating Partnership, any Group Member, any Limited Partner or any Assignee,
(ii) it may make such decision in its sole discretion (regardless of
60
whether there is a reference to "sole discretion" or "discretion") unless
another express standard is provided for, or (iii) in "good faith" or under
another express standard, the General Partner or such Affiliate shall act under
such express standard and shall not be subject to any other or different
standards imposed by this Agreement, the Operating Partnership Agreement, the
limited liability company agreement or partnership agreement of any Group Member
any other agreement contemplated hereby or under the Delaware Act or any other
law, rule or regulation. In addition, any actions taken by the General Partner
or such Affiliate consistent with the standards of "reasonable discretion" set
forth in the definitions of Available Cash or Operating Surplus shall not
constitute a breach of any duty of the General Partner to the Partnership or the
Limited Partners. The General Partner shall have no duty, express or implied, to
sell or otherwise dispose of any asset of the Partnership Group other than in
the ordinary course of business. No borrowing by any Group Member or the
approval thereof by the General Partner shall be deemed to constitute a breach
of any duty of the General Partner to the Partnership or the Limited Partners by
reason of the fact that the purpose or effect of such borrowing is directly or
indirectly to enable distributions to the General Partner or its Affiliates
(including in their capacities as Limited Partners) to exceed 2% of the total
amount distributed to all partners.
(c) Whenever a particular transaction, arrangement or resolution of a
conflict of interest is required under this Agreement to be "fair and
reasonable" to any Person, the fair and reasonable nature of such transaction,
arrangement or resolution shall be considered in the context of all similar or
related transactions.
(d) The Unitholders hereby authorize the General Partner, on behalf of
the Partnership as a partner or member of a Group Member, to approve of actions
by the general partner or managing member of such Group Member similar to those
actions permitted to be taken by the General Partner pursuant to this Section
7.9.
SECTION 7.10 Other Matters Concerning the General Partner.
(a) The General Partner may rely and shall be protected in acting or
refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument,
opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond, debenture or other paper
or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by
the proper party or parties.
(b) The General Partner may consult with legal counsel, accountants,
appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and
advisers selected by it, and any act taken or omitted to be taken in reliance
upon the opinion (including an Opinion of Counsel) of such Persons as to matters
that the General Partner reasonably believes to be within such Person's
professional or expert competence shall be conclusively presumed to have been
done or omitted in good faith and in accordance with such opinion.
(c) The General Partner shall have the right, in respect of any of its
powers or obligations hereunder, to act through any of its duly authorized
officers, a duly appointed attorney or attorneys-in-fact or the duly authorized
officers of the Partnership.
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(d) Any standard of care and duty imposed by this Agreement or under
the Delaware Act or any applicable law, rule or regulation shall be modified,
waived or limited, to the extent permitted by law, as required to permit the
General Partner to act under this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated
by this Agreement and to make any decision pursuant to the authority prescribed
in this Agreement, so long as such action is reasonably believed by the General
Partner to be in, or not inconsistent with, the best interests of the
Partnership.
SECTION 7.11 Purchase or Sale of Partnership Securities. The General
Partner may cause the Partnership to purchase or otherwise acquire Partnership
Securities. As long as Partnership Securities are held by any Group Member,
such Partnership Securities shall not be considered Outstanding for any purpose,
except as otherwise provided herein. The General Partner or any Affiliate of the
General Partner may also purchase or otherwise acquire and sell or otherwise
dispose of Partnership Securities for its own account, subject to the provisions
of Articles IV and X.
SECTION 7.12 Registration Rights of the General Partner and its
Affiliates.
(a) If (i) the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner
(including for purposes of this Section 7.12, any Person that is an Affiliate of
the General Partner at the date of this Agreement notwithstanding that it may
later cease to be an Affiliate of the General Partner) holds Partnership
Securities that it desires to sell and (ii) Rule 144 of the Securities Act (or
any successor rule or regulation to Rule 144) or another exemption from
registration is not available to enable such holder of Partnership Securities
(the "Holder") to dispose of the number of Partnership Securities it desires to
sell at the time it desires to do so without registration under the Securities
Act, then upon the request of any such Holder, the Partnership shall file with
the Commission as promptly as practicable after receiving such request, and use
all reasonable efforts to cause to become effective and remain effective for a
period of not less than six months following its effective date or such shorter
period as shall terminate when all Partnership Securities covered by such
registration statement have been sold, a registration statement under the
Securities Act registering the offering and sale of the number of Partnership
Securities specified by the Holder; provided, however, that the Partnership
shall not be required to effect more than three registrations pursuant to this
Section 7.12(a); and provided further, however, that if the Conflicts Committee
determines in its good faith judgment that a postponement of the requested
registration for up to six months would be in the best interests of the
Partnership and its Partners due to a pending transaction, investigation or
other event, the filing of such registration statement or the effectiveness
thereof may be deferred for up to six months, but not thereafter. In connection
with any registration pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, the
Partnership shall promptly prepare and file (x) such documents as may be
necessary to register or qualify the securities subject to such registration
under the securities laws of such states as the Holder shall reasonably request;
provided, however, that no such qualification shall be required in any
jurisdiction where, as a result thereof, the Partnership would become subject to
general service of process or to taxation or qualification to do business as a
foreign corporation or partnership doing business in such jurisdiction solely as
a result of such registration, and (y) such documents as may be necessary to
apply for listing or to list the Partnership Securities subject to such
registration on such National Securities Exchange as the Holder shall reasonably
request, and do any and all other acts and things that may reasonably be
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necessary or advisable to enable the Holder to consummate a public sale of such
Partnership Securities in such states. Except as set forth in Section 7.12(c),
all costs and expenses of any such registration and offering (other than the
underwriting discounts and commissions) shall be paid by the Partnership,
without reimbursement by the Holder.
(b) If the Partnership shall at any time propose to file a registration
statement under the Securities Act for an offering of equity securities of the
Partnership for cash (other than an offering relating solely to an employee
benefit plan), the Partnership shall use all reasonable efforts to include such
number or amount of securities held by the Holder in such registration statement
as the Holder shall request. If the proposed offering pursuant to this Section
7.12(b) shall be an underwritten offering, then, in the event that the managing
underwriter or managing underwriters of such offering advise the Partnership and
the Holder in writing that in their opinion the inclusion of all or some of the
Holder's Partnership Securities would adversely and materially affect the
success of the offering, the Partnership shall include in such offering only
that number or amount, if any, of securities held by the Holder which, in the
opinion of the managing underwriter or managing underwriters, will not so
adversely and materially affect the offering. Except as set forth in Section
7.12(c), all costs and expenses of any such registration and offering (other
than the underwriting discounts and commissions) shall be paid by the
Partnership, without reimbursement by the Holder.
(c) If underwriters are engaged in connection with any registration
referred to in this Section 7.12, the Partnership shall provide indemnification,
representations, covenants, opinions and other assurance to the underwriters in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such underwriters. Further, in
addition to and not in limitation of the Partnership's obligation under Section
7.7, the Partnership shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify
and hold harmless the Holder, its officers, directors and each Person who
controls the Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) and any agent
thereof (collectively, "Indemnified Persons") against any losses, claims,
demands, actions, causes of action, assessments, damages, liabilities (joint or
several), costs and expenses (including interest, penalties and reasonable
attorneys' fees and disbursements), resulting to, imposed upon, or incurred by
the Indemnified Persons, directly or indirectly, under the Securities Act or
otherwise (hereinafter referred to in this Section 7.12(c) as a "claim" and in
the plural as "claims") based upon, arising out of or resulting from any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any
registration statement under which any Partnership Securities were registered
under the Securities Act or any state securities or Blue Sky laws, in any
preliminary prospectus (if used prior to the effective date of such registration
statement), or in any summary or final prospectus or in any amendment or
supplement thereto (if used during the period the Partnership is required to
keep the registration statement current), or arising out of, based upon or
resulting from the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein
not misleading; provided, however, that the Partnership shall not be liable to
any Indemnified Person to the extent that any such claim arises out of, is based
upon or results from an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission
or alleged omission made in such registration statement, such preliminary,
summary or final prospectus or such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon
and in conformity with written information furnished to the Partnership by or on
behalf of such Indemnified Person specifically for use in the preparation
thereof.
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(d) The provisions of Section 7.12(a) and 7.12(b) shall continue to be
applicable with respect to the General Partner (and any of the General Partner's
Affiliates) after it ceases to be a Partner of the Partnership, during a period
of two years subsequent to the effective date of such cessation and for so long
thereafter as is required for the Holder to sell all of the Partnership
Securities with respect to which, during such two-year period, it has requested
inclusion in a registration statement pursuant to Section 7.12(b) or requested
that a registration statement be filed pursuant to Section 7.12(a); provided,
however, that the Partnership shall not be required to file successive
registration statements covering the same Partnership Securities for which
registration was demanded during such two-year period. The provisions of Section
7.12(c) shall continue in effect thereafter.
(e) Any request to register Partnership Securities pursuant to this
Section 7.12 shall (i) specify the Partnership Securities intended to be offered
and sold by the Person making the request, (ii) express such Person's present
intent to offer such Partnership Securities for distribution, (iii) describe the
nature or method of the proposed offer and sale of Partnership Securities, and
(iv) contain the undertaking of such Person to provide all such information and
materials and take all action as may be required in order to permit the
Partnership to comply with all applicable requirements in connection with the
registration of such Partnership Securities.
SECTION 7.13 Reliance by Third Parties. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Agreement, any Person dealing with the Partnership shall be
entitled to assume that the General Partner and any officer of the General
Partner authorized by the General Partner to act on behalf of and in the name of
the Partnership has full power and authority to encumber, sell or otherwise use
in any manner any and all assets of the Partnership and to enter into any
authorized contracts on behalf of the Partnership, and such Person shall be
entitled to deal with the General Partner or any such officer as if it were the
Partnership's sole party in interest, both legally and beneficially. Each
Limited Partner hereby waives any and all defenses or other remedies that may be
available against such Person to contest, negate or disaffirm any action of the
General Partner or any such officer in connection with any such dealing. In no
event shall any Person dealing with the General Partner or any such officer or
its representatives be obligated to ascertain that the terms of the Agreement
have been complied with or to inquire into the necessity or expedience of any
act or action of the General Partner or any such officer or its representatives.
Each and every certificate, document or other instrument executed on behalf of
the Partnership by the General Partner or its representatives shall be
conclusive evidence in favor of any and every Person relying thereon or claiming
thereunder that (a) at the time of the execution and delivery of such
certificate, document or instrument, this Agreement was in full force and
effect, (b) the Person executing and delivering such certificate, document or
instrument was duly authorized and empowered to do so for and on behalf of the
Partnership and (c) such certificate, document or instrument was duly executed
and delivered in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement and
is binding upon the Partnership.
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ARTICLE VIII
BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS
SECTION 8.1 Records and Accounting. The General Partner shall keep or
cause to be kept at the principal office of the Partnership appropriate books
and records with respect to the Partnership's business, including all books and
records necessary to provide to the Limited Partners any information required to
be provided pursuant to Section 3.4(a). Any books and records maintained by or
on behalf of the Partnership in the regular course of its business, including
the record of the Record Holders and Assignees of Units or other Partnership
Securities, books of account and records of Partnership proceedings, may be kept
on, or be in the form of, computer disks, hard drives, punch cards, magnetic
tape, photographs, micrographics or any other information storage device;
provided, that the books and records so maintained are convertible into clearly
legible written form within a reasonable period of time. The books of the
Partnership shall be maintained, for financial reporting purposes, on an accrual
basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
SECTION 8.2 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Partnership shall be a
fiscal year ending December 31.
SECTION 8.3 Reports.
(a) As soon as practicable, but in no event later than 120 days after
the close of each fiscal year of the Partnership, the General Partner shall
cause to be mailed or made available to each Record Holder of a Unit as of a
date selected by the General Partner in its discretion, an annual report
containing financial statements of the Partnership for such fiscal year of the
Partnership, presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including a balance sheet
and statements of operations, Partnership equity and cash flows, such statements
to be audited by a firm of independent public accountants selected by the
General Partner.
(b) As soon as practicable, but in no event later than 90 days after
the close of each Quarter except the last Quarter of each fiscal year, the
General Partner shall cause to be mailed or made available to each Record Holder
of a Unit, as of a date selected by the General Partner in its discretion, a
report containing unaudited financial statements of the Partnership and such
other information as may be required by applicable law, regulation or rule of
any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are listed for trading, or
as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate.
ARTICLE IX
TAX MATTERS
SECTION 9.1 Tax Returns and Information. The Partnership shall timely
file all returns of the Partnership that are required for federal, state and
local income tax purposes on the basis of the accrual method and a taxable year
ending on December 31. The tax information reasonably required by Record Holders
for federal and state income tax reporting purposes with
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respect to a taxable year shall be furnished to them within 90 days of the close
of the calendar year in which the Partnership's taxable year ends. The
classification, realization and recognition of income, gain, losses and
deductions and other items shall be on the accrual method of accounting for
federal income tax purposes.
SECTION 9.2 Tax Elections.
(a) The Partnership shall make the election under Section 754 of the
Code in accordance with applicable regulations thereunder, subject to the
reservation of the right to seek to revoke any such election upon the General
Partner's determination that such revocation is in the best interests of the
Limited Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision herein contained, for the
purposes of computing the adjustments under Section 743(b) of the Code, the
General Partner shall be authorized (but not required) to adopt a convention
whereby the price paid by a transferee of a Limited Partner Interest will be
deemed to be the lowest quoted closing price of the Limited Partner Interests on
any National Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests are
traded during the calendar month in which such transfer is deemed to occur
pursuant to Section 6.2(g) without regard to the actual price paid by such
transferee.
(b) The Partnership shall elect to deduct expenses incurred in
organizing the Partnership ratably over a sixty-month period as provided in
Section 709 of the Code.
(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, the General Partner shall
determine whether the Partnership should make any other elections permitted by
the Code.
SECTION 9.3 Tax Controversies. Subject to the provisions hereof, the
General Partner is designated as the Tax Matters Partner (as defined in the
Code) and is authorized and required to represent the Partnership (at the
Partnership's expense) in connection with all examinations of the Partnership's
affairs by tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial
proceedings, and to expend Partnership funds for professional services and costs
associated therewith. Each Partner agrees to cooperate with the General Partner
and to do or refrain from doing any or all things reasonably required by the
General Partner to conduct such proceedings.
SECTION 9.4 Withholding. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, the General Partner is authorized to take any action that it
determines in its discretion to be necessary or appropriate to cause the
Partnership and other Group Members to comply with any withholding requirements
established under the Code or any other federal, state or local law including,
without limitation, pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442, 1445 and 1446 of the Code.
To the extent that the Partnership is required or elects to withhold and pay
over to any taxing authority any amount resulting from the allocation or
distribution of income to any Partner or Assignee (including, without
limitation, by reason of Section 1446 of the Code), the amount withheld may at
the discretion of the General Partner be treated by the Partnership as a
distribution of cash pursuant to Section 6.3 in the amount of such withholding
from such Partner.
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ARTICLE X
ADMISSION OF PARTNERS
SECTION 10.1 Admission of Initial Limited Partners. Effective upon the
Distribution, the General Partner shall admit such parties to the Partnership as
Initial Limited Partners in respect of the Initial Common Units distributed to
them in the Distribution. Each such Initial Limited Partner, by virtue of
receiving Initial Common Units in the Distribution, agrees to be bound by, and
acknowledges and agrees to all of the terms of, this Agreement without the need
to execute this Agreement.
SECTION 10.2 Admission of Substituted Limited Partner. By transfer of
a Limited Partner Interest in accordance with Article IV, the transferor shall
be deemed to have given the transferee the right to seek admission as a
Substituted Limited Partner subject to the conditions of, and in the manner
permitted under, this Agreement. A transferor of a Certificate representing a
Limited Partner Interest shall, however, only have the authority to convey to a
purchaser or other transferee who does not execute and deliver a Transfer
Application (a) the right to negotiate such Certificate to a purchaser or other
transferee and (b) the right to transfer the right to request admission as a
Substituted Limited Partner to such purchaser or other transferee in respect of
the transferred Limited Partner Interests. Each transferee of a Limited Partner
Interest (including any nominee holder or an agent acquiring such Limited
Partner Interest for the account of another Person) who executes and delivers a
Transfer Application shall, by virtue of such execution and delivery, be an
Assignee and be deemed to have applied to become a Substituted Limited Partner
with respect to the Limited Partner Interests so transferred to such Person.
Such Assignee shall become a Substituted Limited Partner (x) at such time as the
General Partner consents thereto, which consent may be given or withheld in the
General Partner's discretion, and (y) when any such admission is shown on the
books and records of the Partnership. If such consent is withheld, such
transferee shall be an Assignee. An Assignee shall have an interest in the
Partnership equivalent to that of a Limited Partner with respect to allocations
and distributions, including liquidating distributions, of the Partnership. With
respect to voting rights attributable to Limited Partner Interests that are held
by Assignees, the General Partner shall be deemed to be the Limited Partner with
respect thereto and shall, in exercising the voting rights in respect of such
Limited Partner Interests on any matter, vote such Limited Partner Interests at
the written direction of the Assignee who is the Record Holder of such Limited
Partner Interests. If no such written direction is received, such Limited
Partner Interests will not be voted. An Assignee shall have no other rights of a
Limited Partner.
SECTION 10.3 Admission of Successor General Partner. A successor
General Partner approved pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2 or the transferee of
or successor to all of the General Partner Interest pursuant to Section 4.6 who
is proposed to be admitted as a successor General Partner shall be admitted to
the Partnership as the General Partner, effective immediately prior to the
withdrawal or removal of the predecessor or transferring General Partner,
pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2 or the transfer of the General Partner Interest
pursuant to Section 4.6; provided, however, that no such successor shall be
admitted to the Partnership until compliance with the terms of Section 4.6 has
occurred and such successor has executed and delivered such other documents or
instruments as may be required to effect such admission. Any
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such successor shall, subject to the terms hereof, carry on the business of the
members of the Partnership Group without dissolution.
SECTION 10.4 Admission of Additional Limited Partners.
(a) A Person (other than the General Partner, an Initial Limited
Partner or a Substituted Limited Partner) who makes a Capital Contribution to
the Partnership in accordance with this Agreement shall be admitted to the
Partnership as an Additional Limited Partner only upon furnishing to the General
Partner
(i) evidence of acceptance in form satisfactory to the General
Partner of all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
including the power of attorney granted in Section 2.6, and
(ii) such other documents or instruments as may be required in the
discretion of the General Partner to effect such Person's
admission as an Additional Limited Partner.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10.4, no
Person shall be admitted as an Additional Limited Partner without the consent of
the General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld in the General
Partner's discretion. The admission of any Person as an Additional Limited
Partner shall become effective on the date upon which the name of such Person is
recorded as such in the books and records of the Partnership, following the
consent of the General Partner to such admission.
SECTION 10.5 Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited
Partnership. To effect the admission to the Partnership of any Partner, the
General Partner shall take all steps necessary and appropriate under the
Delaware Act to amend the records of the Partnership to reflect such admission
and, if necessary, to prepare as soon as practicable an amendment to this
Agreement and, if required by law, the General Partner shall prepare and file an
amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership, and the General Partner may
for this purpose, among others, exercise the power of attorney granted pursuant
to Section 2.6.
ARTICLE XI
WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL OF PARTNERS
SECTION 11.1 Withdrawal of the General Partner.
(a) The General Partner shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the
Partnership upon the occurrence of any one of the following events (each such
event herein referred to as an "Event of Withdrawal");
(i) The General Partner voluntarily withdraws from the Partnership by
giving written notice to the other Partners;
(ii) The General Partner transfers all of its rights as General
Partner pursuant
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to Section 4.6;
(iii) The General Partner is removed pursuant to Section 11.2;
(iv) The General Partner (A) makes a general assignment for the
benefit of creditors; (B) files a voluntary bankruptcy petition
for relief under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code;
(C) files a petition or answer seeking for itself a liquidation,
dissolution or similar relief (but not a reorganization) under
any law; (D) files an answer or other pleading admitting or
failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed
against the General Partner in a proceeding of the type described
in clauses (A)-(C) of this Section 11.1(a)(iv); or (E) seeks,
consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee (but
not a debtor-in-possession), receiver or liquidator of the
General Partner or of all or any substantial part of its
properties;
(v) A final and non-appealable order of relief under Chapter 7 of the
United States Bankruptcy Code is entered by a court with
appropriate jurisdiction pursuant to a voluntary or involuntary
petition by or against the General Partner; or
(vi) (A) in the event the General Partner is a corporation, a
certificate of dissolution or its equivalent is filed for the
General Partner, or 90 days expire after the date of notice to
the General Partner of revocation of its charter without a
reinstatement of its charter, under the laws of its state of
incorporation; (B) in the event the General Partner is a
partnership or a limited liability company, the dissolution and
commencement of winding up of the General Partner; (C) in the
event the General Partner is acting in such capacity by virtue of
being a trustee of a trust, the termination of the trust; (D) in
the event the General Partner is a natural person, his death or
adjudication of incompetency; and (E) otherwise in the event of
the termination of the General Partner.
If an Event of Withdrawal specified in Section 11.1(a)(iv), (v) or (vi)(A), (B),
(C) or (E) occurs, the withdrawing General Partner shall give notice to the
Limited Partners within 30 days after such occurrence. The Partners hereby agree
that only the Events of Withdrawal described in this Section 11.1 shall result
in the withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership.
(b) Withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership upon the
occurrence of an Event of Withdrawal shall not constitute a breach of this
Agreement under the following circumstances: (i) at any time during the period
beginning on the Closing Date and ending at 12:00 midnight, Eastern Standard
Time, on October 31, 2008, the General Partner voluntarily withdraws by giving
at least 90 days' advance notice of its intention to withdraw to the Limited
Partners; provided that prior to the effective date of such withdrawal, the
withdrawal is approved by Unitholders holding at least a majority of the
Outstanding Common Units (excluding Common Units held by the General Partner and
its Affiliates) and the General Partner delivers to
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the Partnership an Opinion of Counsel ("Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel") that
such withdrawal (following the selection of the successor General Partner) would
not result in the loss of the limited liability of any Limited Partner or any
Group Member or cause any Group Member to be treated as an association taxable
as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax
purposes (to the extent not previously treated as such); (ii) at any time after
12:00 midnight, Eastern Standard Time, on October 31, 2008, the General Partner
voluntarily withdraws by giving at least 90 days' advance notice to the
Unitholders, such withdrawal to take effect on the date specified in such
notice; (iii) at any time that the General Partner ceases to be the General
Partner pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(ii) or is removed pursuant to Section 11.2;
or (iv) notwithstanding clause (i) of this sentence, at any time that the
General Partner voluntarily withdraws by giving at least 90 days' advance notice
of its intention to withdraw to the Limited Partners, such withdrawal to take
effect on the date specified in the notice, if at the time such notice is given
one Person and its Affiliates (other than the General Partner and its
Affiliates) own beneficially or of record or control at least 50% of the
Outstanding Units. The withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership
upon the occurrence of an Event of Withdrawal shall also constitute the
withdrawal of the General Partner as general partner or managing member, to the
extent applicable, of the other Group Members. If the General Partner gives a
notice of withdrawal pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(i), the holders of a Unit
Majority, may, prior to the effective date of such withdrawal, elect a successor
General Partner. The Person so elected as successor General Partner shall
automatically become the successor general partner or managing member, to the
extent applicable, of the other Group Members of which the General Partner is a
general partner or a managing member. If, prior to the effective date of the
General Partner's withdrawal, a successor is not selected by the Unitholders as
provided herein or the Partnership does not receive a Withdrawal Opinion of
Counsel, the Partnership shall be dissolved in accordance with Section 12.1. Any
successor General Partner elected in accordance with the terms of this Section
11.1 shall be subject to the provisions of Section 10.3.
SECTION 11.2 Removal of the General Partner. The General Partner may
be removed if such removal is approved by the Unitholders holding at least 80%
of the Outstanding Units (including Units held by the General Partner and its
Affiliates). Any such action by such holders for removal of the General Partner
must also provide for the election of a successor General Partner by the
Unitholders holding a majority of the outstanding Common Units voting as a class
(including Units held by the General Partner and its Affiliates). Such removal
shall be effective immediately following the admission of a successor General
Partner pursuant to Section 10.3. The removal of the General Partner shall also
automatically constitute the removal of the General Partner as general partner
or managing member, to the extent applicable, of the other Group Members of
which the General Partner is a general partner or a managing member. If a Person
is elected as a successor General Partner in accordance with the terms of this
Section 11.2, such Person shall, upon admission pursuant to Section 10.3,
automatically become a successor general partner or managing member, to the
extent applicable, of the other Group Members of which the General Partner is a
general partner or a managing member. The right of the holders of Outstanding
Units to remove the General Partner shall not exist or be exercised unless the
Partnership has received an opinion opining as to the matters covered by a
Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel. Any successor General Partner elected in
accordance with the terms of this Section 11.2 shall be subject to the
provisions of Section 10.3. The percentage of the Outstanding
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Units required to remove the General Partner may be amended by the General
Partner as described in Section 13.1 hereof.
SECTION 11.3 Interest of Departing Partner and Successor General
Partner.
(a) In the event of (i) withdrawal of the General Partner under
circumstances where such withdrawal does not violate this Agreement or (ii)
removal of the General Partner by the holders of Outstanding Units under
circumstances where Cause does not exist, if the successor General Partner is
elected in accordance with the terms of Section 11.1 or 11.2, the Departing
Partner shall have the option, exercisable prior to the effective date of the
departure of such Departing Partner, to require its successor to purchase its
General Partner Interest and its general partner interest (or equivalent
interest, if any) in the other Group Members and all of its Incentive
Distribution Rights (collectively, the "Combined Interest") in exchange for an
amount in cash equal to the fair market value of such Combined Interest, such
amount to be determined and payable as of the effective date of its departure.
If the General Partner is removed by the Unitholders under circumstances where
Cause exists or if the General Partner withdraws under circumstances where such
withdrawal violates this Agreement, and if a successor General Partner is
elected in accordance with the terms of Section 11.1 or 11.2, such successor
shall have the option, exercisable prior to the effective date of the departure
of such Departing Partner, to purchase the Combined Interest for such fair
market value of such Combined Interest of the Departing Partner. In either
event, the Departing Partner shall be entitled to receive all reimbursements due
such Departing Partner pursuant to Section 7.4, including any employee-related
liabilities (including severance liabilities), incurred in connection with the
termination of any employees employed by the Departing Partner for the benefit
of the Partnership or the other Group Members. For purposes of this Section
11.3(a), the fair market value of the Departing Partner's Combined Interest
shall be determined by agreement between the Departing Partner and its successor
or, failing agreement within 30 days after the effective date of such Departing
Partner's departure, by an independent investment banking firm or other
independent expert selected by the Departing Partner and its successor, which,
in turn, may rely on other experts, and the determination of which shall be
conclusive as to such matter. If such parties cannot agree upon one independent
investment banking firm or other independent expert within 45 days after the
effective date of such departure, then the Departing Partner shall designate an
independent investment banking firm or other independent expert, the Departing
Partner's successor shall designate an independent investment banking firm or
other independent expert, and such firms or experts shall mutually select a
third independent investment banking firm or independent expert, which third
independent investment banking firm or other independent expert shall determine
the fair market value of the Combined Interest of the Departing Partner. In
making its determination, such third independent investment banking firm or
other independent expert may consider the then current trading price of Units on
any National Securities Exchange on which Units are then listed, the value of
the Partnership's assets, the rights and obligations of the Departing Partner
and other factors it may deem relevant.
(b) If the Combined Interest is not purchased in the manner set forth
in Section 11.3(a), the Departing Partner (or its transferee) shall become a
Limited Partner and its General Partner Interest shall be converted into Common
Units pursuant to a valuation made by an investment banking firm or other
independent expert selected pursuant to Section 11.3(a),
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without reduction in such Partnership Interest (but subject to proportionate
dilution by reason of the admission of its successor) and its Incentive
Distribution Rights shall continue in full force and effect. Any successor
General Partner shall indemnify the Departing Partner (or its transferee) as to
all debts and liabilities of the Partnership arising on or after the date on
which the Departing Partner (or its transferee) becomes a Limited Partner. For
purposes of this Agreement, conversion of the General Partner Interest of the
Departing Partner to Common Units will be characterized as if the Departing
Partner (or its transferee) contributed its General Partner Interest to the
Partnership in exchange for the newly issued Common Units.
(c) If a successor General Partner is elected in accordance with the
terms of Section 11.1 or 11.2 and the option described in Section 11.3(a) is not
exercised by the party entitled to do so, the successor General Partner shall,
at the effective date of its admission to the Partnership, contribute to the
Partnership cash in the amount equal to 2/98ths of the Net Agreed Value of the
Partnership's assets on such date. In such event, such successor General Partner
shall, subject to the following sentence, be entitled to 2% of all Partnership
allocations and distributions to which the Departing Partner was entitled. In
addition, the successor General Partner shall cause this Agreement to be amended
to reflect that, from and after the date of such successor General Partner's
admission, the successor General Partner's interest in all Partnership
distributions and allocations shall be 2%.
SECTION 11.4 Withdrawal of Limited Partners. No Limited Partner shall
have any right to withdraw from the Partnership; provided, however, that when a
transferee of a Limited Partner's Limited Partner Interest becomes a Record
Holder of the Limited Partner Interest so transferred, such transferring Limited
Partner shall cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to the Limited Partner
Interest so transferred.
ARTICLE XII
DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION
SECTION 12.1 Dissolution. The Partnership shall not be dissolved by
the admission of Substituted Limited Partners or Additional Limited Partners or
by the admission of a successor General Partner in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement. Upon the removal or withdrawal of the General Partner, if a
successor General Partner is elected pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2, the
Partnership shall not be dissolved and such successor General Partner shall
continue the business of the Partnership. The Partnership shall dissolve, and
(subject to Section 12.2) its affairs shall be wound up, upon:
(a) an Event of Withdrawal of the General Partner as provided in Section
11.1(a) (other than Section 11.1(a)(ii)), unless a successor is
elected and an Opinion of Counsel is received as provided in Section
11.1(b) or 11.2 and such successor is admitted to the Partnership
pursuant to Section 10.3;
(b) an election to dissolve the Partnership by the General Partner that is
approved by the holders of a Unit Majority;
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(c) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Partnership
pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act; or
(d) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets and properties of
the Partnership Group.
SECTION 12.2 Continuation of the Business of the Partnership After
Dissolution. Upon (a) dissolution of the Partnership following an Event of
Withdrawal caused by the withdrawal or removal of the General Partner as
provided in Section 11.1(a)(i) or (iii) and the failure of the Partners to
select a successor to such Departing Partner pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2,
then within 90 days thereafter, or (b) dissolution of the Partnership upon an
event constituting an Event of Withdrawal as defined in Section 11.1(a)(iv), (v)
or (vi), then, to the maximum extent permitted by law, within 180 days
thereafter, the holders of a Unit Majority may elect to reconstitute the
Partnership and continue its business on the same terms and conditions set forth
in this Agreement by forming a new limited partnership on terms identical to
those set forth in this Agreement and having as the successor General Partner a
Person approved by the holders of a Unit Majority. Unless such an election is
made within the applicable time period as set forth above, the Partnership shall
conduct only activities necessary to wind up its affairs. If such an election is
so made, then:
(i) the reconstituted Partnership shall continue unless earlier dissolved
in accordance with this Article XII;
(ii) if the successor General Partner is not the former General Partner,
then the interest of the former General Partner shall be treated in
the manner provided in Section 11.3; and
(iii) all necessary steps shall be taken to cancel this Agreement and the
Certificate of Limited Partnership and to enter into and, as
necessary, to file a new partnership agreement and certificate of
limited partnership, and the successor General Partner may for this
purpose exercise the powers of attorney granted the General Partner
pursuant to Section 2.6; provided, that the right of the holders of a
Unit Majority to approve a successor General Partner and to
reconstitute and to continue the business of the Partnership shall not
exist and may not be exercised unless the Partnership has received an
Opinion of Counsel that (x) the exercise of the right would not result
in the loss of limited liability of any Limited Partner and (y)
neither the Partnership, the reconstituted limited partnership nor the
Operating Partnership or any other Group Member would be treated as an
association taxable as a corporation or otherwise be taxable as an
entity for federal income tax purposes upon the exercise of such right
to continue.
SECTION 12.3 Liquidator. Upon dissolution of the Partnership, unless
the Partnership is continued under an election to reconstitute and continue the
Partnership pursuant to Section 12.2, the General Partner shall select one or
more Persons to act as Liquidator, which may be the General Partner. The
Liquidator (if other than the General Partner) shall be entitled to receive such
compensation for its services as may be approved by holders of at least a
majority
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of the Outstanding Common Units. The Liquidator (if other than the General
Partner) shall agree not to resign at any time without 15 days' prior notice and
may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by notice of removal approved
by holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units. Upon
dissolution, removal or resignation of the Liquidator, a successor and
substitute Liquidator (who shall have and succeed to all rights, powers and
duties of the original Liquidator) shall within 30 days thereafter be approved
by holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units. The right to
approve a successor or substitute Liquidator in the manner provided herein shall
be deemed to refer also to any such successor or substitute Liquidator approved
in the manner herein provided. Except as expressly provided in this Article XII,
the Liquidator approved in the manner provided herein shall have and may
exercise, without further authorization or consent of any of the parties hereto,
all of the powers conferred upon the General Partner under the terms of this
Agreement (but subject to all of the applicable limitations, contractual and
otherwise, upon the exercise of such powers, other than the limitation on sale
set forth in Section 7.3(b)) to the extent necessary or desirable in the good
faith judgment of the Liquidator to carry out the duties and functions of the
Liquidator hereunder for and during such period of time as shall be reasonably
required in the good faith judgment of the Liquidator to complete the winding up
and liquidation of the Partnership as provided for herein.
SECTION 12.4 Liquidation. The Liquidator shall proceed to dispose of
the assets of the Partnership, discharge its liabilities, and otherwise wind up
its affairs in such manner and over such period as the Liquidator determines to
be in the best interest of the Partners, subject to Section 17-804 of the
Delaware Act and the following:
(a) The assets may be disposed of by public or private sale or by
distribution in kind to one or more Partners on such terms as the
Liquidator and such Partner or Partners may agree. If any property is
distributed in kind, the Partner receiving the property shall be
deemed for purposes of Section 12.4(c) to have received cash equal to
its fair market value; and contemporaneously therewith, appropriate
cash distributions must be made to the other Partners. The Liquidator
may, in its absolute discretion, defer liquidation or distribution of
the Partnership's assets for a reasonable time if it determines that
an immediate sale or distribution of all or some of the Partnership's
assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the Partners.
The Liquidator may, in its absolute discretion, distribute the
Partnership's assets, in whole or in part, in kind if it determines
that a sale would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the
Partners.
(b) Liabilities of the Partnership include amounts owed to the Liquidator
as compensation for serving in such capacity (subject to the terms of
Section 12.3) and amounts to Partners otherwise than in respect of
their distribution rights under Article VI. With respect to any
liability that is contingent, conditional or unmatured or is otherwise
not yet due and payable, the Liquidator shall either settle such claim
for such amount as it thinks appropriate or establish a reserve of
cash or other assets to provide for its payment. When paid, any unused
portion of the reserve shall be distributed as additional liquidation
proceeds.
74
(c) All property and all cash in excess of that required to discharge
liabilities as provided in Section 12.4(b) shall be distributed to the
Partners in accordance with, and to the extent of, the positive
balances in their respective Capital Accounts, as determined after
taking into account all Capital Account adjustments (other than those
made by reason of distributions pursuant to this Section 12.4(c)) for
the taxable year of the Partnership during which the liquidation of
the Partnership occurs (with such date of occurrence being determined
pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g)), and
such distribution shall be made by the end of such taxable year (or,
if later, within 90 days after said date of such occurrence).
SECTION 12.5 Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership. Upon
the completion of the distribution of Partnership cash and property as provided
in Section 12.4 in connection with the liquidation of the Partnership, the
Partnership shall be terminated and the Certificate of Limited Partnership and
all qualifications of the Partnership as a foreign limited partnership in
jurisdictions other than the State of Delaware shall be canceled and such other
actions as may be necessary to terminate the Partnership shall be taken.
SECTION 12.6 Return of Contributions. The General Partner shall not be
personally liable for, and shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any
monies or property to the Partnership to enable it to effectuate, the return of
the Capital Contributions of the Limited Partners or Unitholders, or any portion
thereof, it being expressly understood that any such return shall be made solely
from Partnership assets.
SECTION 12.7 Waiver of Partition. To the maximum extent permitted by
law, each Partner hereby waives any right to partition of the Partnership
property.
SECTION 12.8 Capital Account Restoration. No Limited Partner shall
have any obligation to restore any negative balance in its Capital Account upon
liquidation of the Partnership. The General Partner shall be obligated to
restore any negative balance in its Capital Account upon liquidation of its
interest in the Partnership by the end of the taxable year of the Partnership
during which such liquidation occurs, or, if later, within 90 days after the
date of such liquidation.
ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS; RECORD DATE
SECTION 13.1 Amendment to be Adopted Solely by the General Partner.
Each Partner agrees that the General Partner, without the approval of any
Partner or Assignee, may amend any provision of this Agreement and execute,
swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be
required in connection therewith, to reflect:
(a) a change in the name of the Partnership, the location of the principal
place of business of the Partnership, the registered agent of the
Partnership or the registered office of the Partnership;
75
(b) admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of Partners in
accordance with this Agreement;
(c) a change that, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, is
necessary or advisable to qualify or continue the qualification of the
Partnership as a limited partnership or a partnership in which the
Limited Partners have limited liability under the laws of any state or
to ensure that the Group Members will not be treated as associations
taxable as corporations or otherwise taxed as entities for federal
income tax purposes;
(d) a change that, in the discretion of the General Partner, (i) does not
adversely affect the Limited Partners (including any particular class
of Partnership Interests as compared to other classes of Partnership
Interests) in any material respect, (ii) is necessary or advisable to
(A) satisfy any requirements, conditions or guidelines contained in
any opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any federal or
state agency or judicial authority or contained in any federal or
state statute (including the Delaware Act) or (B) facilitate the
trading of the Units (including the division of any class or classes
of Outstanding Units into different classes to facilitate uniformity
of tax consequences within such classes of Units) or comply with any
rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities
Exchange on which the Units are or will be listed for trading,
compliance with any of which the General Partner determines in its
discretion to be in the best interests of the Partnership and the
Limited Partners, (iii) is necessary or advisable in connection with
action taken by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.10, (iv) is
required to effect the intent expressed in the Registration Statement
or the intent of the provisions of this Agreement or is otherwise
contemplated by this Agreement or (v) is required to conform to
proposed or promulgated Treasury Regulations under Subchapter K of the
Code regarding compensatory and noncompensatory options to acquire a
Partnership Security;
(e) a change in the fiscal year or taxable year of the Partnership and any
changes that, in the discretion of the General Partner, are necessary
or advisable as a result of a change in the fiscal year or taxable
year of the Partnership including, if the General Partner shall so
determine, a change in the definition of "Quarter" and the dates on
which distributions are to be made by the Partnership;
(f) an amendment that is necessary, in the Opinion of Counsel, to prevent
the Partnership, or the General Partner or its directors, officers,
trustees or agents from in any manner being subjected to the
provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or "plan asset"
regulations adopted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended, regardless of whether such are substantially
similar to plan asset regulations currently applied or proposed by the
United States Department of Labor;
76
(g) subject to the terms of Section 5.7, an amendment that, in the
discretion of the General Partner, is necessary or advisable in
connection with the authorization of issuance of any class or series
of Partnership Securities pursuant to Section 5.6;
(h) any amendment expressly permitted in this Agreement to be made by the
General Partner acting alone;'
(i) an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a Merger
Agreement approved in accordance with Section 14.3;
(j) an amendment that, in the discretion of the General Partner, is
necessary or advisable to reflect, account for and deal with
appropriately the formation by the Partnership of, or investment by
the Partnership in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture,
limited liability company or other entity, in connection with the
conduct by the Partnership of activities permitted by the terms of
Section 2.4;
(k) a merger or conveyance pursuant to Section 14.3(d);
(l) an amendment to Section 11.2 that would reduce the percentage of the
Outstanding Units required for the Unitholders to remove the General
Partner; provided, however, that once such required percentage has
been reduced, it may be further reduced by the General Partner but
such required percentage may not be increased without a vote of the
Unitholders; provided further, however, that no such amendment may
provide that any class Units may vote separately as a class to remove
the General Partner;
(m) an amendment to the definition of "Outstanding" contained in Section
1.1 hereof to increase from 20% or more the percentage of Outstanding
Partnership Securities, that if at any time acquired by any Person or
Group, shall not be voted on any matter and shall not be considered to
be Outstanding for the other purposes described in such definition;
provided, however, that once such percentage has been increased, it
may be further increased by the General Partner, but such required
percentage may not be reduced without a vote of the Unitholders; or
(n) any other amendments substantially similar to the foregoing.
SECTION 13.2 Amendment Procedures. Except as provided in Sections 13.1
and 13.3, all amendments to this Agreement shall be made in accordance with the
following requirements. Amendments to this Agreement may be proposed only by or
with the consent of the General Partner which consent may be given or withheld
in its sole discretion. A proposed amendment shall be effective upon its
approval by the holders of a Unit Majority, unless a greater or different
percentage is required under this Agreement or by Delaware law. Each proposed
amendment that requires the approval of the holders of a specified percentage of
Outstanding Units shall be set forth in a writing that contains the text of the
proposed amendment. If such an amendment is proposed, the General Partner shall
seek the written approval of the requisite percentage of Outstanding Units or
call a meeting of the Unitholders to
77
consider and vote on such proposed amendment. The General Partner shall notify
all Record Holders upon final adoption of any such proposed amendments.
SECTION 13.3 Amendment Requirements.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 13.1 and 13.2, no
provision of this Agreement that establishes a percentage of Outstanding Units
(including Units deemed owned by the General Partner) required to take any
action shall be amended, altered, changed, repealed or rescinded in any respect
that would have the effect of reducing such voting percentage unless such
amendment is approved by the written consent or the affirmative vote of holders
of Outstanding Units whose aggregate Outstanding Units constitute not less than
the voting requirement sought to be reduced.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 13.1 and 13.2, no
amendment to this Agreement may (i) enlarge the obligations of any Limited
Partner without its consent, unless such shall be deemed to have occurred as a
result of an amendment approved pursuant to Section 13.3(c), (ii) enlarge the
obligations of, restrict in any way any action by or rights of, or reduce in any
way the amounts distributable, reimbursable or otherwise payable to, the General
Partner or any of its Affiliates without its consent, which consent may be given
or withheld in its sole discretion, (iii) change Section 12.1(b), or (iv) change
the term of the Partnership or, except as set forth in Section 12.1(b), give any
Person the right to dissolve the Partnership.
(c) Except as provided in Section 14.3, and without limitation of the
General Partner's authority to adopt amendments to this Agreement without the
approval of any Partners or Assignees as contemplated in Section 13.1, any
amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences
of any class of Partnership Interests in relation to other classes of
Partnership Interests must be approved by the holders of not less than a
majority of the Outstanding Partnership Interests of the class affected.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except for
amendments pursuant to Section 13.1 and except as otherwise provided by Section
14.3(b), no amendments shall become effective without the approval of the
holders of at least 90% of the Outstanding Units voting as a single class unless
the Partnership obtains an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such amendment
will not affect the limited liability of any Limited Partner under applicable
law.
(e) Except as provided in Section 13.1, this Section 13.3 shall only be
amended with the approval of the holders of at least 90% of the Outstanding
Units.
SECTION 13.4 Special Meetings. All acts of Limited Partners to be
taken pursuant to this Agreement shall be taken in the manner provided in this
Article XIII. Special meetings of the Limited Partners may be called by the
General Partner or by Limited Partners owning 20% or more of the Outstanding
Units of the class or classes for which a meeting is proposed. Limited Partners
shall call a special meeting by delivering to the General Partner one or more
requests in writing stating that the signing Limited Partners wish to call a
special meeting and indicating the general or specific purposes for which the
special meeting is to be
78
called. Within 60 days after receipt of such a call from Limited Partners or
within such greater time as may be reasonably necessary for the Partnership to
comply with any statutes, rules, regulations, listing agreements or similar
requirements governing the holding of a meeting or the solicitation of proxies
for use at such a meeting, the General Partner shall send a notice of the
meeting to the Limited Partners either directly or indirectly through the
Transfer Agent. A meeting shall be held at a time and place determined by the
General Partner on a date not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days after the
mailing of notice of the meeting. Limited Partners shall not vote on matters
that would cause the Limited Partners to be deemed to be taking part in the
management and control of the business and affairs of the Partnership so as to
jeopardize the Limited Partners' limited liability under the Delaware Act or the
law of any other state in which the Partnership is qualified to do business.
SECTION 13.5 Notice of a Meeting. Notice of a meeting called pursuant
to Section 13.4 shall be given to the Record Holders of the class or classes of
Units for which a meeting is proposed in writing by mail or other means of
written communication in accordance with Section 16.1. The notice shall be
deemed to have been given at the time when deposited in the mail or sent by
other means of written communication.
SECTION 13.6 Record Date. For purposes of determining the Limited
Partners entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the Limited Partners
or to give approvals without a meeting as provided in Section 13.11 the General
Partner may set a Record Date, which shall not be less than 10 nor more than 60
days before (a) the date of the meeting (unless such requirement conflicts with
any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities
Exchange on which the Units are listed for trading, in which case the rule,
regulation, guideline or requirement of such exchange shall govern) or (b) in
the event that approvals are sought without a meeting, the date by which Limited
Partners are requested in writing by the General Partner to give such approvals.
SECTION 13.7 Adjournment. When a meeting is adjourned to another time
or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting and a new Record
Date need not be fixed, if the time and place thereof are announced at the
meeting at which the adjournment is taken, unless such adjournment shall be for
more than 45 days. At the adjourned meeting, the Partnership may transact any
business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the
adjournment is for more than 45 days or if a new Record Date is fixed for the
adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given in
accordance with this Article XIII.
SECTION 13.8 Waiver of Notice; Approval of Meeting; Approval of
Minutes. The transactions of any meeting of Limited Partners, however called
and noticed, and whenever held, shall be as valid as if it had occurred at a
meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum is present either
in person or by proxy, and if, either before or after the meeting, Limited
Partners representing such quorum who were present in person or by proxy and
entitled to vote, sign a written waiver of notice or an approval of the holding
of the meeting or an approval of the minutes thereof. All waivers and approvals
shall be filed with the Partnership records or made a part of the minutes of the
meeting. Attendance of a Limited Partner at a meeting shall constitute a waiver
of notice of the meeting, except when the Limited Partner does not approve, at
the beginning of the meeting, of the transaction of any business because the
79
meeting is not lawfully called or convened; and except that attendance at a
meeting is not a waiver of any right to disapprove the consideration of matters
required to be included in the notice of the meeting, but not so included, if
the disapproval is expressly made at the meeting.
SECTION 13.9 Quorum. The holders of a majority of the Outstanding
Units of the class or classes for which a meeting has been called (including
Outstanding Units deemed owned by the General Partner) represented in person or
by proxy shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of Limited Partners of such
class or classes unless any such action by the Limited Partners requires
approval by holders of a greater percentage of such Units, in which case the
quorum shall be such greater percentage. At any meeting of the Limited Partners
duly called and held in accordance with this Agreement at which a quorum is
present, the act of Limited Partners holding Outstanding Units that in the
aggregate represent a majority of the Outstanding Units entitled to vote and be
present in person or by proxy at such meeting shall be deemed to constitute the
act of all Limited Partners, unless a greater or different percentage is
required with respect to such action under the provisions of this Agreement, in
which case the act of the Limited Partners holding Outstanding Units that in the
aggregate represent at least such greater or different percentage shall be
required. The Limited Partners present at a duly called or held meeting at which
a quorum is present may continue to transact business until adjournment,
notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough Limited Partners to leave less than a
quorum, if any action taken (other than adjournment) is approved by the required
percentage of Outstanding Units specified in this Agreement (including
Outstanding Units deemed owned by the General Partner). In the absence of a
quorum any meeting of Limited Partners may be adjourned from time to time by the
affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Units
entitled to vote at such meeting (including Outstanding Units deemed owned by
the General Partner) represented either in person or by proxy, but no other
business may be transacted, except as provided in Section 13.7.
SECTION 13.10 Conduct of a Meeting. The General Partner shall have
full power and authority concerning the manner of conducting any meeting of the
Limited Partners or solicitation of approvals in writing, including the
determination of Persons entitled to vote, the existence of a quorum, the
satisfaction of the requirements of Section 13.4, the conduct of voting, the
validity and effect of any proxies and the determination of any controversies,
votes or challenges arising in connection with or during the meeting or voting.
The General Partner shall designate a Person to serve as chairman of any meeting
and shall further designate a Person to take the minutes of any meeting. All
minutes shall be kept with the records of the Partnership maintained by the
General Partner. The General Partner may make such other regulations consistent
with applicable law and this Agreement as it may deem advisable concerning the
conduct of any meeting of the Limited Partners or solicitation of approvals in
writing, including regulations in regard to the appointment of proxies, the
appointment and duties of inspectors of votes and approvals, the submission and
examination of proxies and other evidence of the right to vote, and the
revocation of approvals in writing.
SECTION 13.11 Action Without a Meeting. If authorized by the General
Partner, any action that may be taken at a meeting of the Limited Partners may
be taken without a meeting if an approval in writing setting forth the action so
taken is signed by Limited Partners owning not less than the minimum percentage
of the Outstanding Units (including Units deemed
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owned by the General Partner) that would be necessary to authorize or take such
action at a meeting at which all the Limited Partners were present and voted
(unless such provision conflicts with any rule, regulation, guideline or
requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Units are listed
for trading, in which case the rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of
such exchange shall govern). Prompt notice of the taking of action without a
meeting shall be given to the Limited Partners who have not approved in writing.
The General Partner may specify that any written ballot submitted to Limited
Partners for the purpose of taking any action without a meeting shall be
returned to the Partnership within the time period, which shall be not less than
20 days, specified by the General Partner. If a ballot returned to the
Partnership does not vote all of the Units held by the Limited Partners, the
Partnership shall be deemed to have failed to receive a ballot for the Units
that were not voted. If approval of the taking of any action by the Limited
Partners is solicited by any Person other than by or on behalf of the General
Partner, the written approvals shall have no force and effect unless and until
(a) they are deposited with the Partnership in care of the General Partner, (b)
approvals sufficient to take the action proposed are dated as of a date not more
than 90 days prior to the date sufficient approvals are deposited with the
Partnership and (c) an Opinion of Counsel is delivered to the General Partner to
the effect that the exercise of such right and the action proposed to be taken
with respect to any particular matter (i) will not cause the Limited Partners to
be deemed to be taking part in the management and control of the business and
affairs of the Partnership so as to jeopardize the Limited Partners' limited
liability, and (ii) is otherwise permissible under the state statutes then
governing the rights, duties and liabilities of the Partnership and the
Partners.
SECTION 13.12 Voting and Other Rights.
(a) Only those Record Holders of the Units on the Record Date set
pursuant to Section 13.6 (and also subject to the limitations contained in the
definition of "Outstanding") shall be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, a
meeting of Limited Partners or to act with respect to matters as to which the
holders of the Outstanding Units have the right to vote or to act. All
references in this Agreement to votes of, or other acts that may be taken by,
the Outstanding Units shall be deemed to be references to the votes or acts of
the Record Holders of such Outstanding Units.
(b) With respect to Units that are held for a Person's account by
another Person (such as a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing
corporation, or an agent of any of the foregoing), in whose name such Units are
registered, such other Person shall, in exercising the voting rights in respect
of such Units on any matter, and unless the arrangement between such Persons
provides otherwise, vote such Units in favor of, and at the direction of, the
Person who is the beneficial owner, and the Partnership shall be entitled to
assume it is so acting without further inquiry. The provisions of this Section
13.12(b) (as well as all other provisions of this Agreement) are subject to the
provisions of Section 4.3.
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ARTICLE XIV
MERGER
SECTION 14.1 Authority. The Partnership may merge or consolidate with
one or more corporations, limited liability companies, business trusts or
associations, real estate investment trusts, common law trusts or unincorporated
businesses, including a general partnership or limited partnership, formed under
the laws of any state of the United States of America, pursuant to a written
agreement of merger or consolidation ("Merger Agreement") in accordance with
this Article XIV.
SECTION 14.2 Procedure for Merger or Consolidation. Merger or
consolidation of the Partnership pursuant to this Article XIV requires the prior
approval of the General Partner. If the General Partner shall determine, in the
exercise of its discretion, to consent to the merger or consolidation, the
General Partner shall approve the Merger Agreement, which shall set forth:
(a) the names and jurisdictions of formation or organization of each of
the business entities proposing to merge or consolidate;
(b) the name and jurisdiction of formation or organization of the business
entity that is to survive the proposed merger or consolidation (the
"Surviving Business Entity");
(c) the terms and conditions of the proposed merger or consolidation;
(d) the manner and basis of exchanging or converting the equity securities
of each constituent business entity for, or into, cash, property or
general or limited partner interests, rights, securities or
obligations of the Surviving Business Entity; and (i) if any general
or limited partner interests, securities or rights of any constituent
business entity are not to be exchanged or converted solely for, or
into, cash, property or general or limited partner interests, rights,
securities or obligations of the Surviving Business Entity, the cash,
property or general or limited partner interests, rights, securities
or obligations of any limited partnership, corporation, trust or other
entity (other than the Surviving Business Entity) which the holders of
such general or limited partner interests, securities or rights are to
receive in exchange for, or upon conversion of their general or
limited partner interests, securities or rights, and (ii) in the case
of securities represented by certificates, upon the surrender of such
certificates, which cash, property or general or limited partner
interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving Business
Entity or any general or limited partnership, corporation, trust or
other entity (other than the Surviving Business Entity), or evidences
thereof, are to be delivered;
(e) a statement of any changes in the constituent documents or the
adoption of new constituent documents (the articles or certificate of
incorporation, articles of trust, declaration of trust, certificate or
agreement of limited partnership or other similar charter or governing
document) of the Surviving Business Entity to be effected by
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such merger or consolidation;
(f) the effective time of the merger, which may be the date of the filing
of the certificate of merger pursuant to Section 14.4 or a later date
specified in or determinable in accordance with the Merger Agreement
(provided, that if the effective time of the merger is to be later
than the date of the filing of the certificate of merger, the
effective time shall be fixed no later than the time of the filing of
the certificate of merger and stated therein); and
(g) such other provisions with respect to the proposed merger or
consolidation as are deemed necessary or appropriate by the General
Partner.
SECTION 14.3 Approval by Limited Partners of Merger or Consolidation.
(a) Except as provided in Section 14.3(d), the General Partner, upon
its approval of the Merger Agreement, shall direct that the Merger Agreement be
submitted to a vote of Limited Partners, whether at a special meeting or by
written consent, in either case in accordance with the requirements of Article
XIII. A copy or a summary of the Merger Agreement shall be included in or
enclosed with the notice of a special meeting or the written consent.
(b) Except as provided in Section 14.3(d), the Merger Agreement shall
be approved upon receiving the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of a
Unit Majority unless the Merger Agreement contains any provision that, if
contained in an amendment to this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement or
the Delaware Act would require for its approval the vote or consent of a greater
percentage of the Outstanding Units or of any class of Limited Partners, in
which case such greater percentage vote or consent shall be required for
approval of the Merger Agreement.
(c) Except as provided in Section 14.3(d), after such approval by vote
or consent of the Limited Partners, and at any time prior to the filing of the
certificate of merger pursuant to Section 14.4, the merger or consolidation may
be abandoned pursuant to provisions therefor, if any, set forth in the Merger
Agreement.
(d) Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Article XIV or in
this Agreement, the General Partner is permitted, in its discretion, without
Limited Partner approval, to merge the Partnership or any Group Member into, or
convey all of the Partnership's assets to, another limited liability entity
which shall be newly formed and shall have no assets, liabilities or operations
at the time of such Merger other than those it receives from the Partnership or
other Group Member if (i) the General Partner has received an Opinion of Counsel
that the merger or conveyance, as the case may be, would not result in the loss
of the limited liability of any Limited Partner or any Group Member or cause the
Partnership or any Group Member to be treated as an association taxable as a
corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax
purposes (to the extent not previously treated as such), (ii) the sole purpose
of such merger or conveyance is to effect a mere change in the legal form of the
Partnership into another limited liability entity and (iii) the governing
instruments of the new entity provide the Limited Partners and the General
Partner with the same rights and obligations as are herein contained.
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SECTION 14.4 Certificate of Merger. Upon the required approval by the
General Partner and the Unitholders of a Merger Agreement, a certificate of
merger shall be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware in conformity with the requirements of the Delaware Act.
SECTION 14.5 Effect of Merger.
(a) At the effective time of the certificate of merger:
(i) all of the rights, privileges and powers of each of the business
entities that has merged or consolidated, and all property, real,
personal and mixed, and all debts due to any of those business
entities and all other things and causes of action belonging to
each of those business entities, shall be vested in the Surviving
Business Entity and after the merger or consolidation shall be
the property of the Surviving Business Entity to the extent they
were of each constituent business entity;
(ii) the title to any real property vested by deed or otherwise in any
of those constituent business entities shall not revert and is
not in any way impaired because of the merger or consolidation;
(iii) all rights of creditors and all liens on or security interests
in property of any of those constituent business entities shall
be preserved unimpaired; and
(iv) all debts, liabilities and duties of those constituent business
entities shall attach to the Surviving Business Entity and may be
enforced against it to the same extent as if the debts,
liabilities and duties had been incurred or contracted by it.
(b) A merger or consolidation effected pursuant to this Article shall not
be deemed to result in a transfer or assignment of assets or liabilities from
one entity to another.
ARTICLE XV
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 15.1 Addresses and Notices. Any notice, demand, request,
report or proxy materials required or permitted to be given or made to a Partner
or Assignee under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given
or made when delivered in person or when sent by first class United States mail
or by other means of written communication to the Partner or Assignee at the
address described below. Any notice, payment or report to be given or made to a
Partner or Assignee hereunder shall be deemed conclusively to have been given or
made, and the obligation to give such notice or report or to make such payment
shall be deemed conclusively to have been fully satisfied, upon sending of such
notice, payment or report to the Record Holder of such Partnership Securities at
his address as shown on the records of the Transfer Agent or as otherwise shown
on the records of the Partnership, regardless of any claim
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of any Person who may have an interest in such Partnership Securities by reason
of any assignment or otherwise. An affidavit or certificate of making of any
notice, payment or report in accordance with the provisions of this Section 16.1
executed by the General Partner, the Transfer Agent or the mailing organization
shall be prima facie evidence of the giving or making of such notice, payment or
report. If any notice, payment or report addressed to a Record Holder at the
address of such Record Holder appearing on the books and records of the Transfer
Agent or the Partnership is returned by the United States Postal Service marked
to indicate that the United States Postal Service is unable to deliver it, such
notice, payment or report and any subsequent notices, payments and reports shall
be deemed to have been duly given or made without further mailing (until such
time as such Record Holder or another Person notifies the Transfer Agent or the
Partnership of a change in his address) if they are available for the Partner or
Assignee at the principal office of the Partnership for a period of one year
from the date of the giving or making of such notice, payment or report to the
other Partners and Assignees. Any notice to the Partnership shall be deemed
given if received by the General Partner at the principal office of the
Partnership designated pursuant to Section 2.3. The General Partner may rely and
shall be protected in relying on any notice or other document from a Partner,
Assignee or other Person if believed by it to be genuine.
SECTION 15.2 Further Action. The parties shall execute and deliver all
documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking action as may
be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.
SECTION 15.3 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors,
administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.
SECTION 15.4 Integration. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.
SECTION 15.5 Creditors. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall
be for the benefit of, or shall be enforceable by, any creditor of the
Partnership.
SECTION 15.6 Waiver. No failure by any party to insist upon the strict
performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or
to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall
constitute waiver of any such breach of any other covenant, duty, agreement or
condition.
SECTION 15.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, all of which together shall constitute an agreement binding on all
the parties hereto, notwithstanding that all such parties are not signatories to
the original or the same counterpart. Each party shall become bound by this
Agreement immediately upon affixing its signature hereto or, in the case of a
Person acquiring a Unit, upon accepting the certificate evidencing such Unit or
executing and delivering a Transfer Application as herein described,
independently of the signature of any other party.
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SECTION 15.8 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without
regard to the principles of conflicts of law.
SECTION 15.9 Invalidity of Provisions. If any provision of this
Agreement is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained
herein shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 15.10 Consent of Partners. Each Partner hereby expressly
consents and agrees that, whenever in this Agreement it is specified that an
action may be taken upon the affirmative vote or consent of less than all of the
Partners, such action may be so taken upon the concurrence of less than all of
the Partners and each Partner shall be bound by the results of such action.
[Signatures on following page]
86
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.
GENERAL PARTNER:
RIO VISTA GP LLC
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
--------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
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ORGANIZATIONAL LIMITED PARTNER:
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
--------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
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LIMITED PARTNERS:
All Limited Partners now and hereafter
admitted as Limited Partners of the
Partnership, pursuant to powers of
attorney now and hereafter executed in
favor of, and granted and delivered to
the General Partner.
RIO VISTA GP LLC
By:/s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
--------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
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87
EXHIBIT A
TO THE FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
CERTIFICATE EVIDENCING COMMON UNITS
REPRESENTING LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS IN
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
No. Common Units
In accordance with Section 4.1 of the First Amended and Restated Agreement
of Limited Partnership of Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P., as amended,
supplemented or restated from time to time (the "Partnership Agreement"), Rio
Vista Energy Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the "Partnership"),
hereby certifies that _______________ (the "Holder") is the registered owner of
Common Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the
"Common Units") transferable on the books of the Partnership, in person or by
duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed
and accompanied by a properly executed application for transfer of the Common
Units represented by this Certificate. The rights, preferences and limitations
of the Common Units are set forth in, and this Certificate and the Common Units
represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms
and provisions of, the Partnership Agreement. Copies of the Partnership
Agreement are on file at, and will be furnished without charge on delivery of
written request to the Partnership at, the principal office of the Partnership
located at 820 Gessner Road, Suite 1285, Houston, Texas 77024. Capitalized terms
used herein but not defined shall have the meanings given them in the
Partnership Agreement.
The Holder, by accepting this Certificate, is deemed to have (i) requested
admission as, and agreed to become, a Limited Partner and to have agreed to
comply with and be bound by and to have executed the Partnership Agreement, (ii)
represented and warranted that the Holder has all right, power and authority
and, if an individual, the capacity necessary to enter into the Partnership
Agreement, (iii) granted the powers of attorney provided for in the Partnership
Agreement and (iv) made the waivers and given the consents and approvals
contained in the Partnership Agreement.
This Certificate shall not be valid far any purpose unless it has been
countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and Registrar.
Dated:____________________ RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
Countersigned and Registered by: By: Rio Vista GP LLC,
its General Partner
___________________________________ By:____________________________________
as Transfer Agent and Registrar Name:__________________________________
By:________________________________ By:____________________________________
Authorized Signature Secretary
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88
[REVERSE OF CERTIFICATE]
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this Certificate, shall be construed as follows according to applicable laws or
regulations:
TEN COM -- as tenants in common UNIF GIFT/TRANSFERS MIN ACT
TEN ENT -- as tenants by the entireties Custodian
(Cust) (Minor)
JT TEN -- as joint tenants with right of under Uniform Gifts/Transfers to CD
survivorship and not as tenants in Minors Act (State)
Common
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Additional abbreviations, though not in the above list, may also be used.
ASSIGNMENT OF COMMON UNITS
IN
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING INVESTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
DUE TO TAX SHELTER STATUS OF
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
You have acquired an interest in Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P., 820
Gessner Road, Suite 1285, Houston, Texas 77024, whose taxpayer identification
number is 20-0153267. The Internal Revenue Service has issued Rio Vista Energy
Partners L.P. the following tax shelter registration number:
YOU MUST REPORT THIS REGISTRATION NUMBER TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE IF
YOU CLAIM ANY DEDUCTION, LOSS, CREDIT OR OTHER TAX BENEFIT OR REPORT ANY INCOME
BY REASON OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
You must report the registration number as well as the name and taxpayer
identification number of Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. on Form 8271. FORM 8271
MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE RETURN ON WHICH YOU CLAIM THE DEDUCTION, LOSS, CREDIT OR
OTHER TAX BENEFIT OR REPORT ANY INCOME BY REASON OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN RIO VISTA
ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
If you transfer your interest in Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. to another
person, you are required by the Internal Revenue Service to keep a list
containing (a) that person's name, address and taxpayer identification number,
(b) the date on which you transferred the interest and (c) the name, address and
tax shelter registration number of Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. If you do not
want to keep such a list, you must (1) send the information specified above to
the Partnership, which will keep the list for this tax shelter, and (2) give a
copy of this notice to the person to whom you transfer your interest. Your
failure to comply with any of the above-described responsibilities could result
in the imposition of a penalty under Section 6707(b) or
89
6708(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, unless such failure is
shown to be due to reasonable cause.
ISSUANCE OF A REGISTRATION NUMBER DOES NOT INDICATE THAT THIS INVESTMENT OR
THE CLAIMED TAX BENEFITS HAVE BEEN REVIEWED, EXAMINED OR APPROVED BY THE
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ___________________ hereby assigns, conveys, sells and
transfers unto
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
(Please print or typewrite name and (Please insert Social Security or
address of Assignee) other identifying number of
Assignee)
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90
_________ Common Units representing limited partner interests evidenced by this
Certificate, subject to the Partnership Agreement, and does hereby irrevocably
constitute and appoint ____________________ as its attorney-in-fact with full
power of substitution to transfer the same on the books of Rio Vista Energy
Partners L.P.
Date:_________________ NOTE: The signature to any endorsement hereon
must correspond with the name as written upon the
face of this Certificate in every particular,
without alteration, enlargement or change.
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SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED _____________________________________
BY A MEMBER FIRM OF THE NATIONAL Signature
ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS,
INC. OR BY A COMMERCIAL BANK
OR TRUST COMPANY SIGNATURE(S) _____________________________________
GUARANTEED Signature
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No transfer of the Common Units evidenced hereby will be registered on the
books of the Partnership, unless the Certificate evidencing the Common Units to
be transferred is surrendered for registration or transfer and an Application
for Transfer of Common Units has been executed by a transferee either (a) on the
form set forth below or (b) on a separate application that the Partnership will
furnish on request without charge. A transferor of the Common Units shall have
no duty to the transferee with respect to execution of the transfer application
in order for such transferee to obtain registration of the transfer of the
Common Units.
91
APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER OF COMMON UNITS
The undersigned ("Assignee") hereby applies for transfer to the name of the
Assignee of the Common Units evidenced hereby.
The Assignee (a) requests admission as a Substituted Limited Partner and
agrees to comply with and be bound by, and hereby executes, the Amended and
Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. (the
"Partnership"), as amended, supplemented or restated to the date hereof (the
"Partnership Agreement"), (b) represents and warrants that the Assignee has all
right, power and authority and, if an individual, the capacity necessary to
enter into the Partnership Agreement, (c) appoints the General Partner of the
Partnership and, if a Liquidator shall be appointed, the Liquidator of the
Partnership as the Assignee's attorney-in-fact to execute, swear to, acknowledge
and file any document, including, without limitation, the Partnership Agreement
and any amendment thereto and the Certificate of Limited Partnership of the
Partnership and any amendment thereto, necessary or appropriate for the
Assignee's admission as a Substituted Limited Partner and as a party to the
Partnership Agreement, (d) gives the powers of attorney provided for in the
Partnership Agreement, and (e) makes the waivers and gives the consents and
approvals contained in the Partnership Agreement. Capitalized terms not defined
herein have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Partnership Agreement.
Date:_________________________
___________________________________________ ________________________________
Social Security or other identifying number Signature of Assignee
____________________________________________ ________________________________
Purchase Price including commissions, if any Name and Address of Assignee
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Type of Entity (check one):
[ ] Individual [ ] Partnership [ ] Corporation
[ ] Trust [ ] Other (specify)
Nationality (check one):
[ ] U.S. Citizen, Resident or Domestic Entity
[ ] Foreign Corporation [ ] Non-resident Alien
If the U.S. Citizen, Resident or Domestic Entity box is checked, the
following certification must be completed.
Under Section 1445(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), the Partnership must withhold tax with respect to certain transfers of
property if a holder of an interest in the Partnership is a foreign person. To
inform the Partnership that no withholding is
92
required with respect to the undersigned Interestholder's interest in it, the
undersigned hereby certifies the following (or, if applicable, certifies the
following on behalf of the Interestholder).
Complete Either A or B:
A. Individual Interestholder
1. I am not a non-resident alien for purposes of U.S. income taxation.
2. My U.S. taxpayer identification number (Social Security Number) is
________________________.
3. My home address is
________________________________________________________________.
B. Partnership, Corporation or Other Interestholder
1. ____________________________ is not a foreign corporation, foreign
partnership, foreign trust (Name of Interestholder) or foreign estate
(as those terms are defined in the Code and Treasury Regulations).
2. The Interestholder's U.S. employer identification number is
3. The Interestholder's office address and place of incorporation (if
applicable) is ________________ .
The Interestholder agrees to notify the Partnership within sixty (60) days
of the date the Interestholder becomes a foreign person.
The Interestholder understands that this certificate may be disclosed to
the Internal Revenue Service by the Partnership and that any false statement
contained herein could be punishable by fine, imprisonment or both.
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this
certification and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct and
complete and, if applicable, I further declare that I have authority to sign
this document on behalf of:
Name of Interestholder
Signature and Date
Title (if applicable)
93
Note: If the Assignee is a broker, dealer, bank, trust company, clearing
corporation, other nominee holder or an agent of any of the foregoing, and is
holding for the account of any other person, this application should be
completed by an officer thereof or, in the case of a broker or dealer, by a
registered representative who is a member of a registered national securities
exchange or a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
or, in the case of any other nominee holder, a person performing a similar
function. If the Assignee is a broker, dealer, bank, trust company, clearing
corporation, other nominee owner or an agent of any of the foregoing, the above
certification as to any person for whom the Assignee will hold the Common Units
shall be made to the best of the Assignee's knowledge.
94
RIO VISTA GP LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2004
THE MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS DESCRIBED IN THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR
INVESTMENT AND HAVE BEEN ISSUED PURSUANT TO A CLAIM OF EXEMPTION FROM THE
REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION PROVISIONS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR THE
SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED HEREIN, WITHOUT SUCH
REGISTRATION, SAID MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE
TRANSFERRED, EXCEPT ON DELIVERY TO THE COMPANY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL
SATISFACTORY TO THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE COMPANY THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT
REQUIRED FOR THE TRANSFER, OR SUCH OTHER EVIDENCE SATISFACTORY TO THE BOARD OF
MANAGERS THAT THE TRANSFER IS NOT IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR
ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER OF
THESE SECURITIES IS ALSO SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN ARTICLE 9 OF
THIS DOCUMENT.
RIO VISTA GP LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT of Rio Vista
GP LLC is dated as of September 16, 2004.
WHEREAS, the Members wish to enter into this Agreement to provide for,
among other things, the management of the business and affairs of the Company,
the allocation of profits and losses among the Members, the respective rights
and obligations of the Members to each other and to the Company, and certain
other matters.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Members agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Agreement, certain capitalized terms have specifically
defined meanings that are either set forth herein or in Exhibit 1 which is
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
ARTICLE 2
FORMATION AND PURPOSE
2.1 Formation. The Company was formed pursuant to the Act and the Members
hereby ratify the filing of the Company's Certificate of Formation with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 10, 2003. This Agreement
amends and restates the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company dated
July 10, 2003, in its entirety. The rights and liabilities of the Members shall
be determined pursuant to the Act and this Agreement. To the extent that the
rights or obligations of any Member are different by reason of any provision
of this Agreement than they would be in the absence of such provision, this
Agreement shall, to the extent permitted by the Act, control.
2.2 Name. The name of the Company is Rio Vista GP LLC. The business of
the Company may be conducted under that name or, upon compliance with applicable
laws, any other name that the Board of Managers deems appropriate or advisable.
The Board of Managers shall file, or shall cause to be filed, any assumed name
certificates and similar filings, and any amendments thereto, that the Board of
Managers considers appropriate or advisable.
2.3 Registered Office and Agent. The registered office required to be
maintained by the Company in the State of Delaware pursuant to the Act shall
initially be located at 615 South DuPont Highway , City of Dover, County of
Kent, Delaware 19901. The name and address of the registered agent of the
Company pursuant to the Act shall initially be Capitol Services, IncThe Company
may, upon compliance with the applicable provisions of the Act, change its
registered office or registered agent from time to time at the sole discretion
of the Board of Managers.
2.4 Term. The term of the Company shall continue indefinitely unless
terminated as hereinafter provided.
2.5 Purpose. The Company is formed for the object and purpose of, and the
nature of the business to be conducted and promoted by the Company is, engaging
in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be
formed under the Act and engaging in any and all activities necessary,
advisable, convenient or incidental thereto.
2.6 Specific Powers. The Company shall have the power and authority to
take any and all actions necessary, appropriate, proper, advisable, incidental
or convenient to or for the furtherance of the purpose set forth in Section 2.5.
2.7 Certificate. Richard Shore, Jr. and Ian T. Bothwell are hereby
designated as authorized persons to execute, deliver and file any amendments or
restatements of the Certificate, and any other certificates and any amendments
or restatements thereof necessary for the Company to qualify to do business in a
jurisdiction in which the Company may wish to conduct business.
2.8 Ownership of Company Property; Waiver of Partition. All Company
property, both real and personal, presently owned or hereafter acquired by the
Company, shall be owned by the Company and held in the name of the Company.
Each Member expressly waives any right such Member might individually have to
require a partition thereof or a dissolution of the Company, except as otherwise
specifically provided herein.
ARTICLE 3
COMPANY AND CAPITAL
3.1 Members. The names and addresses of the Members of the Company and
each Member's Capital Contribution shall be listed on Schedule I attached to
this Agreement, as from time to time amended and supplemented in accordance with
the provisions of this Agreement.
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Schedule I lists the Members of the Company, their Capital Contributions,
Capital Accounts and the number of Units held by each of them as of the
Effective Date.
3.2 Capital Accounts. A separate account (each a "Capital Account") shall
be established and maintained for each Member which shall be increased by (a)
the amount of cash and the Fair Market Value of any other property contributed
by such Member to the Company as a Capital Contribution (net of liabilities
secured by such property or that the Company is considered to assume or take the
property subject to pursuant to Code Section 752), (b) the services rendered by
any Member in the amount that the Company is entitled to take a compensation
deduction for federal income tax purposes, (c) such Member's share of the Net
Profit of the Company and (d) any amount required pursuant to the terms of any
option or other equity incentive agreement entered into by the Company, and
shall be reduced by (y) the amount of cash and the Fair Market Value of any
other property distributed to such Member (net of liabilities secured by such
property or that the Member is considered to assume or take the property subject
to pursuant to Code Section 752) and (z) such Member's share of the Net Loss of
the Company. It is the intention of the Members that the Capital Accounts of
the Company be maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section 704(b) of
the Code and the Regulations thereunder and that this Agreement be interpreted
consistently therewith.
3.3 Return of Capital Contributions. No Member shall have the right to
demand a return of all or any part of its Capital Contributions, and any return
of the Capital Contributions to any Member shall be made solely from the assets
of the Company and only in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. No
interest shall be paid to any Member with respect to its Capital Contributions.
Each Member shall look solely to the assets of the Company for the return of its
Capital Contributions, and, if the assets of the Company are insufficient to
return its Capital Contributions, it shall have no recourse against any other
Member for that purpose.
3.4 Additional Members. Except to the extent that the provisions in
Article 10 shall have been complied with in connection with a Transfer pursuant
to Article 9, no Person shall be admitted as a Member of the Company unless and
until the following conditions have been satisfied:
(a) the Board of Managers shall have consented in writing to the
admission of such Person as a Member; and
(b) such other instruments, documents, certificates and opinions as
the Board of Managers deems necessary or desirable for admission
for such Person, including a counterpart of or a joinder to this
Agreement, shall have been executed and delivered.
3.5 Units. The Interests of the Members in the Company shall be
represented by Units. The Board of Managers may, but is not required to, adopt
forms of, and issue to Members, certificates representing the Units. The Units
shall be deemed "securities" within the meaning of Section 8-103(c) of the
Uniform Commercial Code.
3.6 Management Units. The Board of Managers may from time to time in its
sole discretion (a) issue Units, or reserve Units to be issued upon the exercise
of options granted, to
-3-
employees, consultants, managers or independent contractors of the Company or
its Affiliates, whether in connection with an investment by such Person or
otherwise, and (b) issue options to purchase Units pursuant to the Company's
Unit option plans or otherwise to employees, consultants, managers or
independent contractors of the Company or its Affiliates, or other Persons the
Board of Managers deems appropriate, all upon terms, conditions, vesting rights
and consideration, if any, as the Board of Managers deems appropriate; provided,
however, that the aggregate number of Units issued or reserved for options
pursuant to this Section 3.6 shall at no time exceed 10,000 Units. The terms on
which any Units are issued pursuant to this Section 3.6 shall be determined by
the Board of Managers.
3.7 Additional Units; Other Securities. In addition to Units permitted to
be issued under Section 3.6, the Board of Managers, subject to the terms and
conditions of this Section 3.7, may issue additional Units after the Effective
Date to such Persons (including but not limited to the Members or their
Affiliates) and for such consideration as the Board of Managers deems
appropriate in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement. The
terms and conditions of any Units issued pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall be
determined by the Board of Managers and such Units may consist of one or more
classes of Units possessing unique rights and preferences. The Board of
Managers is also authorized to cause the issuance of any other type of security
of the Company from time to time on terms and conditions established at the
discretion of the Board of Managers. Such securities may specifically include,
without limitation, unsecured and secured debt obligations of the Company, debt
obligations of the Company convertible into Units, options or warrants to
purchase any Units or any combination of any of the foregoing. The Board of
Managers shall do all things necessary to comply with the Act and is authorized
and directed to do all things it deems necessary or advisable in connection with
any such future issuance of Units, including compliance with any statute, rule,
regulation or guideline of any federal, state or other governmental agency.
3.7.1 Preemptive Rights. The Company hereby grants to each holder of
Units the preemptive right to purchase up to its pro rata share of New
Securities (as defined in this Section 3.7.1) which the Company may, from
time to time, propose to sell and issue. A Unitholder's pro rata share, for
purposes of this preemptive right, is the ratio of the number of Units
owned by such Unitholder immediately prior to the issuance of New
Securities, assuming exercise of any convertible securities, rights,
options or warrants to acquire Units of the Company held by said holder, to
the total number of Units outstanding immediately prior to the issuance of
New Securities (minus any Units held by Management Members excluded
pursuant to Section 3.7.1(e)), assuming exercise of all outstanding
convertible securities, rights, options and warrants to acquire Units of
the Company.
(a) "New Securities" shall mean any Units of the Company and rights,
options or warrants to purchase such Units, and securities of any
type whatsoever that are convertible into Units; provided that
the term "New Securities" does not include (i) issuances pursuant
to Section 3.6; (ii) any issuance of additional Units to all
holders of Units as a distribution thereon, pro rata; (iii) any
issuance of securities pursuant to the acquisition of a business
entity or business segment of such business entity, in each case
not Affiliated with the Company, by the Company by merger,
consolidation,
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conversion, reorganization, purchase of shares, purchase of
substantially all of the assets, or similar transaction; (iv) any
issuance to vendors, customers, suppliers, universities,
consultants, financial advisors or to other persons in similar
commercial situations with the Company, in each case which are
not Affiliated with the Company; (v) any issuance of securities
in connection with obtaining lease or other debt financing or
other borrowings, whether issued to a financial institution,
lessor, guarantor or any other Person (collectively, "Equity
Kickers"); provided, however, with respect to the issuance of an
Equity Kicker to a Member or its Affiliate, the foregoing
exclusion to the definition of New Securities shall only apply
if, in connection with a transaction to which Section 3.7.2
applies, Section 3.7.2 has been complied with; (vi) any issuance
in connection with partnering transactions, joint venture
arrangements or acquiring a product or service in each case
involving a party not Affiliated with the Company or any of its
Members; (vii) issuance of securities upon the exercise or
conversion of any security issued in compliance with Section 3.7;
and (viii) any right, option or warrant to acquire any security
convertible into the securities included in subsections (i)
through (vii) above.
(b) In the event the Company proposes to undertake an issuance of New
Securities, the Board of Managers shall give each holder of Units
written notice of its intention describing the type of New
Securities and their price and the general terms upon which the
Company proposes to issue the same. Each such holder of Units
shall have 30 days after any such notice is mailed to agree to
purchase all or any portion of such Unitholder's pro rata share
of such New Securities for the price and upon the terms specified
in the notice by giving written notice to the Board of Managers
and stating therein the quantity of New Securities to be
purchased.
(c) In the event such holder of Units fails to exercise its
preemptive right pursuant to Section 3.7.1(b) within said 30 day
period, the Company shall have 120 days thereafter to sell the
New Securities respecting which the Unitholder's preemptive right
option set forth in this Section 3.7.1 was not exercised, at a
price and upon terms no more favorable to the purchasers thereof
than specified in the Board of Managers' notice to Unitholders
pursuant to Section 3.7.1(b). In the event the Company has not
sold the New Securities within such 120 day period, the Company
shall not thereafter issue or sell any New Securities without
first again offering such securities to the Unitholders in the
manner provided in Section 3.7.1(b) above.
(d) The preemptive right granted under this Agreement shall expire
upon, and shall not be applicable to, any sale of Units of the
Company to the public effected pursuant to a registration
statement filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act.
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3.7.2 Loans, Advances and Guarantees.
(a) In the event that the Board of Managers determines in its sole
discretion that the Company requires funds, the Board of Managers
shall be authorized, at any time and from time to time, to cause
the Company to borrow additional funds sufficient for such
purposes and upon such terms as the Board of Managers may deem
appropriate. Moreover, the Board of Managers shall be authorized
to permit one or more Members or their Affiliates to guaranty any
such borrowed funds. In addition, the Board of Managers shall be
authorized to issue Equity Kickers in connection with borrowing
of funds or guarantees.
(b) Any such loans and guarantees may be provided by third parties or
by one or more Members or their Affiliates. Any loan or guaranty
provided by a Member shall not be considered contributions to the
capital of the Company and shall not increase the Capital Account
of the lending or guarantying Member.
(c) If the Board of Managers desires to request a loan or a several
but not joint guaranty from the Members (or any Member or their
Affiliates), it shall give the Members written notice of such
request, which notice shall include, with respect to any loan,
the amount, interest rate, priority and repayment terms with
respect to other indebtedness of the proposed loan and, with
respect to a several but not joint guaranty, the terms upon which
such guaranty will be given (and in both cases details of any
proposed Equity Kicker associated therewith). The Members shall
have 30 days from receipt of such notice to elect to make all or
a portion of the requested loan or a several but not joint
guaranty (and receive a pro rata portion of the associated Equity
Kicker) in the amounts mutually agreed upon by the Board of
Managers and the participating Members. Unless otherwise agreed
by the participating Members, any loan or a several but not joint
guaranty made by the participating Members to the Company (and
any associated Equity Kicker) will be made pro rata among the
participating Members in accordance with their respective
ownership of Units then outstanding. Notice of any such election
to participate shall be given to the Board of Managers within
such 30 day period; failure to timely respond shall be deemed to
be a decision by a Member that it does not desire to participate
in such guaranty, loan or advance. The interest accruing on any
such resulting loan and the expenses of such loan or guaranty,
including any origination fee, shall be paid and charged as an
expense of the Company. For each loan made by a lending Member to
the Company, the Company shall execute a note payable to the
lending Member, upon the terms, priority with respect to other
indebtedness and in the principal sum determined by the Board of
Managers and the lending Member. For each guaranty made by a
guarantying Member on behalf of the Company, the Company shall
execute a reimbursement agreement in
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favor of the guarantying Members on the terms determined by the
Board of Managers and the guarantying Members.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Management Members shall not have
the right to participate in the loans or guarantees contemplated
in this Section 3.7.2, unless expressly so permitted by the Board
of Managers.
3.8 Issuance Notice. The Board of Managers shall promptly prepare a
revised Schedule I, which shall be deemed to replace the old Schedule I and
constitute an amendment of this Agreement approved by all of the Members, to
reflect the issuance after the Effective Date of additional Units pursuant to
Section 3.6 or 3.7. The Board of Managers shall give notice to all the Members
promptly after the issuance of additional Units pursuant to Section 3.6 or 3.7
informing the Members of such issuance or redemption and the revised number of
Units issued and outstanding following such issuance, and enclosing a copy of
Schedule I hereto, as revised to reflect such transaction. The revised Schedule
I shall also set forth Capital Contributions, if any, made in consideration for
such Units.
3.9 Preemptive Rights. Other than as set forth in this Agreement, no
Unitholder shall have any preemptive right with respect to (a) additional
Capital Contributions to the Company, (b) the issuance or sale of Units or other
interests in the Company, (c) the issuance of any obligation, evidence of
indebtedness or other interest of or in the Company convertible into or
exchangeable for, or carrying or accompanied by any rights to receive, purchase
or subscribe to, any Units, (d) the issuance or any right of subscription to, or
right to receive, any warrant or option for the purchase of any Units, or (e)
the issuance or sale of any other securities that may be issued or sold by the
Company.
ARTICLE 4
STATUS OF MEMBERS
4.1 Limited Liability. No Member shall be bound by or personally liable
for the expenses, liabilities, or obligations of the Company arising in
contract, tort or otherwise, each of which is solely an obligation of the
Company. The Members shall not be required to make any additional contributions
to the Company. In no event shall any Member be required to make up any deficit
balance in such Member's Capital Account upon the liquidation of the Company or
otherwise. Except as provided in this Agreement, no Members shall be personally
liable, directly or indirectly, by way of indemnification, contribution,
assessment, or otherwise for an obligation solely by reason of being or acting
as a Member.
4.2 Return of Distributions of Capital. Except as otherwise expressly
required by law, a Member, in its capacity as such, shall have no liability for
obligations or liabilities of the Company in excess of (a) the amount of its
Capital Contributions actually made to the Company, (b) its share of any assets
and undistributed profits of the Company, and (c) to the extent required by the
Act, the amount of any Distributions wrongfully distributed to it. Except as
required by the Act, no Member shall be obligated by this Agreement to return
any Distribution to the Company or pay the amount of any Distribution for the
account of the Company or to any creditor of the Company. However, if any court
of competent jurisdiction holds that, notwithstanding the provisions of this
Agreement, any Member is obligated to return or pay any
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part of any Distribution, the obligation shall be that of such Member alone and
not of any Manager or any other Member. The amount of any Distribution returned
to the Company by a Member or paid by a Member for the account of the Company or
to a creditor of the Company shall be added to the account or accounts from
which it was subtracted when it was distributed to the Member.
ARTICLE 5
DESIGNATION, RIGHTS, AUTHORITIES, POWERS,
RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS
5.1 Management by Board of Managers. Subject to the provisions of the Act
and any limitations in this Agreement as to action to be authorized or approved
by the Members, all management powers over the business and affairs of the
Company shall be exclusively vested in a board of managers (the "Board of
Managers"). Collectively, members of the Board of Managers (each, a "Manager")
shall constitute "managers" of the Company within the meaning of the Act. The
Board of Managers on the Effective Date shall be the Persons set forth in
Exhibit 5.1 hereto. The Board of Managers may delegate certain of its powers to
officers (the "Officers"), who shall be agents of the Company. The Members, by
virtue of their status as members of the Company, shall not have any management
power over the business and affairs of the Company or actual or apparent
authority to enter into contracts on behalf of, or to otherwise bind, the
Company. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the
authority and functions of the Board of Managers and of the Officers shall be
identical to the authority and functions of the board of directors and officers,
respectively, of a corporation organized under the Delaware General Corporation
Law. Thus, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the
business and affairs of the Company shall be managed under the direction of the
Board of Managers, and the day-to-day activities of the Company shall be
conducted on the Company's behalf by the Officers. In addition to the powers
that now or hereafter can be granted to managers under the Act and to all other
powers granted under any other provision of this Agreement, the Board of
Managers (subject to Section 5.2 of this Agreement) and the Officers (subject to
Section 5.3 of this Agreement and the direction of the Board of Managers) shall
have full power and authority to do all things on such terms as they, in their
Sole Discretion, may deem necessary or appropriate to conduct, or cause to be
conducted, the business and affairs of the Company.
5.2 Board of Managers.
(a) Number and Term.
The Board of Managers shall consist of a number of Managers determined
by a Majority Interest from time to time; provided; that the Board of Managers
may not consists of less than three Managers. Managers need not be Members.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.2(d), each Manager shall be elected at
the annual meeting of the Members, and the individuals receiving the most votes
at such meeting shall be elected. No decrease in the number of Managers shall
have the effect of shortening the term of office of any incumbent Manager.
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(b) Chairman.
The Board of Managers shall select one Manager to serve as the
Chairman of the Board of Managers, and the Board of Managers shall elect
one other Manager to be the Vice Chairman. The Chairman shall preside at
all meetings of the Members and the Board of Managers. The Vice Chairman
shall perform all the duties of the Chairman in the absence or disability
of the Chairman. The Chairman and Vice Chairman shall have such other
powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time
by the Board of Managers.
(c) Quorum and Manner of Action.
At all meetings of the Board of Managers, a majority of the total
number of Managers shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business; and the act of a majority of the Managers present at any meeting
at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Managers,
except as otherwise provided by Law or this Agreement. If at any meeting of
the Board of Managers there shall be less than a quorum present, a majority
of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum
is obtained, and no further notice thereof need be given other than by
announcement at such adjourned meeting. Attendance by a Manager at a
meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where a
Manager attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the
beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business on the ground
that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
(d) Vacancies.
Except as otherwise provided by law or this Agreement, in the case of
any increase in the authorized number of Managers or of any vacancy in the
Board of Managers, however created, the additional Manager or Managers may
be elected or, as the case may be, the vacancy or vacancies may be filled
by majority vote of the Managers remaining on the whole Board of Managers
although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining Manager. Any Manager
elected or chosen as provided herein shall serve until the first to occur
of (i) the expiration of the term to which such Manager is elected or
appointed, (ii) the election and qualification of the Manager's successor,
or (iii) the Manager's resignation or removal.
(e) Resignations.
A Manager may resign at any time upon written notice of resignation to
the Company. Any resignation shall be effective immediately unless a
certain effective date is specified therein, in which event it will be
effective upon such date and acceptance of any resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective.
(f) Removals.
Any Manager or the entire Board of Managers may be removed, with or
without cause, and another person or persons may be elected to serve for
the remainder of his or their term by a Majority Interest. In case any
vacancy so created shall not be filled by the
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Members, such vacancy may be filled by the remaining Managers as provided
in Section 5.2(d).
(g) Annual Meetings.
The annual meeting of the Board of Managers shall be held, if a quorum
be present, for the purpose of organization and transaction of any business
that might be transacted at a regular meeting thereof, and no notice of
such meeting shall be necessary. If a quorum is not present, such annual
meeting may be held at any other time or place that may be specified in a
notice given in the manner provided in Section 5.2(i) for special meetings
of the Board of Managers or in a waiver of notice thereof.
(h) Regular Meetings.
Regular meetings of the Board of Managers may be held without notice
at such places and times as shall be determined from time to time by
resolution of the Board of Managers. Except as otherwise provided by law or
this Agreement, any business may be transacted at any regular meeting of
the Board of Managers.
(i) Special Meetings.
Special meetings of the Board of Managers may be called by the Chief
Executive Officer, or shall be called by the Secretary on the written
request of any Manager stating the purpose or purposes of such meeting.
Notices of special meetings shall be given to each Manager not later than
three days before the day the meeting is to be held. No notice of any
meeting need be given to any Manager who files a written waiver of notice
thereof with the Secretary either before or after the meeting. Neither the
business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting need
be specified in any notice or written waiver of notice, unless so required
by this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided by Law or this Agreement,
any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting.
(j) Organization of Meetings.
At any meeting of the Board of Managers, business shall be transacted
in such order and manner as the Chairman may from time to time determine.
(k) Place of Meetings.
The Board of Managers may hold their meetings at any office or offices
of the Company, or at any other place as they may from time to time by
resolution determine.
(l) Compensation of Managers; Reimbursement of Expenses.
The Managers shall not receive any compensation for their services.
Managers shall be reimbursed by the Company for their reasonable traveling,
food, lodging and other expenses incurred in attending meetings in
accordance with policies approved from time to time by the Board of
Managers.
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(m) Action by Written Consent.
Unless otherwise restricted by Law or this Agreement, any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Managers
may be taken without a meeting if the required number of such Managers
consent thereto in writing and the writing or writings are filed with the
minutes of proceedings of the Board of Managers. If any action is taken by
written consent to which less than all of the Managers have consented, the
consenting Managers shall promptly provide notice of such action to the
other Managers.
(n) Participation in Meetings by Telephone.
The Managers may participate in a meeting of the Board of Managers by
means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means
of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and
participation in a meeting in such manner shall constitute presence in
person at such meeting.
5.3 Officers; Agents. The Board of Managers by resolution or vote of the
Board of Managers shall have the power to appoint agents (who may be referred to
as officers) to act for the Company with such titles, if any, as the Board of
Managers deems appropriate and to delegate to such officers or agents such of
the powers as are granted to the Board of Managers hereunder, including the
power to execute documents on behalf of the Company, as the Board of Managers
may in its sole discretion determine. The officers or agents so appointed may
include persons holding titles such as Chief Executive Officer, President,
Executive Vice President, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer or Controller. Unless the authority of the agent
designated as the officer in question is limited in the document appointing such
officer or is otherwise specified by the Board of Managers, any officer so
appointed shall have the same authority to act for the Company as a
corresponding officer of a Delaware corporation would have to act for a Delaware
corporation in the absence of a specific delegation of authority and as more
specifically set forth herein; provided, however, that unless such power is
specifically delegated to the officer in question either for a specific
transaction or generally, no such officer shall have the power to lease or
acquire real property, to borrow money, to issue notes, debentures, securities,
equity or other interests of or in the Company, to make investments in (other
than the investment of surplus cash in the ordinary course of business) or to
acquire securities of any Person, to give guarantees or indemnities, to merge,
liquidate or dissolve the Company or to sell or lease all or any substantial
portion of the assets of the Company. The Board of Managers, in its sole
discretion, may by vote or resolution of the Board of Managers ratify any act
previously taken by an officer or agent acting on behalf of the Company.
5.3.1 Officers. Officers and agents of the Company, if any, shall be
appointed by the Board of Managers from time to time in its discretion. An
officer may be but none need be a Member or Manager. Any two or more
offices may be held by the same person. Any officer may be required by the
Board of Managers to secure the faithful performance of the officer's
duties to the Company by giving bond in such amount and with sureties or
otherwise as the Board of Managers may determine.
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5.3.2 Designations and Delegations. Officers may be designated by
the Board of Managers at any time. At any time or from time to time the
Board of Managers may delegate to any officer their power to elect or
appoint any other officer or any agents.
5.3.3 Tenure. Each officer shall retain its authority at the
pleasure of the Board of Managers, or the officer by whom such officer was
appointed or by the officer who then holds agent appointive power.
5.3.4 Resignation; Removal; Vacancies. Any officer or agent may
resign by delivering a written letter of resignation to the Chairman, if
any, the President, the Secretary or to the Board of Managers, which
resignation shall not require acceptance and, unless otherwise specified in
the letter of resignation, shall be effective upon receipt. The Board of
Managers or the officer appointing the officer or agent may remove any
officer or agent at any time without giving any reason for such removal and
no officer or agent shall be entitled to any damages by virtue of such
officer's removal from office or such position as agent. If any office
becomes vacant, the position may be filled by the Board of Managers or in
such other manner as the officer in question was appointed.
5.3.5 President and Vice Presidents. Unless the Board of Managers
otherwise specifies, the President shall be the chief executive officer and
shall have direct charge of all business operations of the Company and,
subject to the control of the Board of Managers, shall have general charge
and supervision of the business of the Company. Any vice presidents shall
have duties as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of
Managers or the President.
5.3.6 Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers. Unless the Board of
Managers otherwise specifies, the Treasurer shall be the chief financial
officer of the Company and shall be in charge of its funds and valuable
papers, and shall have such other duties and powers as may be designated
from time to time by the Board of Managers or the President. Any Assistant
Treasurers shall have such duties and powers as shall be designated from
time to time by the Board of Managers, the President or the Treasurer.
5.3.7 Secretary and Assistant Secretaries. The Secretary shall
record all proceedings of the Members and the Board of Managers in a book
or series of books to be kept therefor and shall file therein all actions
by written consent of the Board of Managers. In the absence of the
Secretary from any meeting, an Assistant Secretary, or if there be none or
no Assistant Secretary is present, a temporary secretary chosen at the
meeting, shall record the proceedings thereof. The Secretary shall keep or
cause to be kept records, which shall contain the names and record
addresses of all Members. The Secretary shall have such other duties and
powers as may from time to time be designated by the Board of Managers or
the President. Any Assistant Secretaries shall have such duties and powers
as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Managers, the
President or the Secretary.
5.4 Right of Third Parties to Rely on Authority of Board of Managers.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no lender
or purchaser of Company assets shall be required to verify any representation by
the Board of Managers or any
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officer of the Company duly authorized by resolution of the Board of Managers as
to the extent of the interest in the assets of the Company which the Board of
Managers is entitled to encumber, sell or otherwise use, and any such lender or
purchaser shall be entitled to rely exclusively on the representations of the
Board of Managers or any officer of the Company duly authorized by resolution of
the Board of Managers as to its individual authority to enter into such
financing or sale arrangements and shall be entitled to deal with the Board of
Managers or any officer of the Company duly authorized by resolution of the
Board of Managers as if they were the sole party in interest therein both
legally and beneficially.
5.5 Certain Limitations on Board of Managers and Members Activities.
5.5.1 Unanimous Consent Required. Notwithstanding any provision in
this Agreement to the contrary, the Board of Managers and Members shall not
do any of the following, and none of the following shall be an act of the
Board of Managers or the Members, without, in each instance, obtaining the
consent of all of the Members:
(a) effect or cause to be effected any Transfer (including any
indirect Transfer by way of a Sale of the Company) of the
Incentive Distribution Rights (as defined in the First Amended
and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Rio Vista Energy
Partners L.P.) owned or subsequently acquired by the Company; and
(b) take any action to amend or modify any of the provisions of this
Section 5.5.1 or any other provision of this Agreement that would
affect the provisions, applicability or effect of this Section
5.5.1 in any way.
5.5.2 Supermajority Consent Required. The Board of Managers shall
not do any of the following without, in each instance, obtaining the
consent of the Members holding 75% of the Units:
(a) do any act in contradiction of this Agreement;
(b) do any act which would make it impossible to carry on the
ordinary business of the Company (except for a disposition of
Company assets);
(c) confess a judgment against the Company; or
(d) possess Company assets, or assign the rights in specific Company
assets for other than a Company purpose.
5.6 Transactions with the Members or Affiliates. The Company is expressly
permitted to enter into transactions, agreements or modifications to
transactions or agreements with any Member or any Affiliates thereof or of the
Company, provided that such transactions, agreements or modifications to
transactions or agreements are (a) on terms taken as a whole not less favorable
to the Company than the terms taken as a whole which could reasonably be
obtained (as determined in good faith by the Board of Managers) from an
unrelated party, or (b) approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
disinterested members of the Board of Managers, even though the disinterested
members may not constitute a quorum.
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5.7 Specific Limitations. Except as provided in this Agreement, no Member
shall have the right or power to: (a) withdraw or reduce its Capital
Contribution except as provided by law, (b) make voluntary Capital Contributions
or contribute any property to the Company other than cash, (c) bring an action
for partition against the Company or any Company assets, (d) cause the
termination and dissolution of the Company, or (e) upon the return of its
Capital Contribution require that property other than cash be distributed in
return for its Capital Contribution. Each Member hereby irrevocably waives any
and all rights that it may have to maintain an action for partition of any of
the Company's property. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no
Member shall have priority over any other Member either as to the return of its
Capital Contribution or as to Net Profit, Net Loss, or Distributions. Other
than upon the termination and dissolution of the Company as provided by this
Agreement, there has been no time agreed upon when or if all or any portion of
the Capital Contribution of any Member will be returned.
5.8 Meetings of Members.
(a) Annual Meetings.
Annual meetings of the Members may be held on such date and at such
time as shall be determined by the Board of Managers. Notice of the
establishment of such annual meeting, and of any amendments thereto, shall
be given to each Member at least 10 Days prior to the next annual meeting.
No other notices of such annual meetings need be given.
(b) Special Meetings.
Special meetings of the Members may be called by any Member. Any such
meeting shall be held on such date and at such time as the Member calling
such meeting shall specify in the notice of the meeting, which shall be
delivered to each other Member at least 10 Days prior to such meeting.
Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, such special
meeting need be specified in the notice (or waiver of notice) of such
meeting.
(c) Quorum.
A Majority Interest (represented either in person or by proxy) shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the
Members. With respect to any matter, except any matter requiring the
consent of all the Members under Section 5.5.1, an act of a Majority
Interest shall be the act of the Members. Each Member may, with respect to
any vote, consent or approval that he is entitled to grant pursuant to this
Agreement, grant or withhold such vote, consent or approval in his Sole
Discretion.
(d) Place of Meeting.
Any meeting of the Members shall be held at the principal place of
business of the Company, unless the notice of such meeting specifies a
different place.
(e) Waiver of Notice Through Attendance.
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Attendance of a Member at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of
notice of such meeting, except where such Member attends the meeting for
the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the
ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
(f) Proxies.
A Member may vote at any meeting by a written proxy executed by that
Member and delivered to another Member. A proxy shall be revocable unless
it is stated to be irrevocable.
(g) Action by Written Consent.
Any action required or permitted to be taken at such meeting may be
taken without a meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote if a
consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is
signed by a Majority Interest. The Company shall give prompt written notice
to the non-consenting Members of any action of Members taken by less than
unanimous written consent of the Members.
(h) Meetings by Telephone.
The Members may participate in and hold any meeting by means of
conference telephone, video conference or similar communications equipment
by means of which all Persons participating in the meeting can hear each
other.
ARTICLE 6
BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS
6.1 Books and Records. The Company shall maintain at its principal office
all of the following:
(a) a current list of the full name and last known address of each
Member together with information regarding the amount of cash and
a description and the Book Value of any other property or
services contributed by each Member and which each Member has
agreed to contribute in the future, and the date on which each
Member became a Member of the Company;
(b) a copy of the Certificate and this Agreement, including any and
all amendments to either thereof, or any amendments that have
been executed;
(c) copies of the Company's federal, state, and local income tax or
information returns and reports, if any, for each taxable year
after the Effective Date, provided that the Company need not
retain any such records for more than four fiscal years;
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(d) the financial statements of the Company for each Fiscal Year
after the Effective Date, provided that the Company need not
retain any such records for more than four fiscal years; and
(e) the Company's books and records for each Fiscal Year after the
Effective Date, provided that the Company need not retain any
such records for more than four fiscal years.
6.2 Delivery to Member, Inspection, etc. Upon the request of any Member,
for any purpose reasonably related to such Member's interest as a Member of the
Company, the Board of Managers shall cause to be delivered to the requesting
Member, at the expense of the Company, a copy of the information required to be
maintained by clauses (a) through (e) of Section 6.1. A Member upon reasonable
request may inspect at the Company's offices the Company's books and records
during reasonable business hours.
6.3 Financial Statements. The Board of Managers shall cause books of
account to be maintained reflecting the operations of the Company on an annual
basis and shall cause to be prepared for and delivered to the Members at least
annually, at the Company's expense, financial statements of the Company prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
6.4 Filings. At the Company's expense the Board of Managers shall cause
the income tax returns for the Company to be prepared and timely filed with the
appropriate authorities and to have prepared and to furnish to each Member such
information with respect to the Company as is necessary to enable the Members to
prepare their federal and state income tax returns. The Board of Managers, at
the Company's expense, shall also cause to be prepared and timely filed, with
appropriate federal and state regulatory and administrative bodies, all reports
required to be filed by the Company with those entities under then current
applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The reports shall be prepared on the
accounting or reporting basis required by the regulatory bodies.
6.5 Nondisclosure. Each Member agrees that, except as otherwise consented
to by the Board of Managers, all nonpublic information furnished to it pursuant
to this Agreement or otherwise with respect to the Company will be kept
confidential and will not be disclosed by such Member, or by any of its agents,
representatives, or employees, in any manner whatsoever, in whole or in part,
except that (a) each Member shall be permitted to disclose such information to
those of its agents, representatives, and employees who need to be familiar with
such information in connection with such Member's investment in the Company and
who are charged with an obligation of confidentiality, (b) each Member shall be
permitted to disclose such information to financial institutions, investment
bankers and prospective purchasers and capital investors, (c) each Member shall
be permitted to disclose such information to its partners and stockholders or to
prospective purchasers or Assignees of its Units so long as each of them agree
to keep such information confidential on the terms set forth herein, (d) each
Member shall be permitted to disclose information to the extent required by law,
so long as such Member shall have first afforded the Company with a reasonable
opportunity to contest the necessity of disclosing such information, and (e)
each Member shall be permitted to disclose information to
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the extent necessary for the enforcement of any right of such Member arising
under this Agreement.
ARTICLE 7
DISTRIBUTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS OF PROFIT AND LOSS
7.1 Board of Managers' Determination. The Board of Managers shall have
the sole authority to determine the timing and the aggregate amount of any
Distributions to Members.
7.2 Distributions. Subject to Section 7.1, Distributions from the Company
to its Members shall be made as follows:
7.2.1 If the Company expects that as of the end of any Tax Estimation
Period the Company will have Adjusted Taxable Income, then the Company
shall distribute to each Member on or before the 15th day after the end of
the Tax Estimation Period cash in an amount equal to the Company's estimate
of the Adjusted Taxable Income allocable to each such Member during such
Tax Estimation Period multiplied by the Combined Effective Marginal Tax
Rate. On or before April 15th of each year the Company shall adjust the
distributions pursuant to this Section 7.2.1 with respect to the previous
Fiscal Year to conform with the Company's income tax returns for such
Fiscal Year. Tax Distributions made pursuant to this Section 7.2.1 shall
not be deemed to constitute an advance against any distributions provided
for in Section 7.2.2 below. In the event that the proportion of the
Company's Adjusted Taxable Income allocable to a Member is greater than the
proportion of the Company's Net Profit or Net Loss allocable to the Member
for the same period, the Tax Distributions to such Member shall reflect the
Adjusted Taxable Income allocable to that Member and the Tax Distributions
to the other Members shall be adjusted so that Tax Distributions under this
Section 7.2.1 are made in proportion to Unit ownership.
7.2.2 The Company shall make all remaining Distributions to the
holders of Units in proportion to their Unit ownership.
7.3 No Violation. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained
in this Agreement, the Company, and the Board of Managers on behalf of the
Company, shall not be required to make a Distribution to any Member on account
of its interest in the Company if such Distribution would violate applicable
law.
7.4 Withholding. All amounts withheld pursuant to the Code or any
provision of any state, local or foreign tax law with respect to any payment,
distribution, or allocation to the Company shall be treated as amounts paid to
the Company. Such amounts shall in turn be allocated to and treated as
distributed to the Members for all purposes under this Agreement. The Board of
Managers is authorized to withhold from Distributions to the Members and to pay
over to the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign government any amounts
required to be so withheld. The Board of Managers shall allocate any such
amounts to the Members in respect of whose Distribution or allocation the tax
was withheld and shall treat such amounts as actually distributed to such
Members.
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7.5 Property Distributions. If any assets of the Company shall be
distributed in kind pursuant to this Article 7, such assets shall be distributed
to the Members entitled thereto in the same proportions as the Members would
have been entitled to cash Distributions. The amount by which the Fair Market
Value of any property to be distributed in kind to the Members exceeds or is
less than the Book Value of such property shall, to the extent not otherwise
recognized by the Company, be taken into account in determining Net Profit and
Net Loss and determining the Capital Accounts of the Members as if such property
had been sold at its Fair Market Value immediately prior to the Distribution.
7.6 Allocations of Net Profit or Net Loss. Subject to Section 7.7.2,
7.7.3 and 7.7.4 hereof, the Net Profit or Net Loss of the Company shall be
allocated among the Members so as to ensure, to the extent possible, that the
Capital Accounts of the Members as of the end of each Fiscal Year reflect the
aggregate Distributions that the Members would be entitled to receive if all of
the assets of the Company were sold for their Book Values and the proceeds were
distributed as of the end of such Fiscal Year in accordance with Section 7.2.2.
7.7 Other Capital Account and Income Tax Adjustments. Prior to making the
allocations of Net Profit or Net Loss for the Fiscal Year in accordance with
Section 7.6 hereof, the Board of Managers shall allocate income, gain, loss,
deduction and credit (and items thereof) in accordance with the provisions of
this Section 7.7 to the extent required by the Code and applicable Regulations.
7.7.1 Certain Contributions of Property. In the event there is a
difference between the Book Value at which any property is accepted as a
contribution to the capital of the Company (or deemed accepted pursuant to
Regulation Section 1.704-1 (b)(2)(iv)(g)) and the adjusted tax basis of
such property to the Company, the Board of Managers shall, solely for
federal income tax purposes (and not for purposes of allocating Net Profit
or Net Loss under Section 7.6 or computing Net Profit or Net Loss),
specially allocate the income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to
such property to the extent required by Section 704(c) of the Code or any
applicable Regulations under Code Section 704(b) or 704(c) using the
traditional method under Regulation Section 1.704-3(b).
7.7.2 Certain Adjustments. To the extent that an adjustment to the
adjusted tax basis of any Company asset is required pursuant to Section
732(d), Section 734(b) or Section 743(b) of the Code, adjustments to the
Capital Accounts shall be made as required pursuant to Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m).
7.7.3 Nonrecourse Deductions; Member Nonrecourse Deductions;
Qualified Income Offset, etc. There are hereby included in the Agreement
such provisions governing the allocation of taxable income, gain, loss,
deduction and credit (and items thereof) determined under the Code as may
be necessary to provide that the Company's allocation provisions contain a
so-called "Qualified Income Offset" and comply with all provisions relating
to the allocation of so-called "Nonrecourse Deductions" and "Member
Nonrecourse Deductions" and the chargeback thereof as set forth in the
Regulations under Section 704(b) of the Code; provided, however, that the
incorporation of such provisions shall affect only the computation of
taxable net income and loss and the allocation thereof as between Members
and shall not otherwise affect the amount or
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timing of any distribution of cash or property to any Member provided for
in this Agreement. Allocations of Nonrecourse Deductions shall be made
ratably among the Members in accordance with the number of Units held by
the Members. Allocations of Member Nonrecourse Deductions shall be made in
accordance with Regulation Section 1.704-2(i).
7.7.4 Limitation on Loss Allocation. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no item of loss or deduction
of the Company shall be allocated to any Member if such allocation would
cause such Member to have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit or would
increase such Member's Adjusted Capital Account Deficit. Such loss shall be
allocated among the Members in accordance with their interest in the
Company as determined under Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(3); provided,
however, that the Board of Managers will notify the Members of any material
loss allocation required under this sentence at least 30 days prior to the
date on which any Company return is filed reporting such loss and will
provide the Members with the proposed allocation and supporting
calculations, all in reasonable detail.
7.8 Changes in Members' Units. If during any Fiscal Year of the Company
there is a change in any Member's Units in the Company, the Board of Managers
shall confer with the tax advisors to the Company and, in conformity with such
advice, allocate the Net Profit or Net Loss to the Members so as to take into
account the varying interests of the Members in the Company in a manner that
complies with the provisions of Section 706 of the Code and the Regulations
thereunder.
7.9 Adjustment of Capital Accounts. Unless the Board of Managers shall
determine otherwise, the Book Values of all the Company's assets shall be
adjusted to equal their respective gross fair market values, as determined by
the Board of Managers (and the Capital Accounts of the Members shall be adjusted
accordingly), as of the following times: (a) the acquisition of additional Units
by any new or existing Member in exchange for more than a de minimis additional
Capital Contribution, services rendered or to be rendered or the exercise of an
option to acquire such Units; (b) the distribution by the Company to a Member of
more than a de minimis amount of assets of the Company as consideration for
Units; and (c) the liquidation of the Company; provided, however, that
adjustments pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) above shall be made only if the
Board of Managers reasonably determines that such adjustments are necessary or
appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Members in the
Company.
7.10 Allocations for Tax and Section 704(b) Book Purposes. Except as
otherwise provided herein, any allocation, for purposes of maintaining Capital
Accounts, to a Member for a Fiscal Year or other period of a portion of Net
Profit or Net Loss (or of a specially allocated item) shall be determined to be
an allocation to that Member of the same proportionate part of each item of
income, gain, loss, deduction or credit, as the case may be, as is earned,
realized or available by or to the Company for federal income tax purposes.
7.11 Interpretation. It is the intent of the Members that the provisions
hereof relating to each Member's distributive share of income, gain, loss,
deduction and credit (and items thereof) shall comply with the provisions of
Sections 704(b), 704(c), 706 and other relevant provisions of the Code and the
applicable Regulations. In furtherance of the foregoing, the
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Board of Managers is hereby directed to resolve any ambiguity in the provisions
of this Agreement in a manner that will preserve and protect the allocations
provided for in this Article 7 for federal income tax purposes and, subject to
the last sentence hereof, to adopt such curative provisions to this Article 7 as
the Board of Managers may deem necessary or appropriate. In the event of any
dispute, the decision of the independent tax counsel employed by the Company
shall be final. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Member shall have the right
to require or compel any distribution of cash or property not authorized or
provided for by the provisions of this Agreement and the Board of Managers shall
not have the right to alter any distribution of cash or property provided for by
the provisions of this Agreement on the ground that such action is necessary to
cause the provisions hereof to conform to the provisions of the Regulations.
ARTICLE 8
TAX MATTERS MEMBER
8.1 Tax Matters Member. Unless and until another Member is designated as
the tax matters member by the Board of Managers, Penn Octane Corporation shall
be the tax matters member of the Company as provided in the Regulations under
Code Section 6231 and any analogous provisions of state law and in such capacity
is referred to as the "Tax Matters Member".
8.2 Certain Authorizations. The Tax Matters Member shall represent the
Company, at the Company's expense, in connection with all examinations of the
Company's affairs by tax authorities including any resulting administrative or
judicial proceedings.
8.3 Indemnity of Tax Matters Member. The Company shall indemnify and
reimburse the Tax Matters Member for all expenses (including legal and
accounting fees) incurred as Tax Matters Member pursuant to this Article 8 in
connection with any administrative or judicial proceeding with respect to the
tax liability of the Members as long as the Tax Matters Member has determined in
good faith that its course of conduct was in, or not opposed to, the best
interest of the Company. The payment of all such expenses shall be made before
any Distributions are made to the Members. The taking of any action and the
incurring of any expense by the Tax Matters Member in connection with any such
proceeding, except to the extent provided herein or required by law, is a matter
in the sole discretion of the Tax Matters Member and the provisions on
limitations of liability of the Tax Matters Member, and indemnification set
forth in Article 12 shall be fully applicable to the Tax Matters Member in its
capacity as such.
8.4 Notices to Tax Matters Member. Any Member that receives a notice of
an administrative proceeding under Code Section 6233 relating to the Company
shall promptly notify the Tax Matters Member of the treatment of any Company
item on such Member's federal income tax return that is or may be inconsistent
with the treatment of that item on the Company's return. Any Member that enters
into a settlement agreement with the Secretary with respect to any Company item
shall notify the Tax Matters Member of such agreement and its terms within 60
days after its date.
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ARTICLE 9
TRANSFER OF UNITS
9.1 Transfer by Members.
9.1.1 Except as permitted by Section 9.3, no Member shall Transfer
all or any part of the economic or other rights that comprise its Units and
no Assignee shall Transfer any portion of its Economic Interest unless such
Transfer is first approved by the Board of Managers, which approval may be
given or refused in the sole and absolute discretion of the Board of
Managers.
9.1.2 Notwithstanding Section 9.1.1, but subject to the provisions of
Sections 9.1.4, 9.1.5 and 9.3, a Member who is an individual shall be
entitled to Transfer all or any portion of its Units to a trust for the
benefit of such Member or a Member of the immediate family of such Member
(herein referred to as a "Permitted Transferee") so long as the Person
controlling such trust is satisfactory to the Board of Managers, provided
that the Permitted Transferee in question shall not be admitted as a Member
of the Company, but shall remain an Assignee with respect to the interest
transferred unless admitted as a Member pursuant to Article 10.
9.1.3 Any holder of Units may pledge such Units to any bank or other
financial institution to secure any debt of the Company to such bank or
financial institution for borrowed money; provided, however, that no such
pledge may be made unless such pledge is first approved by the Board of
Managers, which approval may be given or refused in the sole and absolute
discretion of the Board of Managers.
9.1.4 No Transfer (including a Transfer to a Permitted Transferee) of
all or any part of a Member's Units or an Assignee's Economic Interest may
be made pursuant to Section 9.1 or Section 9.3 hereof unless and until the Board
of Managers shall have received all of the following (to the extent applicable
to the proposed Transfer):
(a) if requested by the Board of Managers, an opinion of responsible
counsel (who may be counsel for the Company), satisfactory in
form and substance to the Board of Managers to the effect that:
(i) such Transfer would not violate the Securities Act or
any state securities or blue sky laws applicable to the
Company or the Units to be transferred;
(ii) such Transfer would not cause the Company to be
considered a publicly traded partnership under Section
7704(b) of the Code;
(iii) such Transfer would not cause the Company to lose its
status as a partnership for federal income tax
purposes;
(iv) such Transfer would not require the Company or the
Board of Managers to register as an investment adviser
under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended,
or to register as an investment
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company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended; and
(v) such Transfer would not cause a termination of the
Company for federal income tax purposes; and
(b) the agreement in writing of such Assignee to comply with all of
the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the grant of the
power of attorney set forth in Section 15.4.
9.1.5 Each Member hereby severally agrees that:
(a) it will not transfer all or any part of its Units in the Company
except as permitted by this Agreement;
(b) in no event shall all or any part of a Unit be transferred to a
minor or an incompetent except in trust or pursuant to the
Uniform Gifts to Minors Act; and
(c) it will pay all reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees,
incurred by the Company in connection with such Transfer.
9.1.6 A transferee of Units or an Economic Interest shall not be
admitted as a Member of the Company, but shall remain an Assignee with
respect to the Units or Economic Interest transferred unless and until
admitted as a Member pursuant to Article 10. Unless a transferee is
admitted as a Member of the Company pursuant to Article 10, the Transfer of
all of a Member's interest in the profits, losses and capital of the
Company shall not cause such Member to cease to be a Member of the Company.
9.1.7 Any Transfer in contravention of any of the provisions of this
Article 9 shall be void and of no effect, and shall not bind nor be
recognized by the Company.
9.1.8 In the event of a Transfer or the admission of any Assignee as
a Member of the Company, the Board of Managers shall promptly prepare a
revised Schedule I, which shall be deemed to replace the old Schedule I and
constitute an amendment of this Agreement approved by all of the Members,
to reflect such Transfer or admission, as the case may be, and shall
promptly send a copy of such revised Schedule I to all Members.
9.2 Assignees. If the provisions of this Article 9 have been complied
with, an Assignee shall be entitled to receive all distributions of cash or
other property from the Company, and to be allocated Net Profit and Net Loss and
items of taxable income, deduction, gain, loss or credit attributable to the
Economic Interest assigned to the Assignee from and after the effective date of
the Transfer; shall succeed to the portion of the Capital Account of the
transferor as of the effective date of the Transfer attributable to the Economic
Interest which was transferred; and shall have the right to receive a copy of
the financial statements and tax information required herein to be provided to
all Members. An Assignee shall have no rights of a Member, including without
limitation the right to vote as a Member on matters set forth herein or in the
Act, which rights of a Member shall continue to be held by the Member from whom
the
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Economic Interest derives, unless and until such Assignee is admitted as a
Member pursuant to the provisions of Article 10. The Economic Interest of an
Assignee shall be subject to all of the restrictions and limitations to which
the Units from which the Economic Interest was transferred and to which the
Member holding such Units are subject. The Company and Board of Managers shall
be entitled to treat the transferor of the Economic Interest transferred to the
Assignee as the absolute owner in all respects, and shall incur no liability for
Distributions, allocations of Net Profit or Net Loss, or transmittal of reports
and notices required to be given to the Assignee that are made in good faith to
the transferor Member until the effective date of the Transfer. Unless
otherwise agreed by the Board of Managers, the effective date of the Transfer
shall be the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the
Board of Managers has received all documents with respect to such Transfer
required by Section 9.1.4 and an executed instrument of assignment in compliance
with this Article 9 or the first day of a later month if specified in the
executed instrument of assignment.
9.3 Penn Octane Units. Penn Octane Corporation shall have the right to
sell 25,000 of its Units to each of Shore Capital LLC (or its designee) and
Jerome B. Richter (or his designee) pursuant to purchase rights granted to by
Penn Octane Corporation to such Persons.
ARTICLE 10
ADMISSION OF ASSIGNEE AS MEMBER
10.1 Requirements. An Assignee shall not be admitted to the Company as a
Member unless all of the following conditions are first satisfied:
(a) a duly executed and acknowledged written instrument of Transfer
is filed with the Company, specifying the Units being transferred
and setting forth the intention of the Member effecting the
Transfer that the Assignee succeed to a portion or all of such
Member's Units as a Member;
(b) the Assignee qualifies as an Accredited Investor;
(c) if requested by the Board of Managers, the Assignee delivers to
the Company an opinion of counsel, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Board of Managers, to the effect provided in
clause (a) of Section 9.1.4 with respect to the admission of the
Assignee as a Member;
(d) the Member effecting the Transfer and Assignee execute and
acknowledge any other instruments that the Board of Managers
deems necessary or desirable for admission of the Assignee,
including the written acceptance and adoption by the Assignee of
the provisions of this Agreement and execution, acknowledgment
and delivery to the Board of Managers of a special power of
attorney as provided in Section 15.4;
(e) the Member effecting the Transfer or the Assignee pays to the
Company a transfer fee sufficient to cover all reasonable
expenses connected with the admission;
(f) Article 9 of this Agreement has been or is complied with; and
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(g) the Board of Managers approves such admission, which approval may
be given or refused in its reasonable discretion.
10.2 Resignation of Member; No Dissolution. If a Member Transfers all of
its interest in the profits, losses and capital of the Company pursuant to
Section 9.1 and the transferee of such interest is admitted as a Member pursuant
to Section 10.1, such Person shall be admitted to the Company as a Member
effective on the effective date of the Transfer or such other date as may be
specified when the Member is admitted, and immediately following such admission,
the transferor Member shall cease to be a Member of the Company.
ARTICLE 11
DISSOLUTION OF COMPANY
11.1 Termination of Company. No Member shall resign or withdraw from the
Company except that, subject to the restrictions set forth in Articles 9 and 10
hereof, any Member may Transfer its Units in the Company to an Assignee and an
Assignee may become a Member in place of the Member which assigned its Units.
If any Member ceases to be a Member for any reason, the business of the Company
shall be continued by the remaining Members.
11.2 Events of Dissolution or Liquidation. The Company shall be dissolved
upon the happening of any of the following events: (a) the written determination
of the Board of Managers or (b) the Sale of the Company.
11.3 Liquidation. Upon dissolution of the Company for any reason, the
Company shall immediately commence to wind up its affairs. A reasonable period
of time shall be allowed for the orderly termination of the Company's business,
discharge of its liabilities, and distribution or liquidation of the remaining
assets so as to enable the Company to minimize the normal losses attendant to
the liquidation process. The Company's property and assets or the proceeds from
the liquidation thereof shall be distributed so as not to contravene the Act but
in compliance with Section 7.2; provided, however, that Distributions to Members
shall be made after their Capital Accounts have been adjusted to reflect all Net
Profits and Net Losses of the Company through the date of distribution.
11.4 No Action for Dissolution. The Members acknowledge that irreparable
damage would be done to the goodwill and reputation of the Company if any Member
should bring an action in court to dissolve the Company under circumstances
where dissolution is not required by Section 11.2. This Agreement has been
drawn carefully to provide fair treatment of all parties and equitable payment
in liquidation of the Units of all Members. Accordingly, except where the Board
of Managers has failed to liquidate the Company as required by Section 11.2 and
except as specifically provided in the Act, each Member hereby waives and
renounces its right to initiate legal action to seek dissolution or to seek the
appointment of a receiver or trustee to liquidate the Company.
11.5 No Further Claim. Upon dissolution, each Member shall look solely to
the assets of the Company for the return of its capital, and if the Company's
property remaining after payment or discharge of the debts and liabilities of
the Company, including debts and liabilities
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owed to one or more of the Members, is insufficient to return the aggregate
Capital Contributions of each Member, such Members shall have no recourse
against the Company, the Board of Managers or any other Member.
ARTICLE 12
INDEMNIFICATION
12.1 General. The Company shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the
Board of Managers and each member of the Board of Managers, each Member,
including the Tax Matters Member, each Assignee and each such Persons officers,
directors, shareholders, members, partners, employees and agents; and the
employees, officers and agents of the Company (all indemnified persons being
referred to as "Indemnified Persons") from any liability, loss or damage
incurred by the Indemnified Person by reason of any act performed or omitted to
be performed by the Indemnified Person in connection with the business of the
Company and from liabilities or obligations of the Company imposed on such
Person by virtue of such Person's position with the Company, including
reasonable attorneys' fees and costs and any amounts expended in the settlement
of any such claims of liability, loss or damage; provided, however, that if the
liability, loss, damage or claim arises out of any action or inaction of an
Indemnified Person, indemnification under this Section 12.1 shall be available
only if (a) either (i) the Indemnified Person, at the time of such action or
inaction, determined in good faith that its, his or her course of conduct was
in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company, or (ii) in the case of
inaction by the Indemnified Person, the Indemnified Person did not intend its,
his or her inaction to be harmful or opposed to the best interests of the
Company, and (b) the action or inaction did not constitute fraud, gross
negligence or willful misconduct by the Indemnified Person or a breach of this
Agreement; and provided, further, that indemnification under this Section 12.1
shall be recoverable only from the assets of the Company and not from any assets
of the Members. THE FOREGOING INDEMNITY IS INTENDED TO INDEMNIFY EACH
INDEMNIFIED PERSON FOR HIS OWN ACTS OF NEGLIGENCE AND SHALL APPLY IRRESPECTIVE
OF ANY CLAIM OF CONCURRENT OR CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF SUCH
INDEMNIFIED PERSON. The Company may pay or reimburse attorneys' fees of an
Indemnified Person as incurred, if such Indemnified Person executes an
undertaking to repay the amount so paid or reimbursed if there is a final
determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that such Indemnified Person
is not entitled to indemnification under this Article 12. The Company may pay
for insurance covering liability of the Indemnified Persons for negligence in
operation of the Company's affairs.
12.2 Persons Entitled to Indemnity. Any Person who is within the definition
of "Indemnified Person" at the time of any action or inaction in connection with
the business of the Company shall be entitled to the benefits of this Article 12
as an Indemnified Person with respect thereto, regardless if such Person
continues to be within the definition of "Indemnified Person" at the time of
such Indemnified Person's claim for indemnification or exculpation hereunder.
12.3 Procedure Agreements. The Company may enter into an agreement with
any of its officers, employees and agents, or the members of the Board of
Managers, setting forth procedures consistent with applicable law for
implementing the indemnities provided in this Article 12.
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12.4 Fiduciary and Other Duties. An Indemnified Person acting under this
Agreement shall not be liable to the Company or to any other Indemnified Person
for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions
of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict the duties (including
fiduciary duties) and liabilities of an Indemnified Person otherwise existing at
law or in equity, are agreed by the parties hereto to replace such other duties
and liabilities of such Indemnified Person.
12.5 Exculpation. No Indemnified Person shall be liable, in damages or
otherwise, to the Company or to any Member for any loss that arises out of any
act performed or omitted to be performed by it or him pursuant to the authority
granted by this Agreement if (a) either (i) the Indemnified Person, at the time
of such action or inaction, determined, in good faith, that such Indemnified
Person's course of conduct was in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the
Company, or (ii) in the case of inaction by the Indemnified Person, the
Indemnified Person did not intend such Indemnified Person's inaction to be
harmful or opposed to the best interests of the Company, and (b) the conduct of
the Indemnified Person did not constitute fraud, gross negligence, or willful
misconduct by such Indemnified Person or a breach of this Agreement.
12.6 Except as otherwise provided by the Act, the debts, obligations and
liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise,
shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, and no
Indemnified Person shall be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation
or liability of the Company solely by reason of being an Indemnified Person.
All persons dealing with the Company shall look solely to the assets of the
Company for the payment of the debts, obligations or liabilities of the Company.
ARTICLE 13
REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS BY THE MEMBERS
Each Member hereby represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Board
of Managers, the other Members and the Company as follows:
13.1 Investment Intent. It is acquiring its Units with the intent of
holding the same for investment for its own account and without the intent or a
view of participating directly or indirectly in any distribution of such Units
within the meaning of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities
laws.
13.2 Securities Regulation.
13.2.1 It acknowledges and agrees that its Units are being issued and
sold in reliance on the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of
the Securities Act and exemptions contained in applicable state securities laws,
and that its Units cannot and will not be sold or transferred except in a
transaction that is exempt under the Securities Act and those state acts or
pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and
those state acts or in a transaction that is otherwise in compliance with the
Securities Act and those state acts.
13.2.2 It understands that it has no contractual right for the
registration under the Securities Act of its Units for public sale and that,
unless its Units are registered or an exemption from registration is available,
its Units may be required to be held indefinitely.
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13.3 Knowledge and Experience. It has such knowledge and experience in
financial, tax and business matters as to enable it to evaluate the merits and
risks of its investment in the Company and to make an informed investment
decision with respect thereto.
13.4 Economic Risk. It is able to bear the economic risk of its investment
in its Units.
13.5 Binding Agreement. It has all requisite power and authority to enter
into and perform this Agreement and that this Agreement is and will remain its
valid and binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject,
as to the enforcement of remedies, to any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or
other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights).
13.6 Tax Position. Unless it provides prior written notice to the Company,
it will not take a position on its federal income tax return, in any claim for
refund, or in any administrative or legal proceedings that is inconsistent with
any information return filed by the Company or with the provisions of this
Agreement.
13.7 Information. It has received all documents, books and records
pertaining to an investment in the Company requested by it. It has had a
reasonable opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers concerning the
Company, and all such questions have been answered to its satisfaction.
13.8 Amendments to Agreement. This Agreement may be modified or amended
with the prior written consent of the Board of Managers; provided; however, that
this Agreement may not be amended (a) without the approval of each Member or
Assignee materially adversely affected if the amendment would reduce any such
Person's number of Units or would reduce the allocation to such Person of the
amount of any Net Profit, Net Loss or distribution of cash or property from that
which is provided or contemplated herein, unless (i) such amendment is being
executed to reflect any dilution in such Person's interest resulting from the
issuance of Units as contemplated by Article 3 or to reflect the preference over
any such Units of any new Units issued under Article 3, (ii) such amendment is
being executed to reflect the acceptance of an Assignee as a new Member pursuant
to Article 10 or (iii) such amendment adversely affects all Members (and their
Assignees) equally. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, Amendments to this
Agreement that (a) are necessary or desirable to cure any ambiguity, to correct
or supplement any provision herein that would be inconsistent with law or with
any other provision herein, or to make any other provision with respect to
matters or questions arising under this Agreement that will not be inconsistent
with law or with the provisions of this Agreement; (b) are necessary or
desirable to satisfy any requirements, conditions or guidelines contained in any
opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any federal or state agency
or contained in any federal or state statute; or (c) contemplated by this
Agreement in Section 2.2 in respect of the name of the Company, Section 2.3 in
respect of the registered office and registered agent of the Company, Section
2.7 in respect to persons authorized to act on behalf of the Company and
Schedule I of this Agreement, may be made by the Board of Managers without the
consent of any Members, and such amendments and revised Schedule I shall be
deemed to constitute an amendment of this Agreement approved by all of the
Members.
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All amendments to this Agreement will be sent to each Member and, after the
effective date of the Transfer to such Assignee, to each Assignee promptly after
the effectiveness thereof. Any modification or amendment to this Agreement
pursuant to this Article 13 shall be binding on all Members.
ARTICLE 14
RIGHT TO CONVERT FORM OF COMPANY
14.1 Election. With the prior written consent of the Supermajority Vote of
the Board of Managers, but without any need for consent or approval of any other
Member, the Board of Managers may elect at any time and for any purpose to
require that the Company be converted into a corporation (in connection with an
initial public offering or otherwise), which conversion shall be effected by
merger or by such other form of transaction as may be available under applicable
law. No Member shall have any voting rights with respect to the election to
convert the Company into a corporation or partnership. In such conversion, the
Units of the Members (determined as though such Units included Distributions to
which the Members would then be entitled under Section 11.3 if the Company were
liquidated at the value of the Company determined in connection with such
conversion) as well as any unvested Units shall be the basis for the allocation
of shares or options in the corporation. Upon such an election, the Members
shall as soon as practicable thereafter execute, acknowledge and deliver, or
cause to be executed, acknowledged and delivered, all instruments and documents
that may be reasonably requested by the Board of Managers to best effectuate the
conversion of the Company to a corporation while continuing in full force and
effect, to the extent consistent with such conversion, the terms, provisions and
conditions of this Agreement, including those provisions granting the Board of
Managers exclusive authority to manage the operations and affairs of the Company
subject to the provisions hereof, restricting the Transfer of Units, and
granting rights to repurchase Units or rights to participate in certain
transactions.
ARTICLE 15
MISCELLANEOUS
15.1 Additional Documents. At any time and from time to time after the
date of this Agreement, upon the request of the Board of Managers, each Member
shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such additional
acts and deeds, and shall execute, acknowledge and deliver, or cause to be
executed, acknowledged and delivered, all such additional instruments and
documents as may be required to effectuate the purposes and intent of this
Agreement.
15.2 General. This Agreement: (a) shall be binding upon the executors,
administrators, estates, heirs and legal successors of the Members; (b) shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware,
without regard to principles of conflict of laws; (c) may be executed in more
than one counterpart as of the day and year first above written; and (d)
contains the entire contract among the Members as to the subject matter hereof.
The waiver of any of the provisions, terms or conditions contained in this
Agreement shall not be considered as a waiver of any of the other provisions,
terms or conditions hereof.
-28-
15.3 Notices, etc. All notices and other communications required or
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given
upon personal delivery or receipt (which may be evidenced by a return receipt if
sent by registered mail or by signature if delivered by courier or delivery
service) addressed (a) if to any Member, at the address of such Member set forth
in the records of the Company or at such other address as such Member shall have
furnished to the Company in writing as the address to which notices are to be
sent hereunder, and (b) if to the Company or to the Board of Managers, to it.
15.4 Execution of Papers. The Members agree to execute such instruments,
documents and papers as the Board of Managers deems necessary or appropriate to
carry out the intent of this Agreement. Each Member, including each new and
substituted Member, by the execution of this Agreement or by agreeing in writing
to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, irrevocably constitutes and
appoints each member of the Board of Managers and/or any Person designated by
the Board of Managers to act on its behalf for purposes of this Section 15.4 its
true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full power and authority in its name,
place and stead to execute, acknowledge, deliver, swear to, file and record at
the appropriate public offices such documents as may be necessary or appropriate
to carry out the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to:
(a) all certificates and other instruments (specifically including
counterparts of this Agreement), and any amendment thereof, that
the Board of Managers deems appropriate to qualify or continue
the Company as a limited liability company in any jurisdiction in
which the Company may conduct business or in which such
qualification or continuation is, in the opinion of the Board of
Managers, necessary to protect the limited liability of the
Members;
(b) all amendments to this Agreement adopted in accordance with the
terms hereof and all instruments that the Board of Managers deems
appropriate to reflect a change or modification of the Company in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and
(c) all conveyances and other instruments that the Board of Managers
deems appropriate to reflect the dissolution of the Company.
The appointment by each Member of each member of the Board of Managers
and/or any Person designated by the Board of Managers as its attorney-in-fact
shall be deemed to be a power coupled with an interest, in recognition of the
fact that each of the Members under this Agreement will be relying upon the
power of the Board of Managers to act as contemplated by this Agreement in any
filing and other action by it on behalf of the Company, and shall survive and
shall not be affected by the subsequent disability, incapacity, the bankruptcy,
dissolution, death, adjudication of incompetence or insanity of any Member
giving such power and the transfer or assignment of all or any part of such
Member's Units; provided, however, that in the event of a Transfer by a Member
of all of its Units, the power of attorney given by the transferor shall survive
such assignment only until such time as the Assignee shall have been admitted to
the Company as a substituted Member and all required documents and instruments
shall have been duly executed, filed and recorded to effect such substitution.
-29-
15.5 Disputed Matters. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any
controversy or dispute arising out of this Agreement, the interpretation of any
of the provisions hereof, or the action or inaction of any Member hereunder
shall be submitted to arbitration in Houston, Texas, pursuant to the provisions
set forth in Exhibit 15.5 hereto. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no
action at law or in equity based upon any claim arising out of or related to
this Agreement shall be instituted in any court by any Member except (a) an
action to compel arbitration pursuant to this Section 15.5, or (b) an action to
enforce an award obtained in an arbitration proceeding in accordance with this
Section 15.5.
15.6 Gender and Number. Whenever required by the context, as used in this
Agreement the singular number shall include the plural, the plural shall include
the singular, and all words herein in any gender shall be deemed to include the
masculine, feminine and neuter genders.
15.7 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a
court to be invalid or unenforceable, that determination shall not affect the
other provisions hereof, each of which shall be construed and enforced as if the
invalid or unenforceable portion were not contained herein. That invalidity or
unenforceability shall not affect any valid and enforceable application thereof,
and each said provision shall be deemed to be effective, operative, made,
entered into or taken in the manner and to the full extent permitted by law.
15.8 Headings. The headings used in this Agreement are used for
administrative convenience only and do not constitute substantive matter to be
considered in construing the terms of this Agreement.
15.9 No Third Party Rights. The provisions of this Agreement are for the
benefit of the Company, the Board of Managers, the Members and Assignees and no
other Person, including creditors of the Company, shall have any right or claim
against the Company, the Board of Managers or any Member by reason of this
Agreement or any provision hereof or be entitled to enforce any provision of
this Agreement.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
-30-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Limited Liability
Company Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.
MEMBERS:
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By: /s/ Ian T. Bothwell
----------------------------
Ian T. Bothwell
Chief Financial Officer
|
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SCHEDULE I
----------
Members: Capital Contributions Units Per Unit Value
----------------------- ---------------------- ------- --------------
Penn Octane Corporation $1,000 100,000 $.01
|
Schedule I-1
EXHIBIT 1
DEFINED TERMS
"Accredited Investor" has the meaning assigned to such term under
Regulation D promulgated pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
"Act" shall mean the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act as amended and
in effect from time to time.
"Adjusted Capital Account Deficit" means, with respect to any Member, the
deficit balance, if any, in such Member's Capital Account as of the end of the
relevant Fiscal Year after giving effect to the following adjustments:
(i) credit to such Capital Account any amounts which such Member is
obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or is
deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the next to the last
sentences of Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) after
taking into account any changes during such year in Company minimum gain
and Member minimum gain (as determined under such Regulations); and
(ii) debit to such Capital Account the items described in Section 1.704-1
(b)(2)(1)(d)(4), (5) and (6) of the Regulations.
"Adjusted Taxable Income" shall mean the Company's cumulative items of
income or gain less cumulative items of loss or deduction under the Code,
computed from the Effective Date through the date such Adjusted Taxable Income
is being computed, except that gain or loss from a Sale of the Company.
"Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any specified Person, any Person
that directly or through one or more intermediaries controls or is controlled by
or is under common control with the specified Person. As used in this
definition, the term "control" means the possession, directly or indirectly, of
the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a
Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise.
"Agreement" shall mean this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company
Agreement of the Company dated as of the Effective Date, as amended from time to
time.
"Assignee" shall mean a Person that has acquired the right from a Member to
(i) share in Net Profit and Net Loss of the Company, (ii) receive Distributions
and (iii) receive the allocation of taxable income, gain, loss, deductions or
credits (and items thereof) of the Company to which the transferor Member was
entitled in accordance with the provisions of Article 9, but has not been
admitted as a Member of the Company in accordance with the provisions of Article
10.
"Board of Managers" shall mean the board of managers elected and determined
as provided in Section 5.1.
"Book Gain" or "Book Loss" shall mean the gain or loss recognized by the
Company for Code Section 704(b) book purposes in any Fiscal Year or other period
by reason of the sale,
Exhibit 1-1
exchange or other disposition of any Company asset. Such Book Gain or Book Loss
shall be computed by reference to the Book Value of such asset as of the date of
such sale, exchange or other disposition, rather than by reference to the tax
basis of such asset as of such date, and each and every reference herein to
"gain" or "loss" shall be deemed to refer to Book Gain or Book Loss, rather than
to tax gain or tax loss, unless otherwise expressly provided herein.
"Book Value" of an asset shall mean, as of any particular date, the value
at which the asset is properly reflected on the books and records of the Company
as of such date. The initial Book Value of each asset shall be its cost, unless
such asset was contributed to the Company by a Member, in which case the initial
Book Value shall be the Fair Market Value of such asset at the time of
contribution, as agreed to by the Members or determined by the Board of
Managers, and such Book Value shall thereafter be adjusted for Depreciation with
respect to such asset rather than for the cost recovery deductions to which the
Company is entitled for federal income tax purposes with respect thereto.
"Capital Account" is defined in Section 3.2. An Assignee may acquire an
interest in a Capital Account as provided in Section 9.2.
"Capital Contribution" shall mean with respect to any Member, the amount of
money plus the Fair Market Value of any other property (net of liabilities
assumed or to which the property is subject) contributed to the Company with
respect to the Units held by such Member pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement.
"Certificate" shall mean the Certificate of Formation of the Company and
any and all amendments thereto and restatements thereof filed on behalf of the
Company with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
pursuant to the Act.
"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time
to time, and the corresponding provisions of any future federal tax law.
"Combined Effective Marginal Tax Rate" shall mean the highest single
combined rate (expressed as a percentage) of United States federal, state and
local income taxation applicable to any individual residing in California
determined as of the last day of each Tax Estimation Period, without giving
effect to any limitation on the deductibility of state and local taxes and other
itemized deductions in computing United States federal taxable income and
assuming that such individual is subject to the highest United States federal
and highest state and local marginal ordinary income tax rates on all income
allocated by the Company.
"Company" shall mean the Limited Liability Company formed by virtue of this
Agreement and the filing of the Certificate in accordance with the Act.
"Depreciation" shall mean for each Fiscal Year or other period, an amount
equal to the depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction
allowable with respect to an asset for such year or other period for federal
income tax purposes, except if the Book Value of an asset differs from its
adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes at the beginning of any such year
or other period, Depreciation shall be an amount that bears the same
relationship to the Book Value of such asset as the depreciation, amortization,
or other cost recovery deduction computed
Exhibit 1-2
for tax purposes with respect to such asset for the applicable period bears to
the adjusted tax basis of such asset at the beginning of such period, or if such
asset has a zero adjusted tax basis, Depreciation shall be an amount determined
under any reasonable method selected by the Board of Managers, with the advice
of its independent accountants.
"Distribution" shall mean cash or property (net of liabilities assumed or
to which the property is subject) distributed to a Member or an Assignee in
respect of the Member's Units in the Company.
"Economic Interest" shall mean all of the rights of an Assignee with
respect to an Interest.
"Effective Date" shall mean September 16, 2004.
"Equity Kickers" is defined in Section 3.7.1.
"Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the Board of Managers' good
faith determination of the fair value of one Unit of the applicable class as of
the applicable reference date.
"Fiscal Year" shall mean the fiscal year of the Company, which shall be the
calendar year, or such other fiscal year as determined by the Board of Managers.
"Indemnified Persons" is defined in Section 12.1.
"Interest" shall mean the entire interest of a Member in the capital,
profits and Distributions of the Company, including any and all rights and
benefits to which a Member may be entitled as provided in this Agreement,
together with the obligations of such Member to comply with all the terms and
provisions of this Agreement.
"Majority Interest" shall mean the vote or consent of the Members holding a
majority of the Units.
"Management Members" shall mean such employees, managers, independent
contractors or consultants of the Company, a Member or its Affiliates, who are
granted Units of the Company in connection with such employment or services
rendered or to be rendered or who acquired such Units pursuant to the exercise
of an option granted in connection with such employment or services rendered or
to be rendered or as an investment in the Company.
"Member Nonrecourse Deductions" shall have the meaning set forth in
Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(1).
"Members" shall mean the Persons listed as Members on Schedule I to this
Agreement and any other Person that both acquires an Interest in the Company and
is admitted to the Company as a Member of the Company.
"Net Profit" and "Net Loss" shall mean, for each Fiscal Year or other
period, an amount equal to the Company's taxable income or loss, respectively,
for such year or period, determined
Exhibit 1-3
in accordance with Section 703(a) of the Code (taking into account all items of
income, gain, loss or deduction required to be stated separately pursuant to
Section 703(a)(1) of the Code), with the following adjustments:
(i) any income of the Company that is exempt from federal income tax and
not otherwise taken into account in computing Net Profit or Net Loss
pursuant to this provision shall be added to such taxable income or loss;
(ii) any expenditures of the Company described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of
the Code (relating to expenditures which are neither deductible nor
properly chargeable to capital) or treated as Code Section 705(a)(2)(B)
expenditures pursuant to Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i) of the Regulations,
and not otherwise taken into account in computing Net Profit or Net Loss
pursuant to this provision, shall be subtracted from such taxable income or
loss;
(iii) Book Gain or Book Loss from the sale or other disposition of any
asset of the Company shall be taken into account in lieu of any tax gain or
tax loss recognized by the Company by reason of such sale or other
disposition; and
(iv) in lieu of the depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery
deductions taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss,
there shall be taken into account Depreciation for such fiscal year or
other period, computed as provided in this Agreement.
"New Securities" is defined in Section 3.7.1.
"Nonrecourse Deductions" shall have the meaning set forth in Regulation
Section 1.7042(b)(1).
"Permitted Transferee" is defined in Section 9.1.2.
"Person" shall mean an individual, partnership, joint venture, association,
corporation, trust, estate, limited partnership, limited liability company,
limited liability partnership, or any other legal entity.
"Qualified Income Offset" shall have the meaning set forth in Regulation
Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d).
"Regulations" shall mean the Treasury regulations, including temporary
regulations, promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended from
time to time (including the corresponding provisions of any future regulations)
as such regulations are applicable to the Company or transactions of the
Company.
"Sale of the Company" shall mean, in each case as determined in good faith
by the Board of Managers, to have been occasioned by, or to have occurred upon,
the acquisition of the Company by another Person by means of any transaction or
series of related transactions (including, without limitation, any merger,
consolidation, sale, assignment, transfer distribution
Exhibit 1-4
or issuance of Units) that results in the Members immediately prior to such
transaction not holding, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the voting
power of the surviving or continuing entity.
"Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Sole Discretion" means, with respect to any Person, that Person's sole and
absolute discretion, with or without cause, and subject to such conditions as he
shall deem appropriate.
"Supermajority Vote" shall mean the vote or consent of a majority of the
Managers of the Board of Managers.
"Tax Distribution" is defined in Section 7.2.1.
"Tax Estimation Period" shall mean (i) January, February and March (ii)
April and May, (iii) June, July and August, and (iv) September, October,
November and December of each year during the term of the Company, or other
periods for which estimates of individual federal income tax liability are
required to be made under the Code, provided that the Company's first Tax
Estimation Period shall begin on the Effective Date of this Agreement.
"Tax Matters Member" is defined in Section 8.1.
"Transfer" shall mean a sale, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, abandonment,
disposition, contribution, distribution, exchange or other transfer, including
but not limited to, any distribution to partners of any partnership,
shareholders of any corporation or members of any limited liability company, and
may be used either as a verb or a noun.
"Units" shall mean any of the Units of the Company.
Exhibit 1-5
EXHIBIT 5.1
BOARD OF MANAGERS
The Members hereby appoint the following individuals as the members of the
Board of Managers:
RICHARD SHORE, JR.
JEROME B. RICHTER
MURRAY J. FEIWELL
RICARDO RODRIGUEZ CANNEY
DOUGLAS MANNER
Exhibit 5.1-1
EXHIBIT 15.5
ARBITRATION POLICY
1. Disputes Covered. This Arbitration Policy ("Policy") applies to any claim,
dispute or controversy arising out of or relating to the terms and
conditions of any incentive plan, partnership agreement or other plan,
document or agreement that expressly refers to and incorporates the terms
of this Policy; any such claim, dispute or controversy so covered by the
terms of this Policy shall, except as otherwise expressly provided, be
settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the procedures and
conditions set forth herein.
The scope of this Policy is intended to be applied broadly so as to include
any and all disputes, controversies and claims that touch upon any
incentive plan, partnership agreement or other plan, document or agreement
covered by this Policy, whether such disputes, controversies or claims
involve a breach of contract, contract interpretation, tort law, common law
principles or statutes, rules or regulations.
Any dispute, controversy or claim to which this Policy applies is
hereinafter called a "Dispute." A person, corporation or entity who is
subject to this agreement is hereinafter called a "Party."
2. Mediation. The Parties to a Dispute agree to try in good faith to settle
the Dispute by mediation administered by the American Arbitration
Association ("AAA") under its Commercial Mediation Rules before resorting
to binding arbitration. The Parties shall split the cost of the mediator
equally. To qualify as a mediator, the mediator must be a lawyer admitted
to the Bar of any State who has practiced for at least ten years. Nothing
in this clause shall preclude any Party from initiating arbitration if the
mediation does not reach a resolution within 30 days after the mediation
commences.
3. Arbitration. Any Dispute not resolved by mediation shall be finally
resolved by binding arbitration administered by the AAA pursuant to the
Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA (the "Rules") as in force at the
time the arbitration is commenced, except as modified by this Policy. In
the event of any conflict between the Rules and this Policy, the provisions
of this Policy will control.
4. Commencement of Arbitration. Subject to prior compliance with paragraph 2
above, any Party may at any time initiate an arbitration hereunder by
giving a written notice ("Demand for Arbitration") to the other Party at
any time consistent with any applicable statutes of limitation.
5. Number of Arbitrators. If the Dispute involves an amount in controversy
less than $500,000, then the arbitration of such Dispute shall be conducted
before one neutral arbitrator. If the Dispute involves an amount in
controversy of $500,000 or more, the arbitration of such Dispute shall be
conducted before a tribunal composed of three neutral arbitrators. Whether
one or three arbitrators is required, the arbitral tribunal that is to
conduct the arbitration is hereinafter called the "Arbitral Panel."
Exhibit 15.5-1
6. Appointment of Arbitral Panel of One. If an Arbitral Panel of one neutral
arbitrator is to conduct the arbitration, the arbitrator shall be chosen
from a panel of five proposed arbitrators drawn by the AAA. Each Party
shall have the right to exercise unlimited challenges for cause and two
peremptory strikes within ten days of its receipt of the list of proposed
arbitrators. If one panel member remains after strikes are made, such
person shall serve as the arbitrator. If more than one panel member remains
after strikes are made, the AAA shall choose the arbitrator from the
remaining panel members. If all of the panel members are struck by the
Parties pursuant to permitted strikes, the AAA shall draw successive new
panels of five proposed arbitrators and apply the foregoing procedures with
respect to such panel(s) until the arbitrator is selected.
7. Appointment of Arbitral Panel of Three. If an Arbitral Panel of three
neutral arbitrators is to conduct the arbitration, each Party shall choose
one neutral arbitrator that is chosen from a panel of five proposed
arbitrators drawn by the AAA. Each Party shall give the other Party written
notice of its selection of one neutral arbitrator within 20 days after its
receipt of the Demand for Arbitration. The two arbitrators so selected
shall choose the third arbitrator from a panel of five proposed arbitrators
drawn by the AAA. If the two arbitrators do not agree on the selection of
the third arbitrator within ten days after their receipt of the list of
proposed arbitrators, the third arbitrator shall be selected by the
Regional Vice President of the AAA from the panel proposed by the AAA. The
third arbitrator shall serve as the Chairperson of the Arbitral Panel. If
an Arbitral Panel of three conducts the arbitration, all decisions and
rulings, as well as any interim or final awards, shall be pursuant to the
majority vote of the Arbitral Panel.
8. Place of Arbitration. The place of arbitration shall be Houston, Texas or
such other location as the Parties may mutually agree.
9. Limitations and Laches. The Arbitral Panel is directed to consider any
defense that all or part of the claim is not timely by reason of laches or
statute of limitations as a preliminary issue and to render a signed,
written award determining the merits of such defense before considering the
substantive merits of the arbitration claim, unless the Arbitral Panel
determines that the merits of such defense of laches or statute of
limitations are so intertwined with the substantive merits of the
arbitration claim as to make impractical the determination of the defense
of laches or limitations as a preliminary matter.
10. Preliminary Issues of Law. The Arbitral Panel shall hear and determine any
preliminary issue of law asserted by a Party to be dispositive of any
claim, in whole or part, in the manner of a federal court hearing a motion
to dismiss for failure to state a claim or for summary judgment, pursuant
to such terms and procedures as the Arbitral Panel deems appropriate.
11. Consolidation of Disputes. Any court with jurisdiction may order the
consolidation of any arbitrable dispute with any related arbitrable
dispute, controversy or claim not covered by this Policy, as the court may
deem necessary in the interests of justice or efficiency or on such other
grounds as the court may deem appropriate.
Exhibit 5.1-2
12. Time of Proceedings. It is the intent of the Parties that, barring
extraordinary circumstances, any arbitration shall be conducted in a
reasonably expeditious manner and shall be concluded, in any event, within
150 days of the date the Demand for Arbitration is received by the AAA.
Unless the Parties otherwise agree, once commenced, hearings shall be held
four days a week, three weeks a month, with each hearing day to begin at
9:30 a.m. and to conclude at 4:45 p.m. until the arbitration is completed.
The Parties may upon agreement extend these time limits, or the Arbitral
Panel may extend them if they determine that the interests of justice
otherwise requires. The Arbitral Panel shall use its best efforts to issue
the final award or awards within a period of 20 days after closure of the
proceedings. However, failure to do so shall not be a basis for challenging
the award.
13. Pre-Hearing Conference. Within ten days after the appointment of the
Arbitral Panel, the Arbitral Panel shall hold a pre-hearing conference to
discuss discovery matters, to schedule the hearing, to decide procedural
matters and to address all other questions that may be presented.
14. Discovery and Evidence. Except as may be modified by the Arbitral Panel for
good cause shown, the following procedures shall be followed in addition to
those set forth within the Rules themselves. At least 20 days before the
arbitration, the Parties must exchange a list of witnesses, including any
experts, and copies of all exhibits intended to be used at the arbitration.
Except for good cause, the Arbitral Panel may refuse to allow into evidence
the testimony of any witness not timely disclosed. In addition, except for
good cause, the Arbitral Panel may exclude from evidence any exhibit not
previously tendered to the opposing Party in a timely fashion. Each Party
may take the deposition of three individuals and any or all expert
witnesses designated by another Party. Additional discovery, including but
not limited to interrogatories and requests for production of documents,
medical or psychological examinations, may be had, upon a showing of
substantial need, where the Arbitral Panel so orders.
15. Record of Hearing. If requested by any Party, the Arbitral Panel shall
keep records of all proceedings and decisions, and a verbatim record of all
oral hearings. The cost of any such transcript will be borne by the
requesting party.
16. Cross-examination. It is the intent of the Parties that the testimony of
witnesses be subject to cross-examination.
17. Evidence. Strict rules of evidence shall not apply in an arbitration
conducted pursuant to this Policy. The Parties may offer such evidence as
they desire and the Arbitral Panel shall accept such evidence as the
Arbitral Panels deems relevant to the issues and accord it such weight as
the Arbitral Panel deems appropriate.
18. Affidavits. The Parties may submit evidence in the form of sworn
affidavits, provided that upon the request of another Party, the Party
submitting the affidavit will make the affiant available for
cross-examination. If the affiant is not made available for
cross-examination, the affidavit shall not be considered as evidence by the
Arbitral Panel except as to matters relating to authentication of documents
or signatures and other such nonmaterial facts except if the Arbitral Panel
finds that the affiant is beyond the control
Exhibit 5.1-3
of the Party offering the affidavit, the affiant is unavailable and the
interests of justice require consideration of the evidence submitted by the
affiant.
19. Punitive Damages Prohibited. The Parties hereby waive any claim to any
damages in the nature of punitive, exemplary, or statutory damages in
excess of compensatory damages, or any form of damages in excess of
compensatory damages, and the Arbitral Panel is specially divested of any
power to award any damages in the nature of punitive, exemplary, or
statutory damages in excess of compensatory damages, or any form of damages
in excess of compensatory damages.
20. Written Opinion. The arbitration award shall be based on and accompanied
by a signed, written opinion containing findings of fact and conclusions of
law. Any arbitrator dissenting from an award or portion thereof shall issue
a dissent stating the reasons for the dissent. The results of the
arbitration, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, are confidential and
may not be reported by any news agency or legal publisher or service.
21. Entry of Judgment. A judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in
any court having jurisdiction thereof.
22. Costs. The Party prevailing on substantially all of its claims shall be
entitled to recover its reasonable costs, including the arbitrators' fees,
and its attorneys' fees for the arbitration proceedings, as well as for any
ancillary proceeding, including a proceeding to compel or enjoin
arbitration, to request interim measures or to confirm or set aside an
award.
23. Confidentiality. The Parties and Arbitral Panel shall treat all aspects of
the arbitration proceedings, including without limitation the filing of any
demand, discovery, testimony and other evidence, briefs and the award, as
strictly confidential.
24. Forum Selection. The courts located in the State of Texas shall have
exclusive jurisdiction over an action brought to enforce the rights and
obligations created or arising under this Policy, and each Party
irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of said courts.
25. Governing Substantive Law. The Arbitral Panel shall apply the substantive
law (and the law of remedies, if applicable) of the State of Delaware, or
federal law or both, as applicable to the claim(s) asserted. The Arbitral
Panel shall recognize all applicable privileges recognized by the law of
the State of Delaware, or federal law or both, as applicable to the
claim(s) asserted. The Parties expressly prohibit the Arbitral Panel from
reaching decisions as amicable compounder/amiables compositeur,
specifically, an Arbitral Panel is not authorized to abate the application
of law in favor of natural equity. The Arbitral Panel shall have the
authority to entertain a motion to dismiss, a motion for summary judgment
and/or a motion for judgment as a matter of law and shall apply the
standards governing such motions under the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure.
26. Governing Arbitration Law. The law applicable to the validity of the
arbitration clause, the conduct of the arbitration, including any resort to
a court for provisional remedies, the enforcement of any award and any
other question of arbitration law or procedure shall be the Federal
Arbitration Act. The Parties agree that this Policy shall be amended if,
and to
Exhibit 5.1-4
the extent, necessary to cure any defect affecting enforceability of the
duty to arbitrate under the Federal Arbitration Act, it being the intent of
the Parties to resolve any dispute by arbitration.
27. Binding Effect. This Policy shall be binding upon the Parties and their
respective successors, assigns, heirs, personal representatives and
estates.
28. Severability. Should one or more provisions of this Policy be rendered or
declared invalid by reason of any existing or subsequently enacted
legislation, or by a decree of a court of competent jurisdiction, such
invalidation of such provision or provisions hereof shall not affect the
remaining portions of this Policy.
29. Entirety Agreement. This Policy reflects the entire agreement between the
Parties with regard to the subject matter hereof. No Party has made any
promises, guarantees or assurances with respect to the subject matter
hereof except as contained herein.
Exhibit 5.1-5
RIO VISTA GP LLC
VOTING AGREEMENT
______________, 2004
VOTING AGREEMENT
This Voting Agreement (this "AGREEMENT") is entered into as of
____________, 2004, by and among Rio Vista GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (the "COMPANY"), Penn Octane Corporation, a Delaware corporation and
member of the Company ("PENN OCTANE"), and the members of the Company identified
on the signature page of this Agreement (collectively, the "MEMBERS" and,
individually, each a "MEMBER"). The Company, Penn Octane and the Members are
sometimes referred to herein, collectively, as the "parties" and, individually,
as a "party" to this Agreement. Unless otherwise provided, capitalized terms
used in this Agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in Section 5 hereof.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, immediately prior to the date hereof, Penn Octane was the owner of
on hundred percent (100%) of the limited liability company interests of the
Company (the "PENN OCTANE INTEREST").
WHEREAS, pursuant to option agreements dated July 10, 2003, Penn Octane
granted each Member the right (the "PURCHASE RIGHT") to purchase twenty-five
percent (25%) of the Penn Octane Interest at an exercise price equal to the pro
rata portion of the tax basis capital the Partnership (as defined in Section 1.4
of this Agreement) after the distribution of the common units of the Partnership
to the stockholders of Penn Octane.
WHEREAS, the exercise of the Purchase Right is conditioned upon the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by each Member.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, representations,
warranties, covenants, and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Purchase
Right and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. VOTING AGREEMENT.
1.1 Voting by Member for Managers. From and after the date hereof and
until the provisions of this Section 1 cease to be effective, at each meeting of
the members of the Company, or at any meeting of the members of the Company at
which members of the Board of Managers of the Company (the "BOARD") are to be
elected, or whenever members of the Board are to be elected by the members of
the Company by written consent, each Member agrees to vote or act with respect
to all of his, her or its limited liability company interests in the Company and
shall take all other necessary or desirable actions within such Member's control
whether in such capacity as a Member, manager of the Company, officer of the
Company, or otherwise (including, without limitation, attendance at meetings, in
person or by proxy, for purposes of
obtaining a quorum and execution of written consents), and the Company agrees to
take all necessary and desirable actions within its control, so as to:
1.1.1 fix the number of members of the Board (the "MANAGERS"
and each, individually, a "MANAGER") at such number
designated by Penn Octane; and
1.1.2 elect each and every Manager designated by Penn Octane.
|
1.2 Removal and Substitution of Members of the Board. Each Member agrees
to vote or act with respect to all of his, her or its limited liability company
interests in the Company for the removal of any member of the Board upon the
request of Penn Octane and for the election to the Board of a substitute
nominated by Penn Octane in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.1. Each
Member agrees that no Manager may be removed from office without the approval of
Penn Octane. Each Member further agrees to vote or act with respect to all of
his, her or its limited liability company interests in the Company in such
manner as shall be necessary or appropriate to ensure that any vacancy on the
Board occurring for any reason shall be filled only in accordance with the
provisions of Section 1.1.
1.3 Voting by Member on All Other Matters. From and after the date hereof
and until the provisions of this Section 1 cease to be effective, at each
meeting of the members of the Company, or whenever members of the Company are to
take action by written consent, each Member agrees to vote or act with respect
to all of his, her or its limited liability company interests in the Company as
directed by Penn Octane and shall take all other necessary or desirable actions
within such Member's control whether in such capacity as a Member, Manager,
officer of the Company, or otherwise (including, without limitation, attendance
at meetings, in person or by proxy, for purposes of obtaining a quorum and
execution of written consents), and the Company agrees to take all necessary and
desirable actions within its control, as directed by Penn Octane.
1.4 Exceptions. The provisions of Section 1.3 of this Agreement do not
apply with respect to any matter involving (a) the sale, transfer, assignment,
pledge, hypothecation or other disposal of all or any portion of (i) any
general partner interest (the "GENERAL PARTNER INTEREST") in Rio Vista Energy
Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the "PARTNERSHIP"), or (ii) any
Incentive Distribution Rights (as defined in the First Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership of Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. (the
"PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT")) or (b) the merger, consolidation or sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Partnership, its subsidiaries or the
Company.
2. NO REVOCATION. The voting agreements contained herein are coupled with an
interest and may not be revoked during the term of this Agreement.
3. LEGEND. Each certificate evidencing limited liability company interests in
the Company and each certificate issued in exchange for or upon the Transfer, as
defined in Section 5 below, of any limited liability company interests of the
Company will be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially
the following form:
"THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A
VOTING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF ______________, 2004, ENTERED INTO
BY AND AMONG THE COMPANY, PENN OCTANE AND CERTAIN OF THE
COMPANY'S MEMBERS, AND BY ACCEPTING THESE SECURITIES, THE PERSON
ACCEPTING SUCH INTEREST SHALL BE DEEMED TO AGREE TO AND SHALL
BECOME BOUND BY ALL THE PROVISIONS OF SAID VOTING AGREEMENT. A
COPY OF SUCH VOTING AGREEMENT WILL BE FURNISHED, WITHOUT CHARGE,
BY THE COMPANY TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST."
The Company will imprint such legend on all certificates representing limited
liability company interests outstanding prior to the date hereof.
4. TRANSFER. Prior to any Transfer of any limited liability company interest
in the Company or any interest therein to any Person, which Transfer is subject
to the restrictions set forth in the Agreements, the Member effecting such
Transfer will cause the prospective Transferee(s) to execute and deliver to each
Party a counterpart of this Agreement.
5. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
meanings set forth below:
5.1 "PERSON" means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited
liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint
venture, an unincorporated organization, and a governmental entity or any
department, agency, or political subdivision thereof.
5.2 "TRANSFER" means the sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, hypothecation
or other disposal.
5.3 "TRANSFEREE" shall mean the recipient of a transfer.
6. MISCELLANEOUS.
6.1 Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, sent by facsimile or electronic mail or otherwise
delivered by hand or by messenger addressed as follows:
(1) if to a Member or Penn Octane, at the Member's or Penn
Octane's, as applicable, address, facsimile number or electronic mail address as
shown in the Company's records, as may be updated in accordance with the
provisions hereof.
(2) if to the Company, one copy should be sent to its address or
facsimile number set forth on the signature page of this Agreement and addressed
to the attention of the President, or at such other address or facsimile number
as the Company shall have furnished to the Members.
Each such notice or other communication shall for all purposes of this Agreement
be treated as effective or having been given when delivered if delivered
personally, or, if sent by mail, at the earlier of its receipt or 72 hours after
the same has been deposited in a regularly maintained receptacle for the deposit
of the United States mail, addressed and mailed as aforesaid or, if sent by
facsimile, upon confirmation of facsimile transfer.
6.2 Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise provided herein, the
terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the parties. Nothing in
this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other
than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights,
remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement,
except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
6.3 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement
becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal,
unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect
without said provision, and the parties agree to negotiate, in good faith, a
legal and enforceable substitute provision which most nearly effects the
parties' intent in entering into this Agreement.
6.4 Amendments and Waivers. Any term of this Agreement may be amended and
the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or
in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively), only with
the written consent of (i) the Company, (ii) each Member and (iii) Penn Octane.
Any such amendment, waiver, discharge or termination effected in accordance with
this paragraph shall be binding upon each holder of any securities purchased
under this Agreement at the time outstanding (including securities into which
such securities have been converted or exchanged or for which such securities
have been exercised) and each future holder of all such securities.
6.5 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
under the laws of the State of Delaware as applied to agreements among Delaware
residents entered into and to be performed entirely within Delaware.
6.6 Specific Performance. The rights of the parties under this Agreement
are unique and, accordingly, the parties shall, in addition to such other
remedies as may be available to any of them at law or in equity, have the right
to enforce their rights hereunder by actions for specific performance to the
extent permitted by law.
6.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which, when so executed and delivered, will be deemed an
original, and all such counterparts together will constitute one and the same
instrument.
6.8 Conflict. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this
Agreement and the Company's Limited Liability Company Agreement, the Partnership
Agreement or any other agreement to which the Company, Penn Octane or a Member
is bound, the terms of this Agreement will control.
6.9 Attorney's Fees. In the event that any suit or action is instituted to
enforce any provision in this Agreement, the prevailing party in such dispute
shall be entitled to recover from
the losing party all fees, costs and expenses of enforcing any right of such
prevailing party under or with respect to this Agreement, including without
limitation, such reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys and accountants,
which shall include, without limitation, all fees, costs and expenses of
appeals.
6.10 Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement
are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or
interpreting this Agreement. All references in this Agreement to sections,
paragraphs, exhibits and schedules shall, unless otherwise provided, refer to
sections and paragraphs hereof and exhibits and schedules attached hereto.
6.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the full and entire
understanding and agreement among the parties with regard to the subject matter
hereof and supercedes and replaces any prior verbal or written understandings,
communications, or representations between the Parties in relation to the
subject matter of this Agreement.
6.12 Construction. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or
question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed
as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto and no presumption or burden of
proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party hereto by virtue of the
authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement. Any reference to any
federal, state, local, or foreign statute or law shall be deemed also to refer
to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires
otherwise.
6.13 Delays or Omissions. Except as expressly provided herein, no delay or
omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party to this
Agreement upon any breach or default of any other party under this Agreement
shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such non-defaulting party, nor
shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an
acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter
occurring, nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a
waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any
waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any
party of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part
of any party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in
writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such
writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise
afforded to any party to this Agreement, shall be cumulative and not
alternative.
6.14 Telecopy Execution and Delivery. A facsimile, telecopy or other
reproduction of this Agreement may be executed by one or more parties hereto,
and an executed copy of this Agreement may be delivered by one or more parties
hereto by facsimile or similar electronic transmission device pursuant to which
the signature of or on behalf of such party can be seen, and such execution and
delivery shall be considered valid, binding and effective for all purposes. At
the request of any party hereto, all parties hereto agree to execute an original
of this Agreement as well as any facsimile, telecopy or other reproduction
hereof.
6.15 Jurisdiction; Venue. With respect to any disputes arising out of or
related to this Agreement, the parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of,
and venue in, the state or federal courts in Harris County in the State of
Texas.
6.16 Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO
THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY
LEGAL PROCEEDING (WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT
OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT.
6.17 Further Assurances; Instruments. Each of the Members, Penn Octane and
the Company agree not to vote any of their respective limited liability
interests in the Company, or to take any other actions, that would in any manner
defeat, impair, be inconsistent with or adversely affect the rights of the
parties under Section 1 of this Agreement. From time to time, each party hereto
shall execute and deliver such instruments and documents as may be reasonably
necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
(Signatures on following page.)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned or each of their respective duly
authorized officers or representatives have set their hands hereunto effective
upon the date first above written.
COMPANY: PENN OCTANE:
RIO VISTA GP LLC PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
a Delaware limited liability company a Delaware corporation
By: By:
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr. Jerome B. Richter
President Chief Executive Officer
820 Gessner Road
Suite 1250
Houston, Texas 77024 THE MEMBERS:
SHORE CAPITAL LLC
By:
--------------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr., President
-----------------------------------
Jerome B. Richter
|
[Signature Page to Voting Agreement]
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Section 1.1 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Section 1.2 Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
ARTICLE II ORGANIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section 2.1 Formation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section 2.2 Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section 2.3 Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office;
Other Offices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section 2.4 Purpose and Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section 2.5 Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section 2.6 Power of Attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section 2.7 Term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Section 2.8 Title to Partnership Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ARTICLE III RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 3.1 Limitation of Liability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 3.2 Management of Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 3.3 Outside Activities of the Limited Partners . . . . . . . 13
Section 3.4 Rights of Limited Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
ARTICLE IV TRANSFERS OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Section 4.1 Transfer Generally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Section 4.2 Transfer of General Partner's General Partner
Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 4.3 Transfer of a Limited Partner's Partnership Interest . . 15
Section 4.4 Restrictions on Transfers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ARTICLE V CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS . . 16
Section 5.1 Initial Contributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Section 5.2 Contributions Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement . . 16
Section 5.3 Additional Capital Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Section 5.4 Interest and Withdrawal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Section 5.5 Capital Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
-i-
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
PAGE
Section 5.6 Loans from Partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 5.7 Issuances of Additional Partnership Securities . . . . . 19
Section 5.8 Limited Preemptive Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Section 5.9 Fully Paid and Non-Assessable Nature of Limited
Partner Interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ARTICLE VI ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Section 6.1 Allocations for Capital Account Purposes . . . . . . . . 21
Section 6.2 Allocations for Tax Purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Section 6.3 Distributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
ARTICLE VII MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Section 7.1 Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Section 7.2 Certificate of Limited Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Section 7.3 Restrictions on the General Partner's Authority. . . . . 29
Section 7.4 Reimbursement of the General Partner . . . . . . . . . . 30
Section 7.5 Outside Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Section 7.6 Loans from the General Partner; Loans or
Contributions from the Partnership; Contracts
with Affiliates; Certain Restrictions on the General
Partner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Section 7.7 Indemnification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Section 7.8 Liability of Indemnitees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Section 7.9 Resolution of Conflicts of Interest. . . . . . . . . . . 35
Section 7.10 Other Matters Concerning the General Partner . . . . . . 37
Section 7.11 Reliance by Third Parties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
ARTICLE VIII BOOKS, RECORDS AND ACCOUNTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Section 8.1 Records and Accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Section 8.2 Fiscal Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
ARTICLE IX TAX MATTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Section 9.1 Tax Returns and Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Section 9.2 Tax Elections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Section 9.3 Tax Controversies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Section 9.4 Withholding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
ARTICLE X ADMISSION OF PARTNERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
-ii-
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
PAGE
Section 10.1 Admission of Partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Section 10.2 Admission of Substituted Limited Partner . . . . . . . . 40
Section 10.3 Admission of Additional Limited Partners . . . . . . . . 40
Section 10.4 Admission of Successor or Transferee General Partner . . 40
Section 10.5 Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited
Partnership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
ARTICLE XI WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL OF PARTNERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Section 11.1 Withdrawal of the General Partner. . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Section 11.2 Removal of the General Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Section 11.3 Interest of Departing Partner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Section 11.4 Withdrawal of a Limited Partner. . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
ARTICLE XII DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Section 12.1 Dissolution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Section 12.2 Continuation of the Business of the Partnership After
Dissolution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Section 12.3 Liquidator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Section 12.4 Liquidation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Section 12.5 Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership . . . 46
Section 12.6 Return of Contributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Section 12.7 Waiver of Partition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Section 12.8 Capital Account Restoration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Section 13.1 Amendment to be Adopted Solely by the General
Partner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Section 13.2 Amendment Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
ARTICLE XIV MERGER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Section 14.1 Authority. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Section 14.2 Procedure for Merger or Consolidation. . . . . . . . . . 48
Section 14.3 Approval by Limited Partners of Merger or
Consolidation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Section 14.4 Certificate of Merger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Section 14.5 Effect of Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
ARTICLE XV GENERAL PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Section 15.1 Addresses and Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
-iii-
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
PAGE
Section 15.2 Further Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Section 15.3 Binding Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Section 15.4 Integration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Section 15.5 Creditors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Section 15.6 Waiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Section 15.7 Counterparts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Section 15.8 Applicable Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Section 15.9 Invalidity of Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Section 15.10 Consent of Partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
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-iv-
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
RIO VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P.
This FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP of RIO
VISTA OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P., dated as of September 16, 2004 (this
"Agreement"), is entered into by and between Rio Vista Operating GP LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, as the General Partner, Penn Octane
Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and, upon consummation of the transactions
contemplated under Section 5.2 of this Agreement, Rio Vista Energy Partners
L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, as the Limited Partners, together with any
other Persons who hereafter become Partners in the Partnership or parties hereto
as provided herein. This Agreement amends and restates the Agreement of Limited
Partnership of the Partnership dated July, 10, 2003, in its entirety.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Definitions. The following definitions shall be for all
purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary, applied to the
terms used in this Agreement. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise
defined shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the MLP Agreement.
"Additional Limited Partner" means a Person admitted to the Partnership as
a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 10.3 and who is s such on the books and
records of the Partnership.
"Adjusted Capital Account" means the Capital Account maintained for each
Partner as of the end of each fiscal year of the Partnership, (a) increased by
any amounts that such Partner is obligated to restore under the standards set by
Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (or is deemed obligated to
restore under Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5)) and (b)
decreased by (i) the amount of all losses and deductions that, as of the end of
such fiscal year, are reasonably expected to be allocated to such Partner in
subsequent years under Sections 704(e)(2) and 706(d) of the Code and Treasury
Regulation Section 1.751-1(b)(2)(ii), and (ii) the amount of all distributions
that, as of the end of such fiscal year, are reasonably expected to be made to
such Partner in subsequent years in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
or otherwise to the extent they exceed offsetting increases to such Partner's
Capital Account that are reasonably expected to occur during (or prior to) the
year in which such distributions are reasonably expected to be made (other than
increases as a result of a minimum gain chargeback pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(i)
or 6.1(d)(ii)). The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account is intended
to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith. The
"Adjusted Capital Account" of a Partner in respect of a General Partner Interest
or any other specified interest in the Partnership shall be the amount that such
Adjusted Capital Account would be if such General Partner Interest or other
interest in the Partnership were the only interest in the Partnership held by
such Partner
1
from and after the date on which such General Partner Interest or other interest
in the Partnership was first issued.
"Adjusted Property" means any property the Carrying Value of which has been
adjusted pursuant to Section 5.5(d)(i) or 5.5(d)(ii).
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is
controlled by or is under common control with, the Person in question. As used
herein, the term "control" means the possession, direct or indirect, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a
Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise.
"Agreed Allocation" means any allocation, other than a Required Allocation,
of an item of income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to the provisions of
Section 6.1, including, without limitation, a Curative Allocation (if
appropriate to the context in which the term "Agreed Allocation" is used).
"Agreed Value" of any Contributed Property means the fair market value of
such property or other consideration at the time of contribution as determined
by the General Partner using such reasonable method of valuation as it may
adopt. The General Partner shall, in its discretion, use such method as it deems
reasonable and appropriate to allocate the aggregate Agreed Value of Contributed
Properties contributed to the Partnership in a single or integrated transaction
among each separate property on a basis proportional to the fair market value of
each Contributed Property.
"Agreement" means this Agreement of Limited Partnership of Rio Vista
Operating Partnership L.P., as it may be amended, supplemented restated from
time to time.
"Assets" means all assets conveyed, contributed or otherwise transferred to
the Partnership Group pursuant to the Contribution Agreement.
"Assignee" means a Person to whom one or more Limited Partner Interests
have been transferred in a manner permitted under this Agreement, but who has
not been admitted as a Substituted Limited.
"Associate" means, when used to indicate a relationship with any Person,
(a) any corporation or organization of which such Person is a director, officer
or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of 20% or more of any class
of voting stock or other voting interest; (b) any trust or other estate in which
such Person has at least a 20% beneficial interest or as to which such Person
serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (c) any relative or
spouse of such Person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same
principal residence as such Person.
"Available Cash" means, with respect to any Quarter ending prior to the
Liquidation Date:
2
(a) the sum of (i) all cash and cash equivalents of the
Partnership on hand at the end of such Quarter, and (ii) all additional cash and
cash equivalents of the Partnership on hand on the date of determination of
Available Cash with respect to such Quarter resulting from Working Capital
Borrowings made subsequent to the end of such Quarter, less
(b) the amount of any cash reserves that is necessary or
appropriate in the reasonable discretion of the General Partner to (i) provide
for the proper conduct of the business of the Partnership (including reserves
for future capital expenditures and for anticipated future credit needs of the
Partnership) subsequent to such Quarter, (ii) comply with applicable law or any
loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, debt instrument or other agreement
or obligation to which any Group Member is a party or by which it is bound or
its assets are subject or (iii) provide funds for distributions under Section
6.4 or 6.5 of the MLP Agreement in respect of any one or more of the next four
Quarters; provided, however, that the General Partner may not establish cash
reserves pursuant to (iii) above if the effect of such reserves would be that
the MLP is unable to distribute the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all Common
Units, plus any Cumulative Common Unit Arrearage on all Common Units, with
respect to such Quarter; and, provided further, that disbursements made by a
Group Member or cash reserves established, increased or reduced after the end of
such Quarter but on or before the date of determination of Available Cash with
respect to such Quarter shall be deemed to have been made, established,
increased or reduced, for purposes of determining Available Cash, within such
Quarter if the General Partner so determines.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Available Cash" with respect to the Quarter
in which the Liquidation Date occurs and any subsequent Quarter shall equal
zero.
"Book-Tax Disparity" means with respect to any item of Contributed Property
or Adjusted Property, as of the date of any determination, the difference
between the Carrying Value of such Contributed Property or Adjusted Property and
the adjusted basis thereof for federal income tax purposes as of such date. A
Partner's share of the Partnership's Book-Tax Disparities in all of its
Contributed Property and Adjusted Property will be reflected by the difference
between such Partner's Capital Account balance as maintained pursuant to Section
5.5 and the hypothetical balance of such Partner's Capital Account computed as
if it had been maintained strictly in accordance with federal income tax
accounting principles.
"Capital Account" means the capital account maintained for a Partner
pursuant to Section 5.5 . The "Capital Account" of a Partner in respect of a
General Partner Interest or any other Partnership Interest shall be the amount
that such Capital Account would be if such General Partner Interest or other
specified interest in the Partnership were the only interest in the Partnership
held by such Partner from and after the date on which such General Partner
Interest or other specified interest in the Partnership was first issued.
"Capital Contribution" means any cash, cash equivalents or the Net Agreed
Value of Contributed Property that a Partner contributes to the Partnership
pursuant to this Agreement or the Contribution Agreement.
3
"Carrying Value" means (a) with respect to a Contributed Property, the
Agreed Value of such property reduced (but not below zero) by all depreciation,
amortization and cost recovery deductions charged to the Partners' and
Assignees' Capital Accounts in respect of such Contributed Property, and (b)
with respect to any other Partnership property, the adjusted basis of such
property for federal income tax purposes, all as of the time of determination.
The Carrying Value of any property shall be adjusted from time to time in
accordance with Sections 5.5(d)(i) and 5.5(d)(ii) and to reflect changes,
additions or other adjustments to the Carrying Value for dispositions and
acquisitions of Partnership properties, as deemed appropriate by the General
Partner.
"Certificate of Limited Partnership" means the Certificate of Limited
Partnership of the Partnership filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware as referenced in Section 7.2, as such Certificate of Limited
Partnership may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
"Closing Date" means the first date on which the Registration Statement is
declared effective by the Commission.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect
from time to time. Any reference herein to a specific section or sections of the
Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any corresponding provision of
any successor law.
"Commission" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Contributed Property" means each property or other asset, in such form as
may be permitted by the Delaware Act, but excluding cash, contributed to the
Partnership. Once the Carrying Value of a Contributed Property is adjusted
pursuant to Section 5.5(d), such property shall no longer constitute a
Contributed Property, but shall be deemed an Adjusted Property.
"Contribution Agreement" means that certain Contribution, Conveyance and
Assumption Agreement among the Partnership, the MLP General Partner, the MLP,
and Penn Octane Corporation, together with the additional conveyance documents
and instruments contemplated or referenced thereunder.
"Curative Allocation" means any allocation of an item of income, gain,
deduction, loss or credit pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1(d)(ix).
"Delaware Act" means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act,
6 Del. C. Section 17-101 et seq., as amended, supplemented or restated from time
to time, and any successor to such statute.
"Departing Partner" means a former General Partner from and after the
effective date of any withdrawal or removal of such former General Partner
pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2.
"Distribution" means the distribution of Common Units of the MLP to the
stockholders of Penn Octane Corporation, as described in the Registration
Statement.
4
"Economic Risk of Loss" has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation
Section 1.752-2(a).
"Event of Withdrawal" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section
11.1(a).
"General Partner" means Rio Vista Operating GP LLC and its successors and
permitted assigns as general partner of the Partnership.
"General Partner Interest" means the ownership interest of the General
Partner in the Partnership (in its capacity as a general partner) and includes
any and all benefits to which the General Partner is entitled as provided in
this Agreement, together with all obligations of the General Partner to comply
with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
"Group Member" means a member of the Partnership Group.
"Indemnitee" means (a) the General Partner, (b) any Departing Partner, (c)
any Person who is or was an Affiliate of the General Partner or any Departing
Partner, (d) any Person who is or was a member, partner, officer, director,
employee, agent or trustee of any Group Member, the General Partner or any
Departing Partner or any Affiliate of any Group Member, the General Partner or
any Departing Partner, and (e) any Person who is or was serving at the request
of the General Partner or any Departing Partner or any Affiliate of the General
Partner or any Departing Partner as an officer, director, employee, member,
partner, agent, fiduciary or trustee of another Person; provided, that a Person
shall not be an Indemnitee by reason of providing, on a fee-for-services basis,
trustee, fiduciary or custodial services.
"Limited Partner" means any Person that is admitted to the Partnership as a
limited partner pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement; but the
term "Limited Partner" shall not include any Person from and after the time such
Person withdraws as a Limited Partner from the Partnership.
"Limited Partner Interest" means the ownership interest of a Limited
Partner or Assignee in the Partnership and includes any and all benefits to
which such Limited Partner or Assignee is entitled as provided in this
Agreement, together with all obligations of such Limited Partner or Assignee to
comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
"Liquidation Date" means (a) in the case of an event giving rise to the
dissolution of the Partnership of the type described in clauses (a) and (b) of
the first sentence of Section 12.2, the date on which the applicable time period
during which the Partners have the right to elect to reconstitute the
Partnership and continue its business has expired without such an election being
made, and (b) in the case of any other event giving rise to the dissolution of
the Partnership, the date on which such event occurs.
"Liquidator" means one or more Persons selected by the General Partner to
perform the functions described in Section 12.3 as liquidating trustee of the
Partnership within the meaning of the Delaware Act.
"Merger Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 14.1.
5
"MLP" means Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
"MLP Agreement" means the Agreement of Limited Partnership of Rio Vista
Energy Partners L.P., as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time
to time.
"MLP General Partner" means Rio Vista GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company and the general partner of the MLP.
"Net Agreed Value" means, (a) in the case of any Contributed Property, the
Agreed Value of such property reduced by any liabilities either assumed by the
Partnership upon such contribution or to which such property is subject when
contributed, and (b) in the case of any property distributed to a Partner or
Assignee by the Partnership, the Partnership's Carrying Value of such property
(as adjusted pursuant to Section 5.5(d)(ii)) at the time such property is
distributed, reduced by any indebtedness either assumed by such Partner or
Assignee upon such distribution or to which such property is subject at the time
of distribution, in either case, as determined under Section 752 of the Code.
"Net Income" means, for any taxable year, the excess, if any, of the
Partnership's items of income and gain (other than those items taken into
account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for
such taxable year over the Partnership's items of loss and deduction (other than
those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net
Termination Loss) for such taxable year. The items included in the calculation
of Net Income shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and shall
not include any items specially allocated under Section 6.1(d).
"Net Loss" means, for any taxable year, the excess, if any, of the
Partnership's items of loss and deduction (other than those items taken into
account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for
such taxable year over the Partnership's items of income and gain (other than
those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net
Termination Loss) for such taxable year.
The items included in the calculation of Net Loss shall be determined in
accordance with Section 5.5(b) and shall not include any items specially
allocated under Section 6.1(d).
"Net Termination Gain" means, for any taxable year, the sum, if positive,
of all items of income, gain, loss or deduction recognized by the Partnership
after the Liquidation Date. The items included in the determination of Net
Termination Gain shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and shall
not include any items of income, gain or loss specially allocated under Section
6.1(d).
"Net Termination Loss" means, for any taxable year, the sum, if negative,
of all items of income, gain, loss or deduction recognized by the Partnership
after the Liquidation Date. The items included in the determination of Net
Termination Loss shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and shall
not include any items of income, gain or loss specially allocated under Section
6.1(d).
6
"Nonrecourse Built-in Gain" means with respect to any Contributed
Properties or Adjusted Properties that are subject to a mortgage or pledge
securing a Nonrecourse Liability, the amount of any taxable gain that would be
allocated to the Partners pursuant to Sections 6.2(b)(i)(A), 6.2(b)(ii)(A) and
6.2(b)(iii) if such properties were disposed of in a taxable transaction in full
satisfaction of such liabilities and for no other consideration.
"Nonrecourse Deductions" means any and all items of loss, deduction or
expenditure (including, without limitation, any expenditure described in Section
705(a)(2)(B) of the Code) that, in accordance with the principles of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-2(b), are attributable to a Nonrecourse Liability.
"Nonrecourse Liability" has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation
Section 1.752-1(a)(2).
"OLP Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Partnership.
"Omnibus Agreement" means that Omnibus Agreement, dated as of the Closing
Date, among the Partnership, Penn Octane Corporation, the MLP General Partner
and the MLP.
"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel (who may be regular
counsel to the Partnership or the General Partner or any of its Affiliates)
acceptable to the General Partner in its reasonable discretion.
"Partner Nonrecourse Debt" has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation
Section 1.704-2(b)(4).
"Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain" has the meaning set forth in
Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
"Partner Nonrecourse Deductions" means any and all items of loss, deduction
or expenditure (including, without limitation, any expenditure described in
Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code) that, in accordance with the principles of
Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i), are attributable to a Partner
Nonrecourse Debt.
"Partners" means the General Partner and the Limited Partners.
"Partnership" means Rio Vista Operating Partnership L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership, and any successors thereto.
"Partnership Group" means the Partnership and all OLP Subsidiaries, treated
as a single consolidated entity.
"Partnership Interest" means an ownership interest of a Partner in the
Partnership, which shall include the General Partner Interest and the Limited
Partner Interest(s).
"Partnership Minimum Gain" means that amount determined in accordance with
the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(d).
7
"Partnership Security" means any class or series of equity interest in the
Partnership (but excluding any options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights
relating to an equity interest in the Partnership).
"Percentage Interest" means the percentage interest in the Partnership
owned by each Partner upon completion of the transactions in Section 5.2 and
shall mean, (a) as to the General Partner, 0.10% and (b) as to the MLP, 99.90%.
"Person" means an individual or a corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association,
government agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.
"Quarter" means, unless the context requires otherwise, a fiscal quarter
(or, with respect to the fiscal quarter during which the Closing Date occurs,
the portion of such fiscal quarter remaining after the Closing Date) of the
Partnership.
"Recapture Income" means any gain recognized by the Partnership (computed
without regard to any adjustment required by Section 734 or Section 743 of the
Code) upon the disposition of any property or asset of the Partnership, which
gain is characterized as ordinary income because it represents the recapture of
deductions previously taken with respect to such property or asset.
"Registration Statement" means the Registration Statement on Form 10 (File
No. 0-50394 as it has been or as it may be amended or supplemented from time to
time, filed by the MLP with the Commission under the Securities Act to register
the distribution of the Common Units in the Distribution.
"Required Allocations" means (a) any limitation imposed on any allocation
of Net Losses or Net Termination Losses under Section 6.1(b) or 6.1(c)(ii) and
(b) any allocation of an item of income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to
Section 6.1(d)(i), 6.1(d)(ii), 6.1(d)(iv), 6.1(d)(vii) or 6.1(d)(ix).
"Residual Gain" or "Residual Loss" means any item of gain or loss, as the
case may be, of the Partnership recognized for federal income tax purposes
resulting from a sale, exchange or other disposition of a Contributed Property
or an Adjusted Property, to the extent such item of gain or loss is not
allocated pursuant to Section 6.2(b)(i)(A) or 6.2(b)(ii)(A), respectively, to
eliminate Book-Tax Disparities.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, supplemented
or restated from time to time and any successor to such statute.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which
more than 50% of the voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the
occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other
governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date
of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or
a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which
such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a
general or limited partner
8
of such partnership, but only if more than 50% of the partnership interests of
such partnership (considering all of the partnership interests of the
partnership as a single class) is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of
determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a
combination thereof, or (c) any other Person (other than a corporation or a
partnership) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a
combination thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, has
(i) at least a majority ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct
the election of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such
Person.
"Substituted Limited Partner" means a Person who is admitted as a Limited
Partner to the Partnership pursuant to Section 10.2 in place of and with all the
rights of a Limited Partner and who is shown as a Limited Partner on the books
and records of the Partnership.
"Surviving Business Entity" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 14.2(b).
"transfer" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.1(a).
"Unrealized Gain" attributable to any item of Partnership property means,
as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market
value of such property as of such date (as determined under Section 5.5(d)) over
(b) the Carrying Value of such property as of such date (prior to any adjustment
to be made pursuant to Section 5.5(d) as of such date).
"Unrealized Loss" attributable to any item of Partnership property means,
as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (a) the Carrying Value
of such property as of such date (prior to any adjustment to be made pursuant to
Section 5.5(d) as of such date) over (b) the fair market value of such property
as of such date (as determined under Section 5.5(d)).
"U.S. GAAP" means United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
consistently applied.
"Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 11.1(b).
"Working Capital Borrowings" means borrowings used solely for working
capital purposes or to pay distributions to Partners made pursuant to a credit
facility or other arrangement to the extent such borrowings are required to be
reduced to a relatively small amount each year (or for the year in which the
Distribution is consummated, the 12-month period beginning on the Closing Date)
for an economically meaningful period of time.
Section 1.2 Construction. Unless the context requires otherwise: (a)
any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine,
feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs
shall include the plural and vice versa; (b) references to Articles and Sections
refer to Articles and Sections of this Agreement; and (c) the term "include" or
"includes" means includes, without limitation, and "including" means including,
without limitation.
9
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATION
Section 2.1 Formation. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in
this Agreement, the rights, duties (including fiduciary duties), liabilities and
obligations of the Partners and the administration, dissolution and termination
of the Partnership shall be governed by the Delaware Act. All Partnership
Interests shall constitute personal property of the owner thereof for all
purposes and a Partner has no interest in specific Partnership property.
Section 2.2 Name. The name of the Partnership shall be "Rio Vista
Operating Partnership L.P." The Partnership's business may be conducted under
any other name or names deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner
in its sole discretion, including the name of the General Partner. The words
"Limited Partnership," "L.P.," "Ltd." or similar words or letters shall be
included in the Partnership's name where necessary for the purpose of complying
with the laws of any jurisdiction that so requires. The General Partner in its
discretion may change the name of the Partnership at any time and from time to
time and shall notify the Limited Partners of such change in the next regular
communication to the Limited Partners.
Section 2.3 Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office;
Other Offices. Unless and until changed by the General Partner, the registered
office of the Partnership in the State of Delaware shall be located at 615 South
DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and the registered agent for service of process
on the Partnership in the State of Delaware at such registered office shall be
Capitol Services, Inc. The principal office of the Partnership shall be located
at 820 Gessner Road, Suite 1285, Houston, Texas 77024, or such other place as
the General Partner may from time to time designate by notice to the Limited
Partners. The Partnership may maintain offices at such other place or places
within or outside the State of Delaware as the General Partner deems necessary
or appropriate. The address of the General Partner shall be 820 Gessner Road,
Suite 1285, Houston, Texas 77024, or such other place as the General Partner may
from time to time designate by notice to the Limited Partners.
Section 2.4 Purpose and Business. The purpose and nature of the
business to be conducted by the Partnership shall be to (a) acquire, manage,
operate and sell the Assets and any similar assets or properties now or
hereafter acquired by the Partnership, (b) engage directly in, or enter into or
form any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or
other arrangement to engage indirectly in, any business activity that the
Partnership is permitted to engage in, or any type of business or activity
engaged in by the General Partner prior to the Closing Date and, in connection
therewith, to exercise all of the rights and powers conferred upon the
Partnership pursuant to the agreements relating to such business activity, (c)
engage directly in, or enter into or form any corporation, partnership, joint
venture, limited liability company or other arrangement to engage indirectly in,
any business activity that is approved by the General Partner and that lawfully
may be conducted by a limited partnership organized pursuant to the Delaware Act
and, in connection therewith, to exercise all of the rights and powers conferred
upon the Partnership pursuant to the agreements relating to such business
activity; provided, however, that the General Partner reasonably determines, as
of the date of the acquisition or commencement of such activity, that such
activity (i) generates "qualifying
10
income" (as such term is defined pursuant to Section 7704 of the Code) or (ii)
enhances the operations of an activity of the Partnership that generates
qualifying income, and (d) do anything necessary or appropriate to the
foregoing, including the making of capital contributions or loans to a Group
Member, the MLP or any Subsidiary of the MLP. The General Partner has no
obligation or duty to the Partnership, the Limited Partners or the Assignees to
propose or approve, and in its discretion may decline to propose or approve, the
conduct by the Partnership of any business.
Section 2.5 Powers. The Partnership shall be empowered to do any and
all acts and things necessary, appropriate, proper, advisable, incidental to or
convenient for the furtherance and accomplishment of the purposes and business
described in Section 2.4 and for the protection and benefit of the Partnership.
Section 2.6 Power of Attorney.
(a) Each Limited Partner and each Assignee hereby constitutes and
appoints the General Partner and, if a Liquidator shall have been selected
pursuant to Section 12.3, the Liquidator (and any successor to the Liquidator by
merger, transfer, assignment, election or otherwise) and each of their
authorized officers and attorneys-in-fact, as the case may be, with full power
of substitution, as its true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full
power and authority in his name, place and stead, to:
(i) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record
in the appropriate public offices (A) all certificates, documents and other
instruments (including this Agreement and the Certificate of Limited Partnership
and all amendments or restatements hereof or thereof) that the General Partner
or the Liquidator deems necessary or appropriate to form, qualify or continue
the existence or qualification of the Partnership as a limited partnership (or a
partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability) in the State
of Delaware and in all other jurisdictions in which the Partnership may conduct
business or own property; (B) all certificates, documents and other instruments
that the General Partner or the Liquidator deems necessary or appropriate to
reflect, in accordance with its terms, any amendment, change, modification or
restatement of this Agreement; (C) all certificates, documents and other
instruments (including conveyances and a certificate of cancellation) that the
General Partner or the Liquidator deems necessary or appropriate to reflect the
dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement; (D) all certificates, documents and other instruments relating to the
admission, withdrawal, removal or substitution of any Partner pursuant to, or
other events described in, Article IV, X, XI or XII; (E) all certificates,
documents and other instruments relating to the determination of the rights,
preferences and privileges of any class or series of Partnership Interests
issued pursuant hereto; and (F) all certificates, documents and other
instruments (including agreements and a certificate of merger) relating to a
merger or consolidation of the Partnership pursuant to Article XIV; and
(ii) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record
all ballots, consents, approvals, waivers, certificates, documents and other
instruments necessary or appropriate, in the discretion of the General Partner
or the Liquidator, to make, evidence, give, confirm or ratify any vote, consent,
approval, agreement or other action that is made or given by
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the Partners hereunder or is consistent with the terms of this Agreement or is
necessary or appropriate, in the discretion of the General Partner or the
Liquidator, to effectuate the terms or intent of this Agreement; provided, that
when required by any provision of this Agreement that establishes a percentage
of the Limited Partners or of the Limited Partners of any class or series
required to take any action, the General Partner and the Liquidator may exercise
the power of attorney made in this Section 2.6(a)(ii) only after the necessary
vote, consent or approval of the Limited Partners or of the Limited Partners of
such class or series, as applicable.
Nothing contained in this Section 2.6(a) shall be construed as authorizing
the General Partner to amend this Agreement except in accordance with Article
XIII or as may be otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement.
(b) The foregoing power of attorney is hereby declared to be
irrevocable and a power coupled with an interest, and it shall survive and, to
the maximum extent permitted by law, not be affected by the subsequent death,
incompetency, disability, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy or termination of
any Limited Partner or Assignee and the transfer of all or any portion of such
Limited Partner's or Assignee's Partnership Interest and shall extend to such
Limited Partner's or Assignee's heirs, successors, assigns and personal
representatives. Each such Limited Partner or Assignee hereby agrees to be bound
by any representation made by the General Partner or the Liquidator acting in
good faith pursuant to such power of attorney; and each such Limited Partner or
Assignee, to the maximum extent permitted by law, hereby waives any and all
defenses that may be available to contest, negate or disaffirm the action of the
General Partner or the Liquidator taken in good faith under such power of
attorney. Each Limited Partner or Assignee shall execute and deliver to the
General Partner or the Liquidator, within 15 days after receipt of the request
therefor, such further designation, powers of attorney and other instruments as
the General Partner or the Liquidator deems necessary to effectuate this
Agreement and the purposes of the Partnership.
Section 2.7 Term. The term of the Partnership commenced upon the
filing of the Certificate of Limited Partnership in accordance with the Delaware
Act and shall continue in existence until the dissolution of the Partnership in
accordance with the provisions of Article XII. The existence of the Partnership
as a separate legal entity shall continue until the cancellation of the
Certificate of Limited Partnership as provided in the Delaware Act.
Section 2.8 Title to Partnership Assets. Title to Partnership assets,
whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, shall be
deemed to be owned by the Partnership as an entity, and no Partner or Assignee,
individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such
Partnership assets or any portion thereof. Title to any or all of the
Partnership assets may be held in the name of the Partnership, the General
Partner, one or more of its Affiliates or one or more nominees, as the General
Partner may determine. The General Partner hereby declares and warrants that any
Partnership assets for which record title is held in the name of the General
Partner or one or more of its Affiliates or one or more nominees shall be held
by the General Partner or such Affiliate or nominee for the use and benefit of
the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided,
however, that the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts to cause record
title to such assets (other than those assets in respect of which the General
Partner determines that the expense and difficulty of
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conveyancing makes transfer of record title to the Partnership impracticable) to
be vested in the Partnership as soon as reasonably practicable; provided,
further, that, prior to any withdrawal or removal of the General Partner or as
soon thereafter as practicable, the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts
to effect the transfer of record title to the Partnership and, prior to any such
transfer, will provide for the use of such assets in a manner satisfactory to
the General Partner. All Partnership assets shall be recorded as the property of
the Partnership in its books and records, irrespective of the name in which
record title to such Partnership assets is held.
ARTICLE III
RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS
Section 3.1 Limitation of Liability. The Limited Partners and the
Assignees shall have no liability under this Agreement except as expressly
provided in this Agreement or the Delaware Act.
Section 3.2 Management of Business. No Limited Partner or Assignee, in
its capacity as such, shall participate in the operation, management or control
(within the meaning of the Delaware Act) of the Partnership's business, transact
any business in the Partnership's name or have the power to sign documents for
or otherwise bind the Partnership. Any action taken by any Affiliate of the
General Partner or any officer, director, employee, manager, member, general
partner, agent or trustee of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, or
any officer, director, employee, manager, member, general partner, agent or
trustee of a Group Member, in its capacity as such, shall not be deemed to be
participation in the control of the business of the Partnership by a limited
partner of the Partnership (within the meaning of Section 17-303(a) of the
Delaware Act) and shall not affect, impair or eliminate the limitations on the
liability of the Limited Partners or Assignees under this Agreement.
Section 3.3 Outside Activities of the Limited Partners. Subject to the
provisions of Article II and the Omnibus Agreement, which shall continue to be
applicable to the Persons referred to therein, regardless of whether such
Persons shall also be Limited Partners or Assignees, any Limited Partner or
Assignee shall be entitled to and may have business interests and engage in
business activities in addition to those relating to the Partnership, including
business interests and activities in direct competition with the Partnership
Group. Neither the Partnership nor any of the other Partners or Assignees shall
have any rights by virtue of this Agreement in any business ventures of any
Limited Partner or Assignee.
Section 3.4 Rights of Limited Partners.
(a) In addition to other rights provided by this Agreement or by
applicable law, and except as limited by Section 3.4(b), each Limited Partner
shall have the right, for a purpose reasonably related to such Limited Partner's
interest as a limited partner in the Partnership, upon reasonable written demand
and at such Limited Partner's own expense:
(i) promptly after becoming available, to obtain a copy of
the Partnership's federal, state and local income tax returns for each year;
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(ii) to have furnished to him a current list of the name and
last known business, residence or mailing address of each Partner;
(iii) to have furnished to him a copy of this Agreement and
the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all amendments thereto, together with
a copy of the executed copies of all powers of attorney pursuant to which this
Agreement, the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all amendments thereto
have been executed;
(iv) to obtain true and full information regarding the amount
of cash and a description and statement of the Net Agreed Value of any other
Capital Contribution by each Partner and that each Partner has agreed to
contribute in the future, and the date on which each became a Partner; and
(v) to obtain such other information regarding the affairs of
the Partnership as is just and reasonable; and
(vi) to obtain true and full information regarding the status
of the business and financial condition of the Partnership.
(b) The General Partner may keep confidential from the Limited
Partners and Assignees, for such period of time as the General Partner deems
reasonable, (i) any information that the General Partner reasonably believes to
be in the nature of trade secrets or (ii) other information the disclosure of
which the General Partner in good faith believes (A) is not in the best
interests of the MLP or the Partnership Group, (B) could damage the MLP or the
Partnership Group or (C) that any Group Member is required by law or by
agreement with any third party to keep confidential (other than agreements with
Affiliates of the Partnership the primary purpose of which is to circumvent the
obligations set forth in this Section 3.4).
ARTICLE IV
TRANSFERS OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
Section 4.1 Transfer Generally.
(a) The term "transfer," when used in this Agreement with respect
to a Partnership Interest, shall be deemed to refer to a transaction by which a
General Partner assigns its General Partner Interest to another Person who
becomes the General Partner or by which the holder of a Limited Partner Interest
assigns such Limited Partner Interest to another Person who is or becomes a
Limited Partner (or an Assignee), and includes a sale, assignment, gift, pledge,
encumbrance, hypothecation, mortgage, exchange or any other disposition by law
or otherwise.
(b) No Partnership Interest shall be transferred, in whole or in
part, except in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this
Article IV. Any transfer or purported transfer of a Partnership Interest not
made in accordance with this Article IV shall be null and void.
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(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to
prevent a disposition by any member of the General Partner of any or all of the
issued and outstanding member interests of the General Partner.
Section 4.2 Transfer of General Partner's General Partner Interest. No
provision of this Agreement shall be construed to prevent (and the Limited
Partners do hereby expressly consent to) (i) the transfer by the General Partner
of all or a portion of its General Partner Interest to one or more Affiliates,
which transferred General Partner Interest, to the extent not transferred to a
successor General Partner, shall constitute a Limited Partner Interest or (ii)
the transfer by the General Partner, in whole and not in part, of its General
Partner Interest upon (a) its merger, consolidation or other combination into
any other Person or the transfer by it of all or substantially all of its assets
to another Person or (b) sale of all or substantially all of the membership
interests of the General Partner by its members if, in the case of a transfer
described in either clause (i) or (ii) of this sentence, the rights and duties
of the General Partner with respect to the General Partner Interest so
transferred are assumed by the transferee and the transferee agrees to be bound
by the provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that in either such
case, the transferee is primarily controlled, directly or indirectly, by the MLP
or the MLP General Partner or any Person primarily controlling, directly or
indirectly, the MLP or the MLP General Partner; provided, further, that in
either such case, such transferee furnishes to the Partnership an Opinion of
Counsel that such merger, consolidation, combination, transfer or assumption
will not result in a loss of limited liability of any Limited Partner or cause
the Partnership to be taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an
entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated or
taxed). In the case of a transfer pursuant to this Section 4.2 to a Person
proposed as a successor general partner of the Partnership, the transferee or
successor (as the case may be) shall, subject to compliance with the terms of
Section 10.4, be admitted to the Partnership as the General Partner immediately
prior to the transfer of the Partnership Interest, and the business of the
Partnership shall continue without dissolution.
Section 4.3 Transfer of a Limited Partner's Partnership Interest. A
Limited Partner may transfer all, but not less than all, of its Partnership
Interest as a Limited Partner in connection with the merger, consolidation or
other combination of such Limited Partner with or into any other Person or the
transfer by such Limited Partner of all or substantially all of its assets to
another Person and, following any such transfer, such Person may become a
Substituted Limited Partner pursuant to Article X. Except as set forth in the
immediately preceding sentence, or in connection with any pledge of (or any
related foreclosure on) a Partnership Interest of a Limited Partner solely for
the purpose of securing, directly or indirectly, indebtedness of the Partnership
or the MLP, a Limited Partner may not transfer all or any part of its
Partnership Interest or withdraw from the Partnership.
Section 4.4 Restrictions on Transfers.
(a) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article IV, no
transfer of any Partnership Interest shall be made if such transfer would (i)
violate the then applicable federal or state securities laws or the rules and
regulations of the Commission, any state securities commission or any other
governmental authority with jurisdiction over such transfer, (ii)
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terminate the existence or qualification of the Partnership or the MLP under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its formation or (iii) cause the Partnership or the
MLP to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be
taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so
treated or taxed).
(b) The General Partner may impose restrictions on the transfer of
Partnership Interests if a subsequent Opinion of Counsel determines that such
restrictions are necessary to avoid a significant risk of the Partnership or the
MLP becoming taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for
federal income tax purposes. The restrictions may be imposed by making such
amendments to this Agreement as the General Partner may determine to be
necessary or appropriate to impose such restrictions.
ARTICLE V
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
Section 5.1 Initial Contributions. In connection with the formation of
the Partnership under the Delaware Act, the General Partner purchased a 0.10%
General Partner Interest for $1.00 and was admitted as General Partner, and Penn
Octane Corporation purchased a 99.9% Limited Partner Interest in the Partnership
for $999.00 and was admitted as a Limited Partner.
Section 5.2 Contributions Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement.
(a) Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, Penn Octane
Corporation shall contribute to the Partnership all of its right, title and
interest in the Assets as a Capital Contribution.
(b) Penn Octane Corporation then, pursuant to the Contribution
Agreement, shall contribute its 99.9% Limited Partner Interest in the
Partnership to the MLP as a capital contribution.
(c) Following the foregoing transactions, the General Partner will
continue to own a 0.10% General Partner Interest, the MLP will own a 99.9%
Limited Partner Interest and shall be admitted as a Limited Partner and Penn
Octane Corporation shall no longer own any Partnership Interest and shall
withdraw as a Limited Partner.
Section 5.3 Additional Capital Contributions. With the consent of the
General Partner, any Limited Partner may, but shall not be obligated to, make
additional Capital Contributions to the Partnership. Contemporaneously with the
making of any Capital Contributions by a Limited Partner, in addition to those
provided in Sections 5.1 and 5.2, the General Partner shall be obligated to make
an additional Capital Contribution to the Partnership in an amount equal to 0.10
divided by 99.9 times the amount of the additional Capital Contribution then
made by such Limited Partner. Except as set forth in the immediately preceding
sentence and in Article XII, the General Partner shall not be obligated to make
any additional Capital Contributions to the Partnership.
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Section 5.4 Interest and Withdrawal. No interest shall be paid by the
Partnership on Capital Contributions. No Partner or Assignee shall be entitled
to the withdrawal or return of its Capital Contribution, except to the extent,
if any, that distributions made pursuant to this Agreement or upon termination
of the Partnership may be considered as such by law and then only to the extent
provided for in this Agreement. Except to the extent expressly provided in this
Agreement, no Partner or Assignee shall have priority over any other Partner or
Assignee either as to the return of Capital Contributions or as to profits,
losses or distributions. Any such return shall be a compromise to which all
Partners and Assignees agree within the meaning of Section 17-502(b) of the
Delaware Act.
Section 5.5 Capital Accounts.
(a) The Partnership shall maintain for each Partner (or a
beneficial owner of Partnership Interests held by a nominee in any case in which
the nominee has furnished the identity of such owner to the Partnership in
accordance with Section 6031(c) of the Code or any other method acceptable to
the General Partner in its sole discretion) owning a Partnership Interest a
separate Capital Account with respect to such Partnership Interest in accordance
with the rules of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). Such Capital
Account shall be increased by (i) the amount of all Capital Contributions made
to the Partnership with respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to this
Agreement and (ii) all items of Partnership income and gain (including, without
limitation, income and gain exempt from tax) computed in accordance with Section
5.5(b) and allocated with respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to
Section 6.1, and decreased by (x) the amount of cash or Net Agreed Value of all
actual and deemed distributions of cash or property made with respect to such
Partnership Interest pursuant to this Agreement and (y) all items of Partnership
deduction and loss computed in accordance with Section 5.5(b) and allocated with
respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to Section 6.1.
(b) For purposes of computing the amount of any item of income,
gain, loss or deduction that is to be allocated pursuant to Article VI and is to
be reflected in the Partners' Capital Accounts, the determination, recognition
and classification of any such item shall be the same as its determination,
recognition and classification for federal income tax purposes (including,
without limitation, any method of depreciation, cost recovery or amortization
used for that purpose), provided, that:
(i) Solely for purposes of this Section 5.5, the Partnership
shall be treated as owning directly its proportionate share (as determined by
the General Partner) of all property owned by any OLP Subsidiary that is
classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.
(ii) All fees and other expenses incurred by the Partnership
to promote the sale of (or to sell) a Partnership Interest that can neither be
deducted nor amortized under Section 709 of the Code, if any, shall, for
purposes of Capital Account maintenance, be treated as an item of deduction at
the time such fees and other expenses are incurred and shall be allocated among
the Partners pursuant to Section 6.1.
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(iii) Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulation
Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), computation of all items of income, gain, loss and
deduction shall be made without regard to any election under Section 754 of the
Code that may be made by the Partnership and, as to those items described in
Section 705(a)(1)(B) or 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code, without regard to the fact
that such items are not includable in gross income or are neither currently
deductible nor capitalized for federal income tax purposes. To the extent an
adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to
Section 734(b) or 743(b) of the Code is required, pursuant to Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining
Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment in the Capital Accounts shall be
treated as an item of gain or loss.
(iv) Any income, gain or loss attributable to the taxable
disposition of any Partnership property shall be determined as if the adjusted
basis of such property as of such date of disposition were equal in amount to
the Partnership's Carrying Value with respect to such property as of such date.
(v) In accordance with the requirements of Section 704(b) of
the Code, any deductions for depreciation, cost recovery or amortization
attributable to any Contributed Property shall be determined as if the adjusted
basis of such property on the date it was acquired by the Partnership were equal
to the Agreed Value of such property. Upon an adjustment pursuant to Section
5.5(d) to the Carrying Value of any Partnership property subject to
depreciation, cost recovery or amortization, any further deductions for such
depreciation, cost recovery or amortization attributable to such property shall
be determined (A) as if the adjusted basis of such property were equal to the
Carrying Value of such property immediately following such adjustment and (B)
using a rate of depreciation, cost recovery or amortization derived from the
same method and useful life (or, if applicable, the remaining useful life) as is
applied for federal income tax purposes; provided, however, that, if the asset
has a zero adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes, depreciation, cost
recovery or amortization deductions shall be determined using any reasonable
method that the General Partner may adopt.
(vi) If the Partnership's adjusted basis in a depreciable or
cost recovery property is reduced for federal income tax purposes pursuant to
Section 48(q)(1) or 48(q)(3) of the Code, the amount of such reduction shall,
solely for purposes hereof, be deemed to be an additional depreciation or cost
recovery deduction in the year such property is placed in service and shall be
allocated among the Partners pursuant to Section 6.1. Any restoration of such
basis pursuant to Section 48(q)(2) of the Code shall, to the extent possible, be
allocated in the same manner to the Partners to whom such deemed deduction was
allocated.
(c) A transferee of a Partnership Interest shall succeed to a pro
rata portion of the Capital Account of the transferor relating to the
Partnership Interest so transferred.
(d) (i) In accordance with Treasury Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), on an issuance of additional Partnership Interests for
cash or Contributed Property, the Capital Accounts of all Partners and the
Carrying Value of each Partnership property immediately prior to such issuance
shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or
Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property, as if such
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Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss had been recognized on an actual sale of each
such property immediately prior to such issuance and had been allocated to the
Partners at such time pursuant to Section 6.1 in the same manner as any item of
gain or loss actually recognized during such period would have been allocated.
In determining such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss, the aggregate cash
amount and fair market value of all Partnership assets (including, without
limitation, cash or cash equivalents) immediately prior to the issuance of
additional Partnership Interests shall be determined by the General Partner
using such reasonable method of valuation as it may adopt; provided, however,
that the General Partner, in arriving at such valuation, must take fully into
account the fair market value of the Partnership Interests of all Partners at
such time. The General Partner shall allocate such aggregate value among the
assets of the Partnership (in such manner as it determines in its discretion to
be reasonable) to arrive at a fair market value for individual properties.
(i) In accordance with Treasury Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), immediately prior to any actual or deemed distribution to
a Partner of any Partnership property (other than a distribution of cash that is
not in redemption or retirement of a Partnership Interest), the Capital Accounts
of all Partners and the Carrying Value of all Partnership property shall be
adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss
attributable to such Partnership property, as if such Unrealized Gain or
Unrealized Loss had been recognized in a sale of such property immediately prior
to such distribution for an amount equal to its fair market value, and had been
allocated to the Partners, at such time, pursuant to Section 6.1(c) in the same
manner as any item of gain or loss actually recognized during such period would
have been allocated. In determining such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss the
aggregate cash amount and fair market value of all Partnership assets
(including, without limitation, cash or cash equivalents) immediately prior to a
distribution shall (A) in the case of an actual distribution that is not made
pursuant to Section 12.4 or in the case of a deemed distribution, be determined
and allocated in the same manner as that provided in Section 5.5(d)(i) or (B) in
the case of a liquidating distribution pursuant to Section 12.4, be determined
and allocated by the Liquidator using such reasonable method of valuation as it
may adopt.
Section 5.6 Loans from Partners. Loans by a Partner to the Partnership
shall not constitute Capital Contributions. If any Partner shall advance funds
to the Partnership in excess of the amounts required hereunder to be contributed
by it to the capital of the Partnership, the making of such excess advances
shall not result in any increase in the amount of the Capital Account of such
Partner. The amount of any such excess advances shall be a debt obligation of
the Partnership to such Partner and shall be payable or collectible only out of
the Partnership assets in accordance with the terms and conditions upon which
such advances are made.
Section 5.7 Issuances of Additional Partnership Securities.
(a) The Partnership may issue additional Partnership Securities
and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to the
Partnership Securities for any Partnership purpose at any time and from time to
time to such Persons for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as
shall be established by the General Partner in its sole discretion. The
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issuance by the Partnership of Partnership Securities or rights, warrants or
appreciation rights in respect thereof shall be deemed an amendment to this
Agreement.
(b) Each additional Partnership Security authorized to be issued
by the Partnership pursuant to Section 5.7(a) may be issued in one or more
classes, or one or more series of any such classes, with such designations,
preferences, rights, powers and duties (which may be senior to existing classes
and series of Partnership Securities), as shall be fixed by the General Partner
in its sole discretion, including (i) the right to share Partnership profits and
losses or items thereof; (ii) the right to share in Partnership distributions;
(iii) the rights upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; (iv)
whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Partnership may redeem
such Partnership Security; (v) whether such Partnership Security is issued with
the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the terms and conditions of
such conversion or exchange; (vi) the terms and conditions upon which each
Partnership Security will be issued, evidenced by certificates and assigned or
transferred; and (vii) the right, if any, of the holder of each such Partnership
Security to vote on Partnership matters, including matters relating to the
relative designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of such
Partnership Security.
(c) The General Partner is hereby authorized and directed to take
all actions that it deems necessary or appropriate in connection with (i) each
issuance of Partnership Securities and options, rights, warrants and
appreciation rights relating to Partnership Securities pursuant to this Section
5.7, (ii) the admission of Additional Limited Partners and (iii) all additional
issuances of Partnership Securities. The General Partner is further authorized
and directed to specify the relative rights, powers and duties of the holders of
the Partnership Interests or other Partnership Securities being so issued. The
General Partner shall do all things necessary to comply with the Delaware Act
and is authorized and directed to do all things it deems necessary or advisable
in connection with any future issuance of Partnership Securities, including
compliance with any statute, rule, regulation or guideline of any federal, state
or other governmental agency.
Section 5.8 Limited Preemptive Rights. Except as provided in Section
5.3, no Person shall have preemptive, preferential or other similar rights with
respect to (a) additional Capital Contributions; (b) issuance or sale of any
class or series of Partnership Interests, whether unissued, held in the treasury
or hereafter created; (c) issuance of any obligations, evidences of indebtedness
or other securities of the Partnership convertible into or exchangeable for, or
carrying or accompanied by any rights to receive, purchase or subscribe to, any
such Partnership Interests; (d) issuance of any right of subscription to or
right to receive, or any warrant or option for the purchase of, any such
Partnership Interests; or (e) issuance or sale of any other securities that may
be issued or sold by the Partnership.
Section 5.9 Fully Paid and Non-Assessable Nature of Limited Partner
Interests. All Limited Partner Interests issued pursuant to, and in accordance
with the requirements of, this Article V shall be fully paid and non-assessable
Limited Partner Interests, except as such non-assessability may be affected by
Section 17-607 of the Delaware Act.
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ARTICLE VI
ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 6.1 Allocations for Capital Account Purposes. For purposes of
maintaining the Capital Accounts and in determining the rights of the Partners
among themselves, the Partnership's items of income, gain, loss and deduction
(computed in accordance with Section 5.5(b)) shall be allocated among the
Partners in each taxable year (or portion thereof) as provided herein below.
(a) Net Income. After giving effect to the special allocations
set forth in Section 6.1(d), Net Income for each taxable year and all items of
income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Income for
such taxable year shall be allocated among the Partners as follows:
(i) First, 100% to the General Partner, until the aggregate
Net Income allocated to the General Partner pursuant to this Section 6.1(a)(i)
for the current taxable year and all previous taxable years is equal to the
aggregate Net Losses allocated to the General Partner pursuant to Section
6.1(b)(ii) for all previous taxable years;
(ii) Second, 0.10% to the General Partner and 99.9% to the
Limited Partners in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.
(b) Net Losses. After giving effect to the special allocations
set forth in Section 6.1(d), Net Losses for each taxable period and all items of
income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Losses for
such taxable period shall be allocated among the Partners as follows:
(i) First, 0.10% to the General Partner and 99.9% to the
Limited Partners, in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests;
provided, however, that Net Losses shall not be allocated to a Limited Partner
pursuant to this Section 6.1(b)(i) to the extent that such allocation would
cause a Limited Partner to have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital
Account at the end of such taxable year (or increase any existing deficit
balance in such Limited Partner's Adjusted Capital Account);
(ii) Second, the balance, if any, 100% to the General
Partner.
(c) Net Termination Gains and Losses. After giving effect to the
special allocations set forth in Section 6.1(d), all items of income, gain, loss
and deduction taken into account in computing Net Termination Gain or Net
Termination Loss for such taxable period shall be allocated in the same manner
as such Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss is allocated hereunder. All
allocations under this Section 6.1(c) shall be made after Capital Account
balances have been adjusted by all other allocations provided under this Section
6.1 and after all distributions of Available Cash provided under Section 6.4
have been made with respect to the taxable period ending on or before the
Liquidation Date; provided, however, that solely for purposes of this Section
6.1(c), Capital Accounts shall not be adjusted for distributions made pursuant
to Section 12.4.
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(i) If a Net Termination Gain is recognized (or deemed
recognized pursuant to Section 5.5(d)), such Net Termination Gain shall be
allocated among the Partners in the following manner (and the Capital Accounts
of the Partners shall be increased by the amount so allocated in each of the
following subclauses, in the order listed, before an allocation is made pursuant
to the next succeeding subclause):
(A) First, to each Partner having a deficit balance in
its Capital Account, in the proportion that such deficit balance bears to the
total deficit balances in the Capital Accounts of all Partners, until each such
Partner has been allocated Net Termination Gain equal to any such deficit
balance in its Capital Account; and
(B) Second, 0.10% to the General Partner and 99.9% to
the Limited Partners, in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.
(ii) If a Net Termination Loss is recognized (or deemed
recognized pursuant to Section 5.5(d)), such Net Termination Loss shall be
allocated among the Partners in the following manner:
(A) First, to the General Partner and the Limited
Partners in proportion to, and to the extent of, the positive balances in their
respective Capital Accounts; and
(B) Second, the balance, if any, 100% to the General
Partner.
(d) Special Allocations. Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Section 6.1, the following special allocations shall be made for such
taxable period:
(i) Partnership Minimum Gain Chargeback. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this Section 6.1, if there is a net decrease in Partnership
Minimum Gain during any Partnership taxable period, each Partner shall be
allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such period (and, if
necessary, subsequent periods) in the manner and amounts provided in Treasury
Regulation Sections 1.704-2(f)(6), 1.704-2(g)(2) and 1.704-2(j)(2)(i), or any
successor provision. For purposes of this Section 6.1(d), each Partner's
Adjusted Capital Account balance shall be determined, and the allocation of
income or gain required hereunder shall be effected, prior to the application of
any other allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d) with respect to such
taxable period (other than an allocation pursuant to Sections 6.1(d)(v) and
6.1(d)(vi)). This Section 6.1(d)(i) is intended to comply with the Partnership
Minimum Gain chargeback requirement in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(f)
and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(ii) Chargeback of Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain.
Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section 6.1 (other than Section
6.1(d)(i)), except as provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4), if
there is a net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain during any
Partnership taxable period, any Partner with a share of Partner Nonrecourse Debt
Minimum Gain at the beginning of such taxable period shall be allocated items of
Partnership income and gain for such period (and, if necessary, subsequent
periods) in the manner and amounts provided in Treasury Regulation Sections
1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2)(ii), or any successor provisions. For purposes
of this Section 6.1(d), each Partner's
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Adjusted Capital Account balance shall be determined, and the allocation of
income or gain required hereunder shall be effected, prior to the application of
any other allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d), other than Section
6.1(d)(i) and other than an allocation pursuant to Sections 6.1(d)(v) and
6.1(d)(vi), with respect to such taxable period. This Section 6.1(d)(ii) is
intended to comply with the chargeback of items of income and gain requirement
in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted
consistently therewith.
(iii) Qualified Income Offset. In the event any Partner
unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations or distributions described in
Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5),
or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), items of Partnership income and gain shall be
specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to
eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations promulgated under
Section 704(b) of the Code, the deficit balance, if any, in its Adjusted Capital
Account created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as quickly as
possible unless such deficit balance is otherwise eliminated pursuant to Section
6.1(d)(i) or (ii).
(iv) Gross Income Allocations. In the event any Partner has
a deficit balance in its Capital Account at the end of any Partnership taxable
period in excess of the sum of (A) the amount such Partner is required to
restore pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and (B) the amount such
Partner is deemed obligated to restore pursuant to Treasury Regulation Sections
1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5), such Partner shall be specially allocated items of
Partnership gross income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as
possible; provided, that an allocation pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(iv) shall
be made only if and to the extent that such Partner would have a deficit balance
in its Capital Account as adjusted after all other allocations provided for in
this Section 6.1 have been tentatively made as if this Section 6.1(d)(iv) were
------------ ------------------
not in this Agreement.
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(v) Nonrecourse Deductions. Nonrecourse Deductions for any
taxable period shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with their
respective Percentage Interests. If the General Partner determines in its good
faith discretion that the Partnership's Nonrecourse Deductions must be allocated
in a different ratio to satisfy the safe harbor requirements of the Treasury
Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, the General Partner is
authorized, upon notice to the other Partners, to revise the prescribed ratio to
the numerically closest ratio that does satisfy such requirements.
(vi) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions. Partner Nonrecourse
Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated 100% to the Partner that
bears the Economic Risk of Loss with respect to the Partner Nonrecourse Debt to
which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with
Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i). If more than one Partner bears the
Economic Risk of Loss with respect to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt, such Partner
Nonrecourse Deductions attributable thereto shall be allocated between or among
such Partners in accordance with the ratios in which they share such Economic
Risk of Loss.
(vii) Nonrecourse Liabilities. For purposes of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.752-3(a)(3), the Partners agree that Nonrecourse
Liabilities of the Partnership in excess of the sum of (A) the amount of
Partnership Minimum Gain and (B) the total amount of
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Nonrecourse Built-in Gain shall be allocated among the Partners in accordance
with their respective Percentage Interests.
(viii) Code Section 754 Adjustments. To the extent an
adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to
Section 734(b) or 743(c) of the Code is required, pursuant to Treasury
Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining
Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be
treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset)
or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis), and such item of gain or loss
shall be specially allocated to the Partners in a manner consistent with the
manner in which their Capital Accounts are required to be adjusted pursuant to
such Section of the Treasury Regulations.
(ix) Curative Allocation.
(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section
6.1, other than the Required Allocations, the Required Allocations shall be
taken into account in making the Agreed Allocations so that, to the extent
possible, the net amount of items of income, gain, loss and deduction allocated
to each Partner pursuant to the Required Allocations and the Agreed Allocations,
together, shall be equal to the net amount of such items that would have been
allocated to each such Partner under the Agreed Allocations had the Required
Allocations and the related Curative Allocation not otherwise been provided in
this Section 6.1. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Required Allocations
relating to (1) Nonrecourse Deductions shall not be taken into account except to
the extent that there has been a decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain and (2)
Partner Nonrecourse Deductions shall not be taken into account except to the
extent that there has been a decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain.
Allocations pursuant to this Section 6.1(d)(ix)(A) shall only be made with
respect to Required Allocations to the extent the General Partner reasonably
determines that such allocations will otherwise be inconsistent with the
economic agreement among the Partners. Further, allocations pursuant to this
Section 6.1(d)(ix)(A) shall be deferred with respect to allocations pursuant to
clauses (1) and (2) hereof to the extent the General Partner reasonably
determines that such allocations are likely to be offset by subsequent Required
Allocations.
(B) The General Partner shall have reasonable
discretion, with respect to each taxable period, to (1) apply the provisions of
Section 6.1(d)(ix)(A) in whatever order is most likely to minimize the economic
distortions that might otherwise result from the Required Allocations, and (2)
divide all allocations pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(ix)(A) among the Partners in a
manner that is likely to minimize such economic distortions.
Section 6.2 Allocations for Tax Purposes.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, for federal income tax
purposes, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction shall be allocated among
the Partners in the same manner as its correlative item of "book" income, gain,
loss or deduction is allocated pursuant to Section 6.1.
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(b) In an attempt to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities attributable
to a Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, items of income, gain, loss,
depreciation, amortization and cost recovery deductions shall be allocated for
federal income tax purposes among the Partners as follows:
(i) (A) In the case of a Contributed Property, such items
attributable thereto shall be allocated among the Partners in the manner
provided under Section 704(c) of the Code that takes into account the variation
between the Agreed Value of such property and its adjusted basis at the time of
contribution; and (B) any item of Residual Gain or Residual Loss attributable to
a Contributed Property shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner
as its correlative item of "book" gain or loss is allocated pursuant to Section
6.1.
(ii) (A) In the case of an Adjusted Property, such items
shall (1) first, be allocated among the Partners in a manner consistent with the
principles of Section 704(c) of the Code to take into account the Unrealized
Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such property and the allocations
thereof pursuant to Section 5.5(d)(i) or 5.5(d)(ii), and (2) second, in the
event such property was originally a Contributed Property, be allocated among
the Partners in a manner consistent with Section 6.2(b)(i)(A); and (B) any item
of Residual Gain or Residual Loss attributable to an Adjusted Property shall be
allocated among the Partners in the same manner as its correlative item of
"book" gain or loss is allocated pursuant to Section 6.1.
(iii) The General Partner shall apply the principles of
Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3(d) to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities.
(c) For the proper administration of the Partnership and for the
preservation of uniformity of the Units or other limited partner interests of
the MLP (or any class or classes thereof), the General Partner shall have sole
discretion to (i) adopt such conventions as it deems appropriate in determining
the amount of depreciation, amortization and cost recovery deductions; (ii) make
special allocations for federal income tax purposes of income (including,
without limitation, gross income) or deductions; and (iii) amend the provisions
of this Agreement as appropriate (x) to reflect the proposal or promulgation of
Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b) or Section 704(c) of the Code or (y)
otherwise to preserve or achieve uniformity of the Units or other limited
partner interests of the MLP (or any class or classes thereof). The General
Partner may adopt such conventions, make such allocations and make such
amendments to this Agreement as provided in this Section 6.2(c) only if such
conventions, allocations or amendments would not have a material adverse effect
on the Partners, the holders of any class or classes of Units or other limited
partner interests of the MLP issued and outstanding or the Partnership, and if
such allocations are consistent with the principles of Section 704 of the Code.
(d) The General Partner in its discretion may determine to
depreciate or amortize the portion of an adjustment under Section 743(b) of the
Code attributable to unrealized appreciation in any Adjusted Property (to the
extent of the unamortized Book-Tax Disparity) using a predetermined rate derived
from the depreciation or amortization method and useful life applied to the
Partnership's common basis of such property, despite any inconsistency of such
approach with Treasury Regulation Section 1.167(c)-l(a)(6) or any successor
regulations thereto.
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If the General Partner determines that such reporting position cannot
reasonably be taken, the General Partner may adopt depreciation and amortization
conventions under which all purchasers acquiring limited partner interests of
the MLP in the same month would receive depreciation and amortization
deductions, based upon the same applicable rate as if they had purchased a
direct interest in the Partnership's property. If the General Partner chooses
not to utilize such aggregate method, the General Partner may use any other
reasonable depreciation and amortization conventions to preserve the uniformity
of the intrinsic tax characteristics of any limited partner interests of the MLP
that would not have a material adverse effect on the Partners or the holders of
any class or classes of limited partner interests of the MLP.
(e) Any gain allocated to the Partners upon the sale or other
taxable disposition of any Partnership asset shall, to the extent possible,
after taking into account other required allocations of gain pursuant to this
Section 6.2, be characterized as Recapture Income in the same proportions and to
the same extent as such Partners (or their predecessors in interest) have been
allocated any deductions directly or indirectly giving rise to the treatment of
such gains as Recapture Income.
(f) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit
recognized by the Partnership for federal income tax purposes and allocated to
the Partners in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be determined
without regard to any election under Section 754 of the Code that may be made by
the Partnership; provided, however, that such allocations, once made, shall be
adjusted as necessary or appropriate to take into account those adjustments
permitted or required by Sections 734 and 743 of the Code.
(g) The General Partner may adopt such methods of allocation of
income, gain, loss or deduction between a transferor and a transferee of a
Partnership Interest as it determines necessary or appropriate in its sole
discretion, to the extent permitted or required by Section 706 of the Code and
the regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder.
(h) Allocations that would otherwise be made to a Partner under
the provisions of this Article VI shall instead be made to the beneficial owner
of Partnership Interests held by a nominee in any case in which the nominee has
furnished the identity of such owner to the Partnership in accordance with
Section 6031(c) of the Code or any other method acceptable to the General
Partner in its sole discretion.
Section 6.3 Distributions.
(a) Within 45 days following the end of each Quarter, an amount
equal to 100% of Available Cash with respect to such Quarter shall, subject to
Section 17-607 of the Delaware Act, be distributed in accordance with this
Article VI by the Partnership to the Partners in accordance with their
respective Percentage Interests. The immediately preceding sentence shall not
require any distribution of cash if and to the extent such distribution would be
prohibited by applicable law or by any loan agreement, security agreement,
mortgage, debt instrument or other agreement or obligation to which the
Partnership is a party or by which it is bound or its assets are subject. All
distributions required to be made under this Agreement shall be made subject to
Section 17-607 of the Delaware Act.
26
(b) In the event of the dissolution and liquidation of the
Partnership, all receipts received during or after the Quarter in which the
Liquidation Date occurs, other than from borrowings described in (a)(ii) of the
definition of Available Cash, shall be applied and distributed solely in
accordance with, and subject to the terms and conditions of, Section 12.4.
(c) The General Partner shall have the discretion to treat taxes
paid by the Partnership on behalf of, or amounts withheld with respect to, all
or less than all of the Partners, as a distribution of Available Cash to such
Partners.
ARTICLE VII
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS
Section 7.1 Management.
(a) The General Partner shall conduct, direct and manage all
activities of the Partnership. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, all management powers over the business and affairs of the
Partnership shall be exclusively vested in the General Partner, and no Limited
Partner or Assignee shall have any management power over the business and
affairs of the Partnership. In addition to the powers now or hereafter granted a
general partner of a limited partnership under applicable law or that are
granted to the General Partner under any other provision of this Agreement, the
General Partner, subject to Section 7.3, shall have full power and authority to
do all things and on such terms as it, in its sole discretion, may deem
necessary or appropriate to conduct the business of the Partnership, to exercise
all powers set forth in Section 2.5 and to effectuate the purposes set forth in
Section 2.4, including the following:
(i) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing
of money, the assumption or guarantee of, or other contracting for, indebtedness
and other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of indebtedness, including
indebtedness that is convertible into a Partnership Interest, and the incurring
of any other obligations;
(ii) the making of tax, regulatory and other filings, or
rendering of periodic or other reports to governmental or other agencies having
jurisdiction over the business or assets of the Partnership;
(iii) the acquisition, disposition, mortgage, pledge,
encumbrance, hypothecation or exchange of any or all of the assets of the
Partnership or the merger or other combination of the Partnership with or into
another Person (the matters described in this clause (iii) being subject,
however, to any prior approval that may be required by Section 7.3);
(iv) the use of the assets of the Partnership (including cash
on hand) for any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement, including
the financing of the conduct of the operations of the Partnership Group; subject
to Section 7.6, the lending of funds to other Persons (including the MLP and any
member of the Partnership Group); the repayment of obligations of the MLP or any
member of the Partnership Group and the making of capital contributions to any
member of the Partnership Group;
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(v) the negotiation, execution and performance of any
contracts, conveyances or other instruments (including instruments that limit
the liability of the Partnership under contractual arrangements to all or
particular assets of the Partnership, with the other party to the contract to
have no recourse against the General Partner or its assets other than its
interest in the Partnership, even if same results in the terms of the
transaction being less favorable to the Partnership than would otherwise be the
case);
(vi) the distribution of Partnership cash;
(vii) the selection and dismissal of employees (including
employees having titles such as "president," "vice president," "secretary" and
"treasurer") and agents, outside attorneys, accountants, consultants and
contractors and the determination of their compensation and other terms of
employment or hiring;
(viii) the maintenance of such insurance for the benefit of
the Partnership Group and the Partners as it deems necessary or appropriate;
(ix) the formation of, or acquisition of an interest in, and
the contribution of property and the making of loans to, any further limited or
general partnerships, joint ventures, corporations, limited liability companies
or other relationships subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 2.4;
(x) the control of any matters affecting the rights and
obligations of the Partnership, including the bringing and defending of actions
at law or in equity and otherwise engaging in the conduct of litigation and the
incurring of legal expense and the settlement of claims and litigation; and
(xi) the indemnification of any Person against liabilities
and contingencies to the extent permitted by law.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the MLP
Agreement, the Delaware Act or any applicable law, rule or regulation, each of
the Partners and the Assignees and each other Person who may acquire an interest
in the Partnership hereby (i) approves, ratifies and confirms the execution,
delivery and performance by the parties thereto of this Agreement, the Omnibus
Agreement, the Contribution Agreement and the other agreements and documents
described in or filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are related
to the transactions contemplated by the Registration Statement; (ii) agrees that
the General Partner (on its own or through any officer of the Partnership) is
authorized to execute, deliver and perform the agreements referred to in clause
(i) of this sentence, as applicable, and the other agreements, acts,
transactions and matters described in or contemplated by the Registration
Statement on behalf of the Partnership without any further act, approval or vote
of the Partners or the Assignees or the other Persons who may acquire an
interest in the Partnership; and (iii) agrees that the execution, delivery or
performance by the General Partner, the MLP, any Group Member or any Affiliate
of any of them, of this Agreement or any agreement authorized or permitted under
this Agreement (including the exercise by the General Partner or any Affiliate
of the General Partner of the rights accorded pursuant to Article XV), shall not
constitute a breach
28
by the General Partner of any duty that the General Partner may owe the
Partnership or the Limited Partners or any other Persons under this Agreement
(or any other agreements) or of any duty stated or implied by law or equity.
Section 7.2 Certificate of Limited Partnership. The General Partner
has caused the Certificate of Limited Partnership to be filed with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware as required by the Delaware Act. The General
Partner shall use all reasonable efforts to cause to be filed such other
certificates or documents as may be determined by the General Partner in its
sole discretion to be reasonable and necessary or appropriate for the formation,
continuation, qualification and operation of a limited partnership (or a
partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability) in the State
of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership may elect to do business
or own property. To the extent that such action is determined by the General
Partner in its sole discretion to be reasonable and necessary or appropriate,
the General Partner shall file amendments to and restatements of the Certificate
of Limited Partnership and do all things to maintain the Partnership as a
limited partnership (or a partnership or other entity in which the limited
partners have limited liability) under the laws of the State of Delaware or of
any other state in which the Partnership may elect to do business or own
property. Subject to the terms of Section 3.4(a), the General Partner shall not
be required, before or after filing, to deliver or mail a copy of the
Certificate of Limited Partnership, any qualification document or any amendment
thereto to any Limited Partner or Assignee.
Section 7.3 Restrictions on the General Partner's Authority.
(a) The General Partner may not, without written approval of the
specific act by the Limited Partners or by other written instrument executed and
delivered by the Limited Partners subsequent to the date of this Agreement, take
any action in contravention of this Agreement, including, except as otherwise
provided in this Agreement, (i) committing any act that would make it impossible
to carry on the ordinary business of the Partnership; (ii) possessing
Partnership property, or assigning any rights in specific Partnership property,
for other than a Partnership purpose; (iii) admitting a Person as a Partner;
(iv) amending this Agreement in any manner; or (v) transferring its General
Partner Interest.
(b) Except as provided in Articles XII and XIV, the General
Partner may not sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all
of the Partnership's assets in a single transaction or a series of related
transactions (including by way of merger, consolidation or other combination) or
approve on behalf of the Partnership the sale, exchange or other disposition of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership, without the approval
of the Limited Partners; provided however that this provision shall not preclude
or limit the General Partner's ability to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant
a security interest in all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership
and shall not apply to any forced sale of any or all of the assets of the
Partnership pursuant to the foreclosure of, or other realization upon, any such
encumbrance.
29
Section 7.4 Reimbursement of the General Partner.
(a) Except as provided in this Section 7.4 and elsewhere in this
Agreement or in the Omnibus Agreement, the General Partner shall not be
compensated for its services as General Partner or as general partner or
managing member of any Group Member.
(b) The General Partner shall be reimbursed on a monthly basis, or
such other reasonable basis as the General Partner may determine in its sole
discretion, for (i) all direct and indirect expenses it incurs or payments it
makes on behalf of the Partnership (including salary, bonus, incentive
compensation and other amounts paid to any Person including Affiliates of the
General Partner to perform services for the Partnership or for the General
Partner in the discharge of its duties to the Partnership), and (ii) all other
necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to the Partnership or otherwise
reasonably incurred by the General Partner in connection with operating the
Partnership's business (including expenses allocated to the General Partner by
its Affiliates). The General Partner shall determine the expenses that are
allocable to the Partnership in any reasonable manner determined by the General
Partner in its sole discretion. Reimbursements pursuant to this Section 7.4
shall be in addition to any reimbursement to the General Partner as a result of
indemnification pursuant to Section 7.7.
(c) Subject to Section 5.7, the General Partner, in its sole
discretion and without the approval of the Limited Partners (who shall have no
right to vote in respect thereof), may propose and adopt on behalf of the
Partnership employee benefit plans, employee programs and employee practices, or
cause the Partnership to issue Partnership Interests in connection with or
pursuant to any employee benefit plan, employee program or employee practice
maintained or sponsored by the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, in each
case for the benefit of employees of the General Partner, any Group Member or
any Affiliate, or any of them, in respect of services performed, directly or
indirectly, for the benefit of the Partnership Group. Expenses incurred by the
General Partner in connection with any such plans, programs and practices shall
be reimbursed in accordance with Section 7.4(b). Any and all obligations of the
General Partner under any employee benefit plans, employee programs or employee
practices adopted by the General Partner as permitted by this Section 7.4(c)
shall constitute obligations of the General Partner hereunder and shall be
assumed by any successor General Partner approved pursuant to Section 11.1 or
11.2 or the transferee of or successor to all of the General Partner's General
Partner Interest pursuant to Section 4.2.
Section 7.5 Outside Activities.
(a) After the Closing Date, the General Partner, for so long as it
is the General Partner of the Partnership, (i) agrees that its sole business
will be to act as the General Partner of the Partnership and a general partner
or managing member, as the case may be, of any other partnership or limited
liability company of which the Partnership is, directly or indirectly, a partner
or member, and to undertake activities that are ancillary or related thereto,
and (ii) shall not engage in any business or activity or incur any debts or
liabilities except in connection with or incidental to (A) its performance as
general partner of the Partnership or one or more Group Members or as described
in or contemplated by the Registration Statement or (B) the acquiring, owning or
disposing of debt or equity securities in any Group Member.
30
(b) Except as specifically restricted by Section 7.5(a) and the
Omnibus Agreement, each Indemnitee (other than the General Partner) shall have
the right to engage in businesses of every type and description and other
activities for profit and to engage in and possess an interest in other business
ventures of any and every type or description, whether in businesses engaged in
or anticipated to be engaged in by the MLP or any Group Member, independently or
with others, including business interests and activities in direct competition
with the business and activities of the MLP or any Group Member, and none of the
same shall constitute a breach of this Agreement or any duty express or implied
by law to the MLP or any Group Member or any Partner or Assignee. Neither the
MLP nor any Group Member, any Limited Partner nor any other Person shall have
any rights by virtue of this Agreement, the MLP Agreement or the partnership
relationship established hereby or thereby in any business ventures of any
Indemnitee.
(c) Subject to the terms of Section 7.5(a), Section 7.5(b) and the
Omnibus Agreement, but otherwise notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
this Agreement, (i) the engaging in competitive activities by any Indemnitee
(other than the General Partner) in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 7.5 is hereby approved by the Partnership and all Partners, (ii) it
shall be deemed not to be a breach of the General Partner's fiduciary duty or
any other obligation of any type whatsoever of the General Partner for the
Indemnitees (other than the General Partner) to engage in such business
interests and activities in preference to or to the exclusion of the Partnership
and (iii) except as set forth in the Omnibus Agreement, the Indemnitees shall
have no obligation to present business opportunities to the Partnership.
(d) The General Partner and any of its Affiliates may acquire
Units or other MLP Securities in addition to those acquired on the Closing Date
and, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, shall be entitled to
exercise all rights relating to such Units or MLP Securities.
(e) The term "Affiliates" when used in Section 7.5(a) and Section
7.5(d) with respect to the General Partner shall not include any Group Member or
any Subsidiary of the MLP or any Group Member.
(f) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, to
the extent that provisions of Sections 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.10 or other Sections of
this Agreement purport or are interpreted to have the effect of restricting the
fiduciary duties that might otherwise, as a result of Delaware or other
applicable law, be owed by the General Partner to the Partnership and its
Limited Partners, or to constitute a waiver or consent by the Limited Partners
to any such restriction, such provisions shall be inapplicable and have no
effect in determining whether the General Partner has complied with its
fiduciary duties in connection with determinations made by it under this Section
7.5.
Section 7.6 Loans from the General Partner; Loans or Contributions from
the Partnership; Contracts with Affiliates; Certain Restrictions on the General
Partner.
(a) The General Partner or any of its Affiliates may lend to the
Partnership, the MLP or any Group Member, and the Partnership, the MLP or any
Group Member may
31
borrow from the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, funds needed or
desired by the MLP or the Group Member for such periods of time and in such
amounts as the General Partner may determine; provided, however, that in any
such case the lending party may not charge the borrowing party interest at a
rate greater than the rate that would be charged the borrowing party or impose
terms less favorable to the borrowing party than would be charged or imposed on
the borrowing party by unrelated lenders on comparable loans made on an
arm's-length basis (without reference to the lending party's financial abilities
or guarantees). The borrowing party shall reimburse the lending party for any
costs (other than any additional interest costs) incurred by the lending party
in connection with the borrowing of such funds. For purposes of this Section
7.6(a) and Section 7.6(b), the term "Group Member" shall include any Affiliate
of a Group Member that is controlled by the Group Member.
(b) The Partnership may lend or contribute to any Group Member,
and any Group Member may borrow from the Partnership, funds on terms and
conditions established in the sole discretion of the General Partner; provided,
however, that the Partnership may not charge the Group Member interest at a rate
less than the rate that would be charged to the Group Member (without reference
to the General Partner's financial abilities or guarantees) by unrelated lenders
on comparable loans. The foregoing authority shall be exercised by the General
Partner in its sole discretion and shall not create any right or benefit in
favor of any Group Member or any other Person.
(c) The General Partner may itself, or may enter into an agreement
with the MLP General Partner or any of its Affiliates to, render services to a
Group Member or to the General Partner in the discharge of its duties as general
partner of the Partnership. Any services rendered to a Group Member by the
General Partner, the MLP General Partner or any of their Affiliates shall be on
terms that are fair and reasonable to the Partnership; provided, however, that
the requirements of this Section 7.6(c) shall be deemed satisfied as to (i) any
transaction approved by Special Approval, (ii) any transaction, the terms of
which are no less favorable to the Partnership Group than those generally being
provided to or available from unrelated third parties or (iii) any transaction
that, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the parties
involved (including other transactions that may be particularly favorable or
advantageous to the Partnership Group), is equitable to the Partnership Group.
The provisions of Section 7.4 shall apply to the rendering of services described
in this Section 7.6(c).
(d) The Partnership Group may transfer assets to joint ventures,
other partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies or other business
entities in which it is or thereby becomes a participant upon such terms and
subject to such conditions as are consistent with this Agreement and applicable
law.
(e) Neither the General Partner nor any of its Affiliates shall
sell, transfer or convey any property to, or purchase any property from, the
Partnership, directly or indirectly, except pursuant to transactions that are
fair and reasonable to the Partnership; provided, however, that the requirements
of this Section 7.6(e) shall be deemed to be satisfied as to (i) the
transactions effected pursuant to Sections 5.2 and 5.3, the Contribution
Agreement and any other transactions described in or contemplated by the
Registration Statement, (ii) any transaction approved by Special Approval, (iii)
any transaction, the terms of which are no less favorable to
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the Partnership than those generally being provided to or available from
unrelated third parties, or (iv) any transaction that, taking into account the
totality of the relationships between the parties involved (including other
transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to the
Partnership Group), is equitable to the Partnership.
(f) The General Partner and its Affiliates will have no obligation
to permit any Group Member to use any facilities or assets of the General
Partner and its Affiliates, except as may be provided in contracts entered into
from time to time specifically dealing with such use, nor shall there be any
obligation on the part of the General Partner or its Affiliates to enter into
such contracts.
(g) Without limitation of Sections 7.6(a) through 7.6(f), and
notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the existence of the
conflicts of interest described in the Registration Statement are hereby
approved by all Partners.
Section 7.7 Indemnification.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law but subject to the
limitations expressly provided in this Agreement, all Indemnitees shall be
indemnified and held harmless by the Partnership from and against any and all
losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including
legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or
other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or
proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which
any Indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or
otherwise, by reason of its status as an Indemnitee; provided, that in each case
the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner that such Indemnitee
reasonably believed to be in, or (in the case of a Person other than the General
Partner) not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and, with respect
to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe its conduct was
unlawful; provided, further, no indemnification pursuant to this Section 7.7
shall be available to the General Partner with respect to its obligations
incurred pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement or the Contribution Agreement
(other than obligations incurred by the General Partner on behalf of the
Partnership). The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment,
order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its
equivalent, shall not create a presumption that the Indemnitee acted in a manner
contrary to that specified above. Any indemnification pursuant to this Section
7.7 shall be made only out of the assets of the Partnership, it being agreed
that the General Partner shall not be personally liable for such indemnification
and shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any monies or property to the
Partnership to enable it to effectuate such indemnification.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including
legal fees and expenses) incurred by an Indemnitee who is indemnified pursuant
to Section 7.7(a) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding
shall, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final
disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by
the Partnership of any undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay
such amount if it shall be determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be
indemnified as authorized in this Section 7.7.
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(c) The indemnification provided by this Section 7.7 shall be in
addition to any other rights to which an Indemnitee may be entitled under any
agreement, pursuant to any vote of the Partners, as a matter of law or
otherwise, both as to actions in the Indemnitee's capacity as an Indemnitee and
as to actions in any other capacity (including any capacity under the
Underwriting Agreement), and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased
to serve in such capacity and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs,
successors, assigns and administrators of the Indemnitee.
(d) The Partnership may purchase and maintain (or reimburse the
General Partner or its Affiliates for the cost of) insurance, on behalf of the
General Partner, its Affiliates and such other Persons as the General Partner
shall determine, against any liability that may be asserted against or expense
that may be incurred by such Person in connection with the Partnership's
activities or such Person's activities on behalf of the Partnership, regardless
of whether the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such Person against
such liability under the provisions of this Agreement.
(e) For purposes of this Section 7.7, the Partnership shall be
deemed to have requested an Indemnitee to serve as fiduciary of an employee
benefit plan whenever the performance by it of its duties to the Partnership
also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, it to the plan or
participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on an
Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law
shall constitute "fines" within the meaning of Section 7.7(a); and action taken
or omitted by it with respect to any employee benefit plan in the performance of
its duties for a purpose reasonably believed by it to be in the interest of the
participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose
that is in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership.
(f) In no event may an Indemnitee subject the Limited Partners to
personal liability by reason of the indemnification provisions set forth in this
Agreement.
(g) An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification in whole or
in part under this Section 7.7 because the Indemnitee had an interest in the
transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction
was otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement.
(h) The provisions of this Section 7.7 are for the benefit of the
Indemnitees, their heirs, successors, assigns and administrators and shall not
be deemed to create any rights for the benefit of any other Persons.
(i) No amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 7.7 or
any provision hereof shall in any manner terminate, reduce or impair the right
of any past, present or future Indemnitee to be indemnified by the Partnership,
nor the obligations of the Partnership to indemnify any such Indemnitee under
and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.7 as in effect
immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to
claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior
to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may
arise or be asserted.
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Section 7.8 Liability of Indemnitees.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this
Agreement, no Indemnitee shall be liable for monetary damages to the
Partnership, the Limited Partners, the Assignees or any other Persons who have
acquired interests in the Units or other MLP Securities, for losses sustained or
liabilities incurred as a result of any act or omission if such Indemnitee acted
in good faith.
(b) Subject to its obligations and duties as General Partner set
forth in Section 7.1(a), the General Partner may exercise any of the powers
granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it
hereunder either directly or by or through its agents, and the General Partner
shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any
such agent appointed by the General Partner in good faith.
(c) To the extent that, at law or in equity, an Indemnitee has
duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the
Partnership or to the Partners, the General Partner and any other Indemnitee
acting in connection with the Partnership's business or affairs shall not be
liable to the Partnership or to any Partner for its good faith reliance on the
provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent
that they restrict or otherwise modify the duties and liabilities of an
Indemnitee otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners to
replace such other duties and liabilities of such Indemnitee.
(d) Any amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 7.8 or
any provision hereof shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect
the limitations on the liability to the Partnership, the Limited Partners, the
General Partner, and the Partnership's and General Partner's directors, officers
and employees under this Section 7.8 as in effect immediately prior to such
amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or
relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment,
modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.
Section 7.9 Resolution of Conflicts of Interest.
(a) Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or the
MLP Agreement, whenever a potential conflict of interest exists or arises
between the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the
Partnership, the MLP, any Partner or any Assignee, on the other, any resolution
or course of action by the General Partner or its Affiliates in respect of such
conflict of interest shall be permitted and deemed approved by all Partners, and
shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement, of the MLP Agreement, of any
agreement contemplated herein or therein, or of any duty stated or implied by
law or equity, if the resolution or course of action is, or by operation of this
Agreement is deemed to be, fair and reasonable to the Partnership. The General
Partner shall be authorized but not required in connection with its resolution
of such conflict of interest to seek Special Approval of such resolution and the
General Partner may also adopt a resolution or course of action that has not
received Special Approval. Any Special Approval shall be subject to the
presumption that, in making its decision, the Conflicts Committee acted on an
informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action taken was
in the best interests of the Partnership and the MLP and, in any proceeding
35
brought by any Limited Partner or by or on behalf of such Limited Partner or any
other Limited Partners or the Partnership challenging such approval, the Person
bringing or prosecuting such proceeding shall have the burden of overcoming such
presumption. Any conflict of interest and any resolution of such conflict of
interest shall be conclusively deemed fair and reasonable to the Partnership if
such conflict of interest or resolution is (i) approved by Special Approval,
(ii) on terms no less favorable to the Partnership than those generally being
provided to or available from unrelated third parties or (iii) fair to the
Partnership, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the
parties involved (including other transactions that may be particularly
favorable or advantageous to the Partnership). The General Partner may also
adopt a resolution or course of action that has not received Special Approval.
The General Partner shall be authorized in connection with its determination of
what is "fair and reasonable" to the Partnership and in connection with its
resolution of any conflict of interest to consider (A) the relative interests of
any party to such conflict, agreement, transaction or situation and the benefits
and burdens relating to such interest; (B) any customary or accepted industry
practices and any customary or historical dealings with a particular Person; (C)
any applicable generally accepted accounting practices or principles; and (D)
such additional factors as the General Partner determines in its sole discretion
to be relevant, reasonable or appropriate under the circumstances. In any
proceeding brought by any Limited Partner or by or on behalf of such Limited
Partner or any other Limited Partners or the Partnership alleging that such a
resolution by the General Partner is not fair to the Partnership, such Limited
Partner shall have the burden of proof of overcoming such conclusion. Nothing
contained in this Agreement, however, is intended to nor shall it be construed
to require the General Partner to consider the interests of any Person other
than the Partnership. In the absence of bad faith by the General Partner, the
resolution, action or terms so made, taken or provided by the General Partner
with respect to such matter shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement or
any other agreement contemplated herein or a breach of any standard of care or
duty imposed herein or therein or, to the extent permitted by law, under the
Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation.
(b) Whenever this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated
hereby provides that the General Partner or any of its Affiliates is permitted
or required to make a decision (i) in its "sole discretion" or "discretion,"
that it deems "necessary or appropriate" or "necessary or advisable" or under a
grant of similar authority or latitude, except as otherwise provided herein, the
General Partner or such Affiliate shall be entitled to consider only such
interests and factors as it desires and shall have no duty or obligation to give
any consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, the Partnership, the
MLP, any Limited Partner or any Assignee, (ii) it may make such decision in its
sole discretion (regardless of whether there is a reference to "sole discretion"
or "discretion") unless another express standard is provided for, or (iii) in
"good faith" or under another express standard, the General Partner or such
Affiliate shall act under such express standard and shall not be subject to any
other or different standards imposed by this Agreement, the MLP Agreement, any
other agreement contemplated hereby or under the Delaware Act or any other law,
rule or regulation. In addition, any actions taken by the General Partner or
such Affiliate consistent with the standards of "reasonable discretion" set
forth in the definition of Available Cash shall not constitute a breach of any
duty of the General Partner to the Partnership or the Limited Partners. The
General Partner shall have no duty, express or implied, to sell or otherwise
dispose of any asset of the Partnership Group other than in the ordinary course
of business. No borrowing by any Group Member or the approval thereof
36
by the General Partner shall be deemed to constitute a breach of any duty of the
General Partner to the Partnership or the Limited Partners by reason of the fact
that the purpose or effect of such borrowing is directly or indirectly to (A)
enable distributions to the General Partner or its Affiliates to exceed 0.10% of
the total amount distributed to all Partners or (B) hasten the expiration of the
Subordination Period or the conversion of any Subordinated Units into Common
Units.
(c) Whenever a particular transaction, arrangement or resolution
of a conflict of interest is required under this Agreement to be "fair and
reasonable" to any Person, the fair and reasonable nature of such transaction,
arrangement or resolution shall be considered in the context of all similar or
related transactions.
(d) The Limited Partner hereby authorizes the General Partner, on
behalf of the Partnership as a partner or member of a Group Member, to approve
of actions by the general partner or managing member of such Group Member
similar to those actions permitted to be taken by the General Partner pursuant
to this Section 7.9.
Section 7.10 Other Matters Concerning the General Partner.
(a) The General Partner may rely and shall be protected in acting
or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement,
instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond, debenture or
other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or
presented by the proper party or parties.
(b) The General Partner may consult with legal counsel,
accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other
consultants and advisers selected by it, and any act taken or omitted to be
taken in reliance upon the opinion (including an Opinion of Counsel) of such
Persons as to matters that the General Partner reasonably believes to be within
such Person's professional or expert competence shall be conclusively presumed
to have been done or omitted in good faith and in accordance with such opinion.
(c) The General Partner shall have the right, in respect of any of
its powers or obligations hereunder, to act through any of its duly authorized
officers, a duly appointed attorney or attorneys-in-fact or the duly authorized
officers of the Partnership.
(d) Any standard of care and duty imposed by this Agreement or
under the Delaware Act or any applicable law, rule or regulation shall be
modified, waived or limited, to the extent permitted by law, as required to
permit the General Partner to act under this Agreement or any other agreement
contemplated by this Agreement and to make any decision pursuant to the
authority prescribed in this Agreement, so long as such action is reasonably
believed by the General Partner to be in, or not inconsistent with, the best
interests of the Partnership.
Section 7.11 Reliance by Third Parties. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Agreement, any Person dealing with the Partnership shall be
entitled to assume that the General Partner and any officer of the General
Partner authorized by the General Partner to act on behalf of and in the name of
the Partnership has full power and authority to encumber, sell or
37
otherwise use in any manner any and all assets of the Partnership and to enter
into any authorized contracts on behalf of the Partnership, and such Person
shall be entitled to deal with the General Partner or any such officer as if it
were the Partnership's sole party in interest, both legally and beneficially.
Each Limited Partner hereby waives any and all defenses or other remedies that
may be available against such Person to contest, negate or disaffirm any action
of the General Partner or any such officer in connection with any such dealing.
In no event shall any Person dealing with the General Partner or any such
officer or its representatives be obligated to ascertain that the terms of the
Agreement have been complied with or to inquire into the necessity or expedience
of any act or action of the General Partner or any such officer or its
representatives. Each and every certificate, document or other instrument
executed on behalf of the Partnership by the General Partner or its
representatives shall be conclusive evidence in favor of any and every Person
relying thereon or claiming thereunder that (a) at the time of the execution and
delivery of such certificate, document or instrument, this Agreement was in full
force and effect, (b) the Person executing and delivering such certificate,
document or instrument was duly authorized and empowered to do so for and on
behalf of the Partnership and (c) such certificate, document or instrument was
duly executed and delivered in accordance with the terms and provisions of this
Agreement and is binding upon the Partnership.
ARTICLE VIII
BOOKS, RECORDS AND ACCOUNTING
Section 8.1 Records and Accounting. The General Partner shall keep or
cause to be kept at the principal office of the Partnership appropriate books
and records with respect to the Partnership's business, including all books and
records necessary to provide to the Limited Partners any information required to
be provided pursuant to Section 3.4(a). Any books and records maintained by or
on behalf of the Partnership in the regular course of its business, including
books of account and records of Partnership proceedings, may be kept on, or be
in the form of, computer disks, hard drives, punch cards, magnetic tape,
photographs, micrographics or any other information storage device; provided,
that the books and records so maintained are convertible into clearly legible
written form within a reasonable period of time. The books of the Partnership
shall be maintained, for financial reporting purposes, on an accrual basis in
accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Section 8.2 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Partnership shall be a
fiscal year ending December 31.
ARTICLE IX
TAX MATTERS
Section 9.1 Tax Returns and Information. The Partnership shall timely
file all returns of the Partnership that are required for federal, state and
local income tax purposes on the basis of the accrual method and a taxable year
ending on December 31. The tax information reasonably required by the Partners
for federal and state income tax reporting purposes with respect to a taxable
year shall be furnished to them within 90 days of the close of the calendar
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year in which the Partnership's taxable year ends. The classification,
realization and recognition of income, gain, losses and deductions and other
items shall be on the accrual method of accounting for federal income tax
purposes.
Section 9.2 Tax Elections.
(a) To the extent applicable for federal income tax purposes, the
Partnership shall make the election under Section 754 of the Code in accordance
with applicable regulations thereunder, subject to the reservation of the right
to seek to revoke any such election upon the General Partner's determination
that such revocation is in the best interests of the Limited Partners.
(b) To the extent applicable for federal income tax purposes, the
Partnership shall elect to deduct expenses incurred in organizing the
Partnership ratably over a sixty-month period as provided in Section 709 of the
Code.
(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, the General Partner shall
determine whether the Partnership should make any other elections permitted by
the Code.
Section 9.3 Tax Controversies. Subject to the provisions hereof, the
General Partner is designated as the Tax Matters Partner (as defined in the
Code) and is authorized and required to represent the Partnership (at the
Partnership's expense) in connection with all examinations of the Partnership's
affairs by tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial
proceedings, and to expend Partnership funds for professional services and costs
associated therewith. Each Partner agrees to cooperate with the General Partner
and to do or refrain from doing any or all things reasonably required by the
General Partner to conduct such proceedings.
Section 9.4 Withholding. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, the General Partner is authorized to take any action that it
determines in its discretion to be necessary or appropriate to cause the
Partnership to comply with any withholding requirements established under the
Code or any other federal, state or local law including, without limitation,
pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442, 1445 and 1446 of the Code. To the extent that
the Partnership is required or elects to withhold and pay over to any taxing
authority any amount resulting from the allocation or distribution of income to
any Partner or Assignee (including, without limitation, by reason of Section
1446 of the Code), the amount withheld may at the discretion of the General
Partner be treated by the Partnership as a distribution of cash pursuant to
Section 6.3 in the amount of such withholding from such Partner.
ARTICLE X
ADMISSION OF PARTNERS
Section 10.1 Admission of Partners. As a result of the consummation
of the transfers and conveyances described in Section 5.2, the General Partner
shall be the sole General Partner of the Partnership and the MLP shall be the
sole Limited Lartner of the Partnership.
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Section 10.2 Admission of Substituted Limited Partner. By transfer of
a Limited Partner Interest in accordance with Article IV, the transferor shall
be deemed to have given the transferee the right to seek admission as a
Substituted Limited Partner subject to the conditions of, and in the manner
permitted under, this Agreement. A transferor of a Limited Partner Interest
shall, however, only have the authority to convey to a purchaser or other
transferee (a) the right to negotiate such Limited Partner Interest to a
purchaser or other transferee and (b) the right to request admission as a
Substituted Limited Partner to such purchaser or other transferee in respect of
the transferred Limited Partner Interests. Each transferee of a Limited Partner
Interest shall be an Assignee and be deemed to have applied to become a
Substituted Limited Partner with respect to the Limited Partner Interests so
transferred to such Person. Such Assignee shall become a Substituted Limited
Partner (x) at such time as the General Partner consents thereto, which consent
may be given or withheld in the General Partner's discretion, and (y) when any
such admission is shown on the books and records of the Partnership. If such
consent is withheld, such transferee shall remain an Assignee. An Assignee shall
have an interest in the Partnership equivalent to that of a Limited Partner with
respect to allocations and distributions, including liquidating distributions,
of the Partnership. With respect to voting rights attributable to Limited
Partner Interests that are held by Assignees, the General Partner shall be
deemed to be the Limited Partner with respect thereto and shall, in exercising
the voting rights in respect of such Limited Partner Interests on any matter,
vote such Limited Partner Interests at the written direction of the Assignee. If
no such written direction is received, such Partnership Interests will not be
voted. An Assignee shall have no other rights of a Limited Partner.
Section 10.3 Admission of Additional Limited Partners.
(a) A Person (other than the General Partner, the MLP or a
Substituted Limited Partner) who makes a Capital Contribution to the Partnership
in accordance with this Agreement shall be admitted to the Partnership as an
Additional Limited Partner only upon furnishing to the General Partner:
(i) evidence of acceptance in form satisfactory to the
General Partner of all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including
the power of attorney granted in Section 2.6, and
(ii) such other documents or instruments as may be required
in the discretion of the General Partner to effect such Person's admission as an
Additional Limited Partner.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10.3,
no Person shall be admitted as an Additional Limited Partner without the consent
of the General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld in the General
Partner's discretion. The admission of any Person as an Additional Limited
Partner shall become effective on the date upon which the name of such Person is
recorded as such in the books and records of the Partnership, following the
consent of the General Partner to such admission.
Section 10.4 Admission of Successor or Transferee General Partner. A
successor General Partner approved pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2 or the
transferee of or successor to all
40
of the General Partner's Partnership Interest pursuant to Section 4.2 who is
proposed to be admitted as a successor General Partner shall, subject to
compliance with the terms of Section 11.3, if applicable, be admitted to the
Partnership as the General Partner, effective immediately prior to the
withdrawal or removal of the predecessor or transferring General Partner
pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2 or the transfer of the General Partner Interest
pursuant to Section 4.2, provided, however, that no such successor shall be
admitted to the Partnership until compliance with the terms of Section 4.2 has
occurred and such successor has executed and delivered such other documents or
instruments as may be required to effect such admission. Any such successor
shall, subject to the terms hereof, carry on the business of the members of the
Partnership Group without dissolution.
Section 10.5 Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited
Partnership. To effect the admission to the Partnership of any Partner, the
General Partner shall take all steps necessary and appropriate under the
Delaware Act to amend the records of the Partnership to reflect such admission
and, if necessary, to prepare as soon as practicable an amendment to this
Agreement and, if required by law, the General Partner shall prepare and file an
amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership, and the General Partner may
for this purpose, among others, exercise the power of attorney granted pursuant
to Section 2.6.
ARTICLE XI
WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL OF PARTNERS
Section 11.1 Withdrawal of the General Partner.
(a) The General Partner shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the
Partnership upon the occurrence of any one of the following events (each such
event herein referred to as an "Event of Withdrawal");
(i) The General Partner voluntarily withdraws from the
Partnership by giving written notice to the other Partners;
(ii) The General Partner transfers all of its rights as
General Partner pursuant to Section 4.2;
(iii) The General Partner is removed pursuant to Section
11.2;
(iv) The General Partner (A) makes a general assignment for
the benefit of creditors; (B) files a voluntary bankruptcy petition for relief
under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code; (C) files a petition or
answer seeking for itself a liquidation, dissolution or similar relief (but not
a reorganization) under any law; (D) files an answer or other pleading admitting
or failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against the
General Partner in a proceeding of the type described in clauses (A)-(C) of this
Section 11.1(a)(iv); or (E) seeks, consents to or acquiesces in the appointment
of a trustee (but not a debtor-in-possession), receiver or liquidator of the
General Partner or of all or any substantial part of its properties;
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(v) A final and non-appealable order of relief under Chapter
7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code is entered by a court with appropriate
jurisdiction pursuant to a voluntary or involuntary petition by or against the
General Partner; or
(vi) (A) in the event the General Partner is a corporation, a
certificate of dissolution or its equivalent is filed for the General Partner,
or 90 days expire after the date of notice to the General Partner of revocation
of its charter without a reinstatement of its charter, under the laws of its
state of incorporation; (B) in the event the General Partner is a partnership or
limited liability company, the dissolution and commencement of winding up of the
General Partner; (C) in the event the General Partner is acting in such capacity
by virtue of being a trustee of a trust, the termination of the trust; (D) in
the event the General Partner is a natural person, his death or adjudication of
incompetency; and (E) otherwise in the event of the termination of the General
Partner. If an Event of Withdrawal specified in Section 11.1(a)(iv), (v) or
(vi)(A), (B), (C) or (E) occurs, the withdrawing General Partner shall give
notice to the Limited Partners within 30 days after such occurrence. The
Partners hereby agree that only the Events of Withdrawal described in this
Section 11.1 shall result in the withdrawal of the General Partner from the
Partnership.
(b) Withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership upon
the occurrence of an Event of Withdrawal shall not constitute a breach of this
Agreement under the following circumstances: (i) at any time during the period
beginning on the Closing Date and ending at 12:00 midnight, Eastern Time, on
October 31, 2008, the General Partner voluntarily withdraws by giving at least
90 days' advance notice of its intention to withdraw to the Limited Partners;
provided that prior to the effective date of such withdrawal, the withdrawal is
approved by the Limited Partners and the General Partner delivers to the
Partnership an Opinion of Counsel ("Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel") that such
withdrawal (following the selection of the successor General Partner) would not
result in the loss of the limited liability of any Limited Partner or of the
limited partners of the MLP or cause the Partnership or the MLP to be treated as
an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity
for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not previously treated as such);
(ii) at any time after 12:00 midnight, Eastern Standard Time, on October 31,
2008, the General Partner voluntarily withdraws by giving at least 90 days'
advance notice to the Limited Partners, such withdrawal to take effect on the
date specified in such notice; (iii) at any time that the General Partner ceases
to be the General Partner pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(ii) or (iii). If the
General Partner gives a notice of withdrawal pursuant to Section 11.1(a)(i)
hereof, the Limited Partners may, prior to the effective date of such
withdrawal, elect a successor General Partner. If, prior to the effective date
of the General Partner's withdrawal, a successor is not selected by the Limited
Partners as provided herein or the Partnership does not receive a Withdrawal
Opinion of Counsel, the Partnership shall be dissolved in accordance with
Section 12.1. Any successor General Partner elected in accordance with the terms
of this Section 11.1 shall be subject to the provisions of Section 10.3.
Section 11.2 Removal of the General Partner. The General Partner may
be removed by the MLP. Upon the removal of the General Partner by the MLP, the
MLP shall elect a successor general partner for the Partnership. The admission
of any such successor General Partner to the Partnership shall be subject to the
provisions of Section 10.3.
42
Section 11.3 Interest of Departing Partner.
(a) The Partnership Interest of the Departing Partner departing as
a result of withdrawal or removal pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2 shall be
purchased by the successor to the Departing Partner for an amount in cash equal
to the fair market value of such Partnership Interest, such amount to be
determined and payable as of the effective date of the Departing Partner's
departure. Such purchase shall be a condition to the admission to the
Partnership of the successor as the General Partner. Any successor General
Partner shall indemnify the Departing Partner as to all debts and liabilities of
the Partnership arising on or after the effective date of the withdrawal or
removal of the Departing Partner.
For purposes of this Section 11.3(a), the fair market value of the
Departing Partner's General Partner Interest shall be determined by agreement
between the Departing Partner and its successor or, failing agreement within 30
days after the effective date of such Departing Partner's departure, by an
independent investment banking firm or other independent expert selected by the
Departing Partner and its successor, which, in turn, may rely on other experts,
and the determination of which shall be conclusive as to such matter. If such
parties cannot agree upon one independent investment banking firm or other
independent expert within 45 days after the effective date of such departure,
then the Departing Partner shall designate an independent investment banking
firm or other independent expert, the Departing Partner's successor shall
designate an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert,
and such firms or experts shall mutually select a third independent investment
banking firm or independent expert, which third independent investment banking
firm or other independent expert shall determine the fair market value of the
General Partner Interest of the Departing Partner. In making its determination,
such third independent investment banking firm or other independent expert may
consider the value of the Partnership's assets, the rights and obligations of
the Departing Partner and other factors it may deem relevant.
(b) The Departing Partner shall be entitled to receive all
reimbursements due such Departing Partner pursuant to Section 7.4, including any
employee-related liabilities (including severance liabilities), incurred in
connection with the termination of any employees employed by such Departing
Partner for the benefit of the Partnership.
Section 11.4 Withdrawal of a Limited Partner. Without the prior
written consent of the General Partner, which may be granted or withheld in its
sole discretion, and except as provided in Section 10.1, no Limited Partner
shall have the right to withdraw from the Partnership.
ARTICLE XII
DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION
Section 12.1 Dissolution. The Partnership shall not be dissolved by
the admission of Substituted Limited Partners or Additional Limited Partners or
by the admission of a successor General Partner in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement. Upon the removal or withdrawal of the General Partner, if a
successor General Partner is elected pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2, the
Partnership shall not be dissolved and such successor General Partner shall
43
continue the business of the Partnership. The Partnership shall dissolve, and
(subject to Section 12.2) its affairs shall be wound up, upon:
(a) an Event of Withdrawal of the General Partner as provided in
Section 11.1(a) (other than Section 11.1(a)(ii)), unless a successor is elected
and an Opinion of Counsel is received as provided in Section 11.1(b) or 11.2 and
such successor is admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 10.4;
(b) an election to dissolve the Partnership by the General Partner
that is approved by all of the Limited Partners;
(c) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the
Partnership pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act;
(d) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets and
properties of the Partnership Group; or
(e) the dissolution of the MLP.
Section 12.2 Continuation of the Business of the Partnership After
Dissolution. Upon dissolution of the Partnership following an Event of
Withdrawal caused by the withdrawal or removal of the General Partner as
provided in Section 11.1(a)(i) or (iii) and the failure of the Partners to
select a successor to such Departing Partner pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.2,
then within 90 days thereafter, all of the Limited Partners may elect to
reconstitute the Partnership and continue its business on the same terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement by forming a new limited partnership on
terms identical to those set forth in this Agreement and having as a general
partner a Person approved by a majority in interest of the Limited Partners. In
addition, upon dissolution of the Partnership pursuant to Section 12.1(e), if
the MLP is reconstituted pursuant to Section 12.2 of the MLP Agreement, the
reconstituted MLP may, within 180 days after such event of dissolution, acting
alone, regardless of whether there are any other Limited Partners, elect to
reconstitute the Partnership in accordance with the immediately preceding
sentence. Upon any such election by the Limited Partners or the MLP, as the case
may be, all Partners shall be bound thereby and shall be deemed to have approved
same. Unless such an election is made within the applicable time period as set
forth above, the Partnership shall conduct only activities necessary to wind up
its affairs. If such an election is so made, then:
(a) the reconstituted Partnership shall continue unless earlier
dissolved in accordance with this Article XII;
(b) if the successor General Partner is not the former General
Partner, then the interest of the former General Partner shall be purchased by
the successor General Partner; and
(c) all necessary steps shall be taken to cancel this Agreement
and the Certificate of Limited Partnership and to enter into and, as necessary,
to file, a new partnership agreement and certificate of limited partnership, and
the successor General Partner may for this purpose exercise the powers of
attorney granted the General Partner pursuant to Section 2.6; provided, that the
right to approve a successor General Partner and to reconstitute and to
44
continue the business of the Partnership shall not exist and may not be
exercised unless the Partnership has received an Opinion of Counsel that (x) the
exercise of the right would not result in the loss of limited liability of the
Limited Partners or any limited partner of the MLP and (y) neither the
Partnership, the reconstituted limited partnership, the MLP nor any Group Member
would be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise be
taxable as an entity for federal income tax purposes upon the exercise of such
right to continue.
Section 12.3 Liquidator. Upon dissolution of the Partnership, unless
the Partnership is continued under an election to reconstitute and continue the
Partnership pursuant to Section 12.2, the General Partner shall select one or
more Persons to act as Liquidator. The Liquidator (if other than the General
Partner) shall be entitled to receive such compensation for its services as may
be approved by a majority of the Limited Partners. The Liquidator (if other than
the General Partner) shall agree not to resign at any time without 15 days'
prior notice and may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by notice of
removal approved by a majority in interest of the Limited Partners. Upon
dissolution, removal or resignation of the Liquidator, a successor and
substitute Liquidator (who shall have and succeed to all rights, powers and
duties of the original Liquidator) shall within 30 days thereafter be approved
by at least a majority in interest of the Limited Partners. The right to approve
a successor or substitute Liquidator in the manner provided herein shall be
deemed to refer also to any such successor or substitute Liquidator approved in
the manner herein provided. Except as expressly provided in this Article XII,
the Liquidator approved in the manner provided herein shall have and may
exercise, without further authorization or consent of any of the parties hereto,
all of the powers conferred upon the General Partner under the terms of this
Agreement (but subject to all of the applicable limitations, contractual and
otherwise, upon the exercise of such powers, other than the limitation on sale
set forth in Section 7.3(b)) to the extent necessary or desirable in the good
faith judgment of the Liquidator to carry out the duties and functions of the
Liquidator hereunder for and during such period of time as shall be reasonably
required in the good faith judgment of the Liquidator to complete the winding up
and liquidation of the Partnership as provided for herein.
Section 12.4 Liquidation. The Liquidator shall proceed to dispose of
the assets of the Partnership, discharge its liabilities, and otherwise wind up
its affairs in such manner and over such period as the Liquidator determines to
be in the best interest of the Partners, subject to Section 17-804 of the
Delaware Act and the following:
(a) Disposition of Assets. The assets may be disposed of by
public or private sale or by distribution in kind to one or more Partners on
such terms as the Liquidator and such Partner or Partners may agree. If any
property is distributed in kind, the Partner receiving the property shall be
deemed for purposes of Section 12.4(c) to have received cash equal to its fair
market value; and contemporaneously therewith, appropriate cash distributions
must be made to the other Partners. The Liquidator may, in its absolute
discretion, defer liquidation or distribution of the Partnership's assets for a
reasonable time if it determines that an immediate sale or distribution of all
or some of the Partnership's assets would be impractical or would cause undue
loss to the Partners. The Liquidator may, in its absolute discretion, distribute
the Partnership's assets, in whole or in part, in kind if it determines that a
sale would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the Partners.
45
(b) Discharge of Liabilities. Liabilities of the Partnership
include amounts owed to the Liquidator as compensation for serving in such
capacity (subject to the terms of Section 12.3) and amounts owed to Partners
otherwise than in respect of their distribution rights under Article VI. With
respect to any liability that is contingent, conditional or unmatured or is
otherwise not yet due and payable, the Liquidator shall either settle such claim
for such amount as it thinks appropriate or establish a reserve of cash or other
assets to provide for its payment. When paid, any unused portion of the reserve
shall be distributed as additional liquidation proceeds.
(c) Liquidation Distributions. All property and all cash in excess
of that required to discharge liabilities as provided in Section 12.4(b) shall
be distributed to the Partners in accordance with, and to the extent of, the
positive balances in their respective Capital Accounts, as determined after
taking into account all Capital Account adjustments (other than those made by
reason of distributions pursuant to this Section 12.4(c)) for the taxable year
of the Partnership during which the liquidation of the Partnership occurs (with
such date of occurrence being determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section
1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g)), and such distribution shall be made by the end of such
taxable year (or, if later, within 90 days after said date of such occurrence).
Section 12.5 Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership. Upon
the completion of the distribution of Partnership cash and property as provided
in Section 12.4 in connection with the liquidation of the Partnership, the
Partnership shall be terminated and the Certificate of Limited Partnership, and
all qualifications of the Partnership as a foreign limited partnership in
jurisdictions other than the State of Delaware, shall be canceled and such other
actions as may be necessary to terminate the Partnership shall be taken.
Section 12.6 Return of Contributions. The General Partner shall not be
personally liable for, and shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any
monies or property to the Partnership to enable it to effectuate, the return of
the Capital Contributions of the Limited Partners, or any portion thereof, it
being expressly understood that any such return shall be made solely from
Partnership assets.
Section 12.7 Waiver of Partition. To the maximum extent permitted by
law, each Partner hereby waives any right to partition of the Partnership
property.
Section 12.8 Capital Account Restoration. No Limited Partner shall
have any obligation to restore any negative balance in its Capital Account upon
liquidation of the Partnership. The General Partner shall be obligated to
restore any negative balance in its Capital Account upon liquidation of its
interest in the Partnership by the end of the taxable year of the Partnership
during which such liquidation occurs, or, if later, within 90 days after the
date of such liquidation.
46
ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Section 13.1 Amendment to be Adopted Solely by the General Partner.
Each Partner agrees that the General Partner, without the approval of any
Partner or Assignee, may amend any provision of this Agreement and execute,
swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be
required in connection therewith, to reflect:
(a) a change in the name of the Partnership, the location of the
principal place of business of the Partnership, the registered agent of the
Partnership or the registered office of the Partnership;
(b) admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of Partners in
accordance with this Agreement;
(c) a change that, in the sole discretion of the General Partner,
is necessary or advisable to qualify or continue the qualification of the
Partnership as a limited partnership or a partnership in which the Limited
Partners have limited liability under the laws of any state or to ensure that no
Group Member will be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or
otherwise taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes;
(d) a change that, in the discretion of the General Partner, (i)
does not adversely affect the Limited Partners (including any particular class
of Partnership Interests as compared to other classes of Partnership Interests)
in any material respect, (ii) is necessary or advisable to (A) satisfy any
requirements, conditions or guidelines contained in any opinion, directive,
order, ruling or regulation of any federal or state agency or judicial authority
or contained in any federal or state statute (including the Delaware Act) or (B)
facilitate the trading of limited partner interests of the MLP (including the
division of any class or classes of outstanding limited partner interests of the
MLP into different classes to facilitate uniformity of tax consequences within
such classes of limited partner interests of the MLP) or comply with any rule,
regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on
which such limited partner interests are or will be listed for trading,
compliance with any of which the General Partner determines in its discretion to
be in the best interests of the MLP and the limited partners of the MLP, (iii)
is required to effect the intent expressed in the Registration Statement or the
intent of the provisions of this Agreement or is otherwise contemplated by this
Agreement or (iv) is required to conform the provisions of this Agreement with
the provisions of the MLP Agreement as the provisions of the MLP Agreement may
be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time;
(e) a change in the fiscal year or taxable year of the Partnership
and any changes that, in the discretion of the General Partner, are necessary or
advisable as a result of a change in the fiscal year or taxable year of the
Partnership including, if the General Partner shall so determine, a change in
the definition of "Quarter" and the dates on which distributions are to be made
by the Partnership;
47
(f) an amendment that is necessary, in the Opinion of Counsel, to
prevent the Partnership, or the General Partner or its members, directors,
officers, trustees or agents from in any manner being subjected to the
provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or "plan asset" regulations adopted under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, regardless of
whether such are substantially similar to plan asset regulations currently
applied or proposed by the United States Department of Labor;
(g) any amendment expressly permitted in this Agreement to be made
by the General Partner acting alone;
(h) an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a
Merger Agreement approved in accordance with Section 14.3;
(i) an amendment that, in the discretion of the General Partner,
is necessary or advisable to reflect, account for and deal with appropriately
the formation by the Partnership of, or investment by the Partnership in, any
corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other
entity, in connection with the conduct by the Partnership of activities
permitted by the terms of Section 2.4;
(j) a merger or conveyance pursuant to Section 14.3(d); or
(k) any other amendments substantially similar to the foregoing.
Section 13.2 Amendment Procedures. Except with respect to amendments
of the type described in Section 13.1, all amendments to this Agreement shall be
made in accordance with the following requirements: Amendments to this Agreement
may be proposed only by or with the consent of the General Partner, which
consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion. A proposed amendment
shall be effective upon its approval by the Limited Partners.
ARTICLE XIV
MERGER
Section 14.1 Authority. The Partnership may merge or consolidate with
one or more corporations, limited liability companies, business trusts or
associations, real estate investment trusts, common law trusts or unincorporated
businesses, including a general partnership or limited partnership, formed under
the laws of the State of Delaware or any other state of the United States of
America, pursuant to a written agreement of merger or consolidation ("Merger
Agreement") in accordance with this Article XIV.
------ ------------
Section 14.2 Procedure for Merger or Consolidation. Merger or
-----------------------------------------
|
consolidation of the Partnership pursuant to this Article XIV requires the prior
approval of the General Partner. If the General Partner shall determine, in the
exercise of its discretion, to consent to the merger or consolidation, the
General Partner shall approve the Merger Agreement, which shall set forth:
48
(a) the names and jurisdictions of formation or organization of
each of the business entities proposing to merge or consolidate;
(b) the name and jurisdiction of formation or organization of the
business entity that is to survive the proposed merger or consolidation (the
"Surviving Business Entity");
(c) the terms and conditions of the proposed merger or
consolidation;
(d) the manner and basis of exchanging or converting the equity
securities of each constituent business entity for, or into, cash, property or
general or limited partner interests, rights, securities or obligations of the
Surviving Business Entity; and (i) if any general or limited partner interests,
securities or rights of any constituent business entity are not to be exchanged
or converted solely for, or into, cash, property or general or limited partner
interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving Business Entity,
the cash, property or general or limited partner interests, rights, securities
or obligations of any limited partnership, corporation, trust or other entity
(other than the Surviving Business Entity) that the holders of such general or
limited partner interests, securities or rights are to receive in exchange for,
or upon conversion of their general or limited partner interests, securities or
rights, and (ii) in the case of securities represented by certificates, upon the
surrender of such certificates, which cash, property or general or limited
partner interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving Business
Entity or any general or limited partnership, corporation, trust or other entity
(other than the Surviving Business Entity), or evidences thereof, are to be
delivered;
(e) a statement of any changes in the constituent documents or the
adoption of new constituent documents (the articles or certificate of
incorporation, articles of trust, declaration of trust, certificate or agreement
of limited partnership or other similar charter or governing document) of the
Surviving Business Entity to be effected by such merger or consolidation;
(f) the effective time of the merger, which may be the date of the
filing of the certificate of merger pursuant to Section 14.4 or a later date
specified in or determinable in accordance with the Merger Agreement (provided,
that if the effective time of the merger is to be later than the date of the
filing of the certificate of merger, the effective time shall be fixed no later
than the time of the filing of the certificate of merger and stated therein);
and
(g) such other provisions with respect to the proposed merger or
consolidation as are deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner.
Section 14.3 Approval by Limited Partners of Merger or Consolidation.
(a) Except as provided in Section 14.3(d), the General Partner,
upon its approval of the Merger Agreement, shall direct that the Merger
Agreement be submitted to a vote of the Limited Partners, whether at a special
meeting or by written consent, in either case in accordance with the
requirements of Article XIII. A copy or a summary of the Merger Agreement shall
be included in or enclosed with the notice of a special meeting or the written
consent.
49
(b) Except as provided in Section 14.3(d), the Merger Agreement
shall be approved upon receiving the affirmative vote or consent of the Limited
Partners.
(c) Except as provided in Section 14.3(d), after such approval by
vote or consent of the Limited Partners, and at any time prior to the filing of
the certificate of merger pursuant to Section 14.4, the merger or consolidation
may be abandoned pursuant to provisions therefor, if any, set forth in the
Merger Agreement.
(d) Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Article XIV or
in this Agreement, the General Partner is permitted, in its discretion, without
Limited Partner approval, to merge the Partnership or any Group Member into, or
convey all of the Partnership's assets to, another limited liability entity that
shall be newly formed and shall have no assets, liabilities or operations at the
time of such Merger other than those it receives from the Partnership or other
Group Member if (i) the General Partner has received an Opinion of Counsel that
the merger or conveyance, as the case may be, would not result in the loss of
the limited liability of any Limited Partner or any limited partner in the MLP
or cause the Partnership or the MLP to be treated as an association taxable as a
corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax
purposes (to the extent not previously treated as such), (ii) the sole purpose
of such merger or conveyance is to effect a mere change in the legal form of the
Partnership into another limited liability entity and (iii) the governing
instruments of the new entity provide the Limited Partners and the General
Partner with substantially the same rights and obligations as are herein
contained.
Section 14.4 Certificate of Merger. Upon the required approval by the
General Partner and the Limited Partners of a Merger Agreement, a certificate of
merger shall be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware in conformity with the requirements of the Delaware Act.
Section 14.5 Effect of Merger.
(a) At the effective time of the certificate of merger:
(i) all of the rights, privileges and powers of each of the
business entities that has merged or consolidated, and all property, real,
personal and mixed, and all debts due to any of those business entities and all
other things and causes of action belonging to each of those business entities,
shall be vested in the Surviving Business Entity and after the merger or
consolidation shall be the property of the Surviving Business Entity to the
extent they were of each constituent business entity;
(ii) the title to any real property vested by deed or
otherwise in any of those constituent business entities shall not revert and is
not in any way impaired because of the merger or consolidation;
(iii) all rights of creditors and all liens on or security
interests in property of any of those constituent business entities shall be
preserved unimpaired; and
50
(iv) all debts, liabilities and duties of those constituent
business entities shall attach to the Surviving Business Entity and may be
enforced against it to the same extent as if the debts, liabilities and duties
had been incurred or contracted by it.
(b) A merger or consolidation effected pursuant to this Article
shall not be deemed to result in a transfer or assignment of assets or
liabilities from one entity to another.
ARTICLE XV
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 15.1 Addresses and Notices. Any notice, demand, request,
report or proxy materials required or permitted to be given or made to a Partner
or Assignee under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given
or made when delivered in person or when sent by first class United States mail
or by other means of written communication to the Partner or Assignee at the
address appearing on the books and records of the Partnership. Any notice to the
Partnership shall be deemed given if received by the General Partner at the
principal office of the Partnership designated pursuant to Section 2.3. The
General Partner may rely and shall be protected in relying on any notice or
other document from a Partner, Assignee or other Person if believed by it to be
genuine.
Section 15.2 Further Action. The parties shall execute and deliver all
documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking action as may
be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.
Section 15.3 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors,
administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.
Section 15.4 Integration. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.
Section 15.5 Creditors. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall
be for the benefit of, or shall be enforceable by, any creditor of the
Partnership.
Section 15.6 Waiver. No failure by any party to insist upon the strict
performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or
to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall
constitute waiver of any breach of any other covenant, duty, agreement or
condition.
Section 15.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, all of which together shall constitute an agreement binding on all
the parties hereto, notwithstanding that all such parties are not signatories to
the original or the same counterpart. Each party shall become bound by this
Agreement immediately upon affixing its signature hereto, independently of the
signature of any other party.
51
Section 15.8 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without
regard to the principles of conflicts of law.
Section 15.9 Invalidity of Provisions. If any provision of this
Agreement is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained
herein shall not be affected thereby.
Section 15.10 Consent of Partners. Each Partner hereby expressly
consents and agrees that, whenever in this Agreement it is specified that an
action may be taken upon the affirmative vote or consent of less than all of the
Partners, such action may be so taken upon the concurrence of less than all of
the Partners and each Partner shall be bound by the results of such action.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
52
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.
GENERAL PARTNER:
RIO VISTA OPERATING GP LLC
By: Rio Vista Energy Partners, L.P.
its Managing Member
By: Rio Vista GP LLC
Its: General Partner
By: /s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
LIMITED PARTNERS:
PENN OCTANE CORPORATION
By: /s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
UPON CONSUMMATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED UNDER SECTION 5.2 OF THIS
AGREEMENT:
RIO VISTA ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
By: Rio Vista GP LLC
Its General Partner
By: /s/ Richard Shore, Jr.
-------------------------
Richard Shore, Jr.,
President
|
53
Amended and Restated Line Letter
September 15, 2004
Penn Octane Corporation
77-530 Enfield Lane
Building D
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Attention: Mr. Jerome Richter
Gentlemen:
RZB FINANCE LLC ("RZB") and Penn Octane Corporation (the "Borrower") are parties
to a Line Letter dated October 14, 1997 (as heretofore amended, the "Existing
Line Letter"). The Borrower and RZB desire to amend and restate the Existing
Line Letter. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that the Existing Line
Letter is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as hereinafter set forth
in this Agreement (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, "this
Agreement" or "this letter agreement"). On or after the date hereof, when
counterparts of this Agreement shall have been executed by all parties hereto,
(a) all references to the "Agreement" and words of similar import in the other
Loan Documents shall be deemed to refer to the Existing Line Letter as amended
and restated hereby, and (b) all outstanding loans and extensions of credit
under the Existing Line Letter shall be loans and extensions of credit under and
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Loan Documents (as
hereinafter defined).
We wish to advise you of the terms and conditions upon which RZB may
in its sole discretion extend credit to the Borrower.
1. (a) Subject to the provisions hereof, the Borrower may utilize
this credit facility (the "Credit Facility") for demand loans ("Loans") and
issuance of standby and commercial letters of credit ("L/C's") in the aggregate
principal sum and face amount of up to Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) at
any one time outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and without in any way
limiting RZB's sole and absolute discretion to determine whether to make any
Loan or issue any L/C, or refrain therefrom (as more fully set forth below), and
without in any way limiting RZB's absolute right to demand payment of any Loan
at any time or to change any of the Advance Rates (as hereinafter defined), at
any time in RZB's sole discretion, the Borrower acknowledges that, with respect
to each specific transaction of the Borrower financed by RZB pursuant hereto,
the sum of (i) the Loans made by RZB in connection with such transaction, (ii)
the aggregate face amount of L/Cs issued in connection therewith, plus (iii) the
aggregate unreimbursed amount of all drawings under such L/Cs, shall not exceed
the amount obtained by applying the Advance Rates (the "Advance Rates") to the
-1-
value of the assets of the Borrower being financed by RZB in such transaction
(as such value may be determined by RZB in its sole discretion).
Within the above Credit Facility, there shall be a sublimit not to
exceed Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) at any time outstanding available for
the issuance of standby letters of credit from time to time for the financing of
the purchase of diesel fuel and gasoline fuel. The terms and beneficiary of
each such letter of credit shall be subject to RZB's approval in its sole
discretion. Prior to the issuance of any standby letter of credit described in
clause (i) above, the Borrower shall deposit cash collateral with RZB in an
amount equal to 15% of the maximum face amount of such letter of credit. The
Borrower hereby grants to RZB a lien on and security interest in such cash
collateral and all deposit accounts in which such cash collateral and all
proceeds thereof shall be maintained as security for all present and future
obligations of the Borrower to RZB until the letter of credit expires or is
terminated and all obligations in connection therewith shall have been satisfied
in full in cash to the sole and absolute satisfaction of RZB, provided, however,
that no lien on and security interest in cash collateral shall be released nor
shall any cash collateral be released if any Event of Default under any security
agreement delivered in connection with this Agreement shall have occurred and be
continuing (an "Event of Default") or any event that with the giving of notice
or lapse of time or both would constitute such an Event of Default (a "Default")
shall have occurred and be continuing or any demand for payment of or cash
collateral for the obligations of the Borrower under the Credit Facility shall
have been made.
Within the above Credit Facility, there shall be a sublimit not to
exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) at any time outstanding
available for the issuance of standby letters of credit from time to time (i) to
secure a performance bond with respect to Arizona and Nevada excise taxes and
(ii) in favor of Kinder Morgan to secure monthly lease obligations. The terms
and beneficiary of each such letter of credit shall be subject to RZB's approval
in its sole discretion. Prior to the issuance of any standby letter of credit
described in this paragraph, the Borrower shall deposit cash collateral with RZB
in an amount equal to 100% of the maximum face amount of such letter of credit.
The Borrower hereby grants to RZB a lien on and security interest in such cash
collateral and all deposit accounts in which such cash collateral and all
proceeds thereof shall be maintained as security for all present and future
obligations of the Borrower to RZB until the letter of credit expires or is
terminated and all obligations in connection therewith shall have been satisfied
in full in cash to the sole and absolute satisfaction of RZB, provided, however,
that no lien on and security interest in cash collateral shall be released nor
shall any cash collateral be released if any Default or Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing or any demand for payment of or cash collateral
for the obligations of the Borrower under the Credit Facility shall have been
made.
(b) For purposes hereof:
"Advance Rates" shall mean, with respect to each transaction
of the Borrower financed by RZB pursuant hereto, the following respective
percentages of the Borrower's accounts receivable or inventory which is the
subject of such transaction (provided, however, that RZB reserves the right to
change any or all of the following percentages or
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categories of assets in any way whatsoever, at its sole and absolute discretion,
at any time and from time to time, with or without notice to the Borrower):
100% of CIF cost of eligible inventory or 90% of the net face amount of the
Borrower's eligible accounts receivable (as such eligibility shall be determined
from time to time by RZB in its sole and absolute discretion), whichever is
lower.
(c) The Loans shall be evidenced by, and subject to the terms
and conditions contained in, a single grid promissory note (the "Note") made by
the Borrower in form and substance satisfactory to RZB. Interest on the Loans
shall be payable at the rate specified in the Note (the "Interest Rate").
(d) Each Loan hereunder shall be payable on demand, and in no
event shall any Loan be outstanding for more than 45 days.
(e) (i) Each L/C shall be in form and substance satisfactory
to RZB, and, unless otherwise agreed by RZB, shall have an expiration date not
more than 90 days after its date of issuance.
(ii) The Borrower shall pay to RZB a fee with respect to
each L/C in an amount equal to the greater of: (1) a flat fee of $500, (2) a
fee at a rate per annum equal to 2.5% of the maximum face amount of the L/C
(without regard to whether conditions to drawing may then be satisfied) or (3)
such higher amount or percentage as shall be agreed to in writing by the
Borrower and RZB with respect to L/Cs issued |