GASTAR EXPLORATION USA, INC. 12¾ % Senior Secured Notes due 2012 REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
Exhibit
4.2
GASTAR
EXPLORATION USA, INC.
12¾
% Senior Secured Notes due 2012
November
29, 2007
XXXXXXXXX
& COMPANY, INC.
000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
00xx
Xxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000
Ladies
and Gentlemen:
Gastar
Exploration USA, Inc., a Michigan corporation (the “Issuer”), is issuing
and selling to Xxxxxxxxx & Company, Inc., Xxxxxxx Xxxx & Company L.L.C.
and Xxxxxxxxx Capital Partners, LLC (the “Initial Purchasers”), upon the
terms set forth in the Purchase Agreement, dated November 16, 2007 (the
“Purchase Agreement”), by and among the Issuer, Gastar Exploration Ltd.,
a Canadian corporation organized under the Business Corporation Act of Alberta,
Canada (the “Parent”), as guarantor, and the other guarantors listed on
the signature pages therein (together with the Parent, the “Guarantors”
and, together with the Issuer, the “Issuers”) and the Initial Purchasers,
$100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 12¾ % Senior Secured Notes due 2012
issued by the Issuer (each, together with the related guarantees, a
“Note” and collectively, the “Notes”). As an inducement
to the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Issuers
agree with the Initial Purchasers for the benefit of the Holders (as defined
below) of the Notes (including, without limitation, the Initial Purchasers),
as
follows:
1.
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Definitions
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Capitalized
terms that are used herein without definition and are defined in the Purchase
Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Purchase
Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have
the following meanings:
Additional
Interest: See Section 4(a).
Advice: See
Section 5(u).
Agreement: This
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Issuers
and the Initial Purchasers.
Applicable
Period: See Section 2(e).
Board
of Directors: See Section 5(u).
Business
Day: A day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on
which banking institutions in the City of New York are authorized or required
by
law or executive order to be closed.
Closing
Date: November 29, 2007.
Delay
Period: See Section 5(u).
Effectiveness
Date: See Section 2(a).
Effectiveness
Period: See Section 3(a)(iii).
Exchange
Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
Exchange
Notes: Senior Secured Notes due 2012 of the Issuer
registered under the Securities Act, identical in all material respects to
the
Notes, including the guarantees endorsed thereon, except for restrictive
legends
and additional interest provisions.
Exchange
Offer Registration Statement: See Section
2(a).
FINRA: Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
Guarantors: Parent,
Gastar Exploration New South Wales, Inc., a Michigan corporation, Gastar
Exploration Victoria, Inc., a Michigan corporation, Gastar Exploration Texas,
Inc., a Michigan corporation, Gastar Exploration Texas LP, a Delaware limited
partnership, and Gastar Exploration Texas LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company.
Holder: Any
registered holder of Registrable Notes.
Indemnified
Party: See Section 7(c).
Indemnifying
Party: See Section 7(c).
Indenture: The
Indenture, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Issuers and Xxxxx Fargo
Bank,
National Association, as trustee and collateral agent, pursuant to which
the
Notes are being issued, as amended or supplemented from time to time in
accordance with the terms hereof.
Initial
Purchasers: See the introductory paragraph to this
Agreement.
Initial
Shelf Registration Statement: See Section
3(a).
Inspectors: See
Section 5(n).
Issuer: See
the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.
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Issuers: See
the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.
Lien:
Has the meaning set forth in the Indenture.
Losses: See
Section 7(a).
Maximum
Contribution Amount: See Section 7(d).
Notes: See
the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.
Parent: See
the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.
Participating
Broker-Dealer: See Section 2(e).
Person: An
individual, trustee, corporation, partnership, limited liability company,
joint
stock company, trust, unincorporated association, union, business association,
firm, government or agency or political subdivision thereof, or other legal
entity.
Private
Exchange: See Section 2(f).
Private
Exchange Notes: See Section 2(f).
Prospectus: The
prospectus included in any Registration Statement (including, without
limitation, a prospectus that discloses information previously omitted from
a
prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance
upon
Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented
by
any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any
portion of the Registrable Notes covered by such Registration Statement,
and all
other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective
amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be
incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.
Purchase
Agreement: See the introductory paragraph to this
Agreement.
Records: See
Section 5(n).
Registered
Exchange Offer: See Section 2(a).
Registrable
Notes: Notes, Private Exchange Notes and Exchange Notes
received in the Registered Exchange Offer, in each case, that may not be
sold or
transferred (i) without restriction under federal or state securities laws
or
(ii) pursuant to paragraph (k) of Rule 144.
Registration
Default: See Section 4(a).
Registration
Statement: Any registration statement of the Issuers filed
with the SEC under the Securities Act (including, but not limited to, the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the Shelf Registration Statement and
any
Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement) that covers any of the Registrable
Notes pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the Prospectus,
amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including
post-effective amendments, all exhibits and all material incorporated by
reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration
statement.
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Rule
144: Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as such
Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule (other than Rule
144A) or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC providing for offers and
sales
of securities made in compliance therewith resulting in offers and sales
by
subsequent holders that are not affiliates of an issuer or such securities
being
free of the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities
Act.
Rule
144A: Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act, as
such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule (other than
Rule
144) or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC.
Rule
415: Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, as such
Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation
hereafter adopted by the SEC.
Rule
430A: Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act, as
such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation
hereafter adopted by the SEC.
SEC: The
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities: The
Notes, the Exchange Notes and the Private Exchange Notes.
Securities
Act: The Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules
and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
Shelf
Filing Date: See Section
4(a)(iv).
Shelf
Filing Event: See Section 2(i).
Shelf
Registration Statement: See Section
3(b).
Subsequent
Shelf Registration Statement: See Section
3(b).
TIA: The
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
Trustee: The
trustee under the Indenture and, if existent, the trustee under any indenture
governing the Exchange Notes and Private Exchange Notes (if any).
Underwritten
Registration or Underwritten Offering: A registration in
which securities of the Issuer are sold to an underwriter for reoffering
to the
public.
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2.
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Registered
Exchange Offer
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(a)
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Unless
the Registered Exchange Offer would not be permitted by applicable
laws or
a policy of the SEC, the Issuers shall (i) prepare and file with the
SEC promptly after the date hereof, but in no event later than
150 days
after the Issue Date, a registration statement (the “Exchange Offer
Registration Statement”) on an appropriate form under the Securities
Act with respect to an offer (the “Registered Exchange Offer”) to
exchange the Notes for Exchange Notes guaranteed by the Guarantors
which
shall have terms substantially identical in all material respects
to the
Notes (except that the Exchange Notes will not contain terms relating
to
transfer restrictions and additional interest provisions), (ii)
use their
reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement
to be declared effective under the Securities Act within 240 days
after
the Issue Date, (iii) as soon as practicable after the effectiveness
of
the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (the “Effectiveness
Date”), offer the Exchange Notes in exchange for the Notes, and
(iv) keep the Registered Exchange Offer open for not less than 30
days (or longer if required by applicable law) after the date notice
of
the Registered Exchange Offer is mailed to Holders. The
Registered Exchange Offer shall not be subject to any conditions,
other
than that the Registered Exchange Offer does not violate applicable
law or
any applicable interpretation of the staff of the
SEC.
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(b)
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The
Exchange Notes and the Private Exchange Notes shall be issued under,
and
entitled to the benefits of the Indenture or a trust indenture
that is
identical to the Indenture (other than such changes as are necessary
to
comply with any requirements of the SEC to effect or maintain the
qualifications thereof under the TIA) which in either case will
provide
that (i) the Exchange Notes will not be subject to the transfer
restrictions or additional interest provisions set forth in the
Indenture,
(ii) the Private Exchange Notes will be subject to the transfer
restrictions set forth in the Indenture and (iii) the Exchange
Notes, the
Private Exchange Notes and the Notes, if any, will be deemed one
class of
security (subject to the provisions of the Indenture) and entitled
to
participate in all the security granted by the Issuers pursuant
to the
Collateral Agreements and in any Guarantee (as such terms are defined
in
the Indenture) on an equal and ratable
basis.
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(c)
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Interest
on the Exchange Notes and Private Exchange Notes will accrue from
(i) the
last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Notes
surrendered in exchange therefore, or (ii) if no interest has been
paid on
the Notes, from the Issue Date. Each Exchange Note and Private
Exchange Note shall bear interest at the rate set forth thereon;
provided, that interest with respect to the period prior to the
issuance thereof shall accrue at the rate or rates borne by the
Notes from
time to time during such period.
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(d)
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The
Issuers may require each Holder as a condition to participation
in the
Registered Exchange Offer to represent to the Issuers that at the
time of
consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer (i) that any Exchange
Notes
received by such Holder will be acquired in the ordinary course
of its
business, (ii) that at the time of commencement of the Registered
Exchange
Offer such Holder has not entered into any arrangement or understanding
with any Person to participate in the distribution (within the
meaning of
the Securities Act) of the Exchange Notes in violation of the provisions
of the Securities Act, (iii) that either such Holder is not an
“affiliate”
(as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act) of any Issuer, or
if such
Holder is an “affiliate,” such Holder will comply with the registration
and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the
extent
applicable, (iv) if such Holder is not a broker-dealer, that it
is not
engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, the distribution
of the
Exchange Notes and (v) if such Holder is a Participating Broker-Dealer,
that it will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange
for
Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other
trading
activities and that it will deliver a Prospectus in connection
with any
resale of the Exchange Notes.
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(e)
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The
Issuers shall include within the Prospectus contained in the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement a section entitled “Plan of Distribution”
reasonably acceptable to the Initial Purchasers which shall contain
all of
the information that the SEC may require with respect to the potential
“underwriter” status of any broker-dealer that is the beneficial owner (as
defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of Exchange Notes
received
by such broker-dealer in the Registered Exchange Offer for its
own account
in exchange for Notes that were acquired by it as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities (a “Participating
Broker-Dealer”), whether such positions or policies have been publicly
disseminated by the staff of the SEC or such positions or policies,
in the
judgment of the Initial Purchasers, represent the prevailing views
of the
staff of the SEC. Such “Plan of Distribution” section shall
also allow, to the extent permitted by applicable policies and
regulations
of the SEC, the use of the Prospectus by all Persons subject to
the
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, including,
to the
extent so permitted, all Participating Broker-Dealers, and include
a
statement describing the manner in which Participating Broker-Dealers
may
resell the Exchange Notes. Each Issuer shall use its reasonable
best efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
effective
and to amend and supplement the Prospectus contained therein, in
order to
permit such Prospectus to be lawfully delivered by all Persons
subject to
the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act for
such period
of time as such Persons must comply with such requirements in order
to
resell the Exchange Notes (the “Applicable
Period”).
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(f)
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If,
upon consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer, an Initial
Purchaser
holds any Notes acquired by it and having the status of an unsold
allotment in the initial distribution, the Issuers (upon written
request
from such Initial Purchaser to the Issuer) shall, simultaneously
with the
delivery of the Exchange Notes pursuant to the Registered Exchange
Offer,
issue and deliver to the Initial Purchaser in exchange (the “Private
Exchange”) for the Notes held by such Initial Purchaser, a like
principal amount at maturity of debt securities of the Issuer,
including
guarantees endorsed thereon (issued under the same Indenture as
the
Exchange Notes) that are identical in all material respects to
the
Exchange Notes except for the existence of restrictions on transfer
thereof under the Securities Act and securities laws of the several
states
of the United States (the “Private Exchange Notes”). The
Private Exchange Notes shall bear the same CUSIP number as the
Exchange
Notes.
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(g)
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In
connection with the Registered Exchange Offer, the Issuers
shall:
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(i)
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mail
or cause to be mailed to each Holder a copy of the Prospectus forming
part
of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, together with an
appropriate
letter of transmittal and any related
documents;
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(ii)
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keep
the Registered Exchange Offer open for not less than 30 days (or
longer if
required by applicable law) after the date notice thereof is mailed
to the
Holders;
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(iii)
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utilize
the services of a depository for the Registered Exchange Offer
with an
address in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, which
may be
the Trustee or an affiliate
thereof;
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(iv)
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permit
Holders to withdraw tendered Registrable Notes at any time prior
to the
close of business, New York time, on the last Business Day on which
the
Registered Exchange Offer shall remain open;
and
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(v)
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otherwise
comply with all applicable laws.
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(h)
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As
soon as practicable after the close of the Registered Exchange
Offer or
the Private Exchange, as the case may be, the Issuers
shall:
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(i)
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accept
for exchange all Registrable Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn
pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer or the Private Exchange,
as the
case may be;
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(ii)
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deliver
to the Trustee for cancellation all Registrable Notes so accepted
for
exchange; and
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(iii)
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cause
the Trustee to authenticate and deliver promptly to each Holder
tendering
such Registrable Notes, Exchange Notes or Private Exchange Notes,
as the
case may be, equal in principal amount at maturity to the Notes
of such
Holder so accepted for exchange.
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(i)
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In
the event that:
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(i)
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any
change in law or in applicable interpretations thereof by the staff
of the
SEC does not permit the consummation of the Registered Exchange
Offer;
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(ii)
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the
Registered Exchange Offer is not consummated for any other reason
within
290 days after the Issue Date;
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(iii)
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an
Initial Purchaser notifies the Issuer following consummation of
the
Registered Exchange Offer that Notes held by it are not eligible
to be
exchanged for Exchange Notes in the Registered Exchange
Offer;
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(iv)
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any
Holder, other than the Initial Purchasers, is prohibited by law
or the
applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC from participating
in
the Registered Exchange Offer or does not receive Exchange Notes
on the
date of the exchange that may be sold or transferred without restriction
under state and federal securities laws (other than due solely
to the
status of such holder as an affiliate of any Issuer within the
meaning of
the Securities Act); or
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(v)
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any
Participating Broker Dealer is prohibited by law or SEC policy
from
participating in the Registered Exchange Offer or may not resell
the
Exchange Notes acquired by it in the Registered Exchange Offer
to the
public without delivering a
prospectus;
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(each
such event referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of this sentence, a “Shelf
Filing Event”), then the Issuers shall file a Shelf Registration pursuant to
Section 3 hereof.
3.
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Shelf
Registration
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(a)
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Initial
Shelf Registration Statement. If at any time a Shelf Filing
Event shall occur, then the Issuers shall as promptly as practicable
(but
in no event later than 30 days after the notice of the occurrence
of the
Shelf Filing Event) and at their sole expense file with the SEC
a
Registration Statement for an offering to be made on a continuous
basis
pursuant to Rule 415 covering all of the Registrable Notes (the
“Initial Shelf Registration
Statement”). The Initial Shelf Registration shall be
on Form S-1 or another appropriate form permitting registration
of such
Registrable Notes for resale by Holders in the manner or manners
designated by them (including, without limitation, one or more
underwritten offerings). The Issuers shall not permit any
securities other than the Registrable Notes to be included in any
Shelf
Registration Statement.
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Each
Issuer shall use its reasonable best efforts:
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(i)
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in
the case of Section 2(i)(i) above, to cause the Shelf Registration
Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act on
or prior to
the 240th
day after the Issue Date;
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(ii)
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in
the case of Sections 2(i)(ii), (iii) or (iv) above,
cause the Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective
under the
Securities Act on or prior to the 90th
day after
the date on which the Shelf Registration Statement is required
to be
filed; and
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(iii)
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use
its reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement
effective until the earliest of (A) the time when the Notes covered
by the
Shelf Registration Statement can be sold pursuant to Rule 144 without
any
information under clause (c), (e), (f) and (h) of Rule 144, (B)
two years
from the Issue Date and (C) the date on which all Notes registered
thereunder are disposed of in accordance therewith subject to extension
pursuant to the penultimate paragraph of Section 5 hereof (the
“Effectiveness Period”); provided,
however, that (i) the Effectiveness Period in respect of the Shelf
Registration shall be extended to the extent required to permit
dealers to
comply with the applicable prospectus delivery requirements of
Rule 174
under the Securities Act and as otherwise provided herein and (ii)
the
Issuer may suspend the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration
Statement
by written notice to the Holders solely as a result of the filing
of a
post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement to
incorporate annual audited financial information with respect to
the
Issuer where such post-effective amendment is not yet effective
and needs
to be declared effective to permit Holders to use the related Prospectus,
provided that the Effectiveness Period in respect of the Shelf
Registration shall be extended by such number of days for which
effectiveness is suspended under this clause
(ii).
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(b)
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Subsequent
Shelf Registration Statement. If the Initial Shelf
Registration Statement or any Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement
ceases to be effective for any reason at any time during the Effectiveness
Period (other than because of the sale of all of the securities
registered
thereunder), each Issuer shall use its reasonable best efforts
to obtain
the prompt withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness
thereof,
and in any event shall within 30 days of such cessation of effectiveness
amend such Shelf Registration Statement in a manner designed to
obtain the
withdrawal of the order suspending the effectiveness thereof, or
file an
additional “shelf” registration statement pursuant to Rule 415 covering
all of the Registrable Notes covered by and not sold under the
Initial
Registration Statement or any earlier Registration Statement (a
“Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement”). If a
Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement is filed, the Issuer shall
use its
reasonable best efforts to cause the Subsequent Shelf Registration
Statement to be declared effective as soon as practicable after
such
filing and to keep such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement
continuously effective for a period equal to the number of days
in the
Effectiveness Period less the aggregate number of days during which
the
Initial Shelf Registration Statement or any Subsequent Shelf Registration
Statement was previously continuously effective. As used herein
the term “Shelf Registration Statement” means the Initial Shelf
Registration Statement and any Subsequent Shelf Registration
Statements.
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(c)
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Supplements
and Amendments. The Issuer shall promptly amend any Shelf
Registration Statement and/or amend or supplement the Prospectus
constituting a part thereof if required by the rules, regulations
or
instructions applicable to the registration form used for such
Shelf
Registration Statement, if required by the Securities Act or rules
and
regulations thereunder for shelf registration, or if requested
in writing
by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Registrable Notes covered by such Shelf Registration Statement
or by any
underwriter of such Registrable
Notes.
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(d)
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Provision
of Information. No Holder shall be entitled to include any
of its Registrable Notes in any Shelf Registration Statement pursuant
to
this Agreement unless such Holder furnishes to the Issuer and the
Trustee
in writing, within 20 days after receipt of a written request therefor,
such information as the Issuer and the Trustee, after conferring
with
counsel with regard to information relating to Holders that would
be
required by the SEC to be included in such Shelf Registration Statement
or
Prospectus included therein, may reasonably request for inclusion
in any
Shelf Registration Statement or Prospectus included therein, and
no such
Holder shall be entitled to Additional Interest pursuant to Section
4 hereof unless and until such Holder shall have provided such
information.
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4.
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Additional
Interest
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(a)
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The
Issuers agree that the Holders will suffer damages if the Issuers
fail to
fulfill their obligations under Sections 2 or 3 hereof and
that it would not be feasible to ascertain the extent of such damages
with
precision. Accordingly, the Issuers agree that
if:
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(i)
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the
Issuers fail to file the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
with the
SEC on or prior to the 150th
day after
the Issue Date,
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(ii)
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if
the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not declared effective
by the
SEC on or prior to the 210th
day after
the Issue Date or, if the Issuers are obligated to file a Shelf
Registration Statement pursuant to Section 3(a)(i), a Shelf
Registration Statement is not declared effective by the SEC on
or prior to
the 240th
day after the Issue Date;
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(iii)
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the
Registered Exchange Offer is not consummated on or prior to the
50th
day
following the Effectiveness Date;
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(iv)
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notwithstanding
that the Issuers have consummated or will consummate an Registered
Exchange Offer, a Shelf Registration Statement required to be filed
pursuant to Section 3(a)(ii) is not filed on or prior to the
90th
day
following the Shelf Filing Event (the “Shelf Filing Date”) or, if
that day is not a Business Day, the next day that is a Business
Day;
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(v)
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notwithstanding
that the Issuers have consummated or will consummate an Registered
Exchange Offer, a Shelf Registration Statement required to be filed
pursuant to Section 3(a)(ii) is not declared effective on or prior
to the 90th
day after
the Shelf Filing Date; or
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(vi)
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after
the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration
Statement, as the case may be, is declared effective, such Registration
Statement thereafter ceases to be effective or usable except if
the
Registration Statement ceases to be effective or usable as specifically
permitted by the penultimate paragraph of Section 5
hereof;
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(each
such event referred to in clauses (i) through (v) a “Registration
Default”), the Issuers shall pay additional cash interest on the Notes
(“Additional Interest”) under the circumstances and to the extent set
forth herein. The rate of Additional Interest will be 0.25% per annum
for the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of a
Registration Default, increasing by an additional 0.25% per annum with respect
to each subsequent 90-day period up to a maximum amount of additional interest
of 0.50% per annum, from and including the date on which any such Registration
Default shall occur to, but excluding, the earlier of (1) the date on which
all
Registration Defaults have been cured or (2) the date on which all the Notes
and
Exchange Notes otherwise become freely transferable by Holders, other than
affiliates of the Issuers, under Rule 144(k) of the Securities Act.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, (1) the amount of Additional Interest payable shall not increase
more than by the foregoing rates because more than one Registration Default
has
occurred and is pending and (2) a Holder of Notes or Exchange Notes who is
not
entitled to the benefits of the Shelf Registration Statement (i.e., such
Holder
has not elected to include information) shall not be entitled to Additional
Interest with respect to a Registration Default that pertains to the Shelf
Registration Statement.
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(b)
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The
Issuers shall notify the Trustee within five Business Days after
each and
every date on which an event occurs in respect of which Additional
Interest is required to be paid. Any amounts of Additional
Interest due pursuant to this Section 4 will be payable in cash, on
the dates and in the manner provided in the Indenture for interest
payments on the Notes and whether or not any cash interest would
then be
payable on such date, commencing with the first such semi-annual
date
occurring after any such Additional Interest commences to
accrue. The amount of Additional Interest will be determined by
multiplying the applicable Additional Interest rate by the principal
amount of the Notes, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of
which is
the number of days such Additional Interest rate was applicable
during
such period (determined on the basis of a 360-day year comprised
of twelve
30-day months and, in the case of a partial month, the actual number
of
days elapsed), and the denominator of which is
360.
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5.
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Registration
Procedures
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In
connection with the filing of any Registration Statement pursuant to Sections
2 or 3 hereof, the Issuers shall effect such registrations to permit
the sale of such securities covered thereby in accordance with the intended
method or methods of disposition thereof, and pursuant thereto and in connection
with any Registration Statement filed by the Issuers hereunder, the Issuers
shall:
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(a)
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Prepare
and file with the SEC as soon as practicable after the date hereof
(but in
no event later than 150 days after the Issue Date), the Exchange
Offer
Registration Statement or if the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
is
not filed because of the circumstances contemplated by Section
2(i), a Shelf Registration Statement as prescribed by Section
3, and use their reasonable best efforts to cause each such
Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective
as
provided herein; provided that, if (i) a Shelf
Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3 or (ii) a
Prospectus contained in an Exchange Offer Registration Statement
filed
pursuant to Section 2 is required to be delivered under the
Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to
sell
Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, before filing any
Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements
thereto the Issuers shall, if requested, furnish at no charge to
the
Holders of the Registrable Notes to be registered pursuant to such
Shelf
Registration Statement, each Participating Broker-Dealer, the managing
underwriters, if any, and each of their respective counsel, a reasonable
opportunity to review copies of all such documents (including copies
of
any documents to be incorporated by reference therein and all exhibits
thereto) proposed to be filed (in each case at least five Business
Days
prior to such filing). The Issuers shall not file any such
Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements
thereto in respect of which the Holders must provide information
for the
inclusion therein without the Holders being afforded an opportunity
to
review such documentation if the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Registrable Notes covered by such Registration
Statement, or any such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case
may be, or
the managing underwriters, if any, or any of their respective counsel
shall reasonably object in writing on a timely basis. A Holder
shall be deemed to have reasonably objected to such filing if such
Registration Statement, amendment, Prospectus or supplement, as
applicable, as proposed to be filed, contains an untrue statement
of a
material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to
make the
statements therein not misleading or fails to comply with the applicable
requirements of the Securities Act.
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12
|
(b)
|
Provide
an indenture trustee for the Registrable Notes, the Exchange Notes
or the
Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, and cause the Indenture
(or
other indenture relating to the Registrable Notes) to be qualified
under
the TIA not later than the effective date of the first Registration
Statement; and in connection therewith, to effect such changes
to such
indenture as may be required for such indenture to be so qualified
in
accordance with the terms of the TIA; and execute, and use their
reasonable best efforts to cause such trustee to execute, all documents
as
may be required to effect such changes, and all other forms and
documents
required to be filed with the SEC to enable such indenture to be
so
qualified in a timely manner.
|
|
(c)
|
Prepare
and file with the SEC such pre-effective amendments and post-effective
amendments to each Shelf Registration Statement or Exchange Offer
Registration Statement, as the case may be, as may be necessary
to keep
such Registration Statement continuously effective for the Effectiveness
Period or the Applicable Period, as the case may be; cause the
related
Prospectus to be supplemented by any Prospectus supplement required
by
applicable law, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to
Rule 424
(or any similar provisions then in force) promulgated under the
Securities
Act; and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act and the
Exchange
Act applicable to them with respect to the disposition of all securities
covered by such Registration Statement as so amended or in such
Prospectus
as so supplemented and with respect to the subsequent resale of
any
securities being sold by a Participating Broker-Dealer covered
by any such
Prospectus. The Issuers shall not, during the Applicable
Period, voluntarily take any action that would result in selling
Holders
of the Registrable Notes covered by a Registration Statement or
Participating Broker-Dealers seeking to sell Exchange Notes not
being able
to sell such Registrable Notes or such Exchange Notes during that
period,
unless such action is required by applicable law, rule or regulation
or
permitted by this Agreement.
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13
|
(d)
|
Furnish
to such selling Holders and Participating Broker-Dealers who so
request in
writing (i) upon the Issuer’s receipt, a copy of the order of the SEC
declaring such Registration Statement and any post effective amendment
thereto effective, (ii) such reasonable number of copies of such
Registration Statement and of each amendment and supplement thereto
(in
each case including any documents incorporated therein by reference
and
all exhibits), (iii) such reasonable number of copies of the Prospectus
included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary
Prospectus) and each amendment and supplement thereto, and such
reasonable
number of copies of the final Prospectus as filed by the Issuers
pursuant
to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, in conformity with the
requirements of the Securities Act and each amendment and supplement
thereto, and (iv) such other documents (including any amendments
required
to be filed pursuant to clause (c) of this Section 5), as any such
Person may reasonably request in writing. The Issuers hereby
consent to the use of the Prospectus by each of the selling Holders
of
Registrable Notes or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as
the case
may be, and the underwriters or agents, if any, and dealers, if
any, in
connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Notes
covered by,
or the sale by Participating Broker-Dealers of the Exchange Notes
pursuant
to, such Prospectus and any amendment or supplement
thereto.
|
|
(e)
|
If
(1) a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3,
or (2) a Prospectus contained in an Exchange Offer Registration
Statement
filed pursuant to Section 2 is required to be delivered under the
Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to
sell
Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period relating thereto, the
Issuers
shall notify in writing the selling Holders of Registrable Notes,
or each
such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, and the managing
underwriters, if any, and each of their respective counsel promptly
(but
in any event within two Business Days) (i) when a Prospectus or
any
Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed,
and,
with respect to a Registration Statement or any post-effective
amendment,
when the same has become effective (including in such notice one
conformed
copy of such Registration Statement or post-effective amendment
and a
written statement that any Holder may, upon request, obtain, without
charge, related financial statements and schedules, documents incorporated
or deemed to be incorporated by reference and exhibits), (ii) of
the
issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness
of a
Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending
the use of
any Prospectus or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose,
(iii) if at any time when a Prospectus is required by the Securities
Act
to be delivered in connection with sales of the Registrable Notes
the
representations and warranties of the Issuers contained in any
agreement
(including any underwriting agreement contemplated by Section 5(m))
hereof cease to be true and correct in all material respects, (iv)
of the
receipt by the Issuers of any notification with respect to the
suspension
of the qualification or exemption from qualification of a Registration
Statement or any of the Registrable Notes or the Exchange Notes
to be sold
by any Participating Broker-Dealer for offer or sale in any jurisdiction,
or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose,
(v)
of the happening of any event, the existence of any condition of
any
information becoming known that makes any statement made in such
Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated
or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any
material
respect or that requires the making of any changes in, or amendments
or
supplements to, such Registration Statement, Prospectus or documents
so
that, in the case of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus,
it
will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state
any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were
made, not misleading, (vi) of any reasonable determination by the
Issuers
that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement would
be
appropriate and (vii) of any request by the SEC for amendments
to the
Registration Statement or supplements to the Prospectus or for
additional
information relating thereto.
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14
|
(f)
|
Use
their reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any order
suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of
any order
preventing or suspending the use of a Prospectus or suspending
the
qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of the Registrable
Notes or the Exchange Notes to be sold by any Participating Broker-Dealer,
for sale in any jurisdiction, and, if any such order is issued,
to use
their reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any such
order
at the earliest possible date.
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|
(g)
|
If
(A) a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3,
(B) a Prospectus contained in an Exchange Offer Registration Statement
filed pursuant to Section 2 is required to be delivered under the
Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to
sell
Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period or (C) reasonably requested
in
writing by the managing underwriters, if any, or the Holders of
a majority
in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes being sold
in
connection with an underwritten offering, (i) promptly incorporate
in a
Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information
or
revisions to information therein relating to such underwriters
or selling
Holders as the managing underwriters, if any, or such Holders or
any of
their respective counsel reasonably request in writing to be included
or
made therein and (ii) make all required filings of such Prospectus
supplement or such post-effective amendment as soon as practicable
after
the Issuers have received notification of the matters to be incorporated
in such Prospectus supplements or post-effective
amendment.
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15
|
(h)
|
Prior
to any public offering of Registrable Notes or any delivery of
a
Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
by any
Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during
the
Applicable Period, use their reasonable best efforts to register
or
qualify, and cooperate with the selling Holders of Registrable
Notes or
each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, the
underwriters, if any, and their respective counsel in connection
with the
registration or qualification (or exemption from such registration
or
qualification) of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes, as
the case
may be, for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws
of such
jurisdictions within the United States as any selling Holder,
Participating Broker-Dealer or any managing underwriter or underwriters,
if any, reasonably request in writing; and, if Exchange Notes held
by
Participating Broker-Dealers or Registrable Notes are offered other
than
through an underwritten offering, the Issuers shall cause their
counsel to
perform Blue Sky investigations and use their reasonable best efforts
to
file any registrations and qualifications required to be filed
pursuant to
this Section 5(h), use their reasonable best efforts to keep each
such registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) effective
during the period such Registration Statement is required to be
kept
effective and use their reasonable best efforts to do any and all
other
acts or things reasonably necessary or advisable to enable the
disposition
in such jurisdictions of the Exchange Notes held by Participating
Broker-Dealers or the Registrable Notes covered by the applicable
Registration Statement; provided that the Issuers shall not be
required to (A) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction
where
it is not then so qualified, (B) take any action that would subject
it to
general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is
not then
so subject or (C) subject itself to taxation in excess of a nominal
dollar
amount in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so
subject.
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|
(i)
|
If
(A) a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3
or (B) a Prospectus contained in an Exchange Offer Registration
Statement
filed pursuant to Section 2 is requested to be delivered under the
Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to
sell
Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, cooperate with the
selling
Holders of Registrable Notes and the managing underwriter or underwriters,
if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates
representing Registrable Notes to be sold, which certificates shall
not
bear any restrictive legends and shall be in a form eligible for
deposit
with The Depository Trust Company, and enable such Registrable
Notes to be
in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing
underwriter or underwriters, if any, or Holders may reasonably
request in
writing at least five Business Days prior to any sale of such Registrable
Notes or Exchange Notes.
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16
|
(j)
|
Use
their reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Notes covered
by
any Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by
such
United States governmental agencies or authorities as may be reasonably
necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriter,
if
any, to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Notes, except
as
may be required solely as a consequence of the nature of such selling
Holder’s business, in which case the Issuers shall cooperate in all
reasonable respects with the filing of such Registration Statement
and the
granting of such approvals; provided that each of the Issuers shall
not be required to (A) qualify generally to do business in any
jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified, (B) take any action
that
would subject it to general service of process in any jurisdiction
where
it is not then so subject or (C) subject itself to taxation in
any such
jurisdiction where it is not then so
subject.
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|
(k)
|
If
(1) a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3,
or (2) a Prospectus contained in an Exchange Offer Registration
Statement
filed pursuant to Section 2 is required to be delivered under the
Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to
sell
Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, upon the occurrence
of any
event contemplated by Section 5(e)(v) or Section 5(e)(vi)
hereof, as promptly as practicable, prepare and file with the SEC,
at the
sole expense of the Issuers, a supplement or post-effective amendment
to
the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related Prospectus
or
any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein
by
reference, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter
delivered to the purchasers of the Registrable Notes being sold thereunder
or to the purchasers of the Exchange Notes to whom such Prospectus
will be
delivered by a Participating Broker-Dealer, such Prospectus will
not
contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not
misleading, and, if SEC review is required, use their best efforts
to
cause such post-effective amendment to be declared effective as
soon as
possible.
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|
(l)
|
Prior
to the effective date of the first Registration Statement relating
to the
Registrable Notes, (i) provide the Trustee with one or more certificates
for the Registrable Notes in a form eligible for deposit with The
Depository Trust Company and (ii) provide a CUSIP number for the
Exchange
Notes.
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17
|
(m)
|
If
a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3,
enter into such agreements (including an underwriting agreement
in form,
scope and substance as is customary in underwritten offerings of
debt
securities similar to the Notes, as may be appropriate in the
circumstances) and take all such other actions as is customary
in
underwritten offerings of debt securities similar to the Notes
in
connection therewith (including those reasonably requested in writing
by
the managing underwriters, if any, or the Holders of a majority
in
aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes being sold)
in order
to expedite or facilitate the registration or the disposition of
such
Registrable Notes, and in such connection, whether or not an underwriting
agreement is entered into and whether or not the registration is
an
Underwritten Registration, (i) make such representations and warranties
to
the underwriters, if any, with respect to the business of the Issuers
as
then conducted, and the Registration Statement, Prospectus and
documents,
if any, incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
therein, in
each case, in form, substance and scope as are customarily made
by issuers
to underwriters in underwritten offerings of debt securities similar
to
the Notes, as may be appropriate in the circumstances, and confirm
the
same if and when requested; (ii) use its reasonable best efforts
to obtain
the written opinions of counsel to the Issuers and updates thereof
(which
opinions, in form, scope and substance, shall be reasonably satisfactory
to the managing underwriters, if any, and the Holders of a majority
in
aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes being sold),
addressed
to each selling Holder and each of the underwriters, if any, covering
the
matters customarily covered in opinions of counsel to the Issuers
requested in underwritten offerings of debt securities similar
to the
Notes, as may be appropriate in the circumstances; (iii) use its
reasonable best efforts to obtain “cold comfort” letters and updates
thereof (which letters and updates (in form, scope and substance)
shall be
reasonably satisfactory to the managing underwriters) from the
independent
certified public accountants of the Parent (and, if necessary,
any other
independent certified public accountants of any Issuer or any subsidiary
of any Issuer or of any business acquired by any Issuer for which
financial statements and financial data are, or are required to
be,
included in the Registration Statement), addressed to each of the
underwriters, such letters to be in customary form and covering
matters of
the type customarily covered in “cold comfort” letters in connection with
underwritten offerings of debt securities similar to the Notes,
as may be
appropriate in the circumstances, and such other matters as reasonably
requested in writing by the underwriters; and (iv) deliver such
documents
and certificates as may be reasonably requested in writing by the
Holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable
Notes being
sold and the managing underwriters, if any, to evidence the continued
validity of the representations and warranties of the Issuers made
pursuant to clause (i) above and to evidence compliance with any
conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other similar
agreement entered into by the
Issuers.
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18
|
(n)
|
If
(1) a Shelf Registration Statement is filed pursuant to Section 3,
or (2) a Prospectus contained in an Exchange Offer Registration
Statement
filed pursuant to Section 2 is required to be delivered under the
Securities Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to
sell
Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, make available for
inspection
by any selling Holder of such Registrable Notes being sold, or
each such
Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, any underwriter
participating in any such disposition of Registrable Notes, if
any, and
any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by any such selling
Holder or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may
be, or
underwriter (collectively, the “Inspectors”), at the offices where
normally kept, during reasonable business hours, all financial
and other
records and pertinent corporate documents of the Issuers (collectively,
the “Records”) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to
exercise any applicable due diligence responsibilities, and cause
the
officers, directors and employees of the Issuers to supply all
information
reasonably requested in writing by any such Inspector in connection
with
such Registration Statement. Each Inspector shall agree in
writing that it will keep the Records confidential and not disclose
any of
the Records unless (i) the disclosure of such Records is necessary
to
avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in such Registration
Statement, (ii) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant
to a
subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction,
(iii) the
information in such Records is public or has been made generally
available
to the public other than as a result of a disclosure or failure
to
safeguard by such Inspector or (iv) disclosure of such information
is, in
the reasonable written opinion of counsel for any Inspector, necessary
or
advisable in connection with any action, claim, suit or proceeding,
directly or indirectly, involving or potentially involving such
Inspector
and arising out of, based upon, related to, or involving this Agreement,
or any transaction contemplated hereby or arising
hereunder. Each selling Holder of such Registrable Notes and
each such Participating Broker-Dealer will be required to agree
that
information obtained by it as a result of such inspections shall
be deemed
confidential and shall not be used by it as the basis for any market
transactions in the securities of the Issuers unless and until
such
information is made generally available to the public. Each
Inspector, each selling Holder of such Registrable Notes and each
such
Participating Broker-Dealer will be required to further agree that
it
will, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in
a court
of competent jurisdiction, give notice to the Issuer and, to the
extent
practicable, use its best efforts to allow the Issuers, at their
sole
expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure
of the
Records deemed confidential.
|
|
(o)
|
Comply
with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and make generally
available to the security holders of the Issuers with regard to
any
applicable Registration Statement earning statements satisfying
the
provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158
thereunder
(or any similar rule promulgated under the Securities Act) no later
than
45 days after the end of any 12-month period (or 90 days after
the end of
any 12-month period if such period is a fiscal year) (i) commencing
at the
end of any fiscal quarter in which Registrable Notes are sold to
underwriters in a firm commitment or best efforts underwritten
offering
and (ii) if not sold to underwriters in such an offering, commencing
on
the first day of the first fiscal quarter of the Issuer after the
effective date of a Registration Statement, which statements shall
cover
said 12-month periods consistent with the requirements of Rule
158.
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19
|
(p)
|
Upon
consummation of a Registered Exchange Offer or Private Exchange,
use
reasonable best efforts to obtain an opinion of counsel to the
Issuers (in
form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Initial
Purchasers), addressed to the Trustee for the benefit of all Holders
participating in the Registered Exchange Offer or Private Exchange,
as the
case may be, to the effect that (i) the Issuers have duly authorized,
executed and delivered the Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange
Notes,
as the case may be, and the Indenture, (ii) the Exchange Notes
or the
Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, and the Indenture constitute
legal, valid and binding obligations of the Issuers, enforceable
against
the Issuers in accordance with their respective terms, except as
such
enforcement may be subject to customary United States and foreign
exceptions and (iii) all obligations of the Issuers under the Exchange
Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, and the
Indenture
are secured by Liens (as defined in the Indenture) on the assets
securing
the obligations of the Issuers under the Notes, the Indenture and
the
Collateral Agreements to the extent and as discussed in the Registration
Statement.
|
|
(q)
|
If
the Registered Exchange Offer or a Private Exchange is to be consummated,
upon delivery of the Registrable Notes by the Holders to the Issuers
(or
to such other Person as directed by the Issuers) in exchange for
the
Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be,
the
Issuers shall xxxx, or cause to be marked, on such Registrable
Notes that
such Registrable Notes are being cancelled in exchange for the
Exchange
Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be; provided
that in no event shall such Registrable Notes be marked as paid
or
otherwise satisfied.
|
|
(r)
|
Cooperate
with each seller of Registrable Notes covered by any Registration
Statement and each underwriter, if any, participating in the disposition
of such Registrable Notes and their respective counsel in connection
with
any filings required to be made with the
FINRA.
|
|
(s)
|
Use
their reasonable best efforts to take all other steps reasonably
necessary
to effect the registration of the Exchange Notes and/or Registrable
Notes
covered by a Registration Statement contemplated
hereby.
|
|
(t)
|
The
Issuers may require each seller of Registrable Notes or Exchange
Notes as
to which any registration is being effected to furnish to the Issuers
such
information regarding such seller or Participating Broker-Dealer
and the
distribution of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes as the
Issuers
may, from time to time, reasonably request in writing. The
Issuers may exclude from such registration the Registrable Notes
of any
seller who fails to furnish such information within a reasonable
time
(which time in no event shall exceed 30 days) after receiving such
request. Each seller of Registrable Notes or Participating
Broker-Dealer as to which any registration is being effected agrees
to
furnish promptly to the Issuer all information required to be disclosed
in
order to make the information previously furnished by such seller
not
materially misleading.
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20
|
(u)
|
Each
Holder of Registrable Notes and each Participating Broker-Dealer
agrees by
acquisition of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes or by acting
as a
Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, that, upon actual
receipt
of any notice from the Issuer (x) of the happening of any event
of the
kind described in Section 5(e)(ii), 5(e)(iii), 5(e)(iv), or 5(e)(v)
hereof, or (y) that the Board of Directors of the Issuer (the “Board of
Directors”) has resolved that the Issuer has a bona fide
business purpose for doing so, then the Issuer may delay the filing
or the
effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the
Shelf
Registration Statement (if not then filed or effective, as applicable)
and
shall not be required to maintain the effectiveness thereof or
amend or
supplement the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf
Registration, in all cases, for a period (a “Delay Period”)
expiring upon the earlier to occur of (i) in the case of the immediately
preceding clause (x), such Holder’s or Participating Broker-Dealer’s
receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus
contemplated by Section 5(k) hereof or until it is advised in writing
(the
“Advice”) by the Issuer that the use of the applicable Prospectus
may be resumed, and has received copies of any amendments or supplements
thereto or (ii) in the case of the immediately preceding clause
(y), the
date which is the earlier of (A) the date on which such business
purpose ceases to interfere with the Issuer’s obligations to
file or maintain the effectiveness of any such Registration Statement
pursuant to this Agreement or (B) 60 days after the Issuer notifies
the
Holders of such good faith determination. There shall not be
more than 60 days of Delay Periods during any 12-month
period. Each of the Effectiveness Period and the Applicable
Period, if applicable, shall be extended by the number of days
during any
Delay Period.
|
In
the
event of any Delay Period pursuant to clause (y) of the preceding paragraph,
notice shall be given as soon as practicable after the Board of Directors
makes
such a determination of the need for a Delay Period and shall state, to the
extent practicable, an estimate of the duration of such Delay Period and
shall
advise the recipient thereof of the agreement of such Holder provided in
the
next succeeding sentence. Each Holder, by his acceptance of a
Registrable Note or Exchange Note, agrees that during any Delay Period, each
Holder will discontinue disposition of such Notes or Exchange Notes covered
by
such Registration Statement or Prospectus or Exchange Notes to be sold by
such
Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be.
21
6.
|
Registration
Expenses
|
|
(a)
|
All
fees and expenses incident to the performance of or compliance
with this
Agreement by the Issuers shall be borne by the Issuers, whether
or not the
Registered Exchange Offer or a Shelf Registration Statement is
filed or
becomes effective, including, without limitation, (i) all registration
and
filing fees, including, without limitation, (A) fees with respect
to
filings required to be made with the FINRA in connection with any
underwritten offering and (B) fees and expenses of compliance with
state
securities or Blue Sky laws as provided in Section 5(h) hereof
(including, without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements
of
counsel in connection with Blue Sky qualifications of the Registrable
Notes or Exchange Notes and determination of the eligibility of
the
Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes for investment under the laws
of such
jurisdictions (x) where the Holders are located, in the case of
the
Exchange Notes, or (y) as provided in Section 5(h), in the case of
Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes to be sold by a Participating
Broker-Dealer during the Applicable Period), (ii) printing expenses,
including, without limitation, expenses of printing Prospectuses
if the
printing of Prospectuses is requested by the managing underwriter
or
underwriters, if any, or by the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Registrable Notes included in any Registration
Statement or by any Participating Broker-Dealer during the Applicable
Period, as the case may be, (iii) messenger, telephone and delivery
expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their obligations
hereunder, (iv) fees and disbursements of counsel for the Issuers
and,
subject to Section 6(b), the Holders, (v) fees and disbursements of
all independent certified public accountants referred to in Section
5 (including, without limitation, the expenses of any special
audit
and “cold comfort” letters required by or incident to such performance),
(vi) rating agency fees and the fees and expenses incurred in connection
with the listing of the Securities to be registered on any securities
exchange, (vii) Securities Act liability insurance, if the Issuers
desire
such insurance, (viii) fees and expenses of all other Persons retained
by
the Issuers, (ix) fees and expenses of any “qualified independent
underwriter” or other independent appraiser participating in an offering
pursuant to Section 3 of Schedule E to the bylaws of the FINRA,
but only
where the need for such a “qualified independent underwriter” arises due
to a relationship with the Issuers, (x) internal expenses of the
Issuers
(including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of officers
and
employees of the Issuers performing legal or accounting duties),
(xi) the
expense of any annual audit, (xii) the fees and expenses of the
Trustee
and the Exchange Agent and (xiii) the expenses relating to printing,
word
processing and distributing all Registration Statements, underwriting
agreements, securities sales agreements, indentures and any other
documents necessary in order to comply with this
Agreement.
|
22
|
(b)
|
The
Issuers shall reimburse the Holders for the reasonable fees and
disbursements of not more than one counsel chosen by the Holders
of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes
to be
included in any Registration Statement. The Issuers shall pay
all documentary, stamp, transfer or other transactional taxes attributable
to the issuance or delivery of the Exchange Notes or Private Exchange
Notes in exchange for the Notes; provided that the Issuers shall
not be required to pay taxes payable in respect of any transfer
involved
in the issuance or delivery of any Exchange Note or Private Exchange
Note
in a name other than that of the Holder of the Note in respect
of which
such Exchange Note or Private Exchange Note is being
issued. The Issuers shall reimburse the Holders for fees and
expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to
the
Holders) relating to any enforcement of any rights of the Holders
under
this Agreement.
|
7.
|
Indemnification
|
|
(a)
|
Indemnification
by the Issuers. The Issuers jointly and severally agree to
indemnify and hold harmless each Holder of Registrable Notes, Exchange
Notes or Private Exchange Notes and each Participating Broker-Dealer
selling Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, each Person,
if any,
who controls each such Holder (within the meaning of Section 15
of the
Securities Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act) and the officers,
directors and partners of each such Holder, Participating Broker-Dealer
and controlling person, to the fullest extent lawful, from and
against any
and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs (including,
without
limitation, reasonable costs of preparation and reasonable attorneys’ fees
as provided in this Section 7) and expenses (including, without
limitation, reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection
with
investigating, preparing, pursuing or defending against any of
the
foregoing) (collectively, “Losses”), as incurred, directly or
indirectly caused by, related to, based upon, arising out of or
in
connection with any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
of a
material fact contained in any Registration Statement, Prospectus
or form
of prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto, or in
any
preliminary prospectus, or any omission or alleged omission to
state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make
the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they
were made, not misleading, except insofar as such Losses resulted
from
information relating to such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer
and
furnished in writing to the Issuers (or reviewed and approved in
writing)
by such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer or their counsel
expressly
for use therein in accordance with Section 7(b) hereof; provided,
however, that the Issuers will not be liable to any Indemnified
Party (as defined below) under this Section 6 to the extent Losses
were caused by an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue
statement
or omission that was contained or made in any preliminary prospectus
and
corrected in the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto
if (i)
the Prospectus does not contain any other untrue statement or omission
or
alleged untrue statement or omission of a material fact that was
the
subject matter of the related proceedings, (ii) any such Losses
resulted from an action, claim or suit by any Person who purchased
Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes which are the subject thereof
from
such Indemnified Party and (iii) it is established in the related
proceeding that such Indemnified Party failed to deliver or provide
a copy
of the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) to such Person with
or
prior to the confirmation of the sale of such Registrable Notes
or
Exchange Notes sold to such Person if required by applicable law,
unless
such failure to deliver or provide a copy of the Prospectus (as
amended or
supplemented) was a result of noncompliance by the Issuers with
Section
6 of this Agreement. The Issuers also agree to indemnify
underwriters, selling brokers, dealer managers and similar securities
industry professionals participating in the distribution, their
officers,
directors, agents and employees and each Person who controls such
Persons
(within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section
20(a)
of the Exchange Act) to the same extent as provided above with
respect to
the indemnification of the Holders or the Participating
Broker-Dealer.
|
23
|
(b)
|
Indemnification
by Holder. In connection with any Registration Statement,
Prospectus or form of prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto,
or
any preliminary prospectus in which a Holder is participating,
such Holder
shall furnish to the Issuers in writing such information as the
Issuers
reasonably request for use in connection with any Registration
Statement,
Prospectus or form of prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto,
or
any preliminary prospectus and shall indemnify and hold harmless
the
Issuers, their respective directors and each Person, if any, who
controls
the Issuers (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities
Act and
Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers
and
partners of such controlling persons, to the fullest extent lawful,
from
and against all Losses arising out of or based upon any untrue
statement
or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any
Registration Statement, Prospectus or form of prospectus or in
any
amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus,
or any
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required
to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading
to
the extent, but only to the extent, that such Losses are finally
judicially determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a
final,
unappealable order to have resulted primarily from an untrue statement
or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged
omission of a material fact contained in or omitted from any information
so furnished in writing by such Holder to the Issuers expressly
for use
therein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the
liability of any selling Holder be greater in amount than such
Holder’s
Maximum Contribution Amount (as defined
below).
|
24
|
(c)
|
Conduct
of Indemnification Proceedings. If any proceeding shall be
brought or asserted against any Person entitled to indemnity hereunder
(an
“Indemnified Party”), such Indemnified Party shall promptly notify
the party or parties from which such indemnity is sought (the
“Indemnifying Party” or “Indemnifying Parties”, as
applicable) in writing; provided, that the failure to so notify the
Indemnifying Parties shall not relieve the Indemnifying Parties
from any
obligation or liability except to the extent (but only to the extent)
that
it shall be finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction
(which
determination is not subject to appeal) that the Indemnifying Parties
have
been prejudiced materially by such
failure.
|
The
Indemnifying Party shall have the right, exercisable by giving written notice
to
an Indemnified Party, within 20 Business Days after receipt of written notice
from such Indemnified Party of such proceeding, to assume, at its expense,
the
defense of any such proceeding, provided, that an Indemnified Party shall
have the right to employ separate counsel in any such proceeding and to
participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel
shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party or parties
unless: (1) the Indemnifying Party has agreed to pay such fees and
expenses; or (2) the Indemnifying Party shall have failed promptly to assume
the
defense of such proceeding or shall have failed to employ counsel reasonably
satisfactory to such Indemnified Party; or (3) the named parties to any such
proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified
Party
and the Indemnifying Party or any of its affiliates or controlling persons,
and
such Indemnified Party shall have been advised by counsel that there may
be one
or more defenses available to such Indemnified Party that are in addition
to, or
in conflict with, those defenses available to the Indemnifying Party or such
affiliate or controlling person (in which case, if such Indemnified Party
notifies the Indemnifying Parties in writing that it elects to employ separate
counsel at the expense of the Indemnifying Parties, the Indemnifying Parties
shall not have the right to assume the defense and the reasonable fees and
expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the Indemnifying Party;
it
being understood, however, that, the Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection
with any one such proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related
proceedings in the same jurisdiction, arising out of the same general
allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of more
than
one separate firm of attorneys (together with appropriate local counsel)
at any
time for such Indemnified Party).
No
Indemnifying Party shall be liable for any settlement of any such proceeding
effected without its written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld,
but if settled with its written consent, or if there be a final judgment
for the
plaintiff in any such proceeding, each Indemnifying Party jointly and severally
agrees, subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth above, to indemnify
and hold harmless each Indemnified Party from and against any and all Losses
by
reason of such settlement or judgment. The Indemnifying Party shall
not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that
does
not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or
plaintiff to each Indemnified Party of a release, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, from all liability in respect
of such proceeding for which such Indemnified Party would be entitled to
indemnification hereunder (whether or not any Indemnified Party is a party
thereto).
25
|
(d)
|
Contribution. If
the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is unavailable
to an Indemnified Party or is insufficient to hold such Indemnified
Party
harmless for any Losses in respect of which this Section 7 would
otherwise apply by its terms (other than by reason of exceptions
provided
in this Section 7), then each applicable Indemnifying Party, in
lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall have a joint
and
several obligation to contribute to the amount paid or payable
by such
Indemnified Party as a result of such Losses, in such proportion
as is
appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party,
on
the one hand, and such Indemnified Party, on the other hand, in
connection
with the actions, statements or omissions that resulted in such
Losses as
well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative
fault of
such Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and Indemnified Party,
on the
other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things,
whether any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
or
omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to
information supplied by such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified
Party, and
the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and
opportunity to correct or prevent any such statement or
omission. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Party as
a result of any Losses shall be deemed to include any legal or
other fees
or expenses incurred by such party in connection with any proceeding,
to
the extent such party would have been indemnified for such fees
or
expenses if the indemnification provided for in Section 7(a) or
7(b) was available to such
party.
|
The
parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution
pursuant to this Section 7(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or
by another method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable
considerations referred to in the immediately preceding
paragraph. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section
7(d), a selling Holder shall not be required to contribute, in the
aggregate, any amount in excess of such Holder’s Maximum Contribution
Amount. A selling Holder’s “Maximum Contribution Amount” shall
equal the excess of (i) the aggregate proceeds received by such Holder pursuant
to the sale of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes over (ii) the aggregate
amount of damages that such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by
reason
of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within
the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to
contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation. The Holders’ obligations to contribute pursuant to
this Section 7(d) are several in proportion to the respective principal
amount of the Registrable Notes held by each Holder hereunder and not
joint. The Issuers’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this
Section 7(d) are joint and several.
26
The
indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 7 are in
addition to any liability that the Indemnifying Parties may have to the
Indemnified Parties.
8.
|
Rules
144 and 144A
|
Each
of
the Issuers covenants that it shall (a) file the reports required to be filed
by
it (if so required) under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act in a timely
manner and, if at any time any such Issuer is not required to file such reports,
it will, upon the written request of any Holder of Registrable Notes, make
publicly available other information necessary to permit sales pursuant to
Rule
144 and 144A and (b) take such further action as any Holder may reasonably
request in writing, all to the extent required from time to time to
enable such Holder to sell Registrable Notes without registration under the
Securities Act pursuant to the exemptions provided by Rule 144 and Rule
144A. Upon the request of any Holder, the Issuers shall deliver to
such Holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such
information and requirements.
9.
|
Underwritten
Registrations of Registrable
Notes
|
If
any of
the Registrable Notes covered by any Shelf Registration Statement are to
be sold
in an underwritten offering, the investment banker or investment bankers
and
manager or managers that will manage the offering will be selected by the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such Registrable Notes
to
be included in such offering; provided, however, that such
investment banker or investment bankers and manager or managers must be
reasonably acceptable to the Issuer.
No
Holder
of Registrable Notes may participate in any underwritten registration hereunder
unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder’s Registrable Notes on the
basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled
hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all
questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements
and
other documents required under the terms of such underwriting
arrangements.
27
10.
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
(a)
|
Remedies. In
the event of a breach by any of the Issuers of any of its obligations
under this Agreement, each Holder, in addition to being entitled
to
exercise all rights provided herein, in the Indenture or, in the
case of
the Initial Purchasers, in the Purchase Agreement, or granted by
law,
including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance
of
its rights under this Agreement. The Issuers agree that
monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss
incurred
by reason of a breach by any Issuer of any of the provisions of
this
Agreement and hereby further agree that, in the event of any action
for
specific performance in respect of such breach, the Issuers shall
waive
the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate. The parties
agree that upon the occurrence of a Registration Default as defined
in
Section 4 hereof, the monetary damages payable by the Issuers (if
monetary damages are determined to be the appropriate remedy
notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 10(a)), shall be
limited to the Additional Interest specified in Section 4
hereof.
|
|
(b)
|
No
Inconsistent Agreements. The Issuers have not entered, as
of the date hereof, and the Issuers shall not enter, after the
date of
this Agreement, into any agreement with respect to any of their
securities
that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders of
Securities
in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions
hereof. The Issuers will not enter into any agreement with
respect to any of their securities that will grant to any Person
piggy-back rights with respect to a Registration
Statement.
|
|
(c)
|
Adjustments
Affecting Registrable Notes. The Issuers shall not,
directly or indirectly, take any action with respect to the Registrable
Notes as a class that would adversely affect the ability of the
Holders to
include such Registrable Notes in a registration undertaken pursuant
to
this Agreement.
|
|
(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, other than
with
the prior written consent of the Holders of not less than a majority
in
aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Registrable
Notes in
circumstances that would adversely affect any Holders of Registrable
Notes; provided, however, that Section 7 and this
Section 10(d) may not be amended, modified or supplemented without
the prior written consent of each Holder. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, a waiver or consent to depart from the provisions hereof
with
respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders
of
Registrable Notes whose securities are being tendered pursuant
to the
Registered Exchange Offer or sold pursuant to a Notes Registration
Statement and that does not directly or indirectly affect, impair,
limit
or compromise the rights of other Holders of Registrable Notes
may be
given by Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal
amount of
the Registrable Notes being tendered or being sold by such Holders
pursuant to such Notes Registration
Statement.
|
28
|
(e)
|
Notices. All
notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder
shall
be made in writing by hand delivery, registered first-class mail,
next-day
air courier or telecopier:
|
|
(i)
|
if
to a Holder or to any Participating Broker-Dealer, at the most
current
address of such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case
may be,
set forth on the records of the registrar of the Notes, with a
copy in
like manner to:
|
|
Xxxxxxxxx
& Company, Inc.
000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx, XX 00000
Attention:
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
|
|
(ii)
|
if
to the Initial Purchasers, as
follows;
|
|
Xxxxxxxxx
& Company, Inc.
000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx, XX 00000
Attention:
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
|
with
a
copy to:
|
Xxxxxxxx
& Xxxxxx LLP
000
Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx
Facsimile: (000)
000-0000
|
|
Xxxxxxx
Xxxx & Company LLC
000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxx
Facsimile: (000)
000-0000
|
|
Xxxxxxxxx
Capital Partners, LLC
0000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Attention: Xxxx
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Facsimile: (000)
000-0000
|
29
|
(iii)
|
if
to the Issuer or any Guarantor, as
follows:
|
|
Gastar
Exploration USA, Inc.
0000
Xxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Attention:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
|
with
a
copy to:
|
Xxxxxx
& Xxxxxx, LLP
0000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx,
XX 00000-0000
Attention:
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
|
All
such
notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly
given: when delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business
Days after being deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, if
mailed; one Business Day after being timely delivered to a next-day air courier
guaranteeing overnight delivery; and when receipt is acknowledged by the
addressee, if telecopied.
Copies
of
all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently
delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee under the Indenture
at
the address specified in such 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
hereto, including, without limitation and without the need for
an express
assignment, subsequent Holders of
Securities.
|
|
(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.
|
30
|
(i)
|
Governing
Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. THIS
AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE LAWS
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT
OF
LAW. EACH OF THE ISSUERS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE
JURISDICTION OF ANY NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN THE BOROUGH
OF
MANHATTAN IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING
IN THE
BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK IN RESPECT OF ANY
SUIT,
ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT,
AND
IRREVOCABLY ACCEPTS FOR ITS AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY
AND
UNCONDITIONALLY, JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS. EACH OF
THE ISSUERS IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY
DO SO UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY AND ANY OBJECTION THAT
IT MAY
NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT,
ACTION OR
PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH
SUIT,
ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT
IN AN
INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH OF THE ISSUERS IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS,
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO UNDER APPLICABLE
LAW, TO
THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OF ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS IN ANY
SUCH
ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES THEREOF BY REGISTERED
OR
CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, TO THE ISSUERS AT THEIR SAID ADDRESS,
SUCH SERVICE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE 30 DAYS AFTER SUCH
MAILING. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY HOLDER TO
SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO COMMENCE
LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS OR OTHERWISE PROCEED AGAINST AN ISSUER IN ANY OTHER
JURISDICTION.
|
|
(j)
|
Severability. If
any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement
is held by
a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void
or
unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants
and
restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect
and
shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties
hereto shall use their best efforts to find and employ an alternative
means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that
contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or
restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the
intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining
terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including
any of
such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or
unenforceable.
|
|
(k)
|
Securities
Held by the Issuers or their Affiliates. Whenever the
consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Securities
is
required hereunder, Securities held by the Issuers or their affiliates
(as
such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) shall
not be
counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given
by the
Holders of such required
percentage.
|
31
|
(l)
|
Third
Party Beneficiaries. Holders and Participating
Broker-Dealers are intended third party beneficiaries of this Agreement
and this Agreement may be enforced by such
Persons.
|
|
(m)
|
Entire
Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Purchase
Agreement, the Indenture and the Collateral Agreements, is intended
by the
parties as a final and exclusive statement of the agreement and
understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter
contained herein and therein and any and all prior oral or written
agreements, representations, or warranties, contracts, understanding,
correspondence, conversations and memoranda between the Initial
Purchasers
on the one hand and the Issuers on the other, or between or among
any
agents, representatives, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, predecessors
in interest or successors in interest with respect to the subject
matter
hereof and thereof are merged herein and replaced
hereby.
|
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank.]
32
If
the
foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please
sign
and return to the Issuer a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument,
along
with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement among the Initial
Purchasers and the Issuers in accordance with its terms.
Very
truly yours,
|
|||
GASTAR
EXPLORATION USA, INC.
|
|||
By:
|
/s/ J.
XXXXXXX XXXXXX
|
||
Name:
|
J.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
||
Title:
|
Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
||
GUARANTORS:
|
|||
By:
|
/s/ XXXXXXX
X. XXXXXXX
|
||
Name:
|
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
|
||
Title:
|
Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer
|
||
GASTAR
EXPLORATION NEW SOUTH WALES, INC.
|
|||
By:
|
/s/ J.
XXXXXXX XXXXXX
|
||
Name:
|
J.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
||
Title:
|
President
|
||
GASTAR
EXPLORATION VICTORIA, INC.
|
|||
By:
|
/s/ J.
XXXXXXX XXXXXX
|
||
Name:
|
J.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
||
Title:
|
President
|
33
GASTAR
EXPLORATION TEXAS, INC.
|
|||
By:
|
/s/ J.
XXXXXXX XXXXXX
|
||
Name:
|
J.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
||
Title:
|
President
|
||
GASTAR
EXPLORATION TEXAS LP
|
|||
By:
Gastar Exploration Texas LLC, its general partner
|
|||
By:
|
/s/ J.
XXXXXXX XXXXXX
|
||
Name:
|
J.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
||
Title:
|
President
|
||
GASTAR
EXPLORATION TEXAS, LLC
|
|||
By:
|
/s/ J.
XXXXXXX XXXXXX
|
||
Name:
|
J.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
||
Title:
|
Manager
& President
|
34
INITIAL
PURCHASERS:
|
|||
Accepted
and Agreed to:
|
|||
XXXXXXXXX
& COMPANY, INC.
|
|||
By:
|
/s/ XXXX
X. XXXXXXXXXX
|
||
Name:
|
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxxx
|
||
Title:
|
Managing
Director
|
||
XXXXXXX
RICE & COMPANY L.L.C.
|
|||
By:
|
/s/ XXXXXXX
X. XXXXX
|
||
Name:
|
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxx
|
||
Title:
|
Member
|
||
XXXXXXXXX
CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC
|
|||
By:
|
/s/ XXXX
XXXXXXXXXXX
|
||
Name:
|
Xxxx
Xxxxxxxxxxx
|
||
Title:
|
C.O.O.
|
35