# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0002038118
**File Stem:** 0002038118-25-000019
**Filing Date:** 2025-8
**Character Count:** 94138
**Document Hash:** 1dc45aa951b52da0256559ba73c615da
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0002038118-25-000019.hdr.sgml**: 20250815

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0002038118-25-000019

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 15

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20250811

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

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250815

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20250814

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0002038118
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 205763884
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-282554
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251222247

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 5001 NASA BLVD
- **CITY:** FAIRMONT
- **STATE:** WV
- **ZIP:** 26554
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 3303845400

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 341 WHITE POND DRIVE
- **CITY:** AKRON
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 44320

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? fet-20250811

**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): August 11, 2025**![FirstEnergy Transmission_2c.jpg](fet-20250811_g1.jpg)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Registrant; State of Incorporation;** | **Registrant; State of Incorporation;** | **Registrant; State of Incorporation;** | **Registrant; State of Incorporation;** | |
| **Commission**<br>**File Number** | **Address; and Telephone Number** | **Address; and Telephone Number** | **Address; and Telephone Number** | **Address; and Telephone Number** | **I.R.S. Employer**<br>**Identification No.** |
| **333-282554** | **FIRSTENERGY TRANSMISSION, LLC** | **FIRSTENERGY TRANSMISSION, LLC** | **FIRSTENERGY TRANSMISSION, LLC** | **FIRSTENERGY TRANSMISSION, LLC** | **20-5763884** |
| | **(A** | **Delaware** | **Delaware** | **Corporation)** | |
| | **5001 NASA Boulevard** | **5001 NASA Boulevard** | **5001 NASA Boulevard** | **5001 NASA Boulevard** | |
|  | **Fairmont** | **Fairmont** | **WV** | **26554** |  |
|  | **Telephone** | **Telephone** | **(800)** | **736-3402** |  |

---

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

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

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

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

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.

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. ☐

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**Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.**

*Completion of Notes Offering* 

On August 13, 2025 (the "Closing Date"), FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC (the "Company"), completed its offering of $450 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.750% senior notes due 2033 (the "Notes"), which were issued pursuant to a purchase agreement dated August 11, 2025 (the "Purchase Agreement") by and among the Company and BofA Securities, Inc., CIBC World Markets Corp., Mizuho Securities USA LLC, and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representatives of the several initial purchasers named in Schedule 1 to the Purchase Agreement. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes (i) to repay short-term indebtedness, (ii) to finance capital improvements, (iii) for working capital needs, and (iv) for general corporate purposes. The Notes are senior unsecured general obligations of the Company.

The Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of May 19, 2014 (the "Base Indenture"), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 4, 2024 (the "First Supplemental Indenture" and, together with the Base Indenture, the "Indenture"), between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor in interest to U.S. Bank National Association), as trustee (the "Trustee"). The Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.750% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears of each on January 15 and July 15, beginning on January 15, 2026. The Notes will mature on January 15, 2033, provided that the Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the Company's option, at any time prior to November 15, 2032 (the date that is two months prior to the scheduled maturity date) at a "make-whole" redemption price (as set forth in the Indenture) and, on or after such date, at par. The Indenture contains customary covenants, such as reporting of annual and quarterly financial results and restrictions on certain mergers and consolidations. The Notes and the Indenture also contain customary events of default, including failure to pay principal or interest, breach of covenants, and bankruptcy events, all subject to terms, including notice and cure periods, as set forth in the Indenture. The Notes and the Indenture do not contain any financial covenants.

The Notes were offered and sold only to qualified institutional buyers (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")) and to non-U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) pursuant to Regulation S. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any other securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

*Entry into Registration Rights Agreement*

In connection with its offering of the Notes, the Company has entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date (the "Registration Rights Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company is obligated to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to an offer to exchange the Notes for a new issue of notes registered under the Securities Act and to complete such exchange offer prior to 366 days after the Closing Date. In certain circumstances, the Company may be required to file a shelf registration statement covering resales of the Notes.

The foregoing descriptions of the Indenture, the Notes and the Registration Rights Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Base Indenture, the First Supplemental Indenture, the Form of Note, and the Registration Rights Agreement, which are filed as Exhibits 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 10.1, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.

**Item 2.03. Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation Under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.**

The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference in this Item 2.03.

**Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits**

**(**d) Exhibits

The exhibit index set forth below is incorporated by reference in response to this Item 9.01.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Description** |
| 4.1 | <u>[Indenture, dated May 19, 2014, by and between FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to FET's Form S-4 filed October 8, 2024, Exhibit 4.1, File No. 333-282554).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2038118/000119312524234486/d761814dex41.htm)</u> |
| 4.2 | <u>[First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 4, 2024, to Indenture dated May 19, 2014, by and between FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to FET's Form S-4 filed October 8, 2024, Exhibit 4.2, File No. 333-282554).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2038118/000119312524234486/d761814dex42.htm)</u> |
| 4.3 | <u>[Form of 4.750% Convertible Senior Notes due 2033.](ex43fet2025-formofnote.htm)</u> |
| 10.1 | <u>[Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 13, 2025, among FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC and BofA Securities, Inc., CIBC World Markets Corp., Mizuho Securities USA LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representatives of the initial purchasers of the Senior Notes due 2033.](ex101fet2025-registrationr.htm)</u> |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

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**Forward-Looking Statements:** This Form 8-K includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements include declarations regarding management's intents, beliefs and current expectations. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "forecast," "target," "will," "intend," "believe," "project," "estimate," "plan" and similar words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, which may include the following: the ability to experience growth in FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's business at American Transmission Systems, Incorporated, Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, LLC, and Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company (together, the "FET Subsidiaries"); the accomplishment of the FET Subsidiaries' regulatory and operational goals in connection with their transmission plan; changes in assumptions regarding factors such as economic conditions within the FET Subsidiaries' territories, assessments of the reliability of the FET Subsidiaries' transmission systems, or the availability of capital or other resources supporting identified transmission investment opportunities; the reliability of the transmission grid; the ability of the FET Subsidiaries to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits through establishing a culture of continuous improvement and FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's other strategic and financial goals, including, but not limited to, executing Energize365, executing on the FET Subsidiaries' rate strategy, controlling costs, improving credit metrics, maintaining investment grade ratings, and growing earnings; costs being higher than anticipated and the success of FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's policies to control costs at the FET Subsidiaries; the risks and uncertainties associated with government investigations and audits regarding House Bill 6, as passed by Ohio's 133rd General Assembly ("HB 6"), and related matters, including potential adverse impacts on federal or state regulatory matters, including, but not limited to, matters relating to rates; the risks and uncertainties associated with litigation, arbitration, mediation and similar proceedings, particularly regarding FirstEnergy Corp.'s HB 6 and related matters, including risks associated with obtaining dismissal of the FirstEnergy Corp. derivative shareholder lawsuits; variations in weather conditions and severe weather (including events caused, or exacerbated, by climate change, such as wildfires, hurricanes, floodings, droughts, high wind events and extreme heat events) and other natural disasters, which may result in increased restoration expenses; the potential liabilities and increased costs arising from regulatory actions or outcomes in response to severe weather conditions and other natural disasters; changes in national and regional economic conditions, including recession, volatile interest rates, inflationary pressure, supply chain disruptions, tariffs, higher fuel costs and workforce impacts, affecting the FET Subsidiaries and other counterparties with which they do business; the risks associated with physical attacks, such as acts of war, terrorism, sabotage or other acts of violence, cyberattacks and other disruptions to FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's information technology system, which may compromise the FET Subsidiaries' transmission services, and data security breaches of sensitive data, intellectual property and proprietary or personally identifiable information regarding FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's business, employees, shareholders, customers, suppliers, business partners and other individuals in FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's data centers and on FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's networks; the FET Subsidiaries' ability to comply with applicable federal reliability standards; other legislative and regulatory developments, including, but not limited to, matters related to rates, transmission planning, compliance and enforcement activity, cybersecurity, climate change, and diversity, equity and inclusion; changes to environmental laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, rules finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including those currently stayed, related to climate change, and potential changes to such laws and regulations as a result of a new presidential administration in the United States following the 2024 U.S. presidential election; changes in the FET Subsidiaries' customers' demand for power, including, but not limited to, economic conditions, the impact of climate change, emerging technology, particularly with respect to data centers, electrification, energy storage and distributed sources of generation; the impact of changes to significant accounting policies; the impact of any changes in tax laws or regulations, including, but not limited to, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, or adverse tax audit results or rulings; the ability to access the public securities and other capital and credit markets in accordance with FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's announced financial plans, the cost of such capital and overall condition of the capital and credit markets affecting us and the FET Subsidiaries, including the increasing number of financial institutions evaluating the impact of climate change on their investment decisions; future actions that may be taken by credit rating agencies that could negatively affect either FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's access to or terms of financing or FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's financial condition and liquidity; issues concerning the stability of domestic and foreign financial institutions and counterparties with which we do business; FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's dependence on FirstEnergy Corp. and its affiliates, including FirstEnergy Service Company, for employees and key personnel; the risks and other factors discussed in this prospectus and in FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's financial statements and other similar factors; and any other statements that relate to non-historical or future information. These forward-looking statements are also qualified by, and should be read together with, the risk factors included in FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and in FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's other filings with the SEC. The foregoing review of factors also should not be construed as exhaustive. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, or assess the impact of any such factor on FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise, except as required by law, any forward-looking statements contained herein or in the information incorporated by reference as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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**SIGNATURE**

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.

August 15, 2025

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | FIRSTENERGY TRANSMISSION LLC. |
| | Registrant |
| By: | /s/ Mark D. Mroczynski |
|  | Mark D. Mroczynski |
|  | President |

---

## Exhibit 10.1

**Exhibit 10.1**

**REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT**

This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of August 13, 2025 (this "<u>Agreement</u>"), is entered into by and among FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "<u>Company</u>"), and BofA Securities, Inc., CIBC World Markets Corp., Mizuho Securities USA LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representatives (the "<u>Representatives</u>") of the initial purchasers set forth on Schedule 1 to the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein) (the "<u>Initial Purchasers</u>").

The Company and the Representatives are parties to the Purchase Agreement dated August 11, 2025 (the "<u>Purchase Agreement</u>"), which provides for the sale by the Company to the Initial Purchasers of $450,000,000 in principal amount of the Company's 4.750% Senior Notes due 2033 (the "<u>Securities</u>"). The Securities will be issued under the Company's Indenture (for Unsecured Debt Securities), dated as of May 19, 2014, as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated October 4, 2024 (the "<u>Indenture</u>"), between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor in interest to U.S. Bank National Association), as trustee (the "<u>Trustee</u>"). The Securities will be established pursuant to an officer's certificate of the Company in accordance with Section 301 of the Indenture and a related company order as contemplated by Section 303 of the Indenture.

As an inducement to the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide for the Initial Purchasers and their direct and indirect transferees to receive the registration rights set forth in this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the obligations of the Initial Purchasers set forth in Section 5(j) of the Purchase Agreement.

In consideration of the foregoing, the parties hereto agree as follows:

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

"<u>Agreement</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"<u>Business Day</u>" shall mean each day that is not a day on which banking institutions or trust companies in the City of St. Paul and State of Minnesota, or in the city where the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is located, are obligated or authorized by law or executive order to close. For purposes of this Agreement, if the day on which any deadline specified in this Agreement expires is not a Business Day, such deadline shall be deemed to expire on the next succeeding Business Day.

"<u>Closing Time</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

"<u>Company</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"<u>Exchange Act</u>" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

[*Signature Page to the Registration Rights Agreement*]

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"<u>Exchange Dates</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(ii) hereof.

"<u>Exchange Offer</u>" shall mean the exchange offer of Exchange Securities for Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof.

"<u>Exchange Offer Registration</u>" shall mean a registration under the Securities Act effected pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof.

"<u>Exchange Offer Registration Statement</u>" shall mean an exchange offer registration statement on Form S-4 (or, if applicable, on another appropriate form) and all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein or deemed a part thereof, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.

"<u>Exchange Securities</u>" shall mean senior unsecured notes issued by the Company under the Indenture containing terms identical to the Registrable Securities (except that such notes will be registered under the Securities Act and the transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional annual interest rate for failure to comply with this Agreement applicable to the Registrable Securities will not apply to such notes) and to be offered to Holders of Registrable Securities in exchange for Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

"<u>FINRA</u>" shall mean the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

"<u>Free Writing Prospectus</u>" shall mean each free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) prepared by or on behalf of the Company or used or referred to by the Company in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities or the Exchange Securities.

"<u>Holder Notice</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.

"<u>Holders</u>" shall mean the Initial Purchasers, for so long as they own any Registrable Securities, and each of their successors, assigns and direct and indirect transferees who become owners of Registrable Securities under the Indenture; <u>provided</u> that for purposes of Sections 4 and 6 hereof, the term "Holders" shall include Participating Broker-Dealers.

"<u>Indemnified Person</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) hereof.

"<u>Indemnifying Person</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) hereof.

"<u>Indenture</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"<u>Initial Purchasers</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"<u>Inspector</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(xiv) hereof.

"<u>Issuer Information</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) hereof.

[*Signature Page to the Registration Rights Agreement*]

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"<u>Majority Holders</u>" shall mean the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Registrable Securities; <u>provided</u> that whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Registrable Securities is required hereunder, any Registrable Securities owned directly or indirectly by the Company or any of its affiliates shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage or amount; and <u>provided</u>, <u>further</u>, that if the Company shall issue any additional Securities under the Indenture prior to consummation of the Exchange Offer or, if applicable, the effectiveness of any Shelf Registration Statement, such additional Securities and the Registrable Securities to which this Agreement relates shall be treated together as one class for purposes of determining whether the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Registrable Securities has been obtained.

"<u>Participating Broker-Dealers</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) hereof.

"<u>Person</u>" shall mean an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

"<u>Prospectus</u>" shall mean the prospectus included in, or, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities Act, deemed a part of, a Registration Statement, including (i) any preliminary prospectus and (ii) any such prospectus as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, including a prospectus supplement with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Shelf Registration Statement, and by all other amendments and supplements to such prospectus, and in each case including any document incorporated by reference therein.

"<u>Purchase Agreement</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"<u>Registrable Securities</u>" shall mean the Securities; <u>provided</u> that any Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities (i) when a Registration Statement with respect to such Securities has become effective under the Securities Act and the Securities have been exchanged, disposed of or distributed pursuant to such Registration Statement, (ii) when such Securities cease to be outstanding or (iii) when the Exchange Offer is consummated, except in the case of Securities that otherwise remain Registrable Securities that are held by a Holder that was ineligible to participate in the Exchange Offer or participated in the Exchange Offer and did not receive freely transferable Exchange Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

"<u>Registration Expenses</u>" shall mean any and all expenses incident to performance of or compliance by the Company with this Agreement, including without limitation: (i) all SEC, stock exchange or FINRA registration and filing fees, (ii) all fees and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with compliance with state securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of one firm of counsel for any Underwriters or Holders in connection with blue sky qualification of any Exchange

[*Signature Page to the Registration Rights Agreement*]

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Securities or Registrable Securities, which firm shall be selected by the Underwriters or the Majority Holders), (iii) the costs incident to the preparing, word processing, printing and distributing any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, any underwriting agreements, securities sales agreements or other similar agreements, and any other documents relating to the performance of and compliance with this Agreement, (iv) all rating agency fees, (v) all fees and disbursements relating to the qualification of the Indenture under applicable securities laws, (vi) the reasonable fees and disbursements of the Trustee, (vii) the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the reasonable fees (not to exceed $125,000) and disbursements of one counsel for the Holders (which counsel shall be Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP) and (viii) the fees and disbursements of the independent public accountants of the Company, including the expenses of any "comfort" letters required by or incident to the performance of and compliance with this Agreement, but excluding any or all fees and expenses of advisors or counsel to any Underwriters (other than fees and expenses set forth in clause (ii) above) or the Holders, any underwriting discounts and commissions, and any brokerage commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of Registrable Securities by a Holder.

"<u>Registration Statement</u>" shall mean any registration statement that covers any of the Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and all amendments and supplements to any such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein or deemed a part thereof, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.

"<u>Representatives</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"<u>SEC</u>" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

"<u>Securities</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"<u>Securities Act</u>" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

"<u>Shelf Additional Interest Date</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(d) hereof.

"<u>Shelf Effectiveness Period</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.

"<u>Shelf Registration</u>" shall mean a registration effected pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof.

"<u>Shelf Registration Statement</u>" shall mean a "shelf" registration statement that covers all or a portion of the Registrable Securities (but no other securities unless approved by a majority of the Holders whose Registrable Securities are to be covered by

[*Signature Page to the Registration Rights Agreement*]

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such Shelf Registration Statement) on an appropriate form under Rule 415 under the Securities Act, or any similar rule that may be adopted by the SEC, and all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein or deemed a part thereof, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.

"<u>Shelf Request</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.

"<u>Staff</u>" shall mean the staff of the SEC.

"<u>Target Registration Date</u>" shall mean the date which is 366 days from the Closing Time.

"<u>Trigger Date</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(d) hereof.

"<u>Trust Indenture Act</u>" shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended from time to time.

"<u>Trustee</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

"<u>Underwriter</u>" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(e) hereof.

"<u>Underwritten Offering</u>" shall mean an offering in which Registrable Securities are sold to an Underwriter for reoffering to the public.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>Registration under the Securities Act</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) To the extent not prohibited by any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to (x) file an Exchange Offer Registration Statement covering an offer to the Holders to exchange all outstanding Registrable Securities for Exchange Securities and (y) cause such Registration Statement to remain effective until 180 days after the date the Exchange Offer Registration Statement became effective for use by one or more Participating Broker-Dealers. The Company shall commence the Exchange Offer promptly after the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC and use its reasonable best efforts to complete the Exchange Offer no later than the Target Registration Date.

The Company shall commence the Exchange Offer by mailing or making available the related Prospectus, appropriate letters of transmittal and other accompanying documents to each Holder stating, in addition to such other disclosures as are required by applicable law, substantially 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;(i) that the Exchange Offer is being made pursuant to this Agreement and that all Registrable Securities validly tendered and not properly withdrawn will be accepted for exchange, except to the extent not permitted by law, applicable interpretations of the Staff or as otherwise contemplated in 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;(ii) the dates of acceptance for exchange (which shall be a period of at least 20 Business Days (in accordance with the Exchange Act) from the date such notice is mailed or made available) (the "<u>Exchange Dates</u>");

[*Signature Page to the Registration Rights Agreement*]

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&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) that any Registrable Security not tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest but will not retain any rights under this Agreement, except as otherwise specified herein;

&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) that any Holder electing to have a Registrable Security exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be required to (A) surrender such Registrable Security, together with the appropriate letters of transmittal, to the institution and at the address and in the manner specified in the notice or (B) effect such exchange otherwise in compliance with the applicable procedures of the depositary for such Registrable Security, in each case prior to the close of business on the last Exchange Date; 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;(v) that any Holder will be entitled to withdraw its election, not later than the close of business on the last Exchange Date, by effecting such withdrawal in compliance with the applicable procedures of the institution as shall be set forth in the letter(s) of transmittal and in compliance with the applicable procedures of the depositary for the Registrable Securities.

As a condition to participating in the Exchange Offer, a Holder will be required to represent to the Company that (I) any Exchange Securities to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business, (II) at the time of the commencement of the Exchange Offer it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, and it has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in, the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Securities in violation of the Securities Act, (III) it is not an "affiliate" (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Company or, if it is such an "affiliate," such Holder will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable in connection with any resale of the Exchange Securities and (IV) if such Holder is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Securities for its own account in exchange for Registrable Securities that were acquired as a result of market making or other trading activities, then such Holder will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, to the extent applicable, in connection with any resale of the Exchange Securities. Each Holder participating in the Exchange Offer shall be deemed to acknowledge and agree that any broker-dealer and any such Holder using the Exchange Offer to participate in a distribution of the securities to be acquired in the Exchange Offer (1) could not under SEC policy as in effect on the date of this Agreement rely on the position of the SEC enunciated in Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the SEC's letter to Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993, and similar no-action letters and (2) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction and that such a secondary resale transaction should be covered by an effective registration statement containing the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act if the resales are of Exchange Securities obtained by such Holder in exchange for Registrable Securities acquired by such Holder directly from the Company.

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As soon as practicable after the last Exchange Date, the Company shall:

&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) cause the Registrable Securities or portions thereof validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the Exchange Offer to be accepted for exchange;

&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) cause all Registrable Securities or portions thereof so accepted for exchange to be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

&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) issue Exchange Securities equal in principal amount to the principal amount of the Registrable Securities validly tendered by such Holder; 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;(iv) cause the Trustee to promptly authenticate and deliver to each Holder such Exchange Securities.

The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to complete the Exchange Offer as provided above and shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and other applicable laws and regulations in connection with the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer shall not be subject to any conditions, other than that the Exchange Offer does not violate any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff and customary conditions relating to the delivery of Securities or other actions customarily taken by Holders participating in the Exchange Offer or the execution and delivery of customary documentation relating to the Exchange Offer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that (i) the Company determines that the Exchange Offer Registration provided for in Section 2(a) hereof is not available or may not be completed as soon as practicable after the last Exchange Date because it would violate any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff, (ii) a Holder participating in the Exchange Offer does not receive Exchange Securities on the date of the exchange that may be sold without restriction under state and federal securities laws (other than due solely to the status of such Holder as an affiliate of the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act) and notifies (a "<u>Holder Notice</u>") the Company within 30 days after such Holder first becomes aware of such restrictions, (iii) the Exchange Offer, for any other reason, is not completed by the Target Registration Date or (iv) the Company receives a written request (a "<u>Shelf Request</u>") from any Initial Purchaser representing that it holds Registrable Securities that are or were ineligible to be exchanged in the Exchange Offer, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file, as soon as practicable after the date of such determination, Holder Notice or Shelf Request, as the case may be, a Shelf Registration Statement providing for the sale of all the Registrable Securities by the Holders thereof and to have such Shelf Registration Statement become effective.

In the event that the Company is required to file a Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to clause (iii) or (iv) of the preceding sentence, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file and cause to become effective both an Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof with respect to all Registrable Securities and a Shelf Registration Statement (which may be a combined Registration Statement with the Exchange Offer Registration Statement) with respect to offers and

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sales of Registrable Securities held by the Initial Purchasers, if any, after completion of the Exchange Offer.

The Company agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective for a period of one year from the effective date of such Shelf Registration Statement or such shorter period that will terminate when all of the Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement cease to be Registrable Securities (the "<u>Shelf Effectiveness Period</u>"). The Company further agrees to supplement or amend the Shelf Registration Statement, the related Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus if required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Company for such Shelf Registration Statement or by the Securities Act or by any other rules and regulations thereunder or if reasonably requested by a Holder of Registrable Securities with respect to information relating to such Holder, and to use its reasonable best efforts to cause any such amendment to become effective, if required, and such Shelf Registration Statement, Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, to become usable as soon as thereafter practicable. The Company agrees to furnish to the Holders of Registrable Securities registered on such Shelf Registration Statement copies of any such supplement or amendment promptly after its being used or filed with the SEC.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Company shall pay all Registration Expenses in connection with any registration pursuant to Section 2(a) or Section 2(b) hereof. Each Holder shall pay all underwriting discounts and commissions, brokerage commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of such Holder's Registrable Securities pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) An Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof will not be deemed to have become effective unless it has been declared effective by the SEC. A Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof will not be deemed to have become effective unless it has been declared effective by the SEC or is automatically effective upon filing with the SEC as provided by Rule 462 under the Securities Act.

In the event that either the Exchange Offer is not completed by the Target Registration Date or the Shelf Registration Statement, if required pursuant to Sections 2(b)(i) or 2(b)(iii) hereof, is not effective by the Target Registration Date, the interest rate on the Registrable Securities will be increased by (i) 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period immediately following such date and (ii) an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, in each case until the Exchange Offer is completed or the Shelf Registration Statement, if required hereby, becomes effective, up to a maximum total increase of 0.50% per annum. In the event that the Company receives a Holder Notice or Shelf Request pursuant to Sections 2(b)(ii) or 2(b)(iv) hereof, and the Shelf Registration Statement required to be filed thereby has not become effective by the later of (x) the Target Registration Date or (y) 90 days after delivery of such Holder Notice or Shelf Request (such later date, the "<u>Shelf Additional Interest Date</u>"), then the interest rate on the Registrable Securities will be increased by

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(i) 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period payable commencing from one day after the Shelf Additional Interest Date and (ii) an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, in each case until the Shelf Registration Statement becomes effective, up to a maximum total increase of 0.50% per annum.

If the Shelf Registration Statement, if required hereby, is effective and thereafter either ceases to be effective or the Prospectus contained therein ceases to be usable, in each case whether or not permitted by this Agreement, at any time during the Shelf Effectiveness Period, and such failure to remain effective or usable exists for more than 60 days (whether or not consecutive) in any 12-month period (the 60th such date, the "<u>Trigger Date</u>"), then the interest rate on the Registrable Securities will be increased by (i) 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period immediately following the Trigger Date and (ii) an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, up to a maximum increase of 0.50% per annum, and ending on such date that the Shelf Registration Statement is again effective or the Prospectus again becomes usable.

Any additional interest payable by the Company due to the increases in annual interest rate described in this Agreement will be paid in accordance with and pursuant to the terms of the Indenture. The additional interest referenced in this Section 2(d) shall be the sole remedy of any Holder (other than a Participating Broker-Dealer) with respect to any Exchange Offer Registration and Shelf Registration and related matters provided for in this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>Registration Procedures</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In connection with its obligations pursuant to Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof, the Company shall as soon as reasonably practicable:

&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) prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement on the appropriate form under the Securities Act, which form (x) shall be selected by the Company, (y) shall, in the case of a Shelf Registration, be available for the sale of the Registrable Securities by the Holders thereof and (z) shall comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the applicable form and include all financial statements required by the SEC to be filed therewith; and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective for the applicable period in accordance with Section 2 hereof;

&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) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to each Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for the applicable period in accordance with Section 2 hereof and cause each Prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement and, as so supplemented, to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act; and cause each Prospectus to be kept current during the period described in Section 4(a)(3) of and Rule 174 under the Securities Act that is applicable to transactions by brokers or dealers with respect to the Registrable Securities or Exchange Securities;

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&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 any Free Writing Prospectus is used, file with the SEC any Free Writing Prospectus that is required to be filed by the Company with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act and retain any Free Writing Prospectus not required to be filed to the extent required by SEC 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;(iv) in the case of a Shelf Registration, use its reasonable best efforts upon written request, to furnish to each Holder of Registrable Securities included on such Shelf Registration Statement, to counsel for the Initial Purchasers, to counsel for such Holders and to each Underwriter of an Underwritten Offering of Registrable Securities, if any, without charge, as many copies of each Prospectus, preliminary prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto, as such Holder, counsel or Underwriter may reasonably request in writing in order to facilitate the sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities thereunder; and the Company consents to the use of such Prospectus, preliminary prospectus or such Free Writing Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto in accordance with applicable law by each of the Holders of Registrable Securities and any such Underwriters in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by and in the manner described in such Prospectus, preliminary prospectus or such Free Writing Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto in accordance with 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;(v) in the case of an Exchange Offer Registration Statement, use its reasonable best efforts to register and qualify the Registrable Securities under all applicable state securities or blue sky laws, if and to the extent legally required in order to effect the Exchange Offer, and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement and if necessary to permit sales under the Shelf Registration Statement, cooperate with the selling Holders and their counsel to register or qualify the Registrable Securities under the applicable state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any Holder of Registrable Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement shall reasonably request in writing by the time the applicable Shelf Registration Statement becomes effective; cooperate with such Holders in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA; and use its reasonable best efforts to do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each Holder to complete the disposition in each such jurisdiction of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holder; <u>provided</u> that the Company shall not be required to (1) qualify as a foreign corporation or other entity or as a dealer in securities in any such jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to so qualify, (2) file any general consent to subject itself to service of process in any such jurisdiction or (3) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction if it is not so subject;

&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) notify counsel for the Initial Purchasers and, in the case of a Shelf Registration, notify each Holder of Registrable Securities included on such Shelf Registration Statement and counsel for such Holders promptly and, if requested by any such Holder or counsel, confirm such advice in writing (1) when a Registration Statement has become effective, when any post-effective amendment thereto has been filed and becomes effective, when any Free Writing Prospectus has been filed or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus has been filed, (2) of any request by the SEC or any state

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securities authority for amendments and supplements to a Registration Statement, Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus or for additional information after the Registration Statement has become effective, (3) of the issuance by the SEC or any state securities authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, including the receipt by the Company of any notice of objection of the SEC to the use of a Shelf Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Securities Act, (4) if, between the applicable effective date of a Shelf Registration Statement and the closing of any sale of Registrable Securities covered thereby, the Company receives any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation of any proceeding for such purpose, (5) of the happening of any event during the period a Registration Statement is effective that makes any statement made in such Registration Statement or the related Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) and (6) of any determination by the Company that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus would be required;

&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) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or, in the case of a Shelf Registration, the resolution of any objection of the SEC pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Securities Act, including by filing an amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement on the proper form, as promptly as reasonably practicable and provide prompt notice to each Holder of the withdrawal of any such order or such resolution;

&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) in the case of a Shelf Registration, furnish to each Holder of Registrable Securities included on such Shelf Registration Statement, without charge, upon written request, at least one conformed copy of each Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto (without any documents incorporated therein by reference or exhibits thereto, unless requested in writing), if such documents are not available via EDGAR;

&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) in the case of a Shelf Registration, cooperate with the Holders of Registrable Securities included on such Shelf Registration Statement to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends and enable such Registrable Securities to be issued in such denominations and, in the case of certificated securities, registered in such names (consistent with the provisions of the Indenture) as such Holders may reasonably request at least one Business Day prior to the closing of any sale of Registrable Securities;

&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) upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by Section 3(a)(vi)(5) hereof, use its reasonable best efforts to prepare and file with the SEC a supplement or post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement or the

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related Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered (or, to the extent permitted by law, made available) to purchasers of the Registrable Securities, such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and the Company shall notify the Holders of Registrable Securities and the Initial Purchasers, as applicable, to suspend use of the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus as promptly as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of such an event, and such Holders and Initial Purchasers, as applicable, hereby agree to suspend use of the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, until the Company has amended or supplemented the Prospectus or the Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, to correct such misstatement or omission;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xi) within a reasonable time prior to the filing of any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus, or any amendment of or supplement to a Registration Statement, a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus, in each case, excluding any document that is to be incorporated by reference into such Registration Statement, Prospectus, Free Writing Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto after the initial filing of a Registration Statement, provide copies of such document to the Initial Purchasers and their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, to the Holders of Registrable Securities included on such Shelf Registration Statement and their counsel) and make representatives of the Company, as shall be reasonably requested by the Initial Purchasers or their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Holders of Registrable Securities included on such Shelf Registration Statement or their counsel), available for discussion of such document; and the Company shall not, at any time after initial filing of a Registration Statement, use or file any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus, any amendment of or supplement to a Registration Statement, a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus, or any document that is to be incorporated by reference into a Registration Statement, a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus, of which the Initial Purchasers and their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Holders of Registrable Securities and their counsel) shall not have previously been advised and furnished a copy or to which the Initial Purchasers or their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Holders of Registrable Securities or their counsel) shall have previously reasonably objected in writing within five Business Days after receipt thereof, unless the Company in good faith reasonably believes such Prospectus, amendment or supplement to a Prospectus is required by 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;(xii) use reasonable best efforts to obtain a CUSIP number for all Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities, as the case may be, not later than the initial effective date of a Registration Statement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiii) cause the Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act in connection with the registration of the Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities, as the case may be; cooperate with the Trustee and the Holders to

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effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required for the Indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the Trust Indenture Act; and execute, and use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Trustee to execute, all documents as may be required to effect such changes and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the SEC to enable the Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiv) in the case of a Shelf Registration, make available for inspection, solely for due diligence purposes to the extent appropriate, by a representative of the Holders of the Registrable Securities (an "<u>Inspector</u>"), any Underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement, one firm of counsel and one firm of accountants designated by a majority of the Holders of Registrable Securities to be included in such Shelf Registration and any attorneys and accountants designated by such Underwriter, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, such financial and other records, pertinent documents and access to properties of the Company and its subsidiaries as such persons may reasonably request, and cause the officers, directors and employees of the Company to supply all such information and access reasonably requested by any such Inspector, Underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with a Shelf Registration Statement; <u>provided</u> that each Person receiving such information shall take such actions as are reasonably necessary to protect the confidentiality of such information (including, without limitation, entering into a confidentiality agreement in customary form if requested by the Company which confidentiality obligations, for the avoidance of doubt, shall permit such disclosures as are necessary to comply with the Securities 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;(xv) if reasonably requested by any Holder of Registrable Securities covered by a Shelf Registration Statement, promptly include in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information with respect to such Holder as such Holder reasonably concludes is required to be included therein and make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or such post-effective amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company has received notification of the matters to be so included in such filing; 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;(xvi) in the case of a Shelf Registration, enter into such customary agreements and take all such other actions in connection therewith (including those reasonably requested by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement) in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities including, but not limited to, in an Underwritten Offering and in such connection, (1) to the extent possible, make such representations and warranties to the Holders and any Underwriters of such Registrable Securities with respect to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries and the Registration Statement, Prospectus, any

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Free Writing Prospectus and documents incorporated by reference or deemed incorporated by reference, if any, in each case, in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in underwritten offerings and confirm the same if and when required by the applicable underwriting agreement or requested by the Holder, as applicable, (2) solely with respect to an Underwritten Offering, obtain opinions of counsel to the Company (which counsel and opinions, in form, scope and substance, shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities being sold and such Underwriters and their respective counsel) addressed to each selling Holder and Underwriter of such Registrable Securities, covering the matters customarily covered in opinions requested in underwritten offerings, (3) solely with respect to an Underwritten Offering, obtain "comfort" letters from the independent certified public accountants of the Company (and, if necessary, any other certified public accountant of any subsidiary of the Company, or of any business acquired by the Company for which financial statements and financial data are or are required to be included in the Registration Statement) addressed to each selling Holder (to the extent permitted by applicable professional standards) and Underwriter of such Registrable Securities, such letters to be in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in "comfort" letters in connection with underwritten offerings, including but not limited to financial information contained in any preliminary prospectus, Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus and (4) deliver such documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities being sold or the Underwriters, and which are customarily delivered in underwritten offerings, to evidence the continued validity of the representations and warranties of the Company made pursuant to clause (1) above and to evidence compliance with any customary conditions contained in an underwriting agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Company may require each Holder of Registrable Securities to furnish to the Company such information regarding such Holder and the proposed disposition by such Holder of such Registrable Securities as the Company may from time to time reasonably request in writing; <u>provided</u> that if such Holder fails to provide the requested information within 15 Business Days, the Company may exclude such Holder's Registrable Securities from such Shelf Registration Statement until such time as the information is provided.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, each Holder of Registrable Securities covered in such Shelf Registration Statement agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Sections 3(a)(vi)(3) or 3(a)(vi)(5) hereof, such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement until

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such Holder's receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus contemplated by Section 3(a)(x) hereof and, if so directed by the Company, such Holder will deliver to the Company (at its expense) all copies in its possession, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder's possession, of the Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus covering such Registrable Securities that is current at the time of receipt of such notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) If the Company shall give any notice to suspend the disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement, the Company shall extend the period during which such Registration Statement shall be maintained effective pursuant to this Agreement by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when the Holders of such Registrable Securities shall have received copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus necessary to resume such dispositions. The Company may give any such notice only twice during any 365-day period, any such suspensions shall not exceed 60 days for each suspension and there shall not be more than two suspensions in effect during any 365-day period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Holders of Registrable Securities covered by a Shelf Registration Statement who desire to do so may sell such Registrable Securities in an Underwritten Offering. In any such Underwritten Offering, the investment bank or investment banks and manager or managers (each, an "<u>Underwriter</u>") that will administer the offering will be selected by the Company (<u>provided</u> that the lead Underwriter shall also be reasonably acceptable to Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities included in such offering). However, in the event of an Underwritten Offering, each Holder agrees that, neither such Holder nor any Underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to any Registration Statement on such Holder's behalf, will make any offer relating to the Registrable Securities that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act) or that would otherwise constitute a "free writing prospectus" (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) required to be filed by the Company with the SEC or retained by the Company under Rule 433 of the Securities Act, unless it has obtained the prior written consent of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. <u>Participation of Broker-Dealers in Exchange Offer</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company has been advised that the Staff has taken the position that any broker-dealer that receives Exchange Securities for its own account in the Exchange Offer in exchange for Securities that were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities (a "<u>Participating Broker-Dealer</u>") may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities.

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The Company has been advised that it is the Staff's position that if the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement includes a plan of distribution containing a statement to the above effect and the means by which Participating Broker-Dealers may resell the Exchange Securities, without naming the Participating Broker-Dealers or specifying the amount of Exchange Securities owned by them, such Prospectus may be delivered by Participating Broker-Dealers (or, to the extent permitted by law, made available to purchasers) to satisfy their prospectus delivery obligation under the Securities Act in connection with resales of Exchange Securities for their own accounts, so long as the Prospectus otherwise meets the requirements of the Securities Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In light of the above, and notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement, the Company agrees, if so requested by one or more Holders who is a Participating Broker-Dealer, to use its reasonable best efforts to amend or supplement the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement for a period ending on the earlier of (i) 180 days after the date the Exchange Offer Registration Statement becomes effective (as such period may be extended pursuant to Section 3(d) hereof) and (ii) the date on which each Participating Broker-Dealer is no longer required to deliver a prospectus in connection with market making or other trading activities, in each case to the extent necessary to ensure that the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is available for resale of the Registrable Securities acquired by the Participating Broker-Dealers. The Company further consents to the delivery of (or, to the extent permitted by law, agree to make available) such Prospectus by Participating Broker-Dealers during such period in connection with the resales contemplated by this Section 4.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Initial Purchasers shall have no liability to the Company or any Holder with respect to any request that a Holder may make pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. <u>Indemnification and Contribution</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Initial Purchaser, each Holder, their respective affiliates, directors and officers and each Person, if any, who controls any Initial Purchaser or any Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, as such fees and expenses are incurred), joint or several, that arise out of, or are based upon, (1) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading or (2) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Prospectus, or in any amendment thereof or any supplement thereto, any Free Writing Prospectus or any "issuer information" ("<u>Issuer Information</u>") filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein 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 each case except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or

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liabilities arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to any Initial Purchaser or information relating to any Holder furnished to the Company in writing by or on behalf of such parties expressly for use therein. In connection with any Underwritten Offering permitted by Section 3 hereof, the Company agrees to also indemnify the Underwriters, if any, their respective affiliates and each Person who controls such Persons (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) to the same extent as provided above (or as may otherwise be set forth in the underwriting agreement for such Underwritten Offering) with respect to the indemnification of the Holders, if requested in connection with any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus or any Issuer Information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Each Holder agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its affiliates, directors and officers, and the Initial Purchasers and the other selling Holders and each Person, if any, who controls the Company, any Initial Purchaser and any other selling Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in paragraph (a) above, but only with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (including without limitation, legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, as such fees and expenses are incurred) that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to such Holder furnished to the Company in writing by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use in any Registration Statement, any Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any Person in respect of which indemnification may be sought pursuant to either paragraph (a) or (b) above, such Person (the "<u>Indemnified Person</u>") shall promptly notify the Person against whom such indemnification may be sought (the "<u>Indemnifying Person</u>") in writing; <u>provided</u> that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have under paragraph (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 <u>provided</u>, <u>further</u>, that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to an Indemnified Person otherwise than under paragraph (a) or (b). If any such proceeding shall be brought or asserted against an Indemnified Person and it shall have notified the Indemnifying Person thereof, the Indemnifying Person shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person to represent the Indemnified Person and any others entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 that the Indemnifying Person may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such proceeding and shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding, as incurred. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the contrary; (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person; (iii) the Indemnified Person shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the

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Indemnifying Person; or (iv) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood and agreed that the Indemnifying Person shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all such reasonable fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Any such separate firm (x) for any Initial Purchaser or its affiliates, directors and officers and any control Persons of such Initial Purchaser shall be designated in writing by such Initial Purchasers, (y) for any Holder, its directors and officers and any control Persons of such Holder shall be designated in writing by the Majority Holders and (z) in all other cases shall be designated in writing by the Company. The Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. No Indemnifying Person shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnification could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement (A) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person, from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (B) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Person.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) If the indemnification provided for in paragraphs (a) or (b) above is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company from the offering of the Securities and the Exchange Securities, on the one hand, and by the Holders from receiving Securities or Exchange Securities registered under the Securities Act, on the other hand or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other, in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Holders, as applicable, and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Company and the Holders agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 5 were determined by <u>pro</u> <u>rata</u> allocation (even if the

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Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (d) above. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in paragraph (d) above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5, in no event shall a Holder be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Securities or Exchange Securities sold by such Holder exceeds the amount of any damages that such Holder 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 Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders' obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 5 are several and not joint.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The remedies provided for in this Section 5 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies that may otherwise be available to any Indemnified Person at law or in equity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 5 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of the Initial Purchasers or any Holder or any Person controlling any Initial Purchaser or any Holder, or by or on behalf of the Company or the officers or directors of or any Person controlling the Company, (iii) acceptance of any of the Exchange Securities and (iv) any sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. <u>General</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) *No Inconsistent Agreements.* The Company represents, warrants and agrees that (i) the rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of any other outstanding securities issued or guaranteed by the Company under any other agreement and (ii) the Company has not entered into, and on or after the date of this Agreement, will not enter into, any agreement that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders of Registrable Securities in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) *Amendments and Waivers.* The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given unless the Company has obtained the written consent of Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Registrable Securities affected by such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent; <u>provided</u> that no amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent to any departure from the provisions of Section 6 hereof shall be effective as against any Holder of Registrable Securities unless consented to in

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writing by such Holder. Any amendments, modifications, supplements, waivers or consents pursuant to this Section 6(b) shall be by a written instrument executed by each of the parties hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) *Notices.* Except as otherwise specified herein, all notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, registered first-class mail, email or any courier guaranteeing overnight delivery (i) if to a Holder, at the most current address given by such Holder to the Company by means of a notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c), which address initially is, with respect to the Initial Purchasers, the address set forth in the Purchase Agreement; (ii) if to the Company, initially at the Company's address set forth in the Purchase Agreement and thereafter at such other address, notice of which is given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c); and (iii) if to such other Persons, at their respective addresses as provided in the Purchase Agreement and thereafter at such other address, notice of which is given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c). All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt is acknowledged, if emailed; and on the next Business Day if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery. Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee, at the address specified in the Indenture.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) *Successors and Assigns.* This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors, assigns and transferees of each of the parties, including, without limitation and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders; <u>provided</u> that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition of Registrable Securities in violation of the terms of the Purchase Agreement or the Indenture. If any transferee of any Holder shall acquire Registrable Securities in any manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to all the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities such Person shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement and such Person shall be entitled to receive the benefits hereof. The Initial Purchasers (in their capacity as Initial Purchasers) shall have no liability or obligation to the Company with respect to any failure by a Holder to comply with, or any breach by any Holder of, any of the obligations of such Holder under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) *Third-Party Beneficiaries.* Each Holder shall be a third-party beneficiary to the agreements made hereunder between the Company, on the one hand, and the Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, and shall have the right to enforce such agreements directly to the extent it deems such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect its rights or the rights of other Holders hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) *Counterparts.* This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts

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shall together constitute one and the same Agreement. Delivery of a signed counterpart of this Agreement by e-mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, for example, www.docusign.com) shall constitute valid and sufficient delivery proof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) *Headings.* The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, are not a part of this Agreement and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) *Governing Law.* This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) *Entire Agreement; Severability.* This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all oral statements and prior writings with respect thereto. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable or against public policy, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions contained herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated. The Company and the Initial Purchasers shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, void or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of such invalid, void or unenforceable provisions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) *Delegation by the Company*. All references to obligations of the Company to take or not take any actions shall be satisfied so long as the Company causes such actions to be taken or not taken, as applicable.

[*Signatures on following pages*]IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

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|:---|:---|
| FIRSTENERGY TRANSMISSION, LLC | FIRSTENERGY TRANSMISSION, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Steven R. Staub |
|  | Name:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven R. Staub |
|  | Title:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vice President and Treasurer |

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The foregoing Registration Rights Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written.

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|:---|:---|
| BOFA SECURITIES, INC. | BOFA SECURITIES, INC. |
| By: | /s/ Rob Colucci |
|  | Name:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rob Colucci |
|  | Title:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director |

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|:---|:---|
| CIBC WORLD MARKETS CORP. | CIBC WORLD MARKETS CORP. |
| By: | /s/ Michael Kim |
|  | Name:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Kim |
|  | Title:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director |

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|:---|:---|
| MIZUHO SECURITIES USA LLC | MIZUHO SECURITIES USA LLC |
| By: | /s/ Stephen E. Leamer |
|  | Name:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stephen E. Leamer |
|  | Title:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director |

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|:---|:---|
| RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC | RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC |
| By: | /s/ John M. Sconzo |
|  | Name:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;John M. Sconzo |
|  | Title:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Managing Director |

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Acting on behalf of themselves and as the Representatives of the several Initial Purchasers.

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