Document:

EX-10.1

 

Exhibit 10.1

CONFIDENTIAL

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

     THIS CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE (“Agreement”) is entered into by
and among DONALD T. ROBINSON (“Robinson”), and LINN OPERATING, INC., LINN ENERGY, LLC, LINN ENERGY
HOLDINGS, LLC, PENN WEST PIPELINE, LLC and MID ATLANTIC WELL SERVICE, INC. (collectively “LINN”).

     WHEREAS, Robinson has been employed as Chief Accounting Officer for Linn;

     WHEREAS, Robinson and Linn wish to terminate their employment relationship; and

     WHEREAS, Robinson and Linn wish to amicably resolve any and all potential disputes which they
may have to avoid the expense, inconvenience and distraction likely to result from litigation.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties agree and intend to be legally bound as follows:

1. The preamble as stated above is incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth at
length.

2. Robinson will continue to be employed by Linn until Linn files its Form 10-Q with the Securities
and Exchange Commission for the first quarter ended March 31, 2006, at which time Robinson agrees
to resign his employment effective that date (hereinafter referred to as “Resignation Date”).
Robinson hereby agrees that he will continue to perform and provide services on behalf of Linn as
an employee and will not engage in any other employment until after the Resignation Date.
Robinson’s signature on this Agreement shall constitute evidence of his resignation and no further
document shall be required. Robinson understands that, on and after the Resignation Date, he will

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have no authority to act for or on behalf of Linn in any capacity.

3. Robinson hereby agrees that prior to the public announcement by Linn of Robinson’s resignation,
he will not disclose to any co-workers or third parties (except for any potential successor
employers) that he has or plans to accept employment with any other entity or person. Robinson
also agrees to advise any successor employer or potential successor employer not to announce or
disclose, in any manner, that Robinson has accepted an offer of employment until the earlier of the
day after the Resignation Date or the first business day following any public announcement by Linn
of Robinson’s resignation. Robinson understands and agrees Linn will suffer irreparable damages if
his resignation is announced prior to the Resignation Date.

4. In consideration of the release of all claims as provided herein, and for the other promises
made by Robinson in this Agreement, Linn agrees to pay Robinson the sum of $65,000.00, less all
applicable withholding, payroll taxes and deductions. The lump sum payment to Robinson hereunder
will be made within thirty (30) days following the Resignation Date provided that both parties
execute this Agreement. Robinson shall be solely responsible for any and all applicable federal,
state, and/or local taxes which may be assessed or payable on the severance sum specified herein
and due, if any, in addition to the amounts withheld by Linn. Robinson agrees to release,
indemnify and hold harmless Linn, from any and all responsibility or liability related to the
payment of any tax which may be assessed or payable regarding the settlement sum paid hereunder on
which there was not withholding.

5. The consideration reflected in Paragraph 4 hereof represents an amount that is in addition to
anything of value to which Robinson is otherwise entitled as a result of his separation of
employment from Linn.

6. Robinson hereby agrees that the lump sum payment described in Paragraph 4 of this Agreement is
all that he will receive from Linn except for vested qualified retirement benefits, if any,

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to which Robinson may be entitled to under Linn’s ERISA plans. Robinson agrees and understands
that he will not be eligible for any other employer-provided benefits, including but not limited
to, medical and dental insurance, unit options, pension contributions, 401(k) contributions, paid
time off or vacation pay, sick pay or leave, accident pay or insurance, short-term disability
insurance, long-term disability insurance, or life insurance. Robinson’s eligibility to
participate in all employee benefits and/or plans will end on the Resignation Date.

7. Robinson and Linn have entered into this Agreement solely for the purpose of avoiding the
burdens and expense of litigation, and the making of this Agreement is not intended, and shall not
be construed that Linn has violated any statute, law, rule, order, policy, procedure, or contract,
expressed or implied, or incurred any liability on account thereof and any such violation is
expressly denied.

8. Robinson, knowingly and voluntarily, on his own behalf and on behalf of his respective heirs,
agents, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives, and all persons or entities
claiming any right or rights through him, including, but not limited to, in his capacity as a
unitholder or otherwise, for and in consideration of the obligations set forth herein, does hereby
forever release, acquit, waive and forever discharge Linn Operating, Inc., Linn Energy, LLC, Linn
Energy Holdings, LLC, Penn West Pipeline, LLC and Mid Atlantic Well Service, Inc., as well as each
of their past, present and future, predecessors, successors, subsidiaries, parent companies,
representatives, affiliates, related entities, divisions, administrators, employees, shareholders,
unitholders, directors, officers, staff, attorneys, agents, assigns, which may include but are not
limited to unrelated parties and subsequent purchasers (hereinafter collectively referred to as the
“Released Parties”) from any and all suits, claims, demands, rights, causes of actions, damages,
losses, judgments, penalties, liens, attorneys’ fees and expenses of whatever kind or nature, in
law or in equity, direct or indirect, known or unknown, mature or not matured, present or future,
accrued or unaccrued, against any of the

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Released Parties arising out of or relating in any way to Robinson’s employment with the Released
Parties and/or his separation from employment from the Released Parties, or any other act,
omission, event, occurrence, or thing, including, but not limited to, any and all claims, suits, or
causes of action, whether in an individual and/or derivative capacity, relating in any way to
Robinson’s capacity as a unitholder or otherwise, which occurred from the beginning of time through
and including the Resignation Date. The Release contained in this Paragraph applies without
limitation to all Released Parties whose status is identified above as of the date of this
Agreement and shall continue to apply without regard to their future employment or affiliation with
Linn. This release specifically includes, but is not limited to, any and all claims for
negligence, breach of contract, defamation, intentional torts, retaliation, violation of any
federal, state and/or local statutes, laws or regulations prohibiting employment discrimination on
the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, disability, retaliation and all
other protected categories and all claims based on any other statute, law or regulation, affecting
relations between employers and employees, including, but not limited to Title VII of the Civil
Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act;
the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the
Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1986; the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 and 1871; the Equal
Pay Act; 42 U.S.C. § 1981; the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act; the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and
Collection Law; the City of Pittsburgh Ordinance on Human Relations; all as amended; and all other
federal, state, and/or local statutory and/or common law claims arising out of or relating in any
way to Robinson’s employment with the Released Parties and/or his separation from employment from
the Released Parties, or any other act, omission, event, occurrence, or thing, including, but not
limited to, any and all claims, suits, or causes of action, whether in an individual and/or
derivative capacity, relating in any way to Robinson’s capacity as a unitholder or otherwise, which
occurred from the beginning of time through

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and including the Resignation Date. This Release also includes but is not limited to a release for
constructive discharge of Robinson, breach of employment and/or other contract and other statutory,
common law, tort or claim that he may have against any of the Released Parties. This Release shall
become effective and binding on the Resignation Date.

9. Robinson agrees that he will not file, or permit to be filed, in his name, or on his behalf,
including in his capacity as a unitholder or otherwise, any complaint, charge, lawsuit, allegation
or administrative claim against any of the Released Parties identified in this Agreement, based
upon Robinson’s employment with the Released Parties and/or separation from employment from the
Released Parties, or any other act, omission, event, occurrence, or thing, including, but not
limited to, any and all claims, suits, or causes of action, whether in an individual and/or
derivative capacity, relating in any way to Robinson’s capacity as a unitholder or otherwise, which
occurred from the beginning of time through and including the Resignation Date. Notwithstanding
any other language in this Agreement, Robinson understands that this Agreement does not prohibit
him from filing an administrative charge of alleged employment discrimination under Title VII of
the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the Equal Pay Act. However,
Robinson waives his right to monetary or other recovery should any federal, state, or local
administrative agency pursue any claims on his behalf arising out of or relating in any way to his
employment with the Released Parties and/or his separation from employment from the Released
Parties.

10. Robinson hereby acknowledges that during his employment with Linn he obtained information
regarding Linn’s business, including trade secrets, customer lists, and other confidential and
proprietary business information relating to Linn, its business operations and accounts, which are
valuable assets and property rights of Linn. Robinson agrees that he will not, either directly or
indirectly, misappropriate, use or disclose, without the prior written consent of Linn, any
information regarding Linn and/or any of the Released Parties, their respective businesses,
affiliates, customers,

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prospective customers and their employees, which Robinson acquired while employed by Linn.
Robinson further agrees not to make any statements which defame, slander or disparage any of the
Released Parties or any of their administrators, shareholders, unitholders, directors, officers,
staff, attorneys, agents, employees, heirs, representatives or partners.

11. Neither Robinson nor Linn will disclose the terms and facts of this Agreement without the
written consent of the other party, provided however, either party may make such disclosure to his
or its legal and tax advisors or as required by law, including any reporting obligations either
party may have under any applicable tax, securities and other applicable laws and those individuals
employed at or by Linn who need to know in order to implement the terms of this Agreement.
Robinson and Linn understand and agree that noncompliance with the terms and conditions of this
Paragraph will be construed by the other party to be a breach of contract and such other party will
be entitled to such remedies that may include, but not limited to, money damages plus accrued
interest and all other equitable and legal remedies such party may be entitled to in the protection
of its rights at law, in equity or otherwise.

12. On or before the Resignation Date, Robinson hereby agrees to return to Linn all computers,
software, records, manuals, proposals, electronic storage media, written and printed materials,
keys, identification cards and other property, documents or information of Linn and/or relating in
any way to any of the Released Parties and/or their businesses, customers and prospective customers
in Robinson’s possession, custody or control. Robinson certifies that he has not kept the
originals or copies of any documents, records, computer files, software or any other property of
Linn and/or any of the Released Parties and/or their customers and prospective customers.

13. Robinson agrees that he will make himself available to provide consulting services to Linn,
upon the mutual agreement of Linn and Robinson after the Resignation Date so long as such services
do not unreasonably interfere with the performance of Robinson’s duties at any new employer.

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Robinson hereby agrees that his hourly rate for serving as a consultant will be $100.00 per hour.
Robinson agrees and acknowledges that Linn is under no obligation to request Robinson’s services as
a consultant and that he will only perform consulting services upon Linn’s request to do so. If
Robinson’s consulting services are requested by Linn, he will remain at all times an independent
contractor and not an employee of Linn or any of the Released Parties.

14. By signing this Agreement, Robinson acknowledges and agrees that he:

(a) has read and understands each and every provision of this Agreement;

(b) understands that the Agreement is a legally binding agreement and has been given
the opportunity to review it with legal counsel of his choice prior to signing;

(c) the consideration for this Agreement includes Linn’s payment of severance pay,
as described above, which Robinson acknowledges is in addition to anything of value
to which he is already entitled to from Linn;

(d) realizes and understands that the Release contained in Paragraph 8 of this
Agreement, which shall become effective on the Resignation Date, applies to and
covers all suits, claims, demands, rights, actions, charges, and causes of action,
arising under any federal, state, and/or local laws prohibiting employment
discrimination and all common law claims against each of the Released Parties,
including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising out of his employment with
the Released Parties and/or his separation from employment from the Released
Parties, whether or not he knows or suspects them to exist at the present time and
that he is giving up the right to sue Linn and each of the Released Parties for any
claims which he believes he has based upon any act, omission, event, occurrence or
thing which occurred from the beginning of time through and including the
Resignation Date;

(e) has not received any promises or representations except those contained in this
Agreement;

(f) has not filed any complaints or charges with a court or administrative agency
against Linn or any of the other Released Parties prior to the date of the signing
of this Agreement; and

(g) understands that (1) the terms of this Agreement; and (2) that his signing of
this Agreement is done voluntarily and with the full understanding of its
consequences and has not been forced or coerced in any way.

15. If, in any legal action by Robinson the Release contained in Paragraph 8 hereunder is declared
unenforceable, Linn shall be entitled to a setoff or recoupment of the entire separation pay

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and benefits paid by Linn hereunder to the extent permitted by applicable law. In the event that a
court of competent jurisdiction determines that Robinson has breached any of the other agreements
set forth in this Agreement, including but not limited to the confidentiality provisions contained
in this Agreement or that any information, representation or warranty made by Robinson contained in
this Agreement is false or misleading, then this Agreement shall be null and void and the entire
separation pay and benefits provided to Robinson under this Agreement shall be treated as an
overpayment and shall be repaid by Robinson with interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per
annum. Further, Robinson agrees to pay any collection or legal fees incurred by the Released
Parties to recover the aforestated amounts.

16. This Agreement constitutes the complete agreement and understanding of the parties, supersedes
any prior agreements or understandings of the parties (oral or written) and may be amended only in
writing signed by the parties.

17. If any part, term, or provision of this Agreement is declared or determined by any court to be
illegal or invalid, such invalidity or illegality shall not affect the validity of the other
provisions of this Agreement, and the illegal or invalid part, term or provision shall be deemed to
be severable and not part of this Agreement.

18. This Agreement at all times and for all purposes, shall be interpreted, enforced and governed
in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

19. This Agreement is binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties and their
respective heirs, administrators, executors, successors and assigns.

20. This Agreement may be executed in duplicate with each party maintaining an original copy. Any
one of the two (2) original copies of the Agreement will be construed as an original document for
all lawful purposes.

[rest of this page left intentionally blank]

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the parties hereto on the date
indicated below.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	/s/ Donald T. Robinson
	 	 	 
	 	 	DONALD T. ROBINSON
	 
	 	 	 	 
	/s/ Eric P. Linn

	 	Date:
	 	6/5/06
	 

	 	 	 	 
	Witness
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	LINN OPERATING, INC., LINN
	 	 	ENERGY, LLC, and LINN ENERGY
	 	 	HOLDINGS, LLC
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:
	 	/s/ Roland P. Keddie
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Roland P. Keddie
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	Senior Vice President
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	/s/ Eric P. Linn

	 	Date:
	 	6/5/06
	 

	 	 	 	 
	Witness
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	PENN WEST PIPELINE, LLC
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:
	 	/s/ Roland P. Keddie
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Roland P. Keddie
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	President
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	/s/ Eric P. Linn

	 	Date:
	 	6/5/06
	 

	 	 	 	 
	Witness
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	MID ATLANTIC WELL SERVICE, INC.
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:
	 	/s/ Roland P. Keddie
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Roland P. Keddie
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	Secretary
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	/s/ Eric P. Linn

	 	Date:
	 	6/5/06
	 

	 	 	 	 
	Witness
	 	 	 	 

9exv4w1

 

Exhibit 4.1

Omnibus Amendment No. 1 to

Amended and Restated Series 2002-1 Indenture Supplement,

Series 2004-1 Indenture Supplement and

Series 2005-1 Indenture Supplement

Dated: as of June 5, 2006

     Reference is made to (i) the Amended and Restated Series 2002-1 Indenture Supplement, dated as
of January 14, 2005 (the “Series 2002-1 Indenture Supplement”), between Ford Credit Floorplan
Master Owner Trust A, as issuer (the “Issuer”) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as
indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”); (ii) the Series 2004-1 Indenture Supplement, dated as
of July 1, 2004 (the “Series 2004-1 Indenture Supplement”), between the Issuer and the Indenture
Trustee, as previously amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated as of January 14, 2005; and (iii)
the Series 2005-1 Indenture Supplement, dated as of June 1, 2005 (the “Series 2005-1 Indenture
Supplement” and, together with the Series 2002-1 Indenture Supplement and the Series 2004-1
Indenture Supplement, the “Indenture Supplements”), between the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee,
each supplemental to the Indenture, dated as of August 1, 2001 (the “Indenture”), between the
Issuer and the Indenture Trustee. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have
the meanings given in or by reference in the related Indenture Supplement.

     In accordance with Section 10.01(a) of the Indenture, the parties hereto hereby agree to amend
each Indenture Supplement as follows:

     Section 1. Amendments.

     The definition of “Subordination Factor” in Appendix A of the Series 2002-1 Indenture
Supplement and in Section 2.01 of the Series 2004-1 and Series 2005-1 Indenture Supplements is
hereby deleted in its entirety and:

     (i) with respect to the Series 2002-1 Indenture Supplement, replaced with “ ‘Subordination Factor’
means, for the Series 2002-1 Notes, 13.00%.”

     (ii) with respect to the Series 2004-1 Indenture Supplement, replaced with
“ ‘Subordination Factor’ means, for the Series 2004-1 Notes, 11.50%.” and

     (iii) with respect to the Series 2005-1 Indenture Supplement, replaced with
“ ‘Subordination Factor’ means, for the Series 2005-1 Notes, 11.50%.”

     Section 2. Effective Date. The parties to this Omnibus Amendment, by executing and
delivering this Omnibus Amendment, hereby intend to amend each Indenture Supplement, on the terms
and conditions hereinafter set forth, which shall become effective on the Determination Date
relating to the July 17, 2006 Distribution Date, and

 

 

on such Determination Date the Available Subordinated Amount for each such Series will be
increased to equal the related Required Subordinated Amount calculated using the Subordinated
Percentage for such Series set forth above.

     Section 3. Incorporation of Amendments. Upon the effectiveness of this Omnibus
Amendment, each reference in an Indenture Supplement to “this Indenture Supplement,” “hereunder,”
“hereof,” “herein,” “hereby” or words of like import shall mean and be a reference to such
Indenture Supplement as amended hereby, and each reference to an Indenture Supplement in any other
document, instrument and agreement executed and/or delivered in connection with such Indenture
Supplement shall mean and be a reference to such Indenture Supplement as amended hereby.

     Section 4. Confirmation. Except as specifically amended hereby, the Indenture
Supplements and all other documents, instruments and agreements executed and/or delivered in
connection therewith shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

[Signatures to Follow on Succeeding Page]

 

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the date first above
written.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	FORD CREDIT FLOORPLAN MASTER

OWNER TRUST A

 	 
	 	By:  	The Bank of New York, not in its
individual capacity, but solely as
Owner Trustee
 	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ John Bobko
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	John Bobko 	 
	 	 	Title:  	Vice President 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, not in its individual
capacity, but solely as Indenture Trustee,
Securities Intermediary and Bank

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ Andrew M. Cooper
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	Andrew M. Cooper 	 
	 	 	Title:  	Assistant Vice President

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