Document:

Exhibit 4.1

 

 

CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.

 

CROSSTEX ENERGY FINANCE CORPORATION

 

AND

 

THE GUARANTORS NAMED ON THE SIGNATURE PAGES HEREOF

 

 

71/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2022

 

 

INDENTURE

 

Dated as of May 24, 2012

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

As Trustee

 

 

 

CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*

 

	
Trust Indenture
   Act Section
    	
 
    	
Indenture
   Section
    
	
310(a)(1)
    	
 
    	
7.10
    
	
(a)(2)
    	
 
    	
7.10
    
	
(a)(3)
    	
 
    	
N/A
    
	
(a)(4)
    	
 
    	
N/A
    
	
(a)(5)
    	
 
    	
7.10
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
7.10
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
N/A
    
	
311(a)
    	
 
    	
7.11
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
7.11
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
N/A
    
	
312(a)
    	
 
    	
2.05
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
11.03
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
11.03
    
	
313(a)
    	
 
    	
7.06
    
	
(b)(1)
    	
 
    	
7.06
    
	
(b)(2)
    	
 
    	
7.06, 7.07
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
7.06, 11.02
    
	
(d)
    	
 
    	
7.06
    
	
314(a)
    	
 
    	
4.03, 4.04, 11.02
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
N/A
    
	
(c)(1)
    	
 
    	
11.04
    
	
(c)(2)
    	
 
    	
11.04
    
	
(c)(3)
    	
 
    	
N/A
    
	
(d)
    	
 
    	
N/A
    
	
(e)
    	
 
    	
11.05
    
	
(f)
    	
 
    	
N/A
    
	
315(a)
    	
 
    	
7.01
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
7.05, 11.02
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
7.01
    
	
(d)
    	
 
    	
7.01
    
	
(e)
    	
 
    	
6.11
    
	
316(a)(last sentence)
    	
 
    	
2.08
    
	
(a)(1)(A)
    	
 
    	
6.05
    
	
(a)(1)(B)
    	
 
    	
6.04
    
	
(a)(2)
    	
 
    	
N/A
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
6.07
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
9.04
    
	
317(a)(1)
    	
 
    	
6.08
    
	
(a)(2)
    	
 
    	
6.09
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
2.04
    
	
318(a)
    	
 
    	
11.01
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
N/A
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
11.01
    

 

N/A means not applicable.

*This Cross-Reference Table is not part of the Indenture.

 

i

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

	
 
    	
Page
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS AND   INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
    	
1
    
	
Section 1.01.
    	
Definitions
    	
1
    
	
Section 1.02.
    	
Other Definitions
    	
26
    
	
Section 1.03.
    	
Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act
    	
27
    
	
Section 1.04.
    	
Rules of Construction
    	
27
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE 2 THE NOTES
    	
27
    
	
Section 2.01.
    	
Form and Dating
    	
27
    
	
Section 2.02.
    	
Execution and Authentication
    	
28
    
	
Section 2.03.
    	
Registrar and Paying Agent
    	
28
    
	
Section 2.04.
    	
Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust
    	
29
    
	
Section 2.05.
    	
Noteholder Lists
    	
29
    
	
Section 2.06.
    	
Transfer and Exchange
    	
29
    
	
Section 2.07.
    	
Replacement Notes
    	
30
    
	
Section 2.08.
    	
Outstanding Notes
    	
30
    
	
Section 2.09.
    	
Temporary Notes
    	
30
    
	
Section 2.10.
    	
Cancellation
    	
30
    
	
Section 2.11.
    	
Defaulted Interest
    	
31
    
	
Section 2.12.
    	
CUSIP Numbers
    	
31
    
	
Section 2.13.
    	
Issuance of Additional Notes
    	
31
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE 3 REDEMPTION AND   PREPAYMENT
    	
32
    
	
Section 3.01.
    	
Notices to Trustee
    	
32
    
	
Section 3.02.
    	
Selection of Notes to be Redeemed
    	
32
    
	
Section 3.03.
    	
Notice of Redemption
    	
32
    
	
Section 3.04.
    	
Effect of Notice of Redemption
    	
33
    
	
Section 3.05.
    	
Deposit of Redemption Price
    	
34
    
	
Section 3.06.
    	
Notes Redeemed in Part
    	
34
    
	
Section 3.07.
    	
Optional Redemption
    	
34
    
	
Section 3.08.
    	
Mandatory Redemption
    	
35
    
	
Section 3.09.
    	
Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds
    	
36
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE 4 COVENANTS
    	
38
    
	
Section 4.01.
    	
Payment of Notes
    	
38
    
	
Section 4.02.
    	
Maintenance of Office or Agency
    	
38
    
	
Section 4.03.
    	
Reports
    	
39
    
	
Section 4.04.
    	
Compliance Certificate
    	
40
    
	
Section 4.05.
    	
Taxes
    	
40
    
	
Section 4.06.
    	
Stay, Extension and Usury Laws
    	
40
    
	
Section 4.07.
    	
Limitation on Restricted Payments
    	
40
    
	
Section 4.08.
    	
Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions   Affecting Subsidiaries
    	
44
    
	
Section 4.09.
    	
Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of   Preferred Stock
    	
46
    

 

ii

 

	
Section 4.10.
    	
Limitation on Asset Sales
    	
49
    
	
Section 4.11.
    	
Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates
    	
50
    
	
Section 4.12.
    	
Limitation on Liens
    	
52
    
	
Section 4.13.
    	
Additional Subsidiary Guarantees
    	
52
    
	
Section 4.14.
    	
Corporate Existence
    	
52
    
	
Section 4.15.
    	
Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control
    	
53
    
	
Section 4.16.
    	
No Inducements
    	
55
    
	
Section 4.17.
    	
Permitted Business Activities
    	
56
    
	
Section 4.18.
    	
Sale and Leaseback Transactions
    	
56
    
	
Section 4.19.
    	
Covenant Termination
    	
56
    
	
Section 4.20.
    	
Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries
    	
57
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE 5 SUCCESSORS
    	
57
    
	
Section 5.01.
    	
Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets
    	
57
    
	
Section 5.02.
    	
Successor Substituted
    	
59
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE 6 DEFAULTS AND   REMEDIES
    	
59
    
	
Section 6.01.
    	
Events of Default
    	
59
    
	
Section 6.02.
    	
Acceleration
    	
61
    
	
Section 6.03.
    	
Other Remedies
    	
62
    
	
Section 6.04.
    	
Waiver of Past Defaults
    	
62
    
	
Section 6.05.
    	
Control by Majority
    	
62
    
	
Section 6.06.
    	
Limitation on Suits
    	
62
    
	
Section 6.07.
    	
Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment
    	
63
    
	
Section 6.08.
    	
Collection Suit by Trustee
    	
63
    
	
Section 6.09.
    	
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim
    	
63
    
	
Section 6.10.
    	
Priorities
    	
64
    
	
Section 6.11.
    	
Undertaking for Costs
    	
64
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE 7 TRUSTEE
    	
65
    
	
Section 7.01.
    	
Duties of Trustee
    	
65
    
	
Section 7.02.
    	
Rights of Trustee
    	
66
    
	
Section 7.03.
    	
Individual Rights of Trustee
    	
67
    
	
Section 7.04.
    	
Trustee’s Disclaimer
    	
67
    
	
Section 7.05.
    	
Notice of Defaults
    	
67
    
	
Section 7.06.
    	
Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes
    	
67
    
	
Section 7.07.
    	
Compensation and Indemnity
    	
67
    
	
Section 7.08.
    	
Replacement of Trustee
    	
68
    
	
Section 7.09.
    	
Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.
    	
69
    
	
Section 7.10.
    	
Eligibility; Disqualification
    	
70
    
	
Section 7.11.
    	
Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuers
    	
70
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE 8 LEGAL DEFEASANCE   AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
    	
70
    
	
Section 8.01.
    	
Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance
    	
70
    
	
Section 8.02.
    	
Legal Defeasance and Discharge
    	
70
    
	
Section 8.03.
    	
Covenant Defeasance
    	
71
    
	
Section 8.04.
    	
Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance
    	
71
    

 

iii

 

	
Section 8.05.
    	
Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in   Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions
    	
72
    
	
Section 8.06.
    	
Repayment to Issuers
    	
73
    
	
Section 8.07.
    	
Reinstatement
    	
73
    
	
Section 8.08.
    	
Discharge
    	
74
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE 9 AMENDMENT,   SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
    	
75
    
	
Section 9.01.
    	
Without Consent of Holders of Notes
    	
75
    
	
Section 9.02.
    	
With Consent of Holders of Notes
    	
76
    
	
Section 9.03.
    	
Compliance with Trust Indenture Act
    	
77
    
	
Section 9.04.
    	
Effect of Consents
    	
77
    
	
Section 9.05.
    	
Notation on or Exchange of Notes
    	
77
    
	
Section 9.06.
    	
Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.
    	
78
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE 10 GUARANTEES OF   NOTES
    	
78
    
	
Section 10.01.
    	
Subsidiary Guarantees
    	
78
    
	
Section 10.02.
    	
Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain   Terms
    	
79
    
	
Section 10.03.
    	
Releases of Subsidiary Guarantees
    	
79
    
	
Section 10.04.
    	
Limitation on Guarantor Liability
    	
80
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE 11 MISCELLANEOUS
    	
80
    
	
Section 11.01.
    	
Trust Indenture Act Controls
    	
80
    
	
Section 11.02.
    	
Notices
    	
80
    
	
Section 11.03.
    	
Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of   Notes
    	
82
    
	
Section 11.04.
    	
Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent
    	
82
    
	
Section 11.05.
    	
Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion
    	
82
    
	
Section 11.06.
    	
Rules by Trustee and Agents
    	
82
    
	
Section 11.07.
    	
No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and   Unitholders
    	
83
    
	
Section 11.08.
    	
Governing Law
    	
83
    
	
Section 11.09.
    	
No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements
    	
83
    
	
Section 11.10.
    	
Successors
    	
83
    
	
Section 11.11.
    	
Severability
    	
83
    
	
Section 11.12.
    	
Table of Contents, Headings, etc.
    	
83
    
	
Section 11.13.
    	
Counterparts
    	
83
    
	
Section 11.14.
    	
Acts of Holders
    	
84
    
	
Section 11.15.
    	
Patriot Act
    	
85
    

 

iv

 

APPENDIX, SCHEDULE AND ANNEX

 

	
RULE   144A/REGULATION S APPENDIX
    	
App. - 1
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
EXHIBIT 1
    	
Form of   Initial Note
    	
 
    
	
EXHIBIT 2
    	
Form of   Exchange Note
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
SCHEDULE   I Agreements with Affiliates
    	
S-1
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ANNEX   A Form of Supplemental Indenture
    	
Annex A-1
    

 

v

 

This Indenture, dated as May 24, 2012, is among Crosstex Energy, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Company”), Crosstex Energy Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Finance Corp.” and, together with the Company, the “Issuers”), the guarantors listed on the signature pages hereof (each, a “Guarantor” and, collectively, the “Guarantors”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

 

The Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Issuers’ Initial Notes, Exchange Notes and Additional Notes:

 

ARTICLE 1
 DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION 
 BY REFERENCE

 

Section 1.01.         Definitions.

 

“2010 Indenture” means the Indenture, dated as of February 10, 2010, relating to the 87/8% Senior Notes due 2018 of the Issuers, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

“Acquired Debt” means, with respect to any specified Person:

 

(1)           Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person was merged with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into, or becoming a Subsidiary of, such specified Person, but excluding Indebtedness which is extinguished, retired or repaid in connection with such Person merging with or into or becoming a Subsidiary of such specified Person; and

 

(2)           Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

 

“Additional Interest” means all Additional Interest then owing pursuant to Section 5 of the Registration Rights Agreement referred to in clause (1) of the definition of “Registration Rights Agreement” in the Appendix.  Unless the context indicates otherwise, all references to “interest” in this Indenture or the Notes shall be deemed to include any Additional Interest.

 

“Additional Notes” means, subject to the Company’s compliance with Section 4.09, 71/8% Senior Notes due 2022 issued from time to time after the Initial Issuance Date under the terms of this Indenture (other than pursuant to Section 2.06, 2.07, 2.09 or 3.06 of this Indenture and other than Exchange Notes issued pursuant to an exchange offer for other Notes outstanding under this Indenture).

 

“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person.  For purposes of this definition, “control,” as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or

 

1

 

otherwise; provided, however, that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a Person will be deemed to be control by the other Person; and further, that any third Person which also beneficially owns 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a specified Person shall not be deemed to be an Affiliate of either the specified Person or the other Person merely because of such common ownership in such specified Person.  For purposes of this definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with” have correlative meanings.

 

“Agent” means any Registrar or Paying Agent.

 

“Agent Members” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

“Applicable Law,” except as the context may otherwise require, means all applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, judgments, decrees, injunctions, writs and orders of any court or governmental or congressional agency or authority and rules, regulations, orders, licenses and permits of any United States federal, state, municipal, regional, or other governmental body, instrumentality, agency or authority.

 

“Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in a Global Note, the rules and procedures of the Depository that apply to such transfer and exchange.

 

“Asset Sale” means:

 

(1)           the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any properties or assets (including by way of a sale and leaseback transaction); provided, however, that the disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole will be governed by the provisions of Section 4.15 and/or the provisions of Section 5.01 and not by the provisions of Section 4.10; and

 

(2)           the issuance of Equity Interests in any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries or the sale of Equity Interests in any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

Notwithstanding the preceding, the following items will not be deemed to be Asset Sales:

 

(1)           any single transaction or series of related transactions that involves properties or assets having a fair market value of less than $10.0 million;

 

(2)           a transfer of assets between or among any of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries,

 

(3)           an issuance or sale of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or to another Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(4)           the sale, lease or other disposition of equipment, inventory, accounts receivable or other properties or assets in the ordinary course of business;

 

(5)           the sale or other disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents, Hedging Contracts or other financial instruments in the ordinary course of business;

 

2

 

(6)           a Restricted Payment that is permitted by Section 4.07 or a Permitted Investment;

 

(7)           the creation or perfection of a Lien that is not prohibited by Section 4.12;

 

(8)           dispositions in connection with Permitted Liens;

 

(9)           surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contract, tort or other claims of any kind;

 

(10)         the grant in the ordinary course of business of any non-exclusive license of patents, trademarks, registrations therefor and other similar intellectual property;

 

(11)         an Asset Swap; and

 

(12)         an Equipment Lease Transaction.

 

“Asset Swap” means any substantially contemporaneous (and in any event occurring within 180 days of each other) purchase and sale or exchange of any assets or properties used or useful in a Permitted Business between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person; provided that any cash received must be applied in accordance with Section 4.10 as if the Asset Swap were an Asset Sale.

 

“Attributable Debt” in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction means, at the time of determination, the present value of the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such sale and leaseback transaction including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended.  Such present value shall be calculated using a discount rate equal to the rate of interest implicit in such transaction, determined in accordance with GAAP.  As used in the preceding sentence, the “net rental payments” under any lease for any such period shall mean the sum of rental and other payments required to be paid with respect to such period by the lessee thereunder, excluding any amounts required to be paid by such lessee on account of maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges.  In the case of any lease that is terminable by the lessee upon payment of penalty, such net rental payment shall also include the amount of such penalty, but no rent shall be considered as required to be paid under such lease subsequent to the first date upon which it may be so terminated.

 

“Available Cash” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Partnership Agreement, as in effect on the date of this Indenture.

 

“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, United States Code, as may be amended from time to time, or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.

 

“Beneficial Owner” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is

 

3

 

exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition.  The terms “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned” have correlative meanings.

 

“Board of Directors” means:

 

(1)           with respect to Finance Corp., the board of directors of Finance Corp.;

 

(2)           with respect to the Company, the Board of Directors of the General Partner or any authorized committee thereof; and

 

(3)           with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person serving a similar function.

 

“Board Resolution” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the applicable Person to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of such Person and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

 

“Business Day” means each day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in Dallas, Texas or in New York, New York or another place of payment are authorized or required by law to close.

 

“Capital Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at that time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Capital Stock” means:

 

(1)           in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;

 

(2)           in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;

 

(3)           in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership interests (whether general or limited) or membership interests; and

 

(4)           any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.

 

“Cash Equivalents” means:

 

(1)           United States dollars;

 

(2)           securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States government

 

4

 

(provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support of those securities) having maturities of not more than six months from the date of acquisition;

 

(3)           marketable general obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of acquisition thereof, having a credit rating of “A” or better from either S&P or Moody’s;

 

(4)           certificates of deposit, demand deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any lender party to the Credit Agreement or with any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $500.0 million and a Thomson Bank Watch Rating of “B” or better;

 

(5)           repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2), (3) and (4) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;

 

(6)           commercial paper having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from Moody’s or S&P and in each case maturing within six months after the date of acquisition; and

 

(7)           money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (1) through (6) of this definition.

 

“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(1)           the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets (including Capital Stock of the Restricted Subsidiaries) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), which occurrence is followed by a Rating Decline within 90 days of the consummation of such transaction;

 

(2)           the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company or removal of the General Partner by the limited partners of the Company;

 

(3)           the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), excluding the Qualifying Owners, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Voting Stock of the General Partner, measured by voting power rather than number of shares, units or the like, which occurrence is followed by a Rating Decline within 90 days thereof;

 

(4)           the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any “person” (as that term is used in

 

5

 

Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), excluding the Qualifying Owners identified in clause (1) of the definition of Qualifying Owners, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Voting Stock of Crosstex Energy, Inc., measured by voting power rather than number of shares, units or the like, at a time when Crosstex Energy, Inc. Beneficially Owns a majority of the Voting Stock of the General Partner, which occurrence is followed by a Rating Decline within 90 days thereof; or

 

(5)           the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the General Partner are not Continuing Directors, which occurrence is followed by a Rating Decline within 90 days thereof.

 

Notwithstanding the preceding, a conversion of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from a limited partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other form of entity to a limited liability company, corporation, limited partnership or other form of entity or an exchange of all of the outstanding Equity Interests in one form of entity for Equity Interests in another form of entity shall not constitute a Change of Control, so long as following such conversion or exchange the “persons” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) who Beneficially Owned the Capital Stock of the Company immediately prior to such transactions continue to Beneficially Own in the aggregate more than 50% of the Voting Stock of such entity, or continue to Beneficially Own sufficient Equity Interests in such entity to elect a majority of its directors, managers, trustees or other persons serving in a similar capacity for such entity or its general partner, as applicable, and, in either case no “person” Beneficially Owns more than 50% of the Voting Stock of such entity or its general partner, as applicable.

 

“Clearfield Acquisition Agreement” means the Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2012, by and among Crosstex Energy Services, L.P., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Energy Equity Partners, L.P., certain limited partners of Energy Equity Partners, L.P., Clearfield Energy, Inc., Clearfield Holdings, Inc., West Virginia Oil Gathering Corporation, Appalachian Oil Purchasers, Inc., Kentucky Oil Gathering Corporation, Ohio Oil Gathering Corporation II, Ohio Oil Gathering Corporation III, OOGC Disposal Company I, M&B Gas Services, Inc., Clearfield Ohio Holdings, Inc., Pike Natural Gas Company, Eastern Natural Gas Company, and Southeastern Natural Gas Company, as it may be amended or supplemented.

 

“Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, or any successor securities clearing agency.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

 

“Commission” or “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“Consolidated Cash Flow” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus:

 

(1)           an amount equal to any net loss realized by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale, to the extent such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

6

 

(2)           provision for taxes based on income or profits of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(3)           consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued and whether or not capitalized (including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings), and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to interest rate Hedging Contracts, to the extent that any such expense was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(4)           depreciation and amortization (including amortization of intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period), impairment, non-cash equity based compensation expense and other non-cash items (excluding any such non-cash item to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such depreciation and amortization, impairment and other non-cash items that were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(5)           unrealized non-cash losses resulting from foreign currency balance sheet adjustments required by GAAP to the extent such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(6)           all extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items of gain or loss, or revenue or expense; minus

 

(7)           non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than items that were accrued in the ordinary course of business;

 

in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP, provided that:

 

(1)           the Net Income (but not loss) of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting will be included, but only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the specified Person or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Person;

 

(2)           the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary will be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any

 

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prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, partners or members;

 

(3)           the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles will be excluded;

 

(4)           unrealized losses and gains under derivative instruments included in the determination of Consolidated Net Income, including, without limitation those resulting from the application of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 815 will be excluded; and

 

(5)           any nonrecurring charges relating to any premium or penalty paid, write off of deferred finance costs or other charges in connection with redeeming or retiring any Indebtedness prior to its Stated Maturity will be excluded.

 

“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means, with respect to any Person at any date of determination, the aggregate amount of total assets included in such Person’s most recent quarterly or annual consolidated balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP less applicable reserves reflected in such balance sheet, after deducting the following amounts:  (a) all current liabilities reflected in such balance sheet, and (b) all goodwill, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discounts and expenses and other like intangibles reflected in such balance sheet.

 

“Continuing Directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of the General Partner who:

 

(1)           was a member of such Board of Directors on the date of this Indenture; or

 

(2)           was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board at the time of such nomination or election.

 

“Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee” means the office of the Trustee in the City of New York at which at any time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date hereof is located at 45 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, New York 10006, Attn: Corporate Trust Administration, or such other address in the City of New York as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuers, or the principal corporate trust office in the City of New York of any successor Trustee (or such other address as a successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuers).

 

“Credit Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 10, 2010, among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and L/C Issuer, and the other lenders party thereto, including any related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from time to time.

 

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“Credit Facilities” means one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the Credit Agreement), commercial paper facilities or secured capital markets financings, in each case with banks or other institutional lenders or institutional investors providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables), letters of credit or secured capital markets financings, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced (including refinancing with any capital markets transaction) in whole or in part from time to time.

 

“Crosstex Energy, Inc.” means Crosstex Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.

 

“Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, sequestrator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

“Default” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

 

“Depository” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

“Disqualified Stock” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, in each case at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the date on which the Notes mature.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders of the Capital Stock have the right to require the Company to repurchase or redeem such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale will not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide that the Company may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with Section 4.07.

 

“Domestic Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that was formed under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia.

 

“Equipment Lease Transactions” means sales or transfers of new equipment within 180 days of its acquisition by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with historical practice to any Person whereby the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall then or thereafter rent or lease as lessee such new equipment or any part thereof to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as such new equipment sold or transferred.

 

“Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

 

“Equity Offering” means any public or private sale of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) made for cash on a primary basis by the Company after the date of this

 

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Indenture, provided that at any time on or after a Change of Control, any sale of Capital Stock to an Affiliate of the Company shall not be deemed an Equity Offering.

 

“Escrow Agent” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association, in its capacity as escrow agent under the Escrow Agreement, or its successors.

 

“Escrow Agreement” means the Escrow Agreement dated as of the Initial Issuance Date among the Issuers, the Trustee and the Escrow Agent.

 

“Escrow Release Conditions” means the delivery by the Company to the Escrow Agent and the Trustee of a certificate in the form attached as Exhibit A to the Escrow Agreement.

 

“Euroclear” means the Euroclear System or any successor securities clearing agency.

 

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

“Exchange Notes” has the meaning specified in the Appendix.

 

“Existing Indebtedness” means the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement which is considered incurred under the first paragraph of Section 4.09 and other than intercompany indebtedness) in existence on the date of this Indenture, until such amounts are repaid.

 

The term “fair market value” means the value that would be paid by a willing buyer to an unaffiliated willing seller in a transaction not involving distress or necessity of either party, determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company in the case of amounts of $20.0 million or more and otherwise by an officer of the General Partner.

 

“FERC Subsidiary” means a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (or any successor thereof).

 

“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means with respect to any specified Person for any four-quarter reference period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period.  In the event that the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, guarantees, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness (other than ordinary working capital borrowings) or issues, repurchases or redeems preferred stock subsequent to the commencement of the applicable four-quarter reference period and on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation Date”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio will be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of preferred stock, and the use of the proceeds therefrom as if the same had occurred at the beginning of such period.

 

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In addition, for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:

 

(1)                                 acquisitions that have been made by the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers, consolidations or otherwise (including acquisitions of assets used in a Permitted Business), and including in each case any related financing transactions (including repayment of Indebtedness) during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date, will be given pro forma effect as if they had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period, including any Consolidated Cash Flow and any pro forma expense and cost reductions that have occurred or are reasonably expected to occur within the next 12 months, in the reasonable judgment of the chief financial or accounting officer of the General Partner (regardless of whether those cost savings or operating improvements could then be reflected in pro forma financial statements in accordance with Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act or any other regulation or policy of the Commission related thereto);

 

(2)                                 the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded;

 

(3)                                 the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date; and

 

(4)                                 interest income reasonably anticipated by such Person to be received during the applicable four-quarter period from cash or Cash Equivalents held by such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person, which cash or Cash Equivalents exist on the Calculation Date or will exist as a result of the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, will be included.

 

“Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(1)                                 the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings), and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to interest rate Hedging Contracts; plus

 

(2)                                 the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period; plus

 

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(3)                                 any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether or not such guarantee or Lien is called upon; plus

 

(4)                                 all dividends, whether paid or accrued and whether or not in cash, on any series of Disqualified Stock of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than dividends on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company,

 

in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that (a) is not a Domestic Subsidiary and (b) has 50% or more of its consolidated assets located outside the United States or any territory thereof.

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, which are in effect on the date of this Indenture.

 

“General Partner” means Crosstex Energy GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its successors and permitted assigns as general partner of the Company or as the business entity with the ultimate authority to manage the business and operations of the Company.

 

“Global Note” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

“Government Securities” means direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America for the payment of which guarantee or obligations the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged.

 

The term “guarantee” means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any manner including, without limitation, by way of a pledge of assets, acting as co-obligor or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness.  When used as a verb, “guarantee” has a correlative meaning.

 

“Guarantors” means each of (a) the Subsidiaries of the Company, other than Finance Corp., executing this Indenture as initial Guarantors, (b) any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that executes a supplement to this Indenture in accordance with Section 4.13 or 10.02 hereof and (c) the respective successors and assigns of such Restricted Subsidiaries, as required under Article 10 hereof, in each case until such time as any such Restricted Subsidiary shall be released and relieved of its obligations pursuant to Section 8.02, 8.03 or 10.03 hereof.

 

“Hedging Contracts” means, with respect to any specified Person:

 

(1)                                 interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements entered into with one or more financial institutions and designed to

 

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protect the Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries entering into the agreement against fluctuations in interest rates with respect to Indebtedness incurred;

 

(2)                                 foreign exchange contracts and currency protection agreements entered into with one or more financial institutions and designed to protect the Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries entering into the agreement against fluctuations in currency exchanges rates with respect to Indebtedness incurred;

 

(3)                                 any commodity futures contract, commodity option or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect against fluctuations in the price of Hydrocarbons used, produced, processed or sold by that Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries at the time; and

 

(4)                                 other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries against fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices or currency exchange rates.

 

“Holder” or “Noteholder” means a Person in whose name a Note is registered.

 

“Hydrocarbons” means crude oil, natural gas, casinghead gas, drip gasoline, natural gasoline, condensate, distillate, liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons and all constituents, elements or compounds thereof and products refined or processed therefrom.

 

“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person, any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent:

 

(1)                                 in respect of borrowed money;

 

(2)                                 evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments;

 

(3)                                 in respect of all outstanding letters of credit issued for the account of such Person that support obligations that constitute Indebtedness (provided that the amount of such letters of credit included in Indebtedness shall not exceed the amount of the Indebtedness being supported) and, without duplication, the unreimbursed amount of all drafts drawn under letters of credit issued for the account of such Person;

 

(4)                                 in respect of bankers’ acceptances;

 

(5)                                 representing Capital Lease Obligations;

 

(6)                                 representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable; or

 

(7)                                 representing any obligations under Hedging Contracts,

 

if and to the extent any of the preceding items (other than letters of credit and obligations under Hedging Contracts) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.  In addition, the term “Indebtedness” includes all

 

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Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of the specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by the specified Person) and, to the extent not otherwise included, the guarantee by the specified Person of any Indebtedness of any other Person.  For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Indebtedness” excludes any obligation arising from any agreement providing for indemnities, purchase price adjustments, holdbacks, contingency payment obligations based on the performance of the acquired or disposed assets or similar obligations (other than guarantees of Indebtedness) incurred by the specified Person in connection with the acquisition or disposition of assets.

 

The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date will be:

 

(1)                                 the accreted value of the Indebtedness, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount;

 

(2)                                 in the case of obligations under any Hedging Contracts, the termination value of the agreement or arrangement giving rise to such obligations that would be payable by such Person at such date; and

 

(3)                                 the principal amount of the Indebtedness, together with any interest on the Indebtedness that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness.

 

“Indenture” means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

“Initial Issuance Date” means May 24, 2012.

 

“Initial Notes” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

“Initial Purchasers” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

“Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P.

 

“Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all direct or indirect investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans (including guarantees or other obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding (1) commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business and (2) advances to customers in the ordinary course of business that are recorded as accounts receivable on the balance sheet of the lender), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.  If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Company such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, the Company will be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an amount determined as provided in the final paragraph of Section 4.07.  The acquisition by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of a Person that holds an Investment in a third Person will be deemed to be an Investment made by the

 

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Company or such Subsidiary in such third Person in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Investment held by the acquired Person in such third Person on the date of any such acquisition in an amount determined as provided in the final paragraph of Section 4.07.

 

“Joint Venture” means any Person that is not a direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company in which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries makes any Investment.

 

“Legal Holiday” means any calendar day other than a Business Day.  If a payment date is a Legal Holiday, payment may be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.

 

“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under Applicable Law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction other than a precautionary financing statement respecting a lease not intended as a security agreement.

 

“Louisiana Regulated Entities” means Crosstex LIG, LLC and Crosstex Tuscaloosa, LLC, together with their respective successors to the extent that any such successor is not permitted by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (or any successor thereto) to guarantee the Notes.

 

“Make Whole Premium” means, with respect to a Note at any time, the excess, if any, of (a) the present value at such time of (i) the redemption price of such Note at June 1, 2017 pursuant to Section 3.07(a) plus (ii) any required interest payments due on such Note through June 1, 2017 (except for currently accrued and unpaid interest), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months), over (b)  the principal amount of such Note.

 

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

 

“Net Income” means, with respect to any specified Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred stock dividends, excluding, however:

 

(1)                                 any gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such gain (but not loss), realized in connection with: (a) any Asset Sale; or (b) the disposition of any securities by such Person or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person; and

 

(2)                                 any extraordinary gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such extraordinary gain (but not loss).

 

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“Net Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of:

 

(1)                                 the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and sales commissions, severance costs and any relocation expenses incurred as a result of the Asset Sale,

 

(2)                                 taxes paid or payable as a result of the Asset Sale, in each case, after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements,

 

(3)                                 amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the properties or assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale, and

 

(4)                                 any amounts to be set aside in any reserve established in accordance with GAAP or any amount placed in escrow, in either case for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such properties or assets or for liabilities associated with such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries until such time as such reserve is reversed or such escrow arrangement is terminated, in which case Net Proceeds shall include only the amount of the reserve so reversed or the amount returned to the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries from such escrow arrangement, as the case may be.

 

“Non-Recourse Debt” means Indebtedness:

 

(1)                                 as to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness), (b) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise, or (c) is the lender;

 

(2)                                 no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders of the Indebtedness may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit upon notice, lapse of time or both any holder of any other Indebtedness (other than the Notes) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment of the Indebtedness to be accelerated or payable prior to its Stated Maturity; and

 

(3)                                 as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they will not have any recourse to the Capital Stock or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries except as contemplated by clause (9) of the definition of Permitted Liens.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with Section 4.09, in the event that any Non-Recourse Debt of any of the Company’s Unrestricted Subsidiaries ceases to be Non-Recourse Debt of such Unrestricted Subsidiary, such event will be deemed to constitute an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company.

 

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“Notes” has the meaning specified in the Appendix.

 

“Notes Custodian” has the meaning specified in the Appendix.

 

“Obligations” means any principal, premium, if any, interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization, whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceeding), penalties, fees, charges, expenses, indemnifications, reimbursement obligations, damages, guarantees, and other liabilities or amounts payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness or in respect thereto.

 

“Offering Memorandum” means the offering memorandum of the Issuers dated May 10, 2012 relating to the offering of the Initial Notes.

 

“Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary or any Vice President of such Person or, with respect to the Company, the General Partner, or, with respect to any other partnership, its general partner.

 

“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of each of the Company and Finance Corp. by two of its Officers, one of whom, in the case of any Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.04, must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, or the principal accounting officer of the Company or Finance Corp., as the case may be, that, in each case, meets the requirements of Section 11.05 hereof.

 

“Operating Partnership” means Crosstex Energy Services, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and any successor thereto.

 

“Operating Surplus” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Partnership Agreement, as in effect on the date of this Indenture.

 

“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, that meets the requirements of Section 11.05 hereof.  The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or the Trustee.

 

“Pari Passu Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Excess Proceeds from Asset Sales, Indebtedness of an Issuer or any Guarantor that ranks equally in right of payment with the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees, as the case may be, and the terms of which require the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to apply such Excess Proceeds to offer to repurchase such Indebtedness.

 

“Permitted Business” means either (1) gathering, transporting, compressing, treating, processing, marketing, distributing, storing or otherwise handling Hydrocarbons, or activities or services reasonably related or ancillary thereto including entering into Hedging Contracts in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes to support these businesses and the development, manufacture and sale of equipment or technology related to these activities, or (2) any other business that generates gross income that constitutes “qualifying income” under Section 7704(d) of the Code.

 

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“Permitted Business Investments” means Investments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in any Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company or in any Joint Venture, provided that:

 

(1)                                 either (a) at the time of such Investment and immediately thereafter, the Company could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of Section 4.09 or (b) such Investment does not exceed the aggregate amount of Incremental Funds (as defined in Section 4.07) not previously expended at the time of making such Investment;

 

(2)                                 if such Unrestricted Subsidiary or Joint Venture has outstanding Indebtedness at the time of such Investment, either (a) all such Indebtedness is Non-Recourse Debt or (b) any such Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or Joint Venture that is recourse to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (which shall include, without limitation, all Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or Joint Venture for which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may be directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, obligated to pay, whether pursuant to the terms of such Indebtedness, by law or pursuant to any guarantee, including, without limitation, any “claw-back,” “make-well” or “keep-well” arrangement) could, at the time such Investment is made, be incurred at that time by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of Section 4.09; and

 

(3)                                 such Unrestricted Subsidiary’s or Joint Venture’s activities are not outside the scope of the Permitted Business.

 

“Permitted Investments” means:

 

(1)                                 any Investment in the Company (including, without limitation, through purchases of Notes) or in a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

 

(2)                                 any Investment in Cash Equivalents;

 

(3)                                 any Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a Person, if as a result of such Investment:

 

(a)                                 such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; or

 

(b)                                 such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its properties or assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

 

(4)                                 any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with Section 4.10, including pursuant to clause (11) of the items deemed not to be Asset Sales under the definition of “Asset Sale;”

 

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(5)                                 any Investment in any Person solely in exchange for the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company;

 

(6)                                 any Investments received in compromise of obligations of trade creditors or customers that were incurred in the ordinary course of business, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditor or customer, or as a result of a foreclosure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment in default;

 

(7)                                 Hedging Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

 

(8)                                 Permitted Business Investments; and

 

(9)                                 other Investments in any Person having an aggregate fair market value (measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (9) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of $75.0 million or 5.0% of the Company’s Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

 

“Permitted Liens” means:

 

(1)                                 any Lien with respect to the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Facilities;

 

(2)                                 Liens in favor of the Company or the Guarantors;

 

(3)                                 Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged with or into or consolidated with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not extend to any assets (other than improvements thereon, accessions thereto and proceeds thereof) other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with the Company or the Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(4)                                 Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition of the property by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such acquisition;

 

(5)                                 any interest or title of a lessor to the property subject to a Capital Lease Obligation;

 

(6)                                 Liens for the purpose of securing the payment of all or a part of the purchase price of, or Capital Lease Obligations, purchase money obligations or other payments incurred to finance the acquisition, lease, improvement or construction of or repairs or additions to, assets or property acquired or constructed in the ordinary course of business; provided that:

 

19

 

(a)                                 the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens is otherwise permitted to be incurred under this Indenture and does not exceed the cost of the assets or property so acquired or constructed; and

 

(b)                                 such Liens are created within 180 days of the later of the acquisition, lease, completion of improvements, construction, repairs or additions or commencement of full operation of the assets or property subject to such Lien and do not encumber any other assets or property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary other than such assets or property and assets affixed or appurtenant thereto;

 

(7)                                 Liens existing on the date of this Indenture;

 

(8)                                 Liens to secure the performance of tenders, bids, statutory obligations, surety or appeal bonds, trade contracts, government contracts, operating leases, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(9)                                 Liens on and pledges of the Equity Interests of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Joint Venture owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the extent securing Non-Recourse Debt or other Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or Joint Venture;

 

(10)                          Liens on pipelines or pipeline facilities that arise by operation of law;

 

(11)                          Liens arising under operating agreements, joint venture agreements, partnership agreements, oil and gas leases, farmout agreements, division orders, contracts for sale, transportation or exchange of crude oil and natural gas, unitization and pooling declarations and agreements, area of mutual interest agreements and other agreements arising in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries that are customary in the Permitted Business;

 

(12)                          Liens upon specific items of inventory, receivables or other goods or proceeds of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or receivables securitizations issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory, receivables or other goods or proceeds and permitted by Section 4.09;

 

(13)                          Liens securing Obligations of the Issuers or any Guarantor under the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees, as the case may be;

 

(14)                          Liens securing any Indebtedness equally and ratably with all Obligations due under the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee pursuant to a contractual covenant that limits Liens in a manner substantially similar to Section 4.12;

 

(15)                          Liens to secure performance of Hedging Contracts of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

 

20

 

(16)                          Liens securing any insurance premium financing under customary terms and conditions, provided that no such Lien may extend to or cover any assets or property other than the insurance being acquired with such financing, the proceeds thereof and any unearned or refunded insurance premiums related thereto;

 

(17)                          other Liens incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, provided that, after giving effect to any such incurrence, the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness then outstanding and secured by any Liens incurred pursuant to this clause (17) does not exceed the greater of $75.0 million or 5.0% of the Company’s Consolidated Net Tangible Assets; and

 

(18)                          any Lien renewing, extending, refinancing or refunding a Lien permitted by clauses (1) through (16) above, provided that (a) the principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by such Lien is not increased except by an amount equal to a reasonable premium or other reasonable amount paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection therewith and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder and (b) no assets encumbered by any such Lien other than the assets permitted to be encumbered immediately prior to such renewal, extension, refinance or refund are encumbered thereby (other than improvements thereon, accessions thereto and proceeds thereof).

 

“Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund other Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than intercompany Indebtedness); provided that:

 

(1)                                 the principal amount of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded (plus all accrued interest on the Indebtedness and the amount of all expenses and premiums incurred in connection therewith);

 

(2)                                 such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded;

 

(3)                                 if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees on terms at least as favorable to the Noteholders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; and

 

(4)                                 such Indebtedness is not incurred (other than by way of a guarantee) by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (other than Finance Corp.) if the Company is the issuer or other primary obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded.

 

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Notwithstanding the preceding, any Indebtedness incurred under Credit Facilities pursuant to Section 4.09 shall be subject only to the refinancing provision in the definition of Credit Facilities and not pursuant to the requirements set forth in the definition of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness.

 

“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or other entity.

 

“Purchase Agreement” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

 

“Qualifying Owners” means, collectively, (1) the Company and its Subsidiaries and (2) Crosstex Energy, Inc. and its Subsidiaries.

 

“Rating Category” means:

 

(1)                                 with respect to S&P, any of the following categories: AAA, AA, A, BBB, BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D (or equivalent successor categories); and

 

(2)                                 with respect to Moody’s, any of the following categories: Aaa, Aa, A, Baa, Ba, B, Caa, Ca, C and D (or equivalent successor categories).

 

“Rating Decline” means a decrease in the rating of the Notes by either Moody’s or S&P by one or more gradations (including gradations within Rating Categories as well as between Rating Categories).  In determining whether the rating of the Notes has decreased by one or more gradations, gradations within Rating Categories, namely + or — for S&P, and 1, 2, and 3 for Moody’s, will be taken into account, for example, in the case of S&P, a rating decline either from BB+ to BB or BB- to B+ will constitute a decrease of one gradation.

 

“Registered Exchange Offer” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

“Registration Rights Agreement” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

“Regulation S” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

“Reporting Default” means a Default described in Section 6.01(d).

 

“Responsible Officer,” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

 

“Restricted Global Note” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

“Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

 

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“Restricted Subsidiary” of a Person means any Subsidiary of the referent Person that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.  Notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, Finance Corp. shall be a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company.

 

“Rule 144A” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

 

“Sale and Leaseback Transaction” means an arrangement relating to property owned by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary on the Initial Issuance Date or thereafter acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary whereby the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person.

 

“SEC” or “Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

“Senior Debt” means:

 

(1)                                 all Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding under Credit Facilities and all obligations under Hedging Contracts with respect thereto;

 

(2)                                 any other Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries permitted to be incurred under the terms of this Indenture, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee; and

 

(3)                                 all Obligations with respect to the items listed in the preceding clauses (1) and (2).

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding sentence, Senior Debt will not include:

 

(a)                                 any intercompany Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to the Company or any of its Affiliates; or

 

(b)                                 any Indebtedness that is incurred in violation of this Indenture.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, “Senior Debt” will not include any trade payables or taxes owed or owing by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

“Shelf Registration Statement” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

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“Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the date of this Indenture.

 

“Special Mandatory Redemption Trigger Event” means the earlier to occur of the following two events:

 

(1)                                 August 31, 2012, if the Escrow Release Conditions have not been satisfied by such date; or

 

(2)                                 the termination of the Clearfield Acquisition Agreement.

 

“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the original documentation governing such Indebtedness, and will not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.

 

“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any specified Person:

 

(1)                                 any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a partnership or limited liability company) of which more than 50% of the total voting power of Voting Stock is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof); and

 

(2)                                 any partnership (whether general or limited) or limited liability company (a) the sole general partner or member of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person, or (b) if there is more than a single general partner or member, either (x) the only managing general partners or managing members of which are such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof) or (y) such Person owns or controls, directly or indirectly, a majority of the outstanding general partner interests, member interests or other Voting Stock of such partnership or limited liability company, respectively.

 

“Subsidiary Guarantees” means the joint and several guarantees issued by all of the Guarantors pursuant to Article 10 hereof.

 

“TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) and the rules and regulations thereunder, as in effect on the date on which this Indenture is qualified under the TIA (except as provided in Section 9.01(i) and 9.03 hereof).

 

“Transfer Restricted Securities” has the meaning provided in the Appendix.

 

“Treasury Rate” means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519) which has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the date fixed for redemption (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer

 

24

 

published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the redemption date to June 1, 2017; provided, however, that if such period is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Company shall obtain the Treasury Rate by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the redemption date to June 1, 2017 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.  The Company will (a) calculate the Treasury Rate on the second Business Day preceding the applicable redemption date and (b) prior to such redemption date file with the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the Make Whole Premium and the Treasury Rate and showing the calculation of each in reasonable detail.

 

“Trustee” means the party named as such above until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.

 

“Uniform Commercial Code” means the New York Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time.

 

“Unrestricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company (other than Finance Corp. or the Operating Partnership) that is designated by the Board of Directors of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a Board Resolution, but only to the extent that such Subsidiary:

 

(1)                                 except to the extent permitted by subclause (2)(b) of the definition of “Permitted Business Investments,” has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt owing to any Person other than the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(2)                                 is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Company;

 

(3)                                 is a Person with respect to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation (a) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (b) to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results; and

 

(4)                                 has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

All Subsidiaries of an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall also be Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the

 

25

 

preceding conditions and was permitted by Section 4.07.  If, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding requirements as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, it will thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of this Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary will be deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as of such date and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date under Section 4.09, the Company will be in default of such covenant.

 

“Voting Stock” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.

 

“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:

 

(1)                                 the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect of the Indebtedness, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by

 

(2)                                 the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

 

Section 1.02.                          Other Definitions.

 

	
Term
    	
 
    	
Defined in Section
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Act”
    	
 
    	
11.14
    
	
“Affiliate   Transaction”
    	
 
    	
4.11
    
	
“Appendix”
    	
 
    	
2.01
    
	
“Asset   Sale Offer”
    	
 
    	
3.09
    
	
“Change   of Control Offer”
    	
 
    	
4.15
    
	
“Change   of Control Payment”
    	
 
    	
4.15
    
	
“Change   of Control Purchase Date”
    	
 
    	
4.15
    
	
“Change   of Control Settlement Date”
    	
 
    	
4.15
    
	
“Covenant   Defeasance”
    	
 
    	
8.03
    
	
“Discharge”
    	
 
    	
8.08
    
	
“Event   of Default”
    	
 
    	
6.01
    
	
“Excess   Proceeds”
    	
 
    	
4.10
    
	
“Incremental   Funds”
    	
 
    	
4.07
    
	
“incur”
    	
 
    	
4.09
    
	
“Legal   Defeasance”
    	
 
    	
8.02
    
	
“Offer   Amount”
    	
 
    	
3.09
    
	
“Offer   Period”
    	
 
    	
3.09
    
	
“Paying   Agent”
    	
 
    	
2.03
    
	
“Payment   Default”
    	
 
    	
6.01
    
	
“Permitted   Debt”
    	
 
    	
4.09
    
	
“Registrar”
    	
 
    	
2.03
    

 

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Term
    	
 
    	
Defined in Section
    
	
“Restricted   Payments”
    	
 
    	
4.07
    
	
“Settlement   Date”
    	
 
    	
3.09
    
	
“Termination   Date”
    	
 
    	
3.09
    
	
“Trailing   Four Quarters”
    	
 
    	
4.07
    

 

Section 1.03.                          Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.

 

Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.  Any terms incorporated in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.

 

Section 1.04.                          Rules of Construction.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(1)                                 a term has the meaning assigned to it;

 

(2)                                 an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

 

(3)                                 “or” is not exclusive;

 

(4)                                 words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular;

 

(5)                                 the meanings of the words “will” and “shall” are the same when used to express an obligation;

 

(6)                                 references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement or successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time to time; and

 

(7)                                 “herein,” “hereof” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole (as amended or supplemented from time to time) and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.

 

ARTICLE 2
 THE NOTES

 

Section 2.01.                          Form and Dating.

 

Provisions relating to the Initial Notes and the Exchange Notes are set forth in the Rule 144A/Regulation S Appendix attached hereto (the “Appendix”) which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made part of this Indenture. The Initial Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication therefor shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit 1 to the Appendix which is

 

27

 

hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture.  The Exchange Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication therefor shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit 2 to the Appendix, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture.  The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule, agreements to which an Issuer is subject, if any, or usage (provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Company).  Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication.  The terms of the Notes set forth in the Appendix are part of the terms of this Indenture.

 

Section 2.02.                          Execution and Authentication.

 

An Officer shall sign the Notes on behalf of each Issuer by manual or facsimile signature.

 

If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note, the Note shall be valid nevertheless.

 

A Note shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Note.  The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.

 

On the Initial Issuance Date, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver $250.0 million of 71/8% Senior Notes due 2022 and, at any time and from time to time thereafter, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver Notes for original issue in an aggregate principal amount specified in such order, in each case upon a written order of the Issuers.  Such order shall specify the amount of the Notes to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Notes is to be authenticated and to whom the Notes shall be registered and delivered and, in the case of an issuance of Additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.13 after the Initial Issuance Date, shall certify that such issuance is in compliance with Section 4.09.

 

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Issuers to authenticate the Notes.  Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so.  Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent.  An authenticating agent has the same rights as any Registrar, Paying Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.

 

Section 2.03.                          Registrar and Paying Agent.

 

The Issuers shall maintain an office or agency in the United States where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (the “Registrar”) and an office or agency in New York, New York where Notes may be presented for payment (the “Paying Agent”).  The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange.  The Issuers may have one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents.  The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar, and the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent.

 

The Issuers shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture, which shall incorporate the terms of the TIA.  The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent.  The Issuers shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent.  If the Issuers fail to maintain

 

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a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to Section 7.07.  The Company or any Subsidiary may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

 

The Issuers initially appoint the Trustee as Registrar and Paying Agent in connection with the Notes at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.  If the Trustee is no longer the Registrar and Paying Agent, the Issuers shall provide the Trustee with access to inspect the Note register at all times and with copies of the Note register.

 

Section 2.04.                          Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

 

Prior to 11:00 a.m. New York City time, on each due date of the principal and interest on any Note, an Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such principal and interest when so becoming due.  The Issuers shall require each Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of Noteholders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes and shall notify the Trustee of any default by the Issuers in making any such payment.  If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it as a separate trust fund.  The Issuers at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed by the Paying Agent.  Upon complying with this Section, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee.

 

Section 2.05.                          Noteholder Lists.

 

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Noteholders.  If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuers shall furnish to the Trustee, in writing at least five Business Days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Noteholders and the principal amounts and number of Notes.

 

Section 2.06.                          Transfer and Exchange.

 

The Notes shall be issued in registered form and shall be transferable only upon the surrender of a Note for registration of transfer.  When a Note is presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to register a transfer, the Registrar shall register the transfer as requested if the requirements of this Indenture and Section 8-401(a) of the Uniform Commercial Code are met.  When Notes are presented to the Registrar with a request to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Notes of other denominations, the Registrar shall make the exchange as requested if the same requirements are met.  The Issuers may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any taxes, assessments or other governmental charges in connection with any transfer or exchange pursuant to this Section (other than any such transfer taxes, assessments or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Section 3.06, 4.10, 4.15 or 9.05).

 

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Section 2.07.                          Replacement Notes.

 

If a mutilated Note is surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder of a Note claims that the Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuers shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Note if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the Uniform Commercial Code are met and the Holder satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee.  If required by the Trustee or the Issuers, such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Issuers and the Trustee to protect the Issuers, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar from any loss which any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced.  The Issuers and the Trustee may charge the Holder for their expenses in replacing a Note.  In the event any such Note shall have matured, instead of issuing a new Note, the Issuers may direct the Trustee to pay the same without surrender thereof upon the Holder furnishing the Issuers and the Trustee with indemnity satisfactory to them and complying with such other reasonable regulations as the Issuers may prescribe and paying such reasonable expenses as the Issuer and the Trustee may incur in connection therewith.

 

Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the Issuers.

 

Section 2.08.                          Outstanding Notes.

 

Notes outstanding at any time are all Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation and those described in this Section as not outstanding.  Except as otherwise provided in TIA §316(a), a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Note.

 

If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee, any provider of an indemnity bond and the Issuers receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser.

 

If the Paying Agent segregates and holds in trust, in accordance with this Indenture, by 11:00 a.m. New York time, on a redemption date or other maturity date money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, payable on that date with respect to the Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, then on and after that date such Notes (or portions thereof) cease to be outstanding and interest and Additional Interest, if any, on them cease to accrue.

 

Section 2.09.                          Temporary Notes.

 

Until definitive Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuers may prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Notes.  Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of definitive Notes but may have variations that the Issuers consider appropriate for temporary Notes.  Without unreasonable delay, the Issuers shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate definitive Notes and deliver them in exchange for temporary Notes.

 

Section 2.10.                          Cancellation.

 

An Issuer at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation.  The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration 

 

30

 

of transfer, exchange or payment.  The Trustee and no one else shall cancel (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act) all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation.  Upon written request, the Trustee will deliver a certificate of such cancellation to the Issuers unless the Issuers direct the Trustee to deliver canceled Notes to the Issuers instead.  The Issuers may not issue new Notes to replace Notes they have redeemed, paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

Section 2.11.                          Defaulted Interest.

 

If the Issuers default in a payment of interest on the Notes, the Issuers shall pay defaulted interest (plus interest on such defaulted interest to the extent lawful) in any lawful manner.  The Issuers may pay the defaulted interest to the Persons who are Noteholders on a subsequent special record date.  The Issuers shall fix or cause to be fixed any such special record date and payment date to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee and shall promptly mail to each Noteholder a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted interest to be paid.

 

Section 2.12.                          CUSIP Numbers.

 

The Issuers in issuing the Notes may use “CUSIP” numbers and corresponding “ISINs” (if then generally in use) and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers and corresponding “ISINs” in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided, however, that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.

 

Section 2.13.                          Issuance of Additional Notes.

 

The Issuers shall be entitled, subject to their compliance with Section 4.09, to issue Additional Notes under this Indenture which shall have identical terms as the Initial Notes issued on the Initial Issuance Date, other than with respect to the date of issuance, issue price and the date from which interest begins to accrue.  The Initial Notes issued on the Initial Issuance Date, any Additional Notes and all Exchange Notes issued in exchange therefor shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, including, without limitation, waivers, consents, directions, declarations, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase.

 

With respect to any Additional Notes, the Issuers shall set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, which shall be delivered to the Trustee, the following information:

 

(1)                                 the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Notes to be authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture;

 

(2)                                 the issue price, the issue date and the CUSIP number and any corresponding ISIN of such Additional Notes; and

 

(3)                                 whether such Additional Notes shall be Transfer Restricted Securities and issued in the form of Initial Notes as set forth in Exhibit 1 to the Appendix to this 

 

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Indenture or shall be issued in the form of Exchange Notes as set forth in Exhibit 2 to the Appendix.

 

ARTICLE 3
 REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

 

Section 3.01.                          Notices to Trustee.

 

If the Issuers elect to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.07 hereof, they shall furnish to the Trustee, at least five Business Days (unless a shorter period shall be agreeable to the Trustee) before the date of giving notice of the redemption pursuant to Section 3.03, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth (i) the clause of Section 3.07 pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the redemption date, (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed, (iv) the redemption price, and (v) whether it requests the Trustee to give notice of such redemption.  Any such notice may be cancelled at any time prior to the mailing of notice of such redemption to any Holder and shall thereby be void and of no effect.

 

Section 3.02.                          Selection of Notes to be Redeemed.

 

If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed among the Holders of the Notes as follows:  (1) if the Notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed; or (2) if the Notes are not listed on any national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis (except that any Notes represented by a Global Note will be redeemed by such method as the Depository may require).  In the event of partial redemption other than on a pro rata basis, the particular Notes to be redeemed shall be selected, not less than three (3) Business Days (unless a shorter period shall be agreeable to the Trustee) prior to the giving of notice of the redemption pursuant to Section 3.03, by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption.

 

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuers in writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.  Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000; except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not $2,000 or a multiple of $1,000, shall be redeemed.  Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption.

 

The provisions of the two preceding paragraphs of this Section 3.02 shall not apply with respect to any redemption affecting only a Global Note, whether such Global Note is to be redeemed in whole or in part.  In case of any such redemption in part, the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the Global Note shall be in an authorized denomination.

 

Section 3.03.                          Notice of Redemption.

 

Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.08 hereof in relation to a mandatory redemption, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, except that 

 

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redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a Legal Defeasance, Covenant Defeasance or Discharge, the Issuers shall mail or cause to be mailed, by first class mail, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address.

 

The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall state:

 

(a)                                 the redemption date;

 

(b)                                 the redemption price or, if the redemption price is not then determinable, the manner in which it is to be determined;

 

(c)                                  if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion shall be issued in the name of the Holder upon cancellation of the original Note;

 

(d)                                 the name and address of the Paying Agent;

 

(e)                                  that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;

 

(f)                                   that, unless the Issuers default in making such redemption payment, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on Notes called for redemption cease to accrue on and after the redemption date and the only remaining right of the Holders of such Notes is to receive payment of the redemption price upon surrender to the Paying Agent of the Notes redeemed;

 

(g)                                  the paragraph of the Notes and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed; and

 

(h)                                 that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP or ISIN number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes.

 

If any of the Notes to be redeemed is in the form of a Global Note, then the Issuers shall modify such notice to the extent necessary to accord with the procedures of the Depository applicable to redemption.

 

At the Issuers’ request, the Trustee shall give the notice of optional redemption in the Issuers’ names and at their expense; provided, however, that the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee, as provided in Section 3.01, an Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in the second preceding paragraph.

 

Section 3.04.                          Effect of Notice of Redemption.

 

Once notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption 

 

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price.  A notice of redemption may not be conditional, except that any redemption pursuant to Section 3.07(b) may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to the completion of the related Equity Offering.  If mailed in the manner provided for in Section 3.03, the notice of redemption shall be conclusively presumed to have been given whether or not a Holder receives such notice.  Failure to give timely notice or any defect in the notice shall not affect the validity of the redemption.

 

Section 3.05.                          Deposit of Redemption Price.

 

Prior to 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the redemption date, the Issuers shall deposit with the Paying Agent (or, if the Company or a Subsidiary thereof is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 2.04 hereof) money sufficient in same day funds to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest and Additional Interest, if any, on all Notes to be redeemed on that date, it being understood that the amount of money to be deposited by the Company in relation to a mandatory redemption pursuant to Section 3.08 shall take into consideration the amount of money deposited by the Escrow Agent with the Trustee or a Paying Agent to fund such redemption.  The Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Issuers any money deposited with the Paying Agent by an Issuer in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest and Additional Interest, if any, on all Notes to be redeemed.

 

If the Issuers comply with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption date, interest and Additional Interest, if any, shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption whether or not such Notes are presented for payment, and the only remaining right of the Holders of such Notes shall be to receive payment of the redemption price upon surrender to the Paying Agent of the Notes redeemed.  If any Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender for redemption because of the failure of an Issuer to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful, on any interest and Additional Interest, if any, not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof.

 

Section 3.06.                          Notes Redeemed in Part.

 

Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Issuers shall issue in the name of the Holder and the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Issuers a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered.

 

Section 3.07.                          Optional Redemption.

 

(a)                                 Except as set forth in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of this Section 3.07, the Issuers shall not have the option to redeem the Notes pursuant to this Section 3.07 prior to June 1, 2017.  On or after June 1, 2017, the Issuers shall have the option to redeem the Notes, in whole or in part at any time, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on June 1 of the years indicated below:

 

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YEAR
    	
 
    	
PERCENTAGE
    	
 
    
	
2017 
    	
 
    	
103.563
    	
%
    
	
2018 
    	
 
    	
102.375
    	
%
    
	
2019 
    	
 
    	
101.188
    	
%
    
	
2020 and thereafter 
    	
 
    	
100.000
    	
%
    

 

 

(b)                                 Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (a) of this Section 3.07, at any time prior to June 1, 2015, the Issuers may on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) issued under this Indenture at a redemption price of 107.125% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date), in an amount not greater than the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings, provided that:

 

(1)                                 at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) issued under this Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption (excluding any Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries); and

 

(2)                                 each such redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of each such Equity Offering.

 

(c)                                  Prior to June 1, 2017, the Issuers may redeem all or part of the Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of:

 

(1)                                 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus

 

(2)                                 accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date), plus

 

(3)                                 the Make Whole Premium at the redemption date.

 

(d)                                 The Notes may also be redeemed, as a whole, following certain Change of Control Offers, at the redemption price and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.15(6).

 

(e)                                  Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01 through Section 3.06 hereof.

 

Section 3.08.                          Mandatory Redemption.

 

(a)                                 The Trustee is hereby authorized and directed to enter into and perform its obligations under the Escrow Agreement on the Initial Issuance Date and any amendment to the Escrow Agreement authorized under the terms thereof.

 

(b)                                 Following the occurrence of the Special Mandatory Redemption Trigger Event, the Issuers shall redeem the Notes as a whole, upon notice as provided in this Section 3.08, at a 

 

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redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof to the redemption date.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3.03, notice of such mandatory redemption shall be given by the Company within ten days of the date of the Special Mandatory Redemption Trigger Event to the Escrow Agent, to the Trustee and to each Holder, at each appropriate registered address, stating the redemption date (which shall be no earlier than 15 days and no later than 30 days from the date such notice is given) and, in addition to the matters specified in clauses (b)-(h) of Section 3.03, that the Special Mandatory Redemption Trigger Event has occurred.

 

(c)                                  Except as provided above, any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.08 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.03 through 3.05 hereof.

 

(d)                                 Except as set forth in this Section 3.08 or under Sections 4.10 and 4.15 hereof, neither of the Issuers shall be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes or to repurchase the Notes at the option of the Holders.

 

Section 3.09.                          Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds.

 

In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof, the Company shall be required to commence an offer to all Holders to purchase Notes (an “Asset Sale Offer”), it shall follow the procedures specified below.

 

The Asset Sale Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 Business Days following its commencement and no longer, except to the extent that a longer period is required by Applicable Law (the “Offer Period”).  No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period (the “Settlement Date”), the Company shall purchase and pay for the principal amount of Notes required to be purchased pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof (the “Offer Amount”) or, if less than the Offer Amount has been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn), all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) in response to the Asset Sale Offer.  Payment for any Notes so purchased shall be made in the manner prescribed in the Notes.

 

Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company shall send, by first class mail, a notice to each of the Holders, with a copy to the Trustee.  The notice shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.  The Asset Sale Offer shall be made to all Holders.  The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Asset Sale Offer, shall state:

 

(a)                                 that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and Section 4.10 hereof and the length of time the Asset Sale Offer shall remain open, including the time and date the Asset Sale Offer will terminate (the “Termination Date”);

 

(b)                                 the Offer Amount and the purchase price;

 

(c)                                  that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest and Additional Interest, if any;

 

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(d)                                 that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer shall cease to accrue interest and Additional Interest, if any, after the Settlement Date;

 

(e)                                  that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer may only elect to have all of such Note purchased and may not elect to have only a portion of such Note purchased;

 

(f)                                   that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer shall be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Note completed, to the Company or a Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice, before the Termination Date;

 

(g)                                  that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Company or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, prior to the Termination Date, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder delivered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased;

 

(h)                                 that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered by Holders, and Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by holders or lenders, collectively, exceeds the amount the Company is required to repurchase, the Trustee shall select the Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of tendered Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Trustee so that only Notes in denominations of $2,000, or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000, shall be purchased); and

 

(i)                                     that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer).

 

If any of the Notes subject to an Asset Sale Offer is in the form of a Global Note, then the Company shall modify such notice to the extent necessary to accord with the procedures of the Depository applicable to repurchases.

 

Promptly after the Termination Date, the Company shall, to the extent lawful, accept for payment Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer in the aggregate principal amount required by Section 4.10 hereof, and prior to the Settlement Date it shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Company in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.09 and Section 4.10.  Prior to 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Settlement Date, the Company or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Company for purchase, and the Company shall issue a new Note, and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail or deliver such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered.  Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed or delivered by the 

 

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Company to the Holder thereof.  The Company shall publicly announce the results of the Asset Sale Offer on or before the Settlement Date.

 

ARTICLE 4
 COVENANTS

 

Section 4.01.                          Payment of Notes.

 

The Issuers shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes.  Principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, shall be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the due date money deposited by an Issuer or a Guarantor in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, then due.

 

The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to the interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; and they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest, if any (without regard to any applicable grace period), at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

The Issuers shall notify the Trustee of the amounts and payment dates of any Additional Interest that may become payable under any Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Section 4.02.                          Maintenance of Office or Agency.

 

The Issuers shall maintain an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee) in New York, New York where Notes may be presented or surrendered for payment and they shall maintain an office or agency in the United States (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuers in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served.  The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency.  If at any time the Issuers shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

 

The Issuers may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations.  Further, if at any time there shall be no such office or agency in the City of New York where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for payment, the Issuers shall forthwith designate and maintain such an office or agency in the City of New York, in order that the Notes shall at all times be payable in the City of New York.  The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

 

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The Issuers hereby designate the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Company in accordance with Section 2.03.  In addition, Notes may be presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange, and notices and demands to or upon the Issuers in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served, at the corporate trust office of the Trustee in Fort Worth, Texas, which on the date of this Indenture is located at 201 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Fort Worth, Texas 76102-5489.

 

Section 4.03.                          Reports.

 

(a)                                 Notwithstanding that the Company may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company will file with the SEC (unless the SEC will not accept such a filing) for public availability within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations under the Exchange Act and, within five Business Days of filing, or attempting to file, the same with the SEC, furnish to the Trustee and, upon its prior request, to any of the Holders or Beneficial Owners of the Notes:

 

(1)                                 all quarterly and annual financial and other information with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company were required to file such Forms, including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and, with respect to the annual information only, a report thereon by the Company’s certified independent accountants; and

 

(2)                                 all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such reports.

 

The availability of the foregoing information or reports on the Commission’s website will be deemed to satisfy the foregoing delivery requirements.  The Company shall at all times comply with TIA § 314(a).

 

(b)                                 The Company and the Guarantors shall furnish to the Holders and Beneficial Owners of the Notes, prospective purchasers of the Notes and securities analysts, upon their request, the information, if any, required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

 

(c)                                  If the Company has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then, to the extent material, the quarterly and annual financial information required by paragraph (a) of this Section 4.03 shall include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes to the financial statements and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

(d)                                 Delivery of reports, information and documents to the Trustee under this Section is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of the foregoing shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein.

 

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Section 4.04.                          Compliance Certificate.

 

(a)                                 The Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year ending after December 31, 2011, an Officers’ Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining whether the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto).

 

(b)                                 The Issuers shall, so long as any of the Notes are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, forthwith upon any Officer of the General Partner or Finance Corp. becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

 

Section 4.05.                          Taxes.

 

The Company shall pay, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency, all material taxes, assessments, and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

 

Section 4.06.                          Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.

 

Each of the Issuers and each of the Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and each Issuer (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it shall not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

Section 4.07.                          Limitation on Restricted Payments.

 

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

 

(1)                                 declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution on account of the Company’s or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) or to the direct or indirect holders of the Company’s or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests in their capacity as such (other than dividends or distributions payable in Equity 

 

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Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or payable to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company);

 

(2)                                 purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including, without limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company;

 

(3)                                 make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness that is subordinated to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees (excluding any intercompany Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), except a payment of interest or principal at the Stated Maturity thereof; or

 

(4)                                 make any Restricted Investment (all such payments and other actions set forth in these clauses (1) through (4) above being collectively referred to as “Restricted Payments”),

 

unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, no Default (except a Reporting Default) or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a consequence of such Restricted Payment and either:

 

(1)                                 if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company’s most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (the “Trailing Four Quarters”) is not less than 1.75 to 1.0, such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) of the next succeeding paragraph) with respect to the quarter for which such Restricted Payment is made, is less than the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(a)                                 Available Cash from Operating Surplus with respect to the Company’s preceding fiscal quarter, plus

 

(b)                                 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company (including the fair market value of any Permitted Business or long-term assets that are used or useful in a Permitted Business to the extent acquired in consideration of Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock)) after the date of the 2010 Indenture as a contribution to its common equity capital or from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or from the issue or sale of convertible or exchangeable Disqualified Stock or convertible or exchangeable debt securities of the Company that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests (other than Equity Interests (or Disqualified Stock or debt securities) sold to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company), plus

 

(c)                                  to the extent that any Restricted Investment that was made after the date of the 2010 Indenture is sold for cash or otherwise liquidated or repaid for 

 

41

 

cash, the cash return of capital with respect to such Restricted Investment (less the cost of disposition, if any), plus

 

(d)                                 the net reduction in Restricted Investments resulting from dividends, repayments of loans or advances, or other transfers of assets in each case to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from any Person (including, without limitation, Unrestricted Subsidiaries) or from redesignations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries as Restricted Subsidiaries, to the extent such amounts have not been included in Available Cash from Operating Surplus for any period commencing on or after the date of the 2010 Indenture (items (b), (c) and (d) being referred to as “Incremental Funds”), minus

 

(e)                                  the aggregate amount of Incremental Funds previously expended pursuant to this clause (1) and clause (2) below; or

 

(2)                                 if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Trailing Four Quarters is less than 1.75 to 1.0, such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) of the next succeeding paragraph) with respect to the quarter for which such Restricted Payment is made (such Restricted Payments for purposes of this clause (2) meaning only distributions on the Company’s common units, preferred units, subordinated units, or incentive distribution rights, plus the related distribution to the General Partner), is less than the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(a)                                 $100.0 million less the aggregate amount of all prior Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to this clause (2)(a) since the date of the 2010 Indenture, plus

 

(b)                                 Incremental Funds to the extent not previously expended pursuant to this clause (2) or clause (1) above.

 

So long as no Default (except a Reporting Default) or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby (except with respect to clause (1) below under which the payment of a distribution or dividend is permitted), the preceding provisions will not prohibit:

 

(1)                                 the payment of any dividend or distribution within 60 days after the date of its declaration, if at the date of declaration the payment would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

(2)                                 the purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of any subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor or of any Equity Interests of the Company in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent (a) contribution (other than from a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) to the equity capital of the Company or (b) sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of, Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock), with a sale being deemed substantially concurrent if such purchase, redemption, 

 

42

 

defeasance or other acquisition or retirement occurs not more than 120 days after such sale; provided, however, that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any such purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement will be excluded (or deducted, if included) from the calculation of Available Cash from Operating Surplus and Incremental Funds;

 

(3)                                 the purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor with the net cash proceeds from an incurrence of, or in exchange for, Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;

 

(4)                                 the payment of any dividend or distribution by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis;

 

(5)                                 the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Equity Interests of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to any director or employee equity subscription agreement or equity option agreement or other employee benefit plan or to satisfy obligations under any Equity Interests appreciation rights or option plan or similar arrangement; provided, however, that the aggregate price paid for all such purchased, redeemed, acquired or retired Equity Interests may not exceed $5.0 million in any calendar year, with any portion of such $5.0 million amount that is unused in any calendar year to be carried forward to successive calendar years and added to such amount; or

 

(6)                                 the purchase, repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the exercise of unit options, warrants, incentives, rights to acquire Equity Interests or other convertible securities if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise or exchange price thereof, and any purchase, repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests made in lieu of withholding taxes in connection with any exercise or exchange of unit options, warrants, incentives or rights to acquire Equity Interests.

 

The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the fair market value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the Restricted Investment proposed to be made or the asset(s) or securities proposed to be transferred or issued by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment.  The fair market value of any Restricted Investment, assets or securities that are required to be valued by this covenant will be determined, in the case of amounts under $20.0 million, by an Officer of the General Partner and, in the case of amounts over $20.0 million, by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution.  Not later than the date of making any Restricted Payment (excluding any Restricted Payment described in the preceding clause (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6)) the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Restricted Payment is permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations required by this Section 4.07 were computed.

 

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Section 4.08.                          Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries.

 

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:

 

(1)                                 pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or pay any Indebtedness or other obligations owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(2)                                 make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or

 

(3)                                 transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

However, the preceding restrictions of this Section 4.08 will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

 

(1)                                 agreements as in effect on the date of this Indenture and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of those agreements or the Indebtedness to which they relate, provided that the amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacement or refinancings are no more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend, distribution and other payment restrictions than those contained in those agreements on the date of this Indenture;

 

(2)                                 this Indenture, the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees;

 

(3)                                 Applicable Law;

 

(4)                                 any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition, which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired, provided that, in the case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was otherwise permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be incurred;

 

(5)                                 customary non-assignment provisions in Hydrocarbon purchase and sale or exchange agreements or similar operational agreements or in licenses, easements or leases, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices;

 

(6)                                 Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings or purchase money obligations, in each case for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions on that property of the nature described in clause (3) of the preceding paragraph;

 

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(7)                                 any agreement for the sale or other disposition of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that restricts distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition;

 

(8)                                 Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, provided that the restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced;

 

(9)                                 Liens securing Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred under the provisions of Section 4.12 that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets subject to such Liens;

 

(10)                          provisions with respect to the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint venture agreements, asset sale agreements, stock sale agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(11)                          any agreement or instrument relating to any property or assets acquired after the date of this Indenture, so long as such encumbrance or restriction relates only to the property or assets so acquired and is not and was not created in anticipation of such acquisitions;

 

(12)                          restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(13)                          any instrument governing Indebtedness of an FERC Subsidiary, provided that such Indebtedness was otherwise permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be incurred;

 

(14)                          the issuance of preferred securities by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or the payment of dividends thereon in accordance with the terms thereof, provided that issuance of such preferred securities is permitted pursuant to Section 4.09 and the terms of such preferred securities do not expressly restrict the ability of such Restricted Subsidiary to pay dividends or make any other distribution on its Capital Stock (other than requirements to pay dividends or liquidation preferences on such preferred securities prior to paying any dividends or making any other distributions on such other Capital Stock).

 

(15)                          with respect to any Foreign Subsidiary, any encumbrance or restriction contained in the terms of any Indebtedness or any agreement pursuant to which such Indebtedness was incurred if either (a) the encumbrance or restriction applies only in the event of a payment default or a default with respect to a financial covenant in such Indebtedness or agreement or (b) the Company determines that any such encumbrance or restriction will not materially affect the Company’s ability to make principal or interest payments on the Notes, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination shall be conclusive; and

 

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(16)                          any other agreement governing Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is permitted to be incurred by Section 4.09; provided, however, that such encumbrances or restrictions are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in this Indenture or the Credit Agreement as it exists on the date of this Indenture.

 

Section 4.09.                          Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock.

 

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to (collectively, “incur”) any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt), the Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, issue any Disqualified Stock, and the Company will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any preferred securities; provided, however, that the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or issue Disqualified Stock or preferred securities, if, for the Company’s most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock or preferred securities are issued, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred or Disqualified Stock or preferred securities had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period.

 

The first paragraph of this Section 4.09 will not prohibit the incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, “Permitted Debt”) or the issuance of any preferred securities described in clause (11) below:

 

(1)                                 the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of additional Indebtedness (including letters of credit) under one or more Credit Facilities, provided that, after giving effect to any such incurrence, the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness incurred under this clause (1) (with letters of credit being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the maximum potential liability of the Company and its Subsidiaries thereunder) and then outstanding does not exceed the greater of (a) $635.0 million or (b) $375.0 million plus 20.0% of the Company’s Consolidated Net Tangible Assets;

 

(2)                                 the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of the Existing Indebtedness;

 

(3)                                 the incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by (a) the Notes issued and sold on the Initial Issuance Date and the related Subsidiary Guarantees issued on the date of this Indenture and (b) the Exchange Notes and the related Subsidiary Guarantees issued pursuant to any Registration Rights Agreement;

 

(4)                                 the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings or purchase 

 

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money obligations, in each case, incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or improvement of property, plant or equipment used in the business of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (4), provided that after giving effect to any such incurrence, the principal amount of all Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (4) and then outstanding does not exceed the greater of (a) $75.0 million or (b) 5.0% of the Company’s Consolidated Net Tangible Assets at such time;

 

(5)                                 the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to, extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund Indebtedness that was permitted by this Indenture to be incurred under the first paragraph of this Section 4.09 or clause (2) or (3) of this paragraph or this clause (5);

 

(6)                                 the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of intercompany Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that:

 

(a)                                 if the Company is the obligor on such Indebtedness and a Guarantor is not the obligee, such Indebtedness must be expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Notes, or if a Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness and neither the Company nor another Guarantor is the obligee, such Indebtedness must be expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Guarantor; and

 

(b)                                 (i) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and (ii) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person that is neither the Company nor a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that was not permitted by this clause (6);

 

(7)                                 the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Hedging Contracts in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

 

(8)                                 the guarantee by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that was permitted to be incurred by another provision of this Section 4.09;

 

(9)                                 the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of obligations relating to net Hydrocarbon balancing positions arising in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

 

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(10)                          the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness in respect of bid, performance, surety and similar bonds issued for the account of the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, including guarantees and obligations of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to letters of credit supporting such obligations (in each case other than an obligation for money borrowed);

 

(11)                          the issuance by any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries to the Company or to any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any preferred securities; provided, however, that:

 

(a)                                 any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such preferred securities being held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; and

 

(b)                                 any sale or other transfer of any such preferred securities to a Person that is not either the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company

 

shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute an issuance of such preferred securities by such Restricted Subsidiary that was not permitted by this clause (11); and

 

(12)                          the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of liability in respect of the Indebtedness of any Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company or any Joint Venture but only to the extent that such liability is the result of the Company’s or any such Restricted Subsidiary’s being a general partner of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or Joint Venture and not as guarantor of such Indebtedness and provided that, after giving effect to any such incurrence, the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness incurred under this clause (12) and then outstanding does not exceed $60.0 million;

 

(13)                          the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Acquired Debt in connection with a merger or consolidation meeting either one of the financial tests set forth in clause (d) of Section 5.01; and

 

(14)                          the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of additional Indebtedness, provided that, after giving effect to any such incurrence, the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness incurred under this clause (14) and then outstanding does not exceed the greater of (a) $75.0 million or (b) 5.0% of the Company’s Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.09, in the event that an item of Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (1) through (14) above, or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 4.09, the Company will be permitted to classify (or later classify or reclassify in whole or in part in its sole discretion) such item of Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this Section 4.09.  Any Indebtedness under Credit Facilities on the date of this Indenture shall be considered incurred under the first paragraph of this Section 4.09.

 

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The accrual of interest, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock for purposes of this Section 4.09, provided, in each such case, that the amount thereof is included in Fixed Charges of the Company as accrued.  Further, the accounting reclassification of any obligation of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as Indebtedness will not be deemed an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 4.09.

 

Section 4.10.         Limitation on Asset Sales.

 

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:

 

(1)           the Company (or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of the Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of;

 

(2)           the fair market value is determined by (a) an executive officer of the General Partner if the value is less than $20.0 million and evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee, or (b) the Company’s Board of Directors if the value is $20.0 million or more and evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors set forth in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee; and

 

(3)           at least 75% of the aggregate consideration received by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Asset Sale and all other Asset Sales since the date of this Indenture is in the form of cash.  For purposes of this provision, each of the following will be deemed to be cash:

 

(a)           any liabilities, as shown on the Company’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet, of the Company or such Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary novation agreement that releases the Company or such Subsidiary from further liability; and

 

(b)           any securities, notes or other obligations received by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are, within 90 days after the Asset Sale, converted by the Company or such Subsidiary into cash, to the extent of the cash received in that conversion.

 

Within 360 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may apply those Net Proceeds at its option to any combination of the following:

 

(I)            to repay Senior Debt;

 

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(II)          to acquire all or substantially all of the properties or assets of a Person primarily engaged in a Permitted Business;

 

(III)        to acquire a majority of the Voting Stock of a Person primarily engaged a Permitted Business;

 

(IV)         to make capital expenditures; or

 

(V)          to acquire other long-term assets that are used or useful in a Permitted Business.

 

Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may invest the Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by this Indenture.  Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in the preceding paragraph will constitute “Excess Proceeds.”

 

On the 361st day after the Asset Sale (or, at the Company’s option, any earlier date), if the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds then exceeds $20.0 million, the Company will make an Asset Sale Offer to all Holders of Notes, and to all holders of Pari Passu Indebtedness then outstanding, to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds.  The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to 100% of principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the Settlement Date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the Settlement Date, and will be payable in cash.  If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company may use those Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture.  If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee will select the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis as set forth in Section 3.09(h) of this Indenture.  Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero.

 

The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with each repurchase of Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section 4.10, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under such provisions by virtue of such conflict.

 

Section 4.11.         Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.

 

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate (each, an “Affiliate Transaction”), unless:

 

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(1)           the Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person; and

 

(2)           the Company delivers to the Trustee, with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $20.0 million, a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company set forth in an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with this Section 4.11 and that such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions has been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors.

 

The following items will not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, will not be subject to the provisions of the prior paragraph of this Section 4.11:

 

(1)           any employment, equity award, equity option or equity appreciation agreement or plan entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(2)           transactions between or among any of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(3)           transactions with a Person that is an Affiliate of the Company solely because the Company owns an Equity Interest in such Person;

 

(4)           transactions effected in accordance with the terms of (a) corporate sharing agreements that are with Crosstex Energy, Inc. and its Subsidiaries with respect to general overhead and other administrative matters and (b) other agreements that are identified in Schedule I to this Indenture, in each case as such agreements are in effect on the date of this Indenture, and any amendment or replacement of any of such agreements so long as such amendment or replacement agreement is no less advantageous to the Company in any material respect than the agreement so amended or replaced;

 

(5)           customary compensation, indemnification and other benefits made available to officers, directors or employees of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, including reimbursement or advancement of out-of-pocket expenses and provisions of officers’ and directors’ liability insurance;

 

(6)           sales of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) to Affiliates of the Company;

 

(7)           Permitted Investments or Restricted Payments that are permitted by Section 4.07;

 

(8)           payments to the General Partner with respect to reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the Partnership Agreement as in effect on the date of this Indenture and as it may be amended, provided that any such amendment is not less

 

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favorable to the Company in any material respect than the agreement prior to such amendment; and

 

(9)           in the case of contracts for gathering, transporting, treating, processing, marketing, distributing, storing or otherwise handling Hydrocarbons, or activities or services reasonably related or ancillary thereto, or other operational contracts, any such contracts are entered into in the ordinary course of business on terms substantially similar to those contained in similar contracts entered into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and third parties.

 

Section 4.12.         Limitation on Liens.

 

The Company will not and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind (other than Permitted Liens) securing Indebtedness or Attributable Debt upon any of their property or assets, now owned or hereafter acquired, unless the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, is secured on an equal and ratable basis with (or on a senior basis to, in the case of obligations subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantee, as the case may be) the obligations so secured until such time as such obligations are no longer secured by a Lien.

 

Section 4.13.         Additional Subsidiary Guarantees.

 

If, after the date of this Indenture, any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is not already a Guarantor guarantees any other Indebtedness of either of the Issuers or any Guarantor, then that Subsidiary will become a Guarantor by executing a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Annex A hereto and delivering it to the Trustee within twenty Business Days of the date on which it guaranteed such Indebtedness, together with any Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel required by Section 9.06; provided, however, that the preceding shall not apply to Subsidiaries of the Company that have properly been designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries in accordance with this Indenture for so long as they continue to constitute Unrestricted Subsidiaries.  Notwithstanding the preceding, any Subsidiary Guarantee of a Restricted Subsidiary that was incurred pursuant to this Section 4.13 will be released at such time as such Guarantor ceases to guarantee any other Indebtedness of either of the Issuers and any other Guarantor.

 

Section 4.14.         Corporate Existence.

 

Except as otherwise permitted pursuant to the terms hereof (including consolidation and merger permitted by Section 5.01), the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve the existence of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (except Finance Corp.) if the Company shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct 

 

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of the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

 

Section 4.15.         Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control.

 

(1)           Within 30 days following the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently exercised their right to redeem all of the Notes pursuant to Section 3.07, the Company shall make an offer (a “Change of Control Offer”) to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess of $2,000) of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price (the “Change of Control Payment”) in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, thereon to the date of settlement (the “Change of Control Settlement Date”), subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the Change of Control Settlement Date.  Within 30 days following a Change of Control, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently exercised their right to redeem all of the Notes pursuant to Section 3.07, the Company shall mail a notice of the Change of Control Offer to each Holder and the Trustee describing the transaction that constitutes the Change of Control and stating:

 

(a)           that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.15 and that all Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn will be accepted for payment;

 

(b)           the purchase price and the purchase date, which shall be no earlier than 30 days but no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “Change of Control Purchase Date”);

 

(c)           that the Change of Control Offer will expire as of the time specified in such notice on the Change of Control Purchase Date and that the Company shall pay the Change of Control Purchase Price for all Notes accepted for purchase as of the Change of Control Purchase Date promptly thereafter on the Change of Control Settlement Date;

 

(d)           that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest and Additional Interest, if any;

 

(e)           that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest and Additional Interest, if any, after the Change of Control Settlement Date;

 

(f)            that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Notes, properly endorsed for transfer, together with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Notes completed and such customary documents as the Company may reasonably request, to the Paying Agent at the address 

 

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specified in the notice prior to the termination of the Change of Control Offer on the Change of Control Purchase Date;

 

(g)           that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, prior to the termination of the Change of Control Offer, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of Notes delivered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its election to have the Notes purchased; and

 

(h)           that Holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, which unpurchased portion must be equal to $2,000 in principal amount or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess of $2,000.

 

If any of the Notes subject to a Change of Control Offer is in the form of a Global Note, then the Company shall modify such notice to the extent necessary to accord with the procedures of the Depository applicable to repurchases.  Further, the Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Notes as a result of a Change of Control.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section 4.15, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under such provisions by virtue of such conflict.

 

(2)           Promptly following the expiration of the Change of Control Offer, the Company shall, to the extent lawful, accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof (in minimum denominations of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000) properly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) pursuant to the Change of Control Offer.  Promptly thereafter on the Change of Control Settlement Date the Company shall:

 

(a)           deposit with the Paying Agent by 11:00 a.m., New York City time, an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered (and not validly withdrawn); and

 

(b)           deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes so accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions of Notes being purchased by the Company.

 

On the Change of Control Settlement Date, the Paying Agent shall mail to each Holder of Notes properly tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes (or, if all the Notes are then in global form, make such payment through the facilities of the Depository) and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, if any; provided, however, that each such new Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess of $2,000.

 

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The Company shall publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Settlement Date.

 

(3)           The Change of Control provisions of this Section 4.15 shall be applicable whether or nor any other provisions of this Indenture are applicable.

 

(4)           Prior to complying with any of the provisions of this Section 4.15, but in any event no later than the Change of Control Settlement Date, the Company or any Guarantor must either repay all of its other outstanding Senior Debt or obtain the requisite consents, if any, under all agreements governing such Senior Debt to permit the repurchase of Notes required by this Section 4.15.

 

(5)           The Company shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the time and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section 4.15 applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.  A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, and conditioned upon the occurrence of the Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making the Change of Control Offer.

 

(6)           In the event that Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes accept a Change of Control Offer and the Company, or any third party making a Change of Control Offer in lieu of the Company as described above, purchases all of the Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Company will have the right, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice as provided in Section 3.03, given not more than 30 days following such purchase pursuant to the Change of Control Offer described above, to redeem all Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price in cash equal to the Change of Control Payment plus, to the extent not included in the Change of Control Payment, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date).

 

Section 4.16.         No Inducements.

 

The Company will not, and the Company will not permit any of its Subsidiaries, either directly or indirectly, to pay any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Beneficial Owner or Holder of any Notes for or as an inducement to any consent to any waiver, amendment or supplement of any terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Notes, unless such consideration is offered to be paid (or agreed to be paid) to all Beneficial Owners and Holders of the Notes which so consent in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent.

 

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Section 4.17.         Permitted Business Activities.

 

The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than a Permitted Business, except to such extent as would not be material to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

 

Finance Corp. shall not incur Indebtedness unless (1) the Company is a co-obligor or guarantor of such Indebtedness or (2) the net proceeds of such Indebtedness are loaned to the Company, used to acquire outstanding debt securities issued by the Company or used to repay Indebtedness of the Company as permitted under Section 4.09.  Finance Corp. shall not engage in any business not related directly or indirectly to obtaining money or arranging financing for the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

Section 4.18.         Sale and Leaseback Transactions.

 

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction other than an Equipment Lease Transaction; provided, however, that the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into a Sale and Leaseback Transaction if:

 

(1)           the Company or that Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, could have (a) incurred Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt relating to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test in the first paragraph of Section 4.09 and (b) incurred a Lien to secure such Indebtedness pursuant to Section 4.12;

 

(2)           the gross cash proceeds of that Sale and Leaseback Transaction are at least equal to the fair market value, as determined in accordance with the definition of that term in Section 1.01 and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee, of the property that is the subject of that Sale and Leaseback Transaction; and

 

(3)           the transfer of assets in that Sale and Leaseback Transaction is permitted by, and the Company applies the proceeds of such transaction in compliance with, Section 4.10.

 

Section 4.19.         Covenant Termination.

 

If at any time (a) the rating assigned to the Notes by both S&P and Moody’s is an Investment Grade Rating, (b) no Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture and (c) the Issuers have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate certifying to the foregoing provisions of this sentence, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries will no longer be subject to the provisions of Sections 3.09, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.17, clauses (1)(a) and (3) of Section 4.18, and clause (d) of Section 5.01 of this Indenture.  However, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries will remain subject to all of the other provisions of this Indenture.

 

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Section 4.20.         Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if that designation would not cause a Default.  If a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the aggregate fair market value of all outstanding Investments owned by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary properly designated will be deemed to be either an Investment made as of the time of the designation that will reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under the first paragraph of Section 4.07 or represent Permitted Investments, as determined by the Company.  That designation shall only be permitted if the Investment would be permitted at that time and if the Subsidiary so designated otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; provided that such designation will be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such designation will only be permitted if (1) such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 4.09, calculated on a pro forma basis as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the four-quarter reference period, and (2) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation.

 

ARTICLE 5
 SUCCESSORS

 

Section 5.01.         Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets.

 

Neither of the Issuers may, directly or indirectly, (1) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not such Issuer is the survivor), or (2) sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions to another Person, unless:

 

(a)           either (1) such Issuer is the survivor or (2) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Issuer ) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia; provided, however, that Finance Corp. may not consolidate or merge with or into any Person other than a corporation satisfying such requirement so long as the Company is not a corporation;

 

(b)           the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Issuer) or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made assumes all the obligations of such Issuer under the Notes, this Indenture and the applicable Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to a supplemental indenture or other agreement in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;

 

(c)           immediately after such transaction no Default or Event of Default exists;

 

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(d)           in the case of a transaction involving the Company and not Finance Corp., either;

 

(1)           the Company or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made will, at the time of such transaction and after giving pro forma effect thereto and any related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of Section 4.09 hereof; or

 

(2)           immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis and any related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the Company’s most recently ended four full quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of the transactions, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition has been made, will be equal to or greater than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company immediately before such transactions; and

 

(e)           such Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or disposition and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture.

 

Notwithstanding the restrictions described in the foregoing clause (d), (i) any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Finance Corp.) may consolidate with, merge into or dispose of all or part of its properties and assets to the Company or (ii) the Company may consolidate or merge with or into Crosstex Energy, Inc. or a Subsidiary of Crosstex Energy, Inc., and in each case, the Company will not be required to comply with the preceding clause (d) in connection with any such consolidation, merger or disposition.

 

Notwithstanding the second preceding paragraph of this Section 5.01, the Company may reorganize as any other form of entity in accordance with the following procedures provided that:

 

(1)           the reorganization involves the conversion (by merger, sale, contribution or exchange of assets or otherwise) of the Company into a form of entity other than a limited partnership formed under Delaware law;

 

(2)           the entity so formed by or resulting from such reorganization is an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

(3)           the entity so formed by or resulting from such reorganization assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Notes, this Indenture and the applicable Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;

 

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(4)           immediately after such reorganization no Default or Event of Default exists; and

 

(5)           such reorganization is not materially adverse to the Holders or Beneficial Owners of the Notes (for purposes of this clause (5) a reorganization will not be considered materially adverse to the Holders or Beneficial Owners of the Notes solely because the successor or survivor of such reorganization (a) is subject to federal or state income taxation as an entity or (b) is considered to be an “includible corporation” of an affiliated group of corporations within the meaning of Section 1504(b) of the Code or any similar state or local law).

 

Section 5.02.         Successor Substituted.

 

Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of an Issuer in accordance with Section 5.01 hereof, the successor formed by such consolidation or into or with which such Issuer is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and may exercise every right and power of, such Issuer under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor had been named as such Issuer herein and shall be substituted for such Issuer (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the “Company” or “Finance Corp.,” as the case may be, shall refer instead to the successor and not to the Company or Finance Corp., as the case may be); and thereafter, if an Issuer is dissolved following a transfer of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in accordance with this Indenture, it shall be discharged and released from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Notes.  The Trustee shall enter into a supplemental indenture to evidence the succession and substitution of such successor and such discharge and release of such Issuer.

 

ARTICLE 6
 DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

Section 6.01.         Events of Default.

 

An “Event of Default” occurs if one of the following shall have occurred and be continuing (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be involuntary or be effected by operation of law):

 

(a)           an Issuer defaults in the payment when due of interest or Additional Interest, if any, with respect to, the Notes, and such default continues for a period of 30 days;

 

(b)           an Issuer defaults in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on the Notes when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration or otherwise;

 

(c)           the Company fails to comply with the provisions of Section 3.08, 3.09, 4.10, 4.15 or 5.01 hereof;

 

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(d)           the Company fails to comply with the provisions of Section 4.03 for 180 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding of such failure;

 

(e)           the Company fails to comply with any other covenant or other agreement in this Indenture or the Notes for 60 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding of such failure;

 

(f)            a default occurs under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the date of this Indenture, if such default:

 

(1)           is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of any grace period provided in such Indebtedness (a “Payment Default”); or

 

(2)           results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its Stated Maturity

 

and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $30.0 million or more; provided, however, that if any such Payment Default is cured or waived or any such acceleration rescinded, or such Indebtedness is repaid, within a period of 60 days from the continuation of such Payment Default beyond the applicable grace period or the occurrence of such acceleration, as the case may be, such Event of Default and any consequential acceleration of the Notes shall be automatically rescinded, so long as such rescission does not conflict with any judgment or decree;

 

(g)           the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries fails to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $30.0 million (to the extent not covered by insurance by a reputable and creditworthy insurer as to which the insurer has not disclaimed coverage), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days;

 

(h)           except as permitted by this Indenture, any Subsidiary Guarantee is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee; and

 

(i)            the Company, Finance Corp., any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of Bankruptcy Law:

 

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(1)           commences a voluntary case,

 

(2)           consents in writing to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,

 

(3)           consents in writing to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property,

 

(4)           makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or

 

(5)           admits in writing it generally is not paying its debts as they become due; or

 

(j)            a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

 

(1)           is for relief against the Company, Finance Corp., any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary of the Company in an involuntary case;

 

(2)           appoints a Custodian of the Company, Finance Corp., any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or for all or substantially all of the property of the Company, Finance Corp., any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company, that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary of the Company; or

 

(3)           orders the liquidation of the Company, Finance Corp., any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary of the Company;

 

and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days.

 

Section 6.02.         Acceleration.

 

If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee, by notice to the Issuers, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, by notice to the Issuers and the Trustee, may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately.  Upon any such declaration, the Notes shall become due and payable immediately, together with all accrued and unpaid interest, Additional Interest, if any, and premium, if any, thereon.  Notwithstanding the preceding, if an Event of Default specified in clause (i) or (j) of Section 6.01 hereof occurs with respect to the Company, Finance Corp., any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the 

 

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Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary of the Company, all outstanding Notes shall become due and payable without further action or notice, together with all accrued and unpaid interest, Additional Interest, if any, and premium, if any, thereon.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of all of the Holders rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default (except with respect to nonpayment of principal, interest, premium or Additional Interest, if any, that have become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured or waived.

 

Section 6.03.         Other Remedies.

 

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal of and premium, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.

 

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding.  A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder of a Note in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default.  All remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

 

Section 6.04.         Waiver of Past Defaults.

 

Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences hereunder, except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of or premium, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes.  Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

Section 6.05.         Control by Majority.

 

Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it.  However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders of Notes or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability.

 

Section 6.06.         Limitation on Suits.

 

A Holder of a Note may pursue a remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes only if:

 

(a)           the Holder of a Note gives to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default;

 

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(b)           the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

 

(c)           such Holder of a Note or Holders of Notes offer and, if requested, provide to the Trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

 

(d)           the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer and, if requested, the provision of indemnity; and

 

(e)           during such 60-day period the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

 

A Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder of a Note or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of a Note.

 

Section 6.07.         Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Note to receive payment of principal of and premium, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an offer to purchase), or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

 

Section 6.08.         Collection Suit by Trustee.

 

If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a) or (b) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuers and the Guarantors for the whole amount of principal of, premium, interest and Additional Interest, if any, remaining unpaid on the Notes and interest on overdue principal and, to the extent lawful, interest and Additional Interest, if any, and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

 

Section 6.09.         Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

 

The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuers (or any other obligor upon the Notes), their creditors or their property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under 

 

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Section 7.07 hereof.  To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise.  Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

 

Section 6.10.         Priorities.

 

If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article, it shall pay out the money in the following order:

 

First:  to the Trustee, its agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 7.07 hereof, including payment of all compensation, expense and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and the Trustee’s costs and expenses of collection;

 

Second:  to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, interest and Additional Interest, if any, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, interest and Additional Interest, if any, respectively; and

 

Third:  to the Issuers or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.

 

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders of Notes pursuant to this Section 6.10.

 

Section 6.11.         Undertaking for Costs.

 

In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant.  This Section does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder of a Note pursuant to Section 6.07 hereof, or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.

 

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ARTICLE 7
 TRUSTEE

 

Section 7.01.         Duties of Trustee.

 

(a)           If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

 

(b)           Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

 

(1)           the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

 

(2)           in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture.  However, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

 

(c)           The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

 

(1)           this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.01;

 

(2)           the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;

 

(3)           the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05 hereof; and

 

(4)           no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

(d)           Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section 7.01.

 

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(e)           The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with an Issuer.  Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

Section 7.02.         Rights of Trustee.

 

(a)           The Trustee may conclusively rely upon any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person.  The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

 

(b)           Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both.  The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.  The Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.

 

(c)           The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with due care.

 

(d)           The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.

 

(e)           Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from an Issuer shall be sufficient if signed by an Officer of such Issuer.

 

(f)            The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

 

(g)           The Trustee shall have no duty to inquire as to the performance of the Company’s covenants in Article 4 hereof.  In addition, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default except: (1) any Event of Default occurring pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or 6.01(b) hereof; or (2) any Default or Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer shall have received written notification or obtained actual knowledge.

 

(h)           The permissive right of the Trustee to act hereunder shall not be construed as a duty.

 

(i)            The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder and in its capacity as Trustee under any other agreement executed in connection with this Indenture to which the Trustee is a party.

 

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Section 7.03.         Individual Rights of Trustee.

 

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuers, any Guarantor or any Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.  However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the TIA) after a Default has occurred and is continuing, it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as trustee or resign.  Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties.  The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11 hereof.

 

Section 7.04.         Trustee’s Disclaimer.

 

The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes, it shall not be accountable for either Issuer’s use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to an Issuer or upon either Issuer’s direction under any provision of this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.

 

Section 7.05.         Notice of Defaults.

 

If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to Holders of Notes a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs.  Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of or premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Notes.

 

Section 7.06.         Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.

 

Within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with the May 15 following the date of this Indenture, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee shall mail to the Holders of the Notes a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA § 313(a) (but if no event described in TIA § 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted).  The Trustee also shall comply with TIA § 313(b)(2) and § 313(b)(1).  The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA § 313(c).

 

A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders of Notes shall be mailed to the Issuers and filed with the SEC and each stock exchange on which the Notes are listed in accordance with TIA § 313(d).  The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee when the Notes are listed on any stock exchange.

 

Section 7.07.         Compensation and Indemnity.

 

The Issuers shall pay to the Trustee from time to time such reasonable compensation as the Issuers and the Trustee may agree in writing for the Trustee’s acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder.  The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on 

 

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compensation of a trustee of an express trust.  The Issuers shall reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the compensation for its services.  Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

 

The Issuers and the Guarantors shall indemnify the Trustee, jointly and severally, against any and all losses, liabilities or expenses incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Issuers and the Guarantors (including this Section 7.07) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by an Issuer, any Guarantor or any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.  The Trustee shall notify the Issuers and the Guarantors promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity.  Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Issuers and the Guarantors shall not relieve the Issuers or the Guarantors of their obligations hereunder.  The Issuers and the Guarantors shall defend the claim and the Trustee shall cooperate in the defense.  The Trustee may have separate counsel and the Issuers and the Guarantors shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel; provided that the Issuers and the Guarantors will not be required to pay such fees and expenses if they assume the Trustee’s defense with counsel acceptable to and approved by the Trustee (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) and there is no conflict of interest between the Issuers and the Trustee in connection with such defense.  The Issuers and the Guarantors need not pay for any settlement made without their consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  Neither the Issuers nor the Guarantors need reimburse the Trustee for any expense or indemnity against any liability or loss of the Trustee to the extent such expense, liability or loss is attributable to the negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of the Trustee.

 

The obligations of the Issuers and the Guarantors under this Section 7.07 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

To secure the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ payment obligations in this Section 7.07, the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal and interest on particular Notes.  Such Lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(i) or (j) hereof occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

The Trustee shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 313(b)(2) to the extent applicable.

 

Section 7.08.         Replacement of Trustee.

 

A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section.

 

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The Trustee may resign in writing upon 30 days notice at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Issuers.  The Holders of Notes of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Issuers in writing and may appoint a successor trustee with the consent of the Issuers.  The Issuers may remove the Trustee if:

 

(a)           the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof;

 

(b)           the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;

 

(c)           a receiver, Custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

 

(d)           the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

 

If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Issuers shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.  Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Issuers.

 

If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Issuers or the Holders of Notes of at least 10% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder of a Note who has been a Holder of a Note for at least six months, fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof, such Holder of a Note may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuers.  Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture.  The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders of the Notes.  The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, provided all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.07 hereof.  Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ obligations under Section 7.07 hereof shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

 

Section 7.09.         Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.

 

If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation, the successor corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.  As soon as practicable, the successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to the Issuers and the Holders of the Notes.

 

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Section 7.10.         Eligibility; Disqualification.

 

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

 

This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA § 310(a)(1), (2) and (5).  The Trustee is subject to TIA § 310(b).

 

Section 7.11.         Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuers.

 

The Trustee is subject to TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b).  A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

 

ARTICLE 8
 LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

 

Section 8.01.         Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

 

The Issuers may, at the option of their respective Boards of Directors evidenced by a resolution set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, at any time, exercise their rights under either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof with respect to all outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.

 

Section 8.02.         Legal Defeasance and Discharge.

 

Upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.02, the Issuers shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be deemed to have discharged their obligations with respect to all outstanding Notes, and each Guarantor shall be deemed to have discharged its obligations with respect to its Subsidiary Guarantee, on the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 below are satisfied (hereinafter, “Legal Defeasance”).  For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Issuers shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes, and each Guarantor shall be deemed to have paid and discharged its Subsidiary Guarantee (which in each case shall thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 8.05 hereof and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in (a) and (b) below) and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Notes or Subsidiary Guarantee and this Indenture (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Issuers, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (a) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive solely from the trust fund described in Section 8.04 hereof, and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of and premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on such Notes when such payments are due, (b) the Issuers’ obligations with respect to such Notes under Sections 2.03, 2.04, 2.06, 2.07, 2.09 and 4.02 hereof and the Appendix, (c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee

 

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hereunder and the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ obligations in connection therewith and (d) the Legal Defeasance provisions of this Article 8.  Subject to compliance with this Article 8, the Issuers may exercise their option under this Section 8.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.03 hereof.

 

If the Issuers exercise their Legal Defeasance option, each Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee, and any security for the Notes (other than the trust) will be released.

 

Section 8.03.         Covenant Defeasance.

 

Upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, the Issuers shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be released from their obligations under the covenants contained in Article 4 (other than those in Sections 4.01, 4.02, 4.06 and 4.14) and in clause (d) of Section 5.01 hereof on and after the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”), and the Notes shall thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder.  For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes, the Issuers and any Guarantor may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01 hereof, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby.  In addition, upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03 hereof, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, Sections 6.01(f) through 6.01(h) hereof shall not constitute Events of Default.

 

If the Issuers exercise their Covenant Defeasance option, each Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee and any security for the Notes (other than the trust) will be released.

 

Section 8.04.         Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance.

 

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:

 

(a)           the Issuers must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of and premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the outstanding Notes on the date of fixed maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Issuers must specify whether the Notes are being defeased to the date of fixed maturity or to a particular redemption date;

 

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(b)           in the case of an election under Section 8.02 hereof, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that:

 

(1)           the Issuers have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling; or

 

(2)           since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law,

 

in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

 

(c)           in the case of an election under Section 8.03 hereof, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

 

(d)           no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit);

 

(e)           such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

 

(f)            the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuers with the intent of preferring the Holders over any other creditors of the Issuers or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Issuers or others; and

 

(g)           the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

 

Section 8.05.         Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.

 

Subject to Section 8.06 hereof, all money and non-callable Government Securities (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 8.04 or 8.08 hereof in respect of the outstanding Notes shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly

 

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or through any Paying Agent (including the Company or any of its Subsidiaries acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

The Issuers shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or non-callable Government Securities deposited pursuant to Section 8.04 or 8.08 hereof or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes.

 

Anything in this Article 8 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Issuers from time to time upon the written request of the Issuers any money or non-callable Government Securities held by it as provided in Section 8.04 or 8.08 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.04(a) hereof), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance, Covenant Defeasance or Discharge, as the case may be.

 

Section 8.06.         Repayment to Issuers.

 

Subject to applicable escheat and abandoned property laws, any money or non-callable Government Securities deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by an Issuer, in trust for the payment of the principal of or premium, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium, interest or Additional Interest, if any, has become due and payable shall be paid to the Issuers on their written request or (if then held by an Issuer) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter, as an unsecured creditor, look only to the Issuers for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money or non-callable Government Securities, and all liability of the Issuers as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, shall at the written direction and expense of the Issuers cause to be published once, in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Issuers.

 

Section 8.07.         Reinstatement.

 

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or non-callable Government Securities in accordance with Section 8.05 hereof, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Issuers’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.05

 

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hereof; provided, however, that, if an Issuer makes any payment of principal of or premium, interest, Additional Interest, if any, on any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, such Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

 

Section 8.08.         Discharge.

 

This Indenture shall be satisfied and discharged and shall cease to be of further effect as to all Notes issued hereunder (except for (a) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive solely from the trust fund described in clause (b) of this Section 8.08, and as more fully set forth in such clause (b), payments in respect of the principal of and premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on such Notes when such payments are due, (b) the Issuers’ obligations with respect to such Notes under Sections 2.03, 2.04, 2.06, 2.07, 2.09 and 4.02 hereof and the Appendix and (c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the Issuers’ obligations in connection therewith), when:

 

(1)           either:

 

(a)           all Notes that have been authenticated, except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes that have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Issuers, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

(b)           all Notes that have not been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or otherwise, and the Issuers or any Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and non-callable Government Securities, in amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes not delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of fixed maturity or redemption;

 

(2)           no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of the deposit or will occur as a result of the deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit) and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

 

(3)           the Issuers or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under this Indenture;

 

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(4)           the Issuers have delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at fixed maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be; and

 

(5)           the Issuers have delivered an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture (“Discharge”) have been satisfied.

 

ARTICLE 9
 AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

 

Section 9.01.         Without Consent of Holders of Notes.

 

Notwithstanding Section 9.02 of this Indenture, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Notes without the consent of any Holder of a Note:

 

(a)           to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

 

(b)           to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes;

 

(c)           to provide for the assumption of an Issuer’s obligations to the Holders of Notes pursuant to Article 5 hereof;

 

(d)           to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights hereunder of any Holder, provided that any change to conform this Indenture to the Offering Memorandum shall not be deemed to adversely affect the legal rights hereunder of any Holder;

 

(e)           to secure the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees pursuant to the requirements of Section 4.12 or otherwise;

 

(f)            to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in this Indenture;

 

(g)           to add any additional Guarantor with respect to the Notes or to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with Article 10 hereof;

 

(h)           to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA; or

 

(i)            to evidence or provide for the acceptance of appointment under this Indenture of a successor Trustee.

 

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Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 9.06 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Issuers and the Guarantors in the execution of any amended or supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental Indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

 

Section 9.02.         With Consent of Holders of Notes.

 

Except as provided above in Section 9.01 and below in this Section 9.02, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture and the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, tender offer or exchange offer for Notes).  However, without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):

 

(a)           reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

 

(b)           reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Note or alter any of the provisions with respect to the redemption or repurchase of the Notes (except as provided in Sections 3.09, 4.10 and 4.15 hereof);

 

(c)           reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Note;

 

(d)           waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of or premium, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

 

(e)           make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Notes;

 

(f)            make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or Events of Default or the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments of principal of or premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes (except as permitted in clause (g) below);

 

(g)           waive a redemption or repurchase payment with respect to any Note (other than a payment required by Sections 3.09, 4.10 and 4.15 hereof);

 

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(h)           release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee or this Indenture, except in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or

 

(i)            make any change in the preceding amendment, supplement and waiver provisions.

 

Upon the request of the Issuers accompanied by Board Resolutions authorizing their execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders of Notes as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 9.06 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Issuers and the Guarantors in the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture, unless such amended or supplemental indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental indenture.

 

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders of Notes under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

 

After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section becomes effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver.  Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or supplemental Indenture or waiver.

 

Section 9.03.         Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.

 

Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes shall be set forth in an amended or supplemental Indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect.

 

A consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver under this Indenture by any Holder given in connection with a purchase, tender or exchange of such Holder’s Notes shall not be rendered invalid by such purchase, tender or exchange.

 

Section 9.04.         Effect of Consents.

 

After an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder, unless it makes a change described in any of clauses (a) through (i) of Section 9.02, in which case, the amendment, supplement or waiver shall bind only each Holder of a Note who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences the same indebtedness as the consenting Holder’s Note.

 

Section 9.05.         Notation on or Exchange of Notes.

 

The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated.  The Issuers, in exchange for all Notes, may issue and the Trustee shall authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

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Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

Section 9.06.         Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.

 

The Trustee shall sign any amended or supplemental indenture authorized pursuant to this Article 9 if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee.  In executing any amended or supplemental indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that all conditions precedent are satisfied.

 

ARTICLE 10
 GUARANTEES OF NOTES

 

Section 10.01.      Subsidiary Guarantees.

 

Subject to this Article 10, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, unconditionally guarantees, on a senior unsecured basis, to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes held thereby and the Obligations of the Issuers hereunder and thereunder, that: (a) the principal of and premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes will be promptly paid in full when due, subject to any applicable grace period, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration, upon repurchase or redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and premium, (to the extent permitted by law) interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes, and all other payment Obligations of the Issuers to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full and performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, subject to any applicable grace period, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration, upon repurchase or redemption or otherwise.  Failing payment when so due of any amount so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately.  An Event of Default under this Indenture or the Notes shall constitute an event of default under the Subsidiary Guarantees, and shall entitle the Holders to accelerate the obligations of the Guarantors hereunder in the same manner and to the same extent as the Obligations of the Issuers.

 

The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against an Issuer, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance (other than complete performance) which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a Guarantor.  Each Guarantor further, to the extent permitted by law, hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of an Issuer, any

 

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right to require a proceeding first against an Issuer, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenants that its Subsidiary Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of the Obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.

 

If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to an Issuer, the Guarantors, or any Custodian, Trustee or other similar official acting in relation to any of the Issuers or the Guarantors, any amount paid by an Issuer or any Guarantor to the Trustee or such Holder, the Subsidiary Guarantees, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect.  Each Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to, and hereby waives, any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any Obligations guaranteed hereby.

 

Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (a) the maturity of the Obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 hereof for the purposes of its Subsidiary Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Obligations guaranteed thereby, and (b) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Obligations as provided in Article 6 hereof, such Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantor for the purpose of its Subsidiary Guarantee.  The Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders under the Subsidiary Guarantees.

 

Section 10.02. Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms.

 

(a)           No Guarantor shall sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets to, or consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person), another Person (other than the Company or another Guarantor), unless, (i) either (1) the Person acquiring the properties or assets in any such sale or other disposition or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Guarantor) unconditionally assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor, pursuant to a supplemental indenture, substantially in the form of Annex A hereto, under the Notes, this Indenture and its Subsidiary Guarantee on terms set forth therein, or (2) such sale or other disposition does not violate Section 4.10, and (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists.

 

(b)           In the case of any such consolidation or merger and upon the assumption by the successor Person, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee and substantially in the form of Annex A hereto, of the Subsidiary Guarantee and the due and punctual performance of all of the covenants of this Indenture to be performed by the Guarantor, such successor Person shall succeed to and be substituted for the Guarantor with the same effect as if it had been named herein as a Guarantor.

 

Section 10.03. Releases of Subsidiary Guarantees.

 

The Subsidiary Guarantee of a Guarantor shall be released:  (1) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of such Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a Person that is not (either before or after 

 

79

 

giving effect to such transaction) a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, if the sale or other disposition does not violate Section 4.10; (2) in connection with any sale or other disposition of the Capital Stock of such Guarantor to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, if the sale or other disposition does not violate Section 4.10 and the Guarantor ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as a result of such sale or disposition; (3) if the Company designates any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with Section 4.20 of this Indenture; (4) upon Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance or Discharge in accordance with Article 8; (5) upon the liquidation or dissolution of such Guarantor, provided no Default or Event of Default has occurred that is continuing; or (6) at such time as such Guarantor ceases to guarantee any other Indebtedness of either of the Issuers and any other Guarantor.

 

Upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that any of the conditions described in the foregoing clauses (1) — (6) has occurred, the Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably requested by the Company in order to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee.  Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee shall remain liable for the full amount of principal of and premium, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes and for the other obligations of such Guarantor under this Indenture as provided in this Article 10.

 

Section 10.04. Limitation on Guarantor Liability.

 

The obligations of each Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee will be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee or pursuant to its contribution obligations under this Indenture, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law and not otherwise being void or voidable under any similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.

 

ARTICLE 11
 MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 11.01. Trust Indenture Act Controls.

 

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by TIA §318(c), such TIA-imposed duties shall control.

 

Section 11.02. Notices.

 

Any notice or communication by an Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing (in the English language) and delivered in person or mailed by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telecopier or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others’ address:

 

80

 

If to any of the Issuers or the Guarantors:

 

Crosstex Energy, L.P.
 2501 Cedar Springs
 Dallas, Texas 75201
 Attention: Chief Financial Officer
 Telecopier No.: (214) 721-9383

 

with a copy (not constituting notice) to:

 

Baker Botts L.L.P.
 2001 Ross Avenue
 Dallas, Texas 75201-2980
 Attention:  Douglass M. Rayburn
 Telecopier No.:  (214) 953-6503

 

If to the Trustee:

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
 750 N. St. Paul Place, Suite 1750
 Dallas, Texas  75201
 MAC: T9263-170

Attention:  Corporate, Municipal and Escrow Services
 Telecopier No.:  (214) 756-7401

 

An Issuer, any of the Guarantors or the Trustee, by notice to the others, may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

 

All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) 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 telecopied; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery in each case to the address shown above.

 

Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar.  Any notice or communication shall also be so mailed to any Person described in TIA § 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA.  Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

 

If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

 

If either of the Issuers mails a notice or communication to Holders, it shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

 

81

 

Section 11.03. Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.

 

Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes.  The Issuers, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).

 

Section 11.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.

 

Upon any request or application by an Issuer to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, such Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee:

 

(a)           an Officers’ Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and

 

(b)           an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied.

 

Section 11.05. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.

 

Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and shall include:

 

(a)           a statement that the person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

 

(b)           a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

 

(c)           a statement that, in the opinion of such person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been satisfied; and

 

(d)           a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such person, such condition or covenant has been satisfied.

 

Section 11.06. Rules by Trustee and Agents.

 

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders.  The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

 

82

 

Section 11.07. No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Unitholders.  None of the General Partner or any past, present or future director, officer, partner, employee, incorporator, manager or unitholder or other owner of Capital Stock of the General Partner, the Issuers or any Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or any Guarantor under the Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees or this Indenture, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.  Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability.  The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.

 

Section 11.08. Governing Law.

 

THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

Section 11.09. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.

 

This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company or its Subsidiaries or of any other Person.  Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

 

Section 11.10. Successors.

 

All agreements of the Issuers and the Guarantors in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind their respective successors.  All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.

 

Section 11.11. Severability.

 

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

Section 11.12. Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

 

The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

Section 11.13. Counterparts.

 

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture, and each party hereto may sign any number of separate copies of this Indenture.  Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.  The exchange of copies of this Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture for all purposes.  Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

 

83

 

Section 11.14. Acts of Holders.

 

(a)           Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by the Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agents duly appointed in writing, and may be given or obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, outstanding Notes; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company.  Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments.  Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Issuers if made in the manner provided in this Section 11.14.

 

(b)           The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to such witness, notary or officer the execution thereof.  Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of authority.  The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 11.14, the principal amount and serial numbers of Notes held by any Holder, and the date of holding the same, shall be proved by the register of the Notes maintained by the Registrar as provided in Section 2.03.

 

(d)           If the Issuers shall solicit from the Holders of the Notes any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the Issuers may, at their option, by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, but the Issuers shall have no obligation to do so.  Notwithstanding TIA Section 316(c), such record date shall be the record date specified in or pursuant to such Board Resolution, which shall be a date not earlier than the date 30 days prior to the first solicitation of Holders generally in connection therewith or the date of the most recent list of Holders forwarded to the Trustee prior to such solicitation pursuant to Section 2.05 and not later than the date such solicitation is completed.  If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of the then outstanding Notes have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose the then outstanding Notes shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective 

 

84

 

unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than eleven months after the record date.

 

(e)           Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Note shall bind every future Holder of the same Note and the Holder of every Note issued upon the registration or transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or an Issuer in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Note.

 

(f)            Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Note may do so itself with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Note or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.

 

(g)           For purposes of this Indenture, any action by the Holders that may be taken in writing may be taken by electronic means or as otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

 

Section 11.15. Patriot Act.

 

The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee.  The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information within their possession or control as it may reasonably request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. Patriot Act.

 

85

 

SIGNATURES

 

	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY GP, LLC,
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
its   general partner
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Michael   J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior   Vice President and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief   Financial Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY FINANCE CORPORATION
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Michael   J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior   Vice President and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief   Financial Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
GUARANTORS
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY SERVICES, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
CROSSTEX   OPERATING GP, LLC,
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
its   general partner
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Michael   J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior   Vice President and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief   Financial Officer
    

 

Signature Page

Indenture

 

 

	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   OPERATING GP, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY SERVICES GP, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   LIG LIQUIDS, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   PROCESSING SERVICES, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   PELICAN, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   PERMIAN, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   PERMIAN II, LLC
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Michael   J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior   Vice President and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief   Financial Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   GULF COAST MARKETING LTD.
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   CCNG PROCESSING LTD.
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   NORTH TEXAS PIPELINE, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   NORTH TEXAS GATHERING, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   NGL MARKETING, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   NGL PIPELINE, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY SERVICES GP, LLC, general partner of each above limited partnership
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Michael   J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior   Vice President and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief   Financial Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
SABINE   PASS PLANT FACILITY JOINT VENTURE
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
CROSSTEX   PROCESSING SERVICES, LLC, as general partner, and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
CROSSTEX   PELICAN, LLC,
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
as   general partner
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Michael   J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior   Vice President and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief   Financial Officer
    

 

Signature Page

Indenture

 

 

	
 
    	
WELLS   FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
    
	
 
    	
as   Trustee
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Patrick T. Giordano
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Patrick   T. Giordano
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Vice   President
    

 

Signature Page

Indenture

 

 

RULE 144A/REGULATION S APPENDIX

 

PROVISIONS RELATING TO INITIAL NOTES
 AND EXCHANGE NOTES

 

1.                                      Definitions

 

1.1                               Definitions.

 

For the purposes of this Appendix the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:

 

“Depository” means The Depository Trust Company, its nominees and their respective successors.

 

“Exchange Notes” means (1) the 71/8% Senior Notes due 2022 issued pursuant to the Indenture in connection with a Registered Exchange Offer pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement and (2) Additional Notes, if any, issued pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act.

 

“Initial Notes” means (1) $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 71/8% Senior Notes due 2022 issued on the Initial Issuance Date and (2) Additional Notes, if any, issued in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

“Initial Purchasers” means (1) with respect to the Initial Notes issued on the Initial Issuance Date, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, ABN AMRO Securities (USA) LLC, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., Capital One Southcoast, Inc., Comerica Securities, Inc., U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. and (2) with respect to each issuance of Additional Notes, the Persons purchasing such Additional Notes under the related Purchase Agreement.

 

“Notes” means the Initial Notes, the Additional Notes and the Exchange Notes, treated as a single class.

 

“Notes Custodian” means the custodian with respect to a Global Note (as appointed by the Depository), or any successor Person thereto and shall initially be the Trustee.

 

“Purchase Agreement” means (1) with respect to the Initial Notes issued on the Initial Issuance Date, the Purchase Agreement dated May 10, 2012 among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers, and (2) with respect to each issuance of Additional Notes, the purchase agreement or underwriting agreement among the Issuers and the Persons purchasing such Additional Notes.

 

“Registered Exchange Offer” means the offer by the Issuers, pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement, to certain Holders of Initial Notes, to issue and deliver to 

 

App. - 1

 

such Holders, in exchange for the Initial Notes, a like aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes registered under the Securities Act.

 

“Registration Rights Agreement” means (1) with respect to the Initial Notes issued on the Initial Issuance Date, the Registration Rights Agreement dated May 24, 2012 among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers, and (2) with respect to each issuance of Additional Notes issued in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, the registration rights agreement, if any, among the Issuers and the Persons purchasing such Additional Notes under the related Purchase Agreement.

 

“Shelf Registration Statement” means the registration statement issued by the Company in connection with the offer and sale of Initial Notes pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement.

 

“Transfer Restricted Securities” means Notes that bear or are required to bear the legend set forth in Section 2.3(b) hereof.

 

1.2                               Other Definitions.

 

	
Term
    	
 
    	
Defined in Section:
    	
 
    
	
“Agent Members” 
    	
 
    	
2.1(b)
    	
 
    
	
“Distribution Compliance Period” 
    	
 
    	
2.1(b)
    	
 
    
	
“Global Note” 
    	
 
    	
2.1(a)
    	
 
    
	
“Regulation S” 
    	
 
    	
2.1(a)
    	
 
    
	
“Regulation S Notes” 
    	
 
    	
2.1(a)
    	
 
    
	
“Restricted Global Note” 
    	
 
    	
2.1(a)
    	
 
    
	
“Rule 144A” 
    	
 
    	
2.1(a)
    	
 
    
	
“Rule 144A Notes” 
    	
 
    	
2.1(a)
    	
 
    

 

2.                                      The Notes.

 

2.1                               (a)                                 Form and Dating.  Initial Notes offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A (“Rule 144A Notes”) under the Securities Act (“Rule 144A”) or in reliance on Regulation S (“Regulation S Notes”) under the Securities Act (“Regulation S”), in each case as provided in a Purchase Agreement, shall be issued initially in the form of one or more permanent global Notes in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons with the global Notes legend and restricted Notes legend set forth in Exhibit 1 hereto (each, a “Restricted Global Note”), which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Initial Notes represented thereby with the Trustee, as custodian for the Depository (or with such other custodian as the Depository may direct), and registered in the name of the Depository or a nominee of the Depository, duly executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided.  Beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note representing Initial Notes sold in reliance on either Rule 144A or Regulation S may be held through Euroclear or Clearstream, as indirect participants in the Depository.  The aggregate principal amount of the Global Notes may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee and the Depository or its nominee as hereinafter provided.  Exchange Notes shall be issued in 

 

App. - 2

 

global form (with the global Notes legend set forth in Exhibit 1 hereto) or in certificated form as provided in Section 2.4 of this Appendix.  Exchange Notes issued in global form and Restricted Global Notes are sometimes referred to in this Appendix as “Global Notes.”

 

(b)                                 Book-Entry Provisions.  This Section 2.1(b) shall apply only to a Global Note deposited with or on behalf of the Depository.

 

The Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with this Section 2.1(b), authenticate and deliver initially one or more Global Notes that (a) shall be registered in the name of the Depository for such Global Note or Global Notes or the nominee of such Depository and (b) shall be delivered by the Trustee to such Depository or pursuant to such Depository’s instructions or held by the Trustee as custodian for the Depository.  If such Global Notes are Restricted Global Notes, then separate Global Notes shall be issued to represent Rule 144A Notes and Regulation S Notes so long as required by law or the Depository.

 

Members of, or participants in, the Depository (“Agent Members”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depository or by the Trustee as the custodian of the Depository or under such Global Note, and the Issuers, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuers or the Trustee shall be entitled to treat the Holder as the absolute owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuers, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuers or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depository or impair, as between the Depository and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices of such Depository governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Note.

 

Until the 40th day after the later of the commencement of the offering of any Initial Notes and the original issue date of such Initial Notes (such period, the “Distribution Compliance Period”), a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note representing Regulation S Notes may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in a Restricted Global Note representing Rule 144A Notes only if the transferor first delivers to the Trustee a written certificate (in the form provided in Exhibit 1 hereto) to the effect that such transfer is being made to a Person who the transferor reasonably believes is purchasing for its own account or accounts as to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that such Person is a QIB, in each case in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any other jurisdiction.  After the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, such certification requirements shall not apply to such transfers of beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note representing Regulation S Notes.

 

Beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note representing Rule 144A Notes may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in a Restricted Global Note representing Regulation S Notes, whether before or after the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, only if the transferor first delivers to the Trustee a written certificate (in the form provided in Exhibit 1 hereto) to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S or Rule 144 (if available).

 

App. - 3

 

(c)                                  Certificated Notes.  Except as provided in Section 2.3 or 2.4, owners of beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes shall not be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated Notes.  Certificated Notes shall not be exchangeable for beneficial interests in Global Notes, except with the consent of the Company.

 

2.2                               Authentication.  The Trustee shall authenticate and deliver:  (1) on the Initial Issuance Date, an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million Initial Notes, (2) any Additional Notes for an original issue in an aggregate principal amount specified in the written order of the Issuers pursuant to Section 2.02 of the Indenture and (3) Exchange Notes for issue only in a Registered Exchange Offer, pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement, for a like principal amount of Initial Notes, in each case upon a written order of the Issuers.  Such order shall specify the amount of the Notes to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Notes is to be authenticated and to whom the Notes shall be registered and delivered and, in the case of any issuance of Additional Notes pursuant to Section 2.13 of the Indenture, shall certify that such issuance is in compliance with Section 4.09 of the Indenture.

 

2.3                               Transfer and Exchange.

 

(a)                                 Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes.

 

(i)                                     The transfer and exchange of Global Notes or beneficial interests therein shall be effected through the Depository, in accordance with this Indenture (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth herein, if any) and the procedures of the Depository therefor.  A transferor of a beneficial interest in a Global Note shall deliver to the Registrar a written order given in accordance with the Depository’s procedures containing information regarding the participant account of the Depository to be credited with a beneficial interest in the Global Note.  The Registrar shall, in accordance with such instructions instruct the Depository to credit to the account of the Person specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the Global Note and to debit the account of the Person making the transfer the beneficial interest in the Global Note being transferred.

 

(ii)                                  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Appendix, a Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except by the Depository to a nominee of the Depository or by a nominee of the Depository to the Depository or another nominee of the Depository or by the Depository or any such nominee to a successor Depository or a nominee of such successor Depository.

 

(iii)                               In the event that a Restricted Global Note is exchanged for Notes in certificated form pursuant to Section 2.4 of this Appendix, prior to the consummation of a Registered Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such Notes, such Notes may be exchanged only in accordance with such procedures as are substantially consistent with the provisions of this Section 2.3 (including the certification requirements set forth on the reverse of the Initial Notes intended to ensure that such transfers comply with Rule 144A or Regulation S, as the case may be) and such other procedures as may from time to time be adopted by the Company.

 

App. - 4

 

(b)                                 Legends.

 

(i)                                     Except as permitted by the following paragraphs (ii), (iii) and (iv), each Note certificate evidencing the Restricted Global Notes (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or in substitution thereof) shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

 

THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT. THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF AGREES TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE WHICH IS ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF (OR THE DATE OF ANY SUBSEQUENT REOPENING OF THE NOTES) AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH AN ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF AN ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THIS NOTE (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) ONLY (A) TO AN ISSUER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE ISSUERS’ AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (i) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (D) PRIOR TO THE END OF THE 40 DAY DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (E) PRIOR TO THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM, AND (ii) IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES, TO REQUIRE THAT A CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THIS NOTE IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THE TRANSFEROR TO THE TRUSTEE. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF A HOLDER OR AN ISSUER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.

 

App. - 5

 

(ii)                                  The Company, acting in its discretion, may remove the legend set forth in paragraph (i) above from any Transfer Restricted Security at any time on or after the Resale Restriction Termination Date applicable to such Transfer Restricted Security. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Company may effect such removal by issuing and delivering, in exchange for such Transfer Restricted Security, a Note without such legend, registered to the same Holder and in an equal principal amount, and upon receipt of a written order of the Company given at least three Business Days in advance of the proposed date of exchange specified therein (which shall be no earlier than the Resale Restriction Termination Date), the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver such Note as directed in such order.

 

(iii)                               After a transfer of any Initial Notes pursuant to and during the period of the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such Initial Notes all requirements pertaining to legends on such Initial Note will cease to apply, the requirements that any such Initial Note issued to certain Holders be issued in global form will cease to apply, and a certificated Initial Note or an Initial Note in global form, in each case without restrictive transfer legends, will be available to the transferee of the Holder of such Initial Notes upon exchange of such transferring Holder’s certificated Initial Note or directions to transfer such Holder’s interest in the Global Note, as applicable.

 

(iv)                              Upon the consummation of a Registered Exchange Offer with respect to the Initial Notes, all requirements pertaining to such Initial Notes that Initial Notes issued to certain Holders be issued in global form will still apply with respect to Holders of such Initial Notes that do not exchange their Initial Notes, and Exchange Notes in certificated or global form will be available to Holders that exchange such Initial Notes in such Registered Exchange Offer.

 

(c)                                  Cancellation or Adjustment of Global Note.  At such time as all beneficial interests in a Global Note have either been exchanged for certificated Notes, redeemed, purchased or canceled, such Global Note shall be returned to the Trustee for cancellation or retained and canceled by the Trustee.  At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for certificated Notes, redeemed, purchased or canceled, or if any certificated Note is exchanged for such a beneficial interest, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced or increased, as appropriate, and an adjustment shall be made on the books and records of the Trustee (if it is then the Notes Custodian for such Global Note) with respect to such Global Note, by the Trustee or the Notes Custodian, to reflect such reduction or increase, as the case may be.

 

(d)                                 Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Notes.

 

(i)                                     To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate certificated Notes and Global Notes at the Registrar’s request.

 

(ii)                                  No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuers may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer 

 

App. - 6

 

tax, assessments or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes, assessments or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 3.06, 4.10, 4.15 and 9.05 and of the Indenture).

 

(iii)                               The Registrar shall not be required to register the transfer of or exchange of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.  Also, it need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

 

(iv)                              Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Note, the Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name a Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note is overdue, and none of the Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

(v)                                 All Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of this Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.

 

(e)                                  No Obligation of the Trustee.

 

(i)                                     The Trustee shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of a Global Note, a member of, or a participant in the Depository or other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Depository or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Notes or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than the Depository) of any notice (including any notice of optional redemption) or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Notes.  All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Notes shall be given or made only to or upon the order of the registered Holders (which shall be the Depository or its nominee in the case of a Global Note).  The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Note shall be exercised only through the Depository subject to the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository.  The Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Depository with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.

 

(ii)                                  The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under Applicable Law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Depository participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

 

App. - 7

 

2.4                               Certificated Notes.

 

(a)                                 A Global Note deposited with the Depository or with the Trustee as custodian for the Depository pursuant to Section 2.1 shall be transferred to the beneficial owners thereof in the form of certificated Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Note, in exchange for such Global Note, only if such transfer complies with Section 2.3 and (i) the Depository notifies the Issuers that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depository for such Global Note or if at any time such Depository ceases to be a “clearing agency” registered under the Exchange Act and in either event a successor depositary is not appointed by the Issuers within 90 days, or (ii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and DTC notifies the Trustee of its decision to exchange the Global Notes.  Except as provided in the preceding sentence, and notwithstanding any contrary indication in Section 2.3(b), beneficial interests in a Global Note may be exchanged for certificated Notes only with the consent of the Company, including if an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company acquires such interests.

 

(b)                                 Any Global Note that is transferable to the beneficial owners thereof pursuant to this Section shall be surrendered by the Depository or the Notes Custodian to the Trustee located at its Corporate Trust Office to be so transferred, in whole or from time to time in part, without charge, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, upon such transfer of each portion of such Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount of certificated Notes of authorized denominations.  Any portion of a Global Note transferred pursuant to this Section shall be executed, authenticated and delivered only in minimum denominations of $2,000 principal amount and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess of $2,000 and registered in such names as the Depository shall direct.  Any certificated Note delivered in exchange for an interest in a Global Note shall, except as otherwise provided by Section 2.3(b), bear the restricted Notes legend set forth in Exhibit 1 hereto.

 

(c)                                  Subject to the provisions of Section 2.4(b), the Holder of a Global Note shall be entitled to grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.

 

(d)                                 In the event of the occurrence of any of the circumstances specified in Section 2.4(a), the Issuers shall promptly make available to the Trustee a reasonable supply of certificated Notes in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons.

 

App. - 8

 

EXHIBIT 1 TO RULE 144A/REGULATION S APPENDIX

 

[FORM OF FACE OF INITIAL NOTE]

 

[Global Notes Legend]

 

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO AN ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC) ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF.

 

[Restricted Notes Legend]

 

THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT. THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF AGREES TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE WHICH IS ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF (OR THE DATE OF ANY SUBSEQUENT REOPENING OF THE NOTES) AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH AN ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF AN ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THIS NOTE (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) ONLY (A) TO AN ISSUER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS 

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 1

 

BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE ISSUERS’ AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (i) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (D) PRIOR TO THE END OF THE 40 DAY DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (E) PRIOR TO THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM, AND (ii) IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES, TO REQUIRE THAT A CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THIS NOTE IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THE TRANSFEROR TO THE TRUSTEE. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF A HOLDER OR AN ISSUER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 2

 

CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.

 

CROSSTEX ENERGY FINANCE CORPORATION

 

	
No.
    	
$
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CUSIP No.
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
ISIN No.
    	
 
    

 

71/8% Senior Note due 2022

 

Crosstex Energy, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Crosstex Energy Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation, jointly and severally promise to pay to                     , or registered assigns, the principal sum of                    Dollars [or such greater or lesser amount as may be indicated on Schedule A hereto](1)  on June 1, 2022.

 

Interest Payment Dates:  June 1 and December 1.

 

Record Dates:  May 15 and November 15.

 

Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.

 

	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY GP, LLC,
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
its   general partner
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY FINANCE CORPORATION
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    

 

(1)  If this Note is a Global Note, add this provision.

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 3

 

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF

AUTHENTICATION

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,

as Trustee, certifies that

this is one of the Notes

referred to in the Indenture.

 

	
By
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Authorized   Signatory
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Dated:
    	
 
    	
 
    

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 4

 

[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF INITIAL NOTE]

 

71/8% Senior Note due 2022

 

Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

 

1.             Interest.  Crosstex Energy, L.P., a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and Crosstex Energy Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Finance Corp.” and, together with the Company, the “Issuers”), jointly and severally promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 7.125% per annum until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest payable pursuant to Section 5 of the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below.  The Issuers will pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing December 1, 2012, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each an “Interest Payment Date”).  Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from [the date of issuance];(2) provided that if there is no existing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date, except in the case of the original issuance of Notes, in which case interest shall accrue from the date of authentication.  The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at a rate that is the rate then in effect; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate to the extent lawful.  Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

2.             Method of Payment.  The Issuers will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) and Additional Interest to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the May 15 or November 15 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are cancelled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.11 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest.  Holders must surrender Notes to the Paying Agent to collect payments of principal and premium, if any, together with accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, due at maturity.  The Notes will be payable as to principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, at the office or agency of the Issuers maintained for such purpose within the City and State of New York, or, at the option of the Issuers, payment of interest and Additional Interest may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders, and provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to any amounts due on all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Issuers or the Paying Agent.  Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

 

(2)  In the Global Note, this will be May 24, 2012.

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 5

 

3.             Paying Agent and Registrar.  Initially, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar.  The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder.  The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

 

4.             Indenture.  The Issuers issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of May 24, 2012 (the “Indenture”) among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee.  The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S. Code §§ 77aaa-77bbbb).  The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms.  The Notes are unsecured senior obligations of the Issuers initially limited to $250.0 million aggregate principal amount in the case of Notes issued on the Initial Issuance Date (as defined in the Indenture).  In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Note and the Indenture, the terms of the Indenture shall govern.

 

5.             Optional Redemption.

 

(a)           Except as set forth in subparagraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this Paragraph 5, the Issuers shall not have the option to redeem the Notes prior to June 1, 2017.  On or after June 1, 2017, the Issuers shall have the option to redeem the Notes, in whole or in part at any time, upon prior notice as set forth in Paragraph 8, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the redemption date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on June 1 of the years indicated below:

 

	
YEAR
    	
 
    	
PERCENTAGE
    	
 
    
	
2017 
    	
 
    	
103.563
    	
%
    
	
2018 
    	
 
    	
102.375
    	
%
    
	
2019 
    	
 
    	
101.188
    	
%
    
	
2020 and thereafter 
    	
 
    	
100.000
    	
%
    

 

(b)           Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph 5, at any time prior to June 1, 2015, the Issuers may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) issued under the Indenture at a redemption price of 107.125% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, thereon to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the redemption date), in an amount not greater than the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings by the Company; provided that (i) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption (excluding any Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries) and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of each such Equity Offering.

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 6

 

(c)           Prior to June 1, 2017, the Issuers may redeem all or part of the Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of (1) the principal amount thereof, plus (2) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date), plus (3) the Make Whole Premium at the redemption date.

 

(d)           The Notes may also be redeemed, as a whole, following certain Change of Control Offers, at the redemption price and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.15(6) of the Indenture.

 

6.             Mandatory Redemption.

 

If the Special Mandatory Redemption Trigger Event occurs, the Initial Notes are subject to mandatory redemption as a whole in accordance with Section 3.08 of the Indenture.

 

Except as set forth above or in Paragraph 7 below, neither of the Issuers shall be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes or to repurchase the Notes at the option of the Holders.

 

7.             Repurchase at Option of Holder.

 

(a)           Within 30 days following the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently exercised their right to redeem all of the Notes as described in paragraph 5 above, the Company shall make an offer (a “Change of Control Offer”) to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess of $2,000) of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of settlement (the “Change of Control Settlement Date”), subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Change of Control Settlement Date.  Within 30 days following a Change of Control, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently exercised their right to redeem all of the Notes as described in paragraph 5 above, the Company shall mail a notice of the Change of Control Offer to each Holder and the Trustee describing the transaction that constitutes the Change of Control and setting forth the procedures governing the Change of Control Offer as required by Section 4.15 of the Indenture.

 

(b)           On the 361st day after an Asset Sale, if the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds then exceeds $20.0 million, the Company shall commence an offer to all Holders of Notes (an “Asset Sale Offer”) pursuant to Section 3.09 of the Indenture, and to all holders of any Pari Passu Indebtedness then outstanding, to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, thereon to the date of settlement, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Settlement Date, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture.  If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company may use such remaining Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by 

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 7

 

the Indenture.  If the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered by Holders thereof and Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by holders or lenders, collectively, exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Trustee so that only Notes in denominations of $2,000, or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000, shall be purchased) on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of tendered Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness.  Holders of Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer from the Company prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Notes.

 

8.             Notice of Redemption.  Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days (except as otherwise provided in the Indenture if the notice is issued in connection with a Special Mandatory Redemption Trigger Event, Legal Defeasance, Covenant Defeasance or Discharge) before the redemption date to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address.  If mailed in the manner provided for in Section 3.03 of the Indenture, the notice of optional redemption shall be conclusively presumed to have been given whether or not a Holder receives such notice.  Failure to give timely notice or any defect in the notice shall not affect the validity of the redemption.  Notes in denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed.  On and after the redemption date interest and Additional Interest, if any, cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

 

9.             Guarantees.  The payment by the Issuers of the principal of and premium, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several senior unsecured basis by each of the Guarantors to the extent set forth in the Indenture.

 

10.          Denominations, Transfer, Exchange.  The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000.  The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture.  The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes due on transfer or exchange.  The Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.  Also, they need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

 

11.          Persons Deemed Owners.  The registered holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

 

12.          Amendment, Supplement and Waiver.  Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, and any existing default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.  Without the consent of any Holder of a Note, the Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented (1) to cure 

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 8

 

any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, (2) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, (3) to provide for the assumption of an Issuer’s obligations to Holders of the Notes pursuant to Article 5 of the Indenture, (4) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder, provided that any change to conform the Indenture to the Offering Memorandum shall not be deemed to adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any Holder, (5) to secure the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees pursuant to Section 4.12 of the Indenture or otherwise, (6) to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in the Indenture, (7) to add any additional Guarantor with respect to the Notes or to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its Subsidiary Guarantee, in each case as provided in the Indenture, (8) to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act or (9) to evidence or provide for the acceptance of appointment under the Indenture of a successor Trustee.

 

13.          Defaults and Remedies.  Events of Default include: (i) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes; (ii) default in payment when due of the principal of or premium, if any, on the Notes when due at Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration or otherwise; (iii) failure by the Company to comply with Section 3.08, 3.09, 4.10, 4.15 or 5.01 of the Indenture; (iv) failure by the Company for 180 days after notice to comply with Section 4.03 of the Indenture; (v) failure by the Company for 60 days after notice to comply with any of its other agreements in the Indenture or the Notes; (vi) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the Initial Issuance Date, if such default (a) is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or premium or interest, if any, on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of any grace period provided in such Indebtedness (a “Payment Default”) or (b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its Stated Maturity and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates in excess of $30.0 million, provided that if any such Payment Default is cured or waived or any such acceleration rescinded, or such Indebtedness is repaid, within a period of 60 days from the continuation of such Payment Default beyond the applicable grace period or the occurrence of such acceleration, as the case may be, such Event of Default and any consequential acceleration of the Notes shall be automatically rescinded, so long as such rescission does not conflict with any judgment or decree; (vii) failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $30.0 million (to the extent not covered by insurance by a reputable and creditworthy insurer as to which the insurer has not disclaimed coverage), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days; (viii) except as permitted by the Indenture, any Subsidiary Guarantee is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee; and (ix) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to the Company, Finance Corp., any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or any group of Restricted 

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 9

 

Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary of the Company as specified in Section 6.01(i) or 6.01(j) of the Indenture.  If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee, by notice to the Issuers, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, by notice to the Issuers and the Trustee, may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately.  Notwithstanding the preceding, in the case of an Event of Default arising from such events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization described in Section 6.01(i) or 6.01(j) of the Indenture, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable without further action or notice.  Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture.  Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power conferred on it.  The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal, interest, premium or Additional Interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of or premium, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes.  The Issuers are required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Issuers are required upon certain Officers becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

 

14.          Defeasance and Discharge.  The Notes are subject to defeasance and discharge upon the terms and conditions specified in the Indenture.

 

15.          No Recourse Against Others.  None of the General Partner or any past, present or future director, officer, partner, employee, incorporator, manager or unitholder or other owner of Capital Stock of the General Partner, the Issuers or any Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or any Guarantor under the Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees or the Indenture, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.  Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability.  The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes.

 

16.          Authentication.  This Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of an authorized signatory of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

 

17.          Abbreviations.  Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

 

18.          Additional Rights of Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities.  In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 24, 2012, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers (the “Registration Rights Agreement”).

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 10

 

19.          CUSIP Numbers.  Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuers have caused CUSIP numbers and corresponding ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers and corresponding ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders.  No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 

20.          Governing Law.  THE INDENTURE AND THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

21.          Successors.  In the event a successor assumes all the obligations of an Issuer under the Notes and the Indenture, pursuant to the terms thereof, such Issuer will be released from all such obligations.

 

The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture, the Escrow Agreement or the Registration Rights Agreement.  Requests may be made to:

 

Crosstex Energy, L.P.
 2501 Cedar Springs
 Dallas, Texas 75201
 Attention: Chief Financial Officer

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 11

 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

 

I or we assign and transfer this Note to

 

	
 
    
	
Print or type assignee’s   name, address and zip code)
    
	
 
    
	
 
    
	
(Insert assignee’s Soc.   Sec. or tax I.D. No.)
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
and   irrevocably appoint                                          agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuers. The agent may   substitute another to act for him.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Date:
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Your   Signature:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.
    
	
Signature   Guarantee:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
(Signature   must be guaranteed)
    	
 
    
						

 

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

In connection with any transfer of any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to one year after the later of the date of original issuance of such Notes (or the date of any subsequent reopening of the Notes) and the last date, if any, on which such Notes were owned by an Issuer or any Affiliate of an Issuer (or, in the case of Regulation S Notes, prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period), the undersigned confirms that such Notes are being transferred in accordance with its terms:

 

CHECK ONE BOX BELOW

 

	
(1)
    	
 
    	
o
    	
 
    	
to   an Issuer; or
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
(2)
    	
 
    	
o
    	
 
    	
pursuant   to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933; or
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
(3)
    	
 
    	
o
    	
 
    	
to   a person who the undersigned reasonably believes is a “qualified   institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act   of 1933) that is purchasing for its own account or for the account of a   qualified institutional buyer to whom notice is given that such transfer is 
    

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 12

 

	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
being   made in reliance on Rule 144A, in each case pursuant to and in   compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933; or
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
(4)
    	
 
    	
o
    	
 
    	
outside   the United States in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation   S under the Securities Act in compliance with Rule 904 under the   Securities Act of 1933; or
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
(5)
    	
 
    	
o
    	
 
    	
pursuant   to another available exemption from the registration requirements of the   Securities Act of 1933.
    

 

Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any person other than the registered holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (4) or (5) is checked, the Trustee shall be entitled to require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Notes, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Company has reasonably requested to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, such as the exemption provided by Rule 144 under such Act.

 

	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Signature
    

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 13

 

TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (3) ABOVE IS CHECKED.

 

The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuers and any Guarantors as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.

 

	
Dated:
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Notice:   To be executed by an executive officer
    

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 14

 

OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

 

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.15 of the Indenture, check the box below:

 

	
o         Section 4.10
    	
 
    	
o         Section 4.15
    

 

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.15 of the Indenture, state the amount (in minimum denomination of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000) you elect to have purchased:  $                     

 

	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Date:
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Your   Signature:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note)
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Soc.   Sec. or Tax Identification No.:
    	
 
    
	
Signature   Guarantee:
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
(Signature must be guaranteed)
    	
 
    	
 
    
								

 

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 15

 

[TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL NOTE]

 

SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL NOTE

 

The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:

 

	
Date
    	
 
    	
Amount of
   decrease in
   Principal Amount
   of this Global
   Note
    	
 
    	
Amount of
   increase in
   Principal Amount
   of this Global
   Note
    	
 
    	
Principal Amount
   of this Global
   Note following
   such decrease or
   increase
    	
 
    	
Signature of
   authorized officer
   of Trustee or
   Notes Custodian
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    

 

Ex. 1 to App. - 16

 

EXHIBIT 2 TO RULE 144A/REGULATION S APPENDIX

 

[FORM OF FACE OF EXCHANGE NOTE]       */

 

*/ If the Note is to be issued in global form add the Global Notes Legend from Exhibit 1 to Rule 144A/Regulation S Appendix and the attachment from such Exhibit 1 captioned “[TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL NOTES] - SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL NOTE”.

 

All references to “Additional Interest” in the Note shall be deleted unless, at the date of issuance of the Exchange Note, any Registration Default (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) has occurred with respect to the related Initial Notes during the interest period in which such date of issuance occurs.

 

Ex. 2 to App. - 1

 

[FORM OF FACE OF EXCHANGE NOTE]

 

CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.
 CROSSTEX ENERGY FINANCE CORPORATION

 

	
No.
    	
$ 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CUSIP No.
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
ISIN No.
    	
 
    

 

71/8% Senior Note due 2018

 

Crosstex Energy, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Crosstex Energy Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation, jointly and severally promise to pay to                     , or registered assigns, the principal sum of                      Dollars [or such greater or lesser amount as may be indicated on Schedule A hereto](3)  on June 1, 2022.

 

Interest Payment Dates:  June 1 and December 1.

 

Record Dates:  May 15 and November 15.

 

Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.

 

	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY GP, LLC,
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
its   general partner
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY FINANCE CORPORATION
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
 
    

 

(3)  If this Note is a Global Note, add this provision.

 

Ex. 2 to App. - 2

 

	
TRUSTEE’S   CERTIFICATE OF
    	
 
    
	
AUTHENTICATION
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Wells   Fargo Bank, National Association,
    	
 
    
	
as   Trustee, certifies that
    	
 
    
	
this   is one of the Notes
    	
 
    
	
referred   to in the Indenture.
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
By
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Authorized   Signatory
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Dated:
    	
 
    

 

Ex. 2 to App. - 3

 

[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF EXCHANGE NOTE]

 

71/8% Senior Note due 2018

 

Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

 

1.             Interest.  Crosstex Energy, L.P., a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and Crosstex Energy Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Finance Corp.” and, together with the Company, the “Issuers”), jointly and severally promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 7.125% per annum until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest payable pursuant to Section 5 of the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below.  The Issuers will pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing December 1, 2012, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each an “Interest Payment Date”).  Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from [the date of issuance];(4) provided that if there is no existing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date, except in the case of the original issuance of Notes, in which case interest shall accrue from the date of authentication.  The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at a rate that is the rate then in effect; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate to the extent lawful.  Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

2.             Method of Payment.  The Issuers will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) and Additional Interest to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the May 15 or November 15 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are cancelled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.11 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest.  Holders must surrender Notes to the Paying Agent to collect payments of principal and premium, if any, together with accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, due at maturity.  The Notes will be payable as to principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, at the office or agency of the Issuers maintained for such purpose within the City and State of New York, or, at the option of the Issuers, payment of interest and Additional Interest may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders, and provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to any amounts due on all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Issuers or the Paying Agent.  Such payment shall be in such coin 

 

(4)  In the Global Note, this will be May 24, 2012.

 

Ex. 2 to App. - 4

 

or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

 

3.             Paying Agent and Registrar.  Initially, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar.  The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder.  The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

 

4.             Indenture.  The Issuers issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of May 24, 2012 (the “Indenture”) among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee.  The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S. Code §§ 77aaa-77bbbb).  The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms.  The Notes are unsecured senior obligations of the Issuers initially limited to $250.0 million aggregate principal amount in the case of Notes issued on the Initial Issuance Date (as defined in the Indenture).  In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Note and the Indenture, the terms of the Indenture shall govern.

 

5.             Optional Redemption.

 

(a)           Except as set forth in subparagraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this Paragraph 5, the Issuers shall not have the option to redeem the Notes prior to June 1, 2017.  On or after June 1, 2017, the Issuers shall have the option to redeem the Notes, in whole or in part at any time, upon prior notice as set forth in Paragraph 8, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the redemption date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on June 1 of the years indicated below:

 

	
YEAR
    	
 
    	
PERCENTAGE
    	
 
    
	
2017 
    	
 
    	
103.563
    	
%
    
	
2018 
    	
 
    	
102.375
    	
%
    
	
2019 
    	
 
    	
101.188
    	
%
    
	
2020 and thereafter 
    	
 
    	
100.000
    	
%
    

 

(b)           Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (a)of this Paragraph 5, at any time prior to June 1, 2015, the Issuers may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) issued under the Indenture at a redemption price of 107.125% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, thereon to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the redemption date), in an amount not greater than the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings by the Company; provided that (i) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption (excluding any 

 

Ex. 2 to App. - 5

 

Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries) and (ii) each such redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of each such Equity Offering.

 

(c)           Prior to June 1, 2017, the Issuers may redeem all or part of the Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of (1) the principal amount thereof, plus (2) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date), plus (3) the Make Whole Premium at the redemption date.

 

(d)           The Notes may also be redeemed, as a whole, following certain Change of Control Offers, at the redemption price and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.15(6) of the Indenture.

 

6.             Mandatory Redemption.

 

If the Special Mandatory Redemption Trigger Event occurs, the Initial Notes are subject to mandatory redemption as a whole in accordance with Section 3.08 of the Indenture.

 

Except as set forth above or in Paragraph 7 below, neither of the Issuers shall be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes or to repurchase the Notes at the option of the Holders.

 

7.             Repurchase at Option of Holder.

 

(a)           Within 30 days following the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently exercised their right to redeem all of the Notes as described in paragraph 5 above, the Company shall make an offer (a “Change of Control Offer”) to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess of $2,000) of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of settlement (the “Change of Control Settlement Date”), subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Change of Control Settlement Date.  Within 30 days following a Change of Control, unless the Issuers have previously or concurrently exercised their right to redeem all of the Notes as described in paragraph 5 above, the Company shall mail a notice of the Change of Control Offer to each Holder and the Trustee describing the transaction that constitutes the Change of Control and setting forth the procedures governing the Change of Control Offer as required by Section 4.15 of the Indenture.

 

(b)           On the 361st day after an Asset Sale, if the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds then exceeds $20.0 million, the Company shall commence an offer to all Holders of Notes (an “Asset Sale Offer”) pursuant to Section 3.09 of the Indenture, and to all holders of any Pari Passu Indebtedness then outstanding, to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, thereon to the date of settlement, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Settlement Date, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the 

 

Ex. 2 to App. - 6

 

Indenture.  If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company may use such remaining Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture.  If the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered by Holders thereof and Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by holders or lenders, collectively, exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Trustee so that only Notes in denominations of $2,000, or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000, shall be purchased) on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of tendered Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness.  Holders of Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer from the Company prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Notes.

 

8.             Notice of Redemption.  Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days (except as otherwise provided in the Indenture if the notice is issued in connection with a Special Mandatory Redemption Trigger Event, Legal Defeasance, Covenant Defeasance or Discharge) before the redemption date to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address.  If mailed in the manner provided for in Section 3.03 of the Indenture, the notice of optional redemption shall be conclusively presumed to have been given whether or not a Holder receives such notice.  Failure to give timely notice or any defect in the notice shall not affect the validity of the redemption.  Notes in denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed.  On and after the redemption date interest and Additional Interest, if any, cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

 

9.             Guarantees.  The payment by the Issuers of the principal of and premium, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several senior unsecured basis by each of the Guarantors to the extent set forth in the Indenture.

 

10.          Denominations, Transfer, Exchange.  The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000.  The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture.  The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes due on transfer or exchange.  The Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.  Also, they need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

 

11.          Persons Deemed Owners.  The registered holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

 

12.          Amendment, Supplement and Waiver.  Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, and any existing default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes may be waived with the consent of 

 

Ex. 2 to App. - 7

 

the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.  Without the consent of any Holder of a Note, the Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented (1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, (2) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, (3) to provide for the assumption of an Issuer’s obligations to Holders of the Notes pursuant to Article 5 of the Indenture, (4) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder, provided that any change to conform the Indenture to the Offering Memorandum shall not be deemed to adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any Holder, (5) to secure the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees pursuant to Section 4.12 of the Indenture or otherwise, (6) to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in the Indenture, (7) to add any additional Guarantor with respect to the Notes or to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its Subsidiary Guarantee, in each case as provided in the Indenture, (8) to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act or (9) to evidence or provide for the acceptance of appointment under the Indenture of a successor Trustee.

 

13.          Defaults and Remedies.  Events of Default include: (i) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes; (ii) default in payment when due of the principal of or premium, if any, on the Notes when due at Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration or otherwise; (iii) failure by the Company to comply with Section 3.08, 3.09, 4.10, 4.15 or 5.01 of the Indenture; (iv) failure by the Company for 180 days after notice to comply with Section 4.03 of the Indenture; (v) failure by the Company for 60 days after notice to comply with any of its other agreements in the Indenture or the Notes; (vi) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the Initial Issuance Date, if such default (a) is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or premium or interest, if any, on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of any grace period provided in such Indebtedness (a “Payment Default”) or (b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its Stated Maturity and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates in excess of $30.0 million, provided that if any such Payment Default is cured or waived or any such acceleration rescinded, or such Indebtedness is repaid, within a period of 60 days from the continuation of such Payment Default beyond the applicable grace period or the occurrence of such acceleration, as the case may be, such Event of Default and any consequential acceleration of the Notes shall be automatically rescinded, so long as such rescission does not conflict with any judgment or decree; (vii) failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $30.0 million (to the extent not covered by insurance by a reputable and creditworthy insurer as to which the insurer has not disclaimed coverage), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days; (viii) except as permitted by the Indenture, any Subsidiary Guarantee is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee; and (ix) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or 

 

Ex. 2 to App. - 8

 

reorganization with respect to the Company, Finance Corp., any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary of the Company or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary of the Company as specified in Section 6.01(i) or 6.01(j) of the Indenture.  If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee, by notice to the Issuers, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, by notice to the Issuers and the Trustee, may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately.  Notwithstanding the preceding, in the case of an Event of Default arising from such events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization described in Section 6.01(i) or 6.01(j) of the Indenture, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable without further action or notice.  Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture.  Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power conferred on it.  The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal, interest, premium or Additional Interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of or premium, interest or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes.  The Issuers are required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Issuers are required upon certain Officers becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

 

14.          Defeasance and Discharge.  The Notes are subject to defeasance and discharge upon the terms and conditions specified in the Indenture.

 

15.          No Recourse Against Others.  None of the General Partner or any past, present or future director, officer, partner, employee, incorporator, manager or unitholder or other owner of Capital Stock of the General Partner, the Issuers or any Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or any Guarantor under the Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees or the Indenture, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.  Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability.  The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes.

 

16.          Authentication.  This Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of an authorized signatory of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

 

17.          Abbreviations.  Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

 

18.          [Additional Rights of Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities.  In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May

 

Ex. 2 to App. - 9

 

24, 2012, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers (the “Registration Rights Agreement”).](5)

 

19.          CUSIP Numbers.  Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuers have caused CUSIP numbers and corresponding ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers and corresponding ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders.  No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 

20.          Governing Law.  THE INDENTURE AND THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

21.          Successors.  In the event a successor assumes all the obligations of an Issuer under the Notes and the Indenture, pursuant to the terms thereof, such Issuer will be released from all such obligations.

 

The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture, the Escrow Agreement [and/or the Registration Rights Agreement](6).  Requests may be made to:

 

Crosstex Energy, L.P.
 2501 Cedar Springs
 Dallas, Texas 75201
 Attention: Chief Financial Officer

 

(5)  Delete if this Note is not being issued in exchange for an Initial Note.

(6)  Delete if this Note is not being issued in exchange for an Initial Note.

 

Ex. 2 to App. - 10

 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

 

I or we assign and transfer this Note to

 

	
 
    
	
Print or type assignee’s   name, address and zip code)
    
	
 
    
	
 
    
	
(Insert assignee’s Soc. Sec. or tax I.D. No.)
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
and   irrevocably appoint                                          agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuers.  The agent may substitute another to act for   him.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Date:
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Your   Signature:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.
    
						

 

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Ex. 2 to App. - 11

 

OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

 

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.15 of the Indenture, check the box below:

 

	
o         Section 4.10
    	
 
    	
o         Section 4.15
    

 

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.15 of the Indenture, state the amount (in minimum denomination of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000) you elect to have purchased:  $              

 

	
Date:
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Your   Signature:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note)
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Soc.   Sec. or Tax Identification No.:
    	
 
    
	
Signature   Guarantee:
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
(Signature must be guaranteed)
    	
 
    	
 
    
								

 

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Ex. 2 to App. - 12

 

SCHEDULE I

 

AGREEMENT WITH AFFILIATES

 

Each of the following is an agreement referred to in paragraph (4)(b) of Section 4.11:

 

None

 

S-1

 

ANNEX A

 

	
 
    

 

CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.

 

CROSSTEX ENERGY FINANCE CORPORATION

 

and

 

the Guarantors named herein

 

 

71/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2022

 

 

FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
 AND AMENDMENT — SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEE

 

DATED AS OF                                    ,

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

Trustee

 

 

	
 
    

 

ANNEX A-1

 

This SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of                            ,         , is among Crosstex Energy, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Company”), Crosstex Energy Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation ( “Finance Corp.” and, together with the Company, the “Issuers”), each of the parties identified under the caption “Guarantors” on the signature page hereto (the “Guarantors”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association, as Trustee.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Issuers, the initial Guarantors and the Trustee entered into an Indenture, dated as of May 24, 2012 (the “Indenture”), pursuant to which the Company has issued $                     in the aggregate principal amount of 71/8% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Notes”);

 

WHEREAS, Section 9.01(g) of the Indenture provides that the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture in order to comply with Section 4.13 or 10.02 thereof, without the consent of the Holders of the Notes; and

 

WHEREAS, all acts and things prescribed by the Indenture, by law and by the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws (or comparable constituent documents) of the Issuers, of the Guarantors and of the Trustee necessary to make this Supplemental Indenture a valid instrument legally binding on the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee, in accordance with its terms, have been duly done and performed;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, to comply with the provisions of the Indenture and in consideration of the above premises, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee covenant and agree for the equal and proportionate benefit of the respective Holders of the Notes as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1

 

Section 1.01.         This Supplemental Indenture is supplemental to the Indenture and does and shall be deemed to form a part of, and shall be construed in connection with and as part of, the Indenture for any and all purposes.

 

Section 1.02.         This Supplemental Indenture shall become effective immediately upon its execution and delivery by each of the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee.

 

ARTICLE 2

 

From this date, in accordance with Section 4.13 or 10.02 and by executing this Supplemental Indenture, the Guarantors whose signatures appear below are subject to the provisions of the Indenture as Guarantors to the extent provided for in Article 10 thereunder.

 

ARTICLE 3

 

Section 3.01.         Except as specifically modified herein, the Indenture and the Notes are in all respects ratified and confirmed (mutatis mutandis) and shall remain in full force and effect in 

 

ANNEX A-2

 

accordance with their terms with all capitalized terms used herein without definition having the same respective meanings ascribed to them as in the Indenture.

 

Section 3.02.         Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no duties, responsibilities or liabilities are assumed, or shall be construed to be assumed, by the Trustee by reason of this Supplemental Indenture.  This Supplemental Indenture is executed and accepted by the Trustee subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture with the same force and effect as if those terms and conditions were repeated at length herein and made applicable to the Trustee with respect hereto.

 

Section 3.03.         THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

Section 3.04.         The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture.  Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of such executed copies together shall represent the same agreement.

 

[NEXT PAGE IS SIGNATURE PAGE]

 

ANNEX A-3

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the date first written above.

 

	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY GP, LLC,
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
its   general partner
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX   ENERGY FINANCE CORPORATION
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
GUARANTORS
    
	
 
    	
[                                                                                                        ]
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
WELLS   FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
    
	
 
    	
as   Trustee
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    	
 
    

 

ANNEX A-4Exhibit 4.2

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

by and among

 

Crosstex Energy, L.P.,

 

Crosstex Energy Finance Corporation,

 

the Guarantors party hereto,

 

and

 

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated,

 

as representative of the Initial Purchasers

 

Dated as of May 24, 2012

 

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of May 24, 2012, by and among Crosstex Energy, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Company”), Crosstex Energy Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“FinCo,” and together with the Company, the “Issuers”), the entities listed on Schedule A hereto (collectively, the “Guarantors”), and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the initial purchasers listed on Schedule A to the Purchase Agreement (each an “Initial Purchaser” and, collectively, the “Initial Purchasers”), each of whom has agreed to purchase the Issuers’ 71/8% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Initial Notes”), fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantors (the “Guarantees”) pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined below).  The Initial Notes and the Guarantees attached thereto are herein collectively referred to as the “Initial Securities.”

 

This Agreement is made pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated May 10, 2012 (the “Purchase Agreement”), by and among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers (i) for the benefit of the Initial Purchasers and (ii) for the benefit of the holders from time to time of Initial Securities, including the Initial Purchasers.  In order to induce the Initial Purchasers to purchase the Initial Securities, the Issuers have agreed to provide 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(f) of the Purchase Agreement.

 

The parties hereby agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1.         Definitions.  As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Additional Interest:  As defined in Section 5 hereof.

 

Advice:  As defined in the last paragraph of Section 6(c) hereof.

 

Affiliate.  As defined in Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission.

 

Agreement:  As defined in the preamble hereto.

 

Blackout Period:  As defined in the last paragraph of Section 4(a) hereof.

 

Broker-Dealer:  Any broker or dealer registered under the Exchange Act.

 

Business Day:  Any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or U.S. federal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies located in New York, New York are authorized or obligated to be closed.

 

Closing Date:  The date of this Agreement.

 

Commission:  The Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Company:  As defined in the preamble hereto.

 

 

Consummate:  A registered Exchange Offer shall be deemed “Consummated” for purposes of this Agreement upon the occurrence of (i) the filing and effectiveness under the Securities Act of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Securities to be issued in the Exchange Offer, (ii) the maintenance of such Registration Statement continuously effective and the keeping of the Exchange Offer open for a period not less than the minimum period required pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof, and (iii) the delivery by the Issuers to the Registrar under the Indenture of Exchange Securities in the same aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities that were tendered by Holders thereof pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

 

controlling person:  As defined in Section 8(a) hereof.

 

Exchange Act:  The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Exchange Date:  The date that Exchange Securities are delivered by the Issuers to the Registrar under the Indenture in the same aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities that were tendered by Holders thereof pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

 

Exchange Deadline:  As defined in Section 3(b) hereof.

 

Exchange Offer:  An offer registered under the Securities Act by the Issuers and the Guarantors pursuant to a Registration Statement pursuant to which the Issuers offer the Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities the opportunity to exchange all such outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities held by such Holders for Exchange Securities in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities tendered in such exchange offer by such Holders with terms that are identical in all respects to the Transfer Restricted Securities (except that Exchange Securities will not contain terms with respect to any increase in annual interest rate as described herein and the transfer restrictions).

 

Exchange Offer Registration Statement:  The Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Offer, including the related Prospectus, as defined in Section 3(a) hereof.

 

Exchange Securities:  The 71/8% Senior Notes due 2022, of the same series under the Indenture as the Initial Securities, including the Guarantees attached thereto, to be offered to Holders in exchange for Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to this Agreement.

 

FinCo:  As defined in the preamble.

 

FINRA:  The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., an independent regulatory organization.

 

Guarantees:  As defined in the preamble hereto.

 

Holder:  As defined in Section 2(b) hereof.

 

Indemnified Holder:  As defined in Section 8(a) hereof.

 

2

 

Indenture:  The Indenture, dated as of May 24, 2012, by and among the Issuers, the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), pursuant to which the Initial Securities and the Exchange Securities are to be issued, as such Indenture is amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

Initial Notes:  As defined in the preamble hereto.

 

Initial Placement:  The issuance and sale by the Issuers of the Initial Securities to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

 

Initial Purchaser:  As defined in the preamble hereto.

 

Initial Securities:  As defined in the preamble hereto.

 

Issuers:  As defined in the preamble hereto.

 

Person:  An individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization or other legal entity, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Prospectus:  The prospectus included in a Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement and by all other amendments thereto, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference into such Prospectus.

 

Registration Default:  As defined in Section 5 hereof.

 

Registration Statement:  Any Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement, which is filed pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, in each case, including the Prospectus included therein, all amendments and supplements thereto (including post-effective amendments) and all exhibits and material incorporated by reference therein.

 

Securities Act:  The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Shelf Filing Deadline:  As defined in Section 4(a) hereof.

 

Shelf Registration Statement:  As defined in Section 4(a)(x) hereof.

 

Trust Indenture Act:  The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

 

Transfer Restricted Securities:  Each Initial Security, until the earliest to occur of (a) the date on which such Initial Security is exchanged in the Exchange Offer for an Exchange Security and entitled to be resold to the public by the Holder thereof without complying with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act; (b) the date on which such Initial Security has been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with a Shelf Registration Statement; (c) if a Shelf Registration Statement is required to be filed in accordance with Section 4 hereof, one year from the effective date of such Shelf Registration Statement; (d) the date on which such Initial Security is sold pursuant to Rule 144 under circumstances in which any legend borne by such Initial Security relating to restrictions on

 

3

 

transferability thereof, under the Securities Act or otherwise, is removed, or the restrictive CUSIP number is redesignated as non-restrictive, by the Issuers or pursuant to the Indenture; (e) the date upon which such Initial Security is distributed to the public by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the “Plan of Distribution” contemplated by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (including delivery of the Prospectus contained therein) and (f) the date on which such Initial Security ceases to be outstanding.

 

Underwritten Registration or Underwritten Offering:  A registration in which securities of the Issuers are sold to an underwriter for reoffering to the public.

 

SECTION 2.         Securities Subject to this Agreement.

 

(a)           Transfer Restricted Securities.  The securities entitled to the benefits of this Agreement are the Transfer Restricted Securities.

 

(b)           Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities.  A Person is deemed to be a holder of Transfer Restricted Securities (a “Holder”) whenever such Person owns Transfer Restricted Securities.

 

SECTION 3.         Registered Exchange Offer.

 

(a)           Unless the Exchange Offer shall not be permissible under applicable law or Commission policy (after the procedures set forth in Section 6(a) hereof have been complied with), the Issuers and the Guarantors shall (i) cause to be filed with the Commission sufficiently promptly so as to avoid a Registration Default with respect to the Exchange Offer, a Registration Statement under the Securities Act relating to the Exchange Securities and the Exchange Offer (the “Exchange Offer Registration Statement”), (ii) use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act sufficiently promptly so as to avoid a Registration Default with respect to the Exchange Offer, (iii) in connection with the foregoing, file (A) all pre-effective amendments to such Exchange Offer Registration Statement as may be necessary in order to cause such Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become effective, (B) if applicable, a post-effective amendment to such Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act and (C) cause all necessary filings in connection with the registration and qualification of the Exchange Securities to be made under the state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as are necessary to permit Consummation of the Exchange Offer, and (iv) upon the effectiveness of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement, commence the Exchange Offer.  The Exchange Offer shall be on the appropriate form permitting registration of the Exchange Securities to be offered in exchange for the Transfer Restricted Securities and to permit resales of Transfer Restricted Securities held by Broker-Dealers as contemplated by Section 3(c) hereof.

 

(b)           The Issuers and the Guarantors shall cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be effective continuously and shall keep the Exchange Offer open for a period of not less than the minimum period required under applicable federal and state securities laws to Consummate the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that in

 

4

 

no event shall such period be less than 20 Business Days after the date notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed to the Holders.  The Issuers shall cause the Exchange Offer to comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws.  No securities other than the Exchange Securities shall be included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.  The Issuers and the Guarantors shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Exchange Offer to be Consummated on the earliest practicable date after the Exchange Offer Registration Statement has become effective, but in no event later than 365 days after the Closing Date (or if such 365th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day) (such 365th day herein referred to as the “Exchange Deadline”).

 

(c)           The Issuers shall indicate in a “Plan of Distribution” section contained in the Prospectus forming a part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement that any Broker-Dealer who holds Initial Securities that are Transfer Restricted Securities that were acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (other than Transfer Restricted Securities acquired directly from the Issuers), may exchange such Initial Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer; however, such Broker-Dealer may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and must, therefore, deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resales of the Exchange Securities received by such Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer, which prospectus delivery requirement may be satisfied by the delivery by such Broker-Dealer of the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.  Such “Plan of Distribution” section shall also contain all other information with respect to such resales by Broker-Dealers that the Commission may require in order to permit such resales pursuant thereto, but such “Plan of Distribution” shall not name any such Broker-Dealer or disclose the amount of Initial Securities held by any such Broker-Dealer except to the extent required by the Commission.

 

The Issuers and the Guarantors shall use commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended as required by the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof to the extent necessary to ensure that it is available for resales of Transfer Restricted Securities acquired by Broker-Dealers for their own accounts as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and to ensure that it conforms with the requirements of this Agreement, the Securities Act and the policies, rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from time to time, for a period ending on the earlier of (i) 180 days from the date on which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective and (ii) the date on which a Broker-Dealer is no longer required to deliver a prospectus in connection with market-making or other trading activities.

 

The Issuers shall provide sufficient copies of the latest version of such Prospectus to Broker-Dealers promptly upon request at any time during such 180-day (or shorter as provided in the foregoing sentence) period in order to facilitate such resales.

 

SECTION 4.         Shelf Registration.

 

(a)           Shelf Registration.  If (i) the issuers and the Guarantors are not required to file an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or to consummate the Exchange Offer for

 

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the Initial Securities because the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law or Commission policy; (ii) for any reason the Exchange Offer for the Initial Securities is not Consummated by the Exchange Deadline; or (iii) with respect to any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities that is not an Affiliate of the Issuer or Guarantors (A) such Holder is prohibited by applicable law or Commission policy from participating in the Exchange Offer, (B) such Holder may not resell the Exchange Securities acquired by it in the Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a prospectus and that the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales by such Holder, or (C) such Holder is a Broker-Dealer and holds Initial Securities acquired directly from the Issuers or one of their Affiliates, then, upon such Holder’s request, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall (1) if permitted by law, cause the Transfer Restricted Securities of such Holder to be reissued in a form that does not bear any restrictive legends relating to the Securities Act or a restrictive CUSIP number so that such Securities may be sold to the public in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act by a person that is not an Affiliate of the Issuer or any of the Guarantors where no conditions of Rule 144 are then applicable (other than the holding period requirement in paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of Rule 144 so long as such holding period requirement is satisfied at such time of such reissue) and (2) in the event the Issuers cannot or do not comply with the provisions of the foregoing clause within 20 Business Days of the later of (I) the date of receipt by the Issuer of such notice of such Holder and (II) the first to occur of the Exchange Date and the Exchange Deadline (such later date being a “Shelf Filing Deadline”), then the Issuers and the Guarantors shall

 

(x)                                 cause to be filed a shelf registration statement pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, which may be an amendment to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (in either event, the “Shelf Registration Statement”) on or prior to the Shelf Filing Deadline which Shelf Registration Statement shall provide for resales of all Transfer Restricted Securities the Holders of which shall have provided the information required pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof; and

 

(y)                                 use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission on or before the 90th day after the Shelf Filing Deadline (or if such 90th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day).

 

Each of the Issuers and the Guarantors shall keep any such Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended as required by the provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c) hereof to the extent necessary to ensure that it is available for resales of Transfer Restricted Securities by the Holders entitled to the benefit of this Section 4(a), and to ensure that it conforms with the requirements of this Agreement, the Securities Act and the policies, rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from time to time, for a period of one year following the effective date of such Shelf Registration Statement (or such shorter period that will terminate when all the Transferred Registered Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement).  Each of the Issuers and the Guarantors shall be deemed not to have used commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective during the requisite period if any of the Issuers or the Guarantors voluntarily takes any action that would result in Holders of Transfer Restricted

 

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Securities covered thereby not being able to offer and sell such Transfer Restricted Securities during that period, unless (X) such action is required by applicable law; or (Y) such action is taken by any of the Issuers or Guarantors in good faith and for valid business reasons (not including avoidance of the Issuers or the Guarantors obligations hereunder) including, but not limited to, the acquisition or divestiture of assets, so long as the Issuers and the Guarantors promptly thereafter comply with the requirements of the last paragraph of Section 6(c) hereof (the period during which the Shelf Registration Statement is not available under clauses (X) or (Y) above, the “Blackout Period”).  The Blackout Period shall not exceed 45 days in any three-month period or 90 days in any twelve-month period.

 

(b)           Provision by Holders of Certain Information in Connection with the Shelf Registration Statement.  No Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities may include any of its Transfer Restricted Securities in any Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to this Agreement unless and until such Holder furnishes to the Issuers in writing, within ten Business Days after receipt of a request therefor, such information as the Issuers may reasonably request for use in connection with any Shelf Registration Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus included therein.  Each Holder as to which any Shelf Registration Statement is being effected agrees to furnish promptly to the Issuers all information required to be disclosed in order to make the information previously furnished to the Issuers by such Holder not materially misleading.

 

SECTION 5.         Additional Interest.  If (a) the Exchange Offer is not Consummated on or prior to the Exchange Deadline, (b) a Shelf Registration Statement applicable to the Transfer Restricted Securities required to be filed by the terms of this Agreement is not declared effective (or does not automatically become effective) on or prior to the 90th calendar day following any Shelf Filing Deadline (or if such 90th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day), or (c) a Shelf Registration Statement applicable to the Transfer Restricted Securities required to be filed by the terms of this Agreement is declared effective (or automatically becomes effective) as required but thereafter fails to remain effective or becomes unusable in connection with resales for more than 30 calendar days, excluding any Blackout Period (each such event referred to in clauses (a) through (c) above, a “Registration Default”), the Issuers hereby agree that the interest rate borne by the Transfer Restricted Securities shall be increased by 1.0% per annum (“Additional Interest”) for the period of occurrence of the Registration Default until the earlier of the consummation of the Exchange Offer and such time as no Registration Default is in effect.  Following the cure of all Registration Defaults, Additional Interest will cease to accrue and the interest rate on the Transfer Restricted Securities will revert to the original rate; provided, however, that, if after the date such Additional Interest ceases to accrue, another Registration Default occurs, Additional Interest will again commence accruing pursuant to the foregoing provisions.  Additional Interest will be paid as provided in the Indenture.

 

All obligations of the Issuers and the Guarantors set forth in the preceding paragraph that are outstanding with respect to any Transfer Restricted Security at the time such security ceases to be a Transfer Restricted Security shall survive until such time as all such obligations with respect to such security shall have been satisfied in full.

 

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SECTION 6.         Registration Procedures

 

(a)           Exchange Offer Registration Statement.  In connection with the Exchange Offer, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall comply with all of the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof, shall use commercially reasonable efforts to effect such exchange to permit the sale of Transfer Restricted Securities being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof.  As a condition to its participation in the Exchange Offer pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities shall furnish, upon the request of the Issuers, prior to the Consummation thereof, a written representation to the Issuers (which may be contained in the letter of transmittal contemplated by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement) to the effect that (A) it is not an affiliate (within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Issuers or the Guarantors, (B) it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in, a distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Securities to be issued in the Exchange Offer and (C) it is acquiring the Exchange Securities in its ordinary course of business.  In addition, all such Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities shall otherwise cooperate in the Issuers’ preparations for the Exchange Offer.  Each Holder hereby acknowledges and agrees 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 Commission policy as in effect on the date of this Agreement rely on the position of the Commission enunciated in Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the Commission’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 if the resales are of Exchange Securities obtained by such Holder in exchange for Initial Securities acquired by such Holder directly from the Issuers.

 

(b)           Shelf Registration Statement.  In connection with the Shelf Registration Statement, each of the Issuers and the Guarantors shall comply with all the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to effect such registration to permit the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof, and pursuant thereto each of the Issuers and the Guarantors will as expeditiously as possible prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement relating to the registration on any appropriate form under the Securities Act, which form shall be available for the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof.

 

(c)           General Provisions.  In connection with any Registration Statement and any Prospectus required by this Agreement to permit the sale or resale of Transfer Restricted Securities (including, without limitation, any Registration Statement and the

 

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related Prospectus required to permit resales of Initial Securities by Broker-Dealers), each of the Issuers and the Guarantors shall:

 

(i)            use commercially reasonable efforts to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective and provide all requisite financial statements (including, if required by the Securities Act or any regulation thereunder, financial statements of the Guarantors) for the period specified in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable; upon the occurrence of any event that would cause any such Registration Statement or the Prospectus contained therein (A) to contain a material misstatement or omission or (B) not to be effective and usable for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities during the period required by this Agreement, the Issuers shall file promptly an appropriate amendment to such Registration Statement, in the case of clause (A), correcting any such misstatement or omission, and, in the case of either clause (A) or (B), use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such amendment to be declared effective and such Registration Statement and the related Prospectus to become usable for their intended purposes as soon as practicable thereafter;

 

(ii)           prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the applicable Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective for the applicable period set forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable, or such shorter period as will terminate when all Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold; cause the 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 to comply fully with the applicable provisions of Rules 424, 430A and 430B under the Securities Act in a timely manner; and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during the applicable period in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;

 

(iii)          advise the underwriters, if any, and selling Holders promptly and, if requested by such Persons, to confirm such advice in writing, (A) when the Prospectus or any prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to any Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become effective, (B) of any request by the Commission for amendments to the Registration Statement or amendments or supplements to the Prospectus or for additional information relating thereto, (C) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the Securities Act or of the suspension by any state securities commission of the qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation of any proceeding for any of the preceding purposes, (D) of the existence of any fact or the happening of any event that makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto, or any document incorporated by reference therein untrue, or that requires the making of any additions to or changes in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein (with respect to the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under

 

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which they were made) not misleading.  If at any time the Commission shall issue any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, or any state securities commission or other regulatory authority shall issue an order suspending the qualification or exemption from qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities under state securities or blue sky laws, each of the Issuers and the Guarantors shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal or lifting of such order at the earliest possible time;

 

(iv)          furnish without charge to each of the Initial Purchasers, each selling Holder named in any Registration Statement, and each underwriter, if any, before filing with the Commission, copies of any Registration Statement or any Prospectus included therein or any amendments or supplements to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus (including all documents incorporated by reference after the initial filing of such Registration Statement), which documents will be subject to the review and comment of such Holders and underwriters in connection with such sale, if any, for a period of at least five Business Days, and the Issuers will not file any such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus (including all such documents incorporated by reference) to which an Initial Purchaser of Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Registration Statement or the underwriters, if any, shall reasonably object in writing within five Business Days after the receipt thereof (such objection to be deemed timely made upon confirmation of telecopy transmission within such period); provided, that this clause (iv) shall not apply to any filing by the Company of any annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K with respect to matters unrelated to the Initial Securities, the Transfer Restricted Securities and the Exchange Securities and the offering or exchange therefor.  The objection of an Initial Purchaser or underwriter, if any, shall be deemed to be reasonable if such Registration Statement, amendment, Prospectus or supplement, as applicable, as proposed to be filed, contains a material misstatement or omission;

 

(v)           in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, make available during normal business hours for inspection by the Initial Purchasers, the managing underwriters, if any, participating in any disposition pursuant to such Registration Statement and any attorney or accountant retained by such Initial Purchasers or any of the underwriters, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of each of the Issuers and the Guarantors and cause the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Holder, underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto subsequent to the filing thereof and prior to its effectiveness and to participate in meetings with investors to the extent requested by the managing underwriters, if any;

 

(vi)          if requested by any selling Holders or the underwriters, if any, promptly incorporate in any Registration Statement or Prospectus, pursuant to a supplement or post-effective amendment if necessary, such information as such selling Holders and underwriters, if any, may reasonably request to have included therein, including, without limitation, information relating to the “Plan of Distribution” of the Transfer Restricted

 

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Securities, information with respect to the principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities being sold to such underwriters, the purchase price being paid therefor and any other terms of the offering of the Transfer Restricted Securities to be sold in such offering; and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as practicable after the Issuers are notified of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

 

(vii)         in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, furnish to each Initial Purchaser, each selling Holder and each of the underwriters, if any, without charge, at least one copy of the Registration Statement, as first filed with the Commission, and of each amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated by reference therein and all exhibits (including exhibits incorporated therein by reference);

 

(viii)        deliver to each selling Holder and each of the underwriters, if any, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus (including each preliminary prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Persons reasonably may request; each of the Issuers and the Guarantors hereby consents to the use of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders and each of the underwriters, if any, in connection with the offering and the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto;

 

(ix)          in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, enter into such agreements (including an underwriting agreement), and make such representations and warranties, and take all such other actions in connection therewith in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement, all to such extent as may be requested by any Initial Purchaser or by any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities or underwriter in connection with any sale or resale pursuant to any Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement; and, whether or not an underwriting agreement is entered into and whether or not the registration is an Underwritten Registration, each of the Issuers and the Guarantors shall:

 

(A)          furnish to each Initial Purchaser, each selling Holder and each underwriter, if any, in such substance and scope as they may request and as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in primary underwritten offerings, upon the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement:

 

(1)           a certificate, dated the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement signed by (y) the President or any Vice President and (z) a principal financial or accounting officer of each of the Issuers and the Guarantors, confirming, as of the date thereof, the matters set forth in Section 5(e) of the Purchase Agreement and such other matters as such parties may reasonably request;

 

(2)           an opinion, dated the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, of counsel for the Issuers and

 

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the Guarantors, covering the matters set forth in Section 5(c) of the Purchase Agreement and such other matters as such parties may reasonably request, and in any event including a statement to the effect that such counsel has participated in conferences with officers and other representatives of the Issuers and the Guarantors, representatives of the independent public accountants for the Issuers and the Guarantors, representatives of the underwriters, if any, and counsel to the underwriters, if any, in connection with the preparation of such Shelf Registration Statement and the related Prospectus and have considered the matters required to be stated therein and the statements contained therein, although such counsel has not independently verified the accuracy, completeness or fairness of such statements; and that such counsel advises that, on the basis of the foregoing, no facts came to such counsel’s attention that caused such counsel to believe that the Shelf Registration Statement, at the time such Shelf Registration Statement became effective, and contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or that the Prospectus contained in such Registration Statement as of its date contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading.  Without limiting the foregoing, such counsel may state further that such counsel assumes no responsibility for, and has not independently verified, the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the financial statements, notes and schedules and other financial data included in any Shelf Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement or the related Prospectus; and

 

(3)           a customary comfort letter, dated the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, from the Issuers’ independent accountants, in the customary form and covering matters of the type customarily requested to be covered in comfort letters by underwriters in connection with primary underwritten offerings, and covering or affirming the matters set forth in the comfort letters delivered pursuant to Section 5(a) of the Purchase Agreement, without exception;

 

(B)          set forth in full or incorporate by reference in the underwriting agreement, if any, the indemnification provisions and procedures of Section 8 hereof with respect to all parties to be indemnified pursuant to said Section; and

 

(C)          deliver such other documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by such parties to evidence compliance with Section 6(c)(ix)(A) hereof and with any customary conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other agreement entered into by the Issuers or any of the Guarantors pursuant to this Section 6(c)(ix), if any.

 

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If at any time the representations and warranties of the Issuers and the Guarantors contemplated in Section 6(c)(ix)(A)(1) hereof cease to be true and correct, the Issuers or the Guarantors shall so advise the Initial Purchasers and the underwriters, if any, and each selling Holder promptly and, if requested by such Persons, shall confirm such advice in writing;

 

(x)           prior to any public offering of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement, cooperate with the selling Holders, the underwriters, if any, and their respective counsel in connection with the registration and qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities under the state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the selling Holders or underwriters, if any, may request and do any and all other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement; provided, however, that none of the Issuers nor the Guarantors shall be required to register or qualify as a foreign entity where it is not then so qualified or to take any action that would subject it to the service of process in suits or to taxation in any jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

 

(xi)          shall issue, upon the request of any Holder of Initial Securities covered by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, Exchange Securities having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities surrendered to the Issuers by such Holder in exchange therefor or being sold by such Holder; such Exchange Securities, in certificated form, to be registered in the name of such Holder or in the name of the purchasers of such Exchange Securities, as the case may be; in return, the Initial Securities held by such Holder, if in certificated form, shall be surrendered to the Issuers for cancellation;

 

(xii)         cooperate with the selling Holders and the underwriters, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Transfer Restricted Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends; and enable such Transfer Restricted Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the Holders or the underwriters, if any, may request at least two Business Days prior to any sale of Transfer Restricted Securities made by such Holders or underwriters;

 

(xiii)        use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other domestic governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriters, if any, to consummate the disposition of such Transfer Restricted Securities, subject to the proviso contained in Section 6(c)(xii) hereof;

 

(xiv)        if any fact or event contemplated by Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof shall exist or have occurred, prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of Transfer Restricted Securities, the Prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material

 

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fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

 

(xv)         provide a CUSIP number for all Exchange Securities not later than the effective date of the Registration Statement covering such Exchange Securities and provide the Trustee under the Indenture with printed certificates for such Exchange Securities which are in a form eligible for deposit with the Depository Trust Company and take all other action necessary to ensure that all such Exchange Securities are eligible for deposit with the Depository Trust Company;

 

(xvi)        cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with the FINRA and in the performance of any due diligence investigation by any underwriter (including any “qualified independent underwriter” as that term is defined within the rules and regulations of the FINRA) that is required to be retained in accordance with the rules and regulations of the FINRA;

 

(xvii)       otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make generally available to its security holders, as soon as practicable, a consolidated earnings statement meeting the requirements of Rule 158 under the Securities Act (which need not be audited) for the twelve-month period (A) commencing at the end of any fiscal quarter in which Transfer Restricted Securities are sold to underwriters in a firm commitment or best efforts Underwritten Offering or (B) if not sold to underwriters in such an offering, beginning with the first month of the Issuers’ first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective date of the Registration Statement;

 

(xviii)      cause the Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act not later than the effective date of the first Registration Statement required by this Agreement, and, in connection therewith, cooperate with the Trustee and the Holders of the Initial Securities to effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required for such Indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the Trust Indenture Act; and to execute and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Trustee to execute, all documents that may be required to effect such changes and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the Commission to enable such Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner; and

 

(xix)        in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, cause all Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement to be listed on each securities exchange or automated quotation system on which similar securities issued by the Issuers are then listed if requested by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities or the managing underwriters, if any.

 

Each Holder agrees by acquisition of a Transfer Restricted Security that, upon receipt of any notice from the Issuers of the existence of any fact of the kind described in Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof or any Blackout Period described in Section 4(a) hereof, such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the applicable Registration Statement until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended

 

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Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(c)(xiv) hereof, or until it is advised in writing (the “Advice”) by the Issuers that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated by reference in the Prospectus.  If so directed by the Issuers, each Holder will deliver to the Issuers (at the Issuers’ expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus covering such Transfer Restricted Securities that was current at the time of receipt of such notice.  In the event the Issuers shall give any such notice, the time period regarding the effectiveness of such Registration Statement set forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable, shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice pursuant to Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof or notice of any Blackout Period to and including the date when each selling Holder covered by such Registration Statement shall have received the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(c)(xiv) hereof or shall have received the Advice.

 

SECTION 7.         Registration Expenses.

 

(a)           All expenses incident to the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ performance of or compliance with this Agreement will be borne by the Issuers and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, regardless of whether a Registration Statement becomes effective, including, without limitation:  (i) all registration and filing fees and expenses (including filings made by any Initial Purchaser or Holder with the FINRA (and, if applicable, the fees and expenses of any “qualified independent underwriter” and its counsel that may be required by the rules and regulations of the FINRA)); (ii) all fees and expenses of compliance with federal securities and state securities or blue sky laws; (iii) all expenses of printing (including printing certificates for the Exchange Securities to be issued in the Exchange Offer and printing of Prospectuses), messenger and delivery services and telephone; (iv) all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Issuers, the Guarantors and, subject to Section 7(b) hereof, the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities; (v) all application and filing fees in connection with listing the Exchange Securities on a securities exchange or automated quotation system pursuant to the requirements thereof; and (vi) all fees and disbursements of independent certified public accountants of the Issuers and the Guarantors (including the expenses of any special audit and comfort letters required by or incident to such performance).

 

Each of the Issuers and the Guarantors will, in any event, bear its internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expenses of any annual audit and the fees and expenses of any Person, including special experts, retained by the Issuers or the Guarantors.

 

(b)           In connection with any Shelf Registration Statement required by this Agreement, the Issuers and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, will reimburse the Initial Purchasers and the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities being registered pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, as applicable, for the reasonable fees and disbursements of not more than one counsel, who shall be Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. or such other counsel as may be chosen by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities for whose benefit such Registration Statement is being prepared.

 

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SECTION 8.         Indemnification.

 

(a)           The Issuers and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless (i) each Holder and (ii) each Person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) any Holder (any of the Persons referred to in this clause (ii) being hereinafter referred to as a “controlling person”) and (iii) the respective officers, directors, partners, employees, representatives and agents of any Holder or any controlling person (any Person referred to in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) may hereinafter be referred to as an “Indemnified Holder”), to the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) (including, without limitation, and as incurred, reimbursement of each such Indemnified Holder for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim damage, liability or action, joint or several, directly or indirectly arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (with respect to the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions are caused by an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission that is made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any of the Holders furnished in writing to the Issuers by any of the Holders expressly for use therein.  This indemnity agreement shall be in addition to any liability which the Issuers or any of the Guarantors may otherwise have.

 

In case any action or proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation or proceeding) shall be brought or asserted against any of the Indemnified Holders with respect to which indemnity may be sought against the Issuers or the Guarantors, such Indemnified Holder (or the Indemnified Holder controlled by such controlling person) shall promptly notify the Issuers and the Guarantors in writing; provided, however, that the failure to give such notice shall not relieve the Issuers or any of the Guarantors of their respective obligations pursuant to this Agreement.  Such Indemnified Holder shall have the right to employ its own counsel in any such action and the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be paid, as incurred, by the Issuers and the Guarantors (regardless of whether it is ultimately determined that an Indemnified Holder is not entitled to indemnification hereunder).  The Issuers and the Guarantors shall not, in connection with any one such action or proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related actions or proceedings in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) at any time for such Indemnified Holders, which firm shall be designated by the Holders.  The Issuers and the Guarantors shall be liable for any settlement of any such action or proceeding effected with the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ prior written consent, and each of the Issuers and the Guarantors agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any Indemnified Holder from and against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense by reason of any settlement of any action effected with the written consent of the Issuers and the Guarantors.  The Issuers and the Guarantors shall not, without the prior written consent of each Indemnified Holder, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of judgment in or otherwise

 

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seek to terminate any pending or threatened action, claim, litigation or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not any Indemnified Holder is a party thereto), unless such settlement, compromise, consent or termination includes an unconditional release of each Indemnified Holder from all liability arising out of such action, claim, litigation or proceeding.

 

(b)           Each Holder agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Issuers, the Guarantors and their respective directors, officers of the Issuers and the Guarantors who sign a Registration Statement, and any Person controlling (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) the Issuers or any of the Guarantors, and the respective officers, directors, partners, employees, representatives and agents of each such Person, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Issuers and the Guarantors to each of the Indemnified Holders, but only with respect to claims and actions based on information relating to such Holder furnished in writing by such Holder expressly for use in any Registration Statement or Prospectus.  In case any action or proceeding shall be brought against the Issuers, the Guarantors or their respective directors or officers or any such controlling person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against a Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities, such Holder shall have the rights and duties given the Issuers and the Guarantors, and the Issuers, the Guarantors, their respective directors and officers and such controlling person shall have the rights and duties given to each Holder by the preceding paragraph.

 

(c)           If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable to an indemnified party under Section 8(a) or (b) hereof (other than by reason of exceptions provided in those Sections) in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions referred to therein, then each applicable indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Issuers and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, from the Initial Placement (which in the case of the Issuers and the Guarantors shall be deemed to be equal to the total gross proceeds to the Issuers and the Guarantors from the Initial Placement), the amount of Additional Interest which did not become payable as a result of the filing of the Registration Statement resulting in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions, and such Registration Statement, or if such allocation is not permitted by applicable law, the relative fault of the Issuers and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  The relative fault of the Issuers and the Guarantors on the one hand and of the Indemnified Holder 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 Issuers or any of the Guarantors, on the one hand, or the Indemnified Holders, on the other hand, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.  The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and actions referred to above shall be

 

17

 

deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in the second paragraph of Section 8(a) hereof, any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim.

 

The Issuers, the Guarantors and each Holder agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8(c) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph.  The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, none of the Holders (and its related Indemnified Holders) shall be required to contribute, in the aggregate, any amount in excess of the amount by which the total discount received by such Holder with respect to the Initial Securities exceeds the amount of any damages which 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 8(c) are several in proportion to the respective principal amount of Initial Securities held by each of the Holders hereunder and not joint.

 

SECTION 9.         Rule 144A.  Each of the Issuers and the Guarantors hereby agrees with each Holder, for so long as any Transfer Restricted Securities remain outstanding, to make available to any Holder or beneficial owner of Transfer Restricted Securities in connection with any sale thereof and any prospective purchaser of such Transfer Restricted Securities from such Holder or beneficial owner, the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act in order to permit resales of such Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

 

SECTION 10.       Participation in Underwritten Registrations.  No Holder may participate in any Underwritten Registration hereunder unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder’s Transfer Restricted Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all reasonable questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements, lock-up letters and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

 

SECTION 11.       Selection of Underwriters.  The Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement who desire to do so may sell such Transfer Restricted Securities in an Underwritten Offering.  In any such Underwritten Offering, the investment bankers and managing underwriter(s) that will administer such offering will be selected by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities included in such offering; provided, however, that such investment banker(s) and managing underwriters must be reasonably satisfactory to the Issuers.

 

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SECTION 12.       Miscellaneous.

 

(a)           Remedies.  Each of the Issuers and the Guarantors hereby agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby agree to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

(b)           No Inconsistent Agreements.  Each of the Issuers and the Guarantors will not on or after the date of this Agreement enter into any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.  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 the Issuers’ or any of the Guarantors’ securities under any agreement in effect on the date hereof.

 

(c)           Adjustments Affecting the Securities.  The Issuers will not take any action, or permit any change to occur, with respect to the Initial Securities that would materially and adversely affect the ability of the Holders to Consummate any Exchange Offer.

 

(d)           Amendments and Waivers.  The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to or departures from the provisions hereof may not be given unless the Issuers have (i) in the case of Section 5 hereof and this Section 12(d)(i), obtained the written consent of Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities and (ii) in the case of all other provisions hereof, obtained the written consent of Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities (excluding any Transfer Restricted Securities held by the Issuers or its Affiliates).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to departure from the provisions hereof that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders whose securities are being tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer and that does not affect directly or indirectly the rights of other Holders whose securities are not being tendered pursuant to such Exchange Offer may be given by the Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities being tendered or registered; provided, however, that, with respect to any matter that directly or indirectly affects the rights of any Initial Purchaser hereunder, the Issuers shall obtain the written consent of each such Initial Purchaser with respect to which such amendment, qualification, supplement, waiver, consent or departure is to be effective.

 

(e)           Notices.  All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telex, telecopier, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery:

 

(i)            if to a Holder, at the address set forth on the records of the Trustee under the Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee under the Indenture; and

 

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(ii)                                  if to the Issuers:

 

Crosstex Energy, L.P.
 2501 Cedar Springs
 Dallas, Texas 75201
 Facsimile:  (214) 721-9383
 Attention:  General Counsel
 Internet electronic mail:  joe.davis@crosstexenergy.com

 

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

 

Baker Botts L.L.P.
 2001 Ross Avenue
 Dallas, Texas 75201-2980 
 Facsimile:  (214) 661-4634
 Attention:  Douglass M. Rayburn
 Internet electronic mail:  doug.rayburn@bakerbotts.com

 

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 answered back, if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; 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.

 

(f)            Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties, including, without limitation, and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not inure to the benefit of or be binding upon a successor or assign of a Holder unless and to the extent such successor or assign acquired Transfer Restricted Securities from such Holder.

 

(g)           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

(h)           Headings.  The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

(i)            Governing Law.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAW RULES THEREOF.

 

(j)            Severability.  In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every

 

20

 

other respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

 

(k)           Entire Agreement.  This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein.  There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein with respect to the registration rights granted by the Issuers with respect to the Transfer Restricted Securities.  This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

 

[signature page follows]

 

21

 

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

 

	
 
    	
CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
Crosstex Energy GP, LLC,
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
its general partner
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior Vice President and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief Financial Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX ENERGY FINANCE CORPORATION
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior Vice President and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief Financial Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
GUARANTORS
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX ENERGY SERVICES, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
Crosstex Operating GP, LLC,
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
its general partner
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior Vice President and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief Financial Officer
    

 

Signature Page

Registration Rights Agreement

 

 

	
 
    	
CROSSTEX OPERATING GP, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX ENERGY SERVICES GP, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX LIG LIQUIDS, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX PROCESSING SERVICES, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX PELICAN, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX PERMIAN, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX PERMIAN II, LLC
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior Vice President and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief Financial Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX GULF COAST MARKETING LTD.
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX CCNG PROCESSING LTD.
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX NORTH TEXAS PIPELINE, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX NORTH TEXAS GATHERING, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX NGL MARKETING, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
CROSSTEX NGL PIPELINE, L.P.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
Crosstex Energy Services GP, LLC,
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
general partner of each above limited   partnership
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior Vice President and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief Financial Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
SABINE PASS PLANT FACILITY JOINT VENTURE
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
Crosstex Processing Services, LLC,
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
as general partner, and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
Crosstex Pelican, LLC,
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
as general partner
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Michael J. Garberding
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Senior Vice President and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief Financial Officer
    

 

Signature Page

Registration Rights Agreement

 

 

 

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

 

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH

INCORPORATED

acting on behalf of itself and as the Representative

of the several Initial Purchasers

 

 

	
By:
    	
/s/ Jeffrey Bloomquist
    	
 
    
	
Name:
    	
Jeffrey Bloomquist
    	
 
    
	
Title:
    	
Managing Director
    	
 
    

 

Signature Page

Registration Rights Agreement

 

 

SCHEDULE A

 

Guarantors

 

Crosstex Energy Services, L.P.

Crosstex Operating GP, LLC

Crosstex Energy Services GP, LLC

Crosstex LIG Liquids, LLC

Crosstex Processing Services, LLC

Crosstex Pelican, LLC

Crosstex Permian, LLC

Crosstex Permian II, LLC

Crosstex Gulf Coast Marketing Ltd.

Crosstex CCNG Processing Ltd.

Crosstex North Texas Pipeline, L.P.

Crosstex North Texas Gathering, L.P.

Crosstex NGL Marketing, L.P.

Crosstex NGL Pipeline, L.P.

Sabine Pass Plant Facility Joint Venture

 

Schedule A-1

Registration Rights Agreement

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