# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001910950
**File Stem:** 0001193125-23-070151
**Filing Date:** 2023-3
**Character Count:** 1403050
**Document Hash:** 968aac0f9afa7c1e2ad2003b4560712f
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-23-070151.hdr.sgml**: 20230314

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-23-070151

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 23

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20230308

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Material Modifications to Rights of Security Holders

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Regulation FD Disclosure

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230314

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230314

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001910950
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** MINING, QUARRYING OF NONMETALLIC MINERALS (NO FUELS) [1400]
- **IRS NUMBER:** 880523830
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-41640
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23730881

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 5918 W. COURTYARD DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 500
- **CITY:** AUSTIN
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 78730
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** (512) 220-1200

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 5918 W. COURTYARD DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 500
- **CITY:** AUSTIN
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 78730

------

------

**UNITED STATES** 

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION** 

**Washington, D.C. 20549** 

------

**FORM 8-K** 

------

**CURRENT REPORT** 

**Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)** 

**of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934** 

**Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 8, 2023** 

------

## Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.
**(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)** 

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **001-41640** | **88-0523830** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction**<br> **of incorporation)** | **(Commission**<br> **File Number)** | **(IRS Employer**<br> **Identification No.)** |
| **5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500**<br> **Austin, Texas** | **5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500**<br> **Austin, Texas** | **78730** |
| **(Address of principal executive office)** | **(Address of principal executive office)** | **(Zip Code)** |

---

**Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (512) 220-1200** 

**Not Applicable** 

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

------

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

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

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

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

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Trading**<br> **Symbol(s)** | **Name of each exchange**<br> **on which registered** |
| Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share | AESI | The New York Stock Exchange |

---

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

Emerging growth company ☒

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

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 1.01** | **Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.**  |

---

***Master Reorganization Agreement***

Pursuant to a master reorganization agreement (the "Master Reorganization Agreement") dated March 8, 2023, by and among Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), Atlas Sand Management Company, LLC, a Texas limited liability company ("ASMC"), Atlas Sand Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Atlas Sand LLC"), Atlas Sand Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Holdings"), Atlas Sand Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Atlas Operating"), Atlas Sand Holdings II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Holdings II"), Atlas Sand Management Company II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("ASMC II"), Atlas Sand Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Merger Sub"), the Company and the parties thereto completed certain restructuring transactions (the "Reorganization") in connection with the Offering (as defined below). As part of the Reorganization:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Merger Sub merged with and into Atlas Sand LLC, with Atlas Sand LLC surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of
Atlas Operating;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Holdings, Holdings II and ASMC II were formed (collectively, the "HoldCos") through which the holders
of membership interests in Atlas Sand LLC (the "Legacy Owners") hold their membership interests in Atlas Operating, as represented by a single class of common units ("Atlas Units");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Legacy Owners, through the HoldCos, transferred all or a portion of their Atlas Units and voting rights, as
applicable, in Atlas Operating to the Company in exchange for an aggregate of 39,147,501 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the "Class A Common Stock") and, in the case of Legacy Owners
continuing to hold Atlas Units through the HoldCos, an aggregate of 42,852,499 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the "Class B Common Stock," and together with the Class A Common
Stock, the "Common Stock"), so that such Legacy Owners continuing to hold Atlas Units hold, through the HoldCos, one share of Class B Common Stock for each Atlas Unit held by them immediately following the Reorganization;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the 1,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issued to Atlas Sand LLC at the formation of the Company were
redeemed and canceled for nominal consideration; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Company contributed all of the net proceeds received by it in the Offering to Atlas Operating in exchange for
a number of Atlas Units (such that the total number of Atlas Units held by the Company equals the number of shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding after the Offering), and Atlas Operating further contributed the net proceeds received to
Atlas Sand LLC.

As a result of the Reorganization, (i) the Company's sole material asset consists of Atlas Units, (ii) Atlas Operating's sole material asset consists of 100% of the membership interests in Atlas Sand LLC and (iii) Atlas Sand LLC owns all of the Company's operating assets. The Company is the managing member of Atlas Operating and is responsible for all operational, management and administrative decisions relating to Atlas Sand LLC's business and will, on a go-forward basis, consolidate the financial results of Atlas Sand LLC and its subsidiaries.

The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Master Reorganization Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 2.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.

***Underwriting Agreement***

On March 8, 2023, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, BofA Securities, Inc. and Piper Sandler & Co., as representatives of the several underwriters named therein (the "Underwriters"), relating to the offer and sale of the Company's Class A Common Stock. The Underwriting Agreement provides for the offer and sale (the "Offering") by the Company, and the purchase by the Underwriters, of 18,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock at a price to the public of $18.00 per share. Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Company has granted the Underwriters a 30-day option to

------

purchase up to 2,700,000 additional shares of Class A Common Stock to cover over-allotments. The material terms of the Offering are described in the prospectus, dated March 8, 2023 (the "Prospectus"), filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on March 10, 2023, pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Offering was registered with the Commission pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-269488), initially filed by the Company on January 31, 2023 (as amended, the "Registration Statement") and closed on March 13, 2023.

The Underwriting Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, agreements and obligations, closing conditions and termination provisions. The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments the Underwriters may be required to make because of any of those liabilities.

The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Underwriting Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 1.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.

***Relationships***

As more fully described under the caption "Underwriting" in the Prospectus, certain of the Underwriters and their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory and investment banking services for the Company, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.

***Registration Rights Agreement***

On March 8, 2023, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") with certain stockholders identified on the signature pages thereto. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company agreed to register the sale of shares of Class A Common Stock under certain circumstances, as described below.

At any time after the 180-day lock-up period described in the Prospectus and subject to the certain limitations, a Holder (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) has the right to require the Company to prepare and file a registration statement registering the offer and sale of a certain number of its shares of Class A Common Stock. Generally, the Company is required to provide notice of the request to certain other Holders under the Registration Rights Agreement who may, in certain circumstances, participate in the registration. Subject to certain exceptions, the Company will not be obligated to effect a demand registration more than three times in any 12-month period or within 120 days after the closing of any requested underwritten offering of shares of Class A Common Stock.

Subject to certain exceptions, if at any time the Company proposes to register an offering of Class A Common Stock or conduct an underwritten offering, whether or not for its own account, then the Company must notify the Holders and allow them to include a specified number of their shares of Class A Common Stock in that registration statement or underwritten offering, as applicable.

These registration rights are subject to certain conditions and limitations, and the Company will generally be obligated to pay all registration expenses in connection with these registration obligations, regardless of whether a registration statement is filed or becomes effective. The Registration Rights Agreement also requires the Company to indemnify each Holder against certain liabilities under the Securities Act.

The foregoing description and the description of the Registration Rights Agreement contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Registration Rights Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 4.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.

***Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Atlas Operating***

On March 8, 2023, in connection with the Reorganization, the members of Atlas Operating entered into the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Atlas Sand Operating, LLC (the "A&R LLC Agreement"), pursuant to which the holders of Atlas Units (the "Atlas Unitholders"), other than the Company, will, subject to certain limitations, have the right (the "Redemption Right") to cause Atlas Operating to acquire all or a

------

portion of their Atlas Units for, at Atlas Operating's election, (i) shares of Class A Common Stock at a redemption ratio of one share of Class A Common Stock for each Atlas Unit redeemed, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, reclassification and other similar transactions, or (ii) an equivalent amount of cash. The Company, as managing member of Atlas Operating, will determine whether to issue shares of Class A Common Stock or cash based on facts in existence at the time of the decision, which may include the relative value of the Class A Common Stock (including the trading prices for the Class A Common Stock at the time of redemption), the cash purchase price, the availability of other sources of liquidity (such as an issuance of preferred stock) to acquire the Atlas Units and alternative uses for such cash. Alternatively, upon the exercise of the Redemption Right, the Company (instead of Atlas Operating) will have the right (the "Call Right") to, for administrative convenience, acquire each tendered Atlas Unit directly from the redeeming Atlas Unitholder for, at the Company's election, (x) one share of Class A Common Stock, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, reclassification and other similar transactions, or (y) an equivalent amount of cash. In connection with any redemption of Atlas Units pursuant to the Redemption Right or the Call Right, a corresponding number of shares of Class B Common Stock will be cancelled.

The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the A&R LLC Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.

***Stockholders' Agreement***

On March 8, 2023, the Company entered into a stockholders' agreement (the "Stockholders' Agreement") with Atlas Sand Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Atlas Sand Holdings II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Ben M. "Bud" Brigham (the "Principal Stockholders"). Among other things, the Stockholders' Agreement provides the right to designate nominees for election to the Company's board of directors as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• so long as the Principal Stockholders collectively beneficially own greater than 50% of the Class A Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock (taken together as a single class), Ben M. "Bud" Brigham, the Company's Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Office, or his affiliates will have the right to determine the size of the board of
directors and designate all members of the board of directors, including the right to designate all individuals to be included in the slate of directors to be nominated by the board of directors for election by the stockholders of the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• so long as the Principal Stockholders collectively beneficially own at least 35% but not greater than 50% of the
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (taken together as a single class), Mr. Brigham or his affiliates will have the right to designate four (4) members of the board of directors, including the right to designate four
(4) individuals to be included in the slate of directors to be nominated by the board of directors for election by the stockholders of the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• so long as the Principal Stockholders collectively beneficially own at least 25% but not greater than 35% of the
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (taken together as a single class), Mr. Brigham or his affiliates will have the right to designate three (3) members of the board of directors, including the right to designate three
(3) individuals to be included in the slate of directors to be nominated by the board of directors for election by the stockholders of the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• so long as the Principal Stockholders collectively beneficially own at least 10% but not greater than 25% of the
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (taken together as a single class), Mr. Brigham or his affiliates will have the right to designate two (2) members of the board of directors, including the right to designate two
(2) individuals to be included in the slate of directors to be nominated by the board of directors for election by the stockholders of the Company; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• so long as the Principal Stockholders collectively beneficially own at least 5% but not greater than 10% of the
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (taken together as a single class), Mr. Brigham or his affiliates will have the right to designate one (1) member of the board of directors, including the right to designate one
(1) individual to be included in the slate of directors to be nominated by the board of directors for election by the stockholders of the Company.

------

Additionally, each of the Principal Stockholders will agree to cause its respective shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock to be voted in favor of the election of each of the nominees designated by Mr. Brigham or his affiliates.

The foregoing description and the description of the Stockholders' Agreement contained in the Prospectus are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Stockholders' Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.

***2023 Long Term Incentive Plan***

The description of the Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. 2023 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP") provided in Item 5.02 hereto under the heading "2023 Long Term Incentive Plan" is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01. A copy of the LTIP is attached as Exhibit 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated in this Item 1.01 by reference.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 3.02** | **Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.**  |

---

The information set forth in Item 1.01 hereto under "Master Reorganization Agreement" is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02.

The foregoing transactions were undertaken in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 3.03** | **Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.**  |

---

The information set forth in Item 5.03 hereto is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 5.02** | **Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.**  |

---

***Appointment of Directors***

On March 8, 2023, the Board, effective prior to effectiveness of the Registration Statement, increased the size of the Board to nine and appointed Gayle Burleson, Stephen C. Cole, Stacy Hock, A. Lance Langford, Mark P. Mills, Douglas Rogers and Robb L. Voyles to the Board. The Company plans to appoint one additional director to the Board within one year of March 8, 2023.

Biographical information for each of Gayle Burleson, Stephen C. Cole, Stacy Hock, A. Lance Langford, Mark P. Mills, Douglas Rogers and Robb L. Voyles is set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "Management" and is incorporated herein by reference.

Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, the Board determined that each of Ms. Burleson, Mr. Cole, Ms. Hock, Mr. Langford, Mr. Mills and Mr. Voyles, representing a majority of the directors, do not have any relationships that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors is "independent" as that term is defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange. Except as previously disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there are no transactions in which Ms. Burleson, Mr. Cole, Ms. Hock, Mr. Langford, Mr. Mills and Mr. Voyles have an interest requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

***Indemnification Agreements***

On March 8, 2023, in connection with the Offering, the Company entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and officers (the "Indemnification Agreements"). The Indemnification Agreements require the Company to indemnify each such individual to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liability that may arise by reason of such individual's service to the Company, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against such individual as to which he or she could be indemnified.

------

The foregoing description is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Indemnification Agreements, which are attached as Exhibits 10.4 through 10.15 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated in this Item 5.02 by reference.

***2023 Long Term Incentive Plan***

On March 8, 2023, the Company adopted the LTIP for the benefit of employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its affiliates. The LTIP provides for the grant of all or any of the following types of awards: (1) incentive stock options qualified as such under U.S. federal income tax laws; (2) stock options that do not qualify as incentive stock options; (3) stock appreciation rights; (4) restricted stock awards; (5) restricted stock units; (6) bonus stock; (7) dividend equivalents; (8) other stock-based awards; (9) cash awards; and (10) substitute awards. Subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the LTIP, 10,270,000 shares of Class A Common Stock have been reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the LTIP. If an award under the LTIP is forfeited, settled for cash or expires without the actual delivery of shares, any shares subject to such award will again be available for new awards under the LTIP. The LTIP will be administered by the Board's Compensation Committee.

Any award granted pursuant to the LTIP may be subject to time-based or performance-based vesting conditions, as determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. All awards subject to performance-based vesting conditions will be subject to reduction, cancelation or recoupment under any written clawback policy that the Company may adopt and that the Company determines should apply to awards under the LTIP.

The foregoing description of the LTIP is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the LTIP, which is attached as Exhibit 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated in this Item 5.02 by reference.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 5.03** | **Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Changes in Fiscal Year.**  |

---

***Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation***

The Company amended and restated its certificate of incorporation (the "Amended Certificate of Incorporation"), which was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on March 8, 2023, and became effective on March 8, 2023.

A description of the Amended Certificate of Incorporation is contained in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Description of Capital Stock" and is incorporated herein by reference.

The foregoing description of the Amended Certificate of Incorporation and the description contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Amended Certificate of Incorporation, which is attached as Exhibit 3.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated in this Item 5.03 by reference.

***Amended and Restated Bylaws***

On March 8, 2023, the Company amended and restated its bylaws (as amended and restated, the "Bylaws"). A description of the Bylaws is contained in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Description of Capital Stock" and is incorporated herein by reference.

The foregoing description and the description of the Bylaws contained in the Prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Bylaws, which are attached as Exhibit 3.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated in this Item 5.03 by reference.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 7.01** | **Regulation FD Disclosure.**  |

---

On March 8, 2023, the Company issued a press release announcing the pricing of the Offering. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

------

The information in this Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, are being "furnished" pursuant to General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K and shall not be deemed to be "filed" for purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act, except as shall be expressly set forth in such filing.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9.01** | **Financial Statements and Exhibits.**  |

---

(d) Exhibits.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit**<br> **Number** | **Description** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1# | [Underwriting Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2023, by and among Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, BofA Securities, Inc. and Piper Sandler & Co., as representatives of the underwriters named therein.](d409734dex11.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1# | [Master Reorganization Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2023, by and among Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., Atlas Sand Management Company, LLC, Atlas Sand Company, LLC, Atlas Sand Holdings, LLC, Atlas Sand Operating, LLC, Atlas Sand Holdings II, LLC, Atlas Sand Management Company II, LLC and Atlas Sand Merger Sub, LLC.](d409734dex21.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1 | [Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on March 8, 2023.](d409734dex31.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.2 | [Amended and Restated Bylaws of Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., effective as of March 8, 2023.](d409734dex32.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1 | [Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2023, by and among Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. and the signatories thereto.](d409734dex41.htm) |
| 10.1 | [Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Atlas Sand Operating, LLC, dated as of March 8, 2023.](d409734dex101.htm) |
| 10.2 | [Stockholders' Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2023, by and among Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. and the signatories thereto.](d409734dex102.htm) |
| 10.3† | [Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. 2023 Long Term Incentive Plan.](d409734dex103.htm) |
| 10.4 | [Indemnification Agreement (Ben M. "Bud" Brigham).](d409734dex104.htm) |
| 10.5 | [Indemnification Agreement (John Turner).](d409734dex105.htm) |
| 10.6 | [Indemnification Agreement (Chris Scholla).](d409734dex106.htm) |
| 10.7 | [Indemnification Agreement (Dathan C. Voelter).](d409734dex107.htm) |
| 10.8 | [Indemnification Agreement (Jeffrey Allison).](d409734dex108.htm) |
| 10.9 | [Indemnification Agreement (Gayle Burleson).](d409734dex109.htm) |
| 10.10 | [Indemnification Agreement (Stephen C. Cole).](d409734dex1010.htm) |
| 10.11 | [Indemnification Agreement (Stacy Hock).](d409734dex1011.htm) |
| 10.12 | [Indemnification Agreement (A. Lance Langford).](d409734dex1012.htm) |
| 10.13 | [Indemnification Agreement (Mark P. Mills).](d409734dex1013.htm) |
| 10.14 | [Indemnification Agreement (Douglas Rogers).](d409734dex1014.htm) |
| 10.15 | [Indemnification Agreement (Robb L. Voyles).](d409734dex1015.htm) |
| 99.1 | [Press Release, dated as of March 8, 2023.](d409734dex991.htm) |

---

------

† Compensatory plan or arrangement.

# Certain schedules, annexes or exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, but will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request.

------

**SIGNATURES** 

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** | **ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
|  | Name: John Turner |
|  | Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

Date: March 14, 2023

## Exhibit 1.1

**Exhibit 1.1** 

**Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.** 

**Class A Common Stock** 

***<u>Underwriting Agreement</u>***

March 8, 2023

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC,

BofA Securities, Inc.

Piper Sandler & Co.

As representatives (the "Representatives") of the several Underwriters

named in Schedule I hereto,

c/o Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

200 West Street,

New York, New York 10282-2198

c/o BofA Securities, Inc.

One Bryant Park

New York, New York 10036

c/o Piper Sandler & Co.

800 Nicollet Mall

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated in this agreement (this "Agreement"), to issue and sell to the Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the "Underwriters") an aggregate of 18,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the "Firm Shares") and, at the election of the Underwriters, up to 2,700,000 additional shares (the "Optional Shares") of Class A common stock of the Company (the "Stock"). The Firm Shares and the Optional Shares that the Underwriters elect to purchase pursuant to Section 2 hereof being collectively called the "Shares."

The Company and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, (an affiliate of BofA Securities, Inc., a participating Underwriter, hereafter referred to as "Merrill Lynch") agree that up to 1,600,000 Firm Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters (the "Reserved Securities") shall be reserved for sale by Merrill Lynch to certain persons designated by the Company (the "Invitees"), as part of the distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the applicable rules, regulations and interpretations of FINRA and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Company has solely determined, without any direct or indirect participation by the underwriters or Merrill Lynch, the Invitees who will purchase Reserved Securities (including the amount to be purchased by such persons) sold by Merrill Lynch. To the extent that such Reserved Securities are not orally confirmed for purchase by Invitees by 11:59 PM. (New York City time) on the date of this Agreement, such Reserved Securities may be offered to the public as part of the public offering contemplated hereby.

------

On the date hereof the business of the Company is conducted through Atlas Sand Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Atlas LLC"), and its subsidiaries. In connection with the offering contemplated by this Agreement, the Corporate Reorganization (as such term is defined in the Registration Statement and the Pricing Disclosure Package (each as defined below) in the section titled "Corporate Reorganization") will be effected prior to the First Time of Delivery (as defined below), pursuant to which the Company will become the managing member of Atlas Sand Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Atlas Operating"), and Atlas Operating will become the sole managing member of Atlas LLC. As the managing member of Atlas Operating, the Company, through Atlas Operating, will operate and control all of the business and affairs of Atlas LLC and, through Atlas LLC and its subsidiaries, conduct its business. Upon consummation of the offering contemplated by this Agreement, the Company will contribute the net proceeds of the Offering to Atlas Operating in exchange for common units of Atlas Operating ("Atlas Units") in such number that will result in the Company holding a total number of Atlas Units after such exchange equal to the total number of shares of Class A common stock that will be outstanding after this offering, and Atlas Operating will further contribute the net proceeds received to Atlas LLC.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each of the Underwriters that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-269488) (the "Initial Registration Statement") in respect of the Shares has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"); the Initial Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, each in the form heretofore delivered to you, have been declared effective by the Commission in such form; other than a registration statement, if any, increasing the size of the offering (a "Rule 462(b) Registration Statement"), filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), which became effective upon filing, no other document with respect to the Initial Registration Statement has been filed with the Commission; and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Initial Registration Statement, any post-effective amendment thereto or the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, if any, has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Act has been initiated or threatened by the Commission (any preliminary prospectus included in the Initial Registration Statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(a) of the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Act is hereinafter called a "Preliminary Prospectus"; the various parts of the Initial Registration Statement and the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, if any, including all exhibits thereto and including the information contained in the form of final prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act in accordance with Section 5(a) hereof and deemed by virtue of Rule 430A under the Act to be part of the Initial Registration Statement at the time it was declared effective, each as amended at the time such part of the Initial Registration Statement became effective or such part of the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, if any, became or hereafter becomes effective, are hereinafter collectively called the "Registration Statement"; the Preliminary Prospectus relating to the Shares that was included in the Registration Statement immediately prior to the Applicable Time (as defined in Section 1(c) hereof) is hereinafter called the "Pricing Prospectus"; and such final prospectus, in the form first filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act, is hereinafter called the "Prospectus"; any oral or written communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Act or Rule 163B under the Act is hereinafter called a "Testing-the-Waters Communication"; and any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Act is hereinafter called a "Written Testing-the-Waters Communication"; and any "issuer free writing prospectus" as defined in Rule 433 under the Act relating to the Shares is hereinafter called an "Issuer Free Writing Prospectus");

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) (i) No order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus has been issued by the Commission, and (ii) each Preliminary Prospectus, at the time of filing thereof, conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and did not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information (as defined in Section 9(c) of this Agreement);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) For the purposes of this Agreement, the "Applicable Time" is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time) on the date of this Agreement. The Pricing Prospectus, as supplemented by the information listed on Schedule II(b) hereto, taken together (collectively, the "Pricing Disclosure Package"), as of the Applicable Time, did not, and as of each Time of Delivery (as defined in Section 4(a) of this Agreement) will not, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and each Written Testing-the-Waters Communication does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and each Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, as supplemented by and taken together with the Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time, did not, and as of each Time of Delivery will not, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Registration Statement conforms, and the Prospectus and any further amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus will conform, in all material respects to the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and do not and will not, as of the applicable effective date as to each part of the Registration Statement, as of the applicable filing date as to the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, and as of each Time of Delivery, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in the case of the Registration Statement, or include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances which they were made, not misleading, in the case of the Prospectus; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has, since the date of the latest audited financial statements included in the Pricing Prospectus, (i) sustained any material loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree or (ii) entered into any transaction or agreement (whether or not in the ordinary course of business) that is material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, that is material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, in each case otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus; and, since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Pricing Prospectus, there has not been (A) any change in the capital stock (other than as a result

------

of (1) the exercise, if any, of stock options or the award, if any, of stock options or restricted stock in the ordinary course of business pursuant to the Company's equity plans that are described in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus or (2) the issuance, if any, of stock upon conversion of Company securities as described in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus) or long-term debt of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (B) any Material Adverse Effect (as defined below); as used in this Agreement, "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any material adverse change or effect, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change or effect, in or affecting (1) the business, properties, general affairs, management, financial position, stockholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus, or (2) the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement, including the issuance and sale of the Shares, or to consummate the transactions contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The Company and its subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property and good and marketable title to all personal property owned by them, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except such as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and its subsidiaries; and any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company and its subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company and its subsidiaries;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has been (i) duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Pricing Prospectus, and (ii) duly qualified as a foreign corporation or foreign limited liability company for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties or conducts any business so as to require such qualification, except, in the case of this clause (ii), where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and each subsidiary of the Company has been listed in the Registration Statement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Pricing Prospectus and all of the issued shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable and conform to the description of the Stock contained in the Pricing Disclosure Package and Prospectus; and all of the issued shares of capital stock of each subsidiary of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and (except, in the case of any foreign subsidiary, for directors' qualifying shares) are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Shares have been duly and validly authorized and, when issued and delivered against payment therefor as provided herein, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable and will conform to the description of the Stock contained in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; and the issuance of the Shares is not subject to any preemptive or similar rights;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) The issue and sale of the Shares and the compliance by the Company with this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement and the Pricing Prospectus will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, (i) any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, except, in the case of this clause (i) for such defaults, breaches, or violations that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) the certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or other applicable organizational document) of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or (iii) any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties; and no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the issue and sale of the Shares or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (X) except such as have been obtained under the Act, the approval by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") of the underwriting terms and arrangements and such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters, and (Y) such as have been obtained under the laws and regulations of jurisdictions outside the United States in which the Reserved Securities were offered;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is (i) in violation of its certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or other applicable organizational document), (ii) in violation of any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties or (iii) in default in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound, except, in the case of the foregoing clauses (ii) and (iii), for such defaults as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) The statements set forth in the Pricing Prospectus and Prospectus under the caption "Description of Capital Stock," insofar as they purport to constitute a summary of the terms of the Stock, under the caption "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations for Non-U.S. Holders" and under the caption "Underwriting," insofar as they purport to describe the provisions of the laws and documents referred to therein, are accurate, complete and fair in all material respects;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) Other than as set forth in the Pricing Prospectus, there are no legal, governmental or regulatory investigations, actions, demands, claims, suits, arbitrations, inquiries or proceedings ("Actions") pending to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries or, to the Company's knowledge, any officer or director of the Company, is a party or of which any property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or, to the Company's knowledge, any officer or director of the Company, is the subject which, if determined adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries (or such officer or director), would individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and, to the Company's knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or others; there are no current or pending Actions that are required under the Act to be described in the Registration Statement or the Pricing Prospectus that are not so described therein; and there are no statutes, regulations or contracts or other documents that are required under the Act to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement or described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus that are not so filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement or described in the Registration Statement and the Pricing Prospectus;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) No relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company or any of its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the directors, officers, stockholders or other affiliates of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, on the other, that would be required by the Act to be described in a registration statement on Form S-1 to be filed with the Commission and that is not so described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds thereof, will not be an "investment company," as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) The Company and its subsidiaries have paid all federal, state, local and foreign taxes and filed all tax returns required to be paid or filed through the date hereof; and except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, there is no tax deficiency that has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, asserted against the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) At the time of filing the Initial Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or any offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) under the Act) of the Shares, and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an "ineligible issuer," as defined under Rule 405 under the Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) Ernst & Young LLP, who has certified certain financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, is an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Company within the meaning of the Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder adopted by the Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(s) The Company maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) that (i) complies with the requirements of the Exchange Act, (ii) has been designed by the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or under their supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and (iii) is sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (A) transactions are executed in accordance with management's general or specific authorization, (B) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain accountability for assets, (C) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or specific authorization and (D) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences; and except as disclosed in the Pricing Prospectus, the Company's internal control over financial reporting is effective and the Company is not aware of any material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting**;**

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(t) Except as disclosed in the Pricing Prospectus, since the date of the latest audited financial statements included in the Pricing Prospectus, there has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(u) The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act; such disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its subsidiaries is made known to the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer by others within those entities; and such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in all material respects to perform the functions for which they were established;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) The Company has full right, power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; and all action required to be taken for the due and proper authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby has been or will be duly and validly taken on or prior to each Time of Delivery;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(w) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries, nor any director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any agent, affiliate or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries has (i) made, offered, promised or authorized any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense (or taken any act in furtherance thereof); (ii) made, offered, promised or authorized any direct or indirect unlawful payment; or (iii) violated or is in violation of any provision of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or the rules and regulations thereunder, the U.K. Bribery Act 2010 or any other applicable anti-corruption, anti-bribery or related law, statute or regulation (collectively, "Anti-Corruption Laws"); the Company and its subsidiaries have conducted their businesses in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and have instituted and maintained and will continue to maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws and with the representations and warranties contained herein; neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries will use, directly or indirectly, the proceeds of the offering in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any person in violation of Anti-Corruption Laws;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(y) The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with the requirements of applicable anti-money laundering laws, including, but not limited to, the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, as amended by the USA PATRIOT ACT of 2001, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the anti-money laundering laws of the various jurisdictions in which the Company and its subsidiaries conduct business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulation or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the "Money Laundering Laws") and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(z) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries, nor any director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any agent, affiliate or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is (i) currently the subject or the target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Government, including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury ("OFAC"), or the U.S. Department of State and including, without limitation, the designation as a "specially designated national" or "blocked person," the European Union, His Majesty's Treasury, the United Nations Security Council, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, "Sanctions"), or (ii) located, organized, or resident in a country or territory that is the subject or target of comprehensive Sanctions (currently, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, the Crimea region of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People's Republic, and the so-called Luhansk People's Republic (each a "Sanctioned Jurisdiction"), the Company will not, except as authorized under applicable Sanctions, directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering of the Shares hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity (A) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business with any person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is the subject or the target of Sanctions or (B) in any other manner that will result in a violation by any person (including any person participating in the transaction, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions; except as authorized under applicable Sanctions, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is engaged in, or has, at any time in the past five years, engaged in, any dealings or transactions with or involving any individual or entity that was or is, as applicable, at the time of such dealing or transaction, the subject or target of Sanctions or with any Sanctioned Jurisdiction; and the Company and its subsidiaries have instituted, and maintain, policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve continued compliance with applicable Sanctions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(aa) The financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, together with the related schedules and notes, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries at the dates indicated and the statement of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries for the periods specified; said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved. The supporting schedules, if any, present fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP the information required to be stated therein. The selected financial data and the summary financial information included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus present fairly, in all material respects, the information shown therein and have been compiled on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements included therein. Except as included therein, no historical or pro forma financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus under the Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. All disclosures contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus regarding "non-GAAP financial measures" (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the Commission) comply, in all material respects, with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K of the Act, to the extent applicable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(bb) The Company and each of its subsidiaries (i) own or otherwise possess adequate rights to use all material patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, copyrights and registrations and applications thereof, licenses, know-how, software, systems and technology (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures and other intellectual property) (collectively, "Intellectual Property Rights") necessary for the conduct of their respective businesses, (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, do not, through the conduct of their respective businesses, infringe, violate or conflict with any Intellectual Property Rights of any third party and (iii) have not received any written notice of any claim of infringement, violation or conflict with, any Intellectual Property Rights of any third party;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(cc) Except as disclosed in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (i)(A) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of, and does not have any liability under, any federal, state, local or non-U.S. statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, other requirement or rule of law (including common law), or decision or order of any domestic or foreign governmental agency, governmental body or court, relating to pollution, to the use, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, discharge, disposal or release of Hazardous Substances (as defined below), to the protection or restoration of the environment or natural resources, to health and safety including as such relates to exposure to Hazardous Substances, and to natural resource damages (collectively, "Environmental Laws"), (B) to the knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is liable or allegedly liable for any release or threatened release of Hazardous Substances, including at any off site storage, treatment, or disposal site, (C) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is subject to any pending, or to the Company's knowledge, threatened, claim by any governmental agency or governmental body or person arising under Environmental Laws or relating to the release of or exposure to Hazardous Substances and (D) the Company and its subsidiaries have received, are in compliance with all, and have no liability under any, permits, licenses, authorizations, identification numbers, consents, waivers, exemptions, or other approvals required under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their business, except in each case covered by clauses (A) through (D) such as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (ii) to the knowledge of the Company and its subsidiaries, there are no facts or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to result in a violation of, liability under, or claim pursuant to any Environmental Law that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (x) there is no proceeding that is pending, or that is known to be contemplated, against the Company or any of its subsidiaries under any Environmental Laws in which a governmental entity is also a party, other than such proceeding regarding which it is reasonably believed no monetary sanctions of $300,000 or more will be imposed, and (y) none of the Company or its subsidiaries anticipates material capital expenditures relating to any Environmental Laws. For purposes of this subsection "Hazardous Substances" means (A) petroleum and petroleum products, by-products or breakdown products, radioactive materials, asbestos-containing materials, and polychlorinated biphenyls, and (B) any other chemical, material or substance defined or regulated as toxic or hazardous or as a pollutant, contaminant or waste under Environmental Laws;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(dd) The Company and its subsidiaries' information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, and databases (collectively, "IT Systems") are adequate for, and operate and perform in all material respects as required in connection with, the operation of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries as currently conducted and, to the Company's knowledge, the IT Systems are free and clear of all material bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, time bombs, malware and other corruptants; the Company and its subsidiaries have implemented and maintained reasonable controls, policies, procedures, and safeguards to maintain and protect their material confidential information and the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of all IT Systems and data (including all personal, personally identifiable, sensitive, confidential or regulated data (collectively, "Company Data")) used in connection with their businesses, and to the Company's knowledge, there have been no breaches, violations, outages or unauthorized uses of or accesses to same, except for those that have been remedied without material cost or liability or the duty to notify any other person, nor any incidents under internal review or investigations relating to the same; the Company and its subsidiaries are presently in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, internal policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Company Data and to the protection of such IT Systems and Company Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ee) No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) included in any of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus has been made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ff) Nothing has come to the attention of the Company that has caused the Company to believe that the statistical and market-related data included in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus is not based on or derived from sources that are reliable and accurate in all material respects;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(gg) There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company or, to the knowledge of the Company, any of the Company's directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply with any provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act"), including Section 402 related to loans and Sections 302 and 906 related to certifications, that are then in effect and with which the Company is required to comply as of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(hh) Neither the Company nor any of its affiliates has taken or will take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that could reasonably be expected to cause or result in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in connection with the offering of the Shares;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The Company and each of its subsidiaries have such permits, licenses, approvals, consents, franchises, certificates of need and other approvals or authorizations of governmental or regulatory authorities ("Permits") as are necessary under applicable law to own their respective properties and conduct their respective businesses in the manner described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, except for any of the foregoing that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received notice of any proceedings related to the revocation or modification of any such Permits that, individually or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(jj) The Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are insured against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which they are engaged and as required by law; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(kk) From the time of initial confidential submission of a registration statement relating to the Shares with the Commission filing of the Initial Registration Statement through the date hereof, the Company has been and is an "emerging growth company" as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Act (an "Emerging Growth Company").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ll) The mineral reserve estimates contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus are derived from a report that has been prepared by John T. Boyd Company, and such estimates (i) fairly reflect, in all material respects, the mineral reserves attributable to the Kermit and Monahans facilities at the date indicated therein and (ii) were calculated in accordance with standard mining engineering procedures used in the sand industry

------

and applicable government reporting requirements and applicable law. All assumptions used in the calculation of the mineral reserve estimates contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus were and are reasonable in connection with (i) the procedures described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus and (ii) all applicable guidelines and industry standards of the Commission applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved. John T. Boyd Company, which prepared the reports upon which the estimates of the mineral reserves of the Company disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus were based, is an independent mining engineer and for the periods set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(mm) In connection with any offer and sale of Reserved Securities outside the United States, each Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, complied and will comply in all material respects with any applicable laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions in which the same is distributed. The Company has not offered, or caused Merrill Lynch to offer, Reserved Securities to any person with the specific intent to unlawfully influence (i) a customer or supplier of the Company or any of its affiliates to alter the customer's or supplier's level or type of business with any such entity or (ii) a trade journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company or any of its affiliates, or their respective businesses or products.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(nn) The Company has specifically directed in writing the allocation of Shares to each Invitee, and neither Merrill Lynch nor any other Underwriter has had any involvement or influence, directly or indirectly, in such allocation decision.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, (a) the Company agrees to issue and sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at a purchase price per share of $16.857, the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto and (b) in the event and to the extent that the Underwriters shall exercise the election to purchase Optional Shares as provided below, the Company agrees to issue and sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at the purchase price per share set forth in clause (a) of this Section 2 (provided that the purchase price per Optional Share shall be reduced by an amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the Firm Shares but not payable on the Optional Shares), that portion of the number of Optional Shares as to which such election shall have been exercised (to be adjusted by you so as to eliminate fractional shares) determined by multiplying such number of Optional Shares by a fraction, the numerator of which is the maximum number of Optional Shares which such Underwriter is entitled to purchase as set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto and the denominator of which is the maximum number of Optional Shares that all of the Underwriters are entitled to purchase hereunder.

The Company hereby grants to the Underwriters the right to purchase at their election up to 2,700,000 Optional Shares, at the purchase price per share set forth in the paragraph above, provided, however, that the purchase price per Optional Share shall be reduced by an amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the Firm Shares but not payable on the Optional Shares. Any such election to purchase Optional Shares may be exercised only by written notice from you to the Company, given within a period of 30 calendar days after the date of this Agreement, setting forth the aggregate number of Optional Shares to be purchased and the date on which such Optional Shares are to be delivered, as determined by you but in no event earlier than the First Time of Delivery (as defined in Section 4 hereof) or, unless you and the Company otherwise agree in writing, earlier than two or later than ten business days after the date of such notice.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Upon the authorization by you of the release of the Shares, the several Underwriters propose to offer the Shares for sale upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. (a) The Shares to be purchased by each Underwriter hereunder, in definitive or book-entry form, and in such authorized denominations and registered in such names as the Representatives may request upon at least forty-eight hours' prior notice to the Company shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the Representatives, through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), for the account of such Underwriter, against payment by or on behalf of such Underwriter of the purchase price therefor by wire transfer of federal (same-day) funds to the account specified by the Company to the Representatives at least forty-eight hours in advance. The Company will cause the certificates, if any, representing the Shares to be made available for checking and packaging at least twenty-four hours prior to the Time of Delivery (as defined below) with respect thereto at the office of DTC or its designated custodian (the "Designated Office"). The time and date of such delivery and payment shall be, with respect to the Firm Shares, 9:30 a.m., New York City time, on March 13, 2023 or such other time and date as the Representatives and the Company may agree upon in writing, and, with respect to the Optional Shares, 9:30 a.m., New York time, on the date specified by the Representatives in the written notice given by the Representatives of the Underwriters' election to purchase such Optional Shares, or such other time and date as the Representatives and the Company may agree upon in writing. Such time and date for delivery of the Firm Shares is herein called the "First Time of Delivery," such time and date for delivery of the Optional Shares, if not the First Time of Delivery, is herein called the "Second Time of Delivery," and each such time and date for delivery is herein called a "Time of Delivery."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The documents to be delivered at each Time of Delivery by or on behalf of the parties hereto pursuant to Section 8 hereof, including the cross receipt for the Shares and any additional documents requested by the Underwriters pursuant to Section 8(l) hereof, will be delivered at the offices of Latham & Watkins LLP, 301 Congress Avenue, Suite 900, Austin, TX 78701 (the "Closing Location"), and the Shares will be delivered at the Designated Office, all at such Time of Delivery. A meeting will be held at the Closing Location at 6:00 p.m., New York City time, on the New York Business Day preceding such Time of Delivery, at which meeting the final drafts of the documents to be delivered pursuant to the preceding sentence will be available for review by the parties hereto. For the purposes of this Section 4, "New York Business Day" shall mean each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City are generally authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. The Company agrees with each of the Underwriters:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) To prepare the Prospectus in a form approved by you and to file such Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act not later than the Commission's close of business on the second business day following the execution and delivery of this Agreement, or, if applicable, such earlier time as may be required by Rule 430A under the Act; to make no further amendment or any supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus prior to the last Time of Delivery which shall be disapproved by you promptly after reasonable notice thereof; to advise you, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the time when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective or any amendment or supplement to the

------

Prospectus has been filed and to furnish you with copies thereof; to file promptly all material required to be filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act; to advise you, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or other prospectus in respect of the Shares, of the suspension of the qualification of the Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing of the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for additional information; and, in the event of the issuance of any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or other prospectus or suspending any such qualification, to promptly use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of such order;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Promptly from time to time to take such action as you may reasonably request to qualify the Shares for offering and sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as you may request and to comply with such laws so as to permit the continuance of sales and dealings therein in such jurisdictions for as long as may be necessary to complete the distribution of the Shares, provided, however, that in connection therewith the Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation (where not otherwise required) or to file a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction (where not otherwise required);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the New York Business Day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and from time to time, to furnish the Underwriters with written and electronic copies of the Prospectus in New York City in such quantities as you may reasonably request, and, if the delivery of a prospectus (or in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) is required at any time prior to the expiration of nine months after the time of issue of the Prospectus in connection with the offering or sale of the Shares and if at such time any event shall have occurred as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made when such Prospectus (or in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) is delivered, not misleading, or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary during such same period to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to comply with the Act to notify you and upon your request to prepare and furnish without charge to each Underwriter and to any dealer in securities as many written and electronic copies as you may from time to time reasonably request of an amended Prospectus or a supplement to the Prospectus which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance; and in case any Underwriter is required to deliver a prospectus (or in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) in connection with sales of any of the Shares at any time nine months or more after the time of issue of the Prospectus, upon your request but at the expense of such Underwriter, to prepare and deliver to such Underwriter as many written and electronic copies as you may request of an amended or supplemented Prospectus complying with Section 10(a)(3) of the Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) To make generally available to its securityholders as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than sixteen months after the effective date of the Registration Statement (as defined in Rule 158(c) under the Act), an earnings statement of the Company and its subsidiaries (which need not be audited) complying with Section 11(a) of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158);

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Company (the "Amended and Restated Charter") that will be in effect immediately following the First Time of Delivery will include the provisions, which shall be substantially in the form of Annex IV hereto (the "Lock-Up Provisions"), and which prohibit the transfer, sale, pledge or other disposition by each Legacy Owner (as defined in the Registration Statement and the Pricing Disclosure Package) of (or entry into any transaction or device that is designed to, or could be expected to, result in the disposition at any time in the future of) any shares of Class A common stock or securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any shares of Class A Common Stock for a period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the 180th day after the date of the Prospectus (the "Lock-Up Period");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) During the Lock-Up Period, the Company will not take any actions or steps to amend, restate and/or change the Amended and Restated Charter in a manner inconsistent with the Lock-Up Provisions and will not waive the Lock-Up Provisions without the prior written consent of the Representatives and will take all reasonably necessary actions to preserve the Lock-Up Provisions during the Lock-Up Period. The Company will direct its transfer agent to place stop transfer restrictions upon the securities subject to the Lock-Up Provisions and the Company will not, during the Lock-Up Period, deliver any instruction or opinion of counsel to its transfer agent permitting the removal of such stop transfer restrictions without the prior written consent of the Representatives;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) (1) During the Lock-Up Period, not to (i) offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with or confidentially submit to the Commission a registration statement under the Act relating to, any securities of the Company that are substantially similar to the Shares, including but not limited to any options or warrants to purchase shares of Stock or any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, Stock or any such substantially similar securities, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Stock or any such other securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise (other than the Shares to be sold hereunder or pursuant to employee stock option plans existing on, or upon the conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities outstanding as of, the date of this Agreement), without the prior written consent of the Representatives; provided, however, that the foregoing restrictions shall not apply to (A) any shares of Stock or any securities or other awards (including without limitation options, restricted stock or restricted stock units) convertible into, exercisable for, or that represent the right to receive, shares of Stock (collectively, "Incentive Awards") issued pursuant to any stock option plan, incentive plan or stock purchase plan of the Company (collectively, the "Company Stock Plans") or pursuant to equity compensation arrangements described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (B) any shares of Stock issued upon the conversion, exercise or exchange of convertible, exercisable or exchangeable securities described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or any shares of Stock vested or exercised pursuant to Incentive Awards, (C) the filing of a registration statement on Form S-8 relating to securities granted or to be granted pursuant to the terms of a Company Stock Plan in effect as of and described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (D) the issuance of securities in connection with the Corporate Reorganization (as defined in the Registration Statement and the Pricing Disclosure Package in the section titled "Corporate Reorganization") and (E) the issuance of Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Stock as consideration for the acquisition of equity interests or assets of any person, or the acquisition by the Company by any other manner of any business, properties, assets or persons, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, or the filing of a registration statement relating to such securities; provided that with respect to clause (E) above no more than an aggregate of 10% of the number of shares of the Company's capital stock outstanding immediately after the issuance and sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement are issued;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) If the Representatives, in their sole discretion, agree to release or waive the restrictions set forth in a lock-up letter described in Section 8(j) hereof for an officer or director of the Company and provides the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver at least three business days before the effective date of the release or waiver, the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver by a press release substantially in the form of Annex II hereto through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) To furnish to its stockholders as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year an annual report (including a balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries certified by independent public accountants) and, as soon as practicable after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year (beginning with the fiscal quarter ending after the effective date of the Registration Statement), to make available to its stockholders consolidated summary financial information of the Company and its subsidiaries for such quarter in reasonable detail (which may be satisfied by filing with the Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) System);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) During a period of three years from the effective date of the Registration Statement, to furnish to you copies of all reports or other communications (financial or other) furnished to stockholders, and to deliver to you (i) as soon as they are available, upon request, copies of any reports and financial statements furnished to or filed with the Commission or any national securities exchange on which any class of securities of the Company is listed; and (ii) such additional information concerning the business and financial condition of the Company as you may from time to time reasonably request (such financial statements to be on a consolidated basis to the extent the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries are consolidated in reports furnished to its stockholders generally or to the Commission); provided, however, that the obligations described in this <u>Section</u> <u>5(i)</u> may be satisfied by any filing of such reports or communications with the Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (EDGAR) System);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) To use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement in the manner specified in the Pricing Prospectus under the caption "Use of Proceeds";

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) To use its best efforts to list, subject to notice of issuance, the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) To file with the Commission such information on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K as may be required by Rule 463 under the Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) If the Company elects to rely upon Rule 462(b), the Company shall file a Rule 462(b) Registration Statement with the Commission in compliance with Rule 462(b) by 10:00 P.M., Washington, D.C. time, on the date of this Agreement, and the Company shall at the time of filing either pay to the Commission the filing fee for the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement or give irrevocable instructions for the payment of such fee pursuant to Rule 111 under the Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) Upon reasonable request of any Underwriter, to furnish, or cause to be furnished, to such Underwriter an electronic version of the Company's trademarks, servicemarks and corporate logo for use on the website, if any, operated by such Underwriter for the purpose of facilitating the on-line offering of the Shares (the "License"); provided, however, that the License shall be used solely for the purpose described above, is granted without any fee and may not be assigned or transferred by such Underwriter;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) To promptly notify you if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company at any time prior to the later of (i) completion of the distribution of the Shares within the meaning of the Act and (ii) the last Time of Delivery; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) The Company hereby agrees that it will ensure that the Reserved Securities will be restricted as required by FINRA or the FINRA rules from sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or hypothecation for a period of three months following the date of this Agreement. Merrill Lynch will notify the Company as to which persons will need to be so restricted. At the request of the Underwriters, the Company will direct the transfer agent to place a stop transfer restriction upon such securities for such period of time. Should the Company release, or seek to release, from such restrictions any of the Reserved Securities, the Company agrees to reimburse Merrill Lynch for any reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, legal expenses) they incur in connection with such release.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. (a) The Company represents and agrees that, without the prior consent of the Representatives, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Shares that would constitute a "free writing prospectus" as defined in Rule 405 under the Act; each Underwriter represents and agrees that, without the prior consent of the Company and the Representatives, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Shares that would constitute a free writing prospectus required to be filed with the Commission; any such free writing prospectus the use of which has been consented to by the Company and the Representatives is listed on Schedule II(a) hereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Company has complied and will comply with the requirements of Rule 433 under the Act applicable to any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, including timely filing with the Commission or retention where required and legending; and the Company represents that it has satisfied and agrees that it will satisfy the conditions under Rule 433 under the Act to avoid a requirement to file with the Commission any electronic road show;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company agrees that if at any time following issuance of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Written Testing-the-Waters Communication any event occurred or occurs as a result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Written Testing-the-Waters Communication would conflict with the information in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances then prevailing, not misleading, the Company will give prompt notice thereof to the Representatives and, if requested by the Representatives, will prepare and furnish without charge to each Underwriter an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or other document which will correct such conflict, statement or omission**;**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company represents and agrees that (i) it has not engaged in, or authorized any other person to engage in, any Testing-the-Waters Communications, other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the prior consent of the Representatives with entities that the Company reasonably believes are qualified institutional buyers as defined in Rule 144A under the Act or institutions that are accredited investors as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7) or (a)(8) under the Act; and (ii) it has not distributed, or authorized any other person to distribute, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications, other than those distributed with the prior consent of the Representatives that are listed on Schedule II(c) hereto; and the Company reconfirms that the Underwriters have been authorized to act on its behalf in engaging in Testing-the-Waters Communications;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Each Underwriter represents and agrees that any Testing-the-Waters Communications undertaken by it were with entities that such Underwriter reasonably believes are qualified institutional buyers as defined in Rule 144A under the Act or institutions that are accredited investors as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7) or (a)(8) under the Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. The Company covenants and agrees with the several Underwriters that the Company will pay or cause to be paid the following: (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Company's counsel and accountants in connection with the registration of the Shares under the Act and all other expenses in connection with the preparation, printing, reproduction and filing of the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the Prospectus and amendments and supplements thereto and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers; (ii) the cost of printing or producing any Agreement among Underwriters, this Agreement, the Blue Sky Memorandum, closing documents (including any compilations thereof) and any other documents in connection with the offering, purchase, sale and delivery of the Shares; (iii) all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Shares for offering and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 5(b) hereof, including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with such qualification and in connection with the Blue Sky survey; (iv) all expenses incurred by the Company in connection with any "road show" presentation to potential investors (provided that all expenses related to chartered aircraft in connection with any "road show" presentation shall be split 50% by the Company and 50% by the Underwriters); (v) all fees and expenses in connection with listing the Shares on the Exchange; (vi) the filing fees incident to, and the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with, any required review by FINRA of the terms of the sale of the Shares (provided such fees and disbursements of counsel do not exceed $50,000 in the aggregate); (vii) the cost of preparing stock certificates; (viii) the cost and charges of any transfer agent or registrar; (ix) all costs and expenses of Merrill Lynch , including the fees and disbursements of counsel for Merrill Lynch in an amount not to exceed $20,000, in connection with matters related to the Reserved Securities which are designated by the Company for sale to Invitees; and (x) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder which are not otherwise specifically provided for in this Section. It is understood, however, that, except as provided in this Section, and Sections 9 and 12 hereof, the Underwriters will pay all of their own costs and expenses, including the fees of their counsel, stock transfer taxes on resale of any of the Shares by them and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. The obligations of the Underwriters hereunder, as to the Shares to be delivered at each Time of Delivery, shall be subject, in their discretion, to the condition that all representations and warranties and other statements of the Company herein are, at and as of the Applicable Time and such Time of Delivery, true and correct, the condition that the Company shall have performed all of its obligations hereunder theretofore to be performed, and the following additional conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Prospectus shall have been filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by the rules and regulations under the Act and in accordance with Section 5(a) hereof; all material required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act shall have been filed with the Commission within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by Rule 433; if the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 462(b) under the Act, the Rule 462(b) Registration

------

Statement shall have become effective by 10:00 P.M., Washington, D.C. time, on the date of this Agreement; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof shall have been issued and no proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Act shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; no stop order suspending or preventing the use of the Pricing Prospectus, Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; and all requests for additional information on the part of the Commission shall have been complied with to your reasonable satisfaction;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, shall have furnished to you such written opinion or opinions (a form of each such opinion is attached as Annex I(a) hereto), dated such Time of Delivery, in form and substance satisfactory to you, and such counsel shall have received such papers and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., counsel for the Company, shall have furnished to you their written opinion (a draft of such opinion is attached as Annex I(b) hereto), dated such Time of Delivery, in form and substance satisfactory to you, and such counsel shall have received such papers and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) On the date of the Prospectus at a time prior to the execution of this Agreement, at 9:30 a.m., New York City time, on the effective date of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement and also at each Time of Delivery, Ernst & Young LLP shall have furnished to you a letter or letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof, in form and substance satisfactory to you;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) On the date of the Prospectus and at each Time of Delivery, John T. Boyd Company shall have furnished to you a letter or letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to you; 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) (i) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall have sustained since the date of the latest audited financial statements included in the Pricing Prospectus any loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus, and (ii) since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Pricing Prospectus there shall not have been any change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any change or effect, or any development involving a prospective change or effect, in or affecting (A) the business, properties, general affairs, management, financial position, stockholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus, or (B) the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement, including the issuance and sale of the Shares, or to consummate the transactions contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, the effect of which, in any such case described in clause (i) or (ii), is in your judgment so material and adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Shares being delivered at such Time of Delivery on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) On or after the Applicable Time (i) no downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded the Company's debt securities or preferred stock by any "nationally recognized statistical rating organization," as that term is defined by the Commission under Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act, and (ii) no such organization shall have publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review, with possible negative implications, its rating of any of the Company's debt securities or preferred stock;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) On or after the Applicable Time there shall not have occurred any of the following: (i) a suspension or material limitation in trading in securities generally on the Exchange or on the Nasdaq Stock Market; (ii) a suspension or material limitation in trading in the Company's securities on the Exchange; (iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities declared by either federal or New York state authorities or a material disruption in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services in the United States; (iv) the outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving the United States or the declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war; or (v) the occurrence of any other calamity or crisis or any change in financial, political or economic conditions in the United States or elsewhere, if the effect of any such event specified in clause (iv) or (v) in your judgment makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Shares being delivered at such Time of Delivery on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Shares to be sold at such Time of Delivery shall have been duly listed, subject to notice of issuance, on the Exchange;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) The Company shall have obtained and delivered to the Underwriters executed copies of an agreement from each officer, director and stockholder of the Company listed on Schedule III hereto, substantially to the effect set forth in Annex III hereto in form and substance satisfactory to you;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) The Company shall have complied with the provisions of Section 5(c) hereof with respect to the furnishing of prospectuses on the New York Business Day next succeeding the date of this Agreement; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) The Company shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to you at such Time of Delivery certificates of officers of the Company satisfactory to you as to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company herein at and as of such Time of Delivery, as to the performance by the Company of all of its obligations hereunder to be performed at or prior to such Time of Delivery, as to the matters set forth in subsections (a) and (g) of this Section and as to such other matters as you may reasonably request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. (a) The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which such Underwriter may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any "roadshow" as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Act (a "roadshow"), any "issuer information" filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act or any Testing-the-Waters Communication, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in the case of the Registration Statement, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in the case of any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any roadshow, any "issuer information" filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act or any

------

Testing-the-Waters Communication, and will reimburse each Underwriter for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Underwriter in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Testing-the-Waters Communication, in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In connection with the offer and sale of the Reserved Securities, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Merrill Lynch, its Affiliates and selling agents and each person, if any, who controls Merrill Lynch within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending, investigating or settling any such action or claim), as incurred, (i) arising out of the violation of any applicable laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions where Reserved Securities have been offered, (ii) arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any material prepared by or with the consent of the Company for distribution to Invitees in connection with the offering of the Reserved Securities or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (iii) caused by the failure of any Invitee to pay for and accept delivery of Reserved Securities which have been orally confirmed for purchase by any Invitee by 11:59 P.M. (New York City time) on the date of the Agreement or (iv) related to, or arising out of or in connection with, the offering of the Reserved Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, will indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Company may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, or any roadshow or any Testing-the-Waters Communication, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, or any roadshow or any Testing-the-Waters Communication, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in the case of the Registration Statement, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in the case of any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any roadshow, any "issuer information" filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act or any Testing-the-Waters Communication, in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information; and will reimburse the Company for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred. As used in this Agreement with respect to an Underwriter and an applicable document, "Underwriter Information" shall mean the written information furnished to the Company by such

------

Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein; it being understood and agreed upon that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the following information in the Prospectus furnished on behalf of each Underwriter: the concession and reallowance figures appearing in the fifth paragraph under the caption "Underwriting," and the information contained in the nineth, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth paragraphs relating to stabilization by the Underwriters under the caption "Underwriting."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under subsection (a) or (b) above, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; provided, however, that the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have under the preceding subsection (a) or (b) above except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure; and provided further that the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to an indemnified party otherwise than under the preceding subsection (a) or (b) above. In case any such action shall be brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party), and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under such subsection for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by such indemnified party, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified party is an actual or potential party to such action or claim) unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (i) includes an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to, or an admission of, fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other from the offering of the Shares. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus. The

------

relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or the Underwriters on the other and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection (d) were determined by *pro rata* allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this subsection (d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations in this subsection (d) to contribute are several in proportion to their respective underwriting obligations and not joint.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The obligations of the Company under this Section 9 shall be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each employee, officer and director of each Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Act and each broker-dealer or other affiliate of any Underwriter; and the obligations of the Underwriters under this Section 9 shall be in addition to any liability which the respective Underwriters may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each officer and director of the Company (including any person who, with his or her consent, is named in the Registration Statement as about to become a director of the Company) and to each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. (a) If any Underwriter shall default in its obligation to purchase the Shares which it has agreed to purchase hereunder at a Time of Delivery, you may in your discretion arrange for you or another party or other parties to purchase such Shares on the terms contained herein. If within thirty-six hours after such default by any Underwriter you do not arrange for the purchase of such Shares, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of thirty-six hours within which to procure another party or other parties satisfactory to you to purchase such Shares on such terms. In the event that, within the respective prescribed periods, you notify the Company that you have so arranged for the purchase of such Shares, or the Company notifies you that it has so arranged for the purchase of such Shares, you or the Company shall have the right to postpone such Time of Delivery for a period of not more than seven days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or in any other documents or arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which in your opinion may thereby be made necessary. The term "Underwriter" as used in this Agreement shall include any person substituted under this Section with like effect as if such person had originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to such Shares.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by you or the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the aggregate number of such Shares which remains unpurchased does not exceed one-eleventh of the aggregate number of all the Shares to be purchased at such Time of Delivery, then the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the number of shares which such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder at such Time of Delivery and, in addition, to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase its pro rata share (based on the number of Shares which such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder) of the Shares of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for which such arrangements have not been made; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from any liability it may have to the Company or any non-defaulting Underwriter for damages caused by its default.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by you and the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the aggregate number of such Shares which remains unpurchased exceeds one-eleventh of the aggregate number of all the Shares to be purchased at such Time of Delivery, or if the Company shall not exercise the right described in subsection (b) above to require non-defaulting Underwriters to purchase the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters, then this Agreement (or, with respect to the Second Time of Delivery, the obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and of the Company to sell the Optional Shares) shall thereupon terminate, without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company, except for the expenses to be borne by the Company and the Underwriters as provided in Section 7 hereof and the indemnity and contribution agreements in Section 9 hereof; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. The respective indemnities, rights of contribution, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Company and the several Underwriters, as set forth in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of them, respectively, pursuant to this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any termination of this Agreement or any investigation (or any statement as to the results thereof) made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any director, officer, employee, affiliate or controlling person of any Underwriter, or the Company, or any officer or director or controlling person of the Company, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. If this Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to Section 10 hereof, the Company shall not then be under any liability to any Underwriter except as provided in Sections 7 and 9 hereof; but, if for any other reason, any Shares are not delivered by or on behalf of the Company as provided herein or the Underwriters decline to purchase the Shares for any reason permitted under this Agreement, the Company will reimburse the Underwriters through you for all out-of-pocket expenses approved in writing by you, including fees and disbursements of counsel, reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in making preparations for the purchase, sale and delivery of the Shares not so delivered, but the Company shall then be under no further liability to any Underwriter except as provided in Sections 7 and 9 hereof. For avoidance of doubt, if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 10, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse a defaulting Underwriter for out of pocket costs and expenses (including the fees and expenses of their counsel) incurred by such defaulting Underwriter in connection with this Agreement and the offering contemplated hereby.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. In all dealings hereunder, the Representatives shall act on behalf of each of the Underwriters, and the parties hereto shall be entitled to act and rely upon any statement, request, notice or agreement on behalf of any Underwriter made or given by you jointly or by the Representatives on behalf of you as the Representatives.

------

All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in writing, and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to you as the representatives in care of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC**,** 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282-2198, Attention: Registration Department; BofA Securities, Inc., One Bryant Park, New York, New York 10036, email: dg.ecm_execution_services@bofa.comm, Attention: Syndicate Department, with a copy to dg.ecm_legal@bofa.com, Attention: ECM Legal; or Piper Sandler & Co., 800 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, Attention: Registration Department; and if to the Company to Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., 5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500, Austin, Texas 78730, email: dvoelter@atlassand.com, Attention: Dathan Voelter, with a copy to Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., 200 West 6<sup>th</sup> Street, Suite 2500, Austin, Texas 78701, email: <u>tzentner@velaw.com</u>, Attention: Thomas G. Zentner; provided, however, that any notice to an Underwriter pursuant to Section 9(d) hereof shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to such Underwriter at its address set forth in its Underwriters' Questionnaire, or telex constituting such Questionnaire, which address will be supplied to the Company by you upon request; provided, however, that notices under subsection 5(g) shall be in writing, and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to you as the representatives in care of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282-2198, Attention: Control Room; BofA Securities, Inc., One Bryant Park, New York, New York 10036, email: dg.ecm_execution_services@bofa.com, Attention: Syndicate Department, with a copy to dg.ecm_legal@bofa.com, Attention: ECM Legal; or Piper Sandler & Co., 800 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402. Any such statements, requests, notices or agreements shall take effect upon receipt thereof.

In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the underwriters are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their respective clients, including the Company, which information may include the name and address of their respective clients, as well as other information that will allow the underwriters to properly identify their respective clients.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Underwriters, the Company and, to the extent provided in Sections 9 and 11 hereof, the officers and directors of the Company and each person who controls the Company or any Underwriter, or any director, officer, employee or affiliate of any Underwriter, and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement. No purchaser of any of the Shares from any Underwriter shall be deemed a successor or assign merely by reason of such purchase.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15. Time shall be of the essence of this Agreement. As used herein, the term "business day" shall mean any day when the Commission's office in Washington, D.C. is open for business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16. The Company acknowledges and agrees that (i) the purchase and sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement is an arm's-length commercial transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and the several Underwriters, on the other, (ii) in connection therewith and with the process leading to such transaction each Underwriter is acting solely as a principal and not the agent or fiduciary of the Company, (iii) no Underwriter has assumed an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to the offering contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether such Underwriter has advised or is

------

currently advising the Company on other matters) or any other obligation to the Company except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement, (iv) the Company has consulted its own legal and financial advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate and (v) none of the activities of the Underwriters in connection with the transactions contemplated herein constitute a recommendation, investment advice or solicitation of any action by the Underwriters with respect to any entity or natural person. The Company agrees that it will not claim that the Underwriters have rendered advisory services of any nature or respect, or owe a fiduciary or similar duty to the Company, in connection with such transaction or the process leading thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between the Company and the Underwriters, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18. **This Agreement and any transaction contemplated by this Agreement and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related thereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflict of laws that would results in the application of any other law than the laws of the State of New York. The Company agrees that any suit or proceeding arising in respect of this Agreement or any transaction contemplated by this Agreement will be tried exclusively in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York or, if that court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, in any state court located in The City and County of New York and the Company agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of, and to venue in, such courts.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19. The Company and each of the Underwriters hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20. This Agreement may be executed by any one or more of the parties hereto in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company is authorized to disclose to any persons the U.S. federal and state income tax treatment and tax structure of the potential transaction and all materials of any kind (including tax opinions and other tax analyses) provided to the Company relating to that treatment and structure, without the Underwriters imposing any limitation of any kind. However, any information relating to the tax treatment and tax structure shall remain confidential (and the foregoing sentence shall not apply) to the extent necessary to enable any person to comply with securities laws. For this purpose, "tax structure" is limited to any facts that may be relevant to that treatment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22. Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) As used in this section:

"BHC Act Affiliate" has the meaning assigned to the term "affiliate" in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k).

"Covered Entity" means any of the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) a "covered entity" as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) a "covered bank" as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) a "covered FSI" as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

"Default Right" has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

"U.S. Special Resolution Regime" means each of (A) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (B) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us one for the Company and each of the Representatives plus one for each counsel counterparts hereof, and upon the acceptance hereof by you, on behalf of each of the Underwriters, this letter and such acceptance hereof shall constitute a binding agreement between each of the Underwriters and the Company. It is understood that your acceptance of this letter on behalf of each of the Underwriters is pursuant to the authority set forth in a form of Agreement among Underwriters, the form of which shall be submitted to the Company for examination upon request, but without warranty on your part as to the authority of the signers thereof.

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Very truly yours, | Very truly yours, |
| Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. | Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
|  | Name: John Turner |
|  | Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Accepted as of the date hereof: | Accepted as of the date hereof: |
| Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC |
| By: | /s/ Charles Park |
|  | Name: Charles Park |
|  | Title: Managing Director |
| BofA Securities, Inc. | BofA Securities, Inc. |
| By: | /s/ Ray Craig |
|  | Name: Ray Craig |
|  | Title: Managing Director |
| Piper Sander & Co. | Piper Sander & Co. |
| By: | /s/ Ira H. Green, Jr. |
|  | Name: Ira H. Green, Jr. |
|  | Title: Managing Director |
| On behalf of each of the Underwriters | On behalf of each of the Underwriters |

---

------

**SCHEDULE I** 

**[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.]** 

------

**SCHEDULE II** 

**[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.]** 

------

**SCHEDULE III** 

**[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.]** 

------

**ANNEX I(a)** 

**FORM OF OPINION FOR COUNSEL FOR THE UNDERWRITERS** 

**[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.]** 

------

**ANNEX I(b)** 

**FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY** 

**[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.]** 

------

**ANNEX II** 

**[Form of Press Release]** 

**[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.]** 

------

**ANNEX III** 

**Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.** 

**Form of Lock-Up Agreement** 

**[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.]** 

------

**ANNEX IV** 

**FORM OF LOCK-UP PROVISIONS** 

**[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.]**

## Exhibit 2.1

**Exhibit 2.1** 

***Execution Version***

------

**MASTER REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT** 

**by and among** 

**Atlas Sand Management Company, LLC,** 

**Atlas Sand Company, LLC,** 

**Atlas Sand Holdings, LLC,** 

**Atlas Sand Operating, LLC,** 

**Atlas Sand Holdings II, LLC,** 

**Atlas Sand Management Company II, LLC,** 

**Atlas Sand Merger Sub, LLC,** 

**and** 

**Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.** 

------

**March 8, 2023** 

------

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | <u>Page</u> |
| ARTICLE I | ARTICLE I |  |
| DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION | DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION |  |
|  Section 1.1. | Definitions | 1 |
|  Section 1.2. | Effective Time; Closing Time | 4 |
|  Section 1.3. | Heading; References; Interpretation | 4 |
| ARTICLE II | ARTICLE II |  |
| RESTRUCTURING ACTIONS AND RELATED MATTERS | RESTRUCTURING ACTIONS AND RELATED MATTERS |  |
|  Section 2.1. | The Merger Transactions | 4 |
|  Section 2.2. | Amendment and Restatement of Atlas Sand LLC Agreement, Atlas Operating LLC Agreement | 5 |
|  Section 2.3. | First Contribution Transactions | 6 |
|  Section 2.4. | Second Contribution Transactions | 7 |
|  Section 2.5. | Distribution Transactions | 7 |
|  Section 2.6. | Third Contribution Transactions | 8 |
|  Section 2.7. | Cancellation of Common Stock | 9 |
| ARTICLE III | ARTICLE III |  |
| INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING AND RELATED MATTERS | INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING AND RELATED MATTERS |  |
|  Section 3.1. | Underwriting Agreement | 9 |
|  Section 3.2. | Registration Rights Agreement | 9 |
|  Section 3.3. | Stockholders' Agreement | 9 |
|  Section 3.4. | Use of IPO Proceeds | 10 |
| ARTICLE IV | ARTICLE IV |  |
| REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |  |
|  Section 4.1. | Organization | 10 |
|  Section 4.2. | Authority; Enforceability | 10 |
|  Section 4.3. | Consents and Approvals; No Violations | 11 |
|  Section 4.4. | Ownership of Interests | 11 |
|  Section 4.5. | Bankruptcy | 11 |
|  Section 4.6. | Litigation | 11 |
|  Section 4.7. | Independent Investigation | 11 |
|  Section 4.8. | No Tax Representations | 11 |
| ARTICLE V | ARTICLE V |  |
| MISCELLANEOUS | MISCELLANEOUS |  |
|  Section 5.1. | Consents; Deemed Amendment to Agreements | 12 |
|  Section 5.2. | Deed; Bill of Sale; Assignment | 12 |
|  Section 5.3. | Further Assurances | 12 |

---

i

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  Section 5.4. | Termination | 12.0 |
|  Section 5.5. | Notices | 12.0 |
|  Section 5.6. | Successors and Assigns; No Third Party Rights | 12.0 |
|  Section 5.7. | Severability | 12.0 |
|  Section 5.8. | Waivers and Amendments | 12.0 |
|  Section 5.9. | Entire Agreement; Survival | 13.0 |
|  Section 5.10. | Governing Law | 13.0 |
|  Section 5.11. | Counterparts | 13.0 |

---

**<u>Schedules</u>**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Schedule 1.1(a) | ASMC Upstairs Holders |
| Schedule 1.1(b) | Holdings Upstairs Holders |

---

**<u>Exhibits</u>**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Exhibit A | Form of Certificate of Merger |
| Exhibit B | Form of A&R LLC Agreement of Holdings |
| Exhibit C | Form of Fifth A&R LLC Agreement of Atlas Sand LLC |
| Exhibit D | Form of A&R LLC Agreement of Atlas Operating |
| Exhibit E | Form of A&R LLC Agreement of Holdings II |
| Exhibit F | Form of A&R LLC Agreement of ASMC II |
| Exhibit G | Form of Registration Rights Agreement |
| Exhibit H | Form of Stockholders' Agreement |

---

ii

------

**MASTER REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT** 

This Master Reorganization Agreement (this "<u>Agreement</u>"), dated effective as of March 8, 2023, is entered into by and among Atlas Sand Management Company, LLC, a Texas limited liability company ("<u>ASMC</u>"), Atlas Sand Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("<u>Atlas Sand LLC</u>"), Atlas Sand Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("<u>Holdings</u>"), Atlas Sand Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("<u>Atlas Operating</u>"), Atlas Sand Holdings II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("<u>Holdings II</u>"), Atlas Sand Management Company II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("<u>ASMC II</u>"), Atlas Sand Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("<u>Merger Sub</u>"), and Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation ("<u>PubCo</u>" and, together with each other signatory to this Agreement, each, a "<u>Party</u>" and collectively, the "<u>Parties</u>").

**RECITALS** 

**WHEREAS**, the Parties wish to facilitate an initial public offering (the "<u>IPO</u>") of PubCo, which will be effected using an "Up-C" structure that entails, among other things, offering to the public shares of the Class A common stock of PubCo, par value $0.01 per share ("<u>Class</u> <u>A Shares</u>"), pursuant to, and as more fully described in, a registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Registration No. 333-269488; and

**WHEREAS**, in connection with the IPO, the Parties desire to effect the restructurings and other transactions set forth in this Agreement, which will occur on the terms and in the sequence set forth herein.

**NOW, THEREFORE**, in consideration of the foregoing and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereby agree as follows, and further agree that the actions set forth in <u>ARTICLE II</u> will be deemed to take place in the sequence in which they appear in <u>ARTICLE II</u> except as otherwise expressly set forth herein.

**ARTICLE I** 

**DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION** 

**Section 1.1. <u>Definitions</u>**. In addition to terms defined in the body of this Agreement, the following capitalized terms have the following meanings:

"<u>ASMC Class</u> <u>A Units</u>" means ASMC Units designated as "Class A Units" pursuant to the ASMC LLC Agreement.

"<u>ASMC Class</u> <u>B Units</u>" means ASMC Units designated as "Class B Units" pursuant to the ASMC LLC Agreement.

"<u>ASMC LLC Agreement</u>" means the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of ASMC LLC, dated as of March 7, 2023, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to date of this Agreement.

------

"<u>ASMC LTIP Units</u>" means the ASMC Units designated as "Class P Units" pursuant to the ASMC LLC Agreement.

"<u>ASMC Units</u>" means units representing limited liability company interests in ASMC.

"<u>ASMC Upstairs Holders</u>" means certain Persons holding ASMC Class A Units and/or ASMC Class B Units as of immediately prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.5</u> and identified on <u>Schedule 1.1(a)</u> hereto.

"<u>ASMC II Interests</u>" means the limited liability company interests in ASMC II.

"<u>ASMC II LLC Agreement</u>" means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of ASMC II, dated as of November 18, 2022, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the date of this Agreement.

"<u>Atlas Operating LLC Agreement</u>" means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Atlas Operating, dated as of November 18, 2022, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the date of this Agreement.

"<u>Atlas Sand Class</u> <u>A Units</u>" means Atlas Sand Units designated as "Class A Units" pursuant to the Atlas Sand LLC Agreement.

"<u>Atlas Sand Class</u> <u>C Units</u>" means Atlas Sand Units designated as "Class C Units" pursuant to the Atlas Sand LLC Agreement.

"<u>Atlas Sand Class</u> <u>D Units</u>" means Atlas Sand Units designated as "Class D Units" pursuant to the Atlas Sand LLC Agreement.

"<u>Atlas Sand LLC Agreement</u>" means the Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Atlas Sand LLC, dated as of March 7, 2023, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to date of this Agreement.

"<u>Atlas Sand LTIP Units</u>" means Atlas Sand Units designated as "Class P Units" pursuant to the Atlas Sand LLC Agreement.

"<u>Atlas Sand Members</u>" means the holders of the Atlas Sand Units issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time.

"<u>Atlas Sand Units</u>" means units representing limited liability company interests in Atlas Sand LLC.

"<u>Class</u> <u>B Shares</u>" means shares of the Class B common stock of PubCo, par value $0.01 per share.

"<u>Code</u>" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

------

"<u>Form 8-A</u>" means the registration statement on Form 8-A filed by PubCo with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to register the Class A Shares.

"<u>Governmental Authority</u>" means the United States of America and any foreign country, any state, commonwealth, territory or possession thereof and any political subdivision or quasi-governmental authority of any of the same, including any court, tribunal, department, commission, board, bureau, agency, county, municipality, province, parish or other instrumentality of any of the foregoing.

"<u>Holdings Interests</u>" means the limited liability company interests in Holdings.

"<u>Holdings LLC Agreement</u>" means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Holdings, dated as of November 18, 2022, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to date of this Agreement.

"<u>Holdings Upstairs Holders</u>" means certain Persons holding Holdings Class A Units, Holdings Class C Units and/or Holdings Class D Units as of immediately prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.5</u> and identified on <u>Schedule 1.1(b)</u> hereto.

"<u>Holdings II Interests</u>" means the limited liability company interests in Holdings II.

"<u>Holdings II LLC Agreement</u>" means the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Holdings II, dated as of November 18, 2022, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to date of this Agreement.

"<u>IPO Pricing</u>" means such date and time as the board of directors of PubCo or a pricing committee thereof determines the public offering price of shares of Class A Shares in the IPO, such date and time to be no later than immediately prior to the execution of the Underwriting Agreement.

"<u>Law</u>" means any applicable federal, state, provincial, municipal, local or foreign statute, law, treaty, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, order or rule of common law.

"<u>LTIP Holders</u>" means the Persons holding ASMC LTIP Units and Holdings LTIP Units as of immediately prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.5</u>.

"<u>Person</u>" means any natural person, limited liability company, corporation, limited partnership, general partnership, joint stock company, joint venture, association, company, trust, bank trust company, land trust, business trust, or other organization, whether or not a legal entity, and any government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

"<u>Treasury Regulations</u>" means the regulations promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended from time to time.

------

**Section 1.2. <u>Effective Time; Closing Time</u>**. This Agreement is effective at the time all Parties have released the signatures hereto as of the date hereof, which, for the avoidance of doubt, is on the date of IPO Pricing and prior to the time at which the Form 8-A becomes effective. References to the "<u>Closing Time</u>" in this Agreement refer to 12:01 a.m. Austin, Texas time on the date of the initial closing of the IPO.

**Section 1.3. <u>Heading; References; Interpretation</u>**. All Article and Section headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and will 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, 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 will, unless the context requires a different construction, be deemed to be references to the Articles and Sections of this Agreement and the Exhibits attached hereto, 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, will include all other genders, and the singular will include the plural and vice versa. The use herein of the word "including" following any general statement, term or matter will 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 will 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.

**ARTICLE II** 

**RESTRUCTURING ACTIONS AND RELATED MATTERS** 

**Section 2.1. <u>The Merger Transactions</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Pursuant to the certificate of merger in the form attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u> (the "<u>Certificate of Merger</u>"), which was filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on the date hereof and became effective at the time of its filing (the "<u>Merger Effective Time</u>"), Merger Sub merged with and into Atlas Sand LLC, with Atlas Sand LLC surviving the merger (the "<u>Merger</u>") as a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Atlas Operating.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In connection with the Merger, effective as of the Merger Effective Time and simultaneously with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.1(c)</u>, (i) the Holdings LLC Agreement is hereby amended and restated in the form attached hereto as <u>Exhibit B</u> (the "<u>Holdings A&R LLC Agreement</u>") in order to, among other things, recapitalize the Holdings Interests to be represented by four classes of units designated thereunder as "Class A Units" ("<u>Holdings Class</u> <u>A Units</u>"), "Class C Units" ("<u>Holdings Class</u> <u>C Units</u>"), "Class D Units" ("<u>Holdings Class</u> <u>D Units</u>") and "Class P Units" ("<u>Holdings LTIP Units</u>"), having the respective rights and obligations ascribed thereto as provided under the Holdings A&R LLC Agreement; and (ii) Holdings shall adopt the "Holdings Long Term Incentive Plan" in substantially the form attached as Exhibit B to the Holdings A&R LLC Agreement in order to govern the Holdings LTIP Units.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) By virtue of the Merger, and in each case effective as of the Merger Effective Time and simultaneously with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.1(b)</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the Atlas Sand Class A Units held by the Atlas Sand Members as of immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time shall be exchanged on a one-for-one basis, for Holdings Class A Units;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the Atlas Sand Class C Units held by the Atlas Sand Members as of immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time shall be exchanged on a one-for-one basis for Holdings Class C Units;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the Atlas Sand Class D Units held by the Atlas Sand Members as of immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time shall be exchanged on a one-for-one basis for Holdings Class D Units; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) the Atlas Sand LTIP Units held by the Atlas Sand Members as of immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time will be exchanged on a one-for-one basis for Holdings LTIP Units.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) By virtue of the Merger and effective as of the Merger Effective Time, (i) all outstanding limited liability company interests in Merger Sub (all of which shall be owned by Atlas Operating as of immediately prior to the Merger Effective Time) shall automatically be cancelled and extinguished, (ii) in exchange therefor, Atlas Operating shall receive all of the outstanding limited liability company interests in Atlas Sand LLC, and (iii) the separate existence of Merger Sub shall cease.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) This <u>Section</u> <u>2.1</u>, together with any related definitions and other provisions of this Agreement, constitutes an agreement and plan of merger for purposes of the Certificate of Merger and applicable Law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The Parties intend, for U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes, that the Merger shall be treated as a continuation of a partnership (Atlas Sand LLC) under Section 708(a) of the Code in accordance with the principles of Revenue Rulings 66-264, 84-52 and 95-37, with Holdings being treated as the continuation of Atlas Sand LLC and the persons holding equity securities in Atlas Sand LLC immediately prior to giving effect to the Merger being treated as continuing members in the same partnership (now Holdings).

**Section 2.2. <u>Amendment and Restatement of Atlas Sand LLC Agreement, Atlas Operating LLC Agreement</u><u>, Holdings II LLC Agreement and ASMC II LLC Agreement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.1</u>, the Atlas Sand LLC Agreement is hereby amended and restated in the form attached hereto as <u>Exhibit C</u>, in order to, among other things, reflect the admission of Atlas Operating as the sole member of Atlas Sand LLC as a result of the Merger and to provide for the classification of Atlas Sand LLC as an entity disregarded as separate from Holdings for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.1</u>, the Atlas Operating LLC Agreement is hereby amended and restated in the form attached hereto as <u>Exhibit D</u>, in order to set forth certain terms in contemplation of the IPO and transactions contemplated hereby, including those providing for the limited liability company interests in Atlas Operating being represented by a single class of units designated as "Common Units" ("<u>Operating Units</u>"), initially consisting of 82,000,000 Operating Units, and for the designation of PubCo as the managing member of Atlas Operating upon PubCo's admission as a member in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.6(a)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.1</u>, (i) the Holdings II LLC Agreement is hereby amended and restated in the form attached hereto as <u>Exhibit E</u> **(**the "<u>Holdings II A&R LLC Agreement</u>") in order to, among other things, recapitalize the Holdings II Interests to be represented by four classes of units designated thereunder as "Class A Units" ("<u>Holdings II Class</u> <u>A Units</u>"), "Class C Units" ("<u>Holdings II Class</u> <u>C Units</u>"), "Class D Units" ("<u>Holdings II Class</u> <u>D Units</u>") and "Class P Units" ("<u>Holdings II LTIP Units</u>"), in each case, having the respective rights and obligations ascribed thereto as provided under the Holdings II A&R LLC Agreement; and (ii) Holdings II shall adopt the "Holdings II Long Term Incentive Plan" in substantially the form attached as Exhibit B to the Holdings II A&R LLC Agreement in order to govern the Holdings II LTIP Units.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.1</u>, (i) the ASMC II LLC Agreement is hereby amended and restated in the form attached hereto as <u>Exhibit F</u> (the "<u>ASMC II A&R LLC Agreement</u>") in order to, among other things, recapitalize the ASMC II Interests to be represented by three classes of units designated thereunder as "Class A Units" ("<u>ASMC II Class</u> <u>A Units</u>"), "Class C Units" ("<u>ASMC II Class</u> <u>B Units</u>") and "Class P Units" ("<u>ASMC II LTIP Units</u>"), in each case, having the respective rights and obligations ascribed thereto as provided under the ASMC II A&R LLC Agreement; and (ii) ASMC II shall adopt the "ASMC II Long Term Incentive Plan" in substantially the form attached as Exhibit B to the ASMC II A&R LLC Agreement in order to govern the ASMC II LTIP Units.

**Section 2.3. <u>First Contribution Transactions</u>**. Immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.2</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Holdings hereby contributes, conveys, transfers and delivers to ASMC II all right, title and interest in and to 10,967,674 of the Operating Units held by Holdings (the "<u>Subject Operating Units</u>") and, in exchange therefor, ASMC II hereby issues, conveys, transfers and delivers to Holdings a total of 11,807,133 ASMC II Class A Units (the "<u>Outstanding ASMC II Class</u> <u>A Units</u>"), 49,238,015 ASMC II Class B Units (the "<u>Outstanding ASMC II Class</u> <u>B Units</u>") and 21,698 ASMC II LTIP Units (the "<u>Outstanding ASMC II LTIP Units</u>" and, together with the Outstanding ASMC II Class B Units and the Outstanding ASMC II Class A Units, the "<u>Outstanding ASMC II Interests</u>"); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Holdings hereby contributes, conveys, transfers and delivers to Holdings II all right, title and interest in and to 25,924,433 of the Operating Units held by Holdings and, in exchange therefor, Holdings II hereby issues, conveys, transfers and delivers to Holdings a total of 4,161,252 Holdings II Class A Units (the "<u>Outstanding Holdings II Class</u> <u>A Units</u>"), 94,639,647 Holdings II Class C Units (the "<u>Outstanding Holdings II Class</u> <u>C Units</u>"), 45,492,305 Holdings II Class D Units (the "<u>Outstanding Holdings II Class</u> <u>D Units</u>") and 62,517 Holdings II LTIP Units (the "<u>Outstanding Holdings II LTIP Units</u>").

------

**Section 2.4. <u>Second Contribution Transactions</u>**. Immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.3</u>, ASMC II hereby contributes, conveys, transfers and delivers to Holdings II all right, title and interest in and to all of the Subject Operating Units and, in exchange therefor, Holdings II hereby issues, conveys, transfers and delivers 61,045,148 Holdings II Class A Units to ASMC II. Immediately following the transactions contemplated by this <u>Section</u> <u>2.4</u>, Holdings and Holdings II shall own collectively 100% of the Operating Units then issued and outstanding.

**Section 2.5. <u>Distribution Transactions</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.4</u>, the following transactions shall be consummated in the order in which they appear below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) in exchange for and in redemption of 61,045,148 of the Holdings Class A Units held by ASMC, Holdings hereby distributes all of the Outstanding ASMC II Interests to ASMC;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) (A) in exchange for and in full redemption of the Holdings Class A Units then held by any Holdings Upstairs Holder, Holdings hereby distributes to such Holdings Upstairs Holder in accordance with the Holdings A&R LLC Agreement an equal number of the Outstanding Holdings II Class A Units, (B) in exchange for and in full redemption of the Holdings Class C Units then held by any Holdings Upstairs Holder, Holdings hereby distributes to such Holdings Upstairs Holder in accordance with the Holdings A&R LLC Agreement an equal number of the Outstanding Holdings II Class C Units, and (C) in exchange for and in full redemption of the Holdings Class D Units then held by any Holdings Upstairs Holder, Holdings hereby distributes to such Holdings Upstairs Holder in accordance with the Holdings A&R LLC Agreement an equal number of the Outstanding Holdings II Class D Units;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) in exchange for and in redemption of 70.15% of the Holdings LTIP Units then held by each LTIP Holder, Holdings hereby distributes to such LTIP Holder in accordance with the Holdings A&R LLC Agreement an equal number of the Outstanding Holdings II LTIP Units;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) (A) in exchange for and in full redemption of the ASMC Class A Units then held by any ASMC Upstairs Holder, ASMC hereby distributes to such ASMC Upstairs Holder in accordance with the ASMC LLC Agreement an equal number of the Outstanding ASMC II Class A Units, and (B) in exchange for and in full redemption of the ASMC Class B Units then held by any ASMC Upstairs Holder, ASMC hereby distributes to such ASMC Upstairs Holder in accordance with the ASMC LLC Agreement an equal number of the Outstanding ASMC II Class B Units; and

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) in exchange for and in redemption of 24.35% of the ASMC LTIP Units then held by each LTIP Holder, ASMC hereby distributes to such LTIP Holder in accordance with the ASMC LLC Agreement an equal number of the Outstanding ASMC II LTIP Units.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Immediately following the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.5(a)</u>, (i) the Holdings Upstairs Holders will collectively hold all of the Outstanding Holdings II Class A Units, Outstanding Holdings II Class C Units and Outstanding Holdings II Class C Units, (ii) the ASMC Upstairs Holders will collectively own all of the Outstanding ASMC II Class A Units and Outstanding ASMC II Class B Units and (iii) the LTIP Holders will collectively own all of the Outstanding Holdings II LTIP Units and Outstanding ASMC II LTIP Units.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Parties intend, for U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes, that the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.3</u>, <u>Section</u> <u>2.4</u> and <u>Section</u> <u>2.5(a)</u>, taken together:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) (A) shall constitute a partnership division governed by Section 708(b)(2)(B) of the Code and Treasury Regulations § 1.708-1(d), with Holdings constituting the "divided partnership" and the division taking the "assets-over" form with Holdings II (a new partnership) for such purposes, and (B) in connection with the "assets-over" form described in the foregoing <u>clause (A)</u>, consistent with the deemed transactions described in Revenue Ruling 99-5, 1999-1 C.B. 434, each of Holdings and Holdings II will then be deemed to contribute its portion of Atlas Operating's assets (the underlying assets of Atlas Sand LLC) to Atlas Operating (a new partnership) in exchange for Operating Units pursuant to Section 721 of the Code; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) shall constitute a partnership division governed by Section 708(b)(2)(B) of the Code and Treasury Regulations § 1.708-1(d), with ASMC constituting the "divided partnership" and the division taking the "assets-over" form with ASMC II (a new partnership) for such purposes.

**Section 2.6. <u>Third Contribution Transactions</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.5</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) (A) Holdings II hereby contributes, conveys, transfers and delivers to PubCo all right, title and interest in and to 36,892,107 Operating Units, which constitute all of the Operating Units held by Holdings II immediately prior to such contribution, and (B) in consideration therefor, PubCo hereby issues 36,892,107 Class A Shares to Holdings II; and then

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) (A) Holdings hereby contributes, conveys, transfers and delivers to PubCo all right, title and interest in and to 2,255,395 of the Operating Units (and retains 42,852,499 of the Operating Units) and all voting rights with respect to the Operating Units retained by Holdings and (B) in consideration therefor, PubCo hereby issues 2,255,395 Class A Shares and 42,852,499 Class B Shares to Holdings.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Immediately following the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.6(a)</u>, (i) PubCo and Holdings shall collectively own 100% of the Operating Units then issued and outstanding and (ii) PubCo shall be admitted as the managing member of Atlas Operating.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Parties intend, for U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes, that the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.6(a)</u>, together with the exchange of cash for Class A Shares in the IPO, shall constitute a tax-deferred contribution under Section 351 of the Code.

**Section 2.7. <u>Cancellation of Common Stock</u>**. Immediately following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>2.6</u>, PubCo hereby redeems from Atlas Sand LLC, and Atlas Sand LLC hereby conveys, transfers and delivers to PubCo, the 1,000 shares of common stock of PubCo, par value $0.01 per share, issued to Atlas Sand LLC in connection with the incorporation of PubCo on February 3, 2022 (the "<u>Initial Shares</u>") for an aggregate redemption price of $10.00. Atlas Sand LLC hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Secretary of PubCo to transfer the Initial Shares on the books of PubCo with full power of substitution in the premises. Following their transfer to PubCo, the Initial Shares shall be deemed to have been cancelled and no longer be outstanding effective simultaneously with the issuance and sale by PubCo of Class A Shares at the initial closing of the IPO.

**ARTICLE III** 

**INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING AND RELATED MATTERS** 

**Section 3.1. <u>Underwriting Agreement</u>**. Prior to the Closing Time, PubCo shall have entered into an underwriting agreement relating to the IPO (the "<u>Underwriting Agreement</u>") with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, BofA Securities, Inc. and Piper Sandler & Co., as representatives of the several underwriters named in Schedule I thereto (the "<u>Underwriters</u>"); subject to the right of each party to elect to not enter into an Underwriting Agreement at it sole discretion. Each Party agrees that all of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be conditioned upon and subject to the Underwriters being willing and able to close the IPO in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement.

**Section 3.2. <u>Registration Rights Agreement</u>**. Effective immediately following the transactions described in <u>ARTICLE II</u>, PubCo shall enter into a Registration Rights Agreement, in the form attached hereto as <u>Exhibit G</u> (the "<u>RRA</u>"), with the Initial Holders (as defined in the RRA) named therein, pursuant to which, among other things, PubCo shall agree to provide the Initial Holders with certain rights with respect to the registrable securities under the RRA, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein.

**Section 3.3. <u>Stockholders</u><u>'</u> <u>Agreement</u>**. Effective immediately following the transactions described in <u>ARTICLE II</u>, PubCo shall enter into a Stockholders' Agreement, in the form attached hereto as <u>Exhibit H</u> (the "<u>SHA</u>"), with the Principal Stockholders (as defined in the SHA) named therein, pursuant to which the parties thereto shall set forth certain understandings among themselves, as provided therein.

------

**Section 3.4. <u>Use of IPO Proceeds</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) PubCo shall contribute all of the net cash proceeds received by it from the IPO to Atlas Operating in exchange for the issuance by Atlas Operating to PubCo of a number of Operating Units equal to the number of Class A Shares issued and sold by PubCo to the Underwriters in connection with the initial closing of the IPO. Atlas Operating shall, immediately following its receipt of such net cash proceeds from PubCo, contribute all of such net cash proceeds to Atlas Sand LLC for no consideration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) PubCo shall, immediately following any closing of the issuance and sale of Class A Shares pursuant to the Underwriters' option to purchase additional Class A Shares in the IPO (the "<u>Option</u>"), contribute all of the net cash proceeds received by it pursuant to the Option to Atlas Operating in exchange for the issuance by Atlas Operating to PubCo of a number of the Operating Units equal to the number of Class A Shares issued and sold by PubCo to the Underwriters in connection with the closing of such exercise of the Option. Atlas Operating shall, immediately following its receipt of such net cash proceeds from PubCo, contribute all of such net cash proceeds to Atlas Sand LLC for no consideration.

**ARTICLE IV** 

**REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES** 

Each Party hereby represents and warrants, solely with respect to itself, to the other Parties as follows:

**Section 4.1. <u>Organization</u>**. Such Party is a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company, as applicable, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (where such concept exists) under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, and has all requisite corporate, partnership or limited liability company, as applicable, power and authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted, except where the failure to have such power, authority and governmental approvals would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on such Party or on the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

**Section 4.2. <u>Authority; Enforceability</u>**. Such Party has the requisite corporate, limited partnership, limited liability company or other power and authority, as applicable, to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by such Party of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions have been duly authorized by its board of directors or other governing body, as applicable, and no other action is necessary to authorize the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement or the performance of its obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Party, and, assuming due and valid authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the other Parties hereto, this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

------

**Section 4.3. <u>Consents and Approvals; No Violations</u>**. None of the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by such Party, or compliance by it with any of the provisions hereof, do, nor will, (a) conflict with or result in any breach of any provision of the certificate of incorporation and by-laws, partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or similar organizational documents of such Party, as applicable, (b) require any filing with, or permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any Governmental Authority or (c) violate any Law applicable to such Party or any of its properties or assets, excluding from the foregoing <u>clauses (b)</u> and <u>(c)</u> such filings, permits, authorizations, consents, violations, breaches, defaults, rights, obligations or encumbrances that (x) have been obtained or made or will be obtained or made at the time so required or (y) would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on such Party or on the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

**Section 4.4. <u>Ownership of Interests</u>**. Each Party contributing, issuing, delivering or exchanging interests hereby, owns all such interests free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, security interest, equities, charges or claims, other than as disclosed in the IPO registration statement. There are no preferential rights to purchase, rights of first refusal or similar rights that are applicable to the contribution, issuance, delivery or exchange of such interests in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby which have not been waived by the Person holding such rights.

**Section 4.5. <u>Bankruptcy</u>**. There are no bankruptcy, reorganization, receivership or other insolvency type proceedings pending, being contemplated by or, to such Party's knowledge, threatened against such Party.

**Section 4.6. <u>Litigation</u>**. No suit, action or litigation by any Person by or before any tribunal or Governmental Authority is pending or, to such Party's knowledge, threatened against such Party or its affiliates that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect upon the ability of such Party to perform its obligations hereunder or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

**Section 4.7. <u>Independent Investigation</u>**. Each Party has reviewed with, or has had opportunity to consult with, their own independent legal and tax advisors regarding the transactions contemplated hereby, including the U.S. federal, state, local, foreign and other tax consequences of the transactions contemplated hereby and hereby acknowledges that none of PubCo, Atlas Sand LLC or any of their respective advisors (including Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.) has provided to such Party any such legal or tax advice regarding the transactions contemplated hereby.

**Section 4.8. <u>No Tax Representations</u>**. Each Party acknowledges and agrees that PubCo and Atlas Sand LLC are making no representation or warranty as to the U.S. federal, state, local, foreign or other tax consequences to any Party hereto as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each Party understands that such Party (and PubCo or Atlas Sand LLC) will be responsible for such Party's own tax liability that may arise as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby.

------

**ARTICLE V** 

**MISCELLANEOUS** 

**Section 5.1. <u>Consents; Deemed Amendment to Agreements</u>**. To the extent required under applicable Law or the governing documents of any of the Parties or any documents to which they are party, each Party hereby acknowledges that this Agreement constitutes the written consent of such Party to each of the agreements and transactions described herein, including in its capacity as a member or manager of any other Party.

**Section 5.2. <u>Deed; Bill of Sale; Assignment</u>**. To the extent required and permitted by applicable Law, this Agreement will also constitute a "deed," "bill of sale," "stock power" or "assignment" of the assets, shares and membership and other interests referenced herein, as well as an amendment of the relevant agreements, without the need for any further assignment or transfer document.

**Section 5.3. <u>Further Assurances</u>**. Each of the Parties hereby agrees to execute, acknowledge and deliver all such additional assignments, stock or unit powers, conveyances, instruments, notices and other documents, and to do all such other acts and things, all in accordance with applicable Law, as may be necessary or appropriate (a) to more fully assure that the applicable Parties own all of the properties, rights, titles, interests, estates, remedies, powers and privileges granted by this Agreement, or which are intended to be so granted, (b) to more fully and effectively vest in the applicable Parties and their respective successors and assigns beneficial and record title to the interests and shares contributed and assigned by this Agreement or intended to be so and (c) to more fully and effectively carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.

**Section 5.4. <u>Termination</u>**. This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force or effect if the IPO has not been completed by 11:59 p.m. Austin, Texas time on April 31, 2023.

**Section 5.5. <u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered, sent by nationally recognized overnight courier, mailed by registered or certified mail or be sent by facsimile or electronic mail to such Party at 5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500, Austin, Texas 78730 (or such other address as shall be specified by like notice).

**Section 5.6. <u>Successors and Assigns; No Third Party Rights</u>**. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and assigns. This Agreement is not intended to, and does not, create rights in any other Person, and no Person is or is intended to be a third-party beneficiary of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

**Section 5.7. <u>Severability</u>**. 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 will not invalidate the entire Agreement. Instead, this Agreement will be construed as if it did not contain the particular provision or provisions held to be invalid, and an equitable adjustment will 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 5.8. <u>Waivers and Amendments</u>**. Any waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement, or any amendment or supplement to this Agreement, will be effective only if in writing and signed by the Parties. A waiver of any breach or failure to enforce any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement will not in any way affect, limit or waive a Party's rights hereunder at any time to enforce strict compliance thereafter with every term or condition of this Agreement.

------

**Section 5.9. <u>Entire Agreement; Survival</u>**. This Agreement, together with the agreements and other documents referenced herein, constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties pertaining to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of the Parties pertaining thereto. The provisions of this Agreement (including the representations and warranties hereunder) shall survive the initial closing of the IPO, and shall continue indefinitely.

**Section 5.10. <u>Governing Law</u>**. This Agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware.

**Section 5.11. <u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including by facsimile or other electronic means) with the same effect as if all Parties had signed the same document.

*[Signature Pages Follow]* 

------

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, this Agreement has been duly executed by each of the Parties as of the date first written above.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ATLAS SAND MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC** | **ATLAS SAND MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |
| **ATLAS SAND COMPANY, LLC** | **ATLAS SAND COMPANY, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |
| **ATLAS SAND HOLDINGS, LLC** | **ATLAS SAND HOLDINGS, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |
| **ATLAS SAND OPERATING, LLC** | **ATLAS SAND OPERATING, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |
| **ATLAS SAND HOLDINGS II, LLC** | **ATLAS SAND HOLDINGS II, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |
| **ATLAS SAND MANAGEMENT COMPANY II, LLC** | **ATLAS SAND MANAGEMENT COMPANY II, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO MASTER REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT]

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ATLAS SAND MERGER SUB, LLC** | **ATLAS SAND MERGER SUB, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |
| **ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** | **ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO MASTER REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT]

------

**<u>Schedule 1.1(a)</u>**

**ASMC Upstairs Holders** 

**[Intentionally Omitted.]** 

SCHEDULE 1.1(A) TO MASTER REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT

(PAGE 1 OF 6)

------

**<u>Schedule 1.1(b)</u>**

**Holdings Upstairs Holders** 

**[Intentionally Omitted.]** 

SCHEDULE 1.1(B) TO MASTER REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT

(PAGE 1 OF 1)

------

**<u>EXHIBIT A</u>**

**Form of Certificate of Merger** 

**[Intentionally Omitted.]** 

------

**<u>EXHIBIT B</u>**

**Form of A&R LLC Agreement of Holdings** 

**[Intentionally Omitted.]** 

------

**<u>EXHIBIT C</u>**

**Form of Fifth A&R LLC Agreement of Atlas Sand LLC** 

**[Intentionally Omitted.]** 

------

**<u>EXHIBIT D</u>**

**Form of A&R LLC Agreement of Atlas Operating** 

**[Intentionally Omitted.]** 

------

**<u>EXHIBIT E</u>**

**Form of A&R LLC Agreement of Holdings II** 

**[Intentionally Omitted.]** 

------

**<u>EXHIBIT F</u>**

**Form of A&R LLC Agreement of ASMC II** 

**[Intentionally Omitted.]** 

------

**<u>EXHIBIT G</u>**

**Form of Registration Rights Agreement** 

**[Intentionally Omitted.]** 

------

**<u>EXHIBIT H</u>**

**Form of Stockholders' Agreement** 

**[Intentionally Omitted.]**

## Exhibit 3.1

**Exhibit 3.1** 

**AMENDED AND RESTATED** 

**CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION** 

**OF** 

**ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** 

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. (the "***Corporation***"), a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as set forth in Title 8 of the Delaware Code (as it currently exists or may hereafter be amended, the "***DGCL***"), hereby certifies as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (the "***Original Certificate of Incorporation***") was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on February 3, 2022.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which restates, integrates and also further amends the Original Certificate of Incorporation, has been declared advisable by the board of directors of the Corporation (the "***Board***"), duly adopted by the stockholders of the Corporation and duly executed and acknowledged by an authorized officer of the Corporation in accordance with Sections 103, 228, 242 and 245 of the DGCL. References to this "***Certificate of Incorporation***" herein refer to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, restated, supplemented and otherwise modified from time to time (including by any Preferred Stock Designation as defined in this Certificate of Incorporation).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. The Original Certificate of Incorporation is hereby amended, integrated and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

**ARTICLE I** 

**NAME** 

SECTION 1.1. <u>Name</u>. The name of the Corporation is Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

**ARTICLE II** 

**REGISTERED AGENT** 

SECTION 2.1. <u>Registered Agent</u>. The address of its registered office in the State of Delaware is 251 Little Falls Drive, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19808. The name of the Corporation's registered agent at such address is Corporation Service Company.

**ARTICLE III** 

**PURPOSE** 

SECTION 3.1. <u>Purpose</u>. The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted by the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL, and the Corporation shall have the power to perform all lawful acts and activities.

**ARTICLE IV** 

**CAPITALIZATION** 

SECTION 4.1. <u>Number of Shares</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) The total number of shares of stock that the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is 2,000,000,000 shares of stock, classified as:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) 500,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share ("***Preferred Stock***");

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) 1,000,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("***Class A Common Stock***"); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) 500,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("***Class B Common Stock***" and, together with the Class A Common Stock, the "***Common Stock***").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) Subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, the number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock, Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding or reserved for the exercise of outstanding options or warrants or conversion of any authorized and outstanding convertible securities) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto), and no vote of the holders of either Preferred Stock, Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock voting separately as a class shall be required therefor. For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, beneficial ownership of shares shall be determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

SECTION 4.2. <u>Provisions Relating to Preferred Stock</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series, the shares of each series to have such designations and powers, preferences, privileges and rights, and qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, as are stated and expressed herein and in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such series adopted by the Board as hereafter prescribed (a "***Preferred Stock Designation***").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) Subject to any limitations prescribed by law and the rights of any series of the Preferred Stock then outstanding, if any, authority is hereby expressly granted to and vested in the Board to authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock from time to time in one or more series, and with respect to each series of Preferred Stock, to fix and state by the Preferred Stock Designation the designations and powers, preferences, privileges and rights, and qualifications, limitations and restrictions relating to each series of Preferred Stock, including, but not limited to, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) whether or not the series is to have voting rights, full, special or limited, or is to be without voting rights, and whether or not such series is to be entitled to vote as a separate series either alone or together with the holders of one or more other classes or series of stock;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the number of shares to constitute the series and the designation thereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, with respect to any series;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) whether or not the shares of any series shall be redeemable at the option of the Corporation or the holders thereof or upon the happening of any specified event, and, if redeemable, the redemption price or prices (which may be payable or issuable in the form of cash, notes, securities or other property), and the time or times at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such shares shall be redeemable and the manner of redemption;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) whether or not the shares of a series shall be subject to the operation of retirement or sinking funds to be applied to the purchase or redemption of such shares for retirement, and, if such retirement or sinking fund or funds are to be established, the annual amount thereof, and the terms and provisions relative to the operation thereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) the dividend rate, whether dividends are payable in cash, stock of the Corporation or other property, the conditions upon which and the times when such dividends are payable, the preference to or the relation to the payment of dividends payable on any other class or classes or series of stock, whether or not such dividends shall be cumulative or noncumulative, and if cumulative, the date or dates from which such dividends shall accumulate;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) the preferences, if any, and the amounts thereof which the holders of any series thereof shall be entitled to receive upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of, or upon any distribution of the assets of, the Corporation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) whether or not the shares of any series, at the option of the Corporation or the holder thereof or upon the happening of any specified event, shall be convertible into or exchangeable or redeemable for, the shares of any other class or classes or of any other series of the same or any other class or classes or series of stock, securities or other property of the Corporation and the conversion price or prices or ratio or ratios or the rate or rates at which such exchange or redemption may be made, with such adjustments, if any, as shall be stated and expressed or provided for in such resolution or resolutions; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) such other powers, preferences, privileges and rights, protective provisions and qualifications, limitations and restrictions with respect to any series as may to the Board seem advisable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) The shares of each series of Preferred Stock may vary from the shares of any other series thereof in any or all of the foregoing respects. The Board may increase the number of shares of the Preferred Stock designated for any existing series by a resolution adding to such series authorized and unissued shares of the Preferred Stock not designated for any other series. Unless otherwise provided in the Preferred Stock Designation, the Board may decrease the number of shares of the Preferred Stock designated for any existing series by a resolution subtracting from such series authorized and unissued shares of the Preferred Stock designated for such existing series, and the shares so subtracted shall become authorized, unissued and undesignated shares of the Preferred Stock.

SECTION 4.3. <u>Provisions Relating to Common Stock</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) Except as may otherwise be provided in this Certificate of Incorporation, each share of Common Stock shall have identical rights and privileges in every respect. Common Stock shall be subject to the express terms of Preferred Stock and any series thereof. Except as may otherwise be provided in this Certificate of Incorporation or by applicable law, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each such share on all matters to which stockholders are entitled to vote, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and on all other matters upon which stockholders are entitled to vote, and the holders of Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders, other than as provided in any Preferred Stock Designation. Each holder of Common Stock shall be entitled to notice of any stockholders' meeting in accordance with the bylaws of the Corporation (as in effect at the time in question) and applicable law on all matters put to a vote of the stockholders of the Corporation. Except as otherwise required in this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) or by applicable law, the holders of Common Stock shall vote together as a single class on all actions to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation (or, if any holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of Common Stock, the holders of Common Stock and the Preferred Stock shall vote together as a single class).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) or pursuant to the DGCL.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) Subject to the prior rights and preferences, if any, applicable to shares of Preferred Stock or any series thereof, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock shall be entitled to receive ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock held by them such dividends (payable in cash, stock or otherwise), if any, as may be declared thereon by the Board at any time and from time to time out of any funds of the Corporation legally available therefor. Dividends shall not be declared or paid on the Class B Common Stock unless (i) the dividend consists of shares of Class B Common Stock or of

------

rights, options, warrants or other securities convertible or exercisable into or exchangeable or redeemable for shares of Class B Common Stock paid proportionally with respect to each outstanding share of Class B Common Stock and (ii) a dividend consisting of shares of Class A Common Stock or of rights, options, warrants or other securities convertible or exercisable into or exchangeable or redeemable for shares of Class A Common Stock on equivalent terms is simultaneously paid to the holders of Class A Common Stock. If dividends are declared on the Class A Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock that are payable in shares of Common Stock, or securities convertible or exercisable into or exchangeable or redeemable for Common Stock in accordance with this <u>Section</u> <u>4.3(C)</u>, the dividends payable to the holders of Class A Common Stock shall be paid only in shares of Class A Common Stock (or securities convertible or exercisable into or exchangeable or redeemable for Class A Common Stock), the dividends payable to the holders of Class B Common Stock shall be paid only in shares of Class B Common Stock (or securities convertible or exercisable into or exchangeable or redeemable for Class B Common Stock), and such dividends shall be paid in the same number of shares (or fraction thereof) on a per share basis of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, respectively (or securities convertible or exercisable into or exchangeable or redeemable for the same number of shares (or fraction thereof) on a per share basis of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, respectively). In no event shall the shares of either Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock be split, subdivided, combined or reclassified unless the outstanding shares of the other class shall be concurrently proportionately split, subdivided, combined or reclassified in a manner that maintains the same proportionate equity ownership between the holders of the outstanding Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock on the record or effective date for such split, division or combination or reclassification; *provided, however*, that shares of one such class may be split, subdivided, combined or reclassified in a different or disproportionate manner if such split, subdivision, combination or reclassification is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each voting separately as a class.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, after distribution in full of the preferential amounts, if any, to be distributed to the holders of shares of Preferred Stock or any series thereof, and subject to the right of participation, if any, of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock in any dividends, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all of the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock held by them. The holders of shares of Class B Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to receive any assets of the Corporation in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation. A dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the Corporation, as such terms are used in this paragraph (D), shall not be deemed to be occasioned by or to include any consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into any other corporation or corporations or other entity or a sale, lease, exchange or conveyance of all or a part of the assets of the Corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(E) Shares of Class B Common Stock may be issued or transferred only in connection with the simultaneous issuance or transfer of an identical number of Units (as defined below). Any purported issuance or transfer of shares of Class B Common Stock not accompanied by an issuance or transfer of the identical number of Units shall be null and void and of no force or effect. For this purpose "Unit" means a membership interest of Atlas Sand Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or any successor entity, that constitutes a "Unit" as defined in the in the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Atlas Sand Operating, LLC dated as of March 8, 2023, or the limited liability company agreement or other similar document of such successor entity, as the relevant agreement may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time (the "***LLC Agreement***"). The Corporation will at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock that shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the redemption of all outstanding Units that are subject to the Redemption Right (as defined in the LLC Agreement) for shares of Class A Common Stock; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of any such redemption by delivery of cash in lieu of shares of Class A Common Stock in the amount permitted by and provided in the LLC Agreement or shares of Class A Common Stock which are held in the treasury of the Corporation. All shares of Class A Common Stock that shall be issued upon any such redemption will, upon issuance in accordance with the LLC Agreement, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(F) No stockholder shall, by reason of the holding of shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation, have any preemptive or preferential right to acquire or subscribe for any shares or securities of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, which may at any time be issued, sold or offered for sale by the Corporation, unless specifically provided for in a Preferred Stock Designation.

SECTION 4.4. <u>Restrictions on Transfer.</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) No holder of Common Stock that acquired its shares thereof prior to the consummation of the initial public offering of Class A Common Stock (the "IPO," and each such holder an "Initial Stockholder") shall be permitted to, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise transfer or dispose of (collectively, a "Disposition") any Common Stock, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or any rights to purchase or otherwise acquire, which includes engaging in any hedging, collar (whether or not for any consideration) or other transaction that is designed to or reasonably expected to lead or result in a Disposition, any Common Stock held by such Initial Stockholder or acquired by such Initial Stockholder immediately after the consummation of the IPO, or that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by such Initial Stockholder (collectively, the "Lock-Up"), pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), for a period of 180 days following the consummation of the IPO (the "Lock-Up Period"), without the prior written consent of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, BofA Securities, Inc. and Piper Sandler & Co. (the "Representatives"). If an Initial Stockholder executes a separate agreement covering any Dispositions during the Lock-Up Period as may be reasonably requested by the Representatives that is necessary to give further effect hereto, in the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of such separate agreement and this Section 4.4, the terms of such separate agreement shall control. Following the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, the Initial Stockholders may effect a Disposition of all or any portion of their Common Stock, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, policies of the Corporation, this Certificate of Incorporation, the bylaws of the Corporation and any other requirements imposed by the Corporation or the transfer agent and registrar with respect to the Common Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) Notwithstanding Section 4.4(A), the Lock-Up shall not apply to (i) bona fide gifts, sales or other dispositions of shares of any class of the Corporation's capital stock, in each case, that are made exclusively between and among an Initial Stockholder and members of the Initial Stockholder's family, or affiliates of the Initial Stockholder, including its partners (if a partnership) or members (if a limited liability company); provided that it shall be a condition to any transfer pursuant to this clause (i) that (A) the transferee/donee, through its subsequent ownership of such transferred shares of Common Stock, is bound by the restrictions set forth in Section 4.4(A) to the same extent as the transferor/donor, (B) each party (donor, donee, transferor or transferee) shall not be required by law (including without limitation the disclosure requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) to make, and shall agree to not voluntarily make, any filing or public announcement of the transfer or disposition prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, and (C) the Initial Stockholder notifies the Representatives at least two business days prior to the proposed transfer or disposition; (ii) any exercise of options or vesting or exercise of any other equity-based award, in each case, under the Corporation's equity incentive plan or any other plan or agreement described in the prospectus included in the registration statement on Form S-1 filed in connection with the IPO, including any Common Stock withheld by the Corporation for the payment of taxes due upon such exercise or vesting; provided that (A) no filing or public announcement by any party under the Exchange Act or otherwise shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with such exercise or vesting and (B) any Common Stock received upon such exercise or vesting, following any applicable net settlement or net withholding, will also be subject to the Lock-Up; and (iii) the establishment of any contract, instruction or plan that satisfies all of the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 (a "Rule 10b5-1 Plan") under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that no sales of Common Stock or securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, Common Stock, shall be made pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 Plan prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period; provided further, that the Corporation is not required to report the establishment of such Rule 10b5-1 Plan in any public report or filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act during the Lock-Up Period and does not otherwise voluntarily effect any such public filing or report regarding such Rule 10b5-1 Plan.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) Unless the written approval of the Representatives is obtained with respect to a Disposition after the consummation of the IPO until the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, such purported Disposition shall not be effective to transfer record, beneficial, legal or any other ownership of such Common Stock, and the transferee shall not be entitled to any rights as a stockholder of the Corporation with respect to the Common Stock purported to be purchased, acquired or transferred in the Disposition (including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends with respect thereto). Each such share of Common Stock subject to the Lock-Up Period shall bear the following legend (or any substantially similar legend):

**THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO A LOCK-UP PERIOD AS SET FORTH IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** 

**ARTICLE V** 

**DIRECTORS** 

SECTION 5.1. <u>Term and Classes</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by statute or by this Certificate of Incorporation or the bylaws of the Corporation, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) The directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock as specified in the related Preferred Stock Designation, shall be divided, with respect to the time for which they severally hold office, into three classes designated as "***Class I Directors***," "***Class II Directors***" and "***Class III Directors***," as nearly equal in number as is reasonably possible, with the initial term of office of the Class I Directors to expire at the first annual meeting of stockholders following the time at which the initial classification of the Board becomes effective, the initial term of office of the Class II Directors to expire at the second annual meeting of stockholders following the time at which the initial classification of the Board becomes effective, and the initial term of office of the Class III Directors to expire at the third annual meeting of stockholders following the time at which the initial classification of the Board becomes effective, with each director to hold office until such director's successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, subject, however, to such director's earlier death, resignation, disqualification or removal, and the Board shall be authorized to assign members of the Board, other than those directors who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, to such classes. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms then expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election, with each director to hold office until their successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, subject, however, to such director's earlier death, resignation, disqualification or removal.

SECTION 5.2. <u>Vacancies</u>. Subject to applicable law, the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding and the terms of the Stockholders' Agreement among the Corporation and certain of its stockholders, dated as of March 8, 2023 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "***Stockholders' Agreement***"), any newly created directorship that results from an increase in the number of directors or any vacancy on the Board that results from the death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal of any director or from any other cause shall, unless otherwise required by law, be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and shall not be filled by the stockholders. Any director elected to fill a vacancy not resulting from an increase in the number of directors shall hold office for the remaining term of such director's predecessor, or if it is a newly created directorship, shall be included in the class as designated by the Board and shall hold office until the first meeting of stockholders held after their election for the purpose of electing directors of that class and until such director's successor is elected and qualified or until such director's earlier death, resignation or removal from office. No decrease in the number of authorized directors constituting the Board shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

------

SECTION 5.3. <u>Removal</u>. Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any series of Preferred Stock, if any, to elect additional directors pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) and subject to the terms of the Stockholders' Agreement, (A) prior to the Trigger Date (as defined below), any director may be removed from office with or without cause, upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally for the election of directors and (B) from and after the Trigger Date, any director may be removed only for cause, upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally for the election of directors.

SECTION 5.4. <u>Additional Preferred Stock Directors</u>. During any period when the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock have the separate right to elect additional directors as provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation), and upon commencement and for the duration of the period during which such right continues: (A) the then otherwise total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be increased by such number of directors that the holders of any series of Preferred Stock have a right to elect, and the holders of such Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect the additional directors so provided for or fixed pursuant to said provisions; and (B) each such additional director shall serve until such director's successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director's right to hold such office terminates pursuant to said provisions, whichever occurs earlier, subject to such additional director's earlier death, resignation, disqualification or removal. Except as otherwise provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation), whenever the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock having a separate right to elect additional directors cease to have or are otherwise divested of such right pursuant to said provisions, the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such series of Preferred Stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate (in which case each such additional director shall cease to be qualified as a director and shall cease to be a director) and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be automatically reduced accordingly.

SECTION 5.5 <u>Number</u>. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, if any, and the terms of the Stockholders' Agreement, the number of directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant to a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Whole Board. Unless and except to the extent that the bylaws of the Corporation so provide, the election of directors need not be by written ballot. For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, the term "***Whole Board***" shall mean the total number of authorized directors whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships.

SECTION 5.6. <u>Committees</u>. The Board may designate and appoint from among its members one or more committees, which may have one or more members, and may designate one or more of its members as alternate members, who may, subject to any limitations imposed by the Board, replace absent or disqualified members at any meeting of such committee. The stockholders of the Corporation shall have no power to appoint or remove directors as members of committees of the Board, nor to abrogate the power of the Board to establish any such committees or the power of any such committee to exercise the powers and authority of the Board.

**ARTICLE VI** 

**STOCKHOLDER ACTION** 

SECTION 6.1. <u>Stockholder Consents</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) Prior to the date on which the stockholders party to the Stockholders' Agreement (collectively, the "***Principal Stockholders***") and their respective Affiliates (as such term is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>10.2</u>) no longer collectively beneficially own more than a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (the "***Trigger Date***"), any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual meeting or special meeting of

------

the stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote of stockholders, if a consent or consents, setting forth the action so taken, is or are signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and such consent or consents are delivered to the Corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) On and after the Trigger Date, subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock with respect to such series of Preferred Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be taken at a duly held annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be taken by any consent of such stockholders.

**ARTICLE VII** 

**SPECIAL MEETINGS** 

SECTION 7.1. <u>Special Meetings</u>. Special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation, and any proposals to be considered at such meetings, may be called and proposed only by the Executive Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or, pursuant to a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Whole Board, by the Board; *provided*, *however*, that prior to the Trigger Date, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may also be called by the Secretary of the Corporation at the request of the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. The Board shall fix the date, time and place, if any, of such special meeting. On and after the Trigger Date, subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock, the stockholders of the Corporation shall not have the power to call or request a special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters relating to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of meeting. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any special meeting of the stockholders previously.

**ARTICLE VIII** 

**BYLAWS** 

SECTION 8.1. <u>Bylaws</u>. In furtherance of, and not in limitation of, the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware, the Board is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the bylaws of the Corporation by the Board shall require the approval of a majority of the Whole Board. Stockholders shall also have the power to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation; *provided*, *however*, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation, the bylaws of the Corporation may be adopted, altered, amended or repealed by the stockholders of the Corporation only (A) prior to the Trigger Date, by the affirmative vote of holders of not less than a majority of the voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, and (B) on and after the Trigger Date, by the affirmative vote of holders of not less than 66 2/3% in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in the bylaws of the Corporation shall be deemed to limit the ability of the parties to the Stockholders' Agreement to amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Stockholders' Agreement pursuant to the terms thereof, provided that no amendment to the Stockholders' Agreement (whether or not such amendment modifies any provision of the Stockholders' Agreement to which the bylaws of the Corporation are subject) shall amend the bylaws of the Corporation. The bylaws of the Corporation shall not contain any provision inconsistent with this Certificate of Incorporation. No bylaws hereafter made or adopted, nor any repeal of or amendment thereto, shall invalidate any prior act of the Board that was valid at the time it was taken.

------

**ARTICLE IX** 

**LIMITATION OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER LIABILITY** 

SECTION 9.1. <u>Limitation of Director and Officer Liability</u>. No director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, as applicable, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL as it now exists or may hereafter be amended. Any amendment, repeal or modification of this <u>Article IX</u> that purports to limit the liability of a director or officer shall be prospective only and shall not affect any limitation on liability of a director or officer, as applicable, for acts or omissions occurring prior to the date of such amendment, repeal or modification.

**ARTICLE X** 

**CORPORATE OPPORTUNITY** 

SECTION 10.1.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) Designated Parties (defined below) may own substantial equity interests in other entities and may make investments and enter into advisory service agreements and other agreements from time to time. Certain Designated Parties may also serve as employees, partners, officers or directors of other companies and, at any given time, certain Designated Parties may be in direct or indirect competition with the Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. The Corporation renounces, to the maximum extent permitted by law and in accordance with Section 122(17) of the DGCL, all interest and expectancy that it otherwise would be entitled to have in, and all rights to be offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity that from time to time may be presented to the Designated Parties. To the maximum extent permitted by law, no Designated Party shall have any obligation to refrain from: (A) engaging in or managing the same or similar activities or lines of business as the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or developing or marketing any products or services that compete (directly or indirectly) with those of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; (B) investing in or owning any (public or private) interest in any Person engaged in the same or similar activities or lines of business as, or otherwise in competition with, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries (including any Designated Party, a "***Competing Person***"); (C) developing a business relationship with any Competing Person; or (D) entering into any agreement to provide any service(s) to any Competing Person or acting as an officer, director, member, manager or advisor to, or other principal of, any Competing Person, regardless (in the case of each of (A) through (D)) of whether such activities are in direct or indirect competition with the business or activities of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries (the activities described in (A) through (D) are referred to herein as "***Specified Activities***"). To the maximum extent permitted by law, if any Designated Party acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity both for such Designated Party or any of his or her respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and for the Corporation or its subsidiaries, on the other hand, such Designated Party shall have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or business opportunity to the Corporation or its subsidiaries and such Designated Party may take any and all such transactions or opportunities for itself or offer such transactions or opportunities to any other Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this <u>Section</u> <u>10.1(A)</u> shall not apply to any potential transaction or business opportunity that is expressly offered to a director, officer or employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, solely in his or her capacity as a director, officer or employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) Neither the amendment nor repeal of this <u>Article X</u>, nor the adoption of any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, nor, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, any modification of law, shall eliminate, reduce or otherwise adversely affect any right or protection of any person granted pursuant hereto existing at, or arising out of or related to any event, act or omission that occurred prior to, the time of such amendment, repeal, adoption or modification (regardless of when any proceeding (or part thereof) relating to such event, act or omission arises or is first threatened, commenced or completed).

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) If any provision or provisions of this <u>Article X</u> shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance or any reason whatsoever, (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and the remaining provisions of this <u>Article X</u> (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this <u>Article X</u> containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this <u>Article X</u> (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this <u>Article X</u> containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Corporation to protect its directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service to or for the benefit of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in any shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of, and to have consented to, the provisions of this <u>Article X</u>. This <u>Article X</u> shall not limit any protections or defenses available to, or indemnification or advancement rights of, any director or officer of the Corporation under this Certificate of Incorporation, the bylaws of the Corporation or any applicable law.

SECTION 10.2. <u>Definitions</u>. For purposes of this <u>Article X</u>, the following terms have the following definitions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) "***Affiliate***" means, with respect to a specified Person, a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person; with respect to any Designated Party, an "Affiliate" shall include (i) any Person who is the direct or indirect ultimate holder of "equity securities" (as such term is described in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of such Designated Party, and (ii) any investment fund, alternative investment vehicle, special purpose vehicle or holding company that is directly or indirectly managed, advised or controlled by such Designated Party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) "***control***," including the terms "***controlling***," "***controlled by***" and "***under common control with***," means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of the then-outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote, by contract, or otherwise. A person who is the owner of 20% or more of the then-outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote of the Corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity shall be presumed to have control of such entity, in the absence of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a presumption of control shall not apply where such person holds the then-outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote, in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this <u>Section</u> <u>10.2</u>, as an agent, bank, broker, nominee, custodian or trustee for one or more owners who do not individually or as a group have control of such entity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) "***Designated Parties***" means the Principal Stockholders and any member of the Board who is not at the time an officer of the Corporation, and their respective Affiliates (other than the Corporation) and all of their respective interests in other entities (existing and future) that participate in the energy industry, as applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) "***Person***" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, firm, association, trust, estate or other entity.

**ARTICLE XI** 

**BUSINESS COMBINATIONS WITH INTERESTED STOCKHOLDERS** 

SECTION 11.1. <u>Business Combinations with Interested Stockholders</u>. The Corporation shall not be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto) ("***Section 203***"), and the restrictions contained in Section 203 shall not apply to the Corporation, until immediately following the time at which both of the following conditions exist (if ever): (a) Section 203 by its terms would, but for the provisions of this Article XI, apply to the Corporation; and (b) none of the Principal Stockholders own (as defined in Section 203) shares of capital stock of the Corporation representing at least fifteen percent (15%) of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation, and the Corporation shall thereafter be governed by Section 203 if and for so long as Section 203 by its terms shall apply to the Corporation.

------

**ARTICLE XII** 

**AMENDMENT OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION** 

SECTION 12.1. <u>Amendments</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) The Corporation shall have the right, subject to any express provisions or restrictions contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, from time to time, to amend this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision hereof in any manner now or hereafter provided by applicable law, and all rights and powers of any kind conferred upon a director or stockholder of the Corporation by this Certificate of Incorporation or any amendment hereof are subject to such right of the Corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation (and in addition to any other vote that may be required by applicable law or this Certificate of Incorporation), on and after the Trigger Date, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in voting power of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend, alter or repeal any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation; *provided*, *however*, that the amendment, alteration or repeal of <u>Section</u> <u>4.1</u> shall only require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation (and in addition to any other vote that may be required by applicable law or this Certificate of Incorporation), prior to, on and after the Trigger Date, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% in voting power of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required to (i) amend, alter or repeal any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation to (a) include a provision authorized by Section 362(a)(1) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereof) in order for the Corporation to become a "public benefit corporation" (as defined in Section 362(a) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereof)) or (b) otherwise cause or allow the Corporation to become a "public benefit corporation" or similar entity; (ii) merge or consolidate with or into, or convert into, another entity if, as a result of such merger, consolidation or conversion, any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation would become, or be converted into or exchanged for the right to receive, shares or other equity interests in a domestic or foreign "public benefit corporation" or similar entity; or (iii) amend, alter or repeal (by merger, consolidation, conversion or otherwise) this <u>Section</u> <u>12.1(C)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Certificate of Incorporation shall be deemed to limit the ability of the parties to the Stockholders' Agreement to amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Stockholders' Agreement pursuant to the terms thereof, provided that no amendment to the Stockholders' Agreement (whether or not such amendment modifies any provision of the Stockholders' Agreement to which this Certificate of Incorporation is subject) shall amend this Certificate of Incorporation.

**ARTICLE XIII** 

**FORUM SELECTION** 

SECTION 13.1. <u>Exclusive Forum</u>. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, or, if the Superior Court of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, in each case, subject to that court having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named defendants therein)

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation as of March 8, 2023.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** | **ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

*Signature Page to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation*

## Exhibit 3.2

**Exhibit 3.2** 

**AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS** 

**OF** 

**ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** 

**Date of Adoption: March 8, 2023** 

**ARTICLE I** 

**OFFICES AND RECORDS** 

SECTION 1.1. <u>Registered Office</u>. The registered office of Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. (the "***Corporation***") in the State of Delaware shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as it may be amended, restated, supplemented and otherwise modified from time to time (the "***Certificate of Incorporation***"), and the name of the Corporation's registered agent at such address is as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation. The registered office and registered agent of the Corporation may be changed from time to time by the board of directors of the Corporation (the "***Board***") in the manner provided by applicable law.

SECTION 1.2. <u>Other Offices</u>. The Corporation may have such other offices, either within or outside of the State of Delaware, as the Board may designate or as the business of the Corporation may from time to time require.

SECTION 1.3. <u>Books and Records</u>. The books and records of the Corporation may be kept outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may from time to time be designated by the Board.

**ARTICLE II** 

**STOCKHOLDERS** 

SECTION 2.1. <u>Annual Meetings</u>. If required by applicable law, an annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be held for the election of directors at such date, time and place, if any, either within or outside of the State of Delaware, as may be fixed by the Board, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, as the case may be, and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice of such meeting. The Board may postpone, recess, adjourn, reschedule or cancel any annual meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board. Any other proper business may be transacted at the annual meeting.

SECTION 2.2. <u>Special Meetings</u>. Special meetings may be called in the manner as specified in the Certificate of Incorporation.

SECTION 2.3. <u>Record Date</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall, unless otherwise required by applicable law, not be more than 60 nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; *provided, however*, that the Board may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion, exchange or redemption of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall not be more than 60 days prior to such action. If no such record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, in order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action without a meeting, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board. If no record date for determining stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action without a meeting is fixed by the Board, (i) when no prior action of the Board is required by applicable law, the record date for such purpose shall be the first date on which a signed consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation in accordance with applicable law, and (ii) if prior action by the Board is required by applicable law, the record date for such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

SECTION 2.4. <u>Stockholder List</u>. The Corporation shall prepare, no later than the tenth day before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders (*provided, however*, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the 10th day before the meeting date), arranged in alphabetical order for each class of stock and showing the address of each such stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of such stockholder. Nothing contained in this section shall require the Corporation to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least ten days ending on the day before the meeting date, either on a reasonably accessible electronic network (*provided* that the information required to gain access to the list is provided with the notice of the meeting) or during ordinary business hours at the principal place of business of the Corporation. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled by this section to examine the list required by this section or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of the stockholders.

SECTION 2.5. <u>Notice of Meeting</u>. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, notice shall be given not less than ten days nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. The notice shall specify (A) the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting), (B) the place, if any, date and time of such meeting, (C) the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, (D) in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which such meeting is called and (E) such other information as may be required by applicable law or as may be deemed appropriate by the Board, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary of the Corporation. If the stockholder list referred to in <u>Section</u> <u>2.4</u> of these Bylaws is made accessible on an electronic network, the notice of meeting must indicate how the stockholder list can be accessed. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail with postage thereon prepaid, addressed to the stockholder at his or her address as it appears on the stock transfer books of the Corporation. The Corporation may also provide stockholders with notice of a meeting including by electronic transmission in accordance with the requirements of Section 232 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "***DGCL***"). Such further notice shall be given as may be required by applicable law. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the notice of meeting.

------

SECTION 2.6. <u>Quorum and Adjournment of Meetings</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders, except that when specified business is to be voted on by a class or series of stock voting as a class, the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of such class or series, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum of such class or series for the transaction of such business. For the avoidance of doubt, abstentions shall be treated as present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum. The presiding person at the meeting may adjourn the meeting from time to time for any reason, whether or not there is such a quorum. The stockholders present at a duly called meeting at which a quorum is present may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) Any meeting of stockholders, annual or special, may adjourn from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, and notice need not be given of any such adjourned meeting if the date, time and place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken or are provided in any other manner permitted by the DGCL; *provided, however,* that if the adjournment is for more than 30 days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting.

SECTION 2.7. <u>Proxies</u>. At all meetings of stockholders, a stockholder may vote by proxy. The authorization of a person to act as proxy may be documented, signed and delivered in accordance with Section 116 of the DGCL provided that such authorization shall set forth, or be delivered with information enabling the Corporation to determine the identity of the stockholder granting such authorization. Any copy, facsimile transmission or other reliable reproduction of the document (including any electronic transmission) created pursuant to this section may be substituted or used in lieu of the original document for any and all purposes for which the original document could be used, *provided* that such copy, facsimile transmission or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original document. No proxy may be voted or acted upon after the expiration of three years from the date of such proxy, unless such proxy provides for a longer period. Every proxy is revocable at the pleasure of the stockholder executing it unless the proxy states that it is irrevocable and applicable law makes it irrevocable.

SECTION 2.8. <u>Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) <u>Annual Meetings of Stockholders</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Nominations of persons for election to the Board and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders at an annual meeting of stockholders may be made only (a) pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto), (b) by or at the direction of the Board or any authorized committee thereof, (c) by any stockholder of the Corporation who (1) was a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in these Bylaws and at the time of the annual meeting, (2) is entitled to vote at the meeting and (3) complies with the notice procedures and other requirements set forth in these Bylaws and applicable law, or (d) by stockholders of the Corporation who are given such rights or abilities under the Stockholders' Agreement, among the Corporation and certain of its stockholders, dated as of March 8, 2023 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "***Stockholders' Agreement***"), pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders' Agreement. <u>Sections</u> 

------

 <u>2.9(A)(i)(c)</u> and <u>(d)</u> of these Bylaws shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or submit other business (other than matters properly brought under and in compliance with Rule 14a-8 or Rule 14a-19 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "***Exchange Act***"), as applicable, and included in the Corporation's notice of meeting, annual meeting proxy statement and proxy card) before an annual meeting of the stockholders. In addition, if the proposal is made on behalf of a beneficial owner other than the stockholder of record, such beneficial owner must be the beneficial owner of stock of the Corporation both at the time of giving notice provided for in this <u>Section</u> <u>2.8(A)(i)</u> and at the time of the annual meeting.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) For any nominations or any other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>2.8(A)(i)(c)</u> of these Bylaws, (x) the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation, (y) such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for stockholder action under the DGCL and (z) the record stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf any such proposal or nomination is made, must have acted in accordance with the representations set forth in the Solicitation Statement (as defined below) required by these Bylaws. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be received by the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting (which date shall, for purposes of the Corporation's first annual meeting of stockholders after its shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (such stock, the "***Class A Common Stock***") are first publicly traded, be deemed to have occurred on March 9, 2023), *provided*, *however*, that subject to the following sentence, in the event that the date of the annual meeting is scheduled for a date that is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date or in the event that no annual meeting was held in the prior year (other than with respect to the Corporation's first annual meeting of stockholders after its shares of Class A Common Stock are first publicly traded), notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall any adjournment, recess or postponement of an annual meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described above. The number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at the annual meeting (or in the case of a stockholder giving the notice on behalf of a beneficial owner, the number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at the annual meeting on behalf of such beneficial owner) shall not exceed the number of directors to be elected at such annual meeting.

To be in proper form, a stockholder's notice (whether given pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>2.8(A)(ii)</u> or <u>Section</u> <u>2.8(B)</u>) to the Secretary of the Corporation must:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) set forth, as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (1) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation's books, and of any such Stockholder Associated Person (as defined in <u>Section</u> <u>2.8(C)(ii)</u>), if any, (2) (A) the class or series and number of shares of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such Stockholder Associated Person, (B) any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any class or series of shares of the Corporation or with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, whether or not such instrument or right shall be subject to settlement in the underlying class or series of stock of the Corporation or otherwise (a "***Derivative Instrument***"), directly or indirectly owned beneficially by such stockholder or by any Stockholder Associated Person and any other direct or indirect opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation held by such stockholder or by any Stockholder Associated Person, (C) a complete and accurate description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding between or among such

------

stockholder and any Stockholder Associated Person and any other person or persons in connection with such stockholder's director nomination or other proposed business and the name and address of any other person(s) or entity or entities known to the stockholder to support such nomination or business, including any agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to any compensation or payments to be paid to any such proposed nominee(s), pertaining to the nomination(s) or other business proposed to be brought before the meeting of stockholders (which description shall identify the name of each other person who is party to such an agreement, arrangement or understanding), (D) a description of any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person has a right to vote, directly or indirectly, any shares of any security of the Corporation, (E) any short interest in any security of the Corporation held by such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person (for purposes of these Bylaws, a person shall be deemed to have a "short interest" in a security if such person directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has the opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any decrease in the value of the subject security), (F) any rights to dividends on the shares of the Corporation owned beneficially by such stockholder or by any Stockholder Associated Person that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation, (G) any proportionate interest in shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership in which such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person is a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner and (H) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person is entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments, if any, as of the date of such notice, including, without limitation, any such interests held by members of such stockholder's or any Stockholder Associated Person's immediate family sharing the same household, (3) any other information relating to such stockholder and any Stockholder Associated Person, if any, that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal or for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, (4) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring such nomination or other business before the meeting, (5) a representation as to whether or not such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person intends or is a party of a group which intends (x) to deliver a proxy statement or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the voting power of the Corporation's outstanding stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or, in the case of a nomination or nominations, at least the percentage of the voting power of the Corporation's outstanding stock reasonably believed by the stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person, as the case may be, to be sufficient to elect such nominee or nominees, (y) otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination and/or (z) to solicit proxies in support of any proposed nominee in accordance with Rule 14a-19 promulgated under the Exchange Act (such representation, a "***Solicitation Statement***"), (6) any proxy (other than a revocable proxy given in response to a public proxy solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Exchange Act), agreement, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such stockholder or beneficial owner has or shares a right to, directly or indirectly, vote any shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation, (7) any rights to dividends or other distributions on the shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation, directly or indirectly, owned beneficially by such stockholder or beneficial owner that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation, (8) any performance-related fees (other than an asset based fee) to which such stockholder or beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, is entitled based on any increase or decrease in

------

the value of shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation or any Derivative Instruments and (9) the names and addresses of other stockholders (including beneficial owners) known by any of the stockholders giving the notice to support such nominations or other business proposal(s), and to the extent known the class and number of all shares of the Corporation's capital stock owned beneficially or of record by such other stockholder(s) or other beneficial owner(s);.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) if the notice relates to any business other than a nomination of a director or directors that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, set forth (1) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest of such stockholder and Stockholder Associated Person, if any, in such business, (2) the exact text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the Bylaws, the language of the proposed amendment) and (3) a complete and accurate description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between or among such stockholder and such stockholder's Stockholder Associated Person, if any, and the name and address of any other person(s) or entity or entities in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) set forth, as to each person, if any, whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection to the Board (1) all information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (including such person's written consent to being named in the Corporation's proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected), (2) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings during the past three years, and any other material relationships, between or among such stockholder and Stockholder Associated Person, if any, and their respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the one hand, and each proposed nominee, and his or her respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the other hand, including, without limitation, all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Rule 404 promulgated under Regulation S-K if the stockholder making the nomination and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is made, if any, or any affiliate or associate thereof or person acting in concert therewith, were the "registrant" for purposes of such rule and the nominee were a director or executive officer of such registrant, and (3) a representation that such person intends to serve a full term, if elected as director; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) with respect to each nominee for election or reelection to the Board, include (1) a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement in a form provided by the Corporation, which form the stockholder must request from the Secretary of the Corporation in writing with no less than seven days advance notice and (2) a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary of the Corporation upon written request) that such person (A) is not and will not become a party to (i) any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether written or oral) with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a "***Voting Commitment***") that has not been disclosed to the Corporation or (ii) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person's ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such person's fiduciary duties under applicable law, (B) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether written or oral) with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been

------

disclosed therein and (C) in such person's individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder's understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) A stockholder providing notice of a nomination or proposal of other business to be brought before a meeting shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to <u>clauses (A)(ii)(a)(1)</u>-<u>(4)</u> and <u>(6)</u>-<u>(9)</u> and <u>clauses (A)(ii)(b)</u>-<u>(c)</u> shall be true and correct (a) as of the record date for the meeting and (b) as of the date that is ten business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five business days after the record date for the meeting (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of the record date) and not later than seven business days prior to the date for the meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof, if practicable (or, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to any adjournment or postponement thereof (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof)).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) <u>Special Meetings of Stockholders</u>. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to a notice of meeting (i) by or at the direction of the Board or any committee thereof (or stockholders if permitted pursuant to Article VII of the Certificate of Incorporation and <u>Section</u> <u>2.2</u> of these Bylaws) or (ii) if the Board (or stockholders if permitted pursuant to Article VII of the Certificate of Incorporation and <u>Section</u> <u>2.2</u> of these Bylaws) has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, (a) by any stockholder of the Corporation who (1) is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in these Bylaws and at the time of the special meeting, (2) is entitled to vote at the meeting and (3) complies with the notice procedures set forth in these Bylaws and applicable law or (b) by a stockholder of the Corporation who is given such rights or abilities under the Stockholders' Agreement pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders' Agreement. In the event a special meeting of stockholders is called pursuant to Article VII of the Certificate of Incorporation or <u>Section</u> <u>2.2</u> of these Bylaws for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board, a stockholder pursuant to <u>clause (ii)(a)</u> of this <u>Section</u> <u>2.8(B)</u> may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be), for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation's notice of meeting, if the stockholder delivers notice with the information required by <u>Section</u> <u>2.8(A)(ii)(a)</u> and <u>Section</u> <u>2.8(A)(ii)(c)</u> (with the updates required by <u>Section</u> <u>2.8(A)(iii))</u> of these Bylaws with respect to any nomination and the completed and signed questionnaire, representations and agreements required by <u>Section</u> <u>2.8(A)(ii)(d)</u> of these Bylaws. Such notice shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting at which directors are to be elected. In no event shall any adjournment, recess or postponement or the announcement thereof of a special meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder's notice as described above. The number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at the special meeting (or in the case of a stockholder giving the notice on behalf of a beneficial owner, the number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at the special meeting on behalf of such beneficial owner) shall not exceed the number of directors to be elected at such special meeting.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) <u>General</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Except as otherwise expressly provided in any applicable rule or regulation promulgated under the Exchange Act, only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws and applicable law shall be eligible to serve as directors, and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws and applicable law. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the presiding person at of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws and applicable law and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with these Bylaws and applicable law, to declare that such defective proposal or nomination shall be disregarded.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) For purposes of these Bylaws, "***public announcement***" shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by Dow Jones News Service, the Associated Press, or any other national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and "***Stockholder Associated Person***" shall mean, for any stockholder, (a) any person or entity controlling, directly or indirectly, or acting in concert with, such stockholder, (b) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the Corporation owned of record or beneficially by such stockholder or (c) any person or entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with any person or entity referred to in the preceding clauses (a) or (b).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of these Bylaws, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in these Bylaws; *provided*, *however*, that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>2.8(A)</u> or <u>Section</u> <u>2.8(B)</u> of these Bylaws. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights (a) of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation's proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act; (b) of stockholders to include the names of persons validly nominated for election as a director of the Corporation in the Corporations proxy card in compliance with Rule 14a-19 of the Exchange Act; or (c) of the holders of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation ("***Preferred Stock***") if and to the extent provided for under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bylaws, unless otherwise required by law, if any stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person, if any, (1) provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) promulgated under the Exchange Act with respect to any proposed nominee and (2) subsequently fails to comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(2) or Rule 14a-19(a)(3) promulgated under the Exchange Act (or fails to timely provide reasonable evidence sufficient to satisfy the Corporation that such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person has met the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(3) promulgated under the Exchange Act in accordance with the following sentence), then the nomination of each such proposed nominee shall be disregarded, notwithstanding that proxies or votes in respect of the election of such proposed nominees may have been received by the Corporation (which proxies and votes shall be disregarded). Upon request by the Corporation, if any stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) promulgated under the Exchange Act, such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person shall deliver to the Corporation, no later than five (5) business days prior to the applicable meeting, reasonable evidence that it has met the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(3) promulgated under the Exchange Act.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) making a nomination or proposal under this <u>Section</u> <u>2.8</u> does not appear at a meeting of stockholders to present such nomination or proposal, the nomination shall be disregarded and the proposed business shall not be transacted, as the case may be, notwithstanding that proxies in favor thereof may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>2.8</u>, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this <u>Section</u> <u>2.8</u>, for so long as the Stockholders' Agreement remains in effect with respect to any Principal Stockholder, Ben M. Brigham (so long as Ben M. Brigham has the right to designate one or more nominees for election to the Board pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement) shall not be subject to this <u>Section</u> <u>2.8</u> with respect to any annual or special meeting of stockholders.

SECTION 2.9. <u>Conduct of Business</u>. The date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at a meeting shall be announced at the meeting by the person presiding over the meeting. The Board may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of a meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate in its sole discretion. The Chairman of the Board, if one shall have been elected, or in the Chairman of the Board's absence, the Chief Executive Officer or, in the Chief Executive Officer's absence or if one shall not have been elected, the director or officer designated by the majority of the Whole Board (as defined below), shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board, the person presiding over the meeting shall have the right and authority to convene and for any or no reason to recess and/or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of the presiding person at the meeting, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the presiding person at the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (A) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (B) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (C) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the person presiding over the meeting shall determine; (D) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; (E) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants; and (F) restrictions of the use of audio or visual recording devices. The person presiding over the meeting, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting, shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a matter or business was not properly brought before the meeting, and if such presiding person at the meeting should so determine, such presiding person at the meeting shall so declare to the meeting and any such matter or business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or considered. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board or the person presiding over the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure. For purposes of these Bylaws, the term "***Whole Board***" shall mean the total number of authorized directors whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships.

SECTION 2.10. <u>Required Vote</u>. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, at any meeting at which directors are to be elected, so long as a quorum is present, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote in such election. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, cumulative voting for the election of directors shall be prohibited. Unless a different or minimum vote is required by applicable law, the rules and regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, any law or regulation applicable to the Corporation or its securities, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, in which such different or minimum vote shall be the applicable vote on the matter, in all matters other than the election of directors and certain non-binding advisory votes described below, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter shall be the act of the stockholders. In non-binding advisory matters with more than two possible vote choices, the plurality of the votes cast by the holders of outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter shall be the recommendation of the stockholders.

------

SECTION 2.11. <u>Treasury Stock</u>. Shares of the Corporation's capital stock shall neither be entitled to vote nor counted for quorum purposes if such shares being to (A) the Corporation, (B) any other corporation, if a majority of shares entitled to vote in the election of directors of such other corporation is held, directly or indirectly by the Corporation, or (C) any other entity, if a majority of the voting power of such other entity is held, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation or if such other entity is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation ; *provided, however,* that the foregoing shall not limit the right of the Corporation or such other corporation, to vote stock of the Corporation held in a fiduciary capacity.

SECTION 2.12. <u>Inspectors of Elections</u>. The Corporation may, and when required by applicable law, shall, appoint one or more inspectors, which inspector or inspectors may include individuals who serve the Corporation in other capacities, including, without limitation, as officers, employees, agents or representatives, to act at the meetings of stockholders and make a written report thereof. One or more persons may be designated as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate has been appointed to act or is able to act at a meeting of stockholders and the appointment of an inspector is required by applicable law, the presiding person at the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before discharging his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath to faithfully execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspectors shall have the duties prescribed by applicable law.

**ARTICLE III** 

**BOARD OF DIRECTORS** 

SECTION 3.1. <u>General Powers</u>. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board. In addition to the powers and authorities by these Bylaws expressly conferred upon them, the Board may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws required to be exercised or done by the stockholders. The directors shall act only as a Board or as a committee thereof, and the individual directors shall have no power as such.

SECTION 3.2. <u>Number, Election, Tenure and Voting Power</u>. Subject to applicable law, the Stockholders' Agreement and the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, if any, the number of directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant to a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Whole Board; provided that the initial number of directors shall be nine. The election, term and voting power of directors shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

SECTION 3.3. <u>Regular Meetings</u>. Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>3.5</u>, regular meetings of the Board shall be held on such dates, and at such times and places, if any, as are determined from time to time by resolution of the Board. Notice of such regular meetings shall not be required.

SECTION 3.4. <u>Special Meetings</u>. Special meetings of the Board shall be called at the request of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or a majority of the Board then in office. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board may fix the place, if any, date and time of the meetings. Any business may be conducted at a special meeting of the Board.

SECTION 3.5. <u>Notice</u>. Notice of any special meeting of directors shall be given to each director at his or her business or residence in writing by hand delivery, first-class or overnight mail, courier service or facsimile or electronic transmission or orally by telephone. If mailed by first-class mail, such notice shall be deemed adequately delivered when deposited in the United States mails so addressed, with postage thereon prepaid, at least five days before such meeting. If by overnight mail or courier service, such notice shall be deemed adequately delivered when the notice is delivered to the overnight mail or courier service company at least 24 hours before such meeting. If by facsimile or electronic transmission, such notice shall be deemed adequately delivered when the notice is transmitted at least 24 hours before such meeting. If by telephone or by hand delivery, the notice shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the time set for the meeting and shall be confirmed by facsimile or electronic transmission that is sent promptly thereafter. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board need be specified in the notice of such meeting. A meeting may be held at any time without notice if all the directors are present or if those not present waive notice of the meeting in accordance with these Bylaws.

------

SECTION 3.6. <u>Action by Consent of Board</u>. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission. After an action is taken, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee in the same paper or electronic form as the minutes are maintained. Such consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote at a meeting, and may be stated as such in any document or instrument filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

SECTION 3.7. <u>Remote Meetings</u>. Members of the Board or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of the Board or such committee by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

SECTION 3.8. <u>Quorum</u>. A majority of the Whole Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but if at any meeting of the Board there shall be less than a quorum present, a majority of the directors present may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice unless (A) the date, time and place, if any, of the adjourned meeting are not announced at the time of adjournment, in which case notice conforming to the requirements of <u>Section</u> <u>3.5</u> of these Bylaws shall be given to each director, or (B) the meeting is adjourned for more than 24 hours, in which case the notice referred to in clause (A) shall be given to those directors not present at the announcement of the date, time and place, if any, of the adjourned meeting. Except as otherwise expressly required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, all matters shall be determined by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

SECTION 3.9. <u>Vacancies</u>. Any newly created directorship that results from an increase in the number of directors or any vacancy on the Board that results from the death, disability, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal of any director or from any other cause shall be filled in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation.

SECTION 3.10. <u>Removal</u>. Directors of the Corporation may be removed in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law.

SECTION 3.11. <u>Records</u>. The Board shall cause to be kept a record containing the minutes of the proceedings of the meetings of the Board and of the stockholders, appropriate stock books and registers and such books of records and accounts as may be necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Corporation.

SECTION 3.12. <u>Compensation</u>. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board shall have authority to fix the compensation of directors, including fees and reimbursement of expenses. The Corporation will cause each non-employee director serving on the Board to be reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by him or her in connection with such service.

SECTION 3.13. <u>Regulations</u>. To the extent consistent with applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation and these Bylaws, the Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings of the Board and for the management of the affairs and business of the Corporation as the Board may deem appropriate.

SECTION 3.14. <u>First Meeting</u>. Each newly elected Board may hold its first meeting for the purpose of organization and the transaction of business, if a quorum is present, immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders. Notice of such meeting shall not be required.

------

**ARTICLE IV** 

**COMMITTEES** 

SECTION 4.1. <u>Designation; Powers</u>. Subject to the terms of the Stockholders' Agreement, the Board may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. Any such committee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent provided in the resolution(s) of the Board, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.

SECTION 4.2. <u>Procedure; Meetings; Quorum</u>. Any committee designated pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>4.1</u> shall choose its own chairman in the event the chairman has not been selected by the Board by a majority vote of the members then in attendance at a meeting of the committee so long as a quorum is present, shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings, and shall meet at such times and at such place or places as may be provided by the charter of such committee or by resolution of such committee or resolution of the Board. At every meeting of any such committee, the presence of a majority of all the members thereof shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting where a quorum is present shall be necessary for the adoption by it of any resolution. A committee may create one or more subcommittees, each subcommittee to consist of one or more members of the committee, and delegate to such subcommittee any or all of the powers of such committee. The Board shall adopt a charter for each committee for which a charter is required by applicable laws, regulations or stock exchange rules, may adopt a charter for any other committee, and may adopt other rules and regulations for the governance of any committee not inconsistent with the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws or any such charter. Unless the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, any charter for such committee or the Board otherwise provide, any such committee or subcommittee may make rules for the conduct of its business, but unless otherwise provided by the Board or such rules, its meetings shall be called, notice given or waived, its business conducted or its action taken as nearly as may be in the same manner as is provided in these Bylaws with respect to meetings or for the conduct of business or the taking of actions by the Board. The Board shall have power at any time to fill vacancies in, change the membership of, or discharge any such committee. The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as Secretary of any committee or subcommittee, unless otherwise provided by the Board or such committee or subcommittee.

SECTION 4.3. <u>Substitution of Members</u>. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of such committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not constituting a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in the place of the absent or disqualified member.

**ARTICLE V** 

**OFFICERS** 

SECTION 5.1. <u>Officers</u>. The Board shall elect the officers of the Corporation which may include, if the Board so elects, a Chairman of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, a President, Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers as the Board from time to time may deem proper. If elected, the Chairman of the Board shall be chosen from among the directors. All officers elected by the Board shall each have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the specific provisions of this <u>Article V</u>. Such officers shall also have such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred by the Board or by any duly authorized committee thereof or, with respect to any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, Vice Presidents, Treasurer or Secretary, by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or President, if any. The Board or any committee thereof may from time to time elect, or the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or President, if any, may appoint, such other officers (including a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and one or more Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers) and such agents, as may be necessary or desirable for the conduct of the business of the Corporation. Such other officers and agents shall have such duties and shall hold their offices for such terms as shall be provided in these Bylaws or as may be prescribed by the Board or such committee thereof or by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or President, as the case may be. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. Except for the Chairman of the Board, if any, no officer need be a director. None of the officers need be a stockholder of the Corporation.

------

SECTION 5.2. <u>Election and Term of Office</u>. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected or appointed and shall have qualified or until his or her death or until he or she shall resign, but any officer may be removed from office at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board or, except in the case of an officer or agent elected by the Board, by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or President, if any. Such removal shall be without prejudice to the contractual rights, if any, of the person so removed. No elected officer shall have any contractual rights against the Corporation for compensation by virtue of such election beyond the date of the election of his or her successor, his or her death, resignation or removal, whichever event shall first occur, except as otherwise provided in an employment contract or under an employee deferred compensation plan.

SECTION 5.3. <u>Chairman of the Board</u>. The Chairman of the Board, if elected, shall perform all duties incidental to his or her office that may be required by law and all such other duties as are properly required of him or her by the Board. The Chairman of the Board may also serve as Chief Executive Officer, if so elected by the Board. The Chairman of the Board may also have the title of Executive Chairman if the Chairman of the Board is also an officer of the Corporation.

SECTION 5.4. <u>Chief Executive Officer</u>. The Chief Executive Officer, if any, shall be responsible for the general management of the affairs of the Corporation and shall act in a general executive capacity subject to the oversight of the Chairman of the Board in the administration and operation of the Corporation's business and general supervision of its policies and affairs. The Chief Executive Officer shall have the authority to sign, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, checks, orders, contracts, leases, notes, drafts and all other documents and instruments in connection with the business of the Corporation. In the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, if also a director, shall preside when present at all meetings of the Board.

SECTION 5.5. <u>President</u>. The President, if any, shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to him or her by the Board. In the absence (or inability or refusal to act) of the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, the President, if any and if he or she shall be a director, shall preside when present at all meetings of the Board.

SECTION 5.6. <u>Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents</u>. Each Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President and Vice President, if any, shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to him or her by the Board or the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, if any.

SECTION 5.7. <u>Treasurer</u>. The Treasurer, if any, shall exercise general supervision over the receipt, custody and disbursement of corporate funds. The Treasurer shall cause the funds of the Corporation to be deposited in such banks as may be authorized by the Board, or in such banks as may be designated as depositaries in the manner provided by resolution of the Board. He or she shall have such further powers and duties and shall be subject to such directions as may be granted or imposed upon him or her from time to time by the Board, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, if any.

SECTION 5.8. <u>Secretary</u>. The Secretary, if any, shall keep or cause to be kept in one or more books provided for that purpose, the minutes of all meetings of the Board, the committees of the Board and the stockholders; he or she shall see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws and as required by applicable law; he or she shall be custodian of the records and the seal of the Corporation and affix and attest the seal to all stock certificates of the Corporation (unless the seal of the Corporation on such certificates shall be a facsimile, as hereinafter provided) and affix and attest the seal to all other documents to be executed on behalf of the Corporation under its seal; and he or she shall have charge of the certificate books, transfer books and stock ledgers, and such other books and papers as the Board may direct; and in general, he or she shall perform all the duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Board, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, if any.

------

SECTION 5.9. <u>Vacancies</u>. A newly created elected office and a vacancy in any elected office because of death, resignation, removal or otherwise may be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of the term at any meeting of the Board. Any vacancy in an office appointed by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, if any, because of death, resignation, removal or otherwise may be filled by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, if any.

SECTION 5.10. <u>Action with Respect to Securities of Other Corporations</u>. Unless otherwise directed by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or any officer authorized by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, shall have power to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the Corporation, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of security holders of or with respect to any action of security holders of any other corporation or entity in which the Corporation may hold securities and otherwise to exercise any and all rights and powers that the Corporation may possess by reason of its ownership of securities in such other corporation.

SECTION 5.11. <u>Delegation</u>. The Board may from time to time delegate the powers and duties of any officer to any other officer or agent, notwithstanding any provision hereof.

SECTION 5.12. <u>Compensation</u>. The salaries or other compensation of the officers of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by the Board, a committee of the Board or an officer of the Corporation designated by the Board or a committee of the Board, subject to applicable law and the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation.

**ARTICLE VI** 

**STOCK CERTIFICATES AND TRANSFERS** 

SECTION 6.1. <u>Stock Certificates and Transfers</u>. The interest of each stockholder of the Corporation evidenced by certificates for shares of stock shall be in such form as the appropriate officers of the Corporation may from time to time prescribe, *provided* that the Board may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of its stock may be uncertificated shares. The shares of the stock of the Corporation shall be entered in the books of the Corporation as they are issued and shall exhibit the holder's name and number of shares. Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, the shares of the stock of the Corporation shall be transferred on the books of the Corporation, which may be maintained by a third-party registrar or transfer agent, by the holder thereof in person or by his or her attorney, upon surrender for cancellation of certificates for at least the same number of shares, with an assignment and power of transfer endorsed thereon or attached thereto, duly executed, with such proof of the authenticity of the signature as the Corporation or its agents may reasonably require or upon receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered holder of uncertificated shares and upon compliance with appropriate procedures for transferring shares in uncertificated form, at which time the Corporation shall issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto (if the stock is then represented by certificates), cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books.

Every holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by or in the name of the Corporation by any two authorized officers of the Corporation (it being understood that each of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary and any Assistant Secretary shall be an authorized officer for such purpose), certifying the number of shares owned by such holder in the corporation. Any or all the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

SECTION 6.2. <u>Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates</u>. No certificate for shares or uncertificated shares of stock in the Corporation shall be issued in place of any certificate alleged to have been lost, destroyed or stolen, except on production of such evidence of such loss, destruction or theft and on delivery to the Corporation of a bond of indemnity in such amount, upon such terms and secured by such surety, as the Board or any financial officer may in its or their discretion require.

------

SECTION 6.3. <u>Ownership of Shares</u>. The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or shares of stock of the Corporation as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise required by law.

SECTION 6.4. <u>Regulations Regarding Certificates</u>. Subject to applicable law, the Board shall have the power and authority to make all such rules and regulations concerning the issue, transfer and registration or the replacement of certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation. The Corporation may enter into additional agreements with stockholders to restrict the transfer of stock of the Corporation in any manner not prohibited by the DGCL.

**ARTICLE VII** 

**MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS** 

SECTION 7.1. <u>Fiscal Year</u>. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the 31st day of December of each year or as otherwise determined by the Board.

SECTION 7.2. <u>Dividends</u>. Except as otherwise provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board may from time to time declare, and the Corporation may pay, out of funds legally available therefor, dividends on its outstanding shares of stock, which dividends may be paid in either cash, property or shares of stock of the Corporation. A member of the Board, or a member of any committee designated by the Board, shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of its officers or employees, or committees of the Board, or by any other person as to matters the director reasonably believes are within such other person's professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation, as to the value and amount of the assets, liabilities or net profits of the Corporation, or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of surplus or other funds from which dividends might properly be declared and paid.

SECTION 7.3. <u>Seal</u>. The Corporation may adopt a corporate seal, which shall be adopted and which may be altered by the Board. The Corporation may use the corporate seal by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced.

SECTION 7.4. <u>Waiver of Notice</u>. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any stockholder or director of the Corporation under the provisions of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing or by electronic transmission, given by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual or special meeting of the stockholders or the Board or committee thereof need be specified in any waiver of notice of such meeting. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

SECTION 7.5. <u>Resignations</u>. Any director or any officer, whether elected or appointed, may resign at any time by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission, of such resignation to the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, if any, or the Secretary, and such resignation shall be deemed to be effective when said notice is received by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, if any, or the Secretary, or at such later time as is specified therein unless otherwise provided in the notice of resignation. No formal action shall be required of the Board or the stockholders to make any such resignation effective.

------

SECTION 7.6. <u>Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "***proceeding***") by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation or, while serving as a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (a "***Covered Person***"), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent, or in any other capacity while serving or having agreed to serve as a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent, against all expenses, liability and loss (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such Covered Person in connection with such proceeding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) The Corporation shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, pay the expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by a Covered Person in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition; *provided*, *however*, that to the extent required by applicable law, such payment of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the Covered Person to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter, a "***final adjudication***") that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified under this <u>Section</u> <u>7.6</u> or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses under this <u>Section</u> <u>7.6</u> shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to a Covered Person who has ceased to be a director, officer, trustee, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>7.6</u>, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses, the Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to a Covered Person in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Covered Person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) If a claim for indemnification under this <u>Section</u> <u>7.6</u> (following the final disposition of such proceeding) is not paid in full within 60 days after the Corporation has received a claim therefor by the Covered Person, or if a claim for any advancement of expenses under this <u>Section</u> <u>7.6</u> is not paid in full within 30 days after the Corporation has received a statement or statements requesting such amounts to be advanced, the Covered Person shall thereupon (but not before) be entitled to file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim. If successful in whole or in part, the Covered Person shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim, or a claim brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. In any such action, the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the Covered Person is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses under applicable law. In (i) any suit brought by a Covered Person to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by a Covered Person to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) in any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the Covered Person has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the DGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the Covered Person is proper in the circumstances because the Covered Person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) that the Covered Person has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the Covered Person has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the Covered Person, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the Covered Person to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this <u>Section</u> <u>7.6</u> or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(E) The rights conferred on any Covered Person by this <u>Section</u> <u>7.6</u> shall not be exclusive of any other rights that such Covered Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, law (common or statutory), any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, any agreement or vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(F) This <u>Section</u> <u>7.6</u> shall not limit the right of the Corporation, to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other than Covered Persons when and as authorized by appropriate corporate action.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(H) The Corporation's obligation, if any, to indemnify or to advance expenses to any Covered Person who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan, shall be reduced by any amount such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement of expenses from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise, non-profit entity or employee benefit plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(I) The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any person who is or was serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan, against any expense, liability or loss (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties and amounts paid in settlement), whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against any such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(J) Any repeal or modification of the provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>7.6</u> shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any Covered Person in respect of any proceeding (regardless of when such proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed) arising out of, or related to, any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

------

SECTION 7.7. <u>Notices</u>. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein or required by applicable law, all notices required to be given to any stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent shall be in writing and may in every instance be effectively given by hand delivery to the recipient thereof, by depositing such notice in the mails, postage paid, or by sending such notice by commercial courier service, or by facsimile or other electronic transmission, provided that notice to stockholders by electronic transmission shall be given in the manner provided in Section 232 of the DGCL. Any such notice shall be addressed to such stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent at his or her last known address as the same appears on the books of the Corporation. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively, notice to any stockholder shall be deemed given: (A) if by facsimile, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (B) if by electronic mail, when directed to such stockholder's electronic mail address (unless the stockholder has notified the corporation in writing or by electronic transmission of an objection to receiving notice by electronic mail or such notice is prohibited by the DGCL) in accordance with the DGCL; (C) if by posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of (i) such posting and (ii) the giving of such separate notice; (D) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder; and (E) if by mail, when deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholder's address as it appears on the records of the Corporation.

SECTION 7.8. <u>Facsimile and Electronic Signatures</u>. In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile or electronic signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these Bylaws, facsimile or electronic signatures of any officer or officers of the Corporation may be used whenever and as authorized by the Board or a committee thereof, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or President, if any.

SECTION 7.9. <u>Time Periods</u>. Except as otherwise set forth in these Bylaws, in applying any provision of these Bylaws that require that an act be done or not done a specified number of days prior to an event or that an act be done during a period of a specified number of days prior to an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded, and the day of the event shall be included.

SECTION 7.10. <u>Reliance Upon Books, Reports and Records</u>. Each member of the Board, each member of any committee designated by the Board and each officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Corporation and upon information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of the Corporation's officers or employees, or committees designated by the Board, or by any other person as to the matters the member reasonably believes are within such other person's professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

SECTION 7.11. <u>Severability</u>. Whenever possible and to the fullest extent permitted by law, each provision or portion of any provision of these Bylaws will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision or portion of any provision of these Bylaws is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such provision or portion of any provision shall be severable and the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and these Bylaws will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been contained herein.

**ARTICLE VIII** 

**AMENDMENTS** 

SECTION 8.1. <u>Amendments</u>. In furtherance of, and not in limitation of, the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware, and subject to the provisions in the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal these Bylaws. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of these Bylaws by the Board shall require the approval of a majority of the Whole Board. Stockholders shall also have the power to adopt, amend or repeal these Bylaws; *provided*, *however*, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws may be adopted, altered, amended or repealed by the stockholders of the Corporation only (i) prior to the Trigger Date, by the affirmative vote of holders of not less than a majority in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, and (ii) on and after the Trigger Date by the affirmative vote of holders of not less than 662/3% in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class. No Bylaws hereafter made or adopted, nor any repeal of or amendment thereto, shall invalidate any prior act of the Board that was valid at the time it was taken.

## Exhibit 4.1

**Exhibit 4.1** 

**REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT** 

This Registration Rights Agreement (this "**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made and entered into as of March 8, 2023, by and among Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and each of the other parties listed on the signature pages hereto (the "**<u>Initial Holders</u>**" and, together with the Company, the "**<u>Parties</u>**").

WHEREAS, the Initial Holders, certain other parties thereto and the Company have entered into that certain Master Reorganization Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2023 (the "**<u>MRA</u>**"), pursuant to which each of the Initial Holders received, as consideration for the transactions contemplated by the MRA, the Shares (as hereinafter defined); and

WHEREAS, in connection with, and in consideration of, the transactions contemplated by the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-269488), the Initial Holders have requested, and the Company has agreed to provide, registration rights with respect to the Registrable Securities (as hereinafter defined) as set forth in this Agreement.

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1. <u>Definitions</u>**. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

"**<u>Affiliate</u>**" of any specified Person means any other person which, directly or indirectly, is in Control of, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such specified Person. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Agreement, the Holders shall not be considered Affiliates of the Company.

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"**<u>Atlas LLC Agreement</u>**" means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Atlas Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, dated as of March 8, 2023.

"**<u>Automatic Shelf Registration Statement</u>**" means an "automatic shelf registration statement" as defined under Rule 405.

"**<u>Blackout Period</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>3(o)</u>.

"**<u>Board</u>**" means the board of directors of the Company.

"**<u>Business Day</u>**" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, any federal holiday or any other day on which banking institutions in the state of Texas or the state of New York are authorized or required to be closed by law or governmental action.

"**<u>Class</u> <u>A Common Stock</u>**" means the Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company.

"**<u>Class</u> <u>B Common Stock</u>**" means the Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company.

"**<u>Commission</u>**" means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency then administering the Securities Act or Exchange Act.

"**<u>Company</u>**" has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"**<u>Company Securities</u>**" means any equity interest of any class or series in the Company.

------

"**<u>Control</u>**" (including its correlative meanings "controlling" or "controlled") means the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

"**<u>Covered Notice</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>3(r)</u>.

"**<u>Demand Notice</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(a)(i)</u>.

"**<u>Demand Registration</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(a)(i)</u>.

"**<u>Effective Date</u>**" means the time and date that a Registration Statement is first declared effective by the Commission or otherwise becomes effective.

"**<u>Effectiveness Period</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(a)(ii)</u>.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

"**<u>Holder</u>**" means (i) each Initial Holder unless and until such Initial Holder ceases to hold any Registrable Securities; and (ii) any holder of Registrable Securities to whom registration rights conferred by this Agreement have been transferred in compliance with <u>Section</u> <u>8(e)</u> hereof; provided that any Person referenced in <u>clause (ii)</u> shall be a Holder only if such Person agrees in writing to be bound by and subject to the terms set forth in this Agreement.

"**<u>Holder Indemnified Persons</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>6(a)</u>.

"**<u>Holder Lock-Up Period</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>3(q)</u>.

"**<u>Initial Holders</u>**" has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"**<u>Initiating Holder(s)</u>**" means the Holder(s) delivering the Demand Notice or the Underwritten Offering Notice, as applicable.

"**<u>Lock-Up Period</u>**" has the meaning set forth in the underwriting agreement entered into by the Company in connection with the initial underwritten public offering of shares of Class A Common Stock.

"**<u>Losses</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>6(a)</u>.

"**<u>Managing Underwriter</u>**" means, with respect to any Underwritten Offering or Overnight Underwritten Offering, the book running lead manager or managers of such Underwritten Offering or Overnight Underwritten Offering.

"**<u>Material Adverse Change</u>**" means (i) any general suspension of trading in, or limitation on prices for, securities on any national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market in the United States; (ii) the declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of banks in the United States; (iii) a material outbreak or escalation of armed hostilities or other international or national calamity involving the United States or the declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war or a change in national or international financial, political or economic conditions; or (iv) any event, change, circumstance or effect that is or is reasonably likely to be materially adverse to the business, properties, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, results of operations or prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

"**<u>Minimum Amount</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(a)(i)</u>.

"**<u>MNPI</u>**" means material non-public information within the meaning of Regulation FD promulgated under the Exchange Act.

------

"**<u>Opt-Out Election</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>3(r)</u>.

"**<u>Overnight Underwritten Offering</u>**" means an Underwritten Offering that is expected to be launched after the close of trading on one trading day and priced before the open of trading on the next succeeding trading day.

"**<u>Parties</u>**" has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"**<u>Person</u>**" means an individual, corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, estate, trust, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

"**<u>Piggyback Registration</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(c)(i)</u>.

"**<u>Piggyback Registration Notice</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(c)(i)</u>.

"**<u>Piggyback Registration Request</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(c)(i)</u>.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" means any action, claim, suit, proceeding or investigation (including a preliminary investigation or partial proceeding, such as a deposition) pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, to be threatened.

"**<u>Prospectus</u>**" means the prospectus included in a Registration Statement (including a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A, Rule 430B or Rule 430C), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement and all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.

"**<u>Registrable Securities</u>**" means the Shares; provided, however, that Registrable Securities shall not include: (i) any Shares that have been registered under the Securities Act and disposed of pursuant to an effective Registration Statement or otherwise transferred to a Person who is not entitled to the registration and other rights hereunder; (ii) any Shares that have been sold or transferred by the Holder thereof pursuant to Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in force under the Securities Act) and the transferee thereof does not receive "restricted securities" as defined in Rule 144; and (iii) any Shares that are eligible for resale without restriction (including any limitation thereunder on volume or manner of sale) and without the need for current public information pursuant to any provision of Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in effect) under the Securities Act; and (iv) any Shares that cease to be outstanding (whether as a result of repurchase and cancellation, conversion or otherwise).

"**<u>Registration Expenses</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>5</u>.

"**<u>Registration Statement</u>**" means a registration statement of the Company in the form required to register under the Securities Act and other applicable law the resale of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended plan of distribution of each Holder of Registrable Securities included therein, and including any Prospectus, amendments and supplements to each such registration statement or Prospectus, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

"**<u>Requested Underwritten Offering</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(b)</u>.

"**<u>Requested Underwritten Offering Minimum Condition</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(a)(iii)</u>.

"**<u>Rule 144</u>**" means Rule 144, as amended from time to time, promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act.

------

"**<u>Rule 405</u>**" means Rule 405, as amended from time to time, promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act.

"**<u>Rule 415</u>**" means Rule 415, as amended from time to time, promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act.

"**<u>Rule 424</u>**" means Rule 424, as amended from time to time, promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act.

"**<u>Rule 430A</u>**" means Rule 430A, as amended from time to time, promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act.

"**<u>Rule 430B</u>**" means Rule 430B, as amended from time to time, promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act.

"**<u>Rule 430C</u>**" means Rule 430C, as amended from time to time, promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act.

"**<u>Securities Act</u>**" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor thereto, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

"**<u>Selling Expenses</u>**" means all underwriting discounts, selling commissions and stock transfer taxes applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities and fees and disbursements of counsel for any Holder (except as set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>5</u>).

"**<u>Shares</u>**" means (i) the shares of Class A Common Stock held by the Holders as of the date hereof, including the shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issued or issuable upon exchange of Units and an equivalent number of shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Holders as of the date hereof, and (ii) and any other equity interests of the Company or equity interests in any successor of the Company issued in respect of such shares by reason of or in connection with any stock dividend, stock split, combination, reorganization, recapitalization, conversion to another type of entity or similar event involving a change in the capital structure of the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to be a holder of Shares and such Shares shall be deemed to be in existence whenever such Person has the right to acquire such Shares (upon conversion, exchange or exercise in connection with a transfer of securities or otherwise, but disregarding any restrictions or limitations upon the exercise of such right other than vesting), whether or not such acquisition has actually been effected, and such Person shall be entitled to exercise the rights of a holder of Shares.

"**<u>Shelf Registration Statement</u>**" means a Registration Statement of the Company filed with the Commission on Form S-3 (or any successor form or other appropriate form under the Securities Act) for an offering to be made on a continuous or delayed basis pursuant to Rule 415 (or any similar rule that may be adopted by the Commission) or, if the Company is not then eligible to file on Form S-3, on Form S-1 or any other appropriate form under the Securities Act, or any successor rule that may be adopted by the Commission, and all amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement (including post-effective amendments), covering the Registrable Securities, as applicable.

"**<u>Suspension Period</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>8(b)</u>.

"**<u>Trading Market</u>**" means the principal national securities exchange on which Registrable Securities are listed.

"**<u>Underwritten Offering</u>**" means an underwritten offering of Class A Common Stock for cash (whether a Requested Underwritten Offering or in connection with a public offering of Class A Common Stock by the Company, stockholders or both), excluding an offering relating solely to an employee benefit plan, an offering relating to a transaction on Form S-4 or S-8 or an offering on any registration statement form that does not permit secondary sales.

------

"**<u>Underwritten Offering Notice</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(b)</u>.

"**<u>Underwritten Offering Piggyback Notice</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(c)(ii)</u>.

"**<u>Underwritten Offering Piggyback Request</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(c)(ii)</u>.

"**<u>Underwritten Piggyback Offering</u>**" has the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>2(c)(ii)</u>.

"**<u>Units</u>**" has the meaning given to such term in the Atlas LLC Agreement.

"**<u>VWAP</u>**" means, as of a specified date and in respect of Registrable Securities, the volume weighted average price for such security on the Trading Market for the five trading days immediately preceding, but excluding, such date.

"**<u>WKSI</u>**" means a "well known seasoned issuer" as defined under Rule 405.

Unless the context requires otherwise: (a) any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms; (b) references to Sections refer to Sections of this Agreement; (c) the terms "include," "includes," "including" and words of like import shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation"; (d) the terms "hereof," "hereto," "herein" or "hereunder" refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (e) unless the context otherwise requires, the term "or" is not exclusive and shall have the inclusive meaning of "and/or"; (f) defined terms herein will apply equally to both the singular and plural forms and derivative forms of defined terms will have correlative meanings; (g) references to any law or statute shall include all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and references to any law or statute shall be construed as including any legal and statutory provisions consolidating, amending, succeeding or replacing the applicable law or statute; (h) references to any Person include such Person's successors and permitted assigns; and (i) references to "days" are to calendar days unless otherwise indicated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2. <u>Registration</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) **<u>Demand Registration</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) At any time after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, any Holder(s) shall have the option and right, exercisable by delivering a written notice to the Company (a "**<u>Demand Notice</u>**"), to require the Company to, pursuant to the terms of and subject to the limitations contained in this Agreement, prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement registering the offering and sale of the number and type of Registrable Securities on the terms and conditions specified in the Demand Notice, which may include sales on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement (a "**<u>Demand Registration</u>**"). The Demand Notice must set forth the number of Registrable Securities that the Initiating Holder(s) intend to include in such Demand Registration and the intended methods of disposition thereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no event shall the Company be required to effectuate a Demand Registration unless the Registrable Securities of the Initiating Holder(s) and their respective Affiliates to be included therein have an aggregate value, based on the VWAP as of the date of the Demand Notice, of at least $50 million (the "**<u>Minimum Amount</u>**").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Within five Business Days (or if the Registration Statement will be a Shelf Registration Statement or relates to an Overnight Underwritten Offering or "bought deal," within two Business Days) after the receipt of a Demand Notice, the Company shall give written notice of such Demand Notice to all Holders and, within 60 Business Days after the receipt of the Demand Notice (except if the Company is not then eligible to register for resale the Registrable Securities on Form S-3, within 45 days thereof), the Company shall, subject to the limitations of this <u>Section</u> <u>2(a)</u>, file a Registration Statement in accordance with the terms and conditions of, and the intended timing and method of disposition described in, the Demand Notice, which Registration Statement shall cover all of the Registrable Securities that the Holders shall in writing request to be included in the Demand Registration (such request to be given to the Company within three Business Days after receipt of notice of the Demand Notice given by the Company pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>2(a)(ii)</u>). The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become and remain effective as soon as reasonably practicable after the filing thereof

------

under the Securities Act until the earlier of (A) 180 days (or three years if a Shelf Registration Statement is requested) after the Effective Date of such Registration Statement or (B) the date on which all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold or otherwise disposed of or such Shares are no longer Registrable Securities (the "**<u>Effectiveness Period</u>**"); *provided, however*, that such period shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period the Holders refrain from selling any securities included in such Registration Statement at the request of an underwriter of the Company or the Company pursuant to this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Subject to the other limitations contained in this Agreement, the Company is not obligated hereunder to (A) file any Registration Statement pursuant to a Demand Registration within 90 days after the closing of a Requested Underwritten Offering, unless as a result of <u>Section</u> <u>2(d)</u>, the Requested Underwritten Offering includes less than (the "**<u>Requested Underwritten Offering Minimum Condition</u>**") the lesser of (1) Registrable Securities of the Initiating Holder(s) having an aggregate value, based on the VWAP as of the effective date of the related Registration Statement, of $50 million, and (2) two-thirds of the number of Registrable Securities the Initiating Holder(s) set forth in the applicable Underwritten Offering Notice, or (B) effect a subsequent Demand Registration pursuant to a Demand Notice if a Registration Statement covering all of the Registrable Securities held by the Initiating Holder(s) shall have become and remains effective under the Securities Act and is sufficient to permit offers and sales of the number and type of Registrable Securities on the terms and conditions specified in the Demand Notice in accordance with the intended timing and method or methods of distribution thereof specified in the Demand Notice. No Demand Registration shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>2(a)(iii)</u> if the Registration Statement relating thereto does not become effective or is not maintained effective for its entire Effectiveness Period, in which case the Initiating Holder(s) shall be entitled to an additional Demand Registration in lieu thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) A Holder may withdraw all or any portion of its Registrable Securities included in a Demand Registration from such Demand Registration at any time prior to the effectiveness of the applicable Registration Statement. Upon receipt of a notice from an Initiating Holder that such Initiating Holder is withdrawing all of its Registrable Securities from the Demand Registration or a notice from a Holder to the effect that the Holder is withdrawing an amount of its Registrable Securities such that the remaining amount of Registrable Securities to be included in the Demand Registration is below the Minimum Amount, the Company shall cease all efforts to secure effectiveness of the applicable Registration Statement. Such registration nonetheless shall be deemed a Demand Registration with respect to an Initiating Holder for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>2(a)(iii)</u> unless (A) the Initiating Holder shall have paid or reimbursed the Company for its pro rata share of all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the withdrawn registration of such Registrable Securities (based on the number of securities such Initiating Holder sought to register, as compared to the total number of securities included in such Demand Registration) or (B) the withdrawal is made following the occurrence of a Material Adverse Change or pursuant to the Company's request for suspension pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3(o)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) The Company may include in any such Demand Registration other Company Securities for sale for its own account or for the account of any other Person, subject to <u>Section</u> <u>2(d)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) Subject to the limitations contained in this Agreement, the Company shall effect any Demand Registration on such appropriate registration form of the Commission (A) as shall be selected by the Company and (B) as shall permit the disposition of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition specified in the Demand Notice; provided that if the Company becomes, and is at the time of its receipt of a Demand Notice, a WKSI, the Demand Registration for any offering and selling of Registrable Securities shall be effected pursuant to an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement, which shall be on Form S-3 or any equivalent or successor form under the Securities Act (if available to the Company). If at any time a Registration Statement on Form S-3 is effective and a Holder provides written notice to the Company that it intends to effect an offering of all or part of the Registrable Securities included on such Registration Statement, the Company will amend or supplement such Registration Statement as may be necessary in order to enable such offering to take place.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) Without limiting <u>Section</u> <u>3</u>, in connection with any Demand Registration pursuant to and in accordance with this <u>Section</u> <u>2(a)</u>, the Company shall (A) promptly prepare and file or cause to be prepared and filed (1) such additional forms, amendments, supplements, prospectuses, certificates, letters, opinions and other documents, as may be necessary or advisable to register or qualify the securities subject to such Demand Registration, including under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Holders shall reasonably request; provided, however, that no such qualification shall be required in any jurisdiction where, as a result thereof, the Company would become subject to general service of process or to taxation or qualification to do business in such jurisdiction solely as a result of registration and (2) such forms, amendments, supplements, prospectuses, certificates, letters, opinions and other documents as may be necessary to apply for listing or to list the Registrable Securities subject to such Demand Registration on the Trading Market and (B) do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary or appropriate or reasonably requested by the Holders to enable the Holders to consummate a public sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended timing and method or methods of distribution thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) In the event a Holder transfers Registrable Securities included on a Registration Statement and such Registrable Securities remain Registrable Securities following such transfer, at the request of such Holder, the Company shall amend or supplement such Registration Statement as may be necessary in order to enable such transferee to offer and sell such Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement; provided that in no event shall the Company be required to file a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement unless (A) such Registration Statement includes only Registrable Securities held by the Holder, Affiliates of the Holder or transferees of the Holder or (B) the Company has received written consent therefor from a Person for whom Registrable Securities have been registered on (but not yet sold under) such Registration Statement, other than the Holder, Affiliates of the Holder or transferees of the Holder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) **<u>Requested Underwritten Offering</u>**. Any Initiating Holder(s) then able to effectuate a Demand Registration pursuant to the terms of <u>Section</u> <u>2(a)</u>, ignoring for purposes of such determination <u>Section</u> <u>2(a)(iii)(B)</u>, shall have the option and right, exercisable by delivering written notice to the Company of its intention to distribute Registrable Securities by means of an Underwritten Offering (an "**<u>Underwritten Offering Notice</u>**"), to require the Company, pursuant to the terms of and subject to the limitations of this Agreement, to effectuate a distribution of any or all of its Registrable Securities by means of an Underwritten Offering pursuant to a new Demand Registration or pursuant to an effective Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities (a "**<u>Requested Underwritten Offering</u>**"); provided, that the Registrable Securities of such Holder(s) requested to be included in such Requested Underwritten Offering have an aggregate value of at least equal to the Minimum Amount as of the date of such Underwritten Offering Notice. The Underwritten Offering Notice must set forth the number of Registrable Securities that such Holder intends to include in such Requested Underwritten Offering. The Managing Underwriter of a Requested Underwritten Offering shall be designated by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company is not obligated to effect more than a total of three Requested Underwritten Offerings (but no more than two in any 12-month period); provided that the Company will not be obligated to effect a Requested Underwritten Offering within 120 days of a previously granted Requested Underwritten Offering.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) **<u>Piggyback Registration and Piggyback Underwritten Offering</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If the Company shall at any time after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period propose to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering of Class A Common Stock (other than a registration statement on Form S-4, Form S-8 or any successor forms thereto or filed solely in connection with an exchange offer or any employee benefit or dividend reinvestment plan and other than a Demand Registration), whether or not for its own account, then the Company shall promptly notify all Holders of such proposal reasonably in advance of (and in any event at least five Business Days, except if the Registration Statement will be a Shelf Registration Statement, at least three Business Days, before) the anticipated filing date (the "**<u>Piggyback Registration Notice</u>**"). The Piggyback Registration Notice shall offer Holders the opportunity to include for registration in such registration statement the number of Registrable Securities as they may request in writing (a "**<u>Piggyback Registration</u>**"). The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to include in each such Piggyback Registration such Registrable Securities for which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein ("**<u>Piggyback Registration Request</u>**") within three Business Days after sending the Piggyback Registration Notice. Each Holder shall be permitted to withdraw all or part of such Holder's Registrable Securities from a Piggyback Registration by giving written notice to the Company of its request to withdraw; provided that such request must be made in writing prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement and such withdrawal shall be irrevocable and, after making such withdrawal, a Holder shall no longer have any right to include Registrable Securities in the Piggyback Registration as to which such withdrawal was made. Any withdrawing Holder shall continue to have the right to include any Registrable Securities in any subsequent registration statement or registration statements as may be filed by the Company with respect to offerings of Class A Common Stock, all upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If the Company shall at any time after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period propose to conduct an Underwritten Offering (including a Requested Underwritten Offering), whether or not for its own account, then the Company shall promptly notify all Holders of such proposal reasonably in advance of (and in any event at least two Business Days before in connection with a "bought deal" or Overnight Underwritten Offering or pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement) the commencement of the offering, which notice shall set forth the principal terms and conditions of the issuance, including the proposed offering price (or range of offering prices), the anticipated filing date of the related registration statement (if applicable) and the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that are proposed to be registered (the "**<u>Underwritten Offering Piggyback Notice</u>**"). Receipt of any Underwritten Offering Piggyback Notice required to be provided in this <u>Section</u> <u>2(c)(ii)</u> to Holders shall be kept confidential by the Holder until such proposed Underwritten Offering is (A) publicly announced or (B) such Holder receives notice that such proposed Underwritten Offering has been abandoned, which such notice shall be provided as reasonably practicable by the Company to each Holder. The Underwritten Offering Piggyback Notice shall offer Holders the opportunity to include in such Underwritten Offering (and any related registration, if applicable) the number of Registrable Securities as they may request in writing (an "**<u>Underwritten Piggyback Offering</u>**"); provided, however, that in the event that the Company proposes to effectuate the subject Underwritten Offering pursuant to an effective Shelf Registration Statement of the Company other than an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement, only Registrable Securities of Holders which are subject to an effective Shelf Registration Statement may be included in such Underwritten Piggyback Offering, unless the Company is then able to file an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement and in the reasonable judgment of the Company, the filing of the same including Registrable Securities of Holders that are not otherwise included in an effective Shelf Registration Statement would not have a material adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the Class A Common Stock in such Underwritten Piggyback Offering. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to include in each such Underwritten Piggyback Offering such Registrable Securities for which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein ("**<u>Underwritten Offering Piggyback Request</u>**") within three Business Days after sending the Underwritten Offering Piggyback Notice (or one Business Day in connection with a "bought deal" or Overnight Underwritten Offering). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this <u>Section</u> <u>2(c)(ii)</u>, if the Underwritten Offering pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>2(c)(ii)</u> is a "bought deal" (other than a variable price reoffer) or Overnight Underwritten Offering and the Managing Underwriter advises the Company that the giving of notice pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>2(c)(ii)</u> would have an adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the Class A Common Stock in such Underwritten Offering, no such notice shall be required. Each Holder shall be permitted to withdraw all or part of such Holder's Registrable Securities from an Underwritten Piggyback Offering at any time, and such Holder shall continue to have the right to include any Registrable Securities in any subsequent Underwritten Offerings, all upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this <u>Section</u> <u>2(c)</u> at any time in its sole discretion whether or not any Holder has elected to include Registrable Securities in such Registration Statement. The Registration Expenses of such withdrawn registration shall be borne by the Company in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Priority in Underwritten Offerings</u>**. In connection with an Underwritten Offering, if the Managing Underwriter of any such Underwritten Offering advises the Company, and the Company advises the Holders in writing, that the total amount of Class A Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock) that the Holders and any other Persons (including the Company) intend to include in such Underwritten Offering (and any related registration, if applicable) exceeds the number that can be included in such Underwritten Offering without being reasonably likely to have an adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the Class A Common Stock offered or the market for the Class A Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock), then the Class A Common Stock to be included in such Underwritten Offering (in each case subject to the other terms and provisions of this Agreement) shall include the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that such Managing Underwriter advises the Company can be sold without having such adverse effect, with such number to be allocated as follows (in each case, with respect to such Persons that have validly requested to include shares of Class A Common Stock in such Underwritten Offering in accordance with this Agreement or otherwise pursuant to rights of registration granted by the Company):

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) if the offering was initiated for and on behalf of the Company:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) first, to the Company; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) second, to the Holders and to all other holders of Class A Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock) entitled to participate in such Underwritten Offering, pro rata in accordance with the number of Registrable Securities then held by each such Holder and the number of shares of Class A Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock) then held by such other holders;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) in the case of a Requested Underwritten Offering:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) first, to the Holders, pro rata based on the relative number of Registrable Securities then held by each such Holder;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) second, to the Company; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) third, pro rata among all other holders of Class A Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock) entitled to participate in such Underwritten Offering, pro rata in accordance with the number of shares of Class A Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock) , collectively, then held by such other holders;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) if the offering was not initiated for and on behalf of the Company and was initiated for and on behalf of any holder of registration rights (other than any Holder):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) first, to such other holders, pro rata based on the number of shares of Class A Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock), collectively, held by such other holders;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) second, to the Company; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) third, pro rata among all other holders of Class A Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock) and the Holders proposed to be included in such offering based on the number of shares of Class A Common Stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock) and Registrable Securities, as applicable, collectively, held by such other holders and the Holders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3. <u>Registration and Underwritten Offering Procedures</u>**.

The procedures to be followed by the Company and each Holder electing to sell Registrable Securities in a Registration Statement pursuant to this Agreement, and the respective rights and obligations of the Company and such Holders, with respect to the preparation, filing and effectiveness of such Registration Statement and the effectuation of any Underwritten Offering, are as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In connection with a Demand Registration, the Company will, at least five Business Days prior to the anticipated filing of the Registration Statement and any related Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto (other than, after effectiveness of the Registration Statement, any filing made under the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement) (for purposes of this subsection, supplements and amendments shall not be deemed to include any filing that the Company is required to make pursuant to the Exchange Act or any amendments and supplements that do not materially alter the previous disclosure or do nothing more than name Holders and provide information with respect thereto), (i) furnish to such Holders copies of all such documents prior to filing and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to address in each such document when so filed with the Commission such comments as such Holders reasonably shall propose prior to the filing thereof.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In connection with a Piggyback Registration, Underwritten Piggyback Offering or a Requested Underwritten Offering, the Company will, at least three Business Days (or one Business Day in the case of any Overnight Underwritten Offering or "bought deal") prior to the anticipated filing of any initial Registration Statement that identifies the Holders and any related Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto (other than amendments and supplements that do not materially alter the previous disclosure or do nothing more than name Holders and provide information with respect thereto), as applicable, (i) furnish to such Holders copies of any such Registration Statement or related Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto that identify the Holders and any related Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto (other than amendments and supplements that do not materially alter the previous disclosure or do nothing more than name Holders and provide information with respect thereto) prior to filing and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to address in each such document when so filed with the Commission such comments as such Holders reasonably shall propose prior to the filing thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to as promptly as reasonably practicable (i) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments, including post-effective amendments, and supplements to each Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary under applicable law to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered thereby for its Effectiveness Period and, subject to the limitations contained in this Agreement, prepare and file with the Commission such additional Registration Statements in order to register for resale under the Securities Act all of the Registrable Securities held by the Holders; (ii) cause the related Prospectus to be amended or supplemented by any required prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented or amended to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; and (iii) respond to any comments received from the Commission with respect to each Registration Statement or any amendment thereto and, as promptly as reasonably practicable provide such Holders true and complete copies of all correspondence from and to the Commission relating to such Registration Statement that pertains to such Holders as selling stockholders but not any comments that would result in the disclosure to such Holders of material and non-public information concerning the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the Registration Statements and the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered by each Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Company will notify such Holders who are included in a Registration Statement as promptly as reasonably practicable: (i) (A) when a Prospectus or any prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement in which such Holder is included has been filed; (B) when the Commission notifies the Company whether there will be a "review" of the applicable Registration Statement and whenever the Commission comments in writing on such Registration Statement (in which case the Company shall provide true and complete copies thereof and all written responses thereto to each of such Holders that pertain to such Holders as selling stockholders); and (C) with respect to each applicable Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has been declared effective; (ii) of any request by the Commission or any other federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to such Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information that pertains to such Holders as sellers of Registrable Securities; (iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement covering any or all of the Registrable Securities or the initiation of any Proceedings for that purpose; (iv) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any Proceeding for such purpose; and (v) of the occurrence (but not the details) of any event or passage of time that makes any statement made in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any material respect or that requires any revisions to such Registration Statement, Prospectus or other documents so that, as the case may be, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in the case of such Registration Statement, or include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in the case of the Prospectus (provided, however, that no notice by the Company shall be required pursuant to this <u>clause (v)</u> in the event that the Company either promptly files a prospectus supplement to update the

------

Prospectus or a Form 8-K or other appropriate Exchange Act report that is incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement, which in either case, contains the requisite information that results in such Registration Statement no longer containing any untrue statement of material fact or omitting to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in the case of such Registration Statement, or including any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in the case of the Prospectus).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to avoid the issuance of or, if issued, obtain the withdrawal of (i) any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or (ii) any suspension of the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction, as promptly as reasonably practicable, or if any such order or suspension is made effective during any Blackout Period or Suspension Period, as promptly as reasonably practicable after such Blackout Period or Suspension Period is over.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) During the Effectiveness Period, the Company will furnish to each such Holder, without charge, at least one conformed copy of each Registration Statement and each amendment thereto and all exhibits to the extent requested by such Holder (including those incorporated by reference) promptly after the filing of such documents with the Commission; provided, that the Company will not have any obligation to provide any document pursuant to this clause that is available on the Commission's EDGAR system.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) The Company will promptly deliver to each Holder, without charge, as many copies of each Prospectus or Prospectuses (including each form of prospectus) authorized by the Company for use and each amendment or supplement thereto as such Holder may reasonably request during the Effectiveness Period. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, including <u>Section</u> <u>8(b)</u>, the Company consents to the use of such Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by such Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Company will cooperate with such Holders to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates or book-entry notations representing Registrable Securities to be delivered to a transferee pursuant to a Registration Statement, which certificates or book-entry notations shall be free of all restrictive legends indicating that the Registrable Securities are unregistered or unqualified for resale under the Securities Act, Exchange Act or other applicable securities laws, and to enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as any such Holder may request in writing. In connection therewith, if required by the Company's transfer agent, the Company will promptly, after the Effective Date of the Registration Statement, cause an opinion of counsel as to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement to be delivered to and maintained with its transfer agent, together with any other authorizations, certificates and directions required by the transfer agent which authorize and direct the transfer agent to issue such Registrable Securities without any such legend upon sale by the Holder of such Registrable Securities under the Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) Upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>3(e)(v)</u>, as promptly as reasonably practicable, the Company will prepare a supplement or amendment, including a post-effective amendment, if required by applicable law, to the affected Registration Statement or a supplement to the related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference, and file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered, no Registration Statement will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, nor will any Prospectus include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) With respect to Underwritten Offerings, subject to the right of a Holder to withdraw such Holder's Registrable Securities from an Underwritten Offering in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (i) the right of any Holder to include such Holder's Registrable Securities in an Underwritten Offering shall be conditioned upon such Holder's participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of such Holder's Registrable Securities in the underwriting to the extent provided herein, (ii) each Holder participating in such Underwritten Offering severally agrees to enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form and sell such Holder's Registrable Securities on

------

the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled to select the Managing Underwriter hereunder and (iii) each Holder participating in such Underwritten Offering severally agrees to complete and execute all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements, lock-up agreements and other documents customarily and reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements. Any such underwriting agreement to be entered into among the Company, managing underwriter of such offering and each Holder participating in such Underwritten Offering shall contain representations and warranties by such Holders and such other terms and provisions as are customarily contained in underwriting agreements with respect to secondary distributions on the part of selling stockholders. The Company hereby agrees with each Holder that, in connection with any Underwritten Offering in accordance with the terms hereof, it will negotiate in good faith and execute all indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements, including using all commercially reasonable efforts to procure customary legal opinions, auditor "comfort" letters and reports of the independent mining engineers and geologists of the Company relating to the mineral reserves of the Company included in the Registration Statement if the Company has had its reserves prepared, audited or reviewed by an independent mining engineer or geologist.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) For a reasonable period prior to the filing of any Registration Statement and throughout the Effectiveness Period, the Company will make available, upon reasonable notice at the Company's principal place of business or such other reasonable place, for inspection during normal business hours by a representative or representatives of the selling Holders, the Managing Underwriter and any attorneys or accountants retained by such selling Holders or underwriters, all such financial and other information and books and records of the Company, and cause the officers, employees, counsel, independent certified public accountants and independent mining engineers and geologists of the Company to respond to such inquiries, as shall be reasonably necessary (and in the case of counsel, not violate an attorney-client privilege in such counsel's reasonable belief) to conduct a reasonable investigation within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act; provided, however, that any information that is not generally publicly available at the time of delivery of such information shall be kept confidential by such Persons unless disclosure of such information is required by court or administrative order or, in the opinion of counsel to such Person, law, in which case, such Person shall be required to give the Company written notice of the proposed disclosure prior to such disclosure and, if requested by the Company, assist the Company in seeking to prevent or limit the proposed disclosure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) In connection with any Requested Underwritten Offering, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to take such actions as the Holders reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities subject to such Requested Underwritten Offering and to cause appropriate officers and employees to be available, on a customary basis and upon reasonable notice, to meet with prospective investors in presentations, meetings and road shows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) Each Holder agrees to furnish to the Company any other information regarding the Holder and the distribution of such securities as the Company reasonably determines is required to be included in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus or prospectus supplement relating to an Underwritten Offering.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall not be required to file a Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto) or effect a Requested Underwritten Offering (or, if the Company has filed a Shelf Registration Statement and has included Registrable Securities therein, the Company shall be entitled to suspend the offer and sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement) for a period of up to 90 days if (i) the Board determines that a postponement is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders generally due to a pending financing, acquisition, corporate reorganization, merger, share exchange or other transaction or event involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries (including a pending securities offering by the Company), (ii) the Board determines such registration would render the Company unable to comply with applicable securities laws or (iii) the Board determines such registration would require disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential (any such period, a "**<u>Blackout Period</u>**"); *provided* that in no event shall any Blackout Periods, any Suspension Periods and any Holder Lock-Up Periods collectively continue for more than 120 days in the aggregate during any consecutive 12-month period. Each Holder agrees that the receipt of any notice pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>3(o)</u> does not constitute MNPI, but nevertheless shall be kept confidential and not be disclosed without the prior written consent of the Company until such time as the information contained therein is or becomes available to the public generally, other than as a result of disclosure by the Holder in breach of the terms of this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) In connection with an Underwritten Offering, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide to each Holder named as a selling securityholder in any Registration Statement a copy of any auditor "comfort" letters, customary legal opinions or reports of the independent mining engineers and geologists of the Company relating to the mineral reserves of the Company, in each case that have been provided to the Managing Underwriter in connection with the Underwritten Offering, not later than the Business Day prior to the effective date of such Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) In connection with any Underwritten Offering, any Holder that together with its Affiliates owns ten percent (10%) or more of the outstanding Class A Common Stock, shall execute a customary "lock-up" agreement with the underwriters of such Underwritten Offering containing a lock-up period equal to the shorter of (A) the shortest number of days that a director of the Company, "executive officer" (as defined under Section 16 of the Exchange Act) of the Company or any stockholder of the Company (other than a Holder or director or employee of, or consultant to, the Company) who owns ten percent (10%) or more of the outstanding Class A Common Stock contractually agrees to with the underwriters of such Underwritten Offering not to sell any securities of the Company following such Underwritten Offering and (B) 90 days from the date of the execution of the underwriting agreement with respect to such Underwritten Offering (each such period, a "**<u>Holder Lock-Up Period</u>**").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Holder may make a written election (an "**<u>Opt-Out Election</u>**") to no longer receive from the Company any Demand Notice, Piggyback Registration Notice or Underwritten Offering Piggyback Notice (each, a "**<u>Covered Notice</u>**"), and, following receipt of such Opt-Out Election, the Company shall not be required to, and shall not, deliver any such Covered Notice to such Holder from the date of receipt of such Opt-Out Election and such Holder shall have no right to participate in any Registration Statement or Underwritten Offering as to which such Covered Notices pertain. An Opt-Out Election shall remain in effect until it has been revoked in writing and received by the Company. A Holder who previously has given the Company an Opt-Out Election may revoke such election at any time in writing, and there shall be no limit on the ability of a Holder to issue and revoke subsequent Opt-Out Elections.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4. <u>No Inconsistent Agreements; Additional Rights</u>**. The Company shall not hereafter enter into, and is not currently a party to, any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent in any material respect with rights granted to the Holders by this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5. <u>Registration Expenses</u>**. All Registration Expenses incident to the Parties' performance of or compliance with their respective obligations under this Agreement or otherwise in connection with any Demand Registration, Requested Underwritten Offering, Piggyback Registration or Underwritten Piggyback Offering (in each case, excluding any Selling Expenses) shall be borne by the Company, whether or not any Registrable Securities are sold pursuant to a Registration Statement. "**<u>Registration Expenses</u>**" shall include, without limitation, (i) all registration and filing fees (including fees and expenses (A) with respect to filings required to be made with the Trading Market, (B) in compliance with applicable state securities or "Blue Sky" laws and (C) with respect to filings with The Financial Industry Regulation Authority), (ii) printing expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for Company Securities and of printing Prospectuses if the printing of Prospectuses is reasonably requested by a Holder of Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement), (iii) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (iv) fees and disbursements of counsel, auditors, accountants and independent mining engineers and geologists for the Company, (v) Securities Act liability insurance, if the Company so desires such insurance, (vi) fees and expenses of all other Persons retained by the Company in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (vii) the fees and expenses of one law firm of national standing selected by the Holders owning the majority of the Registrable Securities to be included in any such registration or offering and (viii) all expenses relating to marketing the sale of the Registrable Securities, including expenses related to conducting a "road show." In addition, the Company shall be responsible for all of its expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including expenses payable to third parties and including all salaries and expenses of their officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expense of any annual audit and the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities on the Trading Market.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6. <u>Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Holder, its Affiliates and each of their respective officers and directors and any agent thereof, and each other Person, if any, who Controls any Holder within the meaning of the Securities Act (collectively, "**<u>Holder Indemnified Persons</u>**"), to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, costs (including reasonable costs of preparation and reasonable attorneys' 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 Holder Indemnified Person may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, under the Securities Act or otherwise (collectively, "**<u>Losses</u>**"), as incurred, arising out of or relating to any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement under which any Registrable Securities were registered, in any preliminary prospectus (if the Company authorized the use of such preliminary prospectus prior to the Effective Date), or in any summary or final prospectus or free writing prospectus (if such free writing prospectus was authorized for use by the Company) or in any amendment or supplement thereto (if used during the period the Company is required to keep the Registration Statement current), or arising out of or based upon the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein not misleading, in the case of the Registration Statement, or arising out of or based upon the omission to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in the case of any preliminary prospectus (if the Company authorized the use of such preliminary prospectus prior to the Effective Date), or in any summary or final prospectus or free writing prospectus (if such free writing prospectus was authorized for use by the Company) or in any amendment or supplement thereto (if used during the period the Company is required to keep the Registration Statement current); provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable to any Holder Indemnified Person to the extent that any such claim arises out of, is based upon or results from an untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such Registration Statement, such preliminary, summary or final prospectus or free writing prospectus or such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder Indemnified Person specifically for use in the preparation thereof. The Company shall notify the Holders promptly of the institution, threat or assertion of any Proceeding of which the Company is aware in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability the Company may otherwise have and shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Holder Indemnified Person or any indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of such securities by such Holder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this <u>Section</u> <u>6</u> shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement indefinitely.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In connection with any Registration Statement in which a Holder participates, such Holder shall, severally and not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its Affiliates and each of their respective officers, directors and any agent thereof, and each other Person, if any, who Controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against any and all Losses as incurred, arising out of or relating to any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any such Registration Statement, in any preliminary prospectus (if used prior to the Effective Date of such Registration Statement), or in any summary or final prospectus or free writing prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto (if used during the period the Company is required to keep the Registration Statement current), or arising out of or based upon the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein not misleading, in the case of the Registration Statement, or arising out of or based upon the omission to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in the case of any preliminary prospectus (if used prior to the Effective Date of such Registration Statement), or in any summary or final prospectus or free writing prospectus (if such free writing prospectus was authorized for use by the Company) or in any amendment or supplement thereto (if used during the period the Company is required to keep the Registration Statement current), but only to the extent that the same are made in reliance and in conformity with information relating to the Holder furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein. This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability such Holder may otherwise have and shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company or any indemnified party. In no event shall the liability of any selling Holder hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification and (ii) unless in such indemnified party's reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim or there may be reasonable defenses available to the indemnified party that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent will not be unreasonably withheld). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party there may be one or more legal or equitable defenses available to such indemnified party that are in addition to or may conflict with those available to another indemnified party with respect to such claim. Failure to give prompt written notice shall not release the indemnifying party from its obligations hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) If the indemnification provided for in this <u>Section</u> <u>6</u> is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to an indemnified party with respect to any Losses referred to herein, the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party thereunder, shall to the extent permitted by applicable law contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such Losses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party, on the one hand, and of the indemnified party, on the other, in connection with the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission to state a material fact that resulted in such Losses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by a court of law by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission; provided, that in no event shall any contribution by a Holder hereunder exceed the net proceeds from the offering received by such Holder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7. <u>Facilitation of Sales Pursuant to Rule 144</u>**. The Company shall timely file the reports required to be filed by it under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act (including the reports under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act referred to in subparagraph (c)(1) of Rule 144), and shall take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable the Holders to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitations of the exemption provided by Rule 144. Upon the request of any Holder in connection with that Holder's sale pursuant to Rule 144, the Company shall deliver to such Holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8. <u>Miscellaneous</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) **<u>Remedies</u>**. In the event of actual or potential breach by the Company of any of its obligations under this Agreement, each Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law and under this Agreement, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not provide adequate compensation for any losses incurred by reason of a breach by it of any of the provisions of this Agreement and further agrees that, in the event of any action for specific performance in respect of such breach, it shall waive the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) **<u>Discontinued Disposition</u>**. Subject to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>3(o)</u>, each Holder agrees that, upon receipt of a notice from the Company of the occurrence of any event of the kind described in <u>clauses (ii)</u> through <u>(v)</u> of <u>Section</u> <u>3(e)</u>, such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of such Registrable Securities under the Registration Statement until such Holder's receipt of the copies of the supplemental Prospectus or amended Registration Statement as contemplated by <u>Section</u> <u>3(j)</u> or until it is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the applicable Prospectus may be resumed, and, in either case, has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus or Registration Statement (a "**<u>Suspension Period</u>**"). The Company may provide appropriate stop orders to enforce the provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>8(b)</u>.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) **<u>Amendments and Waivers</u>**. No provision of this Agreement may be waived or amended except in a written instrument signed by the Company and Holders that hold a majority of the Registrable Securities as of the date of such waiver or amendment; provided, that any waiver or amendment that would have a disproportionate adverse effect on a Holder relative to the other Holders shall require the consent of such Holder. The Company shall provide prior notice to all Holders of any proposed waiver or amendment. No waiver of any default with respect to any provision, condition or requirement of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in the future or a waiver of any subsequent default or a waiver of any other provision, condition or requirement hereof, nor shall any delay or omission of any Party to exercise any right hereunder in any manner impair the exercise of any such right.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Notices</u>**. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to be provided hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given and effective on the earliest of (i) the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile or electronic mail as specified in this <u>Section</u> <u>8(d)</u> prior to 5:00 p.m. Central Time on a Business Day, (ii) the Business Day after the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile or electronic mail as specified in this Agreement later than 5:00 p.m. Central Time on any date and earlier than 11:59 p.m. Central Time on such date, (iii) the Business Day following the date of mailing, if sent by nationally recognized overnight courier service (iv) upon actual receipt by the Party to whom such notice is required to be given. The address for such notices and communications shall be as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| If to the Company: | Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. |
|  | Attention: Dathan Voelter |
|  | 5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500 |
|  | Austin, Texas 78730 |
|  | Electronic mail: dvoelter@atalssand.com |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With copy to: | Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. |
|  | Attention: Thomas G. Zentner |
|  | 200 West 6<sup>th</sup> Street, Suite 2500 |
|  | Austin, Texas 78701 |
|  | Electronic mail: tzentner@velaw.com |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If to any Person who is then the registered Holder: | To the address of such Holder as it appears in the applicable register for the Registrable Securities or such other address as may be designated in writing by such Holder (including on the signature pages hereto). |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Successors and Assigns</u>**. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns. Except as provided in this <u>Section</u> <u>8(e)</u>, this Agreement, and any rights or obligations hereunder, may not be assigned without the prior written consent of the Company (acting through the Board) and the Holders. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, the rights of a Holder pursuant to this Agreement with respect to all or any portion of its Registrable Securities may be assigned without such consent (but only with all related obligations) with respect to such Registrable Securities (and any Registrable Securities issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, in exchange for or in replacement of such Registrable Securities) by such Holder to a transferee of such Registrable Securities; provided (i) the Company is, within a reasonable time after such transfer, furnished with written notice of the name and address of such transferee or assignee and the Registrable Securities with respect to which such registration rights are being assigned, (ii) either (A) the transferee of such Registrable Securities is an Affiliate of the transferring Holder or (B) the amount of Registrable Securities with respect to which such registration rights are being assigned is equal to at least three percent (3%) of all shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, collectively outstanding as of the consummation of such transfer and (iii) such transferee or assignee agrees in writing to be bound by and subject to the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Company may not assign its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Holders.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) **<u>No Third Party Beneficiaries</u>**. Nothing in this Agreement, whether express or implied, shall be construed to give any Person, other than the Parties or their respective successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy, claim or benefit under or in respect of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) **<u>Execution and Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile or electronic mail transmission, such signature shall create a valid binding obligation of the Party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) the same with the same force and effect as if such signature delivered by facsimile or electronic mail transmission were the original thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) **<u>Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial</u>**. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the state of Delaware. Each of the Parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the state of Delaware and the United States District Court for the district of Delaware and the appellate courts therefrom for the purpose of any suit, action, proceeding or judgment relating to or arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Service of process in connection with any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on each Party anywhere in the world by the same methods as are specified for the giving of notices under this Agreement. Each of the Parties irrevocably waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such courts and irrevocably waives any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. **EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO REQUEST A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT AND REPRESENTS THAT COUNSEL HAS BEEN CONSULTED SPECIFICALLY AS TO THIS WAIVER.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) **<u>Cumulative Remedies</u>**. The remedies provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) **<u>Severability</u>**. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the Parties shall use their reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the Parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) **<u>Entire Agreement</u>**. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior contracts or agreements with respect to the subject matter hereof and the matters addressed or governed hereby, whether oral or written.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) **<u>Termination</u>**. Except for <u>Section</u> <u>6</u>, this Agreement shall terminate as to any Holder, when all Registrable Securities held by such Holder no longer constitute Registrable Securities.

[THIS SPACE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY]

------

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **COMPANY:** | **COMPANY:** |
| Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. | Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

*Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement* 

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **HOLDERS:** | **HOLDERS:** |
| **Ben M. Brigham** | **Ben M. Brigham** |
| By: | /s/ Ben M. Brigham |
| Name: Ben M. Brigham | Name: Ben M. Brigham |
| Title: Executive Chairman | Title: Executive Chairman |
| Address for notice: | Address for notice: |
| 5918 W. Courtyard Drive | 5918 W. Courtyard Drive |
| Suite 500 | Suite 500 |
| Austin, TX 78730 | Austin, TX 78730 |
| **Anne and Bud Oil & Gas Vested, LLC** | **Anne and Bud Oil & Gas Vested, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Ben M. Brigham |
| Name: Ben M. Brigham | Name: Ben M. Brigham |
| Title: Member | Title: Member |
| Address for notice: | Address for notice: |
| 5918 W. Courtyard Drive | 5918 W. Courtyard Drive |
| Suite 500 | Suite 500 |
| Austin, TX 78730 | Austin, TX 78730 |
| **Brigham Children's Family LP** | **Brigham Children's Family LP** |
| By: | /s/ Ben M. Brigham |
| Name: Ben M. Brigham | Name: Ben M. Brigham |
| Title: General Partner | Title: General Partner |
| Address for notice: | Address for notice: |
| 5918 W. Courtyard Drive | 5918 W. Courtyard Drive |
| Suite 500 | Suite 500 |
| Austin, TX 78730 | Austin, TX 78730 |
| **Permian Dunes Holding Company, LLC** | **Permian Dunes Holding Company, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ Douglas Rogers |
| Name: Douglas Rogers | Name: Douglas Rogers |
| Title: Director and Secretary/Treasurer | Title: Director and Secretary/Treasurer |

---

*Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement*

## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhibit 10.1** 

**AMENDED AND RESTATED** 

**LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT** 

**OF** 

**ATLAS SAND OPERATING, LLC** 

**DATED AS OF MARCH 8, 2023** 

THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS IN ATLAS SAND OPERATING, LLC HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE, OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS, AND HAVE BEEN OR ARE BEING ISSUED IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH INTERESTS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT; AND (III) ANY OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS AGREED TO IN WRITING BETWEEN THE MANAGING MEMBER AND THE APPLICABLE MEMBER (AS SUCH TERMS ARE DEFINED IN THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT). THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS, THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT AND ANY OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS AGREED TO IN WRITING BY THE MANAGING MEMBER AND THE APPLICABLE MEMBER. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS AND OTHER TRANSFEREES OF SUCH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT OR ACQUISITION FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.

------

**TABLE OF CONTENTS** 

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS | ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 1.1 | Definitions | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 1.2 | Interpretive Provisions | 12 |
|  ARTICLE II ORGANIZATION OF THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY | ARTICLE II ORGANIZATION OF THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.1 | Formation | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.2 | Filing | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.3 | Name | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.4 | Registered Office; Registered Agent | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.5 | Principal Place of Business | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.6 | Purpose; Powers | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.7 | Term | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 2.8 | Intent | 13 |
|  ARTICLE III OWNERSHIP AND CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS | ARTICLE III OWNERSHIP AND CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 3.1 | Authorized Equity Securities; General Provisions With Respect to Equity Securities and Debt Securities | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 3.2 | Voting Rights | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 3.3 | Capital Contributions; Unit Ownership | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 3.4 | Capital Accounts | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 3.5 | Other Matters | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 3.6 | Redemption of Units | 20 |
|  ARTICLE IV ALLOCATIONS OF PROFITS AND LOSSES | ARTICLE IV ALLOCATIONS OF PROFITS AND LOSSES | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.1 | Profits and Losses | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.2 | Special Allocations | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.3 | Allocations for Tax Purposes in General | 28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 4.4 | Other Allocation Rules | 29 |
|  ARTICLE V DISTRIBUTIONS | ARTICLE V DISTRIBUTIONS | 30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.1 | Distributions | 30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.2 | Tax-Related Distributions | 30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.3 | Distribution Upon Withdrawal | 31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 5.4 | Issuance of Additional Equity Securities | 31 |
|  ARTICLE VI MANAGEMENT | ARTICLE VI MANAGEMENT | 31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.1 | The Managing Member; Fiduciary Duties | 31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.2 | Officers | 31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.3 | Warranted Reliance by Officers on Others | 32 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.4 | Indemnification; Exculpation | 33 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.5 | Maintenance of Insurance or Other Financial Arrangements | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.6 | Resignation or Termination of Managing Member | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.7 | No Inconsistent Obligations | 35 |

---

i

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.8 | Reclassification Events of PubCo | 35 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 6.9 | Certain Costs and Expenses | 35 |
|  ARTICLE VII ROLE OF MEMBERS | ARTICLE VII ROLE OF MEMBERS | 36 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 7.1 | Rights or Powers | 36 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 7.2 | Voting | 37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 7.3 | Various Capacities | 37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 7.4 | Investment Opportunities | 37 |
|  ARTICLE VIII TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS | ARTICLE VIII TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS | 38 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.1 | Restrictions on Transfer | 38 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.2 | Notice of Transfer | 39 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.3 | Transferee Members | 39 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 8.4 | Legend | 40 |
|  ARTICLE IX ACCOUNTING; CERTAIN TAX MATTERS | ARTICLE IX ACCOUNTING; CERTAIN TAX MATTERS | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 9.1 | Books of Account | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 9.2 | Tax Elections | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 9.3 | Tax Returns; Information | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 9.4 | Company Representative | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 9.5 | Withholding Tax Payments and Obligations | 42 |
|  ARTICLE X DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION | ARTICLE X DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION | 43 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 10.1 | Liquidating Events | 43 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 10.2 | Bankruptcy | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 10.3 | Procedure | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 10.4 | Rights of Members | 45 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 10.5 | Notices of Dissolution | 45 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 10.6 | Reasonable Time for Winding Up | 46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 10.7 | No Deficit Restoration Obligation | 46 |
|  ARTICLE XI GENERAL | ARTICLE XI GENERAL | 46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.1 | Amendments; Waivers | 46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.2 | Further Assurances | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.3 | Successors and Assigns | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.4 | Certain Representations by Members | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.5 | Entire Agreement | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.6 | Rights of Members Independent | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.7 | Governing Law | 48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.8 | Jurisdiction and Venue | 48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.9 | Headings | 48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.10 | Counterparts | 48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.11 | Notices | 48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.12 | Representation By Counsel; Interpretation | 49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.13 | Severability | 49 |

---

ii

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.14 | Expenses | 49.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.15 | Waiver of Jury Trial | 49.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Section 11.16 | No Third Party Beneficiaries | 49.0 |

---

iii

------

**AMENDED AND RESTATED** 

**LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT** 

**OF** 

**ATLAS SAND OPERATING, LLC** 

This Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, this "***Agreement***") is entered into as of March 8, 2023, by and among Atlas Sand Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "***Company***"), Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation ("***PubCo***"), Atlas Sand Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and any Persons that may from time to time after the date hereof become a Member in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Act. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the respective meanings set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>1.1</u>.

**RECITALS** 

**WHEREAS**, the Company was formed pursuant to a Certificate of Formation filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 18, 2022 (the "***Certificate of Formation***"), and, immediately prior to the adoption of this Agreement, was governed by that certain Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of November 18, 2022 (the "***Existing LLC Agreement***");

**WHEREAS**, it is contemplated that PubCo will effect an initial underwritten offering (the "***IPO***") in connection with which PubCo will issue and sell Class A Shares to the public in exchange for cash;

**WHEREAS**, in anticipation of the IPO, the Company, PubCo and certain of their Affiliates have entered into that certain Master Reorganization Agreement, dated March 8, 2023 (the "***Master Reorganization Agreement***"), which, among other things, gives effect to certain reorganization transactions involving the parties thereto, including the adoption of this Agreement, and sets forth certain related agreements of the parties thereto;

**WHEREAS**, following the consummation of the IPO (and, if applicable, following any exercise of the underwriters' option), PubCo will contribute the net cash proceeds therefrom to the Company in exchange for a number of Units such that the total number of Units held by PubCo equals the number of Class A Shares outstanding after the IPO (including, if applicable, any Class A Shares issued pursuant to any exercise of the underwriters' option) and related transactions;

**WHEREAS**, the Members desire that PubCo become the sole managing member of the Company (in its capacity as managing member as well as in any other capacity, the "***Managing Member***");

**WHEREAS**, the Members desire to amend and restate the Existing LLC Agreement; and

**WHEREAS**, this Agreement shall supersede the Existing LLC Agreement in its entirety effective as of the date hereof and at such time as is provided under the terms of the Master Reorganization Agreement.

------

**NOW THEREFORE**, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as follows:

**ARTICLE I** 

**DEFINITIONS** 

Section 1.1 **<u>Definitions</u>**. As used in this Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits attached to this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

"***Act***" means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. § 18-101, et seq., as amended from time to time (or any corresponding provisions of succeeding law).

"***Action***" means any claim, action, suit, arbitration, inquiry, Proceeding or investigation by or before any Governmental Entity.

"***Adjusted Capital Account***" means, with respect to any Member, the Capital Account maintained for each Member, (a) increased by any amounts that such Member is obligated to restore or is treated as obligated to restore under Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(*c*), 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), and (b) decreased by any amounts described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(*d*)(4), (5) and (6) with respect to such Member. The foregoing definition of "Adjusted Capital Account" is intended to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(*d*) and 1.704-2 and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

"***Affiliate***" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such Person. For these purposes, "control" means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; *provided* that, for purposes of this Agreement, (a) no Member shall be deemed an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (b) none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed an Affiliate of any Member.

"***Agreement***" is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

"***Business Day***" means any day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks in Austin, Texas are generally open for business.

"***Business Opportunities Exempt Party***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>7.4</u>.

"***Buyback Taxes***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>6.9</u>.

"***Call Right***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(j)</u>.

"***Capital Account***" means, with respect to any Member, the Capital Account maintained for such Member in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>3.4</u>.

------

"***Capital Contribution***" means, with respect to any Member, the amount of cash and the initial Gross Asset Value of any property (other than cash) contributed to the Company by such Member. Any reference to the Capital Contribution of a Member will include any Capital Contributions made by a predecessor holder of such Member's Units to the extent that such Capital Contribution was made in respect of Units Transferred to such Member.

"***Cash Election***" means an election by the Company to redeem Units for cash pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(d)</u> or an election by PubCo (or such designated member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group) to purchase Units for cash pursuant to an exercise of its Call Right set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(j)</u>.

"***Cash Election Amount***" means, with respect to a particular Redemption for which a Cash Election has been made, (a) other than in the case of <u>clause (b)</u>, if the Class A Shares trade on a securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, an amount of cash equal to the product of the number of Class A Shares that would have been received in such Redemption if a Cash Election had not been made and the average of the volume-weighted closing price for a Class A Share on the principal U.S. securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system on which the Class A Shares trade, as reported by Bloomberg, L.P., or its successor, for each of the ten consecutive full Trading Days ending on and including the last full Trading Day immediately prior to the Redemption Notice Date, subject to appropriate and equitable adjustment for any stock splits, reverse splits, stock dividends or similar events affecting the Class A Shares; *provided*, *that*, if the Cash Election is made in respect of a Redemption Notice issued by a Redeeming Member in connection with a Public Offering, an amount of cash equal to the product of (i) the number of Class A Shares that would have been received in such Redemption if a Cash Election had not been made and (ii) the price per Class A Share sold to the public in such Public Offering (reduced by the amount of any Discount associated with such Class A Share); and (b) if the Class A Shares no longer trade on a securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system, an amount of cash equal to the product of the number of Class A Shares that would have been received in such Redemption if a Cash Election had not been made and the fair market value of one Class A Share, as determined by the Managing Member in Good Faith, that would be obtained in an arms' length transaction for cash between an informed and willing buyer and an informed and willing seller, neither of whom is under any compulsion to buy or sell, and without regard to the particular circumstances of the buyer or seller.

"***Certificate of Formation***" is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

"***Chief Executive Officer***" means the person appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company by the Managing Member pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of <u>Section</u> <u>6.2(a)</u>.

"***Class A Shares***" means (a) the shares of Class A Common Stock of PubCo, par value $0.01 per share and any other Equity Securities issued by PubCo designated by the Managing Member as Class A Shares or (b) following any consolidation, merger, reclassification or other similar event involving PubCo, any shares or other securities of PubCo or any other Person or into which the Class A Shares are exchanged or converted as a result of such consolidation, merger, reclassification or other similar event.

------

"***Class B Shares***" means (a) the shares of Class B Common Stock of PubCo, par value $0.01 per share and any other Equity Securities issued by PubCo designated by the Managing Member as Class B Shares or (b) following any consolidation, merger, reclassification or other similar event involving PubCo, any shares or other securities of PubCo or any other Person or into which the Class B Shares are exchanged or converted as a result of such consolidation, merger, reclassification or other similar event.

"***Code***" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

"***Commission***" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including any governmental body or agency succeeding to the functions thereof.

"***Company***" is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

"***Company Level Taxes***" means any U.S. federal, state or local taxes, additions to tax, penalties and interest payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a result of any examination of the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries' affairs by any U.S. federal, state or local tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings under the Partnership Tax Audit Rules.

"***Company Minimum Gain***" has the meaning assigned to the term "partnership minimum gain" set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d). It is further understood that Company Minimum Gain shall be determined in a manner consistent with the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(2), including the requirement that if the adjusted Gross Asset Value of property subject to one or more Nonrecourse Liabilities differs from its adjusted tax basis, Company Minimum Gain shall be determined with reference to such Gross Asset Value.

"***Company Representative***" has, with respect to taxable periods beginning after December 31, 2017, the meaning assigned to the term "partnership representative" set forth in Section 6223 of the Code and any "designated individual," if applicable, as defined in the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (including, in each case, any similar capacity or role under relevant state or local law), and, with respect to taxable periods beginning on or before December 31, 2017, the meaning assigned of "tax matters partner" set forth in Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code prior to its amendment by Title XI of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (including, any similar capacity or role under relevant state or local law), as appointed pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9.4</u>.

"***Control***" (including the terms "***Controlled By***" and "***Under Common Control With***"), with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee, personal representative or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee, personal representative or executor, by contract or otherwise.

"***Covered Audit Adjustment***" means an adjustment to any partnership-related item (within the meaning of Section 6241(2)(B) of the Code) to the extent such adjustment results in an "imputed underpayment" as described in Section 6225(b) of the Code or any analogous provision of state or local Law.

------

"***Covered Person***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>6.4</u>.

"***Debt Securities***" means any and all debt instruments or debt securities of any member of the PubCo Holdings Group that are not convertible or exchangeable into Equity Securities of any member of the PubCo Holdings Group.

"***Depreciation***" means, for each Fiscal Year or other taxable period, an amount equal to the depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction (excluding depletion) allowable with respect to an asset for such Fiscal Year or other taxable period, except that (a) with respect to any such property the Gross Asset Value of which differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes and which difference is being eliminated by use of the "remedial method" pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(d), Depreciation for such Fiscal Year or other taxable period shall be the amount of book basis recovered for such Fiscal Year or other taxable period under the rules prescribed by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(d)(2), and (b) with respect to any other such property the Gross Asset Value of which differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the beginning of such Fiscal Year or other taxable period, Depreciation shall be an amount that bears the same ratio to such beginning Gross Asset Value as the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction for such Fiscal Year or other taxable period bears to such beginning adjusted tax basis; *provided*, *however*, that if the adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an asset at the beginning of such Fiscal Year or other taxable period is zero, Depreciation with respect to such asset shall be determined with reference to such beginning Gross Asset Value using any reasonable method selected by the Managing Member.

"***Discount***" means any underwriters' discounts or commissions and brokers' fees or commissions, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any deferred discounts or commissions and brokers' fees or commissions payable in connection with or as a result of any Public Offering.

"***Economic Risk of Loss***" has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-2(a).

"***Effective Time***" means 12:01 a.m. Central Daylight Time on the date of the initial closing of the IPO.

"***Equity Payment***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>6.9</u>.

"***Equity Securities***" means (a) with respect to a partnership, limited liability company or similar Person, any and all units, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options or other equivalents of, or other ownership interests in, any such Person as well as debt or equity instruments convertible, exchangeable or exercisable into any such units, interests, rights or other ownership interests and (b) with respect to a corporation, any and all shares, interests, participation or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock, including all common stock and preferred stock, or warrants, options or other rights to acquire any of the foregoing, including any debt instrument convertible or exchangeable into any of the foregoing.

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

"***Excess Tax Amount***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>9.5(c)</u>.

------

"***Exchange Act***" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time (or any corresponding provisions of succeeding Law).

"***Existing LLC Agreement***" is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

"***Fair Market Value***" means the fair market value of any property as determined in Good Faith by the Managing Member after taking into account such factors as the Managing Member shall deem appropriate.

"***Federal Bankruptcy Code***" means Title 11 of the United States Code, and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time (or any corresponding provisions of succeeding Law).

"***Fiscal Year***" means the fiscal year of the Company, which shall end on December 31 of each calendar year unless, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, another fiscal year is required. The Company shall have the same fiscal year for U.S. federal income tax purposes and for accounting purposes.

"***Franchise Taxes***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>6.9</u>.

"***GAAP***" means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles at the time.

"***Good Faith***" means a Person having acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company.

"***Governmental Entity***" means any federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local, foreign or other government, governmental, stock exchange, regulatory or administrative authority, agency or commission or any court, tribunal or judicial or arbitral body.

"***Gross Asset Value***" means, with respect to any asset, such asset's adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the initial Gross Asset Value of any asset contributed by a Member to the Company shall be the gross Fair Market Value of such asset as of the date of such contribution;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the Gross Asset Values of all Company assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective gross Fair Market Values as of the following times: (i) the acquisition of an interest (or additional interest) in the Company by any new or existing Member in exchange for more than a *de minimis* Capital Contribution to the Company or in exchange for the performance of more than a *de minimis* amount of services to or for the benefit of the Company; (ii) the distribution by the Company to a Member of more than a *de minimis* amount of Company assets as consideration for an interest in the Company; (iii) the liquidation of the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(*g*)(1); (iv) the acquisition of an interest in the Company by any new or existing Member upon the exercise of a noncompensatory option in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(*s*); or (v) any other event to the extent

------

determined by the Managing Member to be permitted and necessary or appropriate to properly reflect Gross Asset Values in accordance with the standards set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(*q*); *provided*, *however*, that adjustments pursuant to subclauses (i), (ii) and (iv) above shall be made only if the Managing Member reasonably determines that such adjustments are necessary or appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Members in the Company. If any noncompensatory options are outstanding upon the occurrence of an event described in subclauses (i) through (v) above, the Company shall adjust the Gross Asset Values of its properties in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(*f*)(1) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(*h*)(2);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset distributed to any Member shall be adjusted to equal the gross Fair Market Value of such asset on the date of such distribution;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) the Gross Asset Values of Company assets shall be increased (or decreased) to reflect any adjustments to the adjusted tax basis of such assets pursuant to Code Section 734(b) (including any such adjustments pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.734-2(b)(1)), but only to the extent that such adjustments are taken into account in determining Capital Accounts pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(*m*) and clause (f) in the definition of "Profits" or "Losses" below or <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(h)</u>; *provided*, *however*, that the Gross Asset Value of a Company asset shall not be adjusted pursuant to this clause (d) to the extent the Managing Member determines that an adjustment pursuant to clause (b) of this definition is necessary or appropriate in connection with a transaction that would otherwise result in an adjustment pursuant to this clause (d); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if the Gross Asset Value of a Company asset has been determined or adjusted pursuant to clauses (a), (b) or (d) of this definition, such Gross Asset Value shall thereafter be adjusted by the Depreciation taken into account with respect to such asset for purposes of computing Profits, Losses and other items allocated pursuant to <u>Article</u> <u>IV</u>.

"***Interest***" means the entire interest of a Member in the Company, including the Units and all of such Member's rights, powers and privileges under this Agreement and the Act.

"***IPO***" is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

"***Law***" means any federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local or similar statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, order, requirement or rule of law (including common law).

"***Legal Action***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>11.8</u>.

"***Liability***" means any liability or obligation, whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, liquidated or unliquidated and whether due or to become due, regardless of when asserted.

"***Liquidating Event***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>10.1</u>.

"***Lock-Up Period***" means the period of 180 days commencing with the pricing of the IPO.

------

"***Managing Member***" is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

"***Master Reorganization Agreement***" is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

"***Member***" means any Person that executes this Agreement as a Member and any other Person admitted to the Company as an additional or substituted Member, in each case, that has not made a disposition of such Person's entire Interest.

"***Member Minimum Gain***" has the meaning assigned to the term "partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain" set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i). It is further understood that the determination of Member Minimum Gain and the net increase or decrease in Member Minimum Gain shall be made in the same manner as required for such determination of Company Minimum Gain under Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(g)(3).

"***Member Nonrecourse Debt***" has the meaning assigned to the term "partner nonrecourse debt" set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4).

"***Member Nonrecourse Deductions***" has the meaning assigned to the term "partner nonrecourse deductions" set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(i)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(2).

"***Minority Member Redemption Date***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(k)</u>.

"***Minority Member Redemption Notice***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(k)</u>.

"***National Securities Exchange***" means an exchange registered with the Commission under the Exchange Act.

"***Nonrecourse Deductions***" has the meaning assigned to that term in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(1).

"***Nonrecourse Liability***" has the meaning assigned to that term in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(3).

"***Officer***" means each Person appointed as an officer of the Company pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of <u>Section</u> <u>6.2</u>.

"***Partnership Tax Audit Rules***" means Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code, together with any final, temporary or, to the extent taxpayers are permitted to rely on them, proposed Treasury Regulations, Revenue Rulings and case law interpreting Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code (and any analogous provision of state or local tax Law).

"***Person***" means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity, as well as any syndicate or group that would be deemed to be a person under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

------

"***Plan Asset Regulations***" means the regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor at Section 2510.3-101 of Part 2510 of Chapter XXV, Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulations as the same may be amended from time to time.

"***Proceeding***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>6.4</u>.

"***Profits***" or "***Losses***" means, for each Fiscal Year or other taxable period, an amount equal to the Company's taxable income or loss for such year or period, determined in accordance with Section 703(a) of the Code (for this purpose, all items of income, gain, loss or deduction required to be separately stated pursuant to Section 703(a)(1) of the Code shall be included in taxable income or loss), with the following adjustments (without duplication):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) any income or gain of the Company that is exempt from U.S. federal income tax or otherwise described in Section 705(a)(1)(B) of the Code and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits or Losses shall be added to such taxable income or loss;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) any expenditures of the Company described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code or treated as Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code expenditures pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(*i*), and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits or Losses, shall be subtracted from such taxable income or loss;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) if the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to clause (b) or (c) of the definition of Gross Asset Value above, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the Gross Asset Value of the Company asset) or an item of loss (if the adjustment decreases the Gross Asset Value of the Company asset) from the disposition of such asset and shall, except to the extent allocated pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>4.2</u>, be taken into account for purposes of computing Profits or Losses;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) gain or loss resulting from any disposition of Company assets with respect to which gain or loss is recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes shall be computed with reference to the Gross Asset Value of the asset disposed of, notwithstanding that the adjusted tax basis of such asset differs from its Gross Asset Value;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) in lieu of the depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions (excluding depletion) taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss, there shall be taken into account Depreciation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) to the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any asset pursuant to Section 734(b) of the Code is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(*m*)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Account balances as a result of a distribution other than in liquidation of a Member's interest in the Company, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or an item of loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) from the disposition of such asset and shall be taken into account for purposes of computing Profits or Losses; and

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) any items of income, gain, loss or deduction that are specifically allocated pursuant to the provisions of <u>Section</u> <u>4.2</u> shall not be taken into account in computing Profits or Losses for any taxable year, but such items available to be specially allocated pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>4.2</u> will be determined by applying rules analogous to those set forth in clauses (a) through (f) above.

"***PubCo***" is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

"***PubCo Holdings Group***" means PubCo and each Subsidiary of PubCo (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries).

"***PubCo Shares***" means all classes and series of common stock of PubCo, including the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares.

"***PubCo Tax-Related Liabilities***" means any U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. tax obligations owed by the PubCo Holdings Group (including any Company Level Taxes for which the PubCo Holdings Group is liable hereunder, but excluding any obligations to remit any amounts withheld from payments to third parties); *provided*, *however*, *that*, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, "PubCo Tax-Related Liabilities" shall not include Buyback Taxes or Franchise Taxes.

"***Public Offering***" means an underwritten offering and sale of securities to the public pursuant to a registration statement, including a "bought" deal or "overnight" public offering.

"***Reclassification Event***" means any of the following: (a) any reclassification or recapitalization of PubCo Shares (other than a change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination or any transaction subject to <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(e)</u> through <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(i)</u>), (b) any merger, consolidation or other combination involving PubCo, or (c) any sale, conveyance, lease or other disposal of all or substantially all the properties and assets of PubCo to any other Person, in each of clauses (a), (b) or (c), as a result of which holders of PubCo Shares shall be entitled to receive cash, securities or other property for their PubCo Shares.

"***Redeemed Units***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(b)</u>.

"***Redeeming Member***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(a)</u>.

"***Redemption***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(a)</u>.

"***Redemption Date***" means a Regular Redemption Date or a Special Redemption Date.

"***Redemption Notice***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(b)</u>.

"***Redemption Notice Date***" means, with respect to any Redemption Date, the date specified by PubCo that is no later than 10 Business Days before such Redemption Date, *provided* that if such date falls on a weekend or holiday, the Redemption Notice Date shall be on the following Business Day.

------

"***Redemption Right***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(a)</u>.

"***Registration Rights Agreement***" means the Registration Rights Agreement, by and among PubCo and certain of the Members as of the date hereof and other Persons party thereto, to be entered into concurrently with the closing of the IPO.

"***Regular Redemption Date***" means a date within each fiscal quarter specified by PubCo from time to time, which will generally be set so that the corresponding Redemption Notice Date falls within a window after PubCo's earnings announcement for the prior fiscal quarter or that corresponds to a Public Offering.

"***Regulatory Allocations***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(i)</u>.

"***Securities Act***" means the Securities Act of 1933, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time (or any corresponding provisions of succeeding law).

"***Special Redemption Date***" means one or more dates specified by PubCo in addition to or in lieu of the Regular Redemption Date during a fiscal quarter, which may be the effective date of any Public Offering or a change of control.

"***Subsidiary***" means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person with respect to which such specified Person (a) has, directly or indirectly, the power, through the ownership of securities or otherwise, to elect a majority of directors or similar managing body or (b) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, a majority of such Person's Equity Securities.

"***Tax Contribution Obligation***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>9.5(c)</u>.

"***Tax Offset***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>9.5(c)</u>.

"***Trading Day***" means a day on which the Nasdaq Stock Market or such other principal United States securities exchange on which the Class A Shares are listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business (unless such trading shall have been suspended for the entire day).

"***Transfer***" means, when used as a noun, any voluntary or involuntary, direct or indirect (whether through a change of control of the Transferor or any Person that controls the Transferor, the issuance or transfer of Equity Securities of the Transferor, by operation of law or otherwise), transfer, sale, pledge or hypothecation or other disposition and, when used as a verb, voluntarily or involuntarily, directly or indirectly (whether through a change of control of the Transferor or any Person that controls the Transferor, the issuance or transfer of Equity Securities of the Transferor or any Person that controls the Transferor, by operation of law or otherwise), to transfer, sell, pledge or hypothecate or otherwise dispose of. The terms "***Transferee***," "***Transferor***," "***Transferred***" and other forms of the word "***Transfer***" shall have the correlative meanings.

"***Transfer Agent***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(b)</u>.

------

"***Treasury Regulations***" means the final or temporary regulations promulgated by the United States Department of the Treasury under the Code.

"***Uniform Commercial Code***" means the Uniform Commercial Code or any successor provision thereof as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of Delaware.

"***Units***" means the Units issued hereunder (including pursuant to the transactions set forth in the Master Reorganization Agreement) and shall also include any Equity Security of the Company issued in respect of or in exchange for Units, whether by way of dividend or other distribution, split, recapitalization, merger, rollup transaction, consolidation, conversion or reorganization.

"***Winding-Up Member***" is defined in <u>Section</u> <u>10.3(a)</u>.

Section 1.2 **<u>Interpretive Provisions</u>**. For all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the terms defined in <u>Section</u> <u>1.1</u> are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned under GAAP;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) all references to currency, monetary values and dollars set forth herein shall mean United States (U.S.) dollars and all payments hereunder shall be made in United States dollars;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) when a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article, Section, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference is to an Article or Section of, or an Exhibit or Schedule to, this Agreement unless otherwise indicated;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) whenever the words "include", "includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation";

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) "or" is not exclusive;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) pronouns of either gender or neuter shall include, as appropriate, the other pronoun forms; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) the words "hereof", "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.

------

**ARTICLE II** 

**ORGANIZATION OF THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY** 

Section 2.1 **<u>Formation</u>**. The Company has been formed as a limited liability company subject to the provisions of the Act upon the terms, provisions and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

Section 2.2 **<u>Filing</u>**. The Certificate of Formation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the Act. The Managing Member shall execute such further documents (including amendments to the Certificate of Formation) and take such further action as is appropriate to comply with the requirements of Law for the formation or operation of a limited liability company in Delaware and in all states and counties where the Company may conduct its business.

Section 2.3 **<u>Name</u>**. The name of the Company is "Atlas Sand Operating, LLC" and all business of the Company shall be conducted in such name or, in the discretion of the Managing Member, under any other name.

Section 2.4 **<u>Registered Office; Registered Agent</u>**. The location of the registered office of the Company and the name and address for service of process on the Company in the State of Delaware are as set forth in the Certificate of Formation, or such other office, qualified Person or address, as applicable, as the Managing Member may designate from time to time.

Section 2.5 **<u>Principal Place of Business</u>**. The principal place of business of the Company shall be located in such place as is determined by the Managing Member from time to time.

Section 2.6 **<u>Purpose; Powers</u>**. The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted by the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be formed under the Act. The Company shall have the power and authority to take any and all actions and engage in any and all activities necessary, appropriate, desirable, advisable, ancillary or incidental to the accomplishment of the foregoing purpose.

Section 2.7 **<u>Term</u>**. The term of the Company commenced on the date of filing of the Certificate of Formation with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the Act and shall continue indefinitely. The Company may be dissolved and its affairs wound up only in accordance with <u>Article</u> <u>X</u>.

Section 2.8 **<u>Intent</u>**. It is the intent of the Members that the Company be operated in a manner consistent with its treatment as a "partnership" solely for U.S. federal (and applicable state and local) income tax purposes. It is also the intent of the Members that the Company not be operated or treated as a "partnership" for any other purpose, including for purposes of Section 303 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code. Neither the Company nor any Member shall take any action inconsistent with the express intent of the parties hereto as set forth in this <u>Section</u> <u>2.8</u>.

------

**ARTICLE III** 

**OWNERSHIP AND CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS** 

Section 3.1 **<u>Authorized Equity Securities; General Provisions With Respect to</u> <u>Equity Securities and Debt Securities</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Company shall be authorized to issue from time to time such number of Units and other Equity Securities as the Managing Member shall determine in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>3.3</u>. Each authorized Unit and other Equity Security may be issued pursuant to such agreements as the Managing Member shall approve. The Company may reissue any Units or other Equity Securities that have been repurchased or acquired by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Except to the extent explicitly provided otherwise herein (including pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.3</u>), each outstanding Unit shall be identical.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Initially, none of the Units or other Equity Securities will be represented by certificates. If the Managing Member determines that it is in the interest of the Company to issue certificates representing the Units or other Equity Securities, certificates will be issued and the Units or other Equity Securities will be represented by those certificates, and this Agreement shall be amended as necessary or desirable to reflect the issuance of certificated Units or other Equity Securities for purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code. Nothing contained in this <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(c)</u> shall be deemed to authorize or permit any Member to Transfer its Units or other Equity Securities except as otherwise permitted under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The total number of Units and other Equity Securities issued and outstanding and held by each Member as of the date hereof is set forth in the books and records of the Company. The Company shall update such books and records from time to time to reflect any Transfers of Interests, the issuance of additional Units or other Equity Securities and, subject to <u>Section</u> <u>11.1(a)</u>, subdivisions or combinations of Units made in compliance with <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(j)</u>, in each case, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) If, at any time after the Effective Time, PubCo issues a Class A Share or any other Equity Security of PubCo (other than Class B Shares), (1) one or more members of the PubCo Holdings Group shall concurrently contribute to the Company the net proceeds (in cash or other property, as the case may be), if any, received by PubCo for such Class A Share or other Equity Security and (2) the Company shall concurrently issue to the relevant member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group (and the Company shall be deemed to have automatically issued to such member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group without further action or agreement), in accordance with the contributions made by each such member pursuant to clause (1), one Unit (if PubCo issues a Class A Share), or such other Equity Security of the Company (if PubCo issues Equity Securities other than Class A Shares) corresponding to the Equity Securities issued by PubCo, and with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation, but taking into account differences resulting from any tax or other liabilities borne by PubCo) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of PubCo to be issued. Notwithstanding the foregoing:

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If PubCo issues any Class A Shares in order to acquire or fund the acquisition from a Member (other than any member of the PubCo Holdings Group) of a number of Units (and Class B Shares) equal to the number of Class A Shares so issued, then the Company shall not issue any new Units in connection therewith and, where such Class A Shares have been issued for cash to fund such an acquisition by any member of the PubCo Holdings Group pursuant to a Cash Election, the PubCo Holdings Group shall not be required to transfer such net proceeds to the Company, and such net proceeds shall instead be transferred by such member of the PubCo Holdings Group to such Member as consideration for such acquisition as required pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(d)</u>. For the avoidance of doubt, if PubCo issues any Class A Shares or other Equity Security for cash to be used to fund the direct or indirect acquisition by any member of the PubCo Holdings Group of any Person or the assets of any Person, then the PubCo Holdings Group shall not be required to transfer such cash proceeds to the Company but instead such member of the PubCo Holdings Group shall be required to contribute (or cause to be contributed) such Person or the material assets and liabilities of such Person to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) This <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(e)</u> shall not apply (A) to the issuance and distribution to holders of PubCo Shares of rights to purchase Equity Securities of PubCo under a "***poison pill***" or similar shareholders rights plan (and upon any redemption of Units for Class A Shares, such Class A Shares will be issued together with a corresponding right under such plan) or (B) to the issuance under PubCo's employee benefit plans of any warrants, options, other rights to acquire Equity Securities of PubCo or rights or property that may be converted into or settled in Equity Securities of PubCo, but shall in each of the foregoing cases apply to the issuance of Equity Securities of PubCo in connection with the exercise or settlement of such rights, warrants, options or other rights or property.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Except pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u> or <u>Section</u> <u>6.9</u>, (i) the Company may not issue any additional Units to any member of the PubCo Holdings Group unless substantially simultaneously therewith a member of the PubCo Holdings Group issues or sells an equal number of newly-issued Class A Shares to another Person, and (ii) the Company may not issue any other Equity Securities of the Company to any member of the PubCo Holdings Group unless substantially simultaneously a member of the PubCo Holdings Group issues or sells, to another Person, an equal number of newly-issued shares of a new class or series of Equity Securities of PubCo or such member of the PubCo Holdings Group with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation, but taking into account differences resulting from any tax or other liabilities borne by PubCo) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of the Company.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) If at any time any member of the PubCo Holdings Group issues Debt Securities, such member of the PubCo Holdings Group shall transfer to the Company (in a manner to be determined by the Managing Member in its reasonable discretion) the proceeds received by such member of the PubCo Holdings Group in exchange for such Debt Securities (or if such proceeds are used to fund the direct or indirect acquisition by a member of the PubCo Holdings Group of any Person or the assets of any Person, then such Person or the material assets and liabilities of such Person) in a manner that directly or indirectly burdens the Company with the repayment of the Debt Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) If any Equity Security outstanding at PubCo is exercised or otherwise converted or exchanged and, as a result, any Class A Shares or other Equity Securities of PubCo are issued, (A) the corresponding Equity Security outstanding at the Company shall be similarly exercised or otherwise converted or exchanged, as applicable, and an equivalent number of Units or other Equity Securities of the Company shall be issued to the PubCo Holdings Group as contemplated by the first sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(e)</u>, and (B) the PubCo Holdings Group shall concurrently contribute to the Company the net proceeds, if any, received by the PubCo Holdings Group from any such exercise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) No member of the PubCo Holdings Group may redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire (other than from another member of the PubCo Holdings Group) (i) any Class A Shares (including upon forfeiture of any unvested Class A Shares) unless substantially simultaneously the Company redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires from the PubCo Holdings Group an equal number of Units for the same price per security or (ii) any other Equity Securities of PubCo (other than Class B Shares), unless substantially simultaneously the Company redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires from the PubCo Holdings Group an equal number of Equity Securities of the Company of a corresponding class or series with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation, but taking into account differences resulting from any tax or other liabilities borne by PubCo) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of PubCo for the same price per security. The Company may not redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire, except pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u>, (x) any Units from the PubCo Holdings Group unless substantially simultaneously the PubCo Holdings Group redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires an equal number of Class A Shares for the same price per security from holders thereof, or (y) any other Equity Securities of the Company from the PubCo Holdings Group unless substantially simultaneously the PubCo Holdings Group redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires for the same price per security an equal number of Equity Securities of PubCo of a corresponding class or series with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distribution upon liquidation, but taking into account differences resulting from any tax or other liabilities borne by PubCo) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of PubCo. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any consideration payable by the PubCo Holdings Group in connection with the redemption or repurchase of any Class A Shares or other Equity Securities of PubCo consists (in whole or in part) of Class A Shares or such other Equity Securities (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the cashless exercise of an option or warrant other than those issued under PubCo's employee benefit plans), then the redemption or repurchase of the corresponding Units or other Equity Securities of the Company shall be effectuated in an equivalent manner.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) The Company shall not in any manner effect any subdivision (by any equity split, equity distribution, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse equity split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of the outstanding Units or other Equity Securities of the Company unless accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination, as applicable, of the related outstanding PubCo Shares, with corresponding changes made with respect to any other exchangeable or convertible securities. Unless in connection with any action taken pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(l)</u>, PubCo shall not in any manner effect any subdivision (by any equity split, equity distribution, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse equity split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of the outstanding PubCo Shares unless accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination, as applicable, of the related outstanding Units or other Equity Securities of the Company (if any), with corresponding changes made with respect to any other exchangeable or convertible securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Company may redeem Units from the PubCo Holdings Group for cash to fund any direct or indirect acquisition by the PubCo Holdings Group of another Person; *provided* that, promptly after such redemption and acquisition, the PubCo Holdings Group contributes or causes to be contributed, directly or indirectly, such Person or the material assets and liabilities of such Person to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in exchange for a number of Units equal to the number of Units so redeemed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The Company may redeem Units from the PubCo Holdings Group for all or a portion of the stock or other equity interests of a Subsidiary of the Company held by the Company; *provided* that, promptly after such redemption and any related transactions, the PubCo Holdings Group contributes or causes to be contributed, directly or indirectly, the material assets and liabilities of such Subsidiary to the Company or any of its other Subsidiaries in exchange for a number of Units equal to the number of Units so redeemed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the PubCo Holdings Group acquires or holds any material amount of cash in excess of any monetary obligations it reasonably anticipates, PubCo may, in its sole discretion:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) contribute (or cause to be contributed) such excess cash amount to the Company in exchange for a number of Units or other Equity Securities of the Company determined in its sole discretion, and distribute to the holders of Class A Shares, if the Company issues Units to PubCo, Class A Shares, or, if the Company issues Equity Securities of the Company other than Units to PubCo, such other Equity Security of PubCo corresponding to the Equity Securities issued by the Company and with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation, but taking into account differences resulting from any tax or other liabilities borne by PubCo) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of the Company issued, or

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) use such excess cash amount in such other manner, and make such other adjustments to or take such other actions with respect to the capitalization of PubCo and the Company and to the one-to-one exchange ratio between Units and Class A Shares, as PubCo (in its capacity as Managing Member) in Good Faith determines to be fair and reasonable to the holders of PubCo Shares and to the Members and to preserve the intended economic effect of this <u>Section</u> <u>3.1</u>, <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u> and the other provisions hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) Upon any redemption, repurchase, exchange or other acquisition and/or cancellation by, or forfeiture to, the Company of Units held by any Person (other than as a result of any restructuring where substantially similar interests are issued to the holders of Units), an equal number of Class B Shares held by such Person shall be automatically forfeited and cancelled for no consideration.

Section 3.2 **<u>Voting Rights</u>**. No Member has any voting right except with respect to those matters specifically reserved for a Member vote under the Act and for matters expressly requiring the approval of Members under this Agreement. Except as otherwise required by the Act, each Unit will entitle the holder thereof to one vote on all matters to be voted on by the Members. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the holders of Units having voting rights will vote together as a single class on all matters to be approved by the Members.

Section 3.3 **<u>Capital Contributions; Unit Ownership</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *Capital Contributions*. Except as otherwise set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(e)</u> through <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(i)</u> with respect to the obligations of the PubCo Holdings Group, no Member shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) *Issuance of Additional Units or Interests*. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Managing Member shall have the right to authorize and cause the Company to issue on such terms (including price) as may be determined by the Managing Member, subject to the limitations of <u>Section</u> <u>3.1</u>, (i) additional Units or other Equity Securities in the Company (including creating preferred interests or other classes or series of interests having such rights, preferences and privileges as determined by the Managing Member, which rights, preferences and privileges may be senior to the Units), and (ii) obligations, evidences of indebtedness or other securities or interests convertible or exchangeable for Units or other Equity Securities in the Company; *provided* that, at any time following the date hereof, in each case the Company shall not issue Equity Securities in the Company to any Person unless such Person shall have executed a counterpart to this Agreement and all other documents, agreements or instruments deemed necessary or desirable in the discretion of the Managing Member. Upon such issuance and execution, such Person shall be admitted as a Member of the Company. In that event, the Managing Member shall update the Company's books and records to reflect such additional issuances. Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>11.1</u>, the Managing Member is hereby authorized to amend this Agreement to set forth the designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of such additional Units or other Equity Securities in the Company, or such other amendments that the Managing Member determines to be otherwise necessary or appropriate in connection with the creation, authorization or issuance of, any class or series of Units or other Equity

------

Securities in the Company pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>3.3(b)</u>; *provided* that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Managing Member shall have the right to amend this Agreement as set forth in this sentence without the approval of any other Person (including any Member) and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (other than <u>Section</u> <u>11.1(a)(i)</u>) if such amendment is necessary, and then only to the extent necessary, in order to consummate any offering of PubCo Shares or other Equity Securities of PubCo, *provided* that the designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of any such additional Units or other Equity Securities of the Company as set forth in such amendment are substantially similar to those applicable to such PubCo Shares or other Equity Securities of PubCo.

Section 3.4 **<u>Capital Accounts</u>**. A Capital Account shall be maintained for each Member in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) and, to the extent consistent with such regulations, the other provisions of this Agreement. Each Member's Capital Account shall be (a) increased by (i) allocations to such Member of Profits pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>4.1</u> and any other items of income or gain allocated to such Member pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>4.2</u>, (ii) the amount of cash or the initial Gross Asset Value of any asset (net of any Liabilities assumed by the Company and any Liabilities to which the asset is subject) contributed to the Company by such Member, and (iii) any other increases allowed or required by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv), and (b) decreased by (i) allocations to such Member of Losses pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>4.1</u> and any other items of deduction or loss allocated to such Member pursuant to the provisions of <u>Section</u> <u>4.2</u>, (ii) the amount of any cash or the Gross Asset Value of any asset (net of any Liabilities assumed by the Member and any Liabilities to which the asset is subject) distributed to such Member, and (iii) any other decreases allowed or required by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). In the event of a Transfer of Units made in accordance with this Agreement (including a deemed Transfer for U.S. federal income tax purposes as described in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(e)</u>) the Capital Account of the Transferor that is attributable to the Transferred Units shall carry over to the Transferee Member in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(*l*).

Section 3.5 **<u>Other Matters</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) No Member shall demand or receive a return on or of its Capital Contributions or withdraw from the Company without the consent of the Managing Member. Under circumstances requiring a return of any Capital Contributions, no Member has the right to receive property other than cash.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) No Member shall receive any interest, salary, compensation, draw or reimbursement with respect to its Capital Contributions or its Capital Account, or for services rendered or expenses incurred on behalf of the Company or otherwise in its capacity as a Member, except as otherwise provided in <u>Section</u> <u>6.9</u> or as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Liability of each Member shall be limited as set forth in the Act and other applicable Law and, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or required by Law, no Member (or any of its Affiliates) shall be personally liable, whether to the Company, any of the other Members, the creditors of the Company or any other third party, for any debt or Liability of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, solely by reason of being a Member of the Company.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Except as otherwise required by the Act, no Member shall be required to restore a deficit balance in such Member's Capital Account, to lend any funds to the Company or, except as otherwise set forth herein, to make any additional contributions or payments to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Company shall not be obligated to repay any Capital Contributions of any Member.

Section 3.6 **<u>Redemption of Units</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u> and subject to PubCo's (or such designated member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group's) Call Right as set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(j)</u>, each of the Members (other than any Members that are part of the PubCo Holdings Group) (each such Member, a "***Redeeming Member***") shall be entitled to cause the Company to redeem all or a portion of such Member's Units (together with the surrender and delivery of the same number of Class B Shares) for an equivalent number of Class A Shares (a "***Redemption***") or, at the Company's election made in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(d)</u>, cash equal to the Cash Election Amount calculated with respect to such Redemption (referred to herein as the "***Redemption Right***"). Each Member's Redemption Right shall be subject to the following limitations and qualifications:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the first Redemption shall only be permitted on the first Redemption Date after the Lock-Up Period;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) thereafter, except as provided herein, Redemptions shall only be permitted on each Redemption Date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) a Redeeming Member shall only be permitted to redeem less than all of its Units if (A) in such Redemption, it redeems Units with an aggregate value of at least $250,000 at the time of such Redemption and (B) after such Redemption, it would continue to hold Units with an aggregate value of at least $250,000 at the time of such Redemption; *provided*, *however*, *that*, subject to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(n)</u>, a Redeeming Member may exercise its Redemption Right with respect to any of the Units then held by the Redeeming Member if such Redemption Right is exercised in connection with a valid exercise of such Redeeming Member's rights to have the Class A Shares issuable in connection with such Redemption to participate in an offering of securities pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) any Redemption of Units issued after the date hereof (other than in connection with any recapitalization), including any additional Units issued to persons who are Members as of the date hereof, may be limited in accordance with the terms of any agreements or instruments entered into in connection with such issuance, as deemed necessary or desirable in the discretion of the Managing Member.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In order to exercise its Redemption Right under <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(a)</u>, each Redeeming Member shall provide written notice in a reasonable form as the Company may provide from time to time (the "***Redemption Notice***") to the Company and PubCo, on or before any Redemption Notice Date, stating the number of Units the Redeeming Member elects to have the Company redeem on the next Redemption Date (the "***Redeemed Units***"). Upon delivery of any Redemption Notice by any Member on or before any Redemption Notice Date, such Member may not revoke or rescind such Redemption Notice after such Redemption Notice Date. Any Redemption Notice delivered for a Redemption on a Regular Redemption Date may not be contingent (unless the Regular Redemption Date corresponds to a Public Offering). Any Redemption Notice delivered for a Redemption on a Special Redemption Date (or a Regular Redemption Date that corresponds to a Public Offering) may be made contingent on the consummation of the Public Offering, change of control or other transaction described in the notice of the Managing Member specifying such Special Redemption Date. If the Redeemed Units (or the corresponding Class B Shares to be transferred and surrendered) are represented by a certificate or certificates, prior to the Redemption Date, the Redeeming Member shall also present and surrender such certificate or certificates representing such Units (or Class B Shares) during normal business hours at the principal executive offices of the Company, or if any agent for the registration or transfer of Class A Shares is then duly appointed and acting (the "***Transfer Agent***"), at the office of the Transfer Agent. If required by the Managing Member, any certificate for Units and any certificate for Class B Shares (in each case, if certificated) surrendered to the Company hereunder shall be accompanied by instruments of transfer, in forms reasonably satisfactory to the Managing Member and the Transfer Agent, duly executed by the Redeeming Member or the Redeeming Member's duly authorized representative.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) On any Redemption Date for which any Member delivered a Redemption Notice, unless the Company elects to pay cash in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(d)</u> or PubCo (or such designated member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group) exercises its Call Right pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(j)</u>, on such Redemption Date such number of Redeemed Units shall be redeemed for an equal number of Class A Shares consistent with <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(f)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Upon receipt of a Redemption Notice, the Company shall be entitled to elect to settle any Redemption by delivering to the Redeeming Member, in lieu of the applicable number of Class A Shares that would be received in such Redemption, an amount of cash equal to the Cash Election Amount for such Redemption.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) For U.S. federal income (and applicable state and local) tax purposes, each of the Redeeming Member, the Company, and PubCo (and any other member of the PubCo Holdings Group), as the case may be, agrees to treat (i) each Redemption, to the extent that PubCo or another member of the PubCo Holdings Group contributes to the Company the consideration the Redeeming Member is entitled to receive pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(f)</u>, and (ii) in the event PubCo (or another member of the PubCo Holdings Group) exercises its Call Right, each transaction between the Redeeming Member and PubCo (or such other member of the PubCo Holdings Group), as a taxable sale of the Redeemed Units by the Redeeming Member to PubCo (or such other member of the PubCo Holdings Group) in exchange for Class A Shares or cash, as applicable. For U.S. federal income (and applicable

------

state and local) tax purposes, each of the Redeeming Member, the Company, and PubCo (and any other member of the PubCo Holdings Group, as applicable), agrees to treat each Redemption, to the extent PubCo or another member of the PubCo Holdings Group does not contribute to the Company the consideration the Redeeming Member is entitled to receive and does not exercise its Call Right, as a distribution by the Company to the Redeeming Member.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Unless a member of the PubCo Holdings Group has elected its Call Right pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(j)</u> with respect to any Redemption, on the Redemption Date (to be effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date): (i) the Redeeming Member shall transfer and surrender the Redeemed Units (and a corresponding number of Class B Shares) to the Company, in each case, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, (ii) unless, in the event of a Cash Election by the Company pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(d)</u>, the Company in its discretion elects to fund any part of the consideration the Redeeming Member is entitled to receive without a contribution from PubCo or another member of the PubCo Holdings Group, PubCo (or such other member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group designated by PubCo) shall contribute to the Company the consideration the Redeeming Member is entitled to receive under <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(c)</u> (including in the event the Company exercises its right to deliver the Cash Election Amount pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(d)</u>) and the Company shall issue to PubCo (or such designated member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group) a number of Units or, pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(e)</u>, other Equity Securities of the Company as consideration for such contribution, (iii) the Company shall (A) cancel the Redeemed Units, (B) transfer to the Redeeming Member the consideration the Redeeming Member is entitled to receive under <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(c)</u> (including in the event the Company exercises its right to deliver the Cash Election Amount pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(d)</u>), and (C) if the Redeemed Units are certificated, issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of Units equal to the difference (if any) between the number of Units evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(b)</u> and the number of Redeemed Units, and (iv) PubCo shall cancel the surrendered Class B Shares. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Company makes a Cash Election that is funded with proceeds from a Public Offering, the PubCo Holdings Group shall only be obligated to contribute to the Company an amount in cash equal to the net proceeds (after deduction of any Discount) from the sale by PubCo of a number of Class A Shares equal to the number of Redeemed Units to be redeemed with such cash or from the sale of other Equity Securities used to fund the Cash Election Amount.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) If (i) there is any reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction, including pursuant to a merger or consolidation, pursuant to which the Class A Shares are converted or changed into another security, securities or other property (other than as a result of a subdivision or combination or any transaction subject to <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(j)</u>), or (ii) except in connection with actions taken with respect to the capitalization of PubCo or the Company pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(l)</u>, PubCo, by dividend or otherwise, distributes to all holders of the Class A Shares evidences of its indebtedness or assets, including securities (including Class A Shares and any rights, options or warrants to all holders of the Class A Shares to subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire Class A Shares, or other securities or rights convertible into, exchangeable for or

------

exercisable for Class A Shares) but excluding (A) any cash dividend or distribution and (B) any such distribution of indebtedness or assets, in the case of both (A) and (B) received by PubCo from the Company in respect of the Units, then upon any subsequent Redemption, in addition to the Class A Shares or the Cash Election Amount, as applicable, each Member shall be entitled to receive the amount of such security, securities or other property that such Member would have received if such Redemption had occurred immediately prior to the effective date of such reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization, other similar transaction, dividend or other distribution, taking into account any adjustment as a result of any subdivision (by any split, distribution or dividend, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of such security, securities or other property that occurs after the effective time of such reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, if there is any reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction in which the Class A Shares are converted or changed into another security, securities or other property, or any dividend or distribution (other than an excluded dividend or distribution, as described above in clause (A) or (B)), this <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u> shall continue to be applicable, *mutatis mutandis*, with respect to such security or other property.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) PubCo shall at all times keep available out of its authorized but unissued Class A Shares, solely for the purpose of issuance upon a Redemption, such number of Class A Shares that shall be issuable upon the Redemption of all outstanding Units (other than those Units held by any member of the PubCo Holdings Group); *provided*, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude PubCo from satisfying its obligations with respect to a Redemption by delivery of cash pursuant to a Cash Election or Class A Shares that are held in the treasury of PubCo. PubCo covenants that all Class A Shares that shall be issued upon a Redemption shall, upon issuance thereof, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable (except as such non-assessability may be limited by Sections 18-607 and 18-804 of the Act). In addition, for so long as the Class A Shares are listed on a National Securities Exchange, PubCo shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause all Class A Shares issued upon a Redemption to be listed on such National Securities Exchange at the time of such issuance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The issuance of Class A Shares upon a Redemption shall be made without charge to the Redeeming Member for any stamp or other similar tax in respect of such issuance. Each of the Company and any member of the PubCo Holdings Group shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any consideration payable or otherwise deliverable upon a Redemption (and the Redeeming Member agrees to indemnify the Company and the PubCo Holdings Group with respect to) such amounts as may be required to be deducted or withheld therefrom under the Code or any provision of applicable Law, and to the extent deduction and withholding is required, such deduction and withholding may be taken in Class A Shares. Prior to making such deduction or withholding, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to give written notice to the Redeeming Member and reasonably cooperate with such Redeeming Member to reduce or avoid any such withholding. To the extent such amounts are so deducted or withheld and paid over to the relevant Governmental Entity, such amounts shall be treated for all purposes under this Agreement as having been paid to the Redeeming Member, and, if withholding is taken in Class A Shares, the relevant withholding party shall be treated as having sold such Class A Shares on behalf of such Redeeming Member for an amount of cash equal to the Fair Market Value thereof at the time of such deemed sale and paid such cash proceeds to the appropriate Governmental Entity.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u>, upon the delivery of any Redemption Notice, a Redeeming Member shall be deemed to have offered to sell its Redeemed Units described in such Redemption Notice to each member of the PubCo Holdings Group, and PubCo (or such other member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group designated by PubCo) may, in its sole discretion, elect to purchase directly and acquire such Redeemed Units (together with the surrender and delivery by the Redeeming Member of the same number of Class B Shares) on the Redemption Date by paying to the Redeeming Member that number of Class A Shares the Redeeming Member would otherwise receive pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(f)</u> or, if PubCo (or such designated member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group) makes a Cash Election, in an amount equal to the Cash Election Amount for such Redemption (the "***Call Right***"), whereupon PubCo (or such designated member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group) shall acquire the Redeemed Units offered for redemption by the Redeeming Member (together with the surrender and delivery of the same number of Class B Shares to PubCo for cancellation). PubCo (or such designated member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group) shall be treated thereafter for all purposes of this Agreement as the owner of such Redeemed Units; *provided*, that if the Cash Election Amount is funded other than through the issuance of Class A Shares, such Units will be reclassified into another Equity Security of the Company if the Managing Member determines such reclassification is necessary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) In the event that (i) the Members (other than any Members that are part of the PubCo Holdings Group) beneficially own, in the aggregate, less than 10% of the then outstanding Units and (ii) the Class A Shares are listed or admitted to trading on a National Securities Exchange, PubCo (or such other member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group designated by PubCo) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to require any Member (other than any Members that are part of the PubCo Holdings Group) that beneficially owns less than 5% of the then outstanding Units to effect a Redemption of some or all of the Units held by such Member (together with the surrender and delivery of the same number of Class B Shares); *provided* that a Cash Election shall not be permitted pursuant to such a Redemption under this <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(k)</u>. PubCo (or such other member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group designated by PubCo) shall deliver written notice to the Company and all of the Members (other than members of the PubCo Holdings Group) of its intention to exercise its Redemption Right pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(k)</u> (a "***Minority Member Redemption Notice***") at least five (5) Business Days prior to the proposed date upon which such Redemption is to be effected (such proposed date, the "***Minority Member Redemption Date***"), indicating in such notice the number of Units held by such Member that PubCo (or such other member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group designated by PubCo) intends to require to be subject to such Redemption. Any Redemption pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(k)</u> shall be effective on the Minority Member Redemption Date. From and after the Minority Member Redemption Date, (i) the Units subject to such Redemption (and the Class B Shares to be surrendered therewith) shall be deemed to be transferred to PubCo (or such other member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group designated by PubCo) on the Minority

------

Member Redemption Date and (ii) such Member shall cease to have any rights with respect to the Units subject to such Redemption and the Class B Shares to be surrendered therewith (other than the right to receive Class A Shares pursuant to such Redemption). Following delivery of a Minority Member Redemption Notice and on or prior to the Minority Member Redemption Date, the Members shall take all actions reasonably requested by PubCo (or such other member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group designated by PubCo) to effect such Redemption, including taking any action and delivering any document required pursuant to the remainder of this <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u> to effect a Redemption.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) No Redemption shall impair the right of the Redeeming Member to receive any distributions payable on the Redeemed Units pursuant to such Redemption in respect of a record date that occurs prior to the Redemption Date for such Redemption. For the avoidance of doubt, no Redeeming Member, or a Person designated by a Redeeming Member to receive Class A Shares, shall be entitled to receive, with respect to such record date, distributions or dividends both on Redeemed Units by the Company from such Redeeming Member and on Class A Shares received by such Redeeming Member, or other Person so designated, if applicable, in such Redemption.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) Any Units acquired by the Company under this <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u> and transferred by the Company to any member of the PubCo Holdings Group shall remain outstanding and shall not be cancelled as a result of their acquisition by the Company. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the applicable member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group shall be automatically admitted as a Member of the Company with respect to any Units or other Equity Securities in the Company it receives under this Agreement (including under this <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u> in connection with any Redemption).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) The Managing Member may impose additional limitations and restrictions on Redemptions (including limiting Redemptions or creating priority procedures for Redemptions), to the extent it determines, in its sole discretion, such limitations and restrictions to be necessary or appropriate to avoid undue risk that the Company may be classified as a "publicly traded partnership" within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code. Furthermore, the Managing Member may require any Member (or group of Members) to redeem all of its (or their) Units pursuant to the Redemption Right to the extent it determines, in its sole discretion, that such Redemption is necessary or appropriate to avoid undue risk that the Company may be classified as a "publicly traded partnership" within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code. Upon delivery of any notice by the Managing Member to such Member (or group of Members) requiring such Redemption, such Member (or group of Members) shall exchange, subject to exercise by PubCo (or such other member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group designated by PubCo) of the Call Right pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(j)</u>, all of its (or their) Units effective as of the date specified in such notice (and such date shall be deemed to be a Redemption Date for purposes of this Agreement) in accordance with this <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u> and otherwise in accordance with the requirements set forth in such notice.

------

**ARTICLE IV** 

**ALLOCATIONS OF PROFITS AND LOSSES** 

Section 4.1 **<u>Profits and Losses</u>**. After giving effect to the allocations under <u>Section</u> <u>4.2</u> and subject to <u>Section</u> <u>4.4</u>, Profits and Losses (and, to the extent determined by the Managing Member to be necessary and appropriate to achieve the resulting Capital Account balances described below, any allocable items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit includable in the computation of Profits and Losses) for each Fiscal Year or other taxable period shall be allocated among the Members during such Fiscal Year or other taxable period in a manner such that, after giving effect to the special allocations set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>4.2</u> and all distributions through the end of such Fiscal Year or other taxable period, the Capital Account balance of each Member, immediately after making such allocation, is, as nearly as possible, equal to (i) the amount such Member would receive pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10.3(b)</u> if all assets of the Company on hand at the end of such Fiscal Year or other taxable period were sold for cash equal to their Gross Asset Values, all liabilities of the Company were satisfied in cash in accordance with their terms (limited with respect to each Nonrecourse Liability to the Gross Asset Value of the assets securing such liability), and all remaining or resulting cash was distributed, in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>10.3(b)</u>, to the Members immediately after making such allocation, *minus* (ii) such Member's share of Company Minimum Gain and Member Minimum Gain, computed immediately prior to the hypothetical sale of assets, and the amount any such Member is treated as obligated to contribute to the Company, computed immediately after the hypothetical sale of assets.

Section 4.2 **<u>Special Allocations</u>**. The following allocations shall be made in the following order:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year or other taxable period shall be specially allocated to the Members on a *pro rata* basis, in accordance with the number of Units owned by each Member as of the last day of such Fiscal Year or other taxable period. The amount of Nonrecourse Deductions for a Fiscal Year or other taxable period shall equal the excess, if any, of the net increase, if any, in the amount of Company Minimum Gain during that Fiscal Year or other taxable period over the aggregate amount of any distributions during that Fiscal Year or other taxable period of proceeds of a Nonrecourse Liability that are allocable to an increase in Company Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(d).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Any Member Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year or other taxable period shall be specially allocated to the Member who bears Economic Risk of Loss with respect to the Member Nonrecourse Debt to which such Member Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i). If more than one Member bears the Economic Risk of Loss for such Member Nonrecourse Debt, the Member Nonrecourse Deductions attributable to such Member Nonrecourse Debt shall be allocated among the Members according to the ratio in which they bear the Economic Risk of Loss. This <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(b)</u> is intended to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if there is a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during any Fiscal Year or other taxable period (or if there was a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain for a prior Fiscal Year or other taxable period and the Company did not have sufficient amounts of income and gain during prior periods to allocate among the Members under this <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(c)</u>), each Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such Fiscal Year or other taxable period in an amount equal to such Member's share of the net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during such year (as determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(g)(2)). This section is intended to constitute a minimum gain chargeback under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement except <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(c)</u>, if there is a net decrease in Member Minimum Gain during any Fiscal Year or other taxable period (or if there was a net decrease in Member Minimum Gain for a prior Fiscal Year or other taxable period and the Company did not have sufficient amounts of income and gain during prior periods to allocate among the Members under this <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(d)</u>), items of income and gain shall be allocated to each Member in an amount equal to such Member's share of the net decrease in Member Minimum Gain (as determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4)). This section is intended to constitute a partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain chargeback under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary except <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(a)</u> and <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(b)</u>, no Losses or other items of loss or expense shall be allocated to any Member to the extent that such allocation would cause such Member to have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account (or increase any existing deficit balance) at the end of such Fiscal Year or other taxable period. All Losses and other items of loss and expense in excess of the limitation set forth in this <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(e)</u> shall be allocated to the Members who do not have a deficit balance in their Adjusted Capital Accounts in proportion to their relative positive Adjusted Capital Accounts but only to the extent that such Losses and other items of loss and expense do not cause any such Member to have a deficit in its Adjusted Capital Account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary except <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(c)</u> and <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(d)</u>, in the event any Member unexpectedly receives any adjustment, allocation or distribution described in paragraph (4), (5) or (6) of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d), items of income and gain (consisting of a *pro rata* portion of each item of income, including gross income, and gain for the Fiscal Year or other taxable period) shall be specially allocated to such Member in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate any deficit balance in such Member's Adjusted Capital Account as quickly as possible; *provided* that an allocation pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(f)</u> shall be made only if and to the extent that such Member would have a deficit Adjusted Capital Account balance after all other allocations provided for in this <u>Article</u> <u>IV</u> have been tentatively made as if this <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(f)</u> were not in this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(f)</u> is intended to constitute a qualified income offset under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) If any Member has a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account at the end of any Fiscal Year or other taxable period, that Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain in the amount of such deficit as quickly as possible; *provided, however*, that an allocation pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(g)</u> shall be made only if and to the extent that such Member would have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account after all other allocations provided for in this <u>Article</u> <u>IV</u> have been tentatively made as if <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(f)</u> and this <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(g)</u> were not in this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset pursuant to Section 734(b) of the Code (including any such adjustments pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.734-2(b)(1)) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(*m*)(2) or 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(*m*)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as a result of a distribution to any Member in complete liquidation of such Member's interest in the Company, 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 allocated to the Members in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(*m*)(2) if such section applies or to the Member to whom such distribution was made if Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(*m*)(4) applies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The allocations set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(a)</u> through <u>4.2(h)</u> (the "***Regulatory Allocations***") are intended to comply with certain requirements of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b) and 1.704-2. Notwithstanding any other provision of this <u>Article</u> <u>IV</u> (other than the Regulatory Allocations), the Regulatory Allocations (and anticipated future Regulatory Allocations) shall be taken into account in allocating other items of income, gain, loss and deduction among the Members so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of such allocation of other items and the Regulatory Allocations to each Member should be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each such Member if the Regulatory Allocations had not occurred. This <u>Section</u> <u>4.2(i)</u> is intended to minimize to the extent possible and to the extent necessary any economic distortions which may result from application of the Regulatory Allocations and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) Items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit resulting from a Covered Audit Adjustment shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Partnership Tax Audit Rules.

Section 4.3 **<u>Allocations for Tax Purposes in General</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Except as otherwise provided in this <u>Section</u> <u>4.3</u>, each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Company for U.S. federal income tax purposes shall be allocated among the Members in the same manner as such item is allocated under <u>Section</u> <u>4.1</u> and <u>4.2</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In accordance with Section 704(c) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder (including the Treasury Regulations applying the principles of Section 704(c) of the Code to changes in Gross Asset Values), items of income, gain, loss and deduction

------

with respect to any Company property having a Gross Asset Value that differs from such property's adjusted U.S. federal income tax basis shall, solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes, be allocated among the Members to account for any such difference using the "traditional method with curative allocations," with the curative allocations applied only to sale gain, under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(c) or such other method or methods as determined by the Managing Member to be appropriate and in accordance with the applicable Treasury Regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Any (i) recapture of depreciation or any other item of deduction shall be allocated, in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.1245-1(e) and 1.1254-5, to the Members who received the benefit of such deductions to the maximum extent permissible by Law, and (ii) recapture of grants or credits shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with applicable Law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Tax credits of the Company shall be allocated among the Members as provided in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(4)(ii) and 1.704-1(b)(4)(viii).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Allocations pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>4.3</u> are solely for purposes of U.S. federal, state and local taxes and shall not affect or in any way be taken into account in computing any Member's Capital Account or share of Profits, Losses, other items or distributions pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) If, as a result of an exercise of a noncompensatory option to acquire an interest in the Company, a Capital Account reallocation is required under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s)(3), the Company shall make corrective allocations pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(x).

Section 4.4 **<u>Other Allocation Rules</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Members are aware of the income tax consequences of the allocations made by this <u>Article</u> <u>IV</u> and the economic impact of the allocations on the amounts receivable by them under this Agreement. The Members hereby agree to be bound by the provisions of this <u>Article</u> <u>IV</u> in reporting their share of Company income and loss for income tax purposes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The provisions regarding the establishment and maintenance for each Member of a Capital Account as provided by <u>Section</u> <u>3.4</u> and the allocations set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>4.1</u>, <u>4.2</u> and <u>4.3</u> are intended to comply with the Treasury Regulations and to reflect the intended economic entitlement of the Members. If the Managing Member determines, in its sole discretion, that the application of the provisions in <u>Section</u> <u>3.4</u>, <u>4.1</u>, <u>4.2</u> or <u>4.3</u> would result in non-compliance with the Treasury Regulations or would be inconsistent with the intended economic entitlement of the Members, the Managing Member is authorized to make any appropriate adjustments to such provisions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit allocable to an interest in the Company that is Transferred shall be allocated between the Transferor and the Transferee in accordance with a method determined by the Managing Member and permissible under Section 706 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Members' proportionate shares of the "excess nonrecourse liabilities" of the Company, within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(3), shall be allocated to the Members on a *pro rata* basis, in accordance with the number of Units owned by each Member.

**ARTICLE V** 

**DISTRIBUTIONS** 

Section 5.1 **<u>Distributions</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Distributions</u>. To the extent permitted by applicable Law and hereunder, and except as otherwise provided in <u>Section</u> <u>10.3</u>, distributions to Members may be declared by the Managing Member out of funds legally available therefor in such amounts and on such terms (including the payment dates of such distributions) as the Managing Member shall determine using such record date as the Managing Member may designate, and any such distribution shall be made to the Members as of the close of business on such record date on a *pro rata* basis in accordance with the number of Units owned by each Member as of the close of business on such record date (*provided* that, for the avoidance of doubt, repurchases or redemptions made in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(k)</u>, <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u> or payments made in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>6.4</u> or <u>6.9</u> need not be on a *pro rata* basis); *provided*, *however*, that the Managing Member shall have the obligation to make distributions as set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>5.2</u> and <u>10.3(b)(iii)</u>; and *provided*, *further*, that, notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, no distributions shall be made to any Member to the extent such distribution would render the Company insolvent or violate the Act. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, insolvency means the inability of the Company to meet its payment obligations when due. Promptly following the designation of a record date and the declaration of a distribution pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>5.1</u>, the Managing Member shall give notice to each Member of the record date, the amount and the terms of the distribution and the payment date thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Successors</u>. For purposes of determining the amount of distributions, each Member shall be treated as having made the Capital Contributions and as having received the distributions made to or received by its predecessors in respect of any of such Member's Units.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Distributions In-Kind</u>. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any distributions may be made in cash or in kind, or partly in cash and partly in kind, as determined by the Managing Member. To the extent that the Company distributes property in-kind to the Members, the Company shall be treated as making a distribution equal to the Fair Market Value of such property for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>5.1(a)</u> and such property shall be treated as if it were sold for an amount equal to its Fair Market Value. Any resulting gain or loss shall be allocated to the Member's Capital Accounts in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>4.1</u> and <u>4.2</u>.

Section 5.2 **<u>Tax-Related Distributions</u>**. The Company shall, subject to any restrictions contained in any agreement to which the Company is bound, make distributions out of legally available funds to all Members in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>5.1</u> at such times and in such amounts as the Managing Member reasonably determines is necessary to cause a distribution to the PubCo Holdings Group, in the aggregate, sufficient to enable the PubCo Holdings Group to timely satisfy any and all PubCo Tax-Related Liabilities.

------

Section 5.3 **<u>Distribution Upon Withdrawal</u>**. No withdrawing Member shall be entitled to receive any distribution or the value of such Member's Interest as a result of withdrawal from the Company prior to the liquidation of the Company, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.

Section 5.4 **<u>Issuance of Additional Equity Securities</u>**. This <u>Article</u> <u>V</u> shall be subject to, and, to the extent necessary, amended to reflect, the issuance by the Company of any additional Equity Securities.

**ARTICLE VI** 

**MANAGEMENT** 

Section 6.1 **<u>The Managing Member; Fiduciary Duties</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) PubCo shall be the sole Managing Member of the Company. Except as otherwise required by Law, (i) the Managing Member shall have full and complete charge of all affairs of the Company, (ii) the management and control of the Company's business activities and operations shall rest exclusively with the Managing Member, and the Managing Member shall make all decisions regarding the business, activities and operations of the Company (including the incurrence of costs and expenses) in its sole discretion without the consent of any other Member and (iii) the Members other than the Managing Member (in their capacity as such) shall not participate in the control, management, direction or operation of the activities or affairs of the Company and shall have no power to act for or bind the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In connection with the performance of its duties as the Managing Member of the Company, except as otherwise set forth herein, the Managing Member acknowledges that it will owe to the Company and the Members the same fiduciary duties as it would owe to the a Delaware corporation and its stockholders if it were a member of the board of directors of such a corporation and the Members were stockholders of such corporation. The Members acknowledge that the Managing Member will take action through its board of directors, and that the members of the Managing Member's board of directors will owe comparable fiduciary duties to the stockholders of the Managing Member.

Section 6.2 **<u>Officers</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Managing Member may appoint, employ or otherwise contract with any Person for the transaction of the business of the Company or the performance of services for or on behalf of the Company, and the Managing Member may delegate to any such Persons such authority to act on behalf of the Company as the Managing Member may from time to time deem appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for the general and active management of the business of the Company and its

------

Subsidiaries and will see that all orders of the Managing Member are carried into effect. The Chief Executive Officer will report to the Managing Member and have the general powers and duties of management usually vested in the office of president and chief executive officer of a corporation organized under the Act, subject to the terms of this Agreement, and will have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Managing Member or this Agreement. The Chief Executive Officer will have the power to execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts requiring a seal, under the seal of the Company, except where required or permitted by Law to be otherwise signed and executed, and except where the signing and execution thereof will be expressly delegated by the Managing Member to some other Officer or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Except as set forth herein, the Managing Member may appoint Officers at any time, and the Officers may include a president, one or more vice presidents, a secretary, one or more assistant secretaries, a chief financial officer, a general counsel, a treasurer, one or more assistant treasurers, a chief operating officer, an executive chairman, and any other officers that the Managing Member deems appropriate. Except as set forth herein, the Officers will serve at the pleasure of the Managing Member, subject to all rights, if any, of such Officer under any contract of employment. Any individual may hold any number of offices, and an Officer may, but need not, be a Member of the Company. The Officers will exercise such powers and perform such duties as specified in this Agreement or as determined from time to time by the Managing Member.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Subject to this Agreement and to the rights, if any, of an Officer under a contract of employment, any Officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Managing Member. Any Officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Managing Member. Any resignation will take effect at the date of the receipt of that notice or at any later time specified in that notice; and, unless otherwise specified in that notice, the acceptance of the resignation will not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation is without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Company under any contract to which the Officer is a party. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or any other cause will be filled in the manner prescribed in this Agreement for regular appointments to that office.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Officers, in the performance of their duties as such, shall owe to the Company and the Members the same fiduciary duties as they would owe to a Delaware corporation and its stockholders if they were officers of such corporation and the Members were stockholders of such corporation.

Section 6.3 **<u>Warranted Reliance by Officers on Others</u>**. In exercising their authority and performing their duties under this Agreement, the Officers shall be entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports or statements of the following Persons or groups unless they have actual knowledge concerning the matter in question that would cause such reliance to be unwarranted:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) one or more employees or other agents of the Company or subordinates whom the Officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented; and

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) any attorney, public accountant or other Person as to matters which the Officer reasonably believes to be within such Person's professional or expert competence.

Section 6.4 **<u>Indemnification; Exculpation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended (*provided*, *that* no such amendment shall limit a Covered Person's rights to indemnification hereunder with respect to any actions or events occurring prior to such amendment except to the extent required by a non-waivable and non-modifiable provision of applicable Law), any person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "***Proceeding***") by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a Manager (as defined in the Existing LLC Agreement) entitled to indemnification under the Existing LLC Agreement, a Member, an Officer, the Managing Member or the Company Representative or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a member, director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of another limited liability company or of a corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (a "***Covered Person***"), whether the basis of such Proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a member, director, officer, trustee, employee or agent, or in any other capacity while serving as a member, director, officer, trustee, employee or agent, against all expenses, liability and loss (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such Covered Person in connection with such Proceeding, unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that, in respect of such act or omission, and taking into account the acknowledgements and agreements set forth in this Agreement, (x) such Covered Person engaged in a bad faith violation of the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing or a bad faith violation of this Agreement or (y) such Covered Person would not be so entitled to be indemnified and held harmless if the Company were a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware that indemnified and held harmless its directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law as in effect on the date of this Agreement (but including any expansion of rights to indemnification thereunder from and after the date of this Agreement). The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable Law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended (*provided*, *that* no such amendment shall limit a Covered Person's rights to indemnification hereunder with respect to any actions or events occurring prior to such amendment except to the extent required by a non-waivable and non-modifiable provision of applicable Law), pay the expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by a Covered Person in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition; *provided*, *however*, that such payment of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the Covered Person to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified under this <u>Section</u> <u>6.4</u> or otherwise. The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses under this

------

 <u>Section</u> <u>6.4</u> shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to a Covered Person who has ceased to be a member, director, officer, trustee, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>6.4</u>, except for Proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses, the Company shall indemnify and advance expenses to a Covered Person in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Covered Person only if such Proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Managing Member. If this <u>Section</u> <u>6.4(a)</u> or any portion of this <u>Section</u> <u>6.4(a)</u> shall be invalidated on any ground by a court of competent jurisdiction the Company shall nevertheless indemnify each Covered Person as to expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement with respect to any action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal or administrative, including a grand jury proceeding or action or suit brought by or in the right of the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this <u>Section</u> <u>6.4(a)</u> that shall not have been invalidated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to other applicable provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>6.4</u>, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the Covered Persons shall not be liable to the Company, any Subsidiary, any director, any Member or any holder of any equity interest in any Subsidiary by virtue of being a Covered Person or for any acts or omissions in their capacity as a Covered Person or otherwise in connection with the Company, this Agreement or the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that such losses or liabilities were the result of conduct in which such Covered Person breached the terms of this Agreement or any duties owed to the Company or the Members.

Section 6.5 **<u>Maintenance of Insurance or Other Financial Arrangements</u>**. To the extent permitted by applicable Law, the Company (with the approval of the Managing Member) may purchase and maintain insurance or make other financial arrangements on behalf of any Person who is or was a Member, employee or agent of the Company, or at the request of the Company is or was serving as a manager, director, officer, employee or agent of another limited liability company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, for any Liability asserted against such Person and Liability and expenses incurred by such Person in such Person's capacity as such, or arising out of such Person's status as such, whether or not the Company has the authority to indemnify such Person against such Liability and expenses.

Section 6.6 **<u>Resignation or Termination of Managing Member</u>**. PubCo (or its successor, as applicable) shall not, by any means, resign as, cease to be or be replaced as Managing Member except in compliance with this <u>Section</u> <u>6.6</u>. No termination or replacement of PubCo (or its successor, as applicable) as Managing Member shall be effective unless proper provision is made, in compliance with this Agreement, so that the obligations of PubCo, its successor (if applicable) and any new Managing Member and the rights of all Members under this Agreement and applicable Law remain in full force and effect. No appointment of a Person other than PubCo (or its successor, as applicable) as Managing Member shall be effective unless PubCo (or its successor, as applicable) and the new Managing Member (as applicable) provide all other Members with contractual rights, directly enforceable by such other Members against PubCo (or

------

its successor, as applicable) and the new Managing Member (as applicable), to cause (a) PubCo (or its successor, as applicable) to comply with all of PubCo's obligations under this Agreement (including its obligations under <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u>) other than those that must necessarily be taken in its capacity as Managing Member and (b) the new Managing Member to comply with all the Managing Member's obligations under this Agreement.

Section 6.7 **<u>No Inconsistent Obligations</u>**. The Managing Member represents that it does not have any contracts, other agreements, duties or obligations that are inconsistent with its duties and obligations (whether or not in its capacity as Managing Member) under this Agreement and covenants that, except as permitted by <u>Section</u> <u>6.1</u>, it will not enter into any contracts or other agreements or undertake or acquire any other duties or obligations that are inconsistent with such duties and obligations.

Section 6.8 **<u>Reclassification Events of PubCo</u>**. If a Reclassification Event occurs, the Managing Member or its successor, as the case may be, shall amend this Agreement in compliance with <u>Section</u> <u>11.1</u>, and enter into supplementary or additional agreements, to ensure that following the effective date of the Reclassification Event: (i) the Redemption Right of holders of Units set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u> provide that each Unit (together with the surrender and delivery of one Class B Share) that remains outstanding immediately following such Reclassification Event is redeemable for the same amount and same type of property, securities or cash (or combination thereof) that one Class A Share becomes exchangeable for or converted into as a result of the Reclassification Event and (ii) PubCo or the successor to PubCo, as applicable, is obligated to deliver such property, securities or cash upon such redemption. PubCo shall not consummate or agree to consummate any Reclassification Event unless the successor Person, if any, becomes obligated to comply with the obligations of PubCo (in whatever capacity) under this Agreement, unless immediately following the consummation of such Reclassification Event the Company is wholly-owned by PubCo (or its successor in such Reclassification Event) and its Affiliates.

Section 6.9 **<u>Certain Costs and Expenses</u>**. The Company shall (a) pay, or cause to be paid, all costs, fees, operating expenses and other expenses of the Company and its Subsidiaries (including the costs, fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants or other professionals and the compensation of all personnel providing services to the Company and its Subsidiaries) incurred in pursuing and conducting, or otherwise related to, the activities of the Company and (b) reimburse the Managing Member for any costs, fees or expenses incurred by it in connection with serving as the Managing Member (including for the avoidance of doubt, any tax imposed under Section 4501 of the Code (a "***Buyback Tax***") and any franchise or similar taxes imposed on an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group which includes the Company or its Subsidiaries (a "***Franchise Tax***")). To the extent that the Managing Member determines in its sole discretion that any expenses or other costs incurred, paid, or otherwise borne by the PubCo Holdings Group are related to the business and affairs of the PubCo Holdings Group that are conducted through the Company and/or its Subsidiaries (including expenses that relate to the business and affairs of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries and that also relate to other activities of the PubCo Holdings Group), the Managing Member may cause the Company to pay or bear all such expenses or other costs, including for the avoidance of doubt, where any member of the PubCo Holdings Group pays or bears any expenses or any other obligations of the Company or its Subsidiaries through the transfer or forfeiture by such member of the PubCo Holdings Group of any Units or other Equity Securities of the Company (or Equity Securities of any other member(s) of the PubCo Holdings

------

Group that directly or indirectly owns Equity Securities of the Company) (an "***Equity Payment***"); *provided* that, other than with respect to Franchise Taxes as described above, the Company shall not pay or bear any income tax obligations of any member of the PubCo Holdings Group (but the Company shall be entitled to make distributions in respect of these income tax obligations pursuant to <u>Article</u> <u>V</u>). In the case of an Equity Payment, (i) the Managing Member shall be deemed to automatically cause the Company to issue to such member of the PubCo Holdings Group (and the Company shall be deemed to have automatically issued to such member of the PubCo Holdings Group without further action or agreement) a number of Units or such other Equity Securities equal to the number of Units or other Equity Securities, as applicable, transferred or forfeited (or held directly or indirectly by the other member(s) of the PubCo Holdings Group whose Equity Securities were transferred or forfeited) and (ii) the Managing Member shall be deemed to automatically cause the Company to issue to the applicable creditor or other payee (and the Company shall be deemed to have automatically issued to the applicable creditor or other payee without further action or agreement) a number of Units or such other Equity Securities such that the total number of Units or other Equity Securities received by the applicable creditor or other payee in connection with the Equity Payment have a value equal to the Units or other Equity Securities initially transferred by the applicable member of the PubCo Holdings Group in such Equity Payment. For the avoidance of doubt, any payments made to or on behalf of any member of the PubCo Holdings Group pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>6.9</u> shall not be treated as a distribution pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>5.1(a)</u> but shall instead be treated as an expense of the Company. Consequently, except as otherwise required by applicable Law, notwithstanding anything else in this agreement, the Members and the Company agree that, for U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes, any payment or other satisfaction (including by way of transfer or forfeiture of Equity Securities) by any member of the PubCo Holdings Group of any expenses or any other obligations of the Company or its Subsidiaries, together with the reimbursement by the Company to the relevant member of the PubCo Holdings Group in accordance with the third sentence of this paragraph, is intended to be treated as though the Company paid the relevant expense or other obligation (including by way of deemed issuance of Units or other Equity Securities of the Company, where applicable) directly to the relevant creditor or other payee in direct satisfaction of the Company's (or its Subsidiary's) own obligation.

**ARTICLE VII** 

**ROLE OF MEMBERS** 

Section 7.1 **<u>Rights or Powers</u>**. Other than the Managing Member, the Members, acting in their capacity as Members, shall not have any right or power to take part in the management or control of the Company or its business and affairs or to act for or bind the Company in any way. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Members have all the rights and powers specifically set forth in this Agreement and, to the extent not inconsistent with this Agreement, in the Act. A Member, any Affiliate thereof or an employee, stockholder, agent, director or officer of a Member or any Affiliate thereof, may also be an employee or be retained as an agent of the Company. The existence of these relationships and acting in such capacities will not result in the Member (other than the Managing Member) being deemed to be participating in the control of the business of the Company or otherwise affect the limited liability of the Member. Except as specifically provided herein, a Member (other than the Managing Member) shall not, in its capacity as a Member, take part in the operation, management or control of the Company's business, transact any business in the Company's name or have the power to sign documents for or otherwise bind the Company.

------

Section 7.2 **<u>Voting</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Meetings of the Members may be called upon the written request of the Managing Member or Members holding at least 50% of the outstanding Units. Such request shall state the location of the meeting and the nature of the business to be transacted at the meeting. Written notice of any such meeting shall be given to all Members not less than 2 Business Days and not more than 30 days prior to the date of such meeting. Members may vote in person, by proxy or by telephone at any meeting of the Members and may waive advance notice of such meeting. Whenever the vote or consent of Members is permitted or required under this Agreement, such vote or consent may be given at a meeting of the Members or may be given in accordance with the procedure prescribed in this <u>Section</u> <u>7.2</u>. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the affirmative vote of the Members holding a majority of the outstanding Units shall constitute the act of the Members.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Each Member may authorize any Person or Persons to act for it by proxy on all matters in which such Member is entitled to participate, including waiving notice of any meeting, or voting or participating at a meeting. Every proxy must be signed by such Member or its attorney-in-fact. No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of 11 months from the date thereof unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Every proxy shall be revocable at the pleasure of the Member executing it.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Each meeting of Members shall be conducted by an Officer designated by the Managing Member or such other individual Person as the Managing Member deems appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Members may be taken without a meeting if the requisite Members whose approval is necessary consent thereto in writing.

Section 7.3 **<u>Various Capacities</u>**. The Members acknowledge and agree that the Members or their Affiliates will from time to time act in various capacities, including as a Member and as the Company Representative.

Section 7.4 **<u>Investment Opportunities</u>**. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any analogous doctrine, shall not apply to any Member (other than Members who are officers or employees of the Company, PubCo or any of their respective Subsidiaries), any of their respective Affiliates (other than the Company, the Managing Member or any of their respective Subsidiaries), or any of their respective officers, directors, agents, shareholders, members, managers and partners (each, a "***Business Opportunities Exempt Party***"). The Company renounces any interest or expectancy of the Company in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, business opportunities that are from time to time presented to any Business Opportunities Exempt Party. No Business Opportunities Exempt Party who acquires knowledge of a potential transaction, agreement, arrangement or other matter that may be an opportunity for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall have any duty to communicate or offer such opportunity to the Company. No amendment or repeal of this <u>Section</u> <u>7.4</u> shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any Business

------

Opportunities Exempt Party for or with respect to any opportunities of which any such Business Opportunities Exempt Party becomes aware prior to such amendment or repeal. Any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any Units shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>7.4</u>. Neither the alteration, amendment or repeal of this <u>Section</u> <u>7.4</u>, nor the adoption of any provision of this Agreement inconsistent with this <u>Section</u> <u>7.4</u>, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this <u>Section</u> <u>7.4</u> in respect of any business opportunity first identified or any other matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for this <u>Section</u> <u>7.4</u>, would accrue or arise, prior to such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption.

**ARTICLE VIII** 

**TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS** 

Section 8.1 **<u>Restrictions on Transfer</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u>, no Member shall Transfer all or any portion of its Interest (including any Units or other Equity Securities in the Company) without the Managing Member's prior written consent, which consent shall be granted or withheld in the Managing Member's sole discretion. If, notwithstanding the provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>8.1(a)</u>, all or any portion of a Member's Interests are Transferred in violation of this <u>Article</u> <u>VIII</u>, involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, then without limiting any other rights and remedies available to the other parties under this Agreement or otherwise, the Transferee of such Interest (or portion thereof) shall not be admitted to the Company as a Member or be entitled to any rights as a Member hereunder, and the Transferor will continue to be bound by all obligations hereunder, unless and until the Managing Member consents in writing to such Transfer, which consent shall be granted or withheld in the Managing Member's sole discretion. Any attempted or purported Transfer of all or a portion of a Member's Interests in violation of this <u>Section</u> <u>8.1(a)</u> shall be null and void and of no force or effect whatsoever. For the avoidance of doubt, the restrictions on Transfer contained in this <u>Article</u> <u>VIII</u> shall not apply to the Transfer of any capital stock of PubCo; *provided* that in no circumstance may Class B Shares be Transferred unless a corresponding number of Units are Transferred to the same Person, and in no circumstance may Units be Transferred unless a corresponding number of Class B Shares are also Transferred to the same Person.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In addition to any other restrictions on Transfer herein contained, including the provisions of this <u>Article</u> <u>VIII</u>, in no event may any Transfer or assignment of Interests (including any Units or other Equity Securities in the Company) by any Member be made (i) to any Person who lacks the legal right, power or capacity to own Interests; (ii) if the Managing Member determines that such Transfer (A) would be considered to be effected on or through an "established securities market" or a "secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof," as such terms are used in Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1, (B) would result in the Company having more than 100 partners, within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(1)(ii) (determined taking into account the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(3)), or (C) would present an undue risk that the Company be treated as a "publicly traded partnership" within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code or a successor provision or otherwise become taxable as a corporation under the Code; (iii) if such Transfer would cause the Company to become, with respect to

------

any employee benefit plan subject to Title I of ERISA, a "party-in-interest" (as defined in Section 3(14) of ERISA) or a "disqualified person" (as defined in Section 4975(e)(2) of the Code); (iv) if such Transfer would, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, cause any portion of the assets of the Company to constitute assets of any employee benefit plan pursuant to the Plan Asset Regulations or otherwise cause the Company to be subject to regulation under ERISA; (v) if such Transfer requires the registration of such Interests or Equity Securities issued upon any exchange of such Interests or Equity Securities, pursuant to any applicable U.S. federal or state securities Laws; or (vi) if such Transfer subjects the Company to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, each as amended (or any succeeding law). Any attempted or purported Transfer of all or a portion of a Member's Interests in violation of this <u>Section</u> <u>8.1(b)</u> shall be null and void and of no force or effect whatsoever.

Section 8.2 **<u>Notice of Transfer</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Other than in connection with Transfers made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u>, each Member shall, after complying with the provisions of this Agreement, but in any event no later than three Business Days following any Transfer of Interests, give written notice to the Company of such Transfer. Each such notice shall describe the manner and circumstances of the Transfer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) A Member making a Transfer (including a deemed Transfer for U.S. federal income tax purposes as described in <u>Section</u> <u>3.6(e)</u>) permitted by this Agreement shall, unless otherwise determined by the Managing Member, (i) at least five (5) Business Days before such Transfer, deliver to the Company an affidavit of non-foreign status with respect to such Member that satisfies the requirements of Section 1446(f)(2) of the Code or other documentation establishing a valid exemption from withholding pursuant to Section 1446(f) of the Code or (ii) contemporaneously with the Transfer, cause the Transferee to properly withhold and remit to the Internal Revenue Service the amount of tax required to be withheld upon the Transfer by Section 1446(f) of the Code (and provide evidence to the Company of such withholding and remittance promptly thereafter).

Section 8.3 **<u>Transferee Members</u>**. A Transferee of Interests (including any Units or other Equity Securities in the Company) pursuant to this <u>Article</u> <u>VIII</u> shall have the right to become a Member only if (a) the requirements of this <u>Article</u> <u>VIII</u> are met, (b) such Transferee executes an instrument reasonably satisfactory to the Managing Member agreeing to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement and assuming all of the Transferor's then existing and future Liabilities arising under or relating to this Agreement, (c) such Transferee represents that the Transfer was made in accordance with all applicable securities Laws and such other reasonable representations as reasonably requested by the Managing Member, (d) the Transferor or Transferee shall have reimbursed the Company for all reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses) of any Transfer or proposed Transfer of all or a portion of a Member's Interest, whether or not consummated and (e) if such Transferee or his or her spouse is a resident of a community property jurisdiction, then such Transferee's spouse shall also execute an instrument reasonably satisfactory to the Managing Member agreeing to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement to the extent of his or her community property or quasi-community property interest, if any, in such Member's Interest. Unless agreed to in writing by the Managing Member, the

------

admission of a Member shall not result in the release of the Transferor from any Liability that the Transferor may have to each remaining Member or to the Company under this Agreement or any other contract between the Managing Member, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and such Transferor or any of its Affiliates, on the other hand. Written notice of the admission of a Member shall be sent promptly by the Company to each remaining Member.

Section 8.4 **<u>Legend</u>**. Each certificate representing a Unit, if any, will be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:

"THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933.

THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM UNDER SUCH ACT.

THE TRANSFER AND VOTING OF THESE SECURITIES IS SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT OF ATLAS SAND OPERATING, LLC (THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES) AS IT MAY BE AMENDED, SUPPLEMENTED AND/OR RESTATED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND NO TRANSFER OF THESE SECURITIES WILL BE VALID OR EFFECTIVE UNTIL SUCH CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN FULFILLED. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF THIS CERTIFICATE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE ISSUER OF SUCH SECURITIES."

**ARTICLE IX** 

**ACCOUNTING; CERTAIN TAX MATTERS** 

Section 9.1 **<u>Books of Account</u>**. The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, maintain true books and records of account in which full and correct entries shall be made of all its business transactions pursuant to a system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP, and shall set aside on its books all such proper accruals and reserves as shall be required under GAAP.

Section 9.2 **<u>Tax Elections</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company and any eligible Subsidiary shall make an election (or continue a previously made election) pursuant to Section 754 of the Code (and any similar provisions of applicable U.S. state or local law) for the taxable year of the Company that includes the date hereof and shall not thereafter revoke such election. In addition, the Company shall make the following elections on the appropriate forms or tax returns, if permitted under the Code or applicable Law:

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) to adopt the calendar year as the Company's Fiscal Year;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) to adopt the accrual method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) to elect to amortize the organizational expenses of the Company as permitted by Section 709(b) of the Code;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) except where the Managing Member elects to apply <u>Section</u> <u>9.5(e)</u>, to elect out of the application of the partnership-level audit and adjustment rules of the Partnership Tax Audit Rules by making an election under Section 6226(a) of the Code, commonly known as the "push out" election, or any analogous election under state or local tax law, if applicable (including, for the avoidance of doubt, making a "push out" election with respect to taxes attributable to a tax period ending on or before the date hereof); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) except as otherwise provided herein, any other election the Managing Member may deem appropriate and in the best interests of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Upon request of the Managing Member, each Member shall cooperate in Good Faith with the Company in connection with the Company's efforts to make any election pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>9.2</u>.

Section 9.3 **<u>Tax Returns; Information</u>**. The Managing Member shall arrange for the preparation and timely filing of all income and other tax and informational returns of the Company. The Managing Member shall furnish to each Member a copy of each return and statement, together with any schedules (including Internal Revenue Service Schedule K-1) and any other information that a Member may require in connection with such Member's (or its direct or indirect owner's) own tax affairs as soon as practicable. The Members agree to (a) take all actions reasonably requested by the Company or the Company Representative to comply with the Partnership Tax Audit Rules, including where applicable, filing amended returns as provided in Sections 6225 or 6226 of the Code and providing confirmation thereof to the Company Representative and (b) furnish to the Company (i) all reasonably requested certificates or statements relating to the tax matters of the Company (including without limitation an affidavit of non-foreign status pursuant to Section 1446(f)(2) of the Code), and (ii) all pertinent information in its possession relating to the Company's operations that is reasonably necessary to enable the Company's tax returns to be prepared and timely filed.

Section 9.4 **<u>Company Representative</u>**. The Managing Member is specially authorized and appointed to act as the Company Representative and to designate a "designated individual" in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 301.6223-1(b)(3). The Company and the Members (including any Member designated as the Company Representative prior to the date hereof) shall cooperate fully with each other and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the Managing Member (or any other Person subsequently designated) to become the Company Representative with respect to any taxable period of the Company with respect to which the statute of limitations has not yet expired, including (as applicable) by filing certifications pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 301.6231(a)(7)-1(d). In acting as Company Representative, the Managing Member shall act, to the maximum extent possible, to cause income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Company, and adjustments thereto, to be allocated or borne by the Members in the

------

same manner as such items or adjustments would have been borne if the Company could have effectively made an election under Section 6221(b) of the Code (commonly known as the "election out") or similar state or local provision with respect to the taxable period at issue. The Company Representative may retain, at the Company's expense, such outside counsel, accountants and other professional consultants as it may reasonably deem necessary in the course of fulfilling its obligations as Company Representative.

Section 9.5 **<u>Withholding Tax Payments and Obligations</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Withholding Tax Payments</u>. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries may withhold from distributions, allocations or portions thereof if it is required to do so by any applicable rule, regulation or Law, and each Member hereby authorizes the Company and its Subsidiaries to withhold or pay on behalf of or with respect to such Member, any amount of U.S. federal, state or local or non-U.S. taxes that the Managing Member determines, in Good Faith, that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is required to withhold or pay with respect to any amount distributable or allocable to such Member pursuant to this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Other Tax Payments.</u> To the extent that any tax is paid by (or withheld from amounts payable to) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and the Managing Member determines, in Good Faith, that such tax (including any Company Level Tax) specifically relates to one or more particular Members, such tax shall be treated as an amount of tax withheld or paid with respect to such Member pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>9.5</u>. Any determinations made by the Managing Member pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>9.5</u> shall be binding on the Members.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Tax Contribution and Indemnity Obligation.</u> Any amounts withheld or paid with respect to a Member pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9.5(a)</u> or <u>(b)</u> (other than the payment of Company Level Taxes) shall be offset against any distributions to which such Member is entitled concurrently with such withholding or payment (a "***Tax Offset***"); *provided* that the reduction in the amount of any distribution as a result of a Tax Offset shall be treated as having been distributed to such Member pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>5.1</u> or <u>Section</u> <u>10.3(b)(iii)</u> at the time such Tax Offset is made. To the extent that (i) the amount of such Tax Offset exceeds the distributions to which such Member is entitled concurrently with such withholding or payment (an "***Excess Tax Amount***") or (ii) there is a payment of Company Level Taxes relating to a Member, the amount of such (A) Excess Tax Amount or (B) Company Level Taxes, as applicable, shall, upon notification to such Member by the Managing Member, give rise to an obligation of such Member to make a capital contribution to the Company (a "***Tax Contribution Obligation***"), which Tax Contribution Obligation shall be immediately due and payable. If a Member defaults with respect to its Tax Contribution Obligation, the Company shall be entitled to offset the amount of a Member's Tax Contribution Obligation against distributions to which such Member would otherwise be subsequently entitled until the full amount of such Tax Contribution Obligation has been contributed to the Company or has been recovered through offset against distributions and, for the avoidance of doubt, any such offset shall be treated as distributed to such Member pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>5.1</u> or <u>Section</u> <u>10.3(b)</u>, as applicable, at the time such offset is made. In the case of a Tax Contribution Obligation arising from the

------

payment of Company Level Taxes, then to the extent that the Managing Member determines it is appropriate for purposes of properly maintaining Capital Accounts, (x) any payment by a Member with respect to such Member's Tax Contribution Obligation shall increase such Member's Capital Account, but shall not reduce the amount (if any) that a Member is otherwise obligated to contribute to the Company, and (y) any recovery of such Tax Contribution Obligation through an offset against distributions to such Member shall not reduce such Member's Capital Account by the amount of such offset. Each Member hereby unconditionally and irrevocably grants to the Company a security interest in such Member's Units to secure such Member's obligation to pay the Company any amounts required to be paid pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>9.5</u>. Each Member shall take such actions as the Company may reasonably request in order to perfect or enforce the security interest created hereunder. Each Member hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the other Members, the Company Representative and the Managing Member from and against any liability (including any liability for Company Level Taxes) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Member.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Continued Obligations of Former Members</u>. Any Person who ceases to be a Member shall be deemed to be a Member solely for purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>9.5</u>, and the obligations of a Member pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>9.5</u> shall survive until 30 days after the closing of the applicable statute of limitations on assessment with respect to the taxes withheld or paid by the Company or a Subsidiary that relate to the period during which such Person was actually a Member; *provided*, that if the Managing Member determines in its sole discretion that seeking indemnification for Company Level Taxes from a former Member is not practicable, or that seeking such indemnification has failed, then, in either case, the Managing Member may (i) recover any liability for Company Level Taxes from the substituted Member that acquired directly or indirectly the applicable interest in the Company from such former Member or (ii) treat such liability for Company Level Taxes as a Company expense.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Managing Member Discretion Regarding Recovery of Taxes.</u> Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Managing Member may choose not to recover an amount of Company Level Taxes or other taxes withheld or paid with respect to a Member under this <u>Section</u> <u>9.5</u> to the extent that there are no distributions to which such Member is entitled that may be offset by such amounts, if the Managing Member determines, in Good Faith, that such a decision would be in the best interests of the Members (e.g., where the cost of recovering the amount of taxes withheld or paid with respect to such Member is not justified in light of the amount that may be recovered from such Member).

**ARTICLE X** 

**DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION** 

Section 10.1 **<u>Liquidating Events</u>**. The Company shall dissolve and commence winding up and liquidating upon the first to occur of the following (each, a "***Liquidating Event***"):

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the determination of the Managing Member to dissolve, wind up and liquidate the Company.

The Members hereby agree that the Company shall not dissolve prior to the occurrence of a Liquidating Event and that no Member shall seek a dissolution of the Company, under Section 18-802 of the Act or otherwise, other than based on the matters set forth in clauses (a) and (b) above. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the Company has dissolved prior to the occurrence of a Liquidating Event, the Members hereby agree to continue the business of the Company without a winding up or liquidation. In the event of a dissolution pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10.1(b)</u>, the relative economic rights of each class of Units immediately prior to such dissolution shall be preserved to the greatest extent practicable with respect to distributions made to Members pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10.3</u> in connection with such dissolution, taking into consideration tax and other legal constraints that may adversely affect one or more parties to such dissolution and subject to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, unless, with respect to any class of Units, holders of a majority of the Units of such class consent in writing to a treatment other than as described above.

Section 10.2 **<u>Bankruptcy</u>**. For purposes of this Agreement, the "***bankruptcy***" of a Member shall mean the occurrence of any of the following: (a) any Governmental Entity shall take possession of any substantial part of the property of that Member or shall assume control over the affairs or operations thereof, or a receiver or trustee shall be appointed, or a writ, order, attachment or garnishment shall be issued with respect to any substantial part thereof, and such possession, assumption of control, appointment, writ or order shall continue for a period of 90 consecutive days; or (b) a Member shall admit in writing of its inability to pay its debts when due, or make an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or apply for or consent to the appointment of any receiver, trustee or similar officer or for all or any substantial part of its property; or shall institute (by petition, application, answer, consent or otherwise) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of debts, dissolution, liquidation or similar Proceeding under the Laws of any jurisdiction; or (c) a receiver, trustee or similar officer shall be appointed for such Member or with respect to all or any substantial part of its property without the application or consent of that Member, and such appointment shall continue undischarged or unstayed for a period of 90 consecutive days or any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangements, readjustment of debt, dissolution, liquidation or similar Proceedings shall be instituted (by petition, application or otherwise) against that Member and shall remain undismissed for a period of 90 consecutive days.

Section 10.3 **<u>Procedure</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In the event of the dissolution of the Company for any reason, the Managing Member or such other Person as is designated by the Managing Member shall commence to wind up the affairs of the Company and to liquidate the Company's investments; *provided* that if the Managing Member is in bankruptcy or dissolved, another Member appointed by Members holding a majority of the Units (other than those held by the Managing Member) (such appointee, the "***Winding-Up Member***") shall commence to wind up the affairs of the Company and, subject to <u>Section</u> <u>10.4(a)</u>, the Winding-Up Member shall have full right and unlimited discretion to determine in Good Faith the time, manner and terms of any sale or sales of the property of the Company or other assets pursuant to such liquidation, having due regard to the activity and condition of the relevant market and

------

general financial and economic conditions. The Members shall continue to share profits, losses and distributions during the period of liquidation in the same manner and proportion as though the Company had not dissolved. The Company shall engage in no further business except as may be necessary, in the reasonable discretion of the Managing Member or the Winding-Up Member, as applicable, to preserve the value of the Company's assets during the period of dissolution and liquidation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Following the payment of all expenses of liquidation and the allocation of all Profits and Losses as provided in <u>Article</u> <u>IV</u>, the proceeds of the liquidation and any other funds of the Company shall be distributed in the following order of priority:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) *first*, to the payment and discharge of all of the Company's debts and Liabilities to creditors (whether third parties or Members), in the order of priority as provided by Law, except any obligations to the Members in respect of their Capital Accounts;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) *second*, to set up such cash reserves that the Managing Member reasonably deems necessary for contingent or unforeseen Liabilities or future payments described in <u>Section</u> <u>10.3(b)(i)</u> (which reserves when they become unnecessary shall be distributed in accordance with the provisions of clause (iii) below); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) *third*, the balance to the Members, *pro rata* in accordance with the number of Units owned by each Member.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) No Member shall have any right to demand or receive property other than cash upon dissolution and termination of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Upon the completion of the liquidation of the Company and the distribution of all Company funds, the Company shall terminate and the Managing Member or the Winding-Up Member, as the case may be, shall have the authority to execute and record a certificate of cancellation of the Company, as well as any and all other documents required to effectuate the dissolution and termination of the Company.

Section 10.4 **<u>Rights of Members</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Each Member irrevocably waives any right that it may have to maintain an action for partition with respect to the property of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, (i) each Member shall look solely to the assets of the Company for the return of its Capital Contributions and (ii) no Member shall have priority over any other Member as to the return of its Capital Contributions, distributions or allocations.

Section 10.5 **<u>Notices of Dissolution</u>**. In the event a Liquidating Event occurs or an event occurs that would, but for the provisions of <u>Section</u> <u>10.1</u>, result in a dissolution of the Company, the Company shall, within 30 days thereafter, (a) provide written notice thereof to each of the Members and to all other parties with whom the Company regularly conducts business (as determined in the discretion of the Managing Member), and (b) comply, in a timely manner, with all filing and notice requirements under the Act or any other applicable Law.

------

Section 10.6 **<u>Reasonable Time for Winding Up</u>**. A reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly winding up of the business and affairs of the Company and the liquidation of its assets in order to minimize any losses that might otherwise result from such winding up.

Section 10.7 **<u>No Deficit Restoration</u> <u>Obligation</u>**. No Member shall be liable to the Company or to any other Member for any negative balance outstanding in each such Member's Capital Account, whether such negative Capital Account results from the allocation of losses or other items of deduction and loss to such Member or from distributions to such Member, and such Member shall not have any obligation to make any contribution to the capital of the Company with respect to such deficit and such deficit shall not be considered a debt owed to the Company or, except as required by the Act, to any other Person for any purpose whatsoever.

**ARTICLE XI** 

**GENERAL** 

Section 11.1 **<u>Amendments; Waivers</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The terms and provisions of this Agreement may be waived, modified or amended (including by means of merger, consolidation or other business combination to which the Company is a party) with the approval of the Managing Member; *provided* that no waiver, modification or amendment shall be effective until at least 5 Business Days after written notice is provided to the Members, and, for the avoidance of doubt, any Member shall have the right to file a Redemption Notice prior to the effectiveness of such waiver, modification or amendment; *provided*, *further*, that no amendment to this Agreement may:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) modify the limited liability of any Member, or increase the liabilities or obligations of any Member, in each case, without the consent of each such affected Member; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) materially alter or change any rights, preferences or privileges of any Interests in a manner that is different or prejudicial (or would have a different or prejudicial effect) relative to any other Interests, without the approval of a majority in interest of the Members holding the Interests affected in such a different or prejudicial manner.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of <u>Section</u> <u>11.1(a)</u>, the Managing Member, acting alone, may amend this Agreement or update the books and records of the Company (i) to reflect the admission of new Members, Transfers of Interests, the issuance of additional Units or Equity Securities (as provided by the terms of this Agreement) and subdivisions or combinations of Units made in compliance with <u>Section</u> <u>3.1(j)</u>, (ii) to the minimum extent necessary to comply with or administer in an equitable manner the Partnership Tax Audit Rules in any manner determined by the Managing Member, and (iii) as necessary to avoid the Company being classified as a "publicly traded partnership" within the meaning of Section 7704(b) of the Code.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) No waiver of any provision or default under, nor consent to any exception to, the terms of this Agreement or any agreement contemplated hereby shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party to be bound and then only to the specific purpose, extent and instance so provided.

Section 11.2 **<u>Further Assurances</u>**. Each party agrees that it will from time to time, upon the reasonable request of another party, execute such documents and instruments and take such further action as may be required to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement.

Section 11.3 **<u>Successors and Assigns</u>**. All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon the parties and their respective successors and assigns, but shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors and assigns of any Member only to the extent that they are permitted successors and assigns pursuant to the terms hereof. No party may assign its rights hereunder except as herein expressly permitted.

Section 11.4 **<u>Certain Representations by Members</u>**. Each Member, by executing this Agreement and becoming a Member, whether by making a Capital Contribution, by admission in connection with a permitted Transfer or otherwise, represents and warrants to the Company and the Managing Member, as of the date of its admission as a Member, that such Member (or, if such Member is disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such Member's regarded owner for such purposes) is either: (i) not a partnership, grantor trust or Subchapter S corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (e.g., such Member is either an individual or a Subchapter C corporation), or (ii) is a partnership, grantor trust or Subchapter S corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but (A) permitting the Company to satisfy the 100-partner limitation set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(1)(ii) is not a principal purpose of any beneficial owner of such Member in investing in the Company through such Member, (B) such Member was formed for business purposes prior to or in connection with the investment by such Member in the Company or for estate planning purposes, and (C) no beneficial owner of such Member has a redemption or similar right with respect to such Member that is intended to correlate to such Member's right to Redemption pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>3.6</u>.

Section 11.5 **<u>Entire Agreement</u>**. This Agreement, together with all Exhibits and Schedules hereto and all other agreements referenced therein and herein, constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of the parties and there are no warranties, representations or other agreements between the parties in connection with the subject matter hereof except as specifically set forth herein and therein.

Section 11.6 **<u>Rights of Members Independent</u>**. The rights available to the Members under this Agreement and at Law shall be deemed to be several and not dependent on each other and each such right accordingly shall be construed as complete in itself and not by reference to any other such right. Any one or more and/or any combination of such rights may be exercised by a Member and/or the Company from time to time and no such exercise shall exhaust the rights or preclude another Member from exercising any one or more of such rights or combination thereof from time to time thereafter or simultaneously.

------

Section 11.7 **<u>Governing Law</u>**. This Agreement, the legal relations between the parties and any Action, whether contractual or non-contractual, instituted by any party with respect to matters arising under or growing out of or in connection with or in respect of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and performed in such state and without regard to conflicts of law doctrines, except to the extent that certain matters are preempted by federal Law or are governed as a matter of controlling Law by the Law of the jurisdiction of organization of the respective parties.

Section 11.8 **<u>Jurisdiction and Venue</u>**. The parties hereto hereby agree and consent to be subject to the jurisdiction of any federal court of the District of Delaware or the Delaware Court of Chancery over any action, suit or Proceeding (a "***Legal Action***") arising out of or in connection with this Agreement. The parties hereto irrevocably waive the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such Legal Action. Each of the parties hereto further irrevocably consents to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such Legal Action by the mailing of copies thereof by registered mail, postage prepaid, to such party at its address set forth in this Agreement, such service of process to be effective upon acknowledgment of receipt of such registered mail. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>11.8</u> shall affect the right of any party hereto to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by law.

Section 11.9 **<u>Headings</u>**. The **Table of Contents** and the Article, Section, subsection, and Exhibit titles and headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and are not intended to be part of, or to affect the meaning or interpretation of, this Agreement.

Section 11.10 **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement and any amendment hereto or any other agreement (or document) delivered pursuant hereto may be executed in one or more counterparts and by different parties in separate counterparts any may delivered by email or other electronic means. All of such counterparts shall constitute one and the same agreement (or other document) and shall become effective (unless otherwise provided therein) when one or more counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party.

Section 11.11 **<u>Notices</u>**. Any notice or other communication hereunder must be given in writing and (a) delivered in person, (b) transmitted by facsimile, by telecommunications mechanism or electronically or (c) mailed by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, receipt requested as follows:

If to the Company or the Managing Member, addressed to it at:

Atlas Sand Operating, LLC

5918 W Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, Texas 78730

Attention: Dathan Voelter

Email: dvoelter@atlas.energy

With copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

845 Texas Avenue, Suite 4700

Houston, Texas 77002

Attention: Douglas E. McWilliams; Thomas Zentner

Email: dmcwilliams@velaw.com; tzentner@velaw.com

------

or to such other address or to such other Person as either party shall have last designated by such notice to the other parties. Each such notice or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by telecommunication or electronically, when transmitted to the applicable number or email address so specified in (or pursuant to) this <u>Section</u> <u>11.11</u> and an appropriate answerback is received or, if transmitted after 4:00 p.m. local time on a Business Day in the jurisdiction to which such notice is sent or at any time on a day that is not a Business Day in the jurisdiction to which such notice is sent, then on the immediately following Business Day, (ii) if given by mail, on the first Business Day in the jurisdiction to which such notice is sent following the date three days after such communication is deposited in the mails with first class postage prepaid, addressed as aforesaid or (iii) if given by any other means, on the Business Day when actually received at such address or, if not received on a Business Day, on the Business Day immediately following such actual receipt.

Section 11.12 **<u>Representation By Counsel; Interpretation</u>**. The parties acknowledge that each party to this Agreement has been represented by counsel in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Accordingly, any rule of Law, or any legal decision that would require interpretation of any claimed ambiguities in this Agreement against the party that drafted it has no application and is expressly waived.

Section 11.13 **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable by any Governmental Entity, the remaining provisions of this Agreement, to the extent permitted by Law shall remain in full force and effect, *provided* that the essential terms and conditions of this Agreement for all parties remain valid, binding and enforceable.

Section 11.14 **<u>Expenses</u>**. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement and in the Master Reorganization Agreement, each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 11.15 **<u>Waiver of Jury Trial</u>**. EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE MEMBERS, THE MANAGING MEMBER AND ANY INDEMNITEES SEEKING REMEDIES HEREUNDER HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED ON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE.

Section 11.16 **<u>No Third Party Beneficiaries</u>**. Except as expressly provided in <u>Section</u> <u>6.4</u>, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, any rights or remedies under this Agreement or otherwise create any third party beneficiary hereto.

[*Signature Pages Follow*]

------

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, each of the parties hereto has caused this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **<u>COMPANY</u>:** | **<u>COMPANY</u>:** |
| **ATLAS SAND OPERATING, LLC** | **ATLAS SAND OPERATING, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: John Turner | Name: John Turner |
| Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO

AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT OF

ATLAS SAND OPERATING, LLC

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <u>**MANAGING MEMBER**</u>: | <u>**MANAGING MEMBER**</u>: |
| **ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** | **ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: John Turner | Name: John Turner |
| Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
| **<u>MEMBER</u>:** | **<u>MEMBER</u>:** |
| **ATLAS SAND HOLDINGS, LLC** | **ATLAS SAND HOLDINGS, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: John Turner | Name: John Turner |
| Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO

AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT OF

ATLAS SAND OPERATING, LLC

## Exhibit 10.2

**Exhibit 10.2** 

**STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT** 

This **STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT** (this "***Agreement***"), dated as of March 8, 2023, is entered into by and among Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "***Company***"), and the Principal Stockholders (as defined herein).

**WHEREAS**, the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company have been amended and restated in connection with the Company's initial public offering (the "***IPO***") of shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "***Class A Common Stock***"), by the Company (as amended and restated from time to time, the "***Certificate of Incorporation***" and "***Bylaws***," respectively);

**WHEREAS**, as of the closing of the IPO, as a result of the transactions described under the heading "Corporate Reorganization" in the final prospectus related to the IPO, Atlas Sand Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("***Holdings***"), and Atlas Sand Holdings II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("***Holdings II***" and, together with Holdings, the "***Holdings Entities***"), directly hold all of the shares of Common Stock subject to this Agreement and shall constitute the Principal Stockholders hereunder;

**WHEREAS**, following the completion of the IPO and in accordance with the terms of the limited liability company agreements governing each of the Holdings Entities, each of the Holdings Entities will effect a series of distributions of all of the shares of Common Stock they each hold to their direct and indirect unitholders (collectively, the "***Distributions***");

**WHEREAS**, upon the effective date of the Distributions, each of the Holdings Entities will cease to hold all of the shares of Common Stock subject to this Agreement and to constitute Principal Stockholders hereunder, and their respective unitholders that execute this Agreement, shall henceforth constitute Principal Stockholders under this Agreement; and

**WHEREAS**, in connection with, and effective upon, the completion of the IPO, the Principal Stockholders and the Company have entered into this Agreement to set forth certain understandings among themselves.

**NOW, THEREFORE**, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

**ARTICLE I** 

**DEFINITIONS** 

Section 1.1 <u>Certain Definitions</u>. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

"***Affiliate***" means, with respect to any specified Person, a Person that directly or indirectly Controls or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such specified Person; *provided* that, for purposes of this Agreement, none of the Principal Stockholders shall be deemed to be Affiliates of the Company and its Affiliates. For purposes of this Agreement, no party to this Agreement shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of another party to this Agreement solely by reason of the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

------

"***Beneficial Owner***" of a security is a Person who directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares (a) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security and/or (b) investment power, which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security. The terms "***Beneficially Own***" and "***Beneficial Ownership***" shall have correlative meanings. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Agreement, each Principal Stockholder is deemed to Beneficially Own the shares of Common Stock owned by it and no party hereto is deemed to Beneficially Own shares of Common Stock of another party hereto, notwithstanding the fact that such shares are subject to this Agreement.

"***Board***" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

"***Brigham Director***" means any such individual whom the Brigham Representative shall nominate or designate pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>2.1</u> and who is thereafter appointed or elected to the Board to serve as a director.

"***Brigham Representative***" means Ben M. Brigham; *provided* that in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>2.5</u> in the event of Ben M. Brigham's Disability, it shall mean (i) Anne Brigham; (ii) upon each of Ben M. Brigham's and Anne Brigham's Disability, it shall mean David Brigham; and (iii) upon each of Ben M. Brigham's, Anne Brigham's and David Brigham's Disability, it shall mean Vince Brigham.

"***Bylaws***" has the meaning given to such term in the recitals hereto.

"***Certificate of Incorporation***" has the meaning given to such term in the recitals hereto.

"***Class A Common Stock***" has the meaning given to such term in the recitals hereto.

"***Class B Common Stock***" means the Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company.

"***Common Stock***" means the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock, considered as a single class.

"***Control***" (including the terms "***Controls***," "***Controlled by***" and "***under common Control with***") 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 the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

"***Disability***" means the Brigham Representative's inability to (a) act prudently with respect to matters concerning the corporate governance of the Company, including in the exercise of the Brigham Representative's approval and designation rights under this Agreement, and (b) engage reasonably in discussions with other Principal Stockholders regarding the composition of the Board or any proposed action subject to the Brigham Representative's approval under <u>Section</u> <u>2.4</u>, in each case, as a result of a mental or physical impairment that is continuing, or can reasonably

------

be expected to continue, for (i) 90 consecutive days or (ii) any 180 days, whether or not consecutive (or for any longer period as may be required by applicable law), in any 12-month period. A determination of whether a Disability exists shall be made following the delivery of a written notice by any Principal Stockholder to the other parties hereto and the Board including a statement that such Principal Stockholder in good faith believes that a question exists as to whether the Brigham Representative has a Disability and a request that a determination be made thereon, by mutual agreement of (A) an independent physician selected by the Brigham Representative (or a personal representative designated by the Brigham Representative) and (B) an independent physician selected by a majority of the directors then serving on Board that qualify as "independent" for purposes of the Exchange Act and rules and regulations of the principal exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed; provided, however, that, if the opinion of the Brigham Representative's physician and the Board's physician conflict, such physicians shall together agree upon and select a third independent physician, whose opinion shall be binding. In the event a question arises as to whether the Brigham Representative has a Disability, the Brigham Representative shall reasonably cooperate in all respects with the other Principal Stockholders and the Board in order to facilitate a determination thereon for purposes of this Agreement, including (x) submitting to examinations by any medical doctors or other health care specialists, (y) authorizing the disclosure and release of all supporting medical records to any such medical doctors or other specialists and (z) authorizing any such medical doctors or other specialists to discuss matters concerning the Brigham Representative's physical and mental condition with the Board and the other Principal Stockholders.

"***Distributions***" has the meaning given to such term in the recitals hereto.

"***Exchange Act***" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"***Holdings***" has the meaning given to such term in the recitals hereto.

"***Holdings II***" has the meaning given to such term in the recitals hereto.

"***Holdings Entities***" has the meaning given to such term in the recitals hereto.

"***IPO***" has the meaning given to such term in the recitals hereto.

"***Necessary Action***" means, with respect to a specified result, all actions (to the extent such actions are permitted by applicable law and within such party's control) necessary to cause such result, including (i) voting or providing a written consent or proxy with respect to shares of Common Stock, (ii) causing the adoption of stockholders' resolutions and amendments to the organizational documents of the Company, (iii) executing agreements and instruments and (iv) making, or causing to be made, with governmental, administrative or regulatory authorities, all filings, registrations or similar actions that are required to achieve such result.

"***Person***" means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, any court, administrative agency, regulatory body, commission or other governmental authority, board, bureau or instrumentality, domestic or foreign and any subdivision thereof or other entity, and also includes any managed investment account.

------

"***Principal Stockholder***" means (i) prior to the effective date of the Distributions, the Holdings Entities, and (ii) following the effective date of the Distributions, any of the stockholders identified on the signature pages hereto or any other Persons signatory hereto from time to time, including in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>4.9</u> hereof (other than the Holdings Entities). For the avoidance of doubt, the Brigham Representative, other than Ben M. Brigham, shall not be a Principal Stockholder as defined in this Agreement.

"***Transfer***" means, directly or indirectly (whether by merger, operation of law or otherwise), to sell, transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of or encumber any direct or indirect economic, voting or other rights in or to any Common Stock, including by means of (i) the Transfer of an interest in a Person that directly or indirectly holds such Common Stock or (ii) a hedge, swap or other derivative. "***Transferred***" and "***Transferring***" shall have correlative meanings.

Section 1.2 <u>Rules of Construction</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Unless the context requires otherwise: (i) any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms; (ii) references to Articles and Sections refer to articles and sections of this Agreement; (iii) the terms "include," "includes," "including" and words of like import shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation"; (iv) the terms "hereof," "hereto," "herein" or "hereunder" refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (v) unless the context otherwise requires, the term "or" is not exclusive and shall have the inclusive meaning of "and/or"; (vi) defined terms herein will apply equally to both the singular and plural forms and derivative forms of defined terms will have correlative meanings; (vii) references to any law or statute shall include all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and references to any law or statute shall be construed as including any legal and statutory provisions consolidating, amending, succeeding or replacing the applicable law or statute; (viii) references to any Person include such Person's successors and permitted assigns; and (ix) references to "days" are to calendar days unless otherwise indicated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The headings in this Agreement are for convenience and identification only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define or limit the scope, extent or intent of this Agreement or any provision thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or other rule requiring construction against the party that drafted or caused this Agreement to be drafted

**ARTICLE II** 

**GOVERNANCE MATTERS** 

Section 2.1 <u>Designees</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Brigham Designees</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Following the closing of the IPO and for so long as the Principal Stockholders and any Affiliates of the Principal Stockholders collectively Beneficially Own greater than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Brigham Representative shall have the right, but not the obligation, to determine the size of the Board and designate all members of the Board, including the right to designate such number of individuals to be included in the slate of directors to be nominated by the Board for election by the stockholders of the Company.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Following the closing of the IPO and after the Principal Stockholders and any Affiliates of the Principal Stockholders collectively no longer Beneficially Own greater than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Brigham Representative shall have the right, but not the obligation, to designate the following number of members of the Board, including the right to designate such number of individuals to be included in the slate of directors to be nominated by the Board for election by the stockholders of the Company such that, after such election, the Board will include the number of directors set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) four (4) directors, so long as the Principal Stockholders and any Affiliates of the Principal Stockholders collectively Beneficially Own at least 35% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) three (3) directors, so long as the Principal Stockholders and any Affiliates of the Principal Stockholders collectively Beneficially Own at least 25% but no greater than 35% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) two (2) directors, so long as the Principal Stockholders and any Affiliates of the Principal Stockholders collectively Beneficially Own at least 10% but no greater than 25% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) one (1) director, so long as the Principal Stockholders and any Affiliates of the Principal Stockholders collectively Beneficially Own at least 5% but no greater than 10% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. If the Principal Stockholders and any Affiliates of the Principal Stockholders collectively Beneficially Own less than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Brigham Representative shall not have any right pursuant to this Agreement to designate any individuals to the Board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Notwithstanding anything in <u>Section</u> <u>2.1(a)(ii)</u> to the contrary, if the authorized size of the Board is increased or decreased at any time to constitute other than nine (9) directors, the number of directors that the Brigham Representative is entitled to designate to the Board pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>2.1(a)(ii)</u> shall be proportionately increased or decreased, respectively, rounded to the nearest whole number. In the event that the Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides for a classified Board, then proper provision shall be made such that the individuals designated to the Board by the Brigham Representative are distributed as evenly as possible among the classes of directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) The Company agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to take all Necessary Action to effectuate the above, and not to take any action that would be reasonably expected to result in any of the above not becoming effectuated, including by: (A) including the persons designated pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>2.1</u> in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board for election at any meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors; (B) nominating and recommending each such individual to be elected as a

------

director as provided herein; (C) soliciting proxies or consents in favor thereof; (D) filling vacancies of the Board with individuals designated by the Brigham Representative; (E) if necessary, expanding the size of the Board and filling any resulting vacancies with individuals designated by the Brigham Representative; and (F) causing any director resignation or similar policy of the Company to not be applicable to the Brigham Directors. The Company is entitled to identify each such individual nominated pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>2.1(a)</u> as a Brigham Director pursuant to this Agreement. In order to facilitate the Company's performance of its obligations under this <u>Section</u> <u>2.1(a)(iv)</u>, the Brigham Representative agrees to provide to the Company, as reasonably requested by the Company, such information about any applicable designees of the Brigham Representative to ensure compliance with the Exchange Act, and other applicable securities laws and to enable the Board to make any determinations as to whether such designee is independent under the Exchange Act or other applicable securities laws or under the rules of the principal exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that the Brigham Representative has designated to the Board fewer than the total number of individuals it is entitled to designate pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>2.1(a)</u>, the Brigham Representative shall have the right, at any time, to designate such additional individuals to which it is entitled, in which case the Company and the directors shall take all Necessary Action, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to (i) enable the Brigham Representative to designate and effect the election or appointment of such additional individuals, whether by increasing the size of the Board or otherwise, and (ii) designate each such additional individual nominated by the Brigham Representative to fill such newly-created vacancies or to fill any other existing vacancies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) So long as the Brigham Representative is entitled to designate one or more nominees pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>2.1(a)</u>, the Brigham Representative shall have the right to request the removal of any Brigham Director (with or without cause) designated by it, from time to time and at any time, from the Board, exercisable upon written notice to the Company, and the Company and the Principal Stockholders shall, and the Principal Stockholders shall cause any of their Affiliates to, take all Necessary Action to cause such removal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) For so long as the Brigham Representative is entitled to designate any members of the Board pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>2.1(a)</u>, the Company shall take all Necessary Action to cause each of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board to include in its membership at least one Brigham Director, except to the extent that such membership would violate applicable securities laws or stock exchange or stock market rules.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>2.1</u> shall be deemed to require that any party hereto, or any Affiliate thereof, act or be in violation of any applicable provision of law, regulation, legal duty or requirement or stock exchange or stock market rule of any national securities exchange upon which the Class A Common Stock is admitted for trading.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Vacancies</u>. If a vacancy is created on the Board at any time by the death, disability, resignation or removal (whether by the Brigham Representative or otherwise in accordance with this Agreement or the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws) of a Brigham Director, then the Brigham Representative shall be entitled to designate an individual to fill the vacancy so long as the total number of persons that will serve on the Board as Brigham Directors designated by the Brigham Representative immediately following the filling of such vacancy will not exceed the total number of persons the Brigham Representative is entitled to designate pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>2.1(a)</u> on the date of such replacement designation. The Company and the Principal Stockholders shall, and the Principal Stockholders shall cause any of their Affiliates to, take all Necessary Action to cause such replacement Brigham Director to become a member of the Board pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>2.1(f)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) <u>Compensation; Indemnification</u>. Each Brigham Director shall be entitled to the same reimbursement, advancement, exculpation and indemnification in connection with his or her role as a director as the other members of the Board, as well as reimbursement for documented, reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee of the Board of which such Brigham Director is a member, if any, in each case to the same extent as the other members of the Board. Each Brigham Director who is not an employee of the Company shall be also entitled to any retainer, equity compensation or other fees or compensation paid to the non-employee directors of the Company for their services as a director, including any service on any committee of the Board.

Section 2.2 <u>Principal Stockholders' Agreement to Vote</u>. From and after the date hereof, each Principal Stockholder shall, and each Principal Stockholder shall cause each of its Affiliates to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) cause its respective shares of Common Stock to be present for quorum purposes at any meeting of stockholders of the Company at which directors shall be elected (or any action by stockholder consent to elect directors in lieu of a stockholder meeting); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) cause its respective shares of Common Stock to be voted in favor of the election of each Brigham Director designated and nominated for election at such meeting in accordance with this Agreement (or any action by stockholder consent to elect directors in lieu of a stockholder meeting).

Section 2.3 <u>Restrictions on Other Agreements</u>. No Principal Stockholder shall, or permit any of its Affiliates to, directly or indirectly, grant any proxy or enter into or agree to be bound by any voting trust, agreement or arrangement of any kind with respect to its shares of Common Stock if and to the extent the terms thereof conflict with the provisions of this Agreement (whether or not such proxy, voting trust, agreement or agreements are with other Principal Stockholders, Affiliates of any Principal Stockholders or holders of shares of Common Stock that are not parties to this Agreement or otherwise).

Section 2.4 <u>Certain Actions</u>. So long as the Principal Stockholders or any Affiliates of the Principal Stockholders collectively Beneficially Own at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, without the approval of the Brigham Representative, the Company shall not, and shall cause each of the Company's subsidiaries not to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) adopt or propose any amendment, modification or restatement of or supplement to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) adopt or propose any amendment, modification or restatement of or supplement to the Company's Bylaws;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) change the size of the Board, except as required by applicable law or pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or upon the death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office of a member of the Board; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) issue any class or series of equity securities of the Company, the terms of which expressly provide that such class or series will rank senior to the Common Stock as to voting rights, dividend rights or distribution rights upon the liquidation, winding up or dissolution of the Company.

Section 2.5 <u>The Brigham Representative Succession</u>. The Brigham Representative's designation rights described in <u>Section</u> <u>2.1</u> and the approval rights over certain Company actions described in <u>Section</u> <u>2.4</u> shall succeed as follows: (i) in the event of Ben M. Brigham's Disability, to Anne Brigham; (ii) upon each of Ben M. Brigham's and Anne Brigham's Disability, to David Brigham; (iii) upon each of Ben M. Brigham's, Anne Brigham's and David Brigham's Disability, to Vince Brigham; and (iv) upon each of Ben M. Brigham's, Anne Brigham's, David Brigham's and Vince Brigham's Disability, this Agreement shall terminate.

**ARTICLE III** 

**TERMINATION** 

Section 3.1 <u>Termination</u>. This Agreement shall irrevocably terminate with respect to (a) any Principal Stockholder at such time as such Principal Stockholder and its Affiliates no longer Beneficially Owns any shares of Common Stock, (b) any Principal Stockholder at such time as the Company notifies such Principal Stockholder in writing (and the Company shall promptly notify the other Principal Stockholders of such termination), (c) all parties to this Agreement at such time as the Brigham Representative is no longer entitled to designate a nominee to the Board pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>2.1(a)</u> and <u>(d)</u> in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>2.5</u>. Upon a termination of this Agreement in respect of any Principal Stockholder, there shall be no continuing liability or obligation on the part of any Person that constitutes such Principal Stockholder or any other party in respect of such Principal Stockholder following such termination; *provided, however*, that the termination of this Agreement in respect of any Principal Stockholder shall not prevent any party from seeking any remedies (at law or in equity) against any other party for such party's breach of any terms of this Agreement occurring prior to such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Brigham Representative shall have the unilateral right to terminate this Agreement or waive any rights under this Agreement relating to the appointment of one or members of the Board or the consent over certain actions of the Company by written instrument duly executed by the Brigham Representative.

------

**ARTICLE IV** 

**MISCELLANEOUS** 

Section 4.1 <u>Notices</u>. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered, sent by nationally recognized overnight courier, mailed by registered or certified mail or be sent by facsimile or electronic mail to such party at the address set forth below or appearing on the signature pages hereto (or such other address as shall be specified by like notice). Notices will be deemed to have been duly given hereunder if (a) personally delivered, when received, (b) sent by nationally recognized overnight courier, one business day after deposit with the nationally recognized overnight courier, (c) mailed by registered or certified mail, five business days after the date on which it is so mailed, and (d) sent by facsimile or electronic mail, on the date sent so long as such communication is transmitted before 5:00 p.m. in the time zone of the receiving party on a business day, otherwise, on the next business day.

If to the Company, to:

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, Texas 78730

Attention: Dathan Voelter

E-mail: dvoelter@atlassand.com

Section 4.2 <u>Severability</u>. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any Person or any circumstance, is found to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, (a) a suitable and equitable provision shall be substituted therefor in order to carry out, so far as may be valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid or unenforceable provision and (b) the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, nor shall such invalidity or unenforceability affect the validity or enforceability of such provision, or the application thereof, in any other jurisdiction.

Section 4.3 <u>Counterparts</u>. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, taken together, shall be considered one and the same agreement.

Section 4.4 <u>Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries</u>. This Agreement (a) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all other prior agreements, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and (b) is not intended to confer upon any Person, other than the parties, any rights or remedies hereunder.

Section 4.5 <u>Further Assurances</u>. Each party shall execute, deliver, acknowledge and file such other documents and take such further actions as may be reasonably requested from time to time by the other parties to give effect to and carry out the transactions contemplated herein.

Section 4.6 <u>Governing Law; Equitable Remedies</u>. THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIMS AND CAUSES OF ACTION HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE (WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF). The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with its specific terms or was otherwise

------

breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties hereto shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions and other equitable remedies to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any of the Selected Courts (as defined below), this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with respect to such remedy are hereby waived by each of the parties hereto. Each party hereto further agrees that, in the event of any action for an injunction or other equitable remedy in respect of such breach or enforcement of specific performance, it will not assert the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.

Section 4.7 <u>Consent to Jurisdiction</u>. With respect to any suit, action or proceeding ("***Proceeding***") arising out of or relating to this Agreement, each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably (a) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and the appellate courts therefrom (the "***Selected Courts***") and waives any objection to venue being laid in the Selected Courts whether based on the grounds of forum non conveniens or otherwise and hereby agrees not to commence any such Proceeding other than before one of the Selected Courts; *provided*, *however*, that a party may commence any Proceeding in a court other than a Selected Court solely for the purpose of enforcing an order or judgment issued by one of the Selected Courts; (b) consents, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to service of process in any Proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by recognized international express carrier or delivery service, to their respective addresses referred to in <u>Section</u> <u>4.1</u> hereof; *provided*, *however*, that nothing herein shall affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by law; and (c) TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW THAT CANNOT BE WAIVED, WAIVES, AND COVENANTS THAT IT WILL NOT ASSERT (WHETHER AS PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT OR OTHERWISE) ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION ARISING IN WHOLE OR IN PART UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, AND AGREES THAT ANY OF THEM MAY FILE A COPY OF THIS PARAGRAPH WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE KNOWING, VOLUNTARY AND BARGAINED-FOR AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY TO WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING WHATSOEVER BETWEEN THEM RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND TO HAVE ALL MATTERS RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT BE TRIED IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY A JUDGE SITTING WITHOUT A JURY.

Section 4.8 <u>Amendments; Waivers</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented without a written instrument duly executed by the Company, the Brigham Representative and each of the Principal Stockholders; provided that any such amendment, modification or supplement that only affects the rights or obligations of a particular party shall only require the consent of such affected party, the Company and the Brigham Representative.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

------

Section 4.9 <u>Assignment; Restrictions on Transferability</u><u>;</u> <u>Affiliate Joinder</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, restrictions or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the Parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) No Principal Stockholder shall Transfer any shares of Common Stock to any of its Affiliates, or to any Person for estate planning purposes, unless such transferee has executed a joinder to this Agreement, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Brigham Representative and the Company, to become a party to this Agreement as a Principal Stockholder and, as such, become subject to the rights, restrictions and obligations applicable to Principal Stockholders for all purposes of this Agreement (a "***Principal Stockholder Joinder***"); *provided* that no such Transfer shall relieve the Principal Stockholders from any obligations under this Agreement. Any Transfer in violation of this Agreement shall be void *ab initio* and of no force or effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Distributions shall not constitute a Transfer hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) In the event that any Affiliate of a Principal Stockholder acquires any shares of Common Stock not subject to this Agreement, if such Affiliate is not a party to this Agreement, such Principal Stockholder shall cause such Affiliate to promptly execute a Principal Stockholder Joinder.

Section 4.10 <u>Information</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon the request of the Company or the Brigham Representative, each Principal Stockholder shall use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly provide to the Company or the Brigham Representative, as applicable, the number of shares of Common Stock such Principal Stockholder Beneficially Owns in the aggregate and the number of shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned by each Person constituting such Principal Stockholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Upon the execution of any transaction by a Principal Stockholder or any Affiliates of a Principal Stockholder that results in an increase or decrease in the amount of shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned by such Principal Stockholder or any Affiliates of such Principal Stockholder, such Principal Stockholder shall immediately notify the Company and the Brigham Representative of such transaction and include the number of shares of Common Stock such Principal Stockholder or any Affiliates of such Principal Stockholder Beneficially Owns in the aggregate and the number of shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned by each Person constituting such Principal Stockholder or any Affiliates of such Principal Stockholder as a result of the transaction.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **COMPANY** | **COMPANY** |
| **ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** | **ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

[*Signature Page to Stockholders' Agreement*]

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS:** | **PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS:** |
| /s/ Ben M. Brigham | /s/ Ben M. Brigham |
| Name: | Ben M. Brigham |
| **Atlas Sand Holdings, LLC** | **Atlas Sand Holdings, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |
| **Atlas Sand Holdings II, LLC** | **Atlas Sand Holdings II, LLC** |
| By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |
| Address for Notice for Signatories Above: | Address for Notice for Signatories Above: |
| 5918 W. Courtyard Drive | 5918 W. Courtyard Drive |
| Suite 500 | Suite 500 |
| Austin, TX 78730 | Austin, TX 78730 |

---

---

| |
|:---|
| **Acknowledge & Agreed:** |
| **BRIGHAM REPRESENTATIVE:** |
| /s/ Ben M. Brigham |
| Name: Ben M. Brigham |
| Address for Notice: |
| 5918 W. Courtyard Drive |
| Suite 500 |
| Austin, TX 78730 |
| /s/ Anne Brigham |
| Name: Anne Brigham |
| Address for Notice: |
| 5918 W. Courtyard Drive |
| Suite 500 |
| Austin, TX 78730 |

---

[*Signature Page to Stockholders' Agreement*]

------

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ David Brigham |
| Name: David Brigham |
| Address for Notice: |
| 5918 W. Courtyard Drive |
| Suite 500 |
| Austin, TX 78730 |
| /s/ Vince Brigham |
| Name: Vince Brigham |
| Address for Notice: |
| 5918 W. Courtyard Drive |
| Suite 500 |
| Austin, TX 78730 |

---

[*Signature Page to Stockholders' Agreement*]

## Exhibit 10.3

**Exhibit 10.3** 

***Execution Version*** 

**ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC.** 

**LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. **Purpose**. The purpose of the Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (the "***Plan***") is to provide a means through which: (a) Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "***Company***"), and the Affiliates may attract, retain and motivate qualified persons as employees, directors and consultants, thereby enhancing the profitable growth of the Company and the Affiliates; and (b) persons upon whom the responsibilities of the successful administration and management of the Company and the Affiliates rest, and whose present and potential contributions to the Company and the Affiliates are of importance, can acquire and maintain stock ownership or awards the value of which is tied to the performance of the Company, thereby strengthening their concern for the Company and the Affiliates. Accordingly, the Plan provides for the grant of Options, SARs, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Awards, Dividend Equivalents, Other Stock-Based Awards, Cash Awards, Substitute Awards, or any combination of the foregoing, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. **Definitions**. For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) "***Affiliate***" means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, association, trust or other organization that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company. For purposes of the preceding sentence, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlled by" and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any entity or organization, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power (i) to vote more than 50% of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of the controlled entity or organization or (ii) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the controlled entity or organization, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) "***ASC Topic 718***" means the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, *Compensation – Stock Compensation*, as amended or any successor accounting standard.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) "***Award***" means any Option, SAR, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Stock Award, Dividend Equivalent, Other Stock-Based Award, Cash Award, or Substitute Award, together with any other right or interest, granted under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) "***Award Agreement***" means any written instrument (including any employment, severance or change in control agreement) that sets forth the terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations applicable to an Award, in addition to those set forth under the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) "***Board***" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) "***Cash Award***" means an Award denominated in cash granted under <u>Section</u> <u>6(i)</u>.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) "***Change in Control***" means, except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, the occurrence of any of the following events after the Effective Date:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (x) the then-outstanding shares of Stock (the "***Outstanding Stock***") or (y) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "***Outstanding Company Voting Securities***"); <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that for purposes of this clause (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition directly from the Company, (B) any acquisition by the Company or its subsidiaries, (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any entity controlled by the Company or (D) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C) of clause (iii) below;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The individuals constituting the Board on the Effective Date (the "***Incumbent Directors***") cease for any reason (other than death or disability) to constitute at least majority of the Board; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election, by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without objection to such nomination) will be considered as though such individual were an Incumbent Director, but excluding, for purposes of this proviso, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened proxy contest with respect to election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a "person" (as used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), in each case, other than the Board, which individual, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be deemed to be an Incumbent Director for purposes of this definition, regardless of whether such individual was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or an acquisition of assets of another entity (a "***Business Combination***"), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) the Outstanding Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination represent or are converted into or exchanged for securities which represent or are convertible into more than 50% of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock or common equity interests and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or other governing body, as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Company, or all or substantially all of the Company's assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries), (B) no individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act), excluding the Company, its subsidiaries and any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or the entity resulting from such Business Combination (or any entity controlled by either the Company or the entity resulting from such Business Combination), beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock or common equity interests of the entity resulting from

------

such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or other governing body of such entity except to the extent that such ownership results solely from direct or indirect ownership of the Company that existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors or similar governing body of the entity resulting from such Business Combination were Incumbent Directors at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Notwithstanding any provision of this <u>Section</u> <u>2(g)</u>, for purposes of an Award that provides for a deferral of compensation under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules, to the extent the impact of a Change in Control on such Award would subject a Participant to additional taxes under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules, a Change in Control described in subsection (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above with respect to such Award will mean both a Change in Control and a "change in the ownership of a corporation," "change in the effective control of a corporation," or a "change in the ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation's assets" within the meaning of the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules as applied to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) "***Change in Control Price***" means the amount determined in the following clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v), whichever the Committee determines is applicable, as follows: (i) the price per share offered to holders of Stock in any merger or consolidation, (ii) the per share Fair Market Value of the Stock immediately before the Change in Control or other event without regard to assets sold in the Change in Control or other event and assuming the Company has received the consideration paid for the assets in the case of a sale of the assets, (iii) the amount distributed per share of Stock in a dissolution transaction, (iv) the price per share offered to holders of Stock in any tender offer or exchange offer whereby a Change in Control or other event takes place, or (v) if such Change in Control or other event occurs other than pursuant to a transaction described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this <u>Section</u> <u>2(h)</u>, the value per share of the Stock that may otherwise be obtained with respect to such Awards or to which such Awards track, as determined by the Committee as of the date determined by the Committee to be the date of cancellation and surrender of such Awards. In the event that the consideration offered to stockholders of the Company in any transaction described in this <u>Section</u> <u>2(h)</u> or in <u>Section</u> <u>8(e)</u> consists of anything other than cash, the Committee shall determine the fair cash equivalent of the portion of the consideration offered which is other than cash and such determination shall be binding on all affected Participants to the extent applicable to Awards held by such Participants.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) "***Code***" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, including the guidance and regulations promulgated thereunder and successor provisions, guidance and regulations thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) "***Committee***" means a committee of two or more directors designated by the Board to administer the Plan; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that, unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Committee shall consist solely of two or more Qualified Members.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) "***Dividend Equivalent***" means a right, granted to an Eligible Person under <u>Section</u> <u>6(g)</u>, to receive cash, Stock, other Awards or other property equal in value to dividends paid with respect to a specified number of shares of Stock, or other periodic payments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) "***Effective Date***" means March 8, 2023.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) "***Eligible Person***" means any individual who, as of the date of grant of an Award, is an officer or employee of the Company or of any Affiliate, and any other person who provides services to the Company or any Affiliate, including directors of the Company; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that, any such individual must be an "employee" of the Company or any of its parents or subsidiaries within the meaning of General Instruction A.1(a) to Form S-8 if such individual is granted an Award that may be settled in Stock. An employee on leave of absence may be an Eligible Person.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) "***Exchange Act***" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, including the guidance, rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and successor provisions, guidance, rules and regulations thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) "***Fair Market Value***" of a share of Stock means, as of any specified date, (i) if the Stock is listed on a national securities exchange, the closing sales price of the Stock, as reported on the stock exchange composite tape on that date (or if no sales occur on such date, on the last preceding date on which such sales of the Stock are so reported); (ii) if the Stock is not traded on a national securities exchange but is traded over the counter on such date, the average between the reported high and low bid and asked prices of Stock on the most recent date on which Stock was publicly traded on or preceding the specified date; or (iii) in the event Stock is not publicly traded at the time a determination of its value is required to be made under the Plan, the amount determined by the Committee in its discretion in such manner as it deems appropriate, taking into account all factors the Committee deems appropriate, including the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules. Notwithstanding this definition of Fair Market Value, with respect to one or more Award types, or for any other purpose for which the Committee must determine the Fair Market Value under the Plan, the Committee may elect to choose a different measurement date or methodology for determining Fair Market Value so long as the determination is consistent with the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules and all other applicable laws and regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) "***ISO***" means an Option intended to be and designated as an "incentive stock option" within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) "***Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules***" means the limitations and requirements of Section 409A of the Code, as amended from time to time, including the guidance and regulations promulgated thereunder and successor provisions, guidance and regulations thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) "***Nonstatutory Option***" means an Option that is not an ISO.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(s) "***Option***" means a right, granted to an Eligible Person under <u>Section</u> <u>6(b)</u>, to purchase Stock at a specified price during specified time periods, which may either be an ISO or a Nonstatutory Option.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(t) "***Other Stock-Based Award***" means an Award granted to an Eligible Person under <u>Section</u> <u>6(h)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(u) "***Participant***" means a person who has been granted an Award under the Plan that remains outstanding, including a person who is no longer an Eligible Person.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) "***Qualified Member***" means a member of the Board who is (i) a "non-employee director" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3), and (ii) "independent" under the listing standards or rules of the securities exchange upon which the Stock is traded, but only to the extent such independence is required in order to take the action at issue pursuant to such standards or rules.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(w) "***Restricted Stock***" means Stock granted to an Eligible Person under <u>Section</u> <u>6(d)</u> that is subject to certain restrictions and to a risk of forfeiture.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) "***Restricted Stock Unit***" means a right, granted to an Eligible Person under <u>Section</u> <u>6(e)</u>, to receive Stock, cash or a combination thereof at the end of a specified period (which may or may not be coterminous with the vesting schedule of the Award).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(y) "***Rule 16b-3***" means Rule 16b-3, promulgated by the SEC under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(z) "***SAR***" means a stock appreciation right granted to an Eligible Person under <u>Section</u> <u>6(c)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(aa) "***SEC***" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(bb) "***Securities Act***" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, including the guidance, rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and successor provisions, guidance, rules and regulations thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(cc) "***Stock***" means the Company's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and such other securities as may be substituted (or re-substituted) for Stock pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(dd) "***Stock Award***" means unrestricted shares of Stock granted to an Eligible Person under <u>Section</u> <u>6(f)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ee) "***Substitute Award***" means an Award granted under <u>Section</u> <u>6(j)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. **Administration**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Authority of the Committee</u>. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee except to the extent the Board elects to administer the Plan, in which case references herein to the "Committee" shall be deemed to include references to the "Board." Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, Rule 16b-3 and other applicable laws, the Committee shall have the authority, in its sole and absolute discretion, to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) designate Eligible Persons as Participants;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to an Eligible Person;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) determine the number of shares of Stock or amount of cash to be covered by Awards;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award, including whether, to what extent and under what circumstances Awards may be vested, settled, exercised, cancelled or forfeited (including conditions based on continued employment or service requirements or the achievement of one or more performance goals);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) modify, waive or adjust any term or condition of an Award that has been granted, which may include the acceleration of vesting, waiver of forfeiture restrictions, modification of the form of settlement of the Award (for example, from cash to Stock or vice versa), early termination of a performance period, or modification of any other condition or limitation regarding an Award;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) determine the treatment of an Award upon a termination of employment or other service relationship;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) impose a holding period with respect to an Award or the shares of Stock received in connection with an Award;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) interpret and administer the Plan and any Award Agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, in any Award, or in any Award Agreement; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan.

The express grant of any specific power to the Committee, and the taking of any action by the Committee, shall not be construed as limiting any power or authority of the Committee. Any action of the Committee shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, including the Company, Affiliates, stockholders, Participants, beneficiaries, and permitted transferees under <u>Section</u> <u>7(a)</u> or other persons claiming rights from or through a Participant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Exercise of Committee Authority</u>. At any time that a member of the Committee is not a Qualified Member, any action of the Committee relating to an Award granted or to be granted to an Eligible Person who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of the Company where such action is not taken by the full Board may be taken either (i) by a subcommittee, designated by the Committee, composed solely of two or more Qualified Members, or (ii) by the Committee but with each such member who is not a Qualified Member abstaining or recusing himself or herself from such action; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that upon such abstention or recusal, the Committee remains composed solely of two or more Qualified Members. Such action, authorized by such a subcommittee or by the Committee upon the abstention or recusal of such non-Qualified Member(s), shall be the action of the Committee for purposes of the Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, the full Board may take any action relating to an Award granted or to be granted to an Eligible Person who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of the Company.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Delegation of Authority</u>. The Committee may delegate any or all of its powers and duties under the Plan to a subcommittee of directors or to any officer of the Company, including the power to perform administrative functions and grant Awards; <u>provided</u>, that such delegation does not (i) violate state or corporate law, or (ii) result in the loss of an exemption under Rule 16b-3(d)(1) for Awards granted to Participants subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of the Company. Upon any such delegation, all references in the Plan to the "Committee," other than in <u>Section</u> <u>8</u>, shall be deemed to include any subcommittee or officer of the Company to whom such powers have been delegated by the Committee. Any such delegation shall not limit the right of such subcommittee members or such an officer to receive Awards; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that such subcommittee members and any such officer may not grant Awards to himself or herself, a member of the Board, or any executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate, or take any action with respect to any Award previously granted to himself or herself, a member of the Board, or any executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate. The Committee may also appoint agents who are not executive officers of the Company or members of the Board to assist in administering the Plan, <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that such individuals may not be delegated the authority to grant or modify any Awards that will, or may, be settled in Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Limitation of Liability</u>. The Committee and each member thereof shall be entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to him or her by any officer or employee of the Company or any Affiliate, the Company's legal counsel, independent auditors, consultants or any other agents assisting in the administration of the Plan. Members of the Committee and any officer or employee of the Company or any Affiliate acting at the direction or on behalf of the Committee shall not be personally liable for any action or determination taken or made in good faith with respect to the Plan, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be indemnified and held harmless by the Company with respect to any such action or determination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Participants in Non-U.S. Jurisdictions</u>. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, to comply with applicable laws in countries other than the United States in which the Company or any Affiliate operates or has employees, directors or other service providers from time to time, or to ensure that the Company complies with any applicable requirements of foreign securities exchanges, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to: (i) determine which of the Affiliates shall be covered by the Plan; (ii) determine which Eligible Persons outside the United States are eligible to participate in the Plan; (iii) modify the terms and conditions of any Award granted to Eligible Persons outside the United States to comply with applicable foreign laws or listing requirements of any foreign exchange; (iv) establish sub-plans and modify exercise procedures and other terms and procedures, to the extent such actions may be necessary or advisable (any such sub-plans and/or modifications shall be attached to the Plan as appendices), <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that no such sub-plans and/or modifications shall increase the share limitations contained in <u>Section</u> <u>4(a)</u>; and (v) take any action, before or after an Award is granted, that it deems advisable to comply with any applicable governmental regulatory exemptions or approval or listing requirements of any such foreign securities exchange. For purposes of the Plan, all references to foreign laws, rules, regulations or taxes shall be references to the laws, rules, regulations and taxes of any applicable jurisdiction other than the United States or a political subdivision thereof.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. **Stock Subject to the Plan**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Number of Shares Available for Delivery</u>. Subject to adjustment in a manner consistent with <u>Section</u> <u>8</u>, 10,270,000 shares of Stock are reserved and available for delivery with respect to Awards, and such total shall be available for the issuance of shares upon the exercise of ISOs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Application of Limitation to Grants of Awards</u>. Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>4(c)</u>, no Award may be granted if the number of shares of Stock that may be delivered in connection with such Award exceeds the number of shares of Stock remaining available under the Plan minus the number of shares of Stock issuable in settlement of or relating to then-outstanding Awards. The Committee may adopt reasonable counting procedures to ensure appropriate counting, avoid double counting (as, for example, in the case of tandem or Substitute Awards) and make adjustments if the number of shares of Stock actually delivered differs from the number of shares previously counted in connection with an Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Availability of Shares Not Delivered under Awards</u>. If all or any portion of an Award expires or is cancelled, forfeited, exchanged, settled in cash or otherwise terminated, or receives the functional equivalent of any of the preceding actions, the shares of Stock subject to such Award shall not be considered "delivered shares" under the Plan, shall be available for delivery with respect to Awards, and shall no longer be considered issuable or related to outstanding Awards for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>4(b)</u>. If an Award may be settled only in cash, such Award need not be counted against any share limit under this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Shares Available Following Certain Transactions</u>. Substitute Awards granted in accordance with applicable stock exchange requirements and in substitution or exchange for awards previously granted by a company acquired by the Company or any subsidiary or with which the Company or any subsidiary combines shall not reduce the shares authorized for issuance under the Plan or the limitations on grants to non-employee members of the Board under <u>Section</u> <u>5(b)</u>, nor shall shares subject to such Substitute Awards be added to the shares available for issuance under the Plan as provided above (whether or not such Substitute Awards are later cancelled, forfeited or otherwise terminated).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Stock Offered</u>. The shares of Stock to be delivered under the Plan shall be made available from (i) authorized but unissued shares of Stock, (ii) Stock held in the treasury of the Company, or (iii) previously issued shares of Stock reacquired by the Company, including shares purchased on the open market.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. **Eligibility; Award Limitations for Non-Employee Members of the Board**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Awards may be granted under the Plan only to Eligible Persons.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In each calendar year during any part of which the Plan is in effect, a non-employee member of the Board may not be granted Awards for such individual's service on the Board having a value (determined, if applicable, pursuant to ASC Topic 718) on the date of grant

------

in excess of $750,000; <u>provided</u>, that for any calendar year in which a non-employee member of the Board (i) first commences service on the Board, (ii) serves on a special committee of the Board, or (iii) serves as lead director or chairman of the Board, additional Awards may be granted to such non-employee member of the Board in excess of such limit; <u>provided</u>, <u>further</u>, that the limit set forth in this <u>Section</u> <u>5(b)</u> shall be applied without regard to (A) cash fees paid to a non-employee member of the Board during such calendar year (or grants of Awards, if any, made to a non-employee member of the Board in lieu of all or any portion of such cash fees) or (B) grants of Awards, if any, made to a non-employee member of the Board during any period in which such individual was an employee of the Company or any Affiliate or was otherwise providing services to the Company or to any Affiliate other than in the capacity as a director of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. **Specific Terms of Awards**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>General</u>. Awards may be granted on the terms and conditions set forth in this <u>Section</u> <u>6</u>. Awards granted under the Plan may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with any other Award. In addition, the Committee may impose on any Award or the exercise thereof, at the date of grant or thereafter (subject to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u>), such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine, including subjecting such awards to service- or performance-based vesting conditions. Without limiting the scope of the preceding sentence, with respect to any performance-based conditions, (i) the Committee may use one or more business criteria or other measures of performance as it may deem appropriate in establishing any performance goals applicable to an Award, (ii) any such performance goals may relate to the performance of the Participant, the Company (on a consolidated basis), or to specified subsidiaries, business or geographical units or operating areas of the Company, (iii) the performance period or periods over which performance goals will be measured shall be established by the Committee, and (iv) any such performance goals and performance periods may differ among Awards granted to any one Participant or to different Participants. Except to the extent provided in an Award Agreement, the Committee may exercise its discretion to reduce or increase the amounts payable under any Award. The Committee may also make appropriate adjustments to performance-based Awards, which may be based on one or more of the following: (A) items related to a change in accounting principle; (B) items relating to financing activities; (C) expenses for restructuring or productivity initiatives; (D) other non-operating items; (E) items related to acquisitions; (F) items attributable to the business operations of any entity acquired by the Company during the performance period; (G) items related to the disposal of a business or segment of a business; (H) items related to discontinued operations that do not qualify as a segment of a business under United States generally accepted accounting principles; (I) items attributable to any stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares occurring during the performance period; (J) any other items of significant income or expense which are determined to be appropriate adjustments; (K) items relating to unusual or extraordinary corporate transactions, events or developments; (L) items related to amortization of acquired intangible assets; (M) items that are outside the scope of the Company's core, on-going business activities; (N) items relating to any other unusual or nonrecurring events or changes in applicable laws, accounting principles or business conditions; or (O) any other appropriate adjustments selected by the Board.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Options</u>. The Committee is authorized to grant Options, which may be designated as either ISOs or Nonstatutory Options, to Eligible Persons on the following terms and conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Exercise Price</u>. Each Award Agreement evidencing an Option shall state the exercise price per share of Stock (the "***Exercise Price***") established by the Committee; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>6(j)</u> or in <u>Section</u> <u>8</u>, the Exercise Price of an Option shall not be less than the greater of (A) the par value per share of the Stock or (B) 100% of the Fair Market Value per share of the Stock as of the date of grant of the Option (or in the case of an ISO granted to an individual who owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or its parent or any of its subsidiaries, 110% of the Fair Market Value per share of the Stock on the date of grant). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Exercise Price of a Nonstatutory Option may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share of Stock as of the date of grant of the Option if the Option (1) does not provide for a deferral of compensation by reason of satisfying the short-term deferral exception set forth in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules or (2) provides for a deferral of compensation and is compliant with the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) <u>Time and Method of Exercise; Other Terms</u>. The Committee shall determine the methods by which the Exercise Price may be paid or deemed to be paid, the form of such payment, including cash or cash equivalents, Stock (including previously owned shares or through a cashless exercise, i.e., "net settlement", a broker-assisted exercise, or other reduction of the amount of shares otherwise issuable pursuant to the Option), other Awards or awards granted under other plans of the Company or any Affiliate, other property, or any other legal consideration the Committee deems appropriate (including notes or other contractual obligations of Participants to make payment on a deferred basis), the methods by or forms in which Stock will be delivered or deemed to be delivered to Participants, including the delivery of Restricted Stock subject to <u>Section</u> <u>6(d)</u>, and any other terms and conditions of any Option. In the case of an exercise whereby the Exercise Price is paid with Stock, such Stock shall be valued based on the Stock's Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise. No Option may be exercisable for a period of more than ten years following the date of grant of the Option (or in the case of an ISO granted to an individual who owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or its parent or any of its subsidiaries, for a period of more than five years following the date of grant of the ISO).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) <u>ISOs</u>. The terms of any ISO granted under the Plan shall comply in all respects with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code. ISOs may only be granted to Eligible Persons who are employees of the Company or employees of a parent or any subsidiary corporation of the Company. Except as otherwise provided in <u>Section</u> <u>8</u>, no term of the Plan relating to ISOs (including any SAR in tandem therewith) shall be interpreted, amended or altered, nor shall any discretion or authority granted under the Plan be exercised, so as to disqualify either the Plan or any ISO under Section 422 of the Code, unless notice has been provided to the Participant that such change will result in such disqualification. ISOs shall not be granted more than ten years after the earlier of the adoption of the Plan or the approval of the Plan by the Company's stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of Stock subject to an ISO and the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of stock of any parent or subsidiary corporation (within the meaning of Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code)

------

subject to any other incentive stock options of the Company or a parent or subsidiary corporation (within the meaning of Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code) that are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000, or such other amount as may be prescribed under Section 422 of the Code, such excess shall be treated as Nonstatutory Options in accordance with the Code. As used in the previous sentence, Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the date the ISO is granted. If a Participant shall make any disposition of shares of Stock issued pursuant to an ISO under the circumstances described in Section 421(b) of the Code (relating to disqualifying dispositions), the Participant shall notify the Company of such disposition within the time provided to do so in the applicable award agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>SARs</u>. The Committee is authorized to grant SARs to Eligible Persons on the following terms and conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Right to Payment</u>. An SAR is a right to receive, upon exercise thereof, the excess of (A) the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the date of exercise over (B) the grant price of the SAR as determined by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) <u>Grant Price</u>. Each Award Agreement evidencing an SAR shall state the grant price per share of Stock established by the Committee; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>6(j)</u> or in <u>Section</u> <u>8</u>, the grant price per share of Stock subject to an SAR shall not be less than the greater of (A) the par value per share of the Stock or (B) 100% of the Fair Market Value per share of the Stock as of the date of grant of the SAR. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the grant price of an SAR may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share of Stock subject to an SAR as of the date of grant of the SAR if the SAR (1) does not provide for a deferral of compensation by reason of satisfying the short-term deferral exception set forth in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules or (2) provides for a deferral of compensation and is compliant with the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) <u>Method of Exercise and Settlement; Other Terms</u>. The Committee shall determine the form of consideration payable upon settlement, the method by or forms in which Stock (if any) will be delivered or deemed to be delivered to Participants, and any other terms and conditions of any SAR. SARs may be either free-standing or granted in tandem with other Awards. No SAR may be exercisable for a period of more than ten years following the date of grant of the SAR.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) <u>Rights Related to Options</u>. An SAR granted in connection with an Option shall entitle a Participant, upon exercise, to surrender that Option or any portion thereof, to the extent unexercised, and to receive payment of an amount determined by multiplying (A) the difference obtained by subtracting the Exercise Price with respect to a share of Stock specified in the related Option from the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date of exercise of the SAR, by (B) the number of shares as to which that SAR has been exercised. The Option shall then cease to be exercisable to the extent surrendered. SARs granted in connection with an Option shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Award Agreement governing the Option, which shall provide that the SAR is exercisable only at such time or times and only to the extent that the related Option is exercisable and shall not be transferable except to the extent that the related Option is transferrable.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Restricted Stock</u>. The Committee is authorized to grant Restricted Stock to Eligible Persons on the following terms and conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Restrictions</u>. Restricted Stock shall be subject to such restrictions on transferability, risk of forfeiture and other restrictions, if any, as the Committee may impose. Except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>7(a)(iii)</u> and <u>Section</u> <u>7(a)(iv)</u>, during the restricted period applicable to the Restricted Stock, the Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, hedged, hypothecated, margined or otherwise encumbered by the Participant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) <u>Dividends and Splits</u>. As a condition to the grant of an Award of Restricted Stock, the Committee may allow a Participant to elect, or may require, that any cash dividends paid on a share of Restricted Stock be automatically reinvested in additional shares of Restricted Stock, applied to the purchase of additional Awards or deferred without interest to the date of vesting of the associated Award of Restricted Stock. Stock distributed in connection with a Stock split or Stock dividend, and other property (other than cash) distributed as a dividend, shall be subject to restrictions and a risk of forfeiture to the same extent as the Restricted Stock with respect to which such Stock or other property has been distributed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Restricted Stock Units</u>. The Committee is authorized to grant Restricted Stock Units to Eligible Persons on the following terms and conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Award and Restrictions</u>. Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to such restrictions (which may include a risk of forfeiture) as the Committee may impose.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) <u>Settlement</u>. Settlement of vested Restricted Stock Units shall occur upon vesting or upon expiration of the deferral period specified for such Restricted Stock Units by the Committee (or, if permitted by the Committee, as elected by the Participant). Restricted Stock Units shall be settled by delivery of (A) a number of shares of Stock equal to the number of Restricted Stock Units for which settlement is due, or (B) cash in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the specified number of shares of Stock equal to the number of Restricted Stock Units for which settlement is due, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee at the date of grant or thereafter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Stock Awards</u>. The Committee is authorized to grant Stock Awards to Eligible Persons as a bonus, as additional compensation, or in lieu of cash compensation any such Eligible Person is otherwise entitled to receive, in such amounts and subject to such other terms as the Committee in its discretion determines to be appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) <u>Dividend Equivalents</u>. The Committee is authorized to grant Dividend Equivalents to Eligible Persons, entitling any such Eligible Person to receive cash, Stock, other Awards, or other property equal in value to dividends or other distributions paid with respect to a specified number of shares of Stock. Dividend Equivalents may be awarded on a free-standing basis or in connection with another Award (other than an Award of Restricted Stock or a Stock Award). The Committee may provide that Dividend Equivalents that are granted as free-standing awards shall be paid or distributed when accrued or at a later specified date and, if distributed at a later date, may be deemed to have been reinvested in additional Stock, Awards, or other investment vehicles or accrued in a bookkeeping account without interest, and subject to such restrictions on

------

transferability and risks of forfeiture, as the Committee may specify. With respect to Dividend Equivalents granted in connection with another Award, such Dividend Equivalents shall be subject to the same restrictions and risk of forfeiture as the Award with respect to which the dividends accrue and shall not be paid unless and until such Award has vested and been earned.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) <u>Other Stock-Based Awards</u>. The Committee is authorized, subject to limitations under applicable law, to grant to Eligible Persons such other Awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, Stock, as deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan, including convertible or exchangeable debt securities, other rights convertible or exchangeable into Stock, purchase rights for Stock, Awards with value and payment contingent upon performance of the Company or any other factors designated by the Committee, and Awards valued by reference to the book value of Stock or the value of securities of, or the performance of, specified Affiliates. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such Other Stock-Based Awards. Stock delivered pursuant to an Other-Stock Based Award in the nature of a purchase right granted under this <u>Section</u> <u>6(h)</u> shall be purchased for such consideration, paid for at such times, by such methods, and in such forms, including cash, Stock, other Awards, or other property, as the Committee shall determine.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Cash Awards</u>. The Committee is authorized to grant Cash Awards, on a free-standing basis or as an element of, a supplement to, or in lieu of any other Award under the Plan to Eligible Persons in such amounts and subject to such other terms as the Committee in its discretion determines to be appropriate, including for purposes of any annual or short-term incentive or other bonus program.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) <u>Substitute Awards; No Repricing</u>. Awards may be granted in substitution or exchange for any other Award granted under the Plan or under another plan of the Company or an Affiliate or any other right of an Eligible Person to receive payment from the Company or an Affiliate. Awards may also be granted under the Plan in substitution for awards held by individuals who become Eligible Persons as a result of a merger, consolidation or acquisition of another entity or the assets of another entity by or with the Company or an Affiliate. Such Substitute Awards referred to in the immediately preceding sentence that are Options or SARs may have an exercise price that is less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date of the substitution if such substitution complies with the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules and other applicable laws and exchange rules. Except as provided in this <u>Section</u> <u>6(j)</u> or in <u>Section</u> <u>8</u>, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, the terms of outstanding Awards may not be amended to (i) reduce the Exercise Price or grant price of an outstanding Option or SAR, (ii) grant a new Option, SAR or other Award in substitution for, or upon the cancellation of, any previously granted Option or SAR that has the effect of reducing the Exercise Price or grant price thereof, (iii) exchange any Option or SAR for Stock, cash or other consideration when the Exercise Price or grant price per share of Stock under such Option or SAR exceeds the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock or (iv) take any other action that would be considered a "repricing" of an Option or SAR under the applicable listing standards of the national securities exchange on which the Stock is listed (if any).

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. **Certain Provisions Applicable to Awards**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Limit on Transfer of Awards</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Except as provided in <u>Sections 7(a)(iii)</u> and <u>(iv)</u>, each Option and SAR shall be exercisable only by the Participant during the Participant's lifetime, or by the person to whom the Participant's rights shall pass by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this <u>Section</u> <u>7(a)</u>, an ISO shall not be transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Except as provided in <u>Sections 7(a)(i)</u>, <u>(iii)</u> and <u>(iv)</u>, no Award, other than a Stock Award, and no right under any such Award, may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Participant and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any Affiliate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) To the extent specifically provided by the Committee and permitted pursuant to Form S-8 and the instructions thereto, an Award may be transferred by a Participant on such terms and conditions as the Committee may from time to time establish; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that no Award (other than a Stock Award) may be transferred to a third-party financial institution for value.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) An Award may be transferred pursuant to a domestic relations order entered or approved by a court of competent jurisdiction upon delivery to the Company of a written request for such transfer and a certified copy of such order.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Form and Timing of Payment under Awards; Deferrals</u>. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, payments to be made by the Company or any Affiliates upon the exercise or settlement of an Award may be made in such forms as the Committee shall determine in its discretion, including cash, Stock, other Awards or other property, and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in installments, or on a deferred basis (which may be required by the Committee or permitted at the election of the Participant on terms and conditions established by the Committee); <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that any such deferred or installment payments will be set forth in the Award Agreement. Payments may include, without limitation, provisions for the payment or crediting of reasonable interest on installment or deferred payments or the grant or crediting of Dividend Equivalents or other amounts in respect of installment or deferred payments denominated in Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Evidencing Stock</u>. The Stock or other securities of the Company delivered pursuant to an Award may be evidenced in any manner deemed appropriate by the Committee in its sole discretion, including in the form of a certificate issued in the name of the Participant or by book entry, electronic or otherwise, and shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the SEC, any stock exchange upon which such Stock or other securities are then listed, and any applicable federal, state or other laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be inscribed on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. Further, if certificates representing Restricted Stock are registered in the name of the Participant, the Company may retain physical possession of the certificates and may require that the Participant deliver a stock power to the Company, endorsed in blank, related to the Restricted Stock.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Consideration for Grants</u>. Awards may be granted for such consideration, including services, as the Committee shall determine, but shall not be granted for less than the minimum lawful consideration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Additional Agreements</u>. Each Eligible Person to whom an Award is granted under the Plan may be required to agree in writing, as a condition to the grant of such Award or otherwise, to subject an Award that is exercised or settled following such Eligible Person's termination of employment or service to a general release of claims and/or a noncompetition or other restricted covenant agreement in favor of the Company and the Affiliates, with the terms and conditions of such agreement(s) to be determined in good faith by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. **Subdivision or Consolidation; Recapitalization; Change in Control; Reorganization**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Existence of Plans and Awards</u>. The existence of the Plan and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company, the Board or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company's capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of debt or equity securities ahead of or affecting Stock or the rights thereof, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or any part of its assets or business or any other corporate act or proceeding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Additional Issuances</u>. Except as expressly provided herein, the issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, including upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of shares of Stock subject to Awards theretofore granted or the purchase price per share of Stock, if applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Subdivision or Consolidation of Shares</u>. The terms of an Award and the share limitations under the Plan shall be subject to adjustment by the Committee from time to time, in accordance with the following provisions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If at any time, or from time to time, the Company shall subdivide as a whole (by reclassification, by a Stock split, by the issuance of a distribution on Stock payable in Stock, or otherwise) the number of shares of Stock then outstanding into a greater number of shares of Stock or in the event the Company distributes an extraordinary cash dividend, then, as appropriate (A) the maximum number of shares of Stock available for delivery with respect to Awards and applicable limitations with respect to Awards provided in <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and <u>Section</u> <u>5</u> (other than cash limits) shall be increased proportionately, and the kind of shares or other securities available for the Plan shall be appropriately adjusted, (B) the number of shares of Stock (or other kind of shares or securities) that may be acquired under any then-outstanding Award shall be increased proportionately, and (C) the price (including the Exercise Price or grant price) for each

------

share of Stock (or other kind of shares or securities) subject to then-outstanding Awards shall be reduced proportionately, without changing the aggregate purchase price or value as to which outstanding Awards remain exercisable or subject to restrictions; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that in the case of an extraordinary cash dividend that is not an Adjustment Event, the adjustment to the number of shares of Stock and the Exercise Price or grant price, as applicable, with respect to an outstanding Option or SAR may be made in such other manner as the Committee may determine that is permitted pursuant to applicable tax and other laws, rules and regulations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Awards that already have a right to receive extraordinary cash dividends as a result of Dividend Equivalents or other dividend rights will not be adjusted as a result of an extraordinary cash dividend.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If at any time, or from time to time, the Company shall consolidate as a whole (by reclassification, by reverse Stock split, or otherwise) the number of shares of Stock then outstanding into a lesser number of shares of Stock, then, as appropriate (A) the maximum number of shares of Stock available for delivery with respect to Awards and applicable limitations with respect to Awards provided in <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and <u>Section</u> <u>5</u> (other than cash limits) shall be decreased proportionately, and the kind of shares or other securities available for the Plan shall be appropriately adjusted, (B) the number of shares of Stock (or other kind of shares or securities) that may be acquired under any then-outstanding Award shall be decreased proportionately, and (C) the price (including the Exercise Price or grant price) for each share of Stock (or other kind of shares or securities) subject to then-outstanding Awards shall be increased proportionately, without changing the aggregate purchase price or value as to which outstanding Awards remain exercisable or subject to restrictions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Recapitalization</u>. In the event of any change in the capital structure or business of the Company or other corporate transaction or event that would be considered an "equity restructuring" within the meaning of ASC Topic 718 and, in each case, that would result in an additional compensation expense to the Company pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 718, if adjustments to Awards with respect to such event were discretionary or otherwise not required (each such an event, an "***Adjustment Event***"), then the Committee shall equitably adjust (i) the aggregate number or kind of shares that thereafter may be delivered under the Plan, (ii) the number or kind of shares or other property (including cash) subject to an Award, (iii) the terms and conditions of Awards, including the purchase price or Exercise Price of Awards and performance goals, as applicable, and (iv) the applicable limitations with respect to Awards provided in <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and <u>Section</u> <u>5</u> (other than cash limits) to equitably reflect such Adjustment Event ("***Equitable Adjustments***"). In the event of any change in the capital structure or business of the Company or other corporate transaction or event that would not be considered an Adjustment Event, and is not otherwise addressed in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u>, the Committee shall have complete discretion to make Equitable Adjustments (if any) in such manner as it deems appropriate with respect to such other event.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Change in Control and Other Events</u>. In the event of a Change in Control or other changes in the Company or the outstanding Stock by reason of a recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange or other relevant change occurring after the date of the grant of any Award, the Committee, acting in its sole discretion without the consent or approval of any holder, may exercise any power enumerated in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> (including the power to accelerate vesting, waive any forfeiture conditions or otherwise modify or adjust any

------

other condition or limitation regarding an Award) and may also effect one or more of the following alternatives, which may vary among individual holders and which may vary among Awards held by any individual holder, but shall not be contrary to the Award treatment set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>8(f)</u> below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) accelerate the time of exercisability of an Award so that such Award may be exercised in full or in part for a limited period of time on or before a date specified by the Committee, after which specified date all unexercised Awards and all rights of holders thereunder shall terminate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) redeem in whole or in part outstanding Awards by requiring the mandatory surrender to the Company by selected holders of some or all of the outstanding Awards held by such holders (irrespective of whether such Awards are then vested or exercisable) as of a date, specified by the Committee, in which event the Committee shall thereupon cancel such Awards and pay to each holder an amount of cash or other consideration per Award (other than a Dividend Equivalent or Cash Award, which the Committee may separately require to be surrendered in exchange for cash or other consideration determined by the Committee in its discretion) equal to the Change in Control Price, less the Exercise Price with respect to an Option and less the grant price with respect to an SAR, as applicable to such Awards; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that to the extent the Exercise Price of an Option or the grant price of an SAR exceeds the Change in Control Price, such Award may be cancelled for no consideration;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) make such adjustments to Awards then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Change in Control or other such event (including the substitution, assumption, or continuation of Awards by the successor company or a parent or subsidiary thereof);

<u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that so long as the event is not an Adjustment Event, the Committee may determine in its sole discretion that no adjustment is necessary to Awards then outstanding. If an Adjustment Event occurs, this <u>Section</u> <u>8(e)</u> shall only apply to the extent it is not in conflict with <u>Section</u> <u>8(d)</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Vesting Upon Change in Control</u>. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan to the contrary, including <u>Section</u> <u>8(e)</u> above, unless expressly provided otherwise in the applicable Award Agreement, Awards granted under the Plan that are outstanding at the time of a Change in Control shall be immediately vested, fully earned and exercisable, as applicable, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. **General Provisions**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Tax Withholding</u>. The Company and any Affiliate are authorized to withhold from any Award granted, or any payment relating to an Award, including from a distribution of Stock, taxes due or potentially payable in connection with any transaction involving an Award, and to take such other action as the Committee may deem advisable to enable the Company, the Affiliates and Participants to satisfy the payment of withholding taxes and other tax obligations relating to any Award in such amounts as may be determined by the Committee. The Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, the form of payment acceptable for such tax

------

withholding obligations, including the delivery of cash or cash equivalents, Stock (including through delivery of previously owned shares, net settlement, a broker-assisted sale, or other cashless withholding or reduction of the amount of shares otherwise issuable or delivered pursuant to the Award), other property, or any other legal consideration the Committee deems appropriate. Any determination made by the Committee to allow a Participant who is subject to Rule 16b-3 to pay taxes with shares of Stock through net settlement or previously owned shares shall be approved by either a committee made up of solely two or more Qualified Members or the full Board. If such tax withholding amounts are satisfied through net settlement or previously owned shares, the maximum number of shares of Stock that may be so withheld or surrendered shall be the number of shares of Stock that have an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of withholding or surrender equal to the aggregate amount of such tax liabilities determined based on the greatest withholding rates for federal, state, foreign and/or local tax purposes, including payroll taxes, that may be utilized without creating adverse accounting treatment for the Company with respect to such Award, as determined by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Limitation on Rights Conferred under Plan</u>. Neither the Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as (i) giving any Eligible Person or Participant the right to continue as an Eligible Person or Participant or in the employ or service of the Company or any Affiliate, (ii) interfering in any way with the right of the Company or any Affiliate to terminate any Eligible Person's or Participant's employment or service relationship at any time, (iii) giving an Eligible Person or Participant any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan or to be treated uniformly with other Participants and/or employees and/or other service providers, or (iv) conferring on a Participant any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company unless and until the Participant is duly issued or transferred shares of Stock in accordance with the terms of an Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) <u>Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction</u>. All questions arising with respect to the provisions of the Plan and Awards shall be determined by application of the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any conflict of law provisions thereof, except to the extent Delaware law is preempted by federal law. The obligation of the Company to sell and deliver Stock hereunder is subject to applicable federal and state laws and to the approval of any governmental authority required in connection with the authorization, issuance, sale, or delivery of such Stock. With respect to any claim or dispute related to or arising under the Plan, the Company and each Participant who accepts an Award hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction, forum and venue of the state and federal courts located in Delaware.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) <u>Severability and Reformation</u>. If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the applicable law or, if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, person or Award and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect. If any of the terms or provisions of the Plan or any Award Agreement conflict with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 (as those terms or provisions are applied to Eligible Persons who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act) or Section 422 of the Code (with respect to ISOs), then those conflicting terms or provisions shall be deemed inoperative to

------

the extent they so conflict with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 (unless the Board or the Committee, as appropriate, has expressly determined that the Plan or such Award should not comply with Rule 16b-3) or Section 422 of the Code, in each case, only to the extent Rule 16b-3 and such sections of the Code are applicable. With respect to ISOs, if the Plan does not contain any provision required to be included herein under Section 422 of the Code, that provision shall be deemed to be incorporated herein with the same force and effect as if that provision had been set out at length herein; <u>provided</u>, <u>further</u>, that, to the extent any Option that is intended to qualify as an ISO cannot so qualify, that Option (to that extent) shall be deemed a Nonstatutory Option for all purposes of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) <u>Unfunded Status of Awards; No Trust or Fund Created</u>. The Plan is intended to constitute an "unfunded" plan for certain incentive awards. Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any Affiliate and a Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any Affiliate pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any general unsecured creditor of the Company or such Affiliate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) <u>Nonexclusivity</u> <u>of the Plan</u>. Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor its submission to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board or a committee thereof to adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable. Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to prevent the Company or any Affiliate from taking any corporate action which is deemed by the Company or such Affiliate to be appropriate or in its best interest, whether or not such action would have an adverse effect on the Plan or any Award made under the Plan. No employee, beneficiary or other person shall have any claim against the Company or any Affiliate as a result of any such action.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) <u>Fractional Shares</u>. No fractional shares of Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion whether cash, other securities, or other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional shares of Stock or whether such fractional shares of Stock or any rights thereto shall be cancelled, terminated, or otherwise eliminated with or without consideration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) <u>Interpretation</u>. Headings are given to the Sections and subsections of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision thereof. Words in the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender, and, where appropriate, the plural shall include the singular and the singular shall include the plural. In the event of any conflict between the terms and conditions of an Award Agreement and the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. 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. References herein to any agreement, instrument or other document means such agreement, instrument or other document as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof and not prohibited by the Plan.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) <u>Facility of Payment</u>. Any amounts payable hereunder to any individual under legal disability or who, in the judgment of the Committee, is unable to manage properly his financial affairs, may be paid to the legal representative of such individual, or may be applied for the benefit of such individual in any manner that the Committee may select, and the Company shall be relieved of any further liability for payment of such amounts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) <u>Conditions to Delivery of Stock</u>. Nothing herein or in any Award Agreement shall require the Company to issue any shares with respect to any Award if that issuance would, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, constitute a violation of the Securities Act, any other applicable statute or regulation, or the rules of any applicable securities exchange or securities association, as then in effect. In addition, each Participant who receives an Award under the Plan shall not sell or otherwise dispose of Stock that is acquired upon grant, exercise or vesting of an Award in any manner that would constitute a violation of any applicable federal or state securities laws, the Plan or the rules, regulations or other requirements of the SEC or any stock exchange upon which the Stock is then listed. At the time of any exercise of an Option or SAR, or at the time of any grant of any other Award, the Company may, as a condition precedent to the exercise of such Option or SAR or settlement of any other Award, require from the Participant (or in the event of his or her death, his or her legal representatives, heirs, legatees, or distributees) such written representations, if any, concerning the holder's intentions with regard to the retention or disposition of the shares of Stock being acquired pursuant to the Award and such written covenants and agreements, if any, as to the manner of disposal of such shares as, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, may be necessary to ensure that any disposition by that holder (or in the event of the holder's death, his or her legal representatives, heirs, legatees, or distributees) will not involve a violation of the Securities Act, any other applicable state or federal statute or regulation, or any rule of any applicable securities exchange or securities association, as then in effect. Stock or other securities shall not be delivered pursuant to any Award until payment in full of any amount required to be paid pursuant to the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement (including any Exercise Price, grant price, or tax withholding) is received by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) <u>Section 409A of the Code</u>. It is the general intention, but not the obligation, of the Committee to design Awards to comply with or to be exempt from the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules, and Awards will be operated and construed accordingly. Neither this <u>Section</u> <u>9(k)</u> nor any other provision of the Plan is or contains a representation to any Participant regarding the tax consequences of the grant, vesting, exercise, settlement, or sale of any Award (or the Stock underlying such Award) granted hereunder, and should not be interpreted as such. In no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by the Participant on account of non-compliance with the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan or an Award Agreement to the contrary, in the event that a "specified employee" (as defined under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules) becomes entitled to a payment under an Award that would be subject to additional taxes and interest under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules if the Participant's receipt of such payment or benefits is not delayed until the earlier of (i) the date of the Participant's death, or (ii) the date that is six months after the Participant's "separation from service," as defined under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

------

Rules (such date, the "***Section 409A Payment Date***"), then such payment or benefit shall not be provided to the Participant until the Section 409A Payment Date. Any amounts subject to the preceding sentence that would otherwise be payable prior to the Section 409A Payment Date will be aggregated and paid in a lump sum without interest on the Section 409A Payment Date. The applicable provisions of the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules are hereby incorporated by reference and shall control over any Plan or Award Agreement provision in conflict therewith.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) <u>Clawback</u>. The Plan and all Awards granted hereunder are subject to any written clawback policies that the Company, with the approval of the Board or an authorized committee thereof, may adopt either prior to or following the Effective Date, including any policy adopted to conform to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and rules promulgated thereunder by the SEC and that the Company determines should apply to Awards. Any such policy may subject a Participant's Awards and amounts paid or realized with respect to Awards to reduction, cancelation, forfeiture or recoupment if certain specified events or wrongful conduct occur, including an accounting restatement due to the Company's material noncompliance with financial reporting regulations or other events or wrongful conduct specified in any such clawback policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) <u>Status under ERISA</u>. The Plan shall not constitute an "employee benefit plan" for purposes of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) <u>Plan Effective Date and Term</u>. The Plan was adopted by the Board to be effective on the Effective Date. No Awards may be granted under the Plan on and after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, which is March 8, 2033. However, any Award granted prior to such termination (or any earlier termination pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u>), and the authority of the Board or Committee to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue, or terminate any such Award or to waive any conditions or rights under such Award in accordance with the terms of the Plan, shall extend beyond such termination until the final disposition of such Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. **Amendments to the Plan and Awards.** The Committee may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate any Award or Award Agreement, the Plan or the Committee's authority to grant Awards without the consent of stockholders or Participants, except that any amendment or alteration to the Plan, including any increase in any share limitation, shall be subject to the approval of the Company's stockholders not later than the annual meeting next following such Committee action if such stockholder approval is required by any federal or state law or regulation or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Stock may then be listed or quoted, and the Committee may otherwise, in its discretion, determine to submit other changes to the Plan to stockholders for approval; <u>provided</u>, that, without the consent of an affected Participant, no such Committee action may materially and adversely affect the rights of such Participant under any previously granted and outstanding Award. For purposes of clarity, any adjustments made to Awards pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> will be deemed not to materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant under any previously granted and outstanding Award and therefore may be made without the consent of affected Participants.

## Exhibit 10.4

**Exhibit 10.4** 

**INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT** 

This Indemnification Agreement ("**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made as of March 8, 2023 by and between Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and the individual identified as the Indemnitee on the signature page hereto ("**<u>Indemnitee</u>**").

**<u>RECITALS</u>:** 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance and adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "**<u>Board</u>**") has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, (i) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Bylaws</u>**") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("**<u>DGCL</u>**") and (iii) the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**") and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, (i) Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, (ii) Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company without adequate protection, (iii) the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity and (iv) Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

**<u>AGREEMENT</u>:** 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. **<u>Definitions</u>**. (a) As used in this Agreement:

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Board</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Bylaws</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

------

"**<u>Company</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Corporate Status</u>**" describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

"**<u>Delaware Court</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>20</u>.

"**<u>DGCL</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Disinterested Director</u>**" shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

"**<u>Enterprise</u>**" shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**<u>Expenses</u>**" shall mean all reasonable costs, expenses, fees and charges of any type or nature, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, document and e-discovery costs, litigation expenses, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include, without limitation, (i) expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from, incurred by Indemnitee in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to, any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof only, expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise, (iii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, and (iv) any interest, assessments or other charges in respect of the foregoing. "Expenses" shall not include "Liabilities."

"**<u>Indemnitee</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Indemnity Obligations</u>**" shall mean all obligations of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, including the Company's obligations to provide indemnification to Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

"**<u>Independent Counsel</u>**" shall mean a law firm of national reputation in the United States, or a partner or member of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the term "Independent Counsel" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

"**<u>Liabilities</u>**" shall mean all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, orders, fines, penalties and other amounts payable in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to any Proceeding, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement in any Proceeding and all costs and expenses in complying with any judgment, order or decree issued or entered in connection with any Proceeding or any settlement agreement, stipulation or consent decree entered into or issued in settlement of any Proceeding.

------

"**<u>Person</u>**" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or body or any other legal entity.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, formal or informal hearing, inquiry or investigation, litigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed judicial, administrative or arbitration proceeding (including, without limitation, any such proceeding under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act or any other federal law, state law, statute or regulation), whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in each case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be, or is threatened to be, involved as a party, potential party, witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any actual or alleged action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or inaction) on Indemnitee's part while acting as director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employe benefit plan or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purpose hereof, references to "fines" shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

"**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>7(c)</u>.

"**<u>Submission Date</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u>.

Section 2. **<u>Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding (other than any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, which is provided for in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> below), or any claim, issue or matter therein.

Section 3. **<u>Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, or any claim, issue or matter therein. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

------

Section 4. **<u>Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, and without limiting the rights of Indemnitee under any other provision hereof, including any rights to indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u> or <u>3</u> hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved Proceeding, claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and without limitation, the termination of any Proceeding or claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 5. **<u>Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise a participant, including by a request to respond to discovery requests, receipt of a subpoena or similar demand for documents or testimony, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (or, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

Section 6. **<u>Additional Indemnification</u>**. Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>4</u> hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, including but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 7. **<u>Exclusions</u>**. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to indemnify or hold harmless Indemnitee, or, in the case of (a) and (d), to advance Expenses to Indemnitee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy obtained by the Company or any other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under such insurance policy or such other indemnity provision;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**"), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements) or in respect of claw-back provisions promulgated under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law or (iii) such Proceeding is being brought by Indemnitee to assert, interpret or enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, Indemnitee shall not be deemed, for purposes of this subsection, to have initiated or brought any claim by reason of (A) having asserted any affirmative defenses in connection with a claim not initiated by Indemnitee or (B) having made any counterclaim (whether permissive or mandatory) in connection with any claim not initiated by Indemnitee); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter that is not subject to appeal shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.

Section 8. **<u>Advancement</u>**. In accordance with the pre-existing requirements of the Bylaws, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses and Liabilities reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all Expenses reasonably incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced to the extent that it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall limit Indemnitee's right to advancement pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to <u>Sections 7(a)</u> or <u>(d)</u> hereof.

Section 9. **<u>Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement hereunder following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof (the date of such notification, the "**<u>Submission Date</u>**"). The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Any delay or failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay or failure in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and/or advancement with respect to any Proceeding, Indemnitee may, at Indemnitee's option, (i) retain counsel (including local counsel) selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company to defend Indemnitee in such Proceeding, at the sole expense of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) have the Company assume the defense of Indemnitee in such Proceeding, in which case the Company shall assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) within ten (10) days of the

------

Company's receipt of written notice of Indemnitee's election to cause the Company to do so. If the Company is required to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, it shall engage legal counsel for such defense, and the Company shall be solely responsible for all fees and expenses of such legal counsel and otherwise of such defense. Such legal counsel may represent both Indemnitee and the Company (and any other party or parties entitled to be indemnified by the Company with respect to such matter) unless, in the reasonable opinion of legal counsel to Indemnitee, there is a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company (or any other such party or parties) or there are legal defenses available to Indemnitee that are not available to the Company (or any such other party or parties). Notwithstanding either party's assumption of responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, each party shall have the right to engage separate counsel at its own expense. If the Company has responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall provide the Indemnitee and its counsel with all copies of pleadings and material correspondence relating to the Proceeding. Indemnitee and the Company shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought hereunder, regardless of whether the Company or Indemnitee assumes the defense thereof. Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Company may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

Section 10. **<u>Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> hereof, if any determination by the Company is required by applicable law with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement thereto, such determination shall be made (i) if Indemnitee shall request such determination be made by Independent Counsel, by Independent Counsel, and (ii) in all other circumstances, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the securities of the Company present at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company will not deny any written request for indemnification hereunder made in good faith by Indemnitee unless a determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification described in this <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> has been made. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Liabilities and Expenses arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> hereof, (i) the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company within ten (10) days of the Submission Date (the cost of such Independent Counsel to be paid by the Company), (ii) the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and (iii) Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company Indemnitee's written objection to such selection. Such objection by Indemnitee may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in this Agreement. If such written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected shall not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until Indemnitee withdraws the objection or a court has determined that such objection

------

is without merit. Absent a timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to before the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the Submission Date and (B) ten (10) days after the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, each of the Company and Indemnitee shall select a law firm or member of a law firm meeting the qualifications to serve as Independent Counsel, and such law firms or members of law firms shall select the Independent Counsel.

Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

Section 11. **<u>Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefore, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent a prohibition of such indemnification required under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if (i) the determination is to be made by Independent Counsel and Indemnitee objects to the Company's selection of Independent Counsel and (ii) the Independent Counsel ultimately selected requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation or information relating thereto; provided further, however, that such 60-day period may also be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Reliance as Safe Harbor</u>**. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, partners, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>11(d)</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Actions of Others</u>**. The knowledge or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 12. **<u>Remedies of Indemnitee</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 or the third to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>6</u> of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other Person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u>, absent a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or the Bylaws, or under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein; provided that, in absence of any such determination with respect to such Proceeding, the Company shall advance Expenses with respect to such Proceeding.

------

Section 13. **<u>Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. The Company shall not adopt any amendment or alteration to, or repeal of, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber the Indemnitee's rights to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or applicable law relative to such rights prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change as of the effective date of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance providing reasonable and customary coverage as compared with similarly situated companies (as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion) for directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any Enterprise, and Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee, trustee or agent under such policy or policies and such policies shall provide for and recognize that the insurance policies are primary to any rights to indemnification, advancement or insurance proceeds to which Indemnitee may be entitled from one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to the same extent as the Company's indemnification and advancement obligations set forth in this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, including rights of indemnification provided to Indemnitee from any other person or entity with whom Indemnitee may be associated; provided, however, that the Company shall not be subrogated to the extent of any such payment of all rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The indemnification and contribution provided for in this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Indemnitee.

Section 14. **<u>Duration of Agreement; Not Employment Contract</u>**. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the latest of: (i) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other Enterprise, (ii) one (1) year after the date of final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding, including any appeal, commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> of this Agreement relating thereto or (iii) the expiration of all statutes of limitation applicable to possible Proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject arising out of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company or of any of the Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries or to have Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor, and any direct or indirect parent of any successor, whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee's employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), if any, is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL.

Section 15. **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

------

Section 16. **<u>Enforcement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 17. **<u>Modification and Waiver</u>**. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 18. **<u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as
Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If to the Company to

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

Attention: Board of Directors

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 19. **<u>Contribution</u>**. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Liabilities or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and transaction(s).

Section 20. **<u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the "**<u>Delaware Court</u>**"), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) consent to service of process at the address set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>18</u> of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

------

Section 21. **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile or other electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart by such Party.

Section 22. **<u>Miscellaneous</u>**. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | INDEMNITEE | INDEMNITEE |
| By: | /s/ John Turner | By: | /s/ Ben M. Brigham |
| Name: | John Turner | Name: | Ben M. Brigham |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: | Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

## Exhibit 10.5

**Exhibit 10.5** 

**INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT** 

This Indemnification Agreement ("**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made as of March 8, 2023 by and between Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and the individual identified as the Indemnitee on the signature page hereto ("**<u>Indemnitee</u>**").

**<u>RECITALS</u>:** 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance and adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "**<u>Board</u>**") has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, (i) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Bylaws</u>**") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("**<u>DGCL</u>**") and (iii) the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**") and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, (i) Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, (ii) Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company without adequate protection, (iii) the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity and (iv) Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

**<u>AGREEMENT</u>:** 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. **<u>Definitions</u>**. (a) As used in this Agreement:

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Board</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Bylaws</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

------

"**<u>Company</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Corporate Status</u>**" describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

"**<u>Delaware Court</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>20</u>.

"**<u>DGCL</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Disinterested Director</u>**" shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

"**<u>Enterprise</u>**" shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**<u>Expenses</u>**" shall mean all reasonable costs, expenses, fees and charges of any type or nature, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, document and e-discovery costs, litigation expenses, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include, without limitation, (i) expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from, incurred by Indemnitee in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to, any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof only, expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise, (iii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, and (iv) any interest, assessments or other charges in respect of the foregoing. "Expenses" shall not include "Liabilities."

"**<u>Indemnitee</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Indemnity Obligations</u>**" shall mean all obligations of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, including the Company's obligations to provide indemnification to Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

"**<u>Independent Counsel</u>**" shall mean a law firm of national reputation in the United States, or a partner or member of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the term "Independent Counsel" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

"**<u>Liabilities</u>**" shall mean all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, orders, fines, penalties and other amounts payable in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to any Proceeding, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement in any Proceeding and all costs and expenses in complying with any judgment, order or decree issued or entered in connection with any Proceeding or any settlement agreement, stipulation or consent decree entered into or issued in settlement of any Proceeding.

------

"**<u>Person</u>**" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or body or any other legal entity.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, formal or informal hearing, inquiry or investigation, litigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed judicial, administrative or arbitration proceeding (including, without limitation, any such proceeding under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act or any other federal law, state law, statute or regulation), whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in each case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be, or is threatened to be, involved as a party, potential party, witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any actual or alleged action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or inaction) on Indemnitee's part while acting as director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employe benefit plan or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purpose hereof, references to "fines" shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

"**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>7(c)</u>.

"**<u>Submission Date</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u>.

Section 2. **<u>Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding (other than any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, which is provided for in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> below), or any claim, issue or matter therein.

Section 3. **<u>Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, or any claim, issue or matter therein. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

------

Section 4. **<u>Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, and without limiting the rights of Indemnitee under any other provision hereof, including any rights to indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u> or <u>3</u> hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved Proceeding, claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and without limitation, the termination of any Proceeding or claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 5. **<u>Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise a participant, including by a request to respond to discovery requests, receipt of a subpoena or similar demand for documents or testimony, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (or, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

Section 6. **<u>Additional Indemnification</u>**. Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>4</u> hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, including but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 7. **<u>Exclusions</u>**. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to indemnify or hold harmless Indemnitee, or, in the case of (a) and (d), to advance Expenses to Indemnitee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy obtained by the Company or any other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under such insurance policy or such other indemnity provision;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**"), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements) or in respect of claw-back provisions promulgated under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law or (iii) such Proceeding is being brought by Indemnitee to assert, interpret or enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, Indemnitee shall not be deemed, for purposes of this subsection, to have initiated or brought any claim by reason of (A) having asserted any affirmative defenses in connection with a claim not initiated by Indemnitee or (B) having made any counterclaim (whether permissive or mandatory) in connection with any claim not initiated by Indemnitee); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter that is not subject to appeal shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.

Section 8. **<u>Advancement</u>**. In accordance with the pre-existing requirements of the Bylaws, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses and Liabilities reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all Expenses reasonably incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced to the extent that it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall limit Indemnitee's right to advancement pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to <u>Sections 7(a)</u> or <u>(d)</u> hereof.

Section 9. **<u>Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement hereunder following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof (the date of such notification, the "**<u>Submission Date</u>**"). The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Any delay or failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay or failure in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and/or advancement with respect to any Proceeding, Indemnitee may, at Indemnitee's option, (i) retain counsel (including local counsel) selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company to defend Indemnitee in such Proceeding, at the sole expense of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) have the Company assume the defense of Indemnitee in such Proceeding, in which case the Company shall assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) within ten (10) days of the

------

Company's receipt of written notice of Indemnitee's election to cause the Company to do so. If the Company is required to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, it shall engage legal counsel for such defense, and the Company shall be solely responsible for all fees and expenses of such legal counsel and otherwise of such defense. Such legal counsel may represent both Indemnitee and the Company (and any other party or parties entitled to be indemnified by the Company with respect to such matter) unless, in the reasonable opinion of legal counsel to Indemnitee, there is a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company (or any other such party or parties) or there are legal defenses available to Indemnitee that are not available to the Company (or any such other party or parties). Notwithstanding either party's assumption of responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, each party shall have the right to engage separate counsel at its own expense. If the Company has responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall provide the Indemnitee and its counsel with all copies of pleadings and material correspondence relating to the Proceeding. Indemnitee and the Company shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought hereunder, regardless of whether the Company or Indemnitee assumes the defense thereof. Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Company may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

Section 10. **<u>Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> hereof, if any determination by the Company is required by applicable law with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement thereto, such determination shall be made (i) if Indemnitee shall request such determination be made by Independent Counsel, by Independent Counsel, and (ii) in all other circumstances, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the securities of the Company present at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company will not deny any written request for indemnification hereunder made in good faith by Indemnitee unless a determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification described in this <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> has been made. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Liabilities and Expenses arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> hereof, (i) the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company within ten (10) days of the Submission Date (the cost of such Independent Counsel to be paid by the Company), (ii) the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and (iii) Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company Indemnitee's written objection to such selection. Such objection by Indemnitee may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in this Agreement. If such written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected shall not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until Indemnitee withdraws the objection or a court has determined that such objection

------

is without merit. Absent a timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to before the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the Submission Date and (B) ten (10) days after the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, each of the Company and Indemnitee shall select a law firm or member of a law firm meeting the qualifications to serve as Independent Counsel, and such law firms or members of law firms shall select the Independent Counsel.

Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

Section 11. **<u>Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefore, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent a prohibition of such indemnification required under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if (i) the determination is to be made by Independent Counsel and Indemnitee objects to the Company's selection of Independent Counsel and (ii) the Independent Counsel ultimately selected requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation or information relating thereto; provided further, however, that such 60-day period may also be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Reliance as Safe Harbor</u>**. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, partners, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>11(d)</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Actions of Others</u>**. The knowledge or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 12. **<u>Remedies of Indemnitee</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 or the third to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>6</u> of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other Person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u>, absent a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or the Bylaws, or under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein; provided that, in absence of any such determination with respect to such Proceeding, the Company shall advance Expenses with respect to such Proceeding.

------

Section 13. **<u>Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. The Company shall not adopt any amendment or alteration to, or repeal of, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber the Indemnitee's rights to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or applicable law relative to such rights prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change as of the effective date of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance providing reasonable and customary coverage as compared with similarly situated companies (as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion) for directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any Enterprise, and Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee, trustee or agent under such policy or policies and such policies shall provide for and recognize that the insurance policies are primary to any rights to indemnification, advancement or insurance proceeds to which Indemnitee may be entitled from one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to the same extent as the Company's indemnification and advancement obligations set forth in this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, including rights of indemnification provided to Indemnitee from any other person or entity with whom Indemnitee may be associated; provided, however, that the Company shall not be subrogated to the extent of any such payment of all rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The indemnification and contribution provided for in this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Indemnitee.

Section 14. **<u>Duration of Agreement; Not Employment Contract</u>**. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the latest of: (i) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other Enterprise, (ii) one (1) year after the date of final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding, including any appeal, commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> of this Agreement relating thereto or (iii) the expiration of all statutes of limitation applicable to possible Proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject arising out of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company or of any of the Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries or to have Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor, and any direct or indirect parent of any successor, whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee's employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), if any, is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL.

Section 15. **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

------

Section 16. **<u>Enforcement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 17. **<u>Modification and Waiver</u>**. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 18. **<u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as
Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If to the Company to

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

Attention: Board of Directors

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 19. **<u>Contribution</u>**. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Liabilities or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and transaction(s).

Section 20. **<u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the "**<u>Delaware Court</u>**"), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) consent to service of process at the address set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>18</u> of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

------

Section 21. **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile or other electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart by such Party.

Section 22. **<u>Miscellaneous</u>**. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | INDEMNITEE | INDEMNITEE |
| By: | /s/ John Turner | By: | /s/ John Turner |
| Name: | John Turner | Name: | John Turner |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

## Exhibit 10.6

**Exhibit 10.6** 

**INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT** 

This Indemnification Agreement ("**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made as of March 8, 2023 by and between Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and the individual identified as the Indemnitee on the signature page hereto ("**<u>Indemnitee</u>**").

**<u>RECITALS</u>:** 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance and adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "**<u>Board</u>**") has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, (i) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Bylaws</u>**") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("**<u>DGCL</u>**") and (iii) the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**") and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, (i) Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, (ii) Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company without adequate protection, (iii) the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity and (iv) Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

**<u>AGREEMENT</u>:** 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. **<u>Definitions</u>**. (a) As used in this Agreement:

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Board</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Bylaws</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

------

"**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Company</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Corporate Status</u>**" describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

"**<u>Delaware Court</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>20</u>.

"**<u>DGCL</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Disinterested Director</u>**" shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

"**<u>Enterprise</u>**" shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**<u>Expenses</u>**" shall mean all reasonable costs, expenses, fees and charges of any type or nature, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, document and e-discovery costs, litigation expenses, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include, without limitation, (i) expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from, incurred by Indemnitee in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to, any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof only, expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise, (iii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, and (iv) any interest, assessments or other charges in respect of the foregoing. "Expenses" shall not include "Liabilities."

"**<u>Indemnitee</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Indemnity Obligations</u>**" shall mean all obligations of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, including the Company's obligations to provide indemnification to Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

"**<u>Independent Counsel</u>**" shall mean a law firm of national reputation in the United States, or a partner or member of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the term "Independent Counsel" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

"**<u>Liabilities</u>**" shall mean all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, orders, fines, penalties and other amounts payable in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to any Proceeding, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement in any Proceeding and all costs and expenses in complying with any judgment, order or decree issued or entered in connection with any Proceeding or any settlement agreement, stipulation or consent decree entered into or issued in settlement of any Proceeding.

------

"**<u>Person</u>**" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or body or any other legal entity.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, formal or informal hearing, inquiry or investigation, litigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed judicial, administrative or arbitration proceeding (including, without limitation, any such proceeding under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act or any other federal law, state law, statute or regulation), whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in each case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be, or is threatened to be, involved as a party, potential party, witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any actual or alleged action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or inaction) on Indemnitee's part while acting as director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employe benefit plan or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purpose hereof, references to "fines" shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

"**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>7(c)</u>.

"**<u>Submission Date</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u>.

Section 2. **<u>Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding (other than any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, which is provided for in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> below), or any claim, issue or matter therein.

Section 3. **<u>Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, or any claim, issue or matter therein. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

------

Section 4. **<u>Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, and without limiting the rights of Indemnitee under any other provision hereof, including any rights to indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u> or <u>3</u> hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved Proceeding, claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and without limitation, the termination of any Proceeding or claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 5. **<u>Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise a participant, including by a request to respond to discovery requests, receipt of a subpoena or similar demand for documents or testimony, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (or, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

Section 6. **<u>Additional Indemnification</u>**. Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>4</u> hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, including but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 7. **<u>Exclusions</u>**. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to indemnify or hold harmless Indemnitee, or, in the case of (a) and (d), to advance Expenses to Indemnitee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy obtained by the Company or any other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under such insurance policy or such other indemnity provision;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**"), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements) or in respect of claw-back provisions promulgated under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law or (iii) such Proceeding is being brought by Indemnitee to assert, interpret or enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, Indemnitee shall not be deemed, for purposes of this subsection, to have initiated or brought any claim by reason of (A) having asserted any affirmative defenses in connection with a claim not initiated by Indemnitee or (B) having made any counterclaim (whether permissive or mandatory) in connection with any claim not initiated by Indemnitee); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter that is not subject to appeal shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.

Section 8. **<u>Advancement</u>**. In accordance with the pre-existing requirements of the Bylaws, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses and Liabilities reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all Expenses reasonably incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced to the extent that it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall limit Indemnitee's right to advancement pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to <u>Sections 7(a)</u> or <u>(d)</u> hereof.

Section 9. **<u>Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement hereunder following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof (the date of such notification, the "**<u>Submission Date</u>**"). The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Any delay or failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay or failure in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and/or advancement with respect to any Proceeding, Indemnitee may, at Indemnitee's option, (i) retain counsel (including local counsel) selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company to defend Indemnitee in such Proceeding, at the sole expense of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) have the Company assume the defense of Indemnitee in such Proceeding, in which case the Company shall assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) within ten (10) days of the

------

Company's receipt of written notice of Indemnitee's election to cause the Company to do so. If the Company is required to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, it shall engage legal counsel for such defense, and the Company shall be solely responsible for all fees and expenses of such legal counsel and otherwise of such defense. Such legal counsel may represent both Indemnitee and the Company (and any other party or parties entitled to be indemnified by the Company with respect to such matter) unless, in the reasonable opinion of legal counsel to Indemnitee, there is a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company (or any other such party or parties) or there are legal defenses available to Indemnitee that are not available to the Company (or any such other party or parties). Notwithstanding either party's assumption of responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, each party shall have the right to engage separate counsel at its own expense. If the Company has responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall provide the Indemnitee and its counsel with all copies of pleadings and material correspondence relating to the Proceeding. Indemnitee and the Company shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought hereunder, regardless of whether the Company or Indemnitee assumes the defense thereof. Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Company may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

Section 10. **<u>Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> hereof, if any determination by the Company is required by applicable law with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement thereto, such determination shall be made (i) if Indemnitee shall request such determination be made by Independent Counsel, by Independent Counsel, and (ii) in all other circumstances, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the securities of the Company present at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company will not deny any written request for indemnification hereunder made in good faith by Indemnitee unless a determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification described in this <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> has been made. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Liabilities and Expenses arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> hereof, (i) the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company within ten (10) days of the Submission Date (the cost of such Independent Counsel to be paid by the Company), (ii) the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and (iii) Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company Indemnitee's written objection to such selection. Such objection by Indemnitee may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in this Agreement. If such written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected shall not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until Indemnitee withdraws the objection or a court has determined that such objection

------

is without merit. Absent a timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to before the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the Submission Date and (B) ten (10) days after the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, each of the Company and Indemnitee shall select a law firm or member of a law firm meeting the qualifications to serve as Independent Counsel, and such law firms or members of law firms shall select the Independent Counsel.

Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

Section 11. **<u>Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefore, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent a prohibition of such indemnification required under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if (i) the determination is to be made by Independent Counsel and Indemnitee objects to the Company's selection of Independent Counsel and (ii) the Independent Counsel ultimately selected requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation or information relating thereto; provided further, however, that such 60-day period may also be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Reliance as Safe Harbor</u>**. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, partners, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>11(d)</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Actions of Others</u>**. The knowledge or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 12. **<u>Remedies of Indemnitee</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 or the third to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>6</u> of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other Person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u>, absent a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or the Bylaws, or under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein; provided that, in absence of any such determination with respect to such Proceeding, the Company shall advance Expenses with respect to such Proceeding.

------

Section 13. **<u>Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. The Company shall not adopt any amendment or alteration to, or repeal of, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber the Indemnitee's rights to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or applicable law relative to such rights prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change as of the effective date of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance providing reasonable and customary coverage as compared with similarly situated companies (as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion) for directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any Enterprise, and Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee, trustee or agent under such policy or policies and such policies shall provide for and recognize that the insurance policies are primary to any rights to indemnification, advancement or insurance proceeds to which Indemnitee may be entitled from one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to the same extent as the Company's indemnification and advancement obligations set forth in this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, including rights of indemnification provided to Indemnitee from any other person or entity with whom Indemnitee may be associated; provided, however, that the Company shall not be subrogated to the extent of any such payment of all rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The indemnification and contribution provided for in this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Indemnitee.

Section 14. **<u>Duration of Agreement; Not Employment Contract</u>**. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the latest of: (i) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other Enterprise, (ii) one (1) year after the date of final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding, including any appeal, commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> of this Agreement relating thereto or (iii) the expiration of all statutes of limitation applicable to possible Proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject arising out of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company or of any of the Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries or to have Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor, and any direct or indirect parent of any successor, whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee's employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), if any, is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL.

Section 15. **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

------

Section 16. **<u>Enforcement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 17. **<u>Modification and Waiver</u>**. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 18. **<u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as
Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If to the Company to

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

Attention: Board of Directors

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 19. **<u>Contribution</u>**. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Liabilities or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and transaction(s).

Section 20. **<u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the "**<u>Delaware Court</u>**"), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) consent to service of process at the address set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>18</u> of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

------

Section 21. **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile or other electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart by such Party.

Section 22. **<u>Miscellaneous</u>**. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | INDEMNITEE | INDEMNITEE |
| By: | /s/ John Turner | By: | /s/ Chris Scholla |
| Name: | John Turner | Name: | Chris Scholla |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: | Chief Supply Chain Officer |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

## Exhibit 10.7

**Exhibit 10.7** 

**INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT** 

This Indemnification Agreement ("**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made as of March 8, 2023 by and between Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and the individual identified as the Indemnitee on the signature page hereto ("**<u>Indemnitee</u>**").

**<u>RECITALS</u>:** 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance and adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "**<u>Board</u>**") has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, (i) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Bylaws</u>**") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("**<u>DGCL</u>**") and (iii) the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**") and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, (i) Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, (ii) Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company without adequate protection, (iii) the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity and (iv) Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

**<u>AGREEMENT</u>:** 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. **<u>Definitions</u>**. (a) As used in this Agreement:

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Board</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Bylaws</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

------

"**<u>Company</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Corporate Status</u>**" describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

"**<u>Delaware Court</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>20</u>.

"**<u>DGCL</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Disinterested Director</u>**" shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

"**<u>Enterprise</u>**" shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**<u>Expenses</u>**" shall mean all reasonable costs, expenses, fees and charges of any type or nature, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, document and e-discovery costs, litigation expenses, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include, without limitation, (i) expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from, incurred by Indemnitee in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to, any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof only, expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise, (iii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, and (iv) any interest, assessments or other charges in respect of the foregoing. "Expenses" shall not include "Liabilities."

"**<u>Indemnitee</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Indemnity Obligations</u>**" shall mean all obligations of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, including the Company's obligations to provide indemnification to Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

"**<u>Independent Counsel</u>**" shall mean a law firm of national reputation in the United States, or a partner or member of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the term "Independent Counsel" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

"**<u>Liabilities</u>**" shall mean all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, orders, fines, penalties and other amounts payable in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to any Proceeding, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement in any Proceeding and all costs and expenses in complying with any judgment, order or decree issued or entered in connection with any Proceeding or any settlement agreement, stipulation or consent decree entered into or issued in settlement of any Proceeding.

------

"**<u>Person</u>**" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or body or any other legal entity.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, formal or informal hearing, inquiry or investigation, litigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed judicial, administrative or arbitration proceeding (including, without limitation, any such proceeding under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act or any other federal law, state law, statute or regulation), whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in each case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be, or is threatened to be, involved as a party, potential party, witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any actual or alleged action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or inaction) on Indemnitee's part while acting as director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employe benefit plan or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purpose hereof, references to "fines" shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

"**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>7(c)</u>.

"**<u>Submission Date</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u>.

Section 2. **<u>Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding (other than any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, which is provided for in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> below), or any claim, issue or matter therein.

Section 3. **<u>Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, or any claim, issue or matter therein. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

------

Section 4. **<u>Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, and without limiting the rights of Indemnitee under any other provision hereof, including any rights to indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u> or <u>3</u> hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved Proceeding, claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and without limitation, the termination of any Proceeding or claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 5. **<u>Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise a participant, including by a request to respond to discovery requests, receipt of a subpoena or similar demand for documents or testimony, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (or, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

Section 6. **<u>Additional Indemnification</u>**. Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>4</u> hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, including but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 7. **<u>Exclusions</u>**. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to indemnify or hold harmless Indemnitee, or, in the case of (a) and (d), to advance Expenses to Indemnitee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy obtained by the Company or any other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under such insurance policy or such other indemnity provision;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**"), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements) or in respect of claw-back provisions promulgated under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law or (iii) such Proceeding is being brought by Indemnitee to assert, interpret or enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, Indemnitee shall not be deemed, for purposes of this subsection, to have initiated or brought any claim by reason of (A) having asserted any affirmative defenses in connection with a claim not initiated by Indemnitee or (B) having made any counterclaim (whether permissive or mandatory) in connection with any claim not initiated by Indemnitee); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter that is not subject to appeal shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.

Section 8. **<u>Advancement</u>**. In accordance with the pre-existing requirements of the Bylaws, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses and Liabilities reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all Expenses reasonably incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced to the extent that it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall limit Indemnitee's right to advancement pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to <u>Sections 7(a)</u> or <u>(d)</u> hereof.

Section 9. **<u>Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement hereunder following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof (the date of such notification, the "**<u>Submission Date</u>**"). The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Any delay or failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay or failure in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and/or advancement with respect to any Proceeding, Indemnitee may, at Indemnitee's option, (i) retain counsel (including local counsel) selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company to defend Indemnitee in such Proceeding, at the sole expense of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) have the Company assume the defense of Indemnitee in such Proceeding, in which case the Company shall assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) within ten (10) days of the

------

Company's receipt of written notice of Indemnitee's election to cause the Company to do so. If the Company is required to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, it shall engage legal counsel for such defense, and the Company shall be solely responsible for all fees and expenses of such legal counsel and otherwise of such defense. Such legal counsel may represent both Indemnitee and the Company (and any other party or parties entitled to be indemnified by the Company with respect to such matter) unless, in the reasonable opinion of legal counsel to Indemnitee, there is a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company (or any other such party or parties) or there are legal defenses available to Indemnitee that are not available to the Company (or any such other party or parties). Notwithstanding either party's assumption of responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, each party shall have the right to engage separate counsel at its own expense. If the Company has responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall provide the Indemnitee and its counsel with all copies of pleadings and material correspondence relating to the Proceeding. Indemnitee and the Company shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought hereunder, regardless of whether the Company or Indemnitee assumes the defense thereof. Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Company may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

Section 10. **<u>Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> hereof, if any determination by the Company is required by applicable law with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement thereto, such determination shall be made (i) if Indemnitee shall request such determination be made by Independent Counsel, by Independent Counsel, and (ii) in all other circumstances, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the securities of the Company present at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company will not deny any written request for indemnification hereunder made in good faith by Indemnitee unless a determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification described in this <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> has been made. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Liabilities and Expenses arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> hereof, (i) the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company within ten (10) days of the Submission Date (the cost of such Independent Counsel to be paid by the Company), (ii) the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and (iii) Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company Indemnitee's written objection to such selection. Such objection by Indemnitee may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in this Agreement. If such written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected shall not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until Indemnitee withdraws the objection or a court has determined that such objection

------

is without merit. Absent a timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to before the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the Submission Date and (B) ten (10) days after the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, each of the Company and Indemnitee shall select a law firm or member of a law firm meeting the qualifications to serve as Independent Counsel, and such law firms or members of law firms shall select the Independent Counsel.

Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

Section 11. **<u>Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefore, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent a prohibition of such indemnification required under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if (i) the determination is to be made by Independent Counsel and Indemnitee objects to the Company's selection of Independent Counsel and (ii) the Independent Counsel ultimately selected requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation or information relating thereto; provided further, however, that such 60-day period may also be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Reliance as Safe Harbor</u>**. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, partners, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>11(d)</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Actions of Others</u>**. The knowledge or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 12. **<u>Remedies of Indemnitee</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 or the third to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>6</u> of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other Person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u>, absent a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or the Bylaws, or under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein; provided that, in absence of any such determination with respect to such Proceeding, the Company shall advance Expenses with respect to such Proceeding.

------

Section 13. **<u>Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. The Company shall not adopt any amendment or alteration to, or repeal of, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber the Indemnitee's rights to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or applicable law relative to such rights prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change as of the effective date of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance providing reasonable and customary coverage as compared with similarly situated companies (as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion) for directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any Enterprise, and Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee, trustee or agent under such policy or policies and such policies shall provide for and recognize that the insurance policies are primary to any rights to indemnification, advancement or insurance proceeds to which Indemnitee may be entitled from one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to the same extent as the Company's indemnification and advancement obligations set forth in this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, including rights of indemnification provided to Indemnitee from any other person or entity with whom Indemnitee may be associated; provided, however, that the Company shall not be subrogated to the extent of any such payment of all rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The indemnification and contribution provided for in this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Indemnitee.

Section 14. **<u>Duration of Agreement; Not Employment Contract</u>**. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the latest of: (i) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other Enterprise, (ii) one (1) year after the date of final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding, including any appeal, commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> of this Agreement relating thereto or (iii) the expiration of all statutes of limitation applicable to possible Proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject arising out of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company or of any of the Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries or to have Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor, and any direct or indirect parent of any successor, whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee's employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), if any, is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL.

Section 15. **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

------

Section 16. **<u>Enforcement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 17. **<u>Modification and Waiver</u>**. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 18. **<u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as
Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If to the Company to

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

Attention: Board of Directors

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 19. **<u>Contribution</u>**. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Liabilities or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and transaction(s).

Section 20. **<u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the "**<u>Delaware Court</u>**"), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) consent to service of process at the address set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>18</u> of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

------

Section 21. **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile or other electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart by such Party.

Section 22. **<u>Miscellaneous</u>**. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | INDEMNITEE | INDEMNITEE |
| By: | /s/ John Turner | By: | /s/ Dathan C. Voelter |
| Name: | John Turner | Name: | Dathan C. Voelter |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: | General Counsel and Secretary |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

## Exhibit 10.8

**Exhibit 10.8** 

**INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT** 

This Indemnification Agreement ("**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made as of March 8, 2023 by and between Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and the individual identified as the Indemnitee on the signature page hereto ("**<u>Indemnitee</u>**").

**<u>RECITALS</u>:** 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance and adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "**<u>Board</u>**") has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, (i) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Bylaws</u>**") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("**<u>DGCL</u>**") and (iii) the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**") and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, (i) Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, (ii) Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company without adequate protection, (iii) the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity and (iv) Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

**<u>AGREEMENT</u>:** 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. **<u>Definitions</u>**. (a) As used in this Agreement:

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Board</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Bylaws</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

------

"**<u>Company</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Corporate Status</u>**" describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

"**<u>Delaware Court</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>20</u>.

"**<u>DGCL</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Disinterested Director</u>**" shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

"**<u>Enterprise</u>**" shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**<u>Expenses</u>**" shall mean all reasonable costs, expenses, fees and charges of any type or nature, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, document and e-discovery costs, litigation expenses, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include, without limitation, (i) expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from, incurred by Indemnitee in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to, any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof only, expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise, (iii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, and (iv) any interest, assessments or other charges in respect of the foregoing. "Expenses" shall not include "Liabilities."

"**<u>Indemnitee</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Indemnity Obligations</u>**" shall mean all obligations of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, including the Company's obligations to provide indemnification to Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

"**<u>Independent Counsel</u>**" shall mean a law firm of national reputation in the United States, or a partner or member of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the term "Independent Counsel" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

"**<u>Liabilities</u>**" shall mean all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, orders, fines, penalties and other amounts payable in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to any Proceeding, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement in any Proceeding and all costs and expenses in complying with any judgment, order or decree issued or entered in connection with any Proceeding or any settlement agreement, stipulation or consent decree entered into or issued in settlement of any Proceeding.

------

"**<u>Person</u>**" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or body or any other legal entity.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, formal or informal hearing, inquiry or investigation, litigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed judicial, administrative or arbitration proceeding (including, without limitation, any such proceeding under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act or any other federal law, state law, statute or regulation), whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in each case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be, or is threatened to be, involved as a party, potential party, witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any actual or alleged action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or inaction) on Indemnitee's part while acting as director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employe benefit plan or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purpose hereof, references to "fines" shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

"**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>7(c)</u>.

"**<u>Submission Date</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u>.

Section 2. **<u>Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding (other than any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, which is provided for in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> below), or any claim, issue or matter therein.

Section 3. **<u>Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, or any claim, issue or matter therein. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

------

Section 4. **<u>Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, and without limiting the rights of Indemnitee under any other provision hereof, including any rights to indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u> or <u>3</u> hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved Proceeding, claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and without limitation, the termination of any Proceeding or claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 5. **<u>Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise a participant, including by a request to respond to discovery requests, receipt of a subpoena or similar demand for documents or testimony, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (or, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

Section 6. **<u>Additional Indemnification</u>**. Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>4</u> hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, including but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 7. **<u>Exclusions</u>**. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to indemnify or hold harmless Indemnitee, or, in the case of (a) and (d), to advance Expenses to Indemnitee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy obtained by the Company or any other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under such insurance policy or such other indemnity provision;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**"), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements) or in respect of claw-back provisions promulgated under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law or (iii) such Proceeding is being brought by Indemnitee to assert, interpret or enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, Indemnitee shall not be deemed, for purposes of this subsection, to have initiated or brought any claim by reason of (A) having asserted any affirmative defenses in connection with a claim not initiated by Indemnitee or (B) having made any counterclaim (whether permissive or mandatory) in connection with any claim not initiated by Indemnitee); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter that is not subject to appeal shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.

Section 8. **<u>Advancement</u>**. In accordance with the pre-existing requirements of the Bylaws, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses and Liabilities reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all Expenses reasonably incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced to the extent that it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall limit Indemnitee's right to advancement pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to <u>Sections 7(a)</u> or <u>(d)</u> hereof.

Section 9. **<u>Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement hereunder following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof (the date of such notification, the "**<u>Submission Date</u>**"). The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Any delay or failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay or failure in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and/or advancement with respect to any Proceeding, Indemnitee may, at Indemnitee's option, (i) retain counsel (including local counsel) selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company to defend Indemnitee in such Proceeding, at the sole expense of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) have the Company assume the defense of Indemnitee in such Proceeding, in which case the Company shall assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) within ten (10) days of the

------

Company's receipt of written notice of Indemnitee's election to cause the Company to do so. If the Company is required to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, it shall engage legal counsel for such defense, and the Company shall be solely responsible for all fees and expenses of such legal counsel and otherwise of such defense. Such legal counsel may represent both Indemnitee and the Company (and any other party or parties entitled to be indemnified by the Company with respect to such matter) unless, in the reasonable opinion of legal counsel to Indemnitee, there is a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company (or any other such party or parties) or there are legal defenses available to Indemnitee that are not available to the Company (or any such other party or parties). Notwithstanding either party's assumption of responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, each party shall have the right to engage separate counsel at its own expense. If the Company has responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall provide the Indemnitee and its counsel with all copies of pleadings and material correspondence relating to the Proceeding. Indemnitee and the Company shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought hereunder, regardless of whether the Company or Indemnitee assumes the defense thereof. Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Company may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

Section 10. **<u>Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> hereof, if any determination by the Company is required by applicable law with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement thereto, such determination shall be made (i) if Indemnitee shall request such determination be made by Independent Counsel, by Independent Counsel, and (ii) in all other circumstances, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the securities of the Company present at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company will not deny any written request for indemnification hereunder made in good faith by Indemnitee unless a determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification described in this <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> has been made. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Liabilities and Expenses arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> hereof, (i) the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company within ten (10) days of the Submission Date (the cost of such Independent Counsel to be paid by the Company), (ii) the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and (iii) Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company Indemnitee's written objection to such selection. Such objection by Indemnitee may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in this Agreement. If such written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected shall not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until Indemnitee withdraws the objection or a court has determined that such objection

------

is without merit. Absent a timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to before the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the Submission Date and (B) ten (10) days after the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, each of the Company and Indemnitee shall select a law firm or member of a law firm meeting the qualifications to serve as Independent Counsel, and such law firms or members of law firms shall select the Independent Counsel.

Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

Section 11. **<u>Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefore, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent a prohibition of such indemnification required under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if (i) the determination is to be made by Independent Counsel and Indemnitee objects to the Company's selection of Independent Counsel and (ii) the Independent Counsel ultimately selected requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation or information relating thereto; provided further, however, that such 60-day period may also be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Reliance as Safe Harbor</u>**. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, partners, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>11(d)</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Actions of Others</u>**. The knowledge or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 12. **<u>Remedies of Indemnitee</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 or the third to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>6</u> of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other Person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u>, absent a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or the Bylaws, or under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein; provided that, in absence of any such determination with respect to such Proceeding, the Company shall advance Expenses with respect to such Proceeding.

------

Section 13. **<u>Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. The Company shall not adopt any amendment or alteration to, or repeal of, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber the Indemnitee's rights to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or applicable law relative to such rights prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change as of the effective date of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance providing reasonable and customary coverage as compared with similarly situated companies (as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion) for directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any Enterprise, and Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee, trustee or agent under such policy or policies and such policies shall provide for and recognize that the insurance policies are primary to any rights to indemnification, advancement or insurance proceeds to which Indemnitee may be entitled from one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to the same extent as the Company's indemnification and advancement obligations set forth in this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, including rights of indemnification provided to Indemnitee from any other person or entity with whom Indemnitee may be associated; provided, however, that the Company shall not be subrogated to the extent of any such payment of all rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The indemnification and contribution provided for in this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Indemnitee.

Section 14. **<u>Duration of Agreement; Not Employment Contract</u>**. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the latest of: (i) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other Enterprise, (ii) one (1) year after the date of final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding, including any appeal, commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> of this Agreement relating thereto or (iii) the expiration of all statutes of limitation applicable to possible Proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject arising out of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company or of any of the Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries or to have Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor, and any direct or indirect parent of any successor, whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee's employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), if any, is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL.

Section 15. **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

------

Section 16. **<u>Enforcement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 17. **<u>Modification and Waiver</u>**. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 18. **<u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as
Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If to the Company to

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

Attention: Board of Directors

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 19. **<u>Contribution</u>**. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Liabilities or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and transaction(s).

Section 20. **<u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the "**<u>Delaware Court</u>**"), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) consent to service of process at the address set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>18</u> of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

------

Section 21. **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile or other electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart by such Party.

Section 22. **<u>Miscellaneous</u>**. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | INDEMNITEE | INDEMNITEE |
| By: | /s/ John Turner | By: | /s/ Jeffrey Allison |
| Name: | John Turner | Name: | Jeffrey Allison |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: | EVP, Sales & Marketing |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

## Exhibit 10.9

**Exhibit 10.9** 

**INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT** 

This Indemnification Agreement ("**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made as of March 8, 2023 by and between Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and the individual identified as the Indemnitee on the signature page hereto ("**<u>Indemnitee</u>**").

**<u>RECITALS</u>:** 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance and adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "**<u>Board</u>**") has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, (i) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Bylaws</u>**") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("**<u>DGCL</u>**") and (iii) the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**") and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, (i) Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, (ii) Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company without adequate protection, (iii) the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity and (iv) Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

**<u>AGREEMENT</u>:** 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. **<u>Definitions</u>**. (a) As used in this Agreement:

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Board</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Bylaws</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

------

"**<u>Company</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Corporate Status</u>**" describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

"**<u>Delaware Court</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>20</u>.

"**<u>DGCL</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Disinterested Director</u>**" shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

"**<u>Enterprise</u>**" shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**<u>Expenses</u>**" shall mean all reasonable costs, expenses, fees and charges of any type or nature, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, document and e-discovery costs, litigation expenses, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include, without limitation, (i) expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from, incurred by Indemnitee in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to, any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof only, expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise, (iii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, and (iv) any interest, assessments or other charges in respect of the foregoing. "Expenses" shall not include "Liabilities."

"**<u>Indemnitee</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Indemnity Obligations</u>**" shall mean all obligations of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, including the Company's obligations to provide indemnification to Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

"**<u>Independent Counsel</u>**" shall mean a law firm of national reputation in the United States, or a partner or member of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the term "Independent Counsel" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

"**<u>Liabilities</u>**" shall mean all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, orders, fines, penalties and other amounts payable in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to any Proceeding, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement in any Proceeding and all costs and expenses in complying with any judgment, order or decree issued or entered in connection with any Proceeding or any settlement agreement, stipulation or consent decree entered into or issued in settlement of any Proceeding.

------

"**<u>Person</u>**" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or body or any other legal entity.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, formal or informal hearing, inquiry or investigation, litigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed judicial, administrative or arbitration proceeding (including, without limitation, any such proceeding under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act or any other federal law, state law, statute or regulation), whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in each case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be, or is threatened to be, involved as a party, potential party, witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any actual or alleged action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or inaction) on Indemnitee's part while acting as director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employe benefit plan or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purpose hereof, references to "fines" shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

"**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>7(c)</u>.

"**<u>Submission Date</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u>.

Section 2. **<u>Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding (other than any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, which is provided for in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> below), or any claim, issue or matter therein.

Section 3. **<u>Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, or any claim, issue or matter therein. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

------

Section 4. **<u>Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, and without limiting the rights of Indemnitee under any other provision hereof, including any rights to indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u> or <u>3</u> hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved Proceeding, claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and without limitation, the termination of any Proceeding or claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 5. **<u>Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise a participant, including by a request to respond to discovery requests, receipt of a subpoena or similar demand for documents or testimony, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (or, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

Section 6. **<u>Additional Indemnification</u>**. Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>4</u> hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, including but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 7. **<u>Exclusions</u>**. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to indemnify or hold harmless Indemnitee, or, in the case of (a) and (d), to advance Expenses to Indemnitee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy obtained by the Company or any other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under such insurance policy or such other indemnity provision;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**"), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements) or in respect of claw-back provisions promulgated under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law or (iii) such Proceeding is being brought by Indemnitee to assert, interpret or enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, Indemnitee shall not be deemed, for purposes of this subsection, to have initiated or brought any claim by reason of (A) having asserted any affirmative defenses in connection with a claim not initiated by Indemnitee or (B) having made any counterclaim (whether permissive or mandatory) in connection with any claim not initiated by Indemnitee); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter that is not subject to appeal shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.

Section 8. **<u>Advancement</u>**. In accordance with the pre-existing requirements of the Bylaws, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses and Liabilities reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all Expenses reasonably incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced to the extent that it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall limit Indemnitee's right to advancement pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to <u>Sections 7(a)</u> or <u>(d)</u> hereof.

Section 9. **<u>Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement hereunder following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof (the date of such notification, the "**<u>Submission Date</u>**"). The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Any delay or failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay or failure in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and/or advancement with respect to any Proceeding, Indemnitee may, at Indemnitee's option, (i) retain counsel (including local counsel) selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company to defend Indemnitee in such Proceeding, at the sole expense of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) have the Company assume the defense of Indemnitee in such Proceeding, in which case the Company shall assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) within ten (10) days of the

------

Company's receipt of written notice of Indemnitee's election to cause the Company to do so. If the Company is required to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, it shall engage legal counsel for such defense, and the Company shall be solely responsible for all fees and expenses of such legal counsel and otherwise of such defense. Such legal counsel may represent both Indemnitee and the Company (and any other party or parties entitled to be indemnified by the Company with respect to such matter) unless, in the reasonable opinion of legal counsel to Indemnitee, there is a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company (or any other such party or parties) or there are legal defenses available to Indemnitee that are not available to the Company (or any such other party or parties). Notwithstanding either party's assumption of responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, each party shall have the right to engage separate counsel at its own expense. If the Company has responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall provide the Indemnitee and its counsel with all copies of pleadings and material correspondence relating to the Proceeding. Indemnitee and the Company shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought hereunder, regardless of whether the Company or Indemnitee assumes the defense thereof. Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Company may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

Section 10. **<u>Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> hereof, if any determination by the Company is required by applicable law with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement thereto, such determination shall be made (i) if Indemnitee shall request such determination be made by Independent Counsel, by Independent Counsel, and (ii) in all other circumstances, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the securities of the Company present at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company will not deny any written request for indemnification hereunder made in good faith by Indemnitee unless a determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification described in this <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> has been made. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Liabilities and Expenses arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> hereof, (i) the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company within ten (10) days of the Submission Date (the cost of such Independent Counsel to be paid by the Company), (ii) the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and (iii) Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company Indemnitee's written objection to such selection. Such objection by Indemnitee may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in this Agreement. If such written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected shall not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until Indemnitee withdraws the objection or a court has determined that such objection

------

is without merit. Absent a timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to before the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the Submission Date and (B) ten (10) days after the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, each of the Company and Indemnitee shall select a law firm or member of a law firm meeting the qualifications to serve as Independent Counsel, and such law firms or members of law firms shall select the Independent Counsel.

Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

Section 11. **<u>Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefore, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent a prohibition of such indemnification required under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if (i) the determination is to be made by Independent Counsel and Indemnitee objects to the Company's selection of Independent Counsel and (ii) the Independent Counsel ultimately selected requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation or information relating thereto; provided further, however, that such 60-day period may also be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Reliance as Safe Harbor</u>**. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, partners, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>11(d)</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Actions of Others</u>**. The knowledge or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 12. **<u>Remedies of Indemnitee</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 or the third to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>6</u> of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other Person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u>, absent a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or the Bylaws, or under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein; provided that, in absence of any such determination with respect to such Proceeding, the Company shall advance Expenses with respect to such Proceeding.

------

Section 13. **<u>Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. The Company shall not adopt any amendment or alteration to, or repeal of, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber the Indemnitee's rights to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or applicable law relative to such rights prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change as of the effective date of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance providing reasonable and customary coverage as compared with similarly situated companies (as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion) for directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any Enterprise, and Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee, trustee or agent under such policy or policies and such policies shall provide for and recognize that the insurance policies are primary to any rights to indemnification, advancement or insurance proceeds to which Indemnitee may be entitled from one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to the same extent as the Company's indemnification and advancement obligations set forth in this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, including rights of indemnification provided to Indemnitee from any other person or entity with whom Indemnitee may be associated; provided, however, that the Company shall not be subrogated to the extent of any such payment of all rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The indemnification and contribution provided for in this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Indemnitee.

Section 14. **<u>Duration of Agreement; Not Employment Contract</u>**. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the latest of: (i) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other Enterprise, (ii) one (1) year after the date of final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding, including any appeal, commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> of this Agreement relating thereto or (iii) the expiration of all statutes of limitation applicable to possible Proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject arising out of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company or of any of the Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries or to have Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor, and any direct or indirect parent of any successor, whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee's employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), if any, is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL.

Section 15. **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

------

Section 16. **<u>Enforcement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 17. **<u>Modification and Waiver</u>**. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 18. **<u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as
Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If to the Company to

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

Attention: Board of Directors

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 19. **<u>Contribution</u>**. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Liabilities or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and transaction(s).

Section 20. **<u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the "**<u>Delaware Court</u>**"), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) consent to service of process at the address set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>18</u> of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

------

Section 21. **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile or other electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart by such Party.

Section 22. **<u>Miscellaneous</u>**. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | INDEMNITEE | INDEMNITEE |
| By: | /s/ John Turner | By: | /s/ Gayle Burleson |
| Name: | John Turner | Name: | Gayle Burleson |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: | Director |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

## Exhibit 10.10

**Exhibit 10.10** 

**INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT** 

This Indemnification Agreement ("**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made as of March 8, 2023 by and between Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and the individual identified as the Indemnitee on the signature page hereto ("**<u>Indemnitee</u>**").

**<u>RECITALS</u>:** 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance and adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "**<u>Board</u>**") has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, (i) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Bylaws</u>**") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("**<u>DGCL</u>**") and (iii) the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**") and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, (i) Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, (ii) Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company without adequate protection, (iii) the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity and (iv) Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

**<u>AGREEMENT</u>:** 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. **<u>Definitions</u>**. (a) As used in this Agreement:

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Board</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Bylaws</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

------

"**<u>Company</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Corporate Status</u>**" describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

"**<u>Delaware Court</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>20</u>.

"**<u>DGCL</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Disinterested Director</u>**" shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

"**<u>Enterprise</u>**" shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**<u>Expenses</u>**" shall mean all reasonable costs, expenses, fees and charges of any type or nature, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, document and e-discovery costs, litigation expenses, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include, without limitation, (i) expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from, incurred by Indemnitee in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to, any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof only, expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise, (iii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, and (iv) any interest, assessments or other charges in respect of the foregoing. "Expenses" shall not include "Liabilities."

"**<u>Indemnitee</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Indemnity Obligations</u>**" shall mean all obligations of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, including the Company's obligations to provide indemnification to Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

"**<u>Independent Counsel</u>**" shall mean a law firm of national reputation in the United States, or a partner or member of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the term "Independent Counsel" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

"**<u>Liabilities</u>**" shall mean all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, orders, fines, penalties and other amounts payable in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to any Proceeding, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement in any Proceeding and all costs and expenses in complying with any judgment, order or decree issued or entered in connection with any Proceeding or any settlement agreement, stipulation or consent decree entered into or issued in settlement of any Proceeding.

------

"**<u>Person</u>**" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or body or any other legal entity.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, formal or informal hearing, inquiry or investigation, litigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed judicial, administrative or arbitration proceeding (including, without limitation, any such proceeding under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act or any other federal law, state law, statute or regulation), whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in each case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be, or is threatened to be, involved as a party, potential party, witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any actual or alleged action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or inaction) on Indemnitee's part while acting as director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employe benefit plan or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purpose hereof, references to "fines" shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

"**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>7(c)</u>.

"**<u>Submission Date</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u>.

Section 2. **<u>Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding (other than any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, which is provided for in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> below), or any claim, issue or matter therein.

Section 3. **<u>Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, or any claim, issue or matter therein. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

------

Section 4. **<u>Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, and without limiting the rights of Indemnitee under any other provision hereof, including any rights to indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u> or <u>3</u> hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved Proceeding, claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and without limitation, the termination of any Proceeding or claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 5. **<u>Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise a participant, including by a request to respond to discovery requests, receipt of a subpoena or similar demand for documents or testimony, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (or, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

Section 6. **<u>Additional Indemnification</u>**. Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>4</u> hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, including but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 7. **<u>Exclusions</u>**. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to indemnify or hold harmless Indemnitee, or, in the case of (a) and (d), to advance Expenses to Indemnitee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy obtained by the Company or any other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under such insurance policy or such other indemnity provision;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**"), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements) or in respect of claw-back provisions promulgated under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law or (iii) such Proceeding is being brought by Indemnitee to assert, interpret or enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, Indemnitee shall not be deemed, for purposes of this subsection, to have initiated or brought any claim by reason of (A) having asserted any affirmative defenses in connection with a claim not initiated by Indemnitee or (B) having made any counterclaim (whether permissive or mandatory) in connection with any claim not initiated by Indemnitee); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter that is not subject to appeal shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.

Section 8. **<u>Advancement</u>**. In accordance with the pre-existing requirements of the Bylaws, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses and Liabilities reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all Expenses reasonably incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced to the extent that it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall limit Indemnitee's right to advancement pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to <u>Sections 7(a)</u> or <u>(d)</u> hereof.

Section 9. **<u>Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement hereunder following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof (the date of such notification, the "**<u>Submission Date</u>**"). The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Any delay or failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay or failure in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and/or advancement with respect to any Proceeding, Indemnitee may, at Indemnitee's option, (i) retain counsel (including local counsel) selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company to defend Indemnitee in such Proceeding, at the sole expense of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) have the Company assume the defense of Indemnitee in such Proceeding, in which case the Company shall assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) within ten (10) days of the

------

Company's receipt of written notice of Indemnitee's election to cause the Company to do so. If the Company is required to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, it shall engage legal counsel for such defense, and the Company shall be solely responsible for all fees and expenses of such legal counsel and otherwise of such defense. Such legal counsel may represent both Indemnitee and the Company (and any other party or parties entitled to be indemnified by the Company with respect to such matter) unless, in the reasonable opinion of legal counsel to Indemnitee, there is a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company (or any other such party or parties) or there are legal defenses available to Indemnitee that are not available to the Company (or any such other party or parties). Notwithstanding either party's assumption of responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, each party shall have the right to engage separate counsel at its own expense. If the Company has responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall provide the Indemnitee and its counsel with all copies of pleadings and material correspondence relating to the Proceeding. Indemnitee and the Company shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought hereunder, regardless of whether the Company or Indemnitee assumes the defense thereof. Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Company may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

Section 10. **<u>Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> hereof, if any determination by the Company is required by applicable law with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement thereto, such determination shall be made (i) if Indemnitee shall request such determination be made by Independent Counsel, by Independent Counsel, and (ii) in all other circumstances, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the securities of the Company present at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company will not deny any written request for indemnification hereunder made in good faith by Indemnitee unless a determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification described in this <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> has been made. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Liabilities and Expenses arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> hereof, (i) the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company within ten (10) days of the Submission Date (the cost of such Independent Counsel to be paid by the Company), (ii) the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and (iii) Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company Indemnitee's written objection to such selection. Such objection by Indemnitee may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in this Agreement. If such written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected shall not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until Indemnitee withdraws the objection or a court has determined that such objection

------

is without merit. Absent a timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to before the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the Submission Date and (B) ten (10) days after the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, each of the Company and Indemnitee shall select a law firm or member of a law firm meeting the qualifications to serve as Independent Counsel, and such law firms or members of law firms shall select the Independent Counsel.

Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

Section 11. **<u>Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefore, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent a prohibition of such indemnification required under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if (i) the determination is to be made by Independent Counsel and Indemnitee objects to the Company's selection of Independent Counsel and (ii) the Independent Counsel ultimately selected requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation or information relating thereto; provided further, however, that such 60-day period may also be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Reliance as Safe Harbor</u>**. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, partners, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>11(d)</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Actions of Others</u>**. The knowledge or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 12. **<u>Remedies of Indemnitee</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 or the third to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>6</u> of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other Person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u>, absent a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or the Bylaws, or under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein; provided that, in absence of any such determination with respect to such Proceeding, the Company shall advance Expenses with respect to such Proceeding.

------

Section 13. **<u>Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. The Company shall not adopt any amendment or alteration to, or repeal of, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber the Indemnitee's rights to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or applicable law relative to such rights prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change as of the effective date of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance providing reasonable and customary coverage as compared with similarly situated companies (as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion) for directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any Enterprise, and Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee, trustee or agent under such policy or policies and such policies shall provide for and recognize that the insurance policies are primary to any rights to indemnification, advancement or insurance proceeds to which Indemnitee may be entitled from one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to the same extent as the Company's indemnification and advancement obligations set forth in this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, including rights of indemnification provided to Indemnitee from any other person or entity with whom Indemnitee may be associated; provided, however, that the Company shall not be subrogated to the extent of any such payment of all rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The indemnification and contribution provided for in this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Indemnitee.

Section 14. **<u>Duration of Agreement; Not Employment Contract</u>**. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the latest of: (i) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other Enterprise, (ii) one (1) year after the date of final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding, including any appeal, commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> of this Agreement relating thereto or (iii) the expiration of all statutes of limitation applicable to possible Proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject arising out of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company or of any of the Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries or to have Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor, and any direct or indirect parent of any successor, whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee's employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), if any, is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL.

Section 15. **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

------

Section 16. **<u>Enforcement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 17. **<u>Modification and Waiver</u>**. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 18. **<u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as
Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If to the Company to

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

Attention: Board of Directors

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 19. **<u>Contribution</u>**. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Liabilities or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and transaction(s).

Section 20. **<u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the "**<u>Delaware Court</u>**"), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) consent to service of process at the address set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>18</u> of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

------

Section 21. **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile or other electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart by such Party.

Section 22. **<u>Miscellaneous</u>**. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | INDEMNITEE | INDEMNITEE |
| By: | /s/ John Turner | By: | /s/ Stephen C. Cole |
| Name: | John Turner | Name: | Stephen C. Cole |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: | Director |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

## Exhibit 10.11

**Exhibit 10.11** 

**INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT** 

This Indemnification Agreement ("**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made as of March 8, 2023 by and between Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and the individual identified as the Indemnitee on the signature page hereto ("**<u>Indemnitee</u>**").

**<u>RECITALS</u>:** 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance and adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "**<u>Board</u>**") has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, (i) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Bylaws</u>**") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("**<u>DGCL</u>**") and (iii) the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**") and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, (i) Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, (ii) Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company without adequate protection, (iii) the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity and (iv) Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

**<u>AGREEMENT</u>:** 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. **<u>Definitions</u>**. (a) As used in this Agreement:

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Board</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Bylaws</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

------

"**<u>Company</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Corporate Status</u>**" describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

"**<u>Delaware Court</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>20</u>.

"**<u>DGCL</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Disinterested Director</u>**" shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

"**<u>Enterprise</u>**" shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**<u>Expenses</u>**" shall mean all reasonable costs, expenses, fees and charges of any type or nature, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, document and e-discovery costs, litigation expenses, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include, without limitation, (i) expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from, incurred by Indemnitee in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to, any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof only, expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise, (iii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, and (iv) any interest, assessments or other charges in respect of the foregoing. "Expenses" shall not include "Liabilities."

"**<u>Indemnitee</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Indemnity Obligations</u>**" shall mean all obligations of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, including the Company's obligations to provide indemnification to Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

"**<u>Independent Counsel</u>**" shall mean a law firm of national reputation in the United States, or a partner or member of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the term "Independent Counsel" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

"**<u>Liabilities</u>**" shall mean all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, orders, fines, penalties and other amounts payable in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to any Proceeding, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement in any Proceeding and all costs and expenses in complying with any judgment, order or decree issued or entered in connection with any Proceeding or any settlement agreement, stipulation or consent decree entered into or issued in settlement of any Proceeding.

------

"**<u>Person</u>**" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or body or any other legal entity.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, formal or informal hearing, inquiry or investigation, litigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed judicial, administrative or arbitration proceeding (including, without limitation, any such proceeding under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act or any other federal law, state law, statute or regulation), whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in each case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be, or is threatened to be, involved as a party, potential party, witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any actual or alleged action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or inaction) on Indemnitee's part while acting as director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employe benefit plan or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purpose hereof, references to "fines" shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

"**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>7(c)</u>.

"**<u>Submission Date</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u>.

Section 2. **<u>Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding (other than any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, which is provided for in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> below), or any claim, issue or matter therein.

Section 3. **<u>Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, or any claim, issue or matter therein. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

------

Section 4. **<u>Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, and without limiting the rights of Indemnitee under any other provision hereof, including any rights to indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u> or <u>3</u> hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved Proceeding, claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and without limitation, the termination of any Proceeding or claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 5. **<u>Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise a participant, including by a request to respond to discovery requests, receipt of a subpoena or similar demand for documents or testimony, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (or, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

Section 6. **<u>Additional Indemnification</u>**. Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>4</u> hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, including but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 7. **<u>Exclusions</u>**. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to indemnify or hold harmless Indemnitee, or, in the case of (a) and (d), to advance Expenses to Indemnitee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy obtained by the Company or any other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under such insurance policy or such other indemnity provision;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**"), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements) or in respect of claw-back provisions promulgated under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law or (iii) such Proceeding is being brought by Indemnitee to assert, interpret or enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, Indemnitee shall not be deemed, for purposes of this subsection, to have initiated or brought any claim by reason of (A) having asserted any affirmative defenses in connection with a claim not initiated by Indemnitee or (B) having made any counterclaim (whether permissive or mandatory) in connection with any claim not initiated by Indemnitee); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter that is not subject to appeal shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.

Section 8. **<u>Advancement</u>**. In accordance with the pre-existing requirements of the Bylaws, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses and Liabilities reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all Expenses reasonably incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced to the extent that it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall limit Indemnitee's right to advancement pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to <u>Sections 7(a)</u> or <u>(d)</u> hereof.

Section 9. **<u>Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement hereunder following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof (the date of such notification, the "**<u>Submission Date</u>**"). The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Any delay or failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay or failure in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and/or advancement with respect to any Proceeding, Indemnitee may, at Indemnitee's option, (i) retain counsel (including local counsel) selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company to defend Indemnitee in such Proceeding, at the sole expense of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) have the Company assume the defense of Indemnitee in such Proceeding, in which case the Company shall assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) within ten (10) days of the

------

Company's receipt of written notice of Indemnitee's election to cause the Company to do so. If the Company is required to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, it shall engage legal counsel for such defense, and the Company shall be solely responsible for all fees and expenses of such legal counsel and otherwise of such defense. Such legal counsel may represent both Indemnitee and the Company (and any other party or parties entitled to be indemnified by the Company with respect to such matter) unless, in the reasonable opinion of legal counsel to Indemnitee, there is a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company (or any other such party or parties) or there are legal defenses available to Indemnitee that are not available to the Company (or any such other party or parties). Notwithstanding either party's assumption of responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, each party shall have the right to engage separate counsel at its own expense. If the Company has responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall provide the Indemnitee and its counsel with all copies of pleadings and material correspondence relating to the Proceeding. Indemnitee and the Company shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought hereunder, regardless of whether the Company or Indemnitee assumes the defense thereof. Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Company may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

Section 10. **<u>Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> hereof, if any determination by the Company is required by applicable law with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement thereto, such determination shall be made (i) if Indemnitee shall request such determination be made by Independent Counsel, by Independent Counsel, and (ii) in all other circumstances, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the securities of the Company present at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company will not deny any written request for indemnification hereunder made in good faith by Indemnitee unless a determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification described in this <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> has been made. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Liabilities and Expenses arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> hereof, (i) the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company within ten (10) days of the Submission Date (the cost of such Independent Counsel to be paid by the Company), (ii) the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and (iii) Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company Indemnitee's written objection to such selection. Such objection by Indemnitee may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in this Agreement. If such written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected shall not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until Indemnitee withdraws the objection or a court has determined that such objection

------

is without merit. Absent a timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to before the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the Submission Date and (B) ten (10) days after the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, each of the Company and Indemnitee shall select a law firm or member of a law firm meeting the qualifications to serve as Independent Counsel, and such law firms or members of law firms shall select the Independent Counsel.

Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

Section 11. **<u>Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefore, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent a prohibition of such indemnification required under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if (i) the determination is to be made by Independent Counsel and Indemnitee objects to the Company's selection of Independent Counsel and (ii) the Independent Counsel ultimately selected requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation or information relating thereto; provided further, however, that such 60-day period may also be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Reliance as Safe Harbor</u>**. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, partners, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>11(d)</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Actions of Others</u>**. The knowledge or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 12. **<u>Remedies of Indemnitee</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 or the third to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>6</u> of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other Person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u>, absent a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or the Bylaws, or under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein; provided that, in absence of any such determination with respect to such Proceeding, the Company shall advance Expenses with respect to such Proceeding.

------

Section 13. **<u>Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. The Company shall not adopt any amendment or alteration to, or repeal of, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber the Indemnitee's rights to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or applicable law relative to such rights prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change as of the effective date of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance providing reasonable and customary coverage as compared with similarly situated companies (as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion) for directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any Enterprise, and Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee, trustee or agent under such policy or policies and such policies shall provide for and recognize that the insurance policies are primary to any rights to indemnification, advancement or insurance proceeds to which Indemnitee may be entitled from one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to the same extent as the Company's indemnification and advancement obligations set forth in this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, including rights of indemnification provided to Indemnitee from any other person or entity with whom Indemnitee may be associated; provided, however, that the Company shall not be subrogated to the extent of any such payment of all rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The indemnification and contribution provided for in this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Indemnitee.

Section 14. **<u>Duration of Agreement; Not Employment Contract</u>**. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the latest of: (i) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other Enterprise, (ii) one (1) year after the date of final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding, including any appeal, commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> of this Agreement relating thereto or (iii) the expiration of all statutes of limitation applicable to possible Proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject arising out of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company or of any of the Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries or to have Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor, and any direct or indirect parent of any successor, whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee's employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), if any, is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL.

Section 15. **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

------

Section 16. **<u>Enforcement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 17. **<u>Modification and Waiver</u>**. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 18. **<u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as
Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If to the Company to

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

Attention: Board of Directors

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 19. **<u>Contribution</u>**. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Liabilities or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and transaction(s).

Section 20. **<u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the "**<u>Delaware Court</u>**"), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) consent to service of process at the address set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>18</u> of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

------

Section 21. **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile or other electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart by such Party.

Section 22. **<u>Miscellaneous</u>**. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | INDEMNITEE | INDEMNITEE |
| By: | /s/ John Turner | By: | /s/ Stacy Hock |
| Name: | John Turner | Name: | Stacy Hock |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: | Director |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

## Exhibit 10.12

**Exhibit 10.12** 

**INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT** 

This Indemnification Agreement ("**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made as of March 8, 2023 by and between Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and the individual identified as the Indemnitee on the signature page hereto ("**<u>Indemnitee</u>**").

**<u>RECITALS</u>:** 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance and adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "**<u>Board</u>**") has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, (i) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Bylaws</u>**") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("**<u>DGCL</u>**") and (iii) the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**") and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, (i) Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, (ii) Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company without adequate protection, (iii) the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity and (iv) Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

**<u>AGREEMENT</u>:** 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. **<u>Definitions</u>**. (a) As used in this Agreement:

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Board</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Bylaws</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

------

"**<u>Company</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Corporate Status</u>**" describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

"**<u>Delaware Court</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>20</u>.

"**<u>DGCL</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Disinterested Director</u>**" shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

"**<u>Enterprise</u>**" shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**<u>Expenses</u>**" shall mean all reasonable costs, expenses, fees and charges of any type or nature, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, document and e-discovery costs, litigation expenses, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include, without limitation, (i) expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from, incurred by Indemnitee in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to, any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof only, expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise, (iii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, and (iv) any interest, assessments or other charges in respect of the foregoing. "Expenses" shall not include "Liabilities."

"**<u>Indemnitee</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Indemnity Obligations</u>**" shall mean all obligations of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, including the Company's obligations to provide indemnification to Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

"**<u>Independent Counsel</u>**" shall mean a law firm of national reputation in the United States, or a partner or member of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the term "Independent Counsel" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

"**<u>Liabilities</u>**" shall mean all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, orders, fines, penalties and other amounts payable in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to any Proceeding, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement in any Proceeding and all costs and expenses in complying with any judgment, order or decree issued or entered in connection with any Proceeding or any settlement agreement, stipulation or consent decree entered into or issued in settlement of any Proceeding.

------

"**<u>Person</u>**" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or body or any other legal entity.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, formal or informal hearing, inquiry or investigation, litigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed judicial, administrative or arbitration proceeding (including, without limitation, any such proceeding under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act or any other federal law, state law, statute or regulation), whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in each case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be, or is threatened to be, involved as a party, potential party, witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any actual or alleged action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or inaction) on Indemnitee's part while acting as director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employe benefit plan or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purpose hereof, references to "fines" shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

"**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>7(c)</u>.

"**<u>Submission Date</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u>.

Section 2. **<u>Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding (other than any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, which is provided for in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> below), or any claim, issue or matter therein.

Section 3. **<u>Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, or any claim, issue or matter therein. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

------

Section 4. **<u>Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, and without limiting the rights of Indemnitee under any other provision hereof, including any rights to indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u> or <u>3</u> hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved Proceeding, claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and without limitation, the termination of any Proceeding or claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 5. **<u>Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise a participant, including by a request to respond to discovery requests, receipt of a subpoena or similar demand for documents or testimony, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (or, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

Section 6. **<u>Additional Indemnification</u>**. Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>4</u> hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, including but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 7. **<u>Exclusions</u>**. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to indemnify or hold harmless Indemnitee, or, in the case of (a) and (d), to advance Expenses to Indemnitee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy obtained by the Company or any other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under such insurance policy or such other indemnity provision;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**"), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements) or in respect of claw-back provisions promulgated under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law or (iii) such Proceeding is being brought by Indemnitee to assert, interpret or enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, Indemnitee shall not be deemed, for purposes of this subsection, to have initiated or brought any claim by reason of (A) having asserted any affirmative defenses in connection with a claim not initiated by Indemnitee or (B) having made any counterclaim (whether permissive or mandatory) in connection with any claim not initiated by Indemnitee); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter that is not subject to appeal shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.

Section 8. **<u>Advancement</u>**. In accordance with the pre-existing requirements of the Bylaws, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses and Liabilities reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all Expenses reasonably incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced to the extent that it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall limit Indemnitee's right to advancement pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to <u>Sections 7(a)</u> or <u>(d)</u> hereof.

Section 9. **<u>Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement hereunder following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof (the date of such notification, the "**<u>Submission Date</u>**"). The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Any delay or failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay or failure in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and/or advancement with respect to any Proceeding, Indemnitee may, at Indemnitee's option, (i) retain counsel (including local counsel) selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company to defend Indemnitee in such Proceeding, at the sole expense of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) have the Company assume the defense of Indemnitee in such Proceeding, in which case the Company shall assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) within ten (10) days of the

------

Company's receipt of written notice of Indemnitee's election to cause the Company to do so. If the Company is required to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, it shall engage legal counsel for such defense, and the Company shall be solely responsible for all fees and expenses of such legal counsel and otherwise of such defense. Such legal counsel may represent both Indemnitee and the Company (and any other party or parties entitled to be indemnified by the Company with respect to such matter) unless, in the reasonable opinion of legal counsel to Indemnitee, there is a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company (or any other such party or parties) or there are legal defenses available to Indemnitee that are not available to the Company (or any such other party or parties). Notwithstanding either party's assumption of responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, each party shall have the right to engage separate counsel at its own expense. If the Company has responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall provide the Indemnitee and its counsel with all copies of pleadings and material correspondence relating to the Proceeding. Indemnitee and the Company shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought hereunder, regardless of whether the Company or Indemnitee assumes the defense thereof. Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Company may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

Section 10. **<u>Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> hereof, if any determination by the Company is required by applicable law with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement thereto, such determination shall be made (i) if Indemnitee shall request such determination be made by Independent Counsel, by Independent Counsel, and (ii) in all other circumstances, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the securities of the Company present at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company will not deny any written request for indemnification hereunder made in good faith by Indemnitee unless a determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification described in this <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> has been made. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Liabilities and Expenses arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> hereof, (i) the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company within ten (10) days of the Submission Date (the cost of such Independent Counsel to be paid by the Company), (ii) the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and (iii) Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company Indemnitee's written objection to such selection. Such objection by Indemnitee may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in this Agreement. If such written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected shall not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until Indemnitee withdraws the objection or a court has determined that such objection

------

is without merit. Absent a timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to before the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the Submission Date and (B) ten (10) days after the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, each of the Company and Indemnitee shall select a law firm or member of a law firm meeting the qualifications to serve as Independent Counsel, and such law firms or members of law firms shall select the Independent Counsel.

Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

Section 11. **<u>Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefore, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent a prohibition of such indemnification required under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if (i) the determination is to be made by Independent Counsel and Indemnitee objects to the Company's selection of Independent Counsel and (ii) the Independent Counsel ultimately selected requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation or information relating thereto; provided further, however, that such 60-day period may also be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Reliance as Safe Harbor</u>**. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, partners, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>11(d)</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Actions of Others</u>**. The knowledge or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 12. **<u>Remedies of Indemnitee</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 or the third to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>6</u> of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other Person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u>, absent a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or the Bylaws, or under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein; provided that, in absence of any such determination with respect to such Proceeding, the Company shall advance Expenses with respect to such Proceeding.

------

Section 13. **<u>Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. The Company shall not adopt any amendment or alteration to, or repeal of, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber the Indemnitee's rights to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or applicable law relative to such rights prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change as of the effective date of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance providing reasonable and customary coverage as compared with similarly situated companies (as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion) for directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any Enterprise, and Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee, trustee or agent under such policy or policies and such policies shall provide for and recognize that the insurance policies are primary to any rights to indemnification, advancement or insurance proceeds to which Indemnitee may be entitled from one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to the same extent as the Company's indemnification and advancement obligations set forth in this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, including rights of indemnification provided to Indemnitee from any other person or entity with whom Indemnitee may be associated; provided, however, that the Company shall not be subrogated to the extent of any such payment of all rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The indemnification and contribution provided for in this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Indemnitee.

Section 14. **<u>Duration of Agreement; Not Employment Contract</u>**. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the latest of: (i) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other Enterprise, (ii) one (1) year after the date of final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding, including any appeal, commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> of this Agreement relating thereto or (iii) the expiration of all statutes of limitation applicable to possible Proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject arising out of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company or of any of the Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries or to have Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor, and any direct or indirect parent of any successor, whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee's employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), if any, is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL.

Section 15. **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

------

Section 16. **<u>Enforcement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 17. **<u>Modification and Waiver</u>**. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 18. **<u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as
Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If to the Company to

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

Attention: Board of Directors

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 19. **<u>Contribution</u>**. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Liabilities or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and transaction(s).

Section 20. **<u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the "**<u>Delaware Court</u>**"), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) consent to service of process at the address set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>18</u> of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

------

Section 21. **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile or other electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart by such Party.

Section 22. **<u>Miscellaneous</u>**. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | INDEMNITEE | INDEMNITEE |
| By: | /s/ John Turner | By: | /s/ A. Lance Langford |
| Name: | John Turner | Name: | A. Lance Langford |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: | Director |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

## Exhibit 10.13

**Exhibit 10.13** 

**INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT** 

This Indemnification Agreement ("**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made as of March 8, 2023 by and between Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and the individual identified as the Indemnitee on the signature page hereto ("**<u>Indemnitee</u>**").

**<u>RECITALS</u>:** 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance and adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "**<u>Board</u>**") has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, (i) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Bylaws</u>**") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("**<u>DGCL</u>**") and (iii) the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**") and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, (i) Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, (ii) Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company without adequate protection, (iii) the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity and (iv) Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

**<u>AGREEMENT</u>:** 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. **<u>Definitions</u>**. (a) As used in this Agreement:

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Board</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Bylaws</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

------

"**<u>Company</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Corporate Status</u>**" describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

"**<u>Delaware Court</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>20</u>.

"**<u>DGCL</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Disinterested Director</u>**" shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

"**<u>Enterprise</u>**" shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**<u>Expenses</u>**" shall mean all reasonable costs, expenses, fees and charges of any type or nature, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, document and e-discovery costs, litigation expenses, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include, without limitation, (i) expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from, incurred by Indemnitee in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to, any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof only, expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise, (iii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, and (iv) any interest, assessments or other charges in respect of the foregoing. "Expenses" shall not include "Liabilities."

"**<u>Indemnitee</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Indemnity Obligations</u>**" shall mean all obligations of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, including the Company's obligations to provide indemnification to Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

"**<u>Independent Counsel</u>**" shall mean a law firm of national reputation in the United States, or a partner or member of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the term "Independent Counsel" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

"**<u>Liabilities</u>**" shall mean all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, orders, fines, penalties and other amounts payable in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to any Proceeding, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement in any Proceeding and all costs and expenses in complying with any judgment, order or decree issued or entered in connection with any Proceeding or any settlement agreement, stipulation or consent decree entered into or issued in settlement of any Proceeding.

------

"**<u>Person</u>**" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or body or any other legal entity.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, formal or informal hearing, inquiry or investigation, litigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed judicial, administrative or arbitration proceeding (including, without limitation, any such proceeding under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act or any other federal law, state law, statute or regulation), whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in each case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be, or is threatened to be, involved as a party, potential party, witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any actual or alleged action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or inaction) on Indemnitee's part while acting as director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employe benefit plan or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purpose hereof, references to "fines" shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

"**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>7(c)</u>.

"**<u>Submission Date</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u>.

Section 2. **<u>Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding (other than any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, which is provided for in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> below), or any claim, issue or matter therein.

Section 3. **<u>Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, or any claim, issue or matter therein. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

------

Section 4. **<u>Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, and without limiting the rights of Indemnitee under any other provision hereof, including any rights to indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u> or <u>3</u> hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved Proceeding, claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and without limitation, the termination of any Proceeding or claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 5. **<u>Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise a participant, including by a request to respond to discovery requests, receipt of a subpoena or similar demand for documents or testimony, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (or, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

Section 6. **<u>Additional Indemnification</u>**. Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>4</u> hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, including but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 7. **<u>Exclusions</u>**. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to indemnify or hold harmless Indemnitee, or, in the case of (a) and (d), to advance Expenses to Indemnitee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy obtained by the Company or any other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under such insurance policy or such other indemnity provision;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**"), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements) or in respect of claw-back provisions promulgated under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law or (iii) such Proceeding is being brought by Indemnitee to assert, interpret or enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, Indemnitee shall not be deemed, for purposes of this subsection, to have initiated or brought any claim by reason of (A) having asserted any affirmative defenses in connection with a claim not initiated by Indemnitee or (B) having made any counterclaim (whether permissive or mandatory) in connection with any claim not initiated by Indemnitee); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter that is not subject to appeal shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.

Section 8. **<u>Advancement</u>**. In accordance with the pre-existing requirements of the Bylaws, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses and Liabilities reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all Expenses reasonably incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced to the extent that it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall limit Indemnitee's right to advancement pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to <u>Sections 7(a)</u> or <u>(d)</u> hereof.

Section 9. **<u>Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement hereunder following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof (the date of such notification, the "**<u>Submission Date</u>**"). The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Any delay or failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay or failure in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and/or advancement with respect to any Proceeding, Indemnitee may, at Indemnitee's option, (i) retain counsel (including local counsel) selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company to defend Indemnitee in such Proceeding, at the sole expense of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) have the Company assume the defense of Indemnitee in such Proceeding, in which case the Company shall assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) within ten (10) days of the

------

Company's receipt of written notice of Indemnitee's election to cause the Company to do so. If the Company is required to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, it shall engage legal counsel for such defense, and the Company shall be solely responsible for all fees and expenses of such legal counsel and otherwise of such defense. Such legal counsel may represent both Indemnitee and the Company (and any other party or parties entitled to be indemnified by the Company with respect to such matter) unless, in the reasonable opinion of legal counsel to Indemnitee, there is a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company (or any other such party or parties) or there are legal defenses available to Indemnitee that are not available to the Company (or any such other party or parties). Notwithstanding either party's assumption of responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, each party shall have the right to engage separate counsel at its own expense. If the Company has responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall provide the Indemnitee and its counsel with all copies of pleadings and material correspondence relating to the Proceeding. Indemnitee and the Company shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought hereunder, regardless of whether the Company or Indemnitee assumes the defense thereof. Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Company may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

Section 10. **<u>Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> hereof, if any determination by the Company is required by applicable law with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement thereto, such determination shall be made (i) if Indemnitee shall request such determination be made by Independent Counsel, by Independent Counsel, and (ii) in all other circumstances, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the securities of the Company present at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company will not deny any written request for indemnification hereunder made in good faith by Indemnitee unless a determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification described in this <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> has been made. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Liabilities and Expenses arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> hereof, (i) the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company within ten (10) days of the Submission Date (the cost of such Independent Counsel to be paid by the Company), (ii) the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and (iii) Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company Indemnitee's written objection to such selection. Such objection by Indemnitee may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in this Agreement. If such written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected shall not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until Indemnitee withdraws the objection or a court has determined that such objection

------

is without merit. Absent a timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to before the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the Submission Date and (B) ten (10) days after the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, each of the Company and Indemnitee shall select a law firm or member of a law firm meeting the qualifications to serve as Independent Counsel, and such law firms or members of law firms shall select the Independent Counsel.

Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

Section 11. **<u>Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefore, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent a prohibition of such indemnification required under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if (i) the determination is to be made by Independent Counsel and Indemnitee objects to the Company's selection of Independent Counsel and (ii) the Independent Counsel ultimately selected requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation or information relating thereto; provided further, however, that such 60-day period may also be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Reliance as Safe Harbor</u>**. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, partners, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>11(d)</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Actions of Others</u>**. The knowledge or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 12. **<u>Remedies of Indemnitee</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 or the third to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>6</u> of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other Person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u>, absent a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or the Bylaws, or under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein; provided that, in absence of any such determination with respect to such Proceeding, the Company shall advance Expenses with respect to such Proceeding.

------

Section 13. **<u>Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. The Company shall not adopt any amendment or alteration to, or repeal of, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber the Indemnitee's rights to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or applicable law relative to such rights prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change as of the effective date of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance providing reasonable and customary coverage as compared with similarly situated companies (as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion) for directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any Enterprise, and Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee, trustee or agent under such policy or policies and such policies shall provide for and recognize that the insurance policies are primary to any rights to indemnification, advancement or insurance proceeds to which Indemnitee may be entitled from one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to the same extent as the Company's indemnification and advancement obligations set forth in this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, including rights of indemnification provided to Indemnitee from any other person or entity with whom Indemnitee may be associated; provided, however, that the Company shall not be subrogated to the extent of any such payment of all rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The indemnification and contribution provided for in this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Indemnitee.

Section 14. **<u>Duration of Agreement; Not Employment Contract</u>**. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the latest of: (i) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other Enterprise, (ii) one (1) year after the date of final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding, including any appeal, commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> of this Agreement relating thereto or (iii) the expiration of all statutes of limitation applicable to possible Proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject arising out of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company or of any of the Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries or to have Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor, and any direct or indirect parent of any successor, whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee's employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), if any, is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL.

Section 15. **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

------

Section 16. **<u>Enforcement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 17. **<u>Modification and Waiver</u>**. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 18. **<u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as
Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If to the Company to

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

Attention: Board of Directors

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 19. **<u>Contribution</u>**. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Liabilities or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and transaction(s).

Section 20. **<u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the "**<u>Delaware Court</u>**"), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) consent to service of process at the address set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>18</u> of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

------

Section 21. **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile or other electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart by such Party.

Section 22. **<u>Miscellaneous</u>**. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | INDEMNITEE | INDEMNITEE |
| By: | /s/ John Turner | By: | /s/ Mark P. Mills |
| Name: | John Turner | Name: | Mark P. Mills |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: | Director |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

## Exhibit 10.14

**Exhibit 10.14** 

**INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT** 

This Indemnification Agreement ("**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made as of March 8, 2023 by and between Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and the individual identified as the Indemnitee on the signature page hereto ("**<u>Indemnitee</u>**").

**<u>RECITALS</u>:** 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance and adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "**<u>Board</u>**") has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, (i) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Bylaws</u>**") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("**<u>DGCL</u>**") and (iii) the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**") and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, (i) Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, (ii) Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company without adequate protection, (iii) the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity and (iv) Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

**<u>AGREEMENT</u>:** 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. **<u>Definitions</u>**. (a) As used in this Agreement:

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Board</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Bylaws</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

------

"**<u>Company</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Corporate Status</u>**" describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

"**<u>Delaware Court</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>20</u>.

"**<u>DGCL</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Disinterested Director</u>**" shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

"**<u>Enterprise</u>**" shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**<u>Expenses</u>**" shall mean all reasonable costs, expenses, fees and charges of any type or nature, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, document and e-discovery costs, litigation expenses, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include, without limitation, (i) expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from, incurred by Indemnitee in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to, any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof only, expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise, (iii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, and (iv) any interest, assessments or other charges in respect of the foregoing. "Expenses" shall not include "Liabilities."

"**<u>Indemnitee</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Indemnity Obligations</u>**" shall mean all obligations of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, including the Company's obligations to provide indemnification to Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

"**<u>Independent Counsel</u>**" shall mean a law firm of national reputation in the United States, or a partner or member of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the term "Independent Counsel" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

"**<u>Liabilities</u>**" shall mean all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, orders, fines, penalties and other amounts payable in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to any Proceeding, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement in any Proceeding and all costs and expenses in complying with any judgment, order or decree issued or entered in connection with any Proceeding or any settlement agreement, stipulation or consent decree entered into or issued in settlement of any Proceeding.

------

"**<u>Person</u>**" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or body or any other legal entity.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, formal or informal hearing, inquiry or investigation, litigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed judicial, administrative or arbitration proceeding (including, without limitation, any such proceeding under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act or any other federal law, state law, statute or regulation), whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in each case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be, or is threatened to be, involved as a party, potential party, witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any actual or alleged action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or inaction) on Indemnitee's part while acting as director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employe benefit plan or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purpose hereof, references to "fines" shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

"**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>7(c)</u>.

"**<u>Submission Date</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u>.

Section 2. **<u>Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding (other than any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, which is provided for in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> below), or any claim, issue or matter therein.

Section 3. **<u>Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, or any claim, issue or matter therein. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

------

Section 4. **<u>Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, and without limiting the rights of Indemnitee under any other provision hereof, including any rights to indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u> or <u>3</u> hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved Proceeding, claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and without limitation, the termination of any Proceeding or claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 5. **<u>Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise a participant, including by a request to respond to discovery requests, receipt of a subpoena or similar demand for documents or testimony, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (or, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

Section 6. **<u>Additional Indemnification</u>**. Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>4</u> hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, including but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 7. **<u>Exclusions</u>**. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to indemnify or hold harmless Indemnitee, or, in the case of (a) and (d), to advance Expenses to Indemnitee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy obtained by the Company or any other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under such insurance policy or such other indemnity provision;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**"), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements) or in respect of claw-back provisions promulgated under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law or (iii) such Proceeding is being brought by Indemnitee to assert, interpret or enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, Indemnitee shall not be deemed, for purposes of this subsection, to have initiated or brought any claim by reason of (A) having asserted any affirmative defenses in connection with a claim not initiated by Indemnitee or (B) having made any counterclaim (whether permissive or mandatory) in connection with any claim not initiated by Indemnitee); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter that is not subject to appeal shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.

Section 8. **<u>Advancement</u>**. In accordance with the pre-existing requirements of the Bylaws, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses and Liabilities reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all Expenses reasonably incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced to the extent that it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall limit Indemnitee's right to advancement pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to <u>Sections 7(a)</u> or <u>(d)</u> hereof.

Section 9. **<u>Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement hereunder following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof (the date of such notification, the "**<u>Submission Date</u>**"). The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Any delay or failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay or failure in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and/or advancement with respect to any Proceeding, Indemnitee may, at Indemnitee's option, (i) retain counsel (including local counsel) selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company to defend Indemnitee in such Proceeding, at the sole expense of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) have the Company assume the defense of Indemnitee in such Proceeding, in which case the Company shall assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) within ten (10) days of the

------

Company's receipt of written notice of Indemnitee's election to cause the Company to do so. If the Company is required to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, it shall engage legal counsel for such defense, and the Company shall be solely responsible for all fees and expenses of such legal counsel and otherwise of such defense. Such legal counsel may represent both Indemnitee and the Company (and any other party or parties entitled to be indemnified by the Company with respect to such matter) unless, in the reasonable opinion of legal counsel to Indemnitee, there is a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company (or any other such party or parties) or there are legal defenses available to Indemnitee that are not available to the Company (or any such other party or parties). Notwithstanding either party's assumption of responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, each party shall have the right to engage separate counsel at its own expense. If the Company has responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall provide the Indemnitee and its counsel with all copies of pleadings and material correspondence relating to the Proceeding. Indemnitee and the Company shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought hereunder, regardless of whether the Company or Indemnitee assumes the defense thereof. Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Company may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

Section 10. **<u>Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> hereof, if any determination by the Company is required by applicable law with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement thereto, such determination shall be made (i) if Indemnitee shall request such determination be made by Independent Counsel, by Independent Counsel, and (ii) in all other circumstances, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the securities of the Company present at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company will not deny any written request for indemnification hereunder made in good faith by Indemnitee unless a determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification described in this <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> has been made. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Liabilities and Expenses arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> hereof, (i) the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company within ten (10) days of the Submission Date (the cost of such Independent Counsel to be paid by the Company), (ii) the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and (iii) Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company Indemnitee's written objection to such selection. Such objection by Indemnitee may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in this Agreement. If such written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected shall not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until Indemnitee withdraws the objection or a court has determined that such objection

------

is without merit. Absent a timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to before the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the Submission Date and (B) ten (10) days after the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, each of the Company and Indemnitee shall select a law firm or member of a law firm meeting the qualifications to serve as Independent Counsel, and such law firms or members of law firms shall select the Independent Counsel.

Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

Section 11. **<u>Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefore, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent a prohibition of such indemnification required under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if (i) the determination is to be made by Independent Counsel and Indemnitee objects to the Company's selection of Independent Counsel and (ii) the Independent Counsel ultimately selected requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation or information relating thereto; provided further, however, that such 60-day period may also be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Reliance as Safe Harbor</u>**. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, partners, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>11(d)</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Actions of Others</u>**. The knowledge or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 12. **<u>Remedies of Indemnitee</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 or the third to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>6</u> of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other Person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u>, absent a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or the Bylaws, or under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein; provided that, in absence of any such determination with respect to such Proceeding, the Company shall advance Expenses with respect to such Proceeding.

------

Section 13. **<u>Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. The Company shall not adopt any amendment or alteration to, or repeal of, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber the Indemnitee's rights to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or applicable law relative to such rights prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change as of the effective date of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance providing reasonable and customary coverage as compared with similarly situated companies (as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion) for directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any Enterprise, and Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee, trustee or agent under such policy or policies and such policies shall provide for and recognize that the insurance policies are primary to any rights to indemnification, advancement or insurance proceeds to which Indemnitee may be entitled from one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to the same extent as the Company's indemnification and advancement obligations set forth in this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, including rights of indemnification provided to Indemnitee from any other person or entity with whom Indemnitee may be associated; provided, however, that the Company shall not be subrogated to the extent of any such payment of all rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The indemnification and contribution provided for in this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Indemnitee.

Section 14. **<u>Duration of Agreement; Not Employment Contract</u>**. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the latest of: (i) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other Enterprise, (ii) one (1) year after the date of final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding, including any appeal, commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> of this Agreement relating thereto or (iii) the expiration of all statutes of limitation applicable to possible Proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject arising out of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company or of any of the Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries or to have Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor, and any direct or indirect parent of any successor, whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee's employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), if any, is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL.

Section 15. **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

------

Section 16. **<u>Enforcement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 17. **<u>Modification and Waiver</u>**. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 18. **<u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as
Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If to the Company to

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

Attention: Board of Directors

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 19. **<u>Contribution</u>**. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Liabilities or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and transaction(s).

Section 20. **<u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the "**<u>Delaware Court</u>**"), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) consent to service of process at the address set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>18</u> of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

------

Section 21. **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile or other electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart by such Party.

Section 22. **<u>Miscellaneous</u>**. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | INDEMNITEE | INDEMNITEE |
| By: | /s/ John Turner | By: | /s/ Douglas Rogers |
| Name: | John Turner | Name: | Douglas Rogers |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: | Director |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

## Exhibit 10.15

**Exhibit 10.15** 

**INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT** 

This Indemnification Agreement ("**<u>Agreement</u>**") is made as of March 8, 2023 by and between Atlas Energy Solutions Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "**<u>Company</u>**"), and the individual identified as the Indemnitee on the signature page hereto ("**<u>Indemnitee</u>**").

**<u>RECITALS</u>:** 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance and adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "**<u>Board</u>**") has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, (i) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Bylaws</u>**") require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, (ii) Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("**<u>DGCL</u>**") and (iii) the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as may be amended, the "**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**") and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, (i) Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, (ii) Indemnitee may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company without adequate protection, (iii) the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity and (iv) Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

**<u>AGREEMENT</u>:** 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. **<u>Definitions</u>**. (a) As used in this Agreement:

"**<u>Agreement</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Board</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Bylaws</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Certificate of Incorporation</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

------

"**<u>Company</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Corporate Status</u>**" describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of (i) the Company or (ii) any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

"**<u>Delaware Court</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>20</u>.

"**<u>DGCL</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

"**<u>Disinterested Director</u>**" shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

"**<u>Enterprise</u>**" shall mean the Company and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee, trustee, agent or fiduciary.

"**<u>Exchange Act</u>**" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"**<u>Expenses</u>**" shall mean all reasonable costs, expenses, fees and charges of any type or nature, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees, document and e-discovery costs, litigation expenses, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also shall include, without limitation, (i) expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from, incurred by Indemnitee in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to, any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedes bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, (ii) for purposes of <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof only, expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise, (iii) any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, and (iv) any interest, assessments or other charges in respect of the foregoing. "Expenses" shall not include "Liabilities."

"**<u>Indemnitee</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"**<u>Indemnity Obligations</u>**" shall mean all obligations of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement, including the Company's obligations to provide indemnification to Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

"**<u>Independent Counsel</u>**" shall mean a law firm of national reputation in the United States, or a partner or member of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the term "Independent Counsel" shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement.

"**<u>Liabilities</u>**" shall mean all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, orders, fines, penalties and other amounts payable in connection with, arising out of, or in respect of or relating to any Proceeding, including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement in any Proceeding and all costs and expenses in complying with any judgment, order or decree issued or entered in connection with any Proceeding or any settlement agreement, stipulation or consent decree entered into or issued in settlement of any Proceeding.

------

"**<u>Person</u>**" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust, governmental agency or body or any other legal entity.

"**<u>Proceeding</u>**" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed action, claim, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, formal or informal hearing, inquiry or investigation, litigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed judicial, administrative or arbitration proceeding (including, without limitation, any such proceeding under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act or any other federal law, state law, statute or regulation), whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise, and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in each case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be, or is threatened to be, involved as a party, potential party, witness or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any actual or alleged action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or inaction) on Indemnitee's part while acting as director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employe benefit plan or other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) For the purpose hereof, references to "fines" shall include any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to "serving at the request of the Company" shall include any service as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a Person who acted in good faith and in a manner such Person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Company" as referred to in this Agreement.

"**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>7(c)</u>.

"**<u>Submission Date</u>**" shall have the meaning set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u>.

Section 2. **<u>Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding (other than any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, which is provided for in <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> below), or any claim, issue or matter therein.

Section 3. **<u>Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company</u>**. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, or any claim, issue or matter therein. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this <u>Section</u> <u>3</u> in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

------

Section 4. **<u>Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, and without limiting the rights of Indemnitee under any other provision hereof, including any rights to indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u> or <u>3</u> hereof, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection with each successfully resolved Proceeding, claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this <u>Section</u> <u>4</u> and without limitation, the termination of any Proceeding or claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 5. **<u>Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness</u>**. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status, a witness or otherwise a participant, including by a request to respond to discovery requests, receipt of a subpoena or similar demand for documents or testimony, in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (or, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee's behalf in connection therewith.

Section 6. **<u>Additional Indemnification</u>**. Notwithstanding any limitation in <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>4</u> hereof, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of Indemnitee's Corporate Status against all Liabilities and Expenses suffered or reasonably incurred (and, in the case of retainers, reasonably expected to be incurred) by Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding, including but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 7. **<u>Exclusions</u>**. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to indemnify or hold harmless Indemnitee, or, in the case of (a) and (d), to advance Expenses to Indemnitee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy obtained by the Company or any other indemnity provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under such insurance policy or such other indemnity provision;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "**<u>Sarbanes-Oxley Act</u>**"), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements) or in respect of claw-back provisions promulgated under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) except as provided in <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law or (iii) such Proceeding is being brought by Indemnitee to assert, interpret or enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, Indemnitee shall not be deemed, for purposes of this subsection, to have initiated or brought any claim by reason of (A) having asserted any affirmative defenses in connection with a claim not initiated by Indemnitee or (B) having made any counterclaim (whether permissive or mandatory) in connection with any claim not initiated by Indemnitee); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) if a final decision by a court having jurisdiction in the matter that is not subject to appeal shall determine that such indemnification is not lawful.

Section 8. **<u>Advancement</u>**. In accordance with the pre-existing requirements of the Bylaws, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses and Liabilities reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee's ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee's ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all Expenses reasonably incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement, which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced to the extent that it is ultimately determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Nothing in this <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall limit Indemnitee's right to advancement pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> of this Agreement. This <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to <u>Sections 7(a)</u> or <u>(d)</u> hereof.

Section 9. **<u>Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement hereunder following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof (the date of such notification, the "**<u>Submission Date</u>**"). The written notification to the Company shall include a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Any delay or failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company hereunder will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay or failure in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification and/or advancement with respect to any Proceeding, Indemnitee may, at Indemnitee's option, (i) retain counsel (including local counsel) selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company to defend Indemnitee in such Proceeding, at the sole expense of the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) have the Company assume the defense of Indemnitee in such Proceeding, in which case the Company shall assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) within ten (10) days of the

------

Company's receipt of written notice of Indemnitee's election to cause the Company to do so. If the Company is required to assume the defense of any such Proceeding, it shall engage legal counsel for such defense, and the Company shall be solely responsible for all fees and expenses of such legal counsel and otherwise of such defense. Such legal counsel may represent both Indemnitee and the Company (and any other party or parties entitled to be indemnified by the Company with respect to such matter) unless, in the reasonable opinion of legal counsel to Indemnitee, there is a conflict of interest between Indemnitee and the Company (or any other such party or parties) or there are legal defenses available to Indemnitee that are not available to the Company (or any such other party or parties). Notwithstanding either party's assumption of responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, each party shall have the right to engage separate counsel at its own expense. If the Company has responsibility for defense of a Proceeding, the Company shall provide the Indemnitee and its counsel with all copies of pleadings and material correspondence relating to the Proceeding. Indemnitee and the Company shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of any Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought hereunder, regardless of whether the Company or Indemnitee assumes the defense thereof. Indemnitee may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Company may not settle or compromise any Proceeding without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

Section 10. **<u>Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> hereof, if any determination by the Company is required by applicable law with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement thereto, such determination shall be made (i) if Indemnitee shall request such determination be made by Independent Counsel, by Independent Counsel, and (ii) in all other circumstances, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (D) if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the securities of the Company present at a meeting of the stockholders and entitled to vote; and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company will not deny any written request for indemnification hereunder made in good faith by Indemnitee unless a determination as to Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification described in this <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> has been made. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Liabilities and Expenses arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> hereof, (i) the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company within ten (10) days of the Submission Date (the cost of such Independent Counsel to be paid by the Company), (ii) the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and (iii) Indemnitee may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company Indemnitee's written objection to such selection. Such objection by Indemnitee may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel selected does not meet the requirements of "Independent Counsel" as defined in this Agreement. If such written objection is made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel selected shall not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until Indemnitee withdraws the objection or a court has determined that such objection

------

is without merit. Absent a timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to before the later of (A) thirty (30) days after the Submission Date and (B) ten (10) days after the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, each of the Company and Indemnitee shall select a law firm or member of a law firm meeting the qualifications to serve as Independent Counsel, and such law firms or members of law firms shall select the Independent Counsel.

Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

Section 11. **<u>Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with <u>Section</u> <u>9(a)</u> of this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, if the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefore, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent a prohibition of such indemnification required under applicable law; provided, however, that such 60-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if (i) the determination is to be made by Independent Counsel and Indemnitee objects to the Company's selection of Independent Counsel and (ii) the Independent Counsel ultimately selected requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation or information relating thereto; provided further, however, that such 60-day period may also be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee's conduct was unlawful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **<u>Reliance as Safe Harbor</u>**. For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee's action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, partners, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with the reasonable care by the Enterprise. The provisions of this <u>Section</u> <u>11(d)</u> shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **<u>Actions of Others</u>**. The knowledge or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 12. **<u>Remedies of Indemnitee</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to <u>Section</u> <u>12(d)</u> hereof, in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement is not timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>8</u> of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been timely made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 4 or 5 or the third to the last sentence of <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u> or <u>6</u> of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other Person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of Indemnitee's entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee's option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee's right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>10(a)</u> of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u>, absent a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefore) advance, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, such Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or the Bylaws, or under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or insurance recovery, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein; provided that, in absence of any such determination with respect to such Proceeding, the Company shall advance Expenses with respect to such Proceeding.

------

Section 13. **<u>Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee's Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. The Company shall not adopt any amendment or alteration to, or repeal of, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber the Indemnitee's rights to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or applicable law relative to such rights prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change as of the effective date of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall maintain an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance providing reasonable and customary coverage as compared with similarly situated companies (as determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion) for directors, officers, employees, trustees or agents of any Enterprise, and Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee, trustee or agent under such policy or policies and such policies shall provide for and recognize that the insurance policies are primary to any rights to indemnification, advancement or insurance proceeds to which Indemnitee may be entitled from one or more Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to the same extent as the Company's indemnification and advancement obligations set forth in this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, including rights of indemnification provided to Indemnitee from any other person or entity with whom Indemnitee may be associated; provided, however, that the Company shall not be subrogated to the extent of any such payment of all rights of recovery of Indemnitee with respect to any Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The indemnification and contribution provided for in this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of Indemnitee.

Section 14. **<u>Duration of Agreement; Not Employment Contract</u>**. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the latest of: (i) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other Enterprise, (ii) one (1) year after the date of final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding, including any appeal, commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12</u> of this Agreement relating thereto or (iii) the expiration of all statutes of limitation applicable to possible Proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject arising out of Indemnitee's Corporate Status. The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall continue as to the Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a director or officer of the Company or of any of the Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries or to have Corporate Status. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor, and any direct or indirect parent of any successor, whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that Indemnitee's employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), if any, is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, except as may be otherwise provided in any written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any other Enterprise), other applicable formal severance policies duly adopted by the Board, or, with respect to service as a director of the Company, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL.

Section 15. **<u>Severability</u>**. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

------

Section 16. **<u>Enforcement</u>**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, partner, general partner, manager, managing member, employee or agent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefore, nor diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

Section 17. **<u>Modification and Waiver</u>**. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 18. **<u>Notices</u>**. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (b) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (c) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (d) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as
Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) If to the Company to

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

5918 W. Courtyard Drive, Suite 500

Austin, TX 78730

Attention: Board of Directors

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

Section 19. **<u>Contribution</u>**. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Liabilities or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (a) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and (b) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and transaction(s).

Section 20. **<u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to <u>Section</u> <u>12(a)</u> of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware (the "**<u>Delaware Court</u>**"), and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (c) consent to service of process at the address set forth in <u>Section</u> <u>18</u> of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (d) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (e) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

------

Section 21. **<u>Counterparts</u>**. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by exchange of facsimile or other electronically transmitted counterparts bearing the signature of a Party shall be equally as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart by such Party.

Section 22. **<u>Miscellaneous</u>**. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

[*Signature Page Follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the date first above written.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. | INDEMNITEE | INDEMNITEE |
| By: | /s/ John Turner | By: | /s/ Robb L. Voyles |
| Name: | John Turner | Name: | Robb L. Voyles |
| Title: | President and Chief Financial Officer | Title: | Director |

---

SIGNATURE PAGE TO INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1**![LOGO](g409734g0311075242503.jpg)

**ATLAS ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.** 

**PRICES INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING** 

AUSTIN, Texas – (BUSINESS WIRE) – March 8, 2023 – Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. (NYSE: AESI) ("Atlas") announced today the pricing of its initial public offering of 18,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock ("common stock") at $18.00 per share. The shares are expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "AESI" on March 9, 2023. In addition, Atlas granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,700,000 shares of its common stock. The offering is expected to close on March 13, 2023, subject to customary closing conditions.

Atlas intends to contribute the total net proceeds of approximately $292.9 million, or $338.4 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of common stock, to its subsidiary, Atlas Sand Operating Company, LLC ("Atlas Operating"), in exchange for limited liability company units in Atlas Operating, and Atlas Operating will further contribute the net proceeds received to Atlas Sand Company, LLC ("Atlas LLC"). Atlas LLC intends to use a portion of the net proceeds to fund the construction of the Dune Express conveyor system and the remainder to fund general corporate purposes.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, BofA Securities and Piper Sandler acted as lead book-running managers for the offering. RBC Capital Markets, Barclays, and Citigroup acted as book-running managers. Raymond James, Johnson Rice & Company L.L.C., Stephens Inc., Capital One Securities, Pickering Energy Partners and Drexel Hamilton acted as co-managers for the offering. The offering of these securities will be made only by means of a prospectus that meets the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. A copy of the prospectus may be obtained from:

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

Attn: Prospectus Department

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Telephone: 1-866-471-2526

<u>prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com</u> 

BofA Securities NC1-004-03-43

Attn: Prospectus Department

200 North College Street, 3<sup>rd</sup> Floor

Charlotte, NC 28255-0001

<u>dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com</u> 

Piper Sandler & Co.

Attn: Prospectus Department

800 Nicollet Mall, J12S03

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Telephone: 800-747-3924

<u>prospectus@psc.com</u> 

------

**About Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.** 

Atlas acts as a leading provider of proppant and logistics services to customers engaged in the oil and natural gas industry within the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico, the most active basin in North America. Atlas' core mission and key focus is to maximize value for its stockholders by generating strong cash flow and allocating capital resources efficiently, including providing a regular and durable return of capital to investors through industry cycles. In pursuit of this mission, Atlas deploys innovative techniques and technologies to develop their high-quality resource base and efficient delivery of their products to customers through leading-edge solutions.

**Important Information** 

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The registration statement may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov under "Atlas Energy Solutions Inc." This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

***Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements***

*Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the commencement of trading of Atlas' common stock, the closing of the initial public offering and Atlas' use of proceeds from the offering, represent Atlas' expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the results described in this press release will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Atlas' control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.* 

*Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Atlas does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Atlas to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in the prospectus filed with the SEC in connection with Atlas' initial public offering. The risk factors and other factors noted in Atlas' prospectus could cause its actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.* 

------

**Contact** 

Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.

John Turner

President and Chief Financial Officer

(512) 220-1200

<u>ir@atlas.energy</u> 

SOURCE Atlas Energy Solutions Inc.