REGENCY ENERGY PARTNERS LP REGENCY ENERGY FINANCE CORP. AND EACH OF THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO 9 3/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2016 INDENTURE Dated as of May 20, 2009 WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Trustee
______________________________
REGENCY ENERGY FINANCE CORP.
AND EACH OF THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO
9 3/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2016
______________________________
Dated as of May 20, 2009
______________________________
XXXXX FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Trustee
______________________________
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*
· Trust Indenture Act Section
|
· Indenture Section |
· 310 (a)(1) |
· 7.10 |
· (a)(2) |
· 7.10 |
· (a)(3) |
· N.A. |
· (a)(4) |
· N.A. |
· (a)(5) |
· 7.10 |
· (b) |
· 7.10 |
· (c) |
· N.A. |
· 311 (a) |
· 7.11 |
· (b) |
· 7.11 |
· (c) |
· N.A. |
· 312 (a) |
· 2.05 |
· (b) |
· 12.03 |
· (c) |
· 12.03 |
· 313 (a) |
· 7.06 |
· (b)(1) |
· N.A. |
· (b)(2) |
· 7.06; 7.07 |
· (c) |
· 7.06; 12.02 |
· (d) |
· 7.06 |
· 314 (a) |
· 4.03; 12.02; 12.05 |
· (b) |
· N.A. |
· (c)(1) |
· 12.04 |
· (c)(2) |
· 12.04 |
· (c)(3) |
· N.A. |
· (d) |
· N.A. |
· (e) |
· 12.05 |
· (f) |
· N.A. |
· 315 (a) |
· 7.01 |
· (b) |
· 7.05; 12.02 |
· (c) |
· 7.01 |
· (d) |
· 7.01 |
· (e) |
· 6.11 |
· 316 (a)(last sentence) |
· 2.09 |
· (a)(1)(A) |
· 6.05 |
· (a)(1)(B) |
· 6.04 |
· (a)(2) |
· N.A. |
· (b) |
· 6.07 |
· (c) |
· 2.12 |
· 317 (a)(1) |
· 6.08 |
· (a)(2) |
· 6.09 |
· (b) |
· 2.04 |
· 318 (a) |
· 12.01 |
· (b) |
· N.A. |
· (c) |
· 12.01 |
______________________
N.A. means not applicable.
* This Cross Reference Table is not part of the Indenture.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
|
Section 1.01 |
Definitions. |
1 |
|
Section 1.02 |
Other Definitions. |
23 |
|
Section 1.03 |
Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act. |
24 |
|
Section 1.04 |
Rules of Construction. |
24 |
ARTICLE 2
THE NOTES
|
Section 2.01 |
Form and Dating. |
25 |
|
Section 2.02 |
Execution and Authentication. |
25 |
|
Section 2.03 |
Registrar and Paying Agent. |
26 |
|
Section 2.04 |
Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust. |
26 |
|
Section 2.05 |
Holder Lists. |
26 |
|
Section 2.06 |
Transfer and Exchange. |
27 |
|
Section 2.07 |
Replacement Notes. |
37 |
|
Section 2.08 |
Outstanding Notes. |
37 |
|
Section 2.09 |
Treasury Notes. |
38 |
|
Section 2.10 |
Temporary Notes. |
38 |
|
Section 2.11 |
Cancellation. |
38 |
|
Section 2.12 |
Defaulted Interest. |
38 |
ARTICLE 3
REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE
|
Section 3.01 |
Notices to Trustee. |
39 |
|
Section 3.02 |
Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed. |
39 |
|
Section 3.03 |
Notice of Redemption. |
39 |
|
Section 3.04 |
Effect of Notice of Redemption. |
40 |
|
Section 3.05 |
Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price. |
40 |
|
Section 3.06 |
Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part. |
41 |
|
Section 3.07 |
Optional Redemption. |
41 |
|
Section 3.08 |
[Reserved]. |
42 |
|
Section 3.09 |
Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds. |
42 |
ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS
|
Section 4.01 |
Payment of Notes. |
43 |
|
Section 4.02 |
Maintenance of Office or Agency. |
44 |
|
Section 4.03 |
Reports. |
44 |
Section 4.04 |
Compliance Certificate. |
45 |
|
Section 4.05 |
Taxes. |
45 |
|
Section 4.06 |
Stay, Extension and Usury Laws. |
45 |
|
Section 4.07 |
Restricted Payments. |
46 |
|
Section 4.08 |
Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries. |
49 |
|
Section 4.09 |
Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Equity. |
50 |
|
Section 4.10 |
Asset Sales. |
53 |
|
Section 4.11 |
Transactions with Affiliates. |
54 |
|
Section 4.12 |
Liens. |
56 |
|
Section 4.13 |
Business Activities. |
57 |
|
Section 4.14 |
Corporate Existence. |
57 |
|
Section 4.15 |
Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control. |
57 |
|
Section 4.16 |
Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. |
59 |
|
Section 4.17 |
Payments for Consent. |
59 |
|
Section 4.18 |
Additional Guarantees. |
59 |
|
Section 4.19 |
Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries. |
60 |
|
Section 4.20 |
Termination of Covenants. |
60 |
ARTICLE 5
SUCCESSORS
|
Section 5.01 |
Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets. |
61 |
|
Section 5.02 |
Successor Person Substituted. |
62 |
ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
|
Section 6.01 |
Events of Default. |
63 |
|
Section 6.02 |
Acceleration. |
65 |
|
Section 6.03 |
Other Remedies. |
65 |
|
Section 6.04 |
Waiver of Past Defaults. |
65 |
|
Section 6.05 |
Control by Majority. |
66 |
|
Section 6.06 |
Limitation on Suits. |
66 |
|
Section 6.07 |
Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment. |
66 |
|
Section 6.08 |
Collection Suit by Trustee. |
66 |
|
Section 6.09 |
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. |
66 |
|
Section 6.10 |
Priorities. |
67 |
|
Section 6.11 |
Undertaking for Costs. |
67 |
|
Section 6.12 |
Willful Action or Inaction. |
68 |
ARTICLE 7
TRUSTEE
|
Section 7.01 |
Duties of Trustee. |
68 |
|
Section 7.02 |
Rights of Trustee. |
69 |
|
Section 7.03 |
Individual Rights of Trustee. |
69 |
|
Section 7.04 |
Trustee’s Disclaimer. |
70 |
|
Section 7.05 |
Notice of Defaults. | 70 |
|
Section 7.06 |
Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes. |
70 |
|
Section 7.07 |
Compensation and Indemnity. |
70 |
|
Section 7.08 |
Replacement of Trustee. |
71 |
|
Section 7.09 |
Successor Trustee by Merger, etc. |
72 |
|
Section 7.10 |
Eligibility; Disqualification. |
72 |
|
Section 7.11 |
Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuers. |
72 |
|
Section 7.12 |
Force Majeure. |
72 |
|
Section 7.13 |
U.S.A. PATRIOT Act. |
73 |
ARTICLE 8
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
|
Section 8.01 |
Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. |
73 |
|
Section 8.02 |
Legal Defeasance and Discharge. |
73 |
|
Section 8.03 |
Covenant Defeasance. |
74 |
|
Section 8.04 |
Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance. |
74 |
|
Section 8.05 |
Deposited Money and Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions. |
75 |
|
Section 8.06 |
Repayment to the Issuers. |
76 |
|
Section 8.07 |
Reinstatement. |
76 |
ARTICLE 9
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
|
Section 9.01 |
Without Consent of Holders of Notes. |
76 |
|
Section 9.02 |
With Consent of Holders of Notes. |
77 |
|
Section 9.03 |
Compliance with Trust Indenture Act. |
78 |
|
Section 9.04 |
Revocation and Effect of Consents. |
79 |
|
Section 9.05 |
Notation on or Exchange of Notes. |
79 |
|
Section 9.06 |
Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc. |
79 |
ARTICLE 10
NOTE GUARANTEES
|
Section 10.01 |
Guarantee. |
79 |
|
Section 10.02 |
Limitation on Guarantor Liability. |
80 |
|
Section 10.03 |
Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee. |
81 |
|
Section 10.04 |
Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms. |
81 |
|
Section 10.05 |
Releases. |
82 |
ARTICLE 11
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
|
Section 11.01 |
Satisfaction and Discharge. |
83 |
|
Section 11.02 |
Application of Trust Money. |
84 |
- iii -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS
|
Section 12.01 |
Trust Indenture Act Controls. |
84 |
|
Section 12.02 |
Notices. |
84 |
|
Section 12.03 |
Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes. |
85 |
|
Section 12.04 |
Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. |
85 |
|
Section 12.05 |
Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. |
86 |
|
Section 12.06 |
Rules by Trustee and Agents. |
86 |
|
Section 12.07 |
No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders. |
86 |
|
Section 12.08 |
Governing Law. |
86 |
|
Section 12.09 |
No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements. |
86 |
|
Section 12.10 |
Successors. |
87 |
|
Section 12.11 |
Severability. |
87 |
|
Section 12.12 |
Counterpart Originals. |
87 |
|
Section 12.13 |
Table of Contents, Headings, etc. |
87 |
- iv -
|
EXHIBITS |
Exhibit A |
FORM OF NOTE |
Exhibit B |
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER |
Exhibit C |
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE |
Exhibit D |
FORM OF CERTIFICATE ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR |
Exhibit E |
FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE |
Exhibit F |
FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE |
- v -
INDENTURE dated as of May 20, 2009 among REGENCY ENERGY PARTNERS LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Regency Energy Partners”), and REGENCY ENERGY FINANCE CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Finance Corp.”
and, together with Regency Energy Partners, the “Issuers”), the Guarantors (as defined) and Xxxxx Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.
The Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined) of the 9 3/8% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Notes”):
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Section 1.01 |
Definitions. |
“144A Global Note” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend, the Private Placement Legend and the OID Legend and deposited with or on behalf of, and registered in the name of, the Depositary or its nominee that
will be issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A.
“Acquired Debt” means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or becomes a Subsidiary of such specified Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into,
or becoming a Subsidiary of, such specified Person, but excluding Indebtedness which is extinguished, retired or repaid in connection with such Person merging with or becoming a Subsidiary of such specific Person; and
(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.
“Additional Notes” means additional Notes (other than the Initial Notes) issued under this Indenture in accordance with Sections 2.02 and 4.09 hereof, as part of the same series as the Initial Notes.
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control,” as used with respect to
any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise; provided that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a Person will be deemed to be control; provided, further,
that any third Person which also beneficially owns 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a specified Person shall not be deemed to be an Affiliate of either the specified Person or the other Person merely because of such common ownership in such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under
common control with” have correlative meanings.
“Agent” means any Registrar or Paying Agent.
“Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any Note on any redemption date, the greater of:
(1) 1.0% of the principal amount of the Note; or
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(2) the excess of: (a) the present value at such Redemption Date of (i) the redemption price of the Note at June 1, 2013 (such redemption price being set forth in the table appearing in Section 3.07 hereof) plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the Note
through June 1, 2013 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such Redemption Date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the principal amount of the Note.
“Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer or exchange of or for beneficial interests in any Global Note, the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream that apply to such transfer or exchange.
“Asset Sale” means:
(1) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any properties or assets; provided, however, that the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all
or substantially all of the properties or assets of Regency Energy Partners and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole will be governed by Section 4.15 hereof and/or Section 5.01 hereof and not by Section 4.10 hereof; and
(2) the issuance of Equity Interests in any of Regency Energy Partners’ Restricted Subsidiaries or the sale of Equity Interests in any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
Notwithstanding the preceding, none of the following items will be deemed to be an Asset Sale:
(1) any single transaction or series of related transactions that involves properties or assets having a Fair Market Value of less than $10.0 million;
(2) a transfer of properties or assets between or among Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(3) an issuance or sale of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners to Regency Energy Partners or to a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners;
(4) the sale or lease of products, services or accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business and any sale or other disposition of damaged, worn-out or obsolete properties or assets in the ordinary course of business;
(5) the sale or other disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents, Hedging Obligations or other financial instruments in the ordinary course of business;
(6) a Restricted Payment that does not violate Section 4.07 hereof or a Permitted Investment;
(7) any trade or exchange by Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary of properties or assets of any type for properties or assets of any type owned or held by another Person, including any disposition of some but not all of the Equity Interests of a Restricted
Subsidiary in exchange for assets or properties and after which the Person whose Equity Interests have been so disposed of continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary, provided that the Fair Market Value of the properties or assets traded or exchanged by Regency Energy Partners or such Restricted Subsidiary (together with any cash or Cash Equivalents and liabilities assumed) is reaso
- 2 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
ably equivalent to the Fair Market Value of the properties or assets (together with any cash or Cash Equivalents and liabilities assumed) to be received by Regency Energy Partners or such Restricted Subsidiary; and provided, further, that any cash received must be applied in accordance with Section 4.10 hereof; and
(8) the creation or perfection of a Lien that is not prohibited by Section 4.12 hereof and any disposition in connection with a Permitted Lien.
“Attributable Debt” in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction means, at the time of determination, the present value of the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such sale and leaseback transaction including
any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended. Such present value shall be calculated using a discount rate equal to the rate of interest implicit in such transaction, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that if such sale and leaseback transaction results in a Capital Lease Obligation, the amount of Indebtedness represented
thereby will be determined in accordance with the definition of “Capital Lease Obligation.”
“Available Cash” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Partnership Agreement, as in effect on the 2013 Notes Issue Date.
“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.
“Beneficial Owner” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person”
will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only after the passage of time. The terms “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned” have a corresponding meaning.
“Board of Directors” means:
(1) with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such board;
(2) with respect to a partnership, the board of directors or board of managers of the general partner of the partnership, or, if such general partner is itself a limited partnership, then the board of directors or board of managers of its general partner;
(3) with respect to a limited liability company, the managing member or members or any controlling committee of managing members thereof; and
(4) with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person serving a similar function.
“Broker-Dealer” has the meaning attributed to the term “Participating Broker-Dealer” in the initial Registration Rights Agreement.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Legal Holiday.
- 3 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
“Capital Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at that time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.
“Capital Stock” means:
(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;
(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;
(3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership interests (whether general or limited) or membership interests; and
(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person,
but excluding from all of the foregoing any debt securities convertible into Capital Stock, whether or not such debt securities include any right of participation with Capital Stock.
“Cash Equivalents” means:
(1) United States dollars or, in an amount up to the amount necessary or appropriate to fund local operating expenses, other currencies;
(2) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States government (provided that the full faith and credit of the United
States is pledged in support of those securities) having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition;
(3) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding six months and overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any domestic commercial bank having
capital and surplus in excess of $500.0 million and a Thomson Bank Watch Rating of “B” or better;
(4) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above;
(5) commercial paper having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from Moody’s or S&P and, in each case, maturing within six months after the date of acquisition; and
(6) money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (1) through (5) of this definition.
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of Regency Energy Partners and its Subsidiaries
taken as a
- 4 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
whole to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), which occurrence is followed by a Ratings Decline within 90 days;
(2) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of Regency Energy Partners or the removal of the General Partner by the limited partners of Regency Energy Partners;
(3) the consummation of any transaction (including, without any merger or consolidation), the result of which is that any “person” (as defined above), other than a Qualified Owner, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Voting
Stock of the General Partner or of Regency Energy Partners, measured by voting power rather than number of shares, which occurrence is followed by a Ratings Decline within 90 days; or
(4) the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the General partner are not Continuing Directors, which occurrence is followed by a Ratings Decline within 90 days.
Notwithstanding the preceding, a conversion of Regency Energy Partners from a limited partnership to a corporation, limited liability company or other form of entity or an exchange of all of the outstanding limited partnership interests for capital stock in a corporation, for member interests in a limited liability company or for Equity Interests
in such other form of entity shall not constitute a Change of Control, so long as following such conversion or exchange the “persons” (as defined above) who Beneficially Owned the Capital Stock of Regency Energy Partners immediately prior to such transactions continue to Beneficially Own in the aggregate more than 50% of the Voting Stock of such entity, or continue to Beneficially Own sufficient Equity Interests in such entity to elect a majority of its directors, managers, trustees or other persons
serving in a similar capacity for such entity, and, in either case no “person,” excluding any Qualifying Owner, Beneficially Owns more than 50% of the Voting Stock of such entity.
“Company Order” means a written order delivered to the Trustee by Regency Energy Partners and executed on its behalf by an Officer of the General Partner.
“Consolidated Cash Flow” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus, without duplication:
(1) an amount equal to (i) any extraordinary loss plus (ii) any net loss realized by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale or the disposition of any securities by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the extinguishment
of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case, to the extent such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net income; plus
(2) provision for taxes based on income or profits of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such prevision for taxes was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(3) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (including amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment
obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net of all
- 5 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
payments, if any, pursuant to Hedging Obligations), to the extent that any such expense was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(4) depreciation, amortization (including amortization of intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) and other non-cash expenses (excluding any such non-cash expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve
for cash expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(5) unrealized non-cash losses resulting from foreign currency balance sheet adjustments required by GAAP to the extent such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(6) all extraordinary or non-recurring items of gain or loss, or revenue or expense; minus
(7) non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than the accrual of revenue in the ordinary course of business,
in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP.
“Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that:
(1) the aggregate Net Income (but not loss) of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting will be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or similar distributions paid in cash to the specified Person
or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Person;
(2) the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary will be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental
approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, partners or members;
(3) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles will be excluded;
(4) unrealized losses and gains under derivative instruments included in the determination of Consolidated Net Income, including those resulting from the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 will be excluded; and
(5) any nonrecurring charges relating to any premium or penalty paid, write off of deferred finance costs or other charges in connection with redeeming or retiring any Indebtedness prior to its Stated Maturity will be excluded.
“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means, with respect to any Person at any date of determination, the aggregate amount of total assets included in such Person’s most recent quarterly or annual
- 6 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
consolidated balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP less applicable reserves reflected in such balance sheet, after (i) adding the aggregate incremental amount of total assets that would have resulted from an acquisition of assets from an Affiliate that is accounted for as a pooling had it been accounted for using purchase accounting
and (ii) deducting the following amounts: (a) all current liabilities reflected in such balance sheet, and (b) all goodwill, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discounts and expenses and other like intangibles reflected in such balance sheet.
“Continuing Directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of the General Partner who:
(1) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date of this Indenture; or
(2) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of such nomination or election,
“Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee” will be at the address of the Trustee specified in Section 12.02 hereof or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Issuers.
“Credit Agreement” means that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2006, as amended at various dates, most recently March 17, 2009, by and among Regency Gas Services LP, Regency Energy Partners, the Guarantors party thereto, the lenders
party thereto, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, collateral agent, swingline lender and issuing bank, UBS Securities LLC and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, as joint lead arrangers and joint book managers for the Tranche B-1 Term Loans, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and UBS Securities LLC, as joint lead arrangers and joint book managers for the Revolving Loans, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the lenders and as collateral
agent for the secured parties, as issuing bank and swingline lender, UBS Loan Finance LLC, as syndication agent, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as co-syndication agent for the Revolving Loans, and Fortis Capital Corp., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Bank, as co-documentation agents, providing for $900.0 million of borrowings and letters of credit, including any related notes, Guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith,
and, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.
“Credit Facilities” means, one or more debt facilities (including the Credit Agreement) or commercial paper facilities, in each case, with banks or other institutional lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, accounts receivable financing (including through
the sale of accounts receivable to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced (including by means of sales of debt securities to institutional investors) in whole or in part from time to time.
“Custodian” means the Trustee, as custodian with respect to the Notes in global form, or any successor entity thereto.
“Default” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.
“Definitive Note” means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.06 hereof, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto except
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall not have the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note’ attached thereto.
“Depositary” means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 2.03 hereof as the Depositary with respect to the Notes, and any and all successors thereto appointed as Depositary hereunder and having become
such pursuant to the applicable provision of this Indenture.
“Disqualified Equity” means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, in each case, at the option of the holder of the Equity Interest), or upon the happening of any event, matures
or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder of the Equity Interest, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the date on which the Notes mature. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Equity Interest that would constitute Disqualified Equity solely because the holders of the Equity Interest have the right to require Regency Energy Partners to repurchase such Equity Interest upon the occurrence
of a change of control or an asset sale will not constitute Disqualified Equity if the terms of such Equity Interest provide that Regency Energy Partners may not repurchase or redeem any such Equity Interest pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with Section 4.07 hereof.
“Domestic Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners that was formed under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia.
“Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).
“Equity Offering” means any public or private sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity) made for cash on a primary basis by Regency Energy Partners after the date of this Indenture.
“Exchange Notes” means the Notes issued in an Exchange Offer pursuant to Section 2.06(f) hereof. “Exchange Offer” has the meaning set forth in the applicable Registration Rights Agreement.
“Exchange Offer Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in the applicable Registration Rights Agreement.
“Existing Indebtedness” means the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of Regency Energy Partners and its Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement) in existence on the date of this Indenture, until such amounts are repaid.
“Fair Market Value” means the value that would be paid by a willing buyer to an unaffiliated willing seller in a transaction not involving distress or necessity of either party, determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of Regency Energy Partners (unless otherwise
provided in this Indenture).
“FERC Subsidiary” means a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners that is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (or any successor thereof) under Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act of 1938.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means with respect to any specified Person for any four-quarter reference period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. If the specified Person
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, guarantees, repays, repurchases, redeems, defeases or otherwise discharges any Indebtedness (other than ordinary working capital borrowings) or issues, repurchases or redeems Disqualified Equity subsequent to the commencement of the applicable four-quarter reference period and on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation
Date”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio will be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, Guarantee, repayment, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other discharge of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of Disqualified Equity, and the use of the proceeds therefrom, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of such period.
In addition, for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:
(1) acquisitions that have been made by the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations and including any related financing transactions during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and
on or prior to the Calculation Date will be given pro forma effect as if they had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period, including any Consolidated Cash Flow and any pro forma expense and cost reductions that have occurred or are reasonably expected to occur, in the reasonable judgment of the chief financial or accounting officer of Regency Energy Partners (regardless of whether those cost savings or operating improvements could then be reflected in pro forma financial statements in accordance
with Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act or any other regulation or policy of the SEC related thereto);
(2) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses (and ownership interests therein) disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded;
(3) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses (and ownership interests therein) disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving
rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date;
(4) interest income reasonably anticipated by such Person to be received during the applicable four-quarter period from cash or Cash Equivalents held by such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person, which cash or Cash Equivalents exist on the Calculation Date or
will exist as a result of the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, will be included;
(5) if any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest, the interest expense on such Indebtedness will be calculated as if the average rate in effect from the beginning of the applicable period to the Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking
into account any Hedging Obligation applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term as at the Calculation Date in excess of 12 months); and
(6) if any Indebtedness is incurred under a revolving credit facility and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated based on the average daily balance of such Indebtedness for the four fiscal quarters subject to the pro forma calculation.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
“Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, (A) the sum, without duplication, of:
(1) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued, including amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment
obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations in respect of interest rates; plus
(2) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period; plus
(3) any interest on Indebtedness of another Person that is guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is called upon; plus
(4) all dividends, whether paid or accrued and whether or not in cash, on any series of Disqualified Equity of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than dividends on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of Regency Energy Partners (other than
Disqualified Equity) or to Regency Energy Partners or a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners; minus
(B) to the extent included in (A) above, write-offs of deferred financing costs of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period and any charge related to, or any premium or penalty paid in connection with, paying any such Indebtedness of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries prior to its Stated Maturity.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, from time to time.
“General Partner” means Regency GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its successors and permitted assigns as general partner of Regency GP, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, and its successors and permitted assigns as general partner of Regency Energy Partners
or as the business entity with the ultimate authority to manage the business and operations of Regency Energy Partners.
“Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(2) hereof, which is required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture.
“Global Notes” means, individually and collectively, each of the Restricted Global Notes and the Unrestricted Global Notes deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto and that
bears the Global Note Legend and that has the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto, issued in accordance with Section 2.01, 2.06(b)(3), 2.06(b)(4), 2.06(d)(2) or 2.06(f) hereof.
“Government Securities” means direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America for the payment of which guarantee or obligations the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
“Guarantee” means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any manner including by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements in respect
thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness.
“Guarantors” means each of:
(1) the Subsidiaries of Regency Energy Partners, other than Finance Corp., executing this Indenture as initial Guarantors; and
(2) any other Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners that becomes a Guarantor in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture,
and their respective successors and assigns, in each case, until the Note Guarantee of such Person has been released in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
“Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such Person incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes under:
(1) interest rate swap agreements (whether from fixed to floating or from floating to fixed), interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements entered into with one or more financial institutions and designed to reduce costs of borrowing or to protect the Person
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries entering into the agreement against fluctuations in interest rates with respect to Indebtedness incurred;
(2) other agreements or arrangements designed to manage interest rates or interest rate risk;
(3) foreign exchange contracts and currency protection agreements entered into with one of more financial institutions and designed to protect the Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries entering into the agreement against fluctuations in currency exchange rates with respect
to Indebtedness incurred;
(4) any commodity futures contract, commodity option or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect against fluctuations in the price of Hydrocarbons used, produced, processed or sold by that Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries at the time; and
(5) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or commodity prices.
“Holder” means a Person in whose name a Note is registered.
“HPC” means RIGS Haynesville Partnership Co., a Delaware general partnership, and its successors and assigns.
“Hydrocarbons” means crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, casinghead gas, drip gasoline, condensate, distillate, liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons and all constituents, elements or compounds thereof and products refined or processed therefrom.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person, any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent:
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(1) in respect of borrowed money;
(2) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);
(3) in respect of bankers’ acceptances;
(4) representing Capital Lease Obligations or Attributable Debt in respect of sale and leaseback transactions;
(5) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property or services due more than six months after such property is acquired or such services are completed; or
(6) representing any Hedging Obligations,
if and to the extent any of the preceding items (other than letters of credit, Attributable Debt and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the term “Indebtedness” includes all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien
on any asset of the specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by the specified Person) and, to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by the specified Person of any Indebtedness of any other Person.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall not constitute “Indebtedness”:
(1) accrued expenses and trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business;
(2) any obligation of Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of bid, performance, surety and similar bonds issued for the account of Regency Energy Partners and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, including
Guarantees and obligations of Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to letters of credit supporting such obligations (in each case other than an obligation for money borrowed);
(3) any Indebtedness that has been defeased in accordance with GAAP or defeased pursuant to the deposit of cash or Government Securities (in an amount sufficient to satisfy all such Indebtedness at fixed maturity or redemption, as applicable, and all payments of interest and
premium, if any) in a trust or account created or pledged for the sole benefit of the holders of such Indebtedness and subject to no other Liens, and the other applicable terms of the instrument governing such Indebtedness;
(4) any obligation arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided, however,
that such obligation is extinguished within five Business Days of its incurrence; and
(5) any obligation arising from any agreement providing for indemnities, guarantees, purchase price adjustments, holdbacks, contingency payment obligations based on the performance of the acquired or disposed assets or similar obligations (other than guarantees of Indebtedness)
incurred by any Person in connection with the acquisition or disposition of assets.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
“Indenture” means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.
“Initial Notes” means the first $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under this Indenture on the date hereof.
“Initial Purchasers” means Wachovia Capital Markets LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx & Co. Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., RBS Securities Inc., BBVA Securities Inc., Comerica Securities, Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Xxxxxxx Xxxxx &
Associates, Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc.
“Institutional Accredited Investor” means an institution that is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act, that is not also a QIB.
“Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P.
“Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all direct or indirect investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans (including Guarantees or other obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding (1) commission, travel
and similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business and (2) advances to customers in the ordinary course of business that are recorded as accounts receivable on the balance sheet of the lender), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. If Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted
Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners, Regency Energy Partners will be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of Regency Energy Partners’ Investments in such Restricted Subsidiary
that were not sold or disposed of in an amount determined as provided in Section 4.07(b) hereof.
“Joint Venture” means any Person that is not a direct or indirect Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners in which Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries makes any Investment.
“Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the City of Dallas, New York or at a place of payment are authorized by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of
payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue on such payment for the intervening period.
“Letter of Transmittal” means the letter of transmittal to be prepared by the Issuers and sent to all Holders of the Notes for use by such Holders in connection with an Exchange Offer.
“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction other than a precautionary financing statement respecting a lease not intended as a security interest. In no event shall a right of first refusal be deemed to constitute a lien.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
“Liquidated Damages” means all liquidated damages then owing pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement.
“Moody’s” means Xxxxx’x Investors Service, Inc., or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.
“Net Income” means, with respect to any specified Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred stock dividends, excluding, however:
(1) any gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such gain (but not loss), realized in connection with:
(a) any Asset Sale; or
(b) the disposition of any securities by such Person or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person; and
(2) any extraordinary gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such extraordinary gain (but not loss).
“Net Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale),
net of:
(1) the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and sales commissions, and any relocation expenses incurred as a result of the Asset Sale,
(2) taxes paid or payable as a result of the Asset Sale, in each case, after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements,
(3) amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness, other than revolving credit Indebtedness except to the extent resulting in a permanent reduction in availability of such Indebtedness under a Credit Facility, secured by a Lien on the properties or assets
that were the subject of such Asset Sale and all distributions and payments required to be made to minority interest holders in Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such Asset Sale, and
(4) any amounts to be set aside in any reserve established in accordance with GAAP or any amount placed in escrow, in either case for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such properties or assets or for liabilities associated with such Asset Sale and retained by Regency
Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries until such time as such reserve is reversed or such escrow arrangement is terminated, in which case Net Proceeds shall include only the amount of the reserve so reversed or the amount returned to Regency Energy Partners or its Restricted Subsidiaries from such escrow arrangement, as the case may be.
“Non-Recourse Debt” means Indebtedness:
(1) as to which neither Regency Energy Partners nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
that would constitute Indebtedness), (b) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise or (c) is the lender;
(2) no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders of the Indebtedness may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit upon notice, lapse of time or both any holder of any other Indebtedness of Regency Energy Partners
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment of the Indebtedness to be accelerated or payable prior to its Stated Maturity; and
(3) as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they will not have any recourse to the stock or assets of Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries except as contemplated by clause (10) of the definition of Permitted Liens.
For purposes of determining compliance with Section 4.09 hereof, if any Non-Recourse Debt of any of Regency Energy Partners’ Unrestricted Subsidiaries ceases to be Non-Recourse Debt of such Unrestricted Subsidiary, such event will be deemed to constitute an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners.
“Non-U.S. Person” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person.
“Note Guarantee” means the Guarantee by each Guarantor of the Issuers’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes, pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture.
“Notes” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Indenture. The Initial Notes and the Additional Notes shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, and unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the Notes
shall include the Initial Notes and any Additional Notes.
“Obligations” means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
“Offering Memorandum” means the final Offering Memorandum of the Issuers, dated May 15, 2009 with respect to the Notes.
“Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary or any Vice-President of such
Person (or, if such Person is a limited partnership, the general partner of such Person, except it shall be the General Partner in the case of Regency Energy Partners).
“Officers’ Certificate” means, with respect to any Person, a certificate signed on behalf of such Person by any two of its Officers, one of whom must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of such Person
that meets the requirements of Section 12.05 hereof.
“OID Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(1)(B)(3) hereof to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture that have more than a de minimis amount of original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
“Operating Surplus” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Partnership Agreement, as in effect on the 2013 Notes Issue Date.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
“Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, that meets the requirements of Section 12.05 hereof. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to Regency Energy Partners, the General Partner, any Subsidiary
of Regency Energy Partners or the General Partner or the Trustee.
“Partnership Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Regency Energy Partners LP, dated as of February 3, 2006, as amended as of the date hereof, and as such may be further amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.
“Permitted Business” means either (1) gathering, transporting, treating, processing, marketing, distributing, storing or otherwise handling Hydrocarbons, or activities or services reasonably related or ancillary thereto including entering into Hedging Obligations related
to these businesses, or (2) any other business that generates gross income that constitutes “qualifying income” under Section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Permitted Business Investments” means Investments by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in any Unrestricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners or in any Joint Venture, provided that:
(1) either (a) at the time of such Investment and immediately thereafter, Regency Energy Partners could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a) hereof or (b) such Investment does not exceed the aggregate
amount of Incremental Funds (as defined in Section 4.07 hereof) not previously expended at the time of making such Investment;
(2) if such Unrestricted Subsidiary or Joint Venture has outstanding Indebtedness at the time of such Investment, either (a) all such Indebtedness is Non-Recourse Debt or (b) any such Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiaries or Joint Venture that is recourse to Regency
Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (which shall include all Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or Joint Venture for which Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may be directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, obligated to pay, whether pursuant to the terms of such Indebtedness, by law or pursuant to any guarantee, including any “claw-back,” “make-well” or “keepwell” arrangement) could, at the time such Investment
is made, be incurred at that time by Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a) hereof; and
(3) such Unrestricted Subsidiary’s or Joint Venture’s activities are not outside the scope of the Permitted Business.
“Permitted Investments” means:
(1) any Investment in Regency Energy Partners or in a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners;
(2) any Investment in Cash Equivalents;
(3) any Investment by Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners in a Person, if as a result of such Investment:
(a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners; or
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(b) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its properties or assets to, or is liquidated into, Regency Energy Partners or a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners,
(4) any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from:
(a) an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with Section 4.10 hereof; or
(b) pursuant to clause (7) of the items deemed not to be Asset Sales under the definition of “Asset Sale”;
(5) any Investment in any Person solely in exchange for the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity) of Regency Energy Partners;
(6) any Investments received in compromise or resolution of (A) obligations of trade creditors or customers that were incurred in the ordinary course of business of Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization
or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditor or customer, or as a result of a foreclosure by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment in default; or (B) litigation, arbitration or other disputes with Persons who are not Affiliates;
(7) Investments represented by Hedging Obligations permitted to be incurred;
(8) loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business of Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1.0 million at any one time outstanding;
(9) repurchases of the Notes;
(10) any Investments in prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease, utility, workers’ compensation and performance and other similar deposits and prepaid expenses made in the ordinary course of business;
(11) Permitted Business Investments; and
(12) other Investments in any Person having an aggregate Fair Market Value (measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (12) that are
at the time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (a) $25.0 million and (b) 2.5% of Regency Energy Partners’ Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.
“Permitted Liens” means:
(1) Liens securing any Indebtedness under any of the Credit Facilities and all Obligations and Hedging Obligations relating to such Indebtedness;
(2) Liens in favor of Regency Energy Partners or the Guarantors;
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(3) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged with or into or consolidated with Regency Energy Partners or any Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners; provided that such Liens were in existence
prior to such merger or consolidation and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with Regency Energy Partners or the Subsidiary;
(4) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition of the property by Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners; provided that such Liens were in existence prior to, such acquisition,
and not incurred in contemplation of, such acquisition;
(5) Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(6) Liens to secure Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) permitted by clause (4) of Section 4.09(b) hereof covering only the assets acquired with or financed by such Indebtedness;
(7) Liens existing on the date of this Indenture (other than Liens securing the Credit Facilities);
(8) Liens created for the benefit of (or to secure) the Notes (or the Note Guarantees);
(9) Liens on any property or asset acquired, constructed or improved by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a “Purchase Money Lien”), which (a) are in favor of the seller of such
property or assets, in favor of the Person developing, constructing, repairing or improving such asset or property, or in favor of the Person that provided the funding for the acquisition, development, construction, repair or improvement cost, as the case may be, of such asset or property, (b) are created within 360 days after the acquisition, development, construction, repair or improvement, (c) secure the purchase price or development, construction, repair or improvement cost, as the case may be, of such asset
or property in an amount up to 100% of the Fair Market Value of such acquisition, construction or improvement of such asset or property, and (d) are limited to the asset or property so acquired, constructed or improved (including the proceeds thereof, accessions thereto and upgrades thereof);
(10) Liens on and pledges of the Equity Interests of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Joint Venture owned by Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners to the extent securing Non-Recourse Debt or other Indebtedness of such Unrestricted
Subsidiary or Joint Venture;
(11) Liens in favor of collecting or payor banks having a right of setoff, revocation, refund or chargeback with respect to money or instruments of Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on deposit with or in possession of such bank;
(12) Liens to secure performance of Hedging Obligations of Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(13) Liens arising under construction contracts, interconnection agreements, operating agreements, joint venture agreements, partnership agreements, oil and gas leases, farmout agreements, division orders, contracts for purchase, gathering, processing, sale, transportation
or e
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
change of crude oil, natural gas liquids, condensate and natural gas, natural gas storage agreements, unitization and pooling declarations and agreements, area of mutual interest agreements, real property leases and other agreements arising in the ordinary course of business of Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries that
are customary in the Permitted Business;
(14) Liens upon specific items of inventory, receivables or other goods or proceeds of Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or receivables securitizations issued
or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory, receivables or other goods or proceeds and permitted by Section 4.09;
(15) Liens securing any Indebtedness equally and ratably with all Obligations due under the Notes or any Note Guarantee pursuant to a contractual covenant that limits Liens in a manner substantially similar to Section 4.12;
(16) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business of Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners; provided, however, that,
after giving effect to any such incurrence, the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness then outstanding and secured by any Liens pursuant to this clause (16) dates not exceed 5.0% of Regency Energy Partners’ Consolidated Net Tangible Assets at such time; and
(17) any Lien renewing, extending, refinancing or refunding a Lien permitted by clauses (1) through (16) above; provided that (a) the principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Lien does not exceed the principal
amount of such Indebtedness outstanding immediately prior to the renewal, extension, refinance or refund of such Lien, plus all accrued interest on the Indebtedness secured thereby and the amount of all fees, expenses and premiums incurred in connection therewith, and (b) no assets encumbered by any such Lien other than the assets permitted to be encumbered immediately prior to such renewal, extension, refinance or refund are encumbered thereby.
After termination of the covenants referred to in Section 4.20, for purposes of complying with Section 4.12, the Liens described in clauses (1) and (16) of this definition of “Permitted Liens” will be Permitted Liens only to the extent those Liens secure Indebtedness not exceeding, at the time of determination, 10% of the Consolidated
Net Tangible Assets of Regency Energy Partners. Once effective, this 10% limitation on Permitted Liens will continue to apply during any later period in which the Notes do not have an Investment Grade Rating by both Rating Agencies.
“Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge other Indebtedness of Regency
Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than intercompany Indebtedness); provided that:
(1) the principal amount of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged (plus all accrued interest on the Indebtedness and the amount of all fees and expenses,
including premiums, incurred in connection therewith);
(2) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date no earlier than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged;
(3) if the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Note Guarantees, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to, the Notes or the Note Guarantees,
on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged; and
(4) such Indebtedness is incurred either by Regency Energy Partners or by the Restricted Subsidiary that is the obligor on or guarantor of the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or other entity.
“Private Placement Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(1)(A) hereof to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except where otherwise permitted by the provisions of this Indenture.
“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.
“Qualified Owner” means General Electric Company and its Affiliates that are organized by such Person (or any Person controlling such Person) primarily for making, or otherwise having as their primary activity holding or exercising control over, equity or debt investments
in Regency GP LLC or other portfolio companies.
“Rating Agencies” means Xxxxx’x and S&P.
“Ratings Categories” means:
(1) with respect to S&P, any of the following categories: AAA, AA, A, BBB, BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D (or equivalent successor categories); and
(2) with respect to Xxxxx’x, any of the following categories: Aaa, Aa, A, Baa, Ba, B, Caa, Ca, C and D (or equivalent successor categories).
“Ratings Decline” means a decrease in the rating of the Notes by either Xxxxx’x or S&P by one or more gradations (including gradations within Rating Categories as well as between Rating Categories). In determining whether the rating of the Notes has
decreased by one or more gradations, gradations within Ratings Categories, namely + or - for S&P, and 1, 2, and 3 for Xxxxx’x, will be taken into account; for example, in the case of S&P, a ratings decline either from BB+ to BB or BB to B- will constitute a decrease of one gradation.
“Reporting Default” means a Default described in clause (4) under Section 6.01.
“Registration Rights Agreement” means (i) with respect to the Initial Notes, the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2009, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the other parties
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
named on the signature pages thereof, and (ii) with respect to any Additional Notes, the comparable agreement, in each case as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.
“Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Regulation S Global Note” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend, the Private Placement Legend and the OID Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee,
issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 903 of Regulation S.
“Responsible Officer, “ when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the Corporate Trust Administration of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee) or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed
by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
“Restricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note bearing the Private Placement Legend and the OID Legend.
“Restricted Global Note” means a Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend and the OID Legend.
“Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
“Restricted Subsidiary” of a Person means any Subsidiary of the referent Person that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary. Notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, Finance Corp. shall be a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners.
“Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Rule 903” means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Rule 904” means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act.
“S&P” means Standards & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The XxXxxx-Xxxx Companies, Inc., or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Senior Indebtedness” means with respect to any Person, Indebtedness of such Person, unless the instrument creating or evidencing such Indebtedness provides that such Indebtedness is subordinate in right of payment to the Notes or the Note Guarantee of such Person, as the
case may be.
“Shelf Registration Statement” means a registration statement effecting a Shelf Registration as defined in the initial Registration Rights Agreement.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
“Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the date of this Indenture.
“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the original documentation governing such Indebtedness, and will not include
any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a partnership or limited liability company) of which more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of
the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof); and
(2) any partnership (whether general or limited) or limited liability company (a) the sole general partner or member of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person, or (b) if there is more than a single general partner or member, either (x) the only managing general
partners or managing members of which are such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof) or (y) such Person owns or controls, directly or indirectly, a majority of the outstanding general partner interests, member interests or other Voting Stock of such partnership or limited liability company, respectively.
“TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb).
“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Redemption Date, the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has
become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the Redemption Date to June 1, 2013; provided, however, that if such period is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly
average yield is given, Regency Energy Partners shall obtain the Treasury Rate by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the Redemption Date to June 1, 2013, is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used. Regency Energy Partners
will (a) calculate the Treasury Rate on the second Business Day preceding the applicable Redemption Date and (b) prior to such Redemption Date file with the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the Applicable Premium and the Treasury Rate and showing the calculation of each in reasonable detail.
“Trustee” means Xxxxx Fargo Bank, National Association, until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.
“2013 Notes Issue Date” means December 12, 2006, the date of original issue of the Issuers’ 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2013.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
“Unrestricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note that bears the OID Legend, does not bear and is not required to bear the Private Placement Legend
“Unrestricted Global Note” means a Global Note that bears the OID Legend, does not bear and is not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.
“Unrestricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners (other than Finance Corp. or any successor to it) that is designated by the Board of Directors of the General Partner as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors,
but only to the extent that such Subsidiary:
(1) except to the extent permitted by subclause (2)(b) of the definition of “Permitted Business Investments,” has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;
(2) except as permitted under clause (4) of Section 4.11 hereof, is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners unless the terms of any such agreement, contract,
arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to Regency Energy Partners or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of Regency Energy Partners;
(3) is a Person with respect to which neither Regency Energy Partners nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation (a) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (b) to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause
such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results; and
(4) has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit support for any Indebtedness of Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
All Subsidiaries of an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be also Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
“U.S. Person” means a U.S. Person as defined in Rule 902(k) promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Voting Stock” of any specified Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.
“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:
(1) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect of the Indebtedness, by (b) the number of years (calculated
to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by
(2) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 1.02 Other Definitions.
Term
|
Defined in Section |
“Affiliate Transaction” |
4.11 |
“Asset Sale Offer” |
3.09 |
“Authentication Order” |
2.02 |
“Change of Control Offer” |
4.15 |
“Change of Control Payment” |
4.15 |
“Change of Control Payment Date” |
4.15 |
“Covenant Defeasance” |
8.03 |
“DTC” |
2.03 |
“Event of Default” |
6.01 |
“Excess Proceeds” |
4.10 |
“Incremental Funds” |
4.07 |
“incur” |
4.09 |
“Legal Defeasance” |
8.02 |
“Offer Amount” |
3.09 |
“Offer Period” |
3.09 |
“Paying Agent” |
2.03 |
“Permitted Debt” |
4.09 |
“Payment Default” |
6.01 |
“Purchase Date” |
3.09 |
“Redemption Date” |
3.07 |
“Registrar” |
2.03 |
“Restricted Payments” |
4.07 |
Section 1.03 |
Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act. |
Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.
The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:
“indenture securities“ means the Notes and the Note Guarantees;
“indenture security holder” means a Holder of a Note;
“indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture;
“indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee“ means the Trustee; and
“obligor” on the Notes and the Note Guarantees means the Issuers and the Guarantors, respectively, and any successor obligor upon the Notes and the Note Guarantees, respectively.
All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 1.04 Rules of Construction.
Unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
(2) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;
(3) “or” is not exclusive;
(4) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular;
(5) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command;
(6) provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and
(7) references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act or Exchange Act will be deemed to include substitute, replacement of successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time to time.
ARTICLE 2
THE NOTES
Section 2.01 |
Form and Dating. |
(a) General. The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required
by law, stock exchange rule or usage. Each Note will be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
The terms and provisions contained in the Notes will constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture and the Issuers, the Guarantor and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby. However, to the extent any provision of
any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.
(b) Global Notes. Notes issued in global form will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (including the Global Note Legend thereon and the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global
Note” attached thereto). Notes issued in definitive form will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (but without the Global Note Legend thereon and without the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Each Global Note will represent such of the outstanding Notes as will be specified therein and each shall provide that it represents the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and
that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby will be made by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.06
hereof.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication.
At least one Officer must sign the Notes for each of the Issuers by manual or facsimile signature.
If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time a Note is authenticated, the Note will nevertheless be valid.
A Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee. The signature will be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.
The Trustee will, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuers signed by two Officers of each Issuer (an “Authentication Order”), authenticate Notes for original issue that may be validly issued under this Indenture, including any Additional Notes and Exchange Notes. The
aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding at any time may not exceed the aggregate principal amount of Notes authorized for issuance by the Issuers pursuant to one or more Authentication Orders, except as provided in Section 2.07 hereof.
The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Issuers to authenticate Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has
the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or an Affiliate of the Issuers.
Section 2.03 |
Registrar and Paying Agent. |
The Issuers will maintain an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“Registrar”) and an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (“Paying Agent”). The
Registrar will keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Issuers may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without
notice to any Holder. The Issuers will notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. If the Issuers fail to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. Regency Energy Partners, Finance Corp. or any of Regency Energy Partners’ other Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.
The Issuers initially appoint The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.
The Issuers initially appoint the Trustee to act as the Registrar and Paying Agent and to act as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.
Section 2.04 |
Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust. |
The Issuers will require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on the Notes, and will notify the Trustee of any default
by the Issuers in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee, The Issuers at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than Regency Energy Partners or a Subsidiary) will have no further
- 26 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
liability for the money. If Regency Energy Partners or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it will segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to Regency Energy Partners, the Trustee will serve
as Paying Agent for the Notes.
Section 2.05 |
Holder Lists. |
The Trustee will preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuers will furnish to the Trustee at least seven Business Days before each
interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders of Notes and the Issuers shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a).
Section 2.06 |
Transfer and Exchange. |
(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or to another
nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. All Global Notes will be exchanged by the Issuers for Definitive Notes if:
(1) the Issuers deliver to the Trustee notice from the Depositary that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as Depositary or that it is no longer a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the
Issuers within 120 days after the date of such notice from the Depositary;
(2) the Issuers in their sole discretion determine that the Global Notes (in whole but not in part) should be exchanged for Definitive Notes and deliver a written notice to such effect to the Trustee; or
(3) there has occurred and is continuing a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes and the Depositary notifies the Trustee of its decision to exchange the Global Notes for Definitive Notes.
Upon the occurrence of either of the preceding events in (1) or (2) above, Definitive Notes shall be issued in such names as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee. Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.07 and 2.10 hereof. Every Note authenticated and delivered
in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Sections 2.07 or 2.10 hereof, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a), however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b), (c) or (f) hereof.
(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes. The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with the provisions
of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes will be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also will require compliance with either subparagraph (1) or (2) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(1) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note. Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in
the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend. Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.06(b)(1).
(2) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to Section 2.06(b)(1) above, the transferor
of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar either:
(A) both:
(i) a written order from a participant or an indirect participant in the Depositary given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest
to be transferred or exchanged; and
(ii) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the participant account to be credited with such increase; or
(B) both:
(i) a written order from a participant or an indirect participant in the Depositary given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to cause to be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged; and
(ii) instructions given by the Depositary to the Registrar containing information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (i) above.
Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Issuers in accordance with Section 2.06(f) hereof, the requirements of this Section 2.06(b)(2) shall be deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by the Registrar of the instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the Holder of such beneficial interests in the Restricted
Global Notes. Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof.
(3) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial
interest in another Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(2) above and the Registrar receives the following:
(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof.
(4) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by
any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(2) above and:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer in accordance with the related Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of the beneficial interest to be transferred, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies
in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the related Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to an Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the related Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(i) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof;
or
(ii) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto,
including the certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein
and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuers shall issue and, upon receipt of a Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate, one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal
amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note.
(c) Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes.
(1) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted
Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:
(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(a) thereof;
(B) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(C) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a Non-U.S Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;
(D) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;
(E) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to an Institutional Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D) above, a certificate to the effect set
forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable;
(F) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to Regency Energy Partners or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or
(G) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,
the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive
Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depository. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest
in a R
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
stricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(1) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.
(2) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive
Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer in accordance with the related Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of such beneficial interest, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable
Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the related Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to an Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the related Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(i) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (l)(b) thereof; or
(ii) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications
in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein
and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
(3) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for
a Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(2) hereof, the Trustee will cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Issuers will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate
principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(3) will be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest requests through instructions to the Registrar from or through the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee will deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any
Definitive Note issued in
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(3) will not bear the Private Placement Legend.
(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests. Definitive Notes may not be exchanged for beneficial interests in a Global Note.
(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(e), the Registrar
will register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder must present or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting Holder must provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable,
required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.06(e).
(1) Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted
Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:
(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 144A, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; and
(C) if the transfer will be made pursuant to any other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel
required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.
(2) Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or transferred to a Person or Persons
who take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer in accordance with the related Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that
it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;
(B) any such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the related Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) any such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to an Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the related Registration Rights Agreement; or
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(i) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(d) thereof; or
(ii) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no
longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
(3) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of Unrestricted Definitive Notes may transfer such Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive
Note. Upon receipt of a request to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the instructions from the Holder thereof.
(f) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of an Exchange Offer in accordance with the related Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers will issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with
Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee will authenticate:
(1) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that
(A) they are not Broker-Dealers, (B) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (C) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers; and
(2) Unrestricted Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (A) they are not Broker-Dealers,
(B) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (C) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers.
Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee will cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Issuers will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders of Definitive Notes so accepted Unrestricted Definitive
Notes in the appropriate principal amount.
(g) Legends. The following legends will appear on the face of all Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions of this Indenture.
(1) Private Placement Legend.
(A) Except as permitted by subparagraph (B) below, each Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear the legend in substantially the following form:
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
“THE NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) EVIDENCED HEREBY WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER XXXXXXX 0 XX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXX SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND THE NOTE EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH
PURCHASER OF THE NOTE EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER OR ANOTHER EXEMPTION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT. THE HOLDER OF THE NOTE EVIDENCED HEREBY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUERS THAT (A) SUCH NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY (l)(A) TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN
RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT), PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (B) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144 OF THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A FOREIGN PERSON IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (D) TO AN “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 50l(A)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (AN “INSTITUTIONAL
ACCREDITED INVESTOR”) THAT IS PURCHASING AT LEAST $250,000 OF NOTES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR OR (E) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT; PROVIDED THAT IN THE CASE OF A TRANSFER UNDER CLAUSE (E) SUCH TRANSFER IS SUBJECT TO THE RECEIPT BY THE TRUSTEE OF A CERTIFICATION OF THE TRANSFEROR AND AN OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE EFFECT THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT, (2) TO THE
ISSUERS OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SUBSIDIARIES OR (3) UNDER AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND, IN EACH CASE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION AND THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THE NOTES AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER FROM IT OF THE NOTE EVIDENCED HEREBY OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN (A) ABOVE. IF ANY RESALE OR OTHER TRANSFER OF
ANY NOTE IS PROPOSED TO BE MADE UNDER CLAUSE (A)(1)(D) ABOVE WHILE THESE TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS ARE IN FORCE THEN THE TRANSFEROR SHALL DELIVER A LETTER FROM THE TRANSFEREE TO THE TRUSTEE WHICH SHALL PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE TRANSFEREE IS AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR AND THAT IT IS ACQUIRING THE SECURITIES FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT.”
(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraphs (b)(4), (c)(2), (c)(3), (d)(2), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(3) or (f) of this Section 2.06 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) will not bear the Private
Placement Legend.
(2) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note will bear a legend in substantially the following form:
“THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (1) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE R
- 34 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
QUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (2) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (3) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (4) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY
WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ISSUERS.
UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY
OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 XXXXX XXXXXX, XXX XXXX, XXX XXXX) (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUERS OR THEIR AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH
OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.”
(3) OID Legend. Each Note issued hereunder that has more than a de minimis amount of original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:
“THIS NOTE IS ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 1271 ET SEQ. OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. A HOLDER MAY OBTAIN THE ISSUE PRICE, AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT, ISSUE DATE AND YIELD TO MATURITY FOR SUCH NOTES BY SUBMITTING A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR SUCH INFORMATION TO THE ISSUERS AT THE
FOLLOWING ADDRESS: REGENCY ENERGY PARTNERS LP, 0000 XXXXX XXXXXX, XXXXX 0000, XXXXXX, XX 00000 ATTENTION: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.”
(h) Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed,
repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note will be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note will be reduced accordingly
and an endorsement will be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Note, such other Global Note will be increased accordingly and an endorsement will be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.
(i) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.
(1) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuers will execute and the Trustee will authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon receipt of a Company Order or at the Registrar’s request.
(2) No service charge will be made to a Holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuers may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental
charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.10, 3.06, 3.09, 4.10, 4.15 and 9.05 hereof).
(3) [Reserved.]
(4) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes will be the valid obligations of the Issuers, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes
or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
(5) Neither the Registrar nor the Issuers will be required:
(A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange, any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes for redemption under Section 3.02 hereof and ending at the close of business on the day of selection;
(B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part; or
(C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a record date and the next succeeding interest payment date.
(6) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Issuers may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and
interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Issuers shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
(7) The Trustee will authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes for original issue in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.02 hereof.
(8) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.06 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile.
(j) Automatic Exchange from Restricted Global Note to Unrestricted Global Note. At the option of the Issuers and upon compliance with the Applicable Procedures, beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note
shall be exchanged for beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note. Upon
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
such exchange of beneficial interests pursuant to this Section 2.06(j), the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date of such transfer and a decrease and increase, respectively, in the principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Note and the Unrestricted Global Note, respectively, equal to the principal amount of
beneficial interests transferred. Following any such transfer pursuant to this Section 2.06(j) of all of the beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note, such Restricted Global Note shall be cancelled.
(k) Transfers of Securities Held by Affiliates. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.06, any certificate (i) evidencing a Note that has been transferred to an affiliate (as defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act) of the Issuers, as evidenced by a notation on the certificate of transfer or certificate of exchange for such transfer or in the representation letter delivered in respect thereof, or (ii) evidencing a Note that has been acquired from an affiliate (other than by an affiliate) in a transaction or a chain of transactions not involving any public offering, as evidenced by a notation on the certificate of transfer or certificate of exchange for such transfer or in the representation letter
delivered in respect thereof, shall, until one year after the last date on which either the Issuers or any affiliate of the Issuers was an owner of such Note, in each case, be in the form of a permanent Definitive Note and bear the private placement legend subject to the restrictions in this Section 2.06. The Registrar shall retain copies of all letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to this Section 2.06(k). Regency Energy Partners, at its sole cost and expense,
shall have the right to inspect and make copies of all such letters, notices or other written communications at any reasonable time upon the giving of reasonable advance written notice to the Trustee.
Section 2.07 |
Replacement Notes. |
If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or the Issuers and the Trustee receives evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Issuers will issue and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, will authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee’s requirements are met. If required
by the Trustee or the Issuers, an indemnity bond must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Issuers to protect the Issuers, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Issuers and the Trustee may charge for their expenses in replacing a Note.
Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of each of the Issuers and will be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.
Section 2.08 |
Outstanding Notes. |
The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described in this Section 2.08 as not outstanding. Except
as set forth in Section 2.09 hereof, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuers or an Affiliate of the Issuers holds the Note; however, Notes held by Regency Energy Partners or a Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners shall not be deemed to be outstanding for purposes of Section 3.07(a) hereof.
If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a protected purchaser.
If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.01 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on it cease to accrue.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
If the Paying Agent (other than Regency Energy Partners, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of any thereof) holds as of 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, on a Redemption Date or other maturity date, money sufficient to pay Notes payable on that date, then on and after that date such Notes will be deemed to be no longer outstanding and will cease to accrue
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any.
Section 2.09 |
Treasury Notes. |
In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Issuers or any Guarantor, or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuers or any Guarantor, will be considered
as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee will be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that the Trustee knows are so owned will be so disregarded.
Section 2.10 |
Temporary Notes. |
Until certificates representing Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuers may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, will authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes will be substantially in the form of certificated Notes but may have variations that the Issuers consider appropriate for temporary Notes
and as may be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. Without unreasonable delay, the Issuers will prepare and the Trustee will authenticate definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes.
Holders of temporary Notes will be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture.
Section 2.11 |
Cancellation. |
The Issuers at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent will forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else will cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment,
replacement or cancellation and will destroy canceled Notes (subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange Act). Certification of the destruction of all canceled Notes will be delivered to the Issuers. The Issuers may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that they have paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
Section 2.12 |
Defaulted Interest. |
If the Issuers default in a payment of interest on the Notes, they will pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof. The
Issuers will notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment. The Issuers will fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date; provided that no such special record date may be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest. At least 15 days before the special record date, the Issuers (or,
upon the written request of the Issuers, the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuers) will mail or cause to be mailed to Holders a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
ARTICLE 3
REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE
Section 3.01 |
Notices to Trustee. |
If the Issuers elect to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.07 hereof, Regency Energy Partners must furnish to the Trustee, at least five Business Days before the giving of the notice of redemption pursuant to Section 3.03, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth:
(1) the clause of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur,
(2) the Redemption Date;
(3) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed; and
(4) the redemption price, if then determinable and, if not, then a method for determination.
Section 3.02 |
Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed. |
If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee will select Notes for redemption as follows:
(1) if the Notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed; or
(2) if the Notes are not listed on any national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate.
No Notes of $1,000 or less can be redeemed in part.
Section 3.03 |
Notice of Redemption. |
Subject to the provisions of Section 3.09 hereof, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a Redemption Date, the Issuers will mail or cause to be mailed, by first class mail, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days
prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture pursuant to Articles 8 or 11 hereof.
The notice will identify the Notes to be redeemed and will state:
(1) the Redemption Date;
(2) the redemption price, if then determinable, and, if not, then a method for determination;
(3) if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the Redemption Date upon surrender of such Note, a new
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion will be issued upon cancellation of the original Note;
(4) the name and address of the Paying Agent;
(5) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;
(6) that, unless the Issuers default in making such redemption payment, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the Redemption Date;
(7) the paragraph of the Notes and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed; and
(8) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes.
At the Issuers’ request, the Trustee will give the notice of redemption in the Issuers’ names and at their expense; provided, however, that the Issuers have delivered to the Trustee, at least five
Business Days prior to the date of giving such notice, an Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in the preceding paragraph. Such Officers’ Certificate may be combined with the Officers’ Certificate referred to
in Section 3.01.
Section 3.04 |
Effect of Notice of Redemption. |
Once notice of redemption is delivered in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price. A notice of redemption may not be conditional.
Section 3.05 |
Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price. |
By 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the redemption or purchase date, the Issuers will deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of and accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on all Notes to be redeemed or purchased on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent
will promptly return to the Issuers any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Issuers in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption or purchase price of, and accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, all Notes to be redeemed or purchased.
If the Issuers comply with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption or purchase date, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, will cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption or surrendered for purchase. If a Note is redeemed or purchased on or after an interest record
date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such record date. If any Note called for redemption or surrendered for purchase is not so paid upon surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Issuers to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption or purchase date until such principal
is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 3.06 Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part.
Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed or purchased in part, the Issuers will issue and, upon receipt of a Company Order, the Trustee will authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Issuers a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered.
Section 3.07 |
Optional Redemption. |
(a) At any time prior to June 1, 2012, the Issuers may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) issued under this Indenture, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption
price of 109.375% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date), with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings by Regency Energy Partners; provided that:
(1) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) issued under this Indenture (excluding Notes held by Regency Energy Partners and its Subsidiaries) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption; and
(2) the redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering.
(b) Except pursuant to the preceding paragraph and paragraph (d) of this Section 3.07 and of Section 4.15, the Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuers’ option prior to June 1, 2013.
(c) On or after June 1, 2013, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, on the Notes redeemed to the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on June 1 of each year indicated below, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date:
Year |
Percentage |
2013 |
104.688% |
2014 |
102.344% |
2015 |
100.000% |
Unless the Issuers default in the payment of the redemption price, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable Redemption Date.
(d) At any time prior to June 1, 2013, the Issuers may also redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and
accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of redemption (the “Redemption Date”), subject to the rights of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(e) Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.
Section 3.08 |
[Reserved]. |
Section 3.09 |
Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds. |
In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof, Regency Energy Partners is required to commence an offer to all Holders to purchase Notes (an “Asset Sale Offer”), it will follow the procedures specified below.
The Asset Sale Offer shall be made to all Holders and all holders of other Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in this Indenture with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets. The
Asset Sale Offer will remain open for a period of at least 20 Business Days following its commencement and not more than 30 Business Days, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the “Offer Period”). No later than three Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period (the “Purchase Date”), the Issuers will apply all Excess
Proceeds (the “Offer Amount”) to the purchase of Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness (on a pro rata basis, if applicable) or, if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes and other Indebtedness tendered in response to the Asset Sale Offer. Payment for any Notes so purchased will be made in the manner
prescribed in the Notes.
If the Purchase Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, will be paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest or Liquidated Damages will be
payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.
Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the Issuers will send, by first class mail, a notice to the Trustee and each of the Holders. The notice will contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer. The notice, which will govern the terms of
the Asset Sale Offer, will state:
(1) that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and Section 4.10 hereof and the length of time the Asset Sale Offer will remain open;
(2) the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Purchase Date;
(3) that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment will continue to accrue interest and Liquidated Damages, if any;
(4) that, unless the Issuers default in making such payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer will cease to accrue interest and Liquidate Damages, if any, after the Purchase Date;
(5) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer may elect to have Notes purchased in integral multiples of $1,000 only;
(6) that Holders electing to have Notes purchased pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer will be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Issuers,
a dep
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
sitary, if appointed by the Issuers, or a Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice at least three Business Days before the Purchase Date;
(7) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Issuers, the depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than the expiration of the Offer Period, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the
Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased;
(8) that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness surrendered by holders thereof exceeds the Offer Amount, the Issuers will select the Notes and other pari
passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the principal amount of Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness surrendered (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Issuers so that only Notes in denominations of $1,000, or integral multiples thereof, will be purchased); and
(9) that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part will be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer).
On or before the Purchase Date, the Issuers will, to the extent lawful, accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Offer Amount allocable to the Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, or if less than the Offer Amount allocable
to the Notes has been tendered, all Notes tendered, and will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Issuers in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.09. The Issuers, the depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, will promptly (but in any case not later than five days after the Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder
an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Issuers for purchase, and the Issuers will promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, will authenticate and mail or deliver (or cause to be transferred by book entry) such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered. Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed or delivered by the Issuers to the Holder thereof. The
Issuers will publicly announce the results of the Asset Sale Offer on the Purchase Date.
Other than as specifically provided in this Section 3.09, any purchase pursuant to this Section 3.09 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.05 and 3.06 hereof.
ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS
Section 4.01 |
Payment of Notes. |
The Issuers shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any will be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other
than the Regency Energy Partners or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Issuers in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated
- 43 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Damages, if any, then due. The Issuers will pay all Liquidated Damages, if any, in the same manner as interest on the dates and in the amounts set forth in the applicable Registration Rights Agreement.
The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, at the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments
of interest and Liquidated Damages (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful.
The Issuers shall notify the Trustee of the amounts and payment dates of any Liquidated Damages that may become payable under any Registration Rights Agreement.
Section 4.02 |
Maintenance of Office or Agency. |
The Issuers shall maintain in the continental United States an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuers in respect of the Notes and this
Indenture may be served. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Issuers fail to maintain any such required office or agency or fails to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.
The Issuers may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however,
that no such designation or rescission will in any manner relieve the Issuers of their obligation to maintain an office or agency in the continental United States for such purposes. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.
The Issuers hereby designate the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Issuers in accordance with Section 2.03 hereof.
Section 4.03 |
Reports. |
(a) Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any Notes are outstanding, Regency Energy Partners will furnish (whether through hard copy or internet access) to the Holders of Notes or cause the Trustee to furnish to the Holders of Notes, within
the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations:
(1) all quarterly and annual reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if Regency Energy Partners were required to file such reports; and
(2) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if Regency Energy Partners were required to file such reports.
All such reports will be prepared in all material respects in accordance with all of the rules and regulations applicable to such reports, including Section 3-10 of Regulation S-X. Each annual report on Form 10-K will include a report on Regency Energy Partners’ consolidated financial statements by Regency Energy Partners’
independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, Regency Ene
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
gy Partners will file a copy of each of the reports referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above with the SEC for public availability within the time periods specified in the rules and regulations applicable to such reports (unless the SEC will not accept such a filing) and will post the reports on its website within those time periods.
If, at any time Regency Energy Partners is no longer subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for any reason, Regency Energy Partners will nevertheless continue filing the reports specified in the preceding paragraphs of this Section 4.03 with the SEC within the time periods specified above unless the SEC will
not accept such a filing; provided that, for so long as Regency Energy Partners is not subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for any reason, the time period for filing reports on Form 8-K shall be 5 Business Days after the event giving rise to the obligation to file such report. Regency Energy Partners will not take any action for the purpose of causing the SEC not to accept any such filings. If, notwithstanding
the foregoing, the SEC will not accept Regency Energy Partners’ filings for any reason, Regency Energy Partners will post the reports referred to in the preceding paragraphs on its website within the time periods that would apply if Regency Energy Partners were required to file those reports with the SEC.
(b) For so long as any Notes remain outstanding, if at any time they are not required to file with the SEC the reports required by Section 4.03(a), Regency Energy Partners and the Guarantors will furnish to the Holders of Notes and to securities analysts and prospective investors,
upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
Section 4.04 |
Compliance Certificate. |
(a) The Issuers and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the TIA) shall deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers’ Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Issuers and Regency
Energy Partners’ Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining whether the Issuers have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled their obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Issuers have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and are not in default in the performance
or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default has occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Issuers are taking or propose to take with respect thereto).
(b) So long as any of the Notes are outstanding, the Issuers will deliver to the Trustee, promptly upon any Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Issuers are taking
or propose to take with respect thereto.
Section 4.05 |
Taxes. |
The Issuers shall pay, and will cause each of Regency Energy Partners’ Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency, all material taxes, assessments, and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the
Holders of the Notes.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 4.06 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.
The Issuers and each of the Guarantors covenant (to the extent that they may lawfully do so) that they shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the
performance of this Indenture; and the Issuers and each of the Guarantors (to the extent that they may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waive all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that they will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.
Section 4.07 |
Restricted Payments. |
(a) Regency Energy Partners shall not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:
(1) declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution on account of its outstanding Equity Interests (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) or to the
direct or indirect holders of Regency Energy Partners’ or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests in their capacity as such (other than distributions or dividends payable in Equity Interests, excluding Disqualified Equity, of Regency Equity Partners and other than distributions or dividends payable to Regency Energy Partners or a Restricted Subsidiary);
(2) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including in connection with any merger or consolidation involving Regency Energy Partners) any Equity Interests of Regency Energy Partners or any direct or indirect parent of Regency Energy Partners;
(3) make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness of Regency Energy Partners or any Guarantor that is contractually subordinated to the Notes or to any Note Guarantee (excluding intercompany Indebtedness
between or among Regency Energy Partners and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), except a payment of interest or principal within one month of the Stated Maturity thereof; or
(4) make any Restricted Investment (all such payments and other actions set forth in these clauses (1) through (4) above being collectively referred to as “Restricted Payments”),
unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, no Default (except a Reporting Default) or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a consequence of such Restricted Payment and either:
(1) if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for Regency Energy Partners’ most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment is not less than 1.75 to 1.0, such Restricted Payment, together
with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (2), (3), (4) (to the extent, in the case of clause (4), payments are made to Regency Energy Partners or a Restricted Subsidiary), (5), (6), (7) and (8) of Section 4.07(b) hereof) during the quarter in which such Restricted Payment is made, is less than the sum, without duplication, of:
- 46 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(A) Available Cash from Operating Surplus as of the end of the immediately preceding quarter; plus
(B) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by Regency Energy Partners (including the Fair Market Value of any Permitted Business or long-term assets that are used or useful in a Permitted Business to the extent acquired in consideration of Equity Interests of Regency
Energy Partners (other than Disqualified Equity)) since the 2013 Notes Issue Date as a contribution to its common equity capital or from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of Regency Energy Partners (other than Disqualified Equity) or from the issue or sale of convertible or exchangeable Disqualified Equity or convertible or exchangeable debt securities of Regency Energy Partners that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests (other than Equity Interests (or Disqualified Equity or debt
securities) sold to a Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners); plus
(C) to the extent that any Restricted Investment that was made after the 2013 Notes Issue Date is sold for cash or Cash Equivalents or otherwise liquidated or repaid for cash or Cash Equivalents, the return of capital with respect to such Restricted Investment (less the cost
of disposition, if any); plus
(D) the net reduction in Restricted Investments resulting from dividends, repayments of loans or advances, or other transfers of assets in each case to Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from any Person (including Unrestricted Subsidiaries) or from
redesignations of Unrestricted Subsidiaries as Restricted Subsidiaries, to the extent such amounts have not been included in Available Cash from Operating Surplus for any period commencing on or after the 2013 Notes Issue Date (items (b), (c) and (d) being referred to as “Incremental Funds”); minus
(E) the aggregate amount of Incremental Funds previously expended pursuant to this clause (1) and clause (2) below; or
(2) if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for Regency Energy Partners’ most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment is less than 1.75 to 1.0, such Restricted Payment, together with
the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (2),(3),(4) (to the extent, in the case of clause (4), payments are made to Regency Energy Partners or a Restricted Subsidiary), (5), (6), (7) and (8) of Section 4.07(b) hereof) during the quarter in which such Restricted Payment is made (such Restricted Payments for purposes of this clause (2) meaning only distributions on common units and subordinated
units of Regency Energy Partners, plus the related distribution on the general partner interest), is less than the sum, without duplication, of:
(A) $100.0 million less the aggregate amount of all prior Restricted Payments made by Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to this clause (2)(A) during the period since the 2013 Notes Issue Date; plus
(B) Incremental Funds to the extent not previously expended to this clause (2) or clause (1) above.
- 47 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(b) The provisions of Section 4.07(a) hereof shall not prohibit:
(1) the payment of any dividend or distribution within 60 days after the date of its declaration, if at the date of declaration the payment would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;
(2) so long as no Default (except a Reporting Default) has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, the redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition of subordinated Indebtedness of Regency Energy Partners or any Guarantor or of any Equity
Interests of Regency Energy Partners in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of, a substantially concurrent (a) capital contribution to Regency Energy Partners from any Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners) or (b) sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners) of Equity Interests of Regency Energy Partners, with a sale being deemed substantially concurrent if such redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition occurs not more
than 120 days after such sale; provided that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any such redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition will be excluded or deducted from the calculation of Available Cash from Operating Surplus and Incremental Funds;
(3) so long as no Default (except a Reporting Default) has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, the defeasance, redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of any subordinated Indebtedness of Regency Energy Partners or any Guarantor with the
net cash proceeds from an incurrence of, or in exchange for, Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;
(4) the payment of any distribution or dividend by a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners to the holders of its Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity) on a pro rata basis;
(5) so long as no Default (except a Reporting Default) has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Equity Interests of Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary of Regency
Energy Partners held by any current or former officer, director or employee of the General Partner, Regency Energy Partners or any of Regency Energy Partners’ Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to any equity subscription agreement or plan, stock or unit option agreement, shareholders’ agreement or similar agreement; provided that the aggregate price paid for all such repurchased, redeemed, acquired or retired Equity Interests may not exceed $2.0
million in any calendar year; provided further that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed (a) the cash proceeds received by Regency Energy Partners from the sale of Equity Interests of Regency Energy Partners to members of management or directors of the General Partner, Regency Energy Partners or its Restricted Subsidiaries that occurs after the 2013 Notes Issue Date (to the extent the cash proceeds from the sale of
such Equity Interests have not otherwise been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments by virtue of clauses (1)(B) or (2)(B) of Section 4.07(a) hereof), plus (b) the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by Regency Energy Partners after the 2013 Notes Issue Date;
(6) so long as no Default (except a Reporting Default) has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, payments of dividends on Disqualified Equity issued pursuant to Section 4.09 hereof;
- 48 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(7) repurchases of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options, warrants or other convertible securities if such Capital Stock represents a portion of the exercise price of such options, warrants or other convertible securities; or
(8) so long as no Default (except a Reporting Default) has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, cash payments in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares in connection with the exercise of warrants, options or other securities convertible into or exchangeable
for Capital Stock of Regency Energy Partners.
The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the Fair Market Value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be transferred or issued by Regency Energy Partners or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The Fair Market Value of
any assets or securities that are required to be valued by this Section 4.07 will be determined, in the case of amounts under $15.0 million, by an Officer of the General Partner and, in the case of amounts over $15.0 million, by the Board of Directors of the General Partner, whose resolution with respect thereto shall be delivered to the Trustee. For the purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.07, if a Restricted Payment meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Restricted
Payments described in the preceding clauses (1)-(8), Regency Energy Partners will be permitted to classify (or reclassify in whole or in part in its sole discretion) such Restricted Payment in any manner that complies with this Section 4.07.
Section 4.08 |
Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries. |
(a) Regency Energy Partners shall not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:
(1) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Equity Interests to Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or to pay any indebtedness owed to Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(2) make loans or advances to Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or
(3) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
(b) The restrictions in Section 4.08(a) hereof will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:
(1) agreements as in effect on the date of this Indenture and any amendments, restatements, modifications, renewals, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of those agreements or the Indebtedness to which they relate; provided that
the amendments, restatements, modifications, renewals, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend, distribution and other payment restrictions than those contained in those agreements on the date of this Indenture;
(2) this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees;
(3) applicable law, rule, regulation or order;
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(4) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Equity Interests of a Person acquired by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness or Equity Interests were incurred in connection
with or in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired; provided that, in the case of Indebtedness, the incurrence thereof was otherwise permitted by the terms of this Indenture;
(5) customary non-assignment provisions contracts for purchase, gathering, processing, sale, transportation or exchange of crude oil, natural gas liquids, condensate and natural gas, natural gas storage agreements, in transportation agreements or purchase and sale or exchange
agreements, pipeline or terminating agreements, or similar operational agreements or in licenses or leases, in each case licenses entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(6) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business and Capital Lease Obligations that impose restrictions on the property purchased or leased of the nature described in clause (3) of Section 4.08(a) hereof;
(7) any agreement for the sale or other disposition of a Restricted Subsidiary that restricts distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition;
(8) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained
in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced;
(9) Liens permitted to be incurred under the provisions of Section 4.12 hereof that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets subject to such Liens;
(10) provisions limiting the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint venture agreements, asset sale agreements, sale-leaseback agreements, stock sale agreements, buy/sell agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(11) any agreement or instrument relating to any property or assets acquired after the date hereof, so long as such encumbrance or restriction relates only to the property or assets so acquired and is not and was not created in anticipation of such acquisitions;
(12) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business; and
(13) any instrument governing Indebtedness of an FERC Subsidiary, provided that such Indebtedness was otherwise permitted by this Indenture to be incurred
Section 4.09 |
Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Equity. |
(a) Regency Energy Partners shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to (collectively, “incur”)
any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt), and Regency Energy Partners will not issue any Disqualified Equity and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any Disqualified Equity; provided, however, that Regency Energy Partners and any Restricted Subsidiary may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and
- 50 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Regency Energy Partners and the Restricted Subsidiaries may issue Disqualified Equity, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for Regency Energy Partners’ most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or
such Disqualified Equity is issued, as the case may be, would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred or the Disqualified Equity had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period.
(b) The provisions of Section 4.09(a) hereof shall not prohibit the incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, “Permitted Debt”) or the issuance of any preferred securities described
in clause (ii) below:
(1) the incurrence by Regency Energy Partners and any Restricted Subsidiary of additional Indebtedness (including any letters of credit) under one or more Credit Facilities, provided, that, after giving effect to such
incurrence, the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness incurred under this clause (1) (with letters of credit being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the maximum potential liability of Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries thereunder) and then outstanding does not exceed the greater of (a) $900.0 million and (b) the sum of $500.0 million and 20.0% of Regency Energy Partners’ Consolidated Net Tangible Assets;
(2) the incurrence by Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries of the Existing Indebtedness;
(3) the incurrence by Regency Energy Partners, Finance Corp. and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the Notes and the related Note Guarantees to be issued on the date of this Indenture and the Exchange Notes and the related Note Guarantees to be issued pursuant to
a Registration Rights Agreement;
(4) the incurrence by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings or purchase money obligations, in each case, incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase
price or cost of construction or improvement of property, plant or equipment used in the business of Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (4), provided that after giving effect to such incurrence the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness incurred pursuant
to this clause (4) and then outstanding does not exceed the greater of (a) $20.0 million and (b) 2.0% of Regency Energy Partners’ Consolidated Net Tangible Assets;
(5) the incurrence by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness (other than intercompany
Indebtedness) that was permitted by this Indenture to be incurred under Section 4.09(a) hereof or clauses (2) or (3) of this Section 4.09(b) or this clause (5);
(6) the incurrence by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of intercompany Indebtedness between or among Regency Energy Partners and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however,
that:
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(A) if Regency Energy Partners or any Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness and the payee is not Regency Energy Partners or a Guarantor, such Indebtedness must be expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations then due with respect to
the Notes, in the case of Regency Energy Partners, or the Note Guarantee, in the case of a Guarantor, and
(B) (1) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than Regency Energy Partners or a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners and (2) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness
to a Person that is not either Regency Energy Partners or a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners, will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by Regency Energy Partners or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that was not permitted by this clause (6);
(7) the incurrence by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Hedging Obligations;
(8) the guarantee by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness of Regency Energy Partners or a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners that was permitted to be incurred by another provision of this Section 4.09; provided that
if the Indebtedness being guaranteed is subordinated to or pari passu with the Notes, then the Guarantee shall be subordinated or pari passu, as applicable, to the same extent as the Indebtedness guaranteed;
(9) the incurrence by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of obligations relating to net gas balancing positions arising in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;
(10) the incurrence by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Acquired Debt in connection with a transaction meeting either one of the financial tests set forth in clause (4) under Section 5.01(a);
(11) the issuance by any of Regency Energy Partners’ Restricted Subsidiaries to Regency Energy Partners or to any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any preferred securities; pro-vided, however,
that:
(a) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such preferred securities being held by a Person other than Regency Energy Partners or a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners; and
(b) any sale or other transfer of any such preferred securities to a Person that is not either Regency Energy Partners or a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners
will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an issuance of such preferred securities by such Restricted Subsidiary that was not permitted by this clause (11); and
(12) the incurrence by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of additional Indebtedness; provided that, after giving effect to any such incurrence, the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness
incurred under this clause (12) and then outstanding does not
- 52 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
exceed the greater of (a) $25.0 million and (b) 2.5% of Regency Energy Partners’ Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.
Regency Energy Partners shall not incur, and shall not permit Finance Corp. or any Guarantor to incur, any Indebtedness (including Permitted Debt) that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of Regency Energy Partners, Finance Corp. or such Guarantor unless such Indebtedness is also contractually subordinated
in right of payment to the Notes and the applicable Note Guarantee on substantially identical terms; provided, however, that no Indebtedness of a Person shall be deemed to be contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of such Person solely by virtue of being unsecured or by virtue of being secured on a first or junior Lien basis.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.09, if an item of proposed Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (1) through (12) above, or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a) hereof, Regency Energy Partners will be permitted to classify such
item of Indebtedness on the date of its incurrence, or later reclassify all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness, in any manner that complies with this Section 4.09. Indebtedness under Credit Facilities outstanding on the date on which Notes are first issued and authenticated under this Indenture will initially be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance on the exception provided by clause (1) of the definition of Permitted Debt.
The accrual of interest, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, the reclassification of preferred stock as Indebtedness due to a change in accounting principles, and the payment of dividends on Disqualified Equity in
the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Equity will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Equity for purposes of this Section 4.09; provided, however, in each such case, that the amount of any such accrual, accretion or payment is included in Fixed Charges of Regency Energy Partners as accrued. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Section 4.09, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary may incur pursuant to this Section 4.09 shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in exchange rates or currency values.
Section 4.10 |
Asset Sales. |
Regency Energy Partners shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:
(1) Regency Energy Partners (or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of the Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of;
(2) such Fair Market Value is determined by (a) an executive Officer of the General Partner if the value is less than $15.0 million, as evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee, or (b) the Board of Directors of the General Partner if the value is
$15.0 million or more, as evidenced by a resolution of such Board of Directors of the General Partners; and
(3) at least 75% of the aggregate consideration received by Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Asset Sale and all other Asset Sales since the 2013 Notes Issue Date is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents. For purposes of this provision,
each of the following shall be deemed to be cash:
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(A) any liabilities, as shown on Regency Energy Partners’ most recent consolidated balance sheet, of Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any Note Guarantee)
that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary novation agreement that releases Regency Energy Partners or such Restricted Subsidiary from further liability; and
(B) any securities, notes or other obligations received by Regency Energy Partners or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are within 90 days after the Asset Sale (subject to ordinary settlement periods), converted by Regency Energy Partners or such Restricted
Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents, to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received in that conversion.
Within 360 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale, Regency Energy Partners (or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) may apply such Net Proceeds:
(1) to repay Senior Indebtedness of Regency Energy Partners and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries (or to make an offer to repurchase or redeem such Indebtedness, provided that such repurchase or redemption closes within
45 days after the end of such 360-day period) with a permanent reduction in availability for any revolving credit Indebtedness;
(2) to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, or any Capital Stock of, another Permitted Business, if, after giving effect to any such acquisition of Capital Stock, the Permitted Business is or becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners;
(3) to make a capital expenditure; or
(4) to acquire other assets that are not classified as current assets under GAAP and that are used or useful in a Permitted Business.
Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds, Regency Energy Partners or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary may temporarily reduce revolving credit borrowings or otherwise invest the Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by this Indenture.
Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in the second paragraph of this Section 4.10 will constitute “Excess Proceeds.” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $20.0 million, within five days thereof, Regency
Energy Partners will make an Asset Sale Offer, pursuant to Section 3.09, to all Holders of Notes and all holders of other Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in this Indenture with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness
that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the purchase date, and will be payable in cash. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset
Sale Offer, Regency Energy Partners may use those Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, then the Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness shall be purchased on a pro
rata basis (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Issuers so that only Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness will be purchased in an authorized denomination and integral multiples thereof). Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
In making an Asset Sale Offer Regency Energy Partners will comply with the applicable requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and other securities laws and regulations. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of Section 3.09 hereof or this Section 4.10, Regency
Energy Partners will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under Section 3.09 hereof or this Section 4.10 by virtue of such compliance.
Section 4.11 |
Transactions with Affiliates. |
(a) Regency Energy Partners shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend
any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of Regency Energy Partners (each an “Affiliate Transaction”), unless:
(1) the Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to Regency Energy Partners or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by Regency Energy Partners or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated
Person; and
(2) Regency Energy Partners delivers to the Trustee:
(A) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $25.0 million, a resolution of the Board of Directors of the General Partner set forth in an Officers’ Certificate certifying that
such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions complies with clause (1) of this Section 4.11 (a) and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of Regency Energy Partners; and
(B) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $50.0 million, a written opinion as to the fairness to Regency Energy Partners or such Subsidiary of such Affiliate Transaction or series
of related Affiliate Transactions from a financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of recognized industry standing.
(b) The following items will not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, shall not be subject to the provisions of Section 4.11(a) hereof:
(1) any employment agreement, equity award, equity option or equity appreciation agreement or plan or any similar arrangement entered into by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and payments pursuant thereto;
(2) transactions between or among Regency Energy Partners and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(3) transactions with a Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners) that is an Affiliate of Regency Energy Partners solely because Regency Energy Partners owns, directly or through a Restricted Subsidiary, an Equity Interest in, or controls, such
Person;
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(4) any issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity) of Regency Energy Partners to Affiliates of Regency Energy Partners;
(5) Restricted Payments or Permitted Investments that do not violate Section 4.07 hereof;
(6) customary compensation, indemnification and other benefits made available to officers, directors or employees of Regency Energy Partners, a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners or the General Partner, including reimbursement or advancement of out-of-pocket expenses
and provisions of officers’ and directors’ liability insurance;
(7) in the case of contracts for purchase, gathering, processing, sale, transportation and marketing of crude oil, natural gas, condensate and natural gas liquids, hedging agreements, and production handling, operating, construction, terminaling, storage, lease, platform use,
or other operational contracts, any such contracts are entered into in the ordinary course of business on terms substantially similar to those contained in similar contracts entered into by Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary and third parties, or if neither Regency Energy Partners nor any Restricted Subsidiary has entered into a similar contract with a third party, that the terms are no less favorable than those available from third parties on an arm’s length basis, as determined by the
Board of Directors of the General Partner;
(8) loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course of business not to exceed $1.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;
(9) transactions effected in accordance with the terms of the Contribution Agreement, the Partnership Agreement, the Master Services Agreement or the AMI Agreement, as the case may be, referred to in the Current Report on Form 8-K of Regency Energy Partners filed with the SEC
on March 18, 2009, as each such agreement is in effect on the date of this Indenture, and any amendment or extension of such agreement so long as the terms of such amendment or extension, taken as a whole, are not less advantageous to Regency Energy Partners or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary (as determined by the Board of Directors of the General Partner in its reasonable good faith judgment) in any material respect than the agreement so amended or extended; and
(10) in the case of any contract, agreement or understanding (or amendment thereto) entered into with one or more Affiliates of Regency Energy Partners, whether or not in the ordinary course of business,
that is of a type with respect to which investment banking firms of recognized industry standing generally do not render fairness opinions, if Regency Energy Partners delivers to the Trustee a resolution of the Board of Directors of the General Partner set forth in an Officers’ Certificate certifying (i) that such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions complies with clause (a)(1) of this Section 4.11 and that such Affiliate Transaction or series
of related Affiliate Transactions has been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of Regency Energy Partners and (ii) either (x) Regency Energy Partners has used commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a fairness opinion with respect to such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions from investment banking firms of recognized industry standing and was unable to obtain a fairness opinion or (y) a majority of the disinterested members of the Board
of Directors of Regency Energy Partners has determined that investment banking firms of recognized industry standing generally would not render fairness opinions with respect to such transaction.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 4.12 Liens.
Regency Energy Partners will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind (other than Permitted Liens) securing Indebtedness (including any Attributable Debt) upon any of their property or assets, now owned or hereafter
acquired, unless all payments due under the Notes are secured on an equal and ratable basis or on a senior basis with obligations so secured until such time as such obligations are no longer secured by a Lien (other than Permitted Liens).
Section 4.13 |
Business Activities. |
Regency Energy Partners shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, engage in any business other than Permitted Businesses, except to such extent as would not be material to Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Finance Corp. shall not hold any material assets, become liable for any material obligations or engage in any significant business activities; provided, that Finance Corp. may be a co-obligor or guarantor with respect to Indebtedness if Regency Energy Partners is an obligor on such
Indebtedness and the net proceeds of such Indebtedness are received by Regency Energy Partners, Finance Corp. or one or more Guarantors. At any time after Regency Energy Partners is a corporation, Finance Corp. may consolidate or merge with or into Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary.
Section 4.14 |
Corporate Existence. |
Subject to Article 5 hereof, Regency Energy Partners shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect:
(1) its limited partnership existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of Regency Energy Partners or any such
Restricted Subsidiary; and
(2) the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
provided, however, that Regency Energy Partners shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, if it shall determine
that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.
Section 4.15 |
Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control. |
(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, Regency Energy Partners shall make an offer (a “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder of Notes to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral
multiple of $1,000) of that Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes repurchased to, but excluding, the date of purchase, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is prior to the purchase date (the “Change of Control
Payment”). Within 30 days following any
- 57 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Change of Control, Regency Energy Partners will mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and stating:
(1) that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.15 and that all Notes tendered will be accepted for payment;
(2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which shall be no earlier than 20 Business Days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);
(3) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest and Liquidated Damages, if any;
(4) that, unless Regency Energy Partners Default in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, after the Change of Control Payment Date;
(5) that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer,
to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;
(6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the second Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name
of the Holder, the principal amount of Notes delivered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have the Notes purchased; and
(7) that Holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, which unpurchased portion must be equal to $1,000 in principal amount or an integral multiple thereof.
Regency Energy Partners shall comply with all applicable requirements of Rule 14e-l under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section 4.15, Regency Energy Partners shall comply with the applicable
securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.15 by virtue of such compliance.
(b) On the Change of Control Payment Date, Regency Energy Partners shall, to the extent lawful:
(1) accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;
(2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered; and
- 58 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions of Notes being purchased by the Issuers.
The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each Holder of Notes properly tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes (or, to the extent the Notes are in global form, make such payment through the facilities of DTC), and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Note
equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered; provided, that each new Note will be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000. Regency Energy Partners will publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.
The provisions described above that require the Issuers to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control will be applicable whether or not any other provisions of this Indenture are applicable.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.15, Regency Energy Partners will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if (1) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance
with the requirements set forth in this Section 4.15 and purchases all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under the Change of Control Offer, or (2) notice of redemption has been given pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof, unless and until there is a default in payment of the applicable redemption price. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditioned upon the consummation of such Change of Control,
if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time the Change of Control Offer is made.
(d) In the event that Holders of not less than 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes accept a Change of Control Offer and Regency Energy Partners purchases all of the Notes held by such Holders, Regency Energy Partners will have the right, upon not less
than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following the purchase pursuant to the Change of Control Offer described above, to redeem all of the Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to, but excluding, the date of redemption, subject to the right of the Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to
receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date.
Section 4.16 |
Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. |
Regency Energy Partners shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any sale and leaseback transaction; provided that Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary may enter into a sale and leaseback transaction if the transfer of assets
in that sale and leaseback transaction is permitted by, and Regency Energy Partners or such Restricted Subsidiary applies the proceeds of such transaction in compliance with, Section 4.10 hereof.
Section 4.17 |
Payments for Consent. |
Regency Energy Partners shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration to or for the benefit of any Holder of Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Notes unless such
consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all Holders of the
- 59 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
Section 4.18 |
Additional Guarantees. |
If, after the date of this Indenture, any Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners that is not already a Guarantor guarantees any Indebtedness of either of the Issuers or any Indebtedness of any Guarantor, or any Domestic Subsidiary, if not then a Guarantor, incurs any Indebtedness under any Credit Facility, then in either case that
Subsidiary will become a Guarantor by executing a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto and delivering it to the Trustee within 20 Business Days of the date on which it guaranteed or incurred such Indebtedness, as the case may be; provided, however, that the preceding shall not apply to Subsidiaries of Regency Energy Partners that have been properly designated as
Unrestricted Subsidiaries in accordance with this Indenture for so long as they continue to constitute Unrestricted Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the preceding, any Note Guarantee of a Restricted Subsidiary that was incurred pursuant to this paragraph as a result of its guarantee of any Indebtedness shall provide by its terms that it shall be automatically and unconditionally released upon the release or discharge of the Guarantee that resulted in the creation of such Restricted Subsidiary’s
Note Guarantee, except a discharge or release by, or as a result of payment under, such Guarantee.
Section 4.19 |
Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries. |
The Board of Directors of the General Partner may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if that designation would not cause a Default. If a Restricted Subsidiary is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the aggregate Fair Market Value of all outstanding Investments owned by Regency Energy Partners
and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary designated as Unrestricted will be deemed to be either an Investment made as of the time of the designation that will reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 4.07 hereof or a Permitted Investment under one or more clauses of the definition of Permitted Investments, as determined by Regency Energy Partners; provided that any designation will only be permitted if the Investment would
be permitted at that time and if the Restricted Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Any designation of a Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors of the General Partner giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied
with the preceding conditions and was permitted by Section 4.07 hereof. If, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding requirements as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, it will thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of this Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary will be deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners as of such date and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date under
Section 4.09 hereof, Regency Energy Partners will be in default of such covenant. The Board of Directors of the General Partner may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners; provided that such designation will be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary, and such
designation will only be permitted if (1) such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 4.09 hereof, calculated on a pro forma basis as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the four-quarter reference period; and (2) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 4.20 Termination of Covenants.
If at any time the Notes achieve an Investment Grade Rating from both of the Rating Agencies and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is then continuing under this Indenture, Regency Energy Partners and its Restricted Subsidiaries will no longer be subject to the following provisions of this Indenture:
(1) Section 4.10;
(2) Section 4.07;
(3) Section 4.08;
(4) Section 4.09;
(5) Section 4.11;
(6) Section 4.13;
(7) Section 4.19;
(8) Section 5.01(a)(4); and
(9) Section 4.16.
Promptly after such termination, Regency Energy Partners shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate certifying to such termination.
ARTICLE 5
SUCCESSORS
Section 5.01 |
Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets. |
(a) Neither of the Issuers may, directly or indirectly: (1) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not such Issuer is the surviving entity); or (2) sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the
properties or assets of Regency Energy Partners and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another Person, unless:
(1) either:
(A) such Issuer is the surviving entity; or
(B) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Issuer) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition has been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state
of the United States or the District of Columbia; provided, however, that Finance Corp. may not consolidate or merge with or into any Person other than a corporation satisfying such requirement so long as Regency Energy Partners is not a corporation;
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(2) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Issuer) or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition has been made assumes all the obligations of such Issuer under the Notes, this Indenture
and each Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;
(3) immediately after such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists;
(4) in the case of a transaction involving Regency Energy Partners and not Finance Corp., Regency Energy Partners or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than Regency Energy Partners), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease,
conveyance or other disposition has been made, will, either:
(A) be, on the date of such transaction after giving pro forma effect thereto and any related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to
the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a); or
(B) have a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, on the date of such transaction and after giving pro forma effect thereto and any related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, not less than the Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio of Regency Energy Partners immediately prior to such transaction; and
(5) such Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or disposition and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture and all conditions precedent therein relating
to such transaction have been satisfied;
provided that clause (4) shall not apply to any sale of assets of a Restricted Subsidiary to Regency Energy Partners or another Restricted Subsidiary or the merger or consolidation of a Restricted Subsidiary into any Restricted Subsidiary or Regency Energy Partners.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 5.01(a), Regency Energy Partners is permitted to reorganize as any other form of entity in accordance with the procedures established in this Indenture; provided that:
(1) the reorganization involves the conversion (by merger, sale, legal conversion, contribution or exchange of assets or otherwise) of Regency Energy Partners into a form of entity other than a limited partnership formed under Delaware law;
(2) the entity so formed by or resulting from such reorganization is an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
(3) the entity so formed by or resulting from such reorganization assumes all the obligations of Regency Energy Partners under the Notes, this Indenture and each Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;
(4) immediately after such reorganization no Default or Event of Default exists; and
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(5) such reorganization is not materially adverse to the Holders of the Notes (for purposes of this clause (5) it is stipulated that such reorganization shall not be considered materially adverse to the Holders of the Notes solely because the successor or survivor of such reorganization
(a) is subject to federal or state income taxation as an entity or (b) is considered to be an “includible corporation” of an affiliated group of corporations within the meaning of Section 1504(b)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any similar state or local law).
(c) A Guarantor may not sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets to, or consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person), another Person, other than Regency Energy Partners or another Guarantor,
except as permitted by Sections 10.04 and 10.05 hereof.
Section 5.02 |
Successor Person Substituted. |
Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of Regency Energy Partners in a transaction that is subject to, and that complies with the provisions of, Section 5.01 hereof, the successor Person formed by such consolidation
or into or with which Regency Energy Partners is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the “Regency Energy Partners” shall refer instead to the successor Person and not to Regency Energy Partners), and may exercise every right
and power of Regency Energy Partners under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as Regency Energy Partners herein.
ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Section 6.01 |
Events of Default. |
Each of the following is an “Event of Default”:
(1) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to, the Notes;
(2) default in the payment when due (at stated maturity, upon redemption or otherwise) of the principal of, or premium, if any, on, the Notes;
(3) failure by the Issuers or the Guarantors to make a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale Offer within the timer periods set forth, or consummate a purchase of Notes when required pursuant to the terms described in Sections 4.15 or 4.10 or comply with the provisions of
Section 5.01 hereof;
(4) failure by Regency Energy Partners for 90 days after notice to comply with the provisions of Section 4.03 hereof;
(5) failure by the Issuers or the Guarantors for 60 days after written notice to comply with any of the other agreements in this Indenture;
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(6) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed
by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), whether such indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the date of this Indenture, if that default:
(A) is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness on the date of such default (a “Payment Default”);
or
(B) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity,
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $20.0 million or more, provided, however,
that if, prior to any acceleration of the Notes, (i) any such Payment Default is cured or waived, (ii) any such acceleration is rescinded, or (iii) such Indebtedness is repaid during the 10 Business Day period commencing upon the end of any applicable grace period for such Payment Default or the occurrence of such acceleration, as applicable, any Default or Event of Default (but not any acceleration of the notes) caused by such Payment Default or acceleration shall automatically be rescinded, so long as such
rescission does not conflict with any judgment, decree or applicable law;
(7) failure by an Issuer or any of Regency Energy Partners’ Restricted Subsidiaries to pay final judgments entered by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction aggregating in excess of $20.0 million, which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of
60 days;
(8) an Issuer or any of Regency Energy Partners’ Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of Regency Energy Partners that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning
of Bankruptcy Law:
(A) commences a voluntary case,
(B) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,
(C) consents to the appointment of a custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property,
(D) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or
(E) generally is not paying its debts as they become due;
(9) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(A) is for relief against an Issuer or any of Regency Energy Partners’ Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Regency Energy Partners that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary in an
involuntary case;
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(B) appoints a custodian of an Issuer or any of Regency Energy Partners’ Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of Regency Energy Partners that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary or for
all or substantially all of the property of an Issuer or any of Regency Energy Partners’ Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of Regency Energy Partners that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; or
(C) orders the liquidation of an Issuer or any of Regency Energy Partners’ Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of Regency Energy Partners that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary;
and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; and
(10) except as permitted by this Indenture, any Note Guarantee is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect, or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or disaffirms
its Obligations under its Note Guarantee.
Section 6.02 |
Acceleration. |
In the case of an Event of Default specified in clause (8) or (9) of Section 6.01 hereof, with respect to Finance Corp., Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of Regency Energy Partners that, taken together, would constitute
a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare, by notice in writing to the Issuers, all the Notes to be due and payable immediately.
Upon any such declaration, the Notes shall become due and payable immediately.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes, rescind an acceleration or waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under this Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment
of interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, or the principal of, the Notes.
Section 6.03 |
Other Remedies. |
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder of a Note in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence
in the Event of Default. All remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 6.04 Waiver of Past Defaults.
Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive an existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences hereunder, except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium
and Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, the Notes (including in connection with an offer to purchase); provided, however, that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease
to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
Section 6.05 |
Control by Majority. |
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law
or this Indenture that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders of Notes or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability.
Section 6.06 |
Limitation on Suits. |
A Holder may pursue a remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes only if:
(1) such Holder gives to the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is continuing;
(2) Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
(3) such Holder or Holders offer and, if requested, provide to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;
(4) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity; and
(5) during such 60-day period, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request.
A Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder of a Note or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of a Note.
Section 6.07 |
Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment. |
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Note to receive payment of principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an offer to purchase), or to bring suit for the enforcement of
any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 6.08 Collection Suit by Trustee.
If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(1) or (2) hereof occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuers for the whole amount of principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest remaining unpaid on, the Notes and interest
on overdue principal and, to the extent lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.
Section 6.09 |
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. |
The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial
proceedings relative to the Issuers (or any other obligor upon the Notes), their creditors or their property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due
to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien on,
and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder,
or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
Section 6.10 |
Priorities. |
If the Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article 6, it shall pay out the money or property in the following order:
First: to the Trustee, its agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 7.07 hereof, including payment of all compensation, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and the costs and expenses of collection;
Second: to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium and
Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest, respectively; and
Third: to the Issuers or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders of Notes pursuant to this Section 6.10.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 6.11 Undertaking for Costs.
In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable
costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder of a Note pursuant to Section 6.07 hereof, or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.
Section 6.12 |
Willful Action or Inaction. |
In the case of any Event of Default occurring by reason of any willful action or inaction taken or not taken by or on behalf of an Issuer with the intention of avoiding payment of the premium that the Issuers would have had to pay if the Issuers then had elected to redeem the Notes on or after June 1, 2013 pursuant to Section 3.07, an equivalent
premium will also become and be immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon the acceleration of the Notes. If an Event of Default occurs prior to June 1, 2013 by reason of any willful action or inaction taken or not taken by or on behalf of an Issuer with the intention of avoiding the prohibition on redemption of the Notes prior to that date, then the applicable redemption price pursuant to Section 3.07 with respect to the first year that the Notes may be redeemed at the Issuers’
option (other than with the net cash proceeds of an Equity Offering or on a make-whole basis) will also become immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon the acceleration of the Notes.
ARTICLE 7
TRUSTEE
Section 7.01 |
Duties of Trustee. |
(a) If an Event of Default bas occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in
the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
(1) the duties of the Trustee will be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this
Indenture against the Trustee; and
(2) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However,
the Trustee will examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.
(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(1) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.01;
(2) the Trustee will not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
(3) the Trustee will not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05 hereof.
(d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this Section 7.01.
(e) No provision of this Indenture will require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability. The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights and powers under this Indenture at the request of any Holders, unless such Holder
has offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
(f) The Trustee will not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuers. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
Section 7.02 |
Rights of Trustee. |
(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely upon any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officers’ Certificate
or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel will be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.
(c) The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and will not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with due care.
(d) The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.
(e) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Issuers will be sufficient if signed by an Officer of each of the Issuers.
(f) The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security against the losses, liabilities
and expenses that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
(g) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.
(h) The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder.
Section 7.03 |
Individual Rights of Trustee. |
The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuers or any Affiliate of the Issuers with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the TIA) after a
Default has occurred and is continuing it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as trustee (if this Indenture has been qualified under the TIA) or resign. Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties. The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11 hereof.
Section 7.04 |
Trustee’s Disclaimer. |
The Trustee will not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes, it shall not be accountable for the Issuers’ use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Issuers or upon the Issuers’ direction under any provision of this Indenture, it will not be
responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it will not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.
Section 7.05 |
Notice of Defaults. |
If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee will mail to Holders of Notes a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any,
or interest on, any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Notes.
Section 7.06 |
Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes. |
(a) Within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with the May 15 following the date of this Indenture, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee will mail to the Holders of the Notes a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA § 313(a)
(but if no event described in TIA § 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also will comply with TIA § 313(b)(2). The Trustee will also transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA § 313(c).
(b) A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders of Notes will be mailed by the Trustee to the Issuers and filed by the Trustee with the SEC and each stock exchange on which the Notes are listed in accordance with TIA § 313(d). The Issuers
will promptly notify the Trustee when the Notes are listed on any stock exchange.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 7.07 Compensation and Indemnity.
(a) The Issuers will pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder. The Trustee’s compensation will not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The
Issuers will reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses will include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.
(b) The Issuers and the Guarantors will indemnify the Trustee against any and all losses, liabilities or expenses incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing
this Indenture against the Issuers and the Guarantors (including this Section 7.07) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Issuers, the Guarantors, any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith. The Trustee will notify the Issuers promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure
by the Trustee to so notify the Issuers will not relieve the Issuers or any of the Guarantors of their obligations hereunder. The Issuers or such Guarantor will defend the claim and the Trustee will cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have separate counsel and the Issuers will pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. Neither the Issuers nor any Guarantor need pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
(c) The obligations of the Issuers and the Guarantors under this Section 7.07 will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
(d) To secure the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ payment obligations in this Section 7.07, the Trustee will have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal, premium, if any, Liquidated
Damages, if any, and interest on particular Notes. Such Lien will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
(e) When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(8) or (9) hereof occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses
of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
(f) The Trustee will comply with the provisions of TIA § 313(b)(2) to the extent applicable.
Section 7.08 |
Replacement of Trustee. |
(a) A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee will become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.08.
(b) The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Issuers. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee
and the Issuers in writing. The Issuers may remove the Trustee if:
(1) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof;
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(2) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;
(3) a custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
(4) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.
(c) If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Issuers will promptly appoint a successor Trustee. Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the then outstanding Notes may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Issuers.
(d) If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Issuers, or the Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(e) If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six months, fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof, such Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(f) A successor Trustee will deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuers. Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee will become effective, and the successor Trustee will have all the rights, powers
and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee will mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee will promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.07 hereof. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the
Issuers’ obligations under Section 7.07 hereof will continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.
Section 7.09 |
Successor Trustee by Merger, etc. |
If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation, the successor corporation without any further act will be the successor Trustee.
Section 7.10 |
Eligibility; Disqualification. |
There will at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined
capital and surplus of at least $100.0 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.
This Indenture will always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA § 310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee is subject to TIA § 310(b).
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuers.
The Trustee is subject to TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.
Section 7.12 |
Force Majeure. |
In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear
or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts that are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.
Section 7.13 |
U.S.A. PATRIOT Act. |
The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship
or opens an account with the Trustee. The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as it may request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act.
ARTICLE 8
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
Section 8.01 |
Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. |
The Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof be applied to all outstanding Notes and Note Guarantees upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.
Section 8.02 |
Legal Defeasance and Discharge. |
Upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.02, the Issuers and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be deemed to have been discharged from their obligations with respect to all outstanding Notes (including the
Note Guarantees) on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “Legal Defeasance”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Issuers and the Guarantors will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes (including the Note Guarantees), which will thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 8.05 hereof and
the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (1) and (2) below, and to have satisfied all their other obligations under such Notes, the Note Guarantees and this Indenture (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Issuers, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which will survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(1) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, or interest or premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, such Notes when such payments are due from the trust referred to in Section 8.04 hereof;
(2) the Issuers’ obligations with respect to the Notes concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;
(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ obligations in connection therewith; and
(4) this Article 8.
Subject to compliance with this Article 8, the Issuers may exercise their option under this Section 8.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.03 hereof.
Section 8.03 |
Covenant Defeasance. |
Upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, the Issuers and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be released from each of their obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 3.09, 4.03, 4.04 (except
for paragraph (a) thereof to the extent required by the TIA), 4.05, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15, 4.16, 4.17, 4.18 and 4.19 hereof and clause (4) of Section 5.01 hereof with respect to the outstanding Notes, and the Guarantors will be released from their obligations with respect to the Note Guarantees, on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”), and
the Notes will thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but will continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Notes will not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes to the extent permitted by GAAP). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to
the outstanding Notes and Note Guarantees, the Issuers and the Guarantors may omit to comply with and will have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply will not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01 hereof,
but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes and Note Guarantees will be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, Sections 6.01(3) through 6.01(7) inclusive hereof will not constitute Events of Default.
Section 8.04 |
Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance. |
In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance under either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof:
(1) the Issuers must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and non-callable Government Securities, in amounts as will be
sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized investment bank, appraisal firm or firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, or interest and premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the outstanding Notes on the stated date for payment thereof or on the applicable
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Redemption Date, as the case may be, and the Issuers must specify whether the Notes are being defeased to such stated date for payment or to a particular Redemption Date;
(2) in the case of an election under Section 8.02 hereof, the Issuers must deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that:
(A) the Issuers have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling; or
(B) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law,
in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same
times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;
(3) in the case of an election under Section 8.03 hereof, the Issuers must deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes
as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;
(4) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit);
(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which Regency Energy Partners or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which Regency
Energy Partners or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;
(6) the Issuers must deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuers with the intent of preferring the Holders of Notes over the other creditors of the Issuers with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding
any creditors of the Issuers or others; and
(7) the Issuers must deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
Section 8.05 |
Deposited Money and Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions. |
Subject to Section 8.06 hereof, all money and non-callable Government Securities (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.05, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof in respect
of the outstanding Notes will be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including either Issuer acting
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
The Issuers will pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or non-callable Government Securities deposited pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of
the Holders of the outstanding Notes.
Notwithstanding anything in this Article 8 to the contrary, the Trustee will deliver or pay to the Issuers from time to time upon the request of the Issuers any money or non-callable Government Securities held by it as provided in Section 8.04 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized investment bank, appraisal firm or firm
of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.04(1) hereof), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
Section 8.06 |
Repayment to the Issuers. |
Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Issuers, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall
be paid to the Issuers on their request or (if then held by the Issuers) will be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note will thereafter be permitted to look only to the Issuers for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Issuers as trustee thereof, will thereupon cease; provided, however, that,
if any Notes then outstanding are in definitive form, the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Issuers cause to be published once, in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which will not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Issuers.
Section 8.07 |
Reinstatement. |
If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any U.S. dollars or non-callable Government Securities in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Issuers’ and
the Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes and the Note Guarantees will be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case may be; provided, however, that, if the Issuers make any payment
of principal of, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuers will be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
ARTICLE 9
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
Section 9.01 |
Without Consent of Holders of Notes. |
Notwithstanding Section 9.02 of this Indenture, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees without the consent of any Holder of Notes:
(1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;
(2) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes;
(3) to provide for the assumption of the Issuers’ or a Guarantor’s obligations to the Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Issuers’ or such Guarantors’ properties
or assets, as applicable;
(4) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights hereunder of any such Holder;
(5) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;
(6) to conform the text of this Indenture or the Note Guarantees to any provision of the “Description of Notes” section of the Issuers’ Offering Memorandum to the extent that such text of this Indenture or the Note Guarantees was intended to reflect such provision
of the “Description of Notes”;
(7) to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in this Indenture as of the date hereof;
(8) to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture and/or a notation of Note Guarantee with respect to the Notes or to reflect the addition or release of a Note Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture;
(9) to secure the Notes and/or the Note Guarantees; or
(10) to provide for the reorganization of Regency Energy Partners as any other form of entity, in accordance with Section 5.01(b).
Upon the request of the Issuers accompanied by resolutions of their Boards of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 9.06 hereof, the Trustee will join with the Issuers and the Guarantors in the execution of any amended or
supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee will not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 9.02 With Consent of Holders of Notes.
Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture (including Sections 3.09, 4.10 and 4.15 hereof) and the Notes and the Note Guarantees with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including
Additional Notes, if any) voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, Additional
Notes, if any) voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes). Section 2.08 hereof shall determine which Notes are considered to be “outstanding” for purposes of this Section 9.02.
Upon the request of the Issuers accompanied by resolutions of their Boards of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders of Notes as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents
described in Section 9.06 hereof, the Trustee will join with the Issuers and the Guarantors in the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture unless such amended or supplemental indenture directly affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but will not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental Indenture.
It is not necessary for the consent of the Holders of Notes under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it is sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.
After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Issuers will mail to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Issuers to mail such notice, or any defect therein, will not, however, in any way impair or affect
the validity of any such amended or supplemental indenture or waiver.
However, without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):
(1) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
(2) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Note or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption or repurchase of the Notes (other than provisions relating to Sections 3.09, 4.10 or 4.15 hereof);
(3) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest, including default interest, on any Note;
(4) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, or interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding
Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(5) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Notes;
(6) make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments of, principal of, or interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, the Notes (other than as permitted by clause (7) below);
(7) waive a redemption or repurchase payment with respect to any Note (other than a payment required by Sections 4.10 or 4.15 hereof);
(8) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Note Guarantee or this Indenture, except in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or
(9) make any change in the preceding amendment, supplement and waiver provisions.
Section 9.03 |
Compliance with Trust Indenture Act. |
Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes will be set forth in an amended or supplemental indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect.
Section 9.04 |
Revocation and Effect of Consents. |
Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Note is a continuing consent by the Holder of a Note and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Note. However,
any such Holder of a Note or subsequent Holder of a Note may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation before the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder; except as provided in the last paragraph of Section 9.02.
Section 9.05 |
Notation on or Exchange of Notes. |
The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated. The Issuers in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of a Company Order, authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver.
Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note will not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.
Section 9.06 |
Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc. |
The Trustee will sign any amended or supplemental indenture authorized pursuant to this Article 9 if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. The Issuers may not sign an amended or supplemental indenture until the Boards of Directors of each of the Issuers
approves it. In executing any amended or supplemental indenture, the Trustee shall receive and (subject to Section 7.01 hereof) will be fully protected in relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section 12.04 hereof, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. In the case of any amendment or supplement pursuant to Section 9.01(6) hereof, such Officers'
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Certificate shall include a certification that the conforming change being made to this Indenture reflects the intent of the Issuers and the Initial Purchasers.
ARTICLE 10
NOTE GUARANTEES
Section 10.01 |
Guarantee. |
(a) Subject to this Article 10, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, unconditionally guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability
of this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Issuers hereunder or thereunder, that:
(1) the principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on, the Notes will be promptly paid in full when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Notes, if any,
if lawful, and all other obligations of the Issuers to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and
(2) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise.
Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. Each Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.
(b) The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder are unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with
respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Issuers, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor. Each Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Issuers, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuers, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever
and covenant that this Note Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.
(c) If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Issuers, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to either the Issuers or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either to the Trustee
or such Holder, this Note Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, will be reinstated in full force and effect.
(d) Each Guarantor agrees that it will not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between
the Guarantors, on the one hand,
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (1) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 hereof for the purposes of this Note Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (2)
in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6 hereof, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) will forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this Note Guarantee. The Guarantors will have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders under the Note Guarantee.
Section 10.02 |
Limitation on Guarantor Liability. |
Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal
or state law to the extent applicable to any Note Guarantee. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor will be limited to the maximum amount that will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by
or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this Article 10, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.
Section 10.03 |
Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee. |
To evidence its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 hereof, each Guarantor hereby agrees that a notation of such Note Guarantee substantially in the form attached as Exhibit E hereto will be endorsed by an Officer of such Guarantor on each Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and that this Indenture will be executed
on behalf of such Guarantor by one of its Officers.
Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 hereof will remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of such Note Guarantee.
If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture or on the notation of Note Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note on which a notation of Note Guarantee is endorsed, the Note Guarantee will be valid nevertheless.
The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, will constitute due delivery of the Note Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the Guarantors.
In the event that the Issuers or any of Regency Energy Partners’ Restricted Subsidiaries creates or acquires any Domestic Subsidiary after the date of this Indenture, if required by Section 4.18 hereof, the Issuers will cause such Domestic Subsidiary to comply with the provisions of Section 4.18 hereof and this Article 10, to the extent
applicable.
Section 10.04 |
Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms. |
Except as otherwise provided in Section 10.05 hereof, no Guarantor may sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets to, or consolidate with or merge with or into
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person) another Person, other than Regency Energy Partners or another Guarantor, unless:
(1) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and
(2) either:
(a) subject to Section 10.05 hereof, the Person acquiring the properties or assets in any such sale or other disposition or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (other than the Guarantor) unconditionally assumes all the obligations of that Guarantor
under this Indenture, its Note Guarantee and each Registration Rights Agreement on the terms set forth herein or therein, pursuant to a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto; or
(b) the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, including without limitation, Section 4.10 hereof.
In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance and upon the assumption by the successor Person, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, of such obligations, such successor Person will succeed to and be substituted for the Guarantor with the same effect as if it had been named herein as a Guarantor. Such
successor Person thereupon may cause to be signed any or all of the notations of Note Guarantees to be endorsed upon all of the Notes issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Issuers and delivered to the Trustee. All the Note Guarantees so issued will in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Note Guarantees theretofore and thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Note Guarantees had been
issued at the date of the execution hereof.
Section 10.05 |
Releases. |
(a) In the event of any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of any Guarantor, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, or a sale or other disposition of all of the Capital Stock of any Guarantor, in each case to a Person that
is not (either before or after giving effect to such transactions) Regency Energy Partners or a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners, then such Guarantor (in the event of a sale or other disposition, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all of the Capital Stock of such Guarantor) or the Person acquiring the properties or assets (in the event of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of such Guarantor) will be released and relieved of any obligations
under its Note Guarantee; provided that the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, including without limitation Section 4.10 hereof. Upon delivery by the Issuers to the Trustee of an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such sale or other disposition was made by the Issuers in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture,
including without limitation Section 4.10 hereof, the Trustee will execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its obligations under its Note Guarantee.
(b) Upon designation of any Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, such Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(c) At such time as any Guarantor ceases to guarantee any other Indebtedness of an Issuer or another Guarantor, such Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee, provided that, if
it is also a Domestic Subsidiary, it is no longer an obligor with respect to any Indebtedness under any Credit Facility; provided, however, that if, at any time following such release, that Guarantor incurs a Guarantee under a Credit Facility, then such Guarantor shall be required to provide a Note Guarantee at such time.
(d) Upon Legal or Covenant Defeasance in accordance with Article 8 hereof or satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture in accordance with Article 11 hereof, each Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee.
Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Note Guarantee as provided in this Section 10.05 will remain liable for the full amount of principal of and interest and premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Guarantor under this Indenture as provided in this Article 10.
ARTICLE 11
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
Section 11.01 |
Satisfaction and Discharge. |
This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes issued hereunder (except as otherwise specified herein), when:
(1) either:
(a) all Notes that have been authenticated, except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes that have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Issuers, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
or
(b) all Notes that have not been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or otherwise and the Issuers or any Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or
caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and non-callable Government Securities, in amounts as will be sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and accrued interest to
the date of fixed maturity or redemption;
(2) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit) and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute
a default under, any other instrument to which Regency Energy Partners or any Guarantor is a party or by which Regency Energy Partners or any Guarantor is bound;
(3) the Issuers or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under this Indenture; and
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(4) the Issuers have delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this Indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at fixed maturity or on the Redemption Date, as the case may be.
In addition, the Issuers must deliver an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, if money or Government Securities have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (b) of clause (1) of this Section 11.01, the provisions of Sections 2.06, 2.07, 2.10, 11.02 and 8.06 hereof will survive. In addition, nothing in this Section 11.01 will
be deemed to discharge those provisions of Section 7.07 hereof, that, by their terms, survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
Section 11.02 |
Application of Trust Money. |
Subject to the provisions of Section 8.06 hereof, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 11.01 hereof shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including either Issuer acting as Paying Agent) as
the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium and Liquidated Damages, if any) and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee; but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or Government Securities in accordance with Section 11.01 hereof by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuers’ and any Guarantor’s
obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 11.01 hereof, provided that if the Issuers have made any payment of principal of, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuers shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or Government
Securities held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 12.01 |
Trust Indenture Act Controls. |
If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by TIA § 318(c), the imposed duties will control.
Section 12.02 |
Notices. |
Any notice or communication by the Issuers, any Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing in the English language and delivered in Person or by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), facsimile transmission or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others’
address:
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
If to the Issuers and/or any Guarantor:
Regency Energy Finance Corp.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
|
With a copy to: |
|
Xxxxxx & Xxxxxx L.L.P. |
|
0000 Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000 |
|
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000 |
|
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000 |
|
Attention: C. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx |
|
If to the Trustee: |
|
Xxxxx Fargo Bank, National Association |
|
Corporate Trust Services |
|
00 Xxxxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx |
|
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000 |
|
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000 |
|
Attention: Corporate Trust Services-Regency Energy Administrator |
The Issuers, any Guarantor or the Trustee, by notice to the others, may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) will be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if transmitted by facsimile; and the next Business Day after
timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.
Any notice or communication to a Holder will be mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Any notice or communication will also be so mailed to any Person described in TIA § 313(c),
to the extent required by the TIA. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it will not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.
If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
If the Issuers mail a notice or communication to Holders, they will mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.
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Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Section 12.03 Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.
Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Issuers, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).
Section 12.04 |
Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. |
Upon any request or application by the Issuers to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Issuers shall furnish to the Trustee:
(1) an Officers’ Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in
this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and
(2) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied.
Section 12.05 |
Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. |
Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) must comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and must include:
(1) a statement that the person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of such person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been satisfied; and
(4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such person, such condition or covenant has been satisfied.
Section 12.06 |
Rules by Trustee and Agents. |
The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.
Section 12.07 |
No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders. |
Neither the General Partner nor any past, present or future director, officer, partner, member, employee, incorporator, manager or unit holder or other owner of Equity Interest of the Issuers or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or the Guarantors under the Notes, this Indenture, the Note Guarantees
or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such
- 86 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes and the Note Guarantees. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.
Section 12.08 |
Governing Law. |
THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WILL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES.
Section 12.09 |
No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements. |
This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of Regency Energy Partners or its Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.
Section 12.10 |
Successors. |
All agreements of the Issuers in this Indenture and the Notes will bind their successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture will bind its successors. All agreements of each Guarantor in this Indenture will bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.05 hereof.
Section 12.11 |
Severability. |
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
Section 12.12 |
Counterpart Originals. |
The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy will be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.
Section 12.13 |
Table of Contents, Headings, etc. |
The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
[Signatures on following page]
- 87 -
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
SIGNATURES
Dated as of the date first written above.
|
By: |
Regency GP LP, |
|
its general partner |
|
By: |
Regency GP LLC, its |
|
general partner |
By:
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
REGENCY ENERGY FINANCE CORP. |
By:
Name: Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxx
Title: Vice President
|
GUARANTORS: |
|
REGENCY GAS SERVICES LP |
|
GULF STATES TRANSMISSION |
|
CORPORATION |
|
PUEBLO HOLDINGS, INC. |
|
PUEBLO MIDSTREAM GAS CORPORATION |
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
|
Vice President |
XXXXXXX JOINT VENTURE
By: Regency Field Services LLC
|
By: |
Regency Gas Services LP, |
|
its Sole Member |
|
By: |
Regency OLP GP LLC, |
|
its General Partner |
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
|
Vice President |
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
|
REGENCY FIELD SERVICES LLC |
|
REGENCY LIQUIDS PIPELINE LLC |
|
REGENCY GAS MARKETING LLC |
|
REGENCY OIL PIPELINE LLC |
|
REGENCY GAS UTILITY LLC |
|
CDM RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LLC |
|
FRONTSTREET HUGOTON LLC |
|
WGP-KHC, LLC |
|
REGENCY HAYNESVILLE INTRASTATE |
|
GAS LLC |
|
RIGS SPE LLC |
|
By: |
Regency Gas Services LP, its Venturer |
|
By: |
Regency OLP GP LLC, |
|
its General Partner |
|
By: |
|
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
|
Vice President |
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
XXXXX FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
By:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
Vice President
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
EXHIBIT A
[Face of Note]
CUSIP [ ]
9 3/8% Senior Notes due 2016
No. ___ $___
and
REGENCY ENERGY FINANCE CORP.
promise to pay to _____________, or registered assigns,
the principal sum of ________________________________ DOLLARS on June 1, 2016.
Interest Payment Dates: June 1 and December 1
Record Dates: May 15 and November 15
Dated: __________, 20__
|
By: |
Regency GP LP, |
|
its general partner |
|
By: |
Regency GP LLC, |
|
its general partner |
|
By: |
|
Name: |
|
Title: |
|
REGENCY ENERGY FINANCE CORP. |
|
By: |
Name |
|
|
Title: |
|
This is one of the Notes referred to
in the within-mentioned Indenture:
XXXXX FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee
By: |
_________________________________ |
|
Authorized Signatory |
A-1
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
[Back of Note]
9 3/8% Senior Notes due 2016
[Insert the Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]
[Insert the Private Placement Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]
[Insert the OID Legend, if applicable, pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture] |
Capitalized terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.
(1) Interest. Regency Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Regency Energy Partners”), and Regency Energy Finance Corp.,
a Delaware corporation (“Finance Corp.” and, together with Regency Energy Partners, the “Issuers”), promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 9 3/8% per annum from May 20, 2009 until maturity and shall pay the Liquidated Damages, if any, payable pursuant to Section 4 of the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Issuers will pay
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance; provided that
if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided further that the first Interest Payment Date shall be December 1, 2009. The Issuers will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy
Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at the rate then in effect to the extent lawful; they will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any (without regard to any applicable grace periods), from time to time on demand at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
(2) Method of Payment. The Issuers will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business
on the June 1 or December 1 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. Holders of Definitive Notes must surrender their Notes to the Paying Agent to collect payments of principal and premium, if any, due at maturity. The Notes will be payable as to principal, premium, if any, and Liquidated Damages,
if any, and interest at the office or agency of the Issuers maintained for such purpose within the continental United States, or, at the option of the Issuers, payment of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to principal of and interest, premium and Liquidated
Damages, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which will have provided wire transfer instructions to the Issuers or the Paying Agent. Such payment will be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.
(3) Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, Xxxxx Fargo Bank, National Association, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuers may change any Paying
Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. Regency Energy Partners or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.
A-2
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(4) Indenture. The Issuers issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of May 20, 2009 (the “Indenture”) among the Issuers, the Guarantors
and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the TIA. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling. The Notes are unsecured obligations of the
Issuers. The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be issued thereunder.
(5) Optional Redemption.
(a) Except as set forth in subparagraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this Paragraph 5, the Issuers will not have the option to redeem the Notes prior to June 1, 2013. On or after June 1, 2013, the Issuers may redeem all or a part of the Notes upon not less than 30 nor more
than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes redeemed, to the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on June 1 of each year indicated below, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date:
Year |
Percentage |
|||
2013 |
104.688 % | |||
2014 |
102.344 % | |||
2015 and thereafter |
100.000 % |
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph 5, at any time prior to June 1, 2012, the Issuers may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) issued under the Indenture
upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption price of 109.375% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date), with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings by Regency Energy Partners; provided that
at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) issued under the Indenture (excluding Notes held by Regency Energy Partners and its Subsidiaries) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption and the redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph 5, at any time prior to December 15, 2013, the Issuers may also redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, at a redemption price equal to 100%
of the principal amount of Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the Redemption Date, subject to the rights of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is prior to the Redemption Date.
For purposes of subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph 5, “Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any Note on any Redemption Date, the greater of (1) 1.0% of the principal amount of the Note or (2) the excess of: (a) the present value at such Redemption Date of (i) the redemption
price of the Note at December 15, 2010 (such redemption price being set forth in the table appearing in subparagraph (a)) plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the Note through December 15, 2013 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such Redemption Date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the principal amount of the Note, if greater. In
A-3
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
addition, for purposes of subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph 5, “Treasury Rate” means, as of any Redemption Date, the yield to maturity as of the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent
Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two business days prior to the Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the Redemption Date to December 15, 2013; provided, however, that if such period is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which
a weekly average yield is given, Regency Energy Partners shall obtain the Treasury Rate by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the Redemption Date to December 15, 2013, is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.
Unless the Issuers default in the payment of the redemption price, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable Redemption Date.
(d) In the event that Holders of not less than 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes accept a Change of Control Offer and Regency Energy Partners purchases all of the Notes held by such Holders, Regency Energy Partners will have the right, upon not less
than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following the purchase pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, to redeem all of the Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to, but excluding, the date of redemption, subject to the right of the Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest
due on an interest payment date that is prior to the Redemption Date.
(6) Mandatory Redemption.
Except as set forth below, the Issuers are not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.
(7) Repurchase at the Option of Holder.
(a) If there is a Change of Control, the Issuers will be required to make an offer (a “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof)
of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date (the “Change of Control Payment”). Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuers will mail a notice
to each Holder setting forth the procedures governing the Change of Control Offer as required by the Indenture.
(b) If the Issuers or a Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners consummates any Asset Sales, within five days of each date on which the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $20.0 million, the Issuers will commence an offer to all Holders of Notes and all holders
of other Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in the Indenture with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets (an “Asset Sale Offer”) pursuant to Section 3.09 of the Indenture to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and such other pari
passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
A-4
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Damages, if any, to the date of purchase, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Regency
Energy Partners (or such Restricted Subsidiary) may use such deficiency for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, then the Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness shall be purchased on a pro
rata basis. Holders of Definitive Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes.
(8) Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address, except
that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction or discharge of the Indenture. Notes in denominations larger than $1,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed.
(9) Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes
may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Issuers may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, the
Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the corresponding Interest Payment Date.
(10) Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.
(11) Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class, and any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class. Without the consent of any Holder of a Note, the Indenture or the Notes
or the Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Issuers’ or a Guarantor’s obligations to Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Issuers’ or such Guarantor’s assets, as applicable, to make any change that would provide any additional
rights or benefits to the Holders of Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder, to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA, to conform the text of the Indenture or the Note Guarantees to any provision of the “Description of Notes” section of the Issuers’ Offering Memorandum to the extent that such text of the Indenture or the Notes Guarantees was intended to reflect
such provision of the “Description of Notes”, to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in the Indenture as of the date of the Indenture, to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture, to secure the Notes and/or the Note Guarantees, or to provide for the reorganization of Regency Energy Partners as any other form of entity, in accordance with Section 5.01 of the Indenture.
A-5
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(12) Defaults and Remedies. Events of Default include: (i) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to the Notes; (ii) default in the
payment when due (at stated maturity, upon redemption or otherwise) of the principal of, or premium, if any, on the Notes; (iii) failure by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to timely consummate repurchase offers under Section 4.10 or 4.15 of the Indenture or to comply with Section 5.01 of the Indenture; (iv) failure by Regency Energy Partners for 90 days after notice to comply with Section 4.03 of the Indenture; (v) failure by Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
for 60 days after written notice to comply with any of the other agreements in the Indenture; (vi) default under certain other agreements relating to Indebtedness of Regency Energy Partners or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, which default results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity; (vii) certain final judgments for the payment of money that remain undischarged for a period of 60 days; (viii) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Issuers or any of
Regency Energy Partners’ Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; and (ix) except as permitted by the Indenture, any Note Guarantee is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor or any Person acting on its behalf denies or disaffirms its obligations under such Guarantor’s Note Guarantee. If
any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, with respect to Finance Corp., Regency Energy Partners or any Restricted Subsidiary of Regency Energy Partners that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted
Subsidiaries of Regency Energy Partners that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may
withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest, except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal, interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes, rescind an acceleration or waive any existing Default or Event of
Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, or the principal of, the Notes. The Issuers and the Guarantors are required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Issuers and the Guarantors are required, upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or
Event of Default.
(13) Trustee Dealings with the Issuers. The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the Issuers or their Affiliates, and may
otherwise deal with the Issuers or their Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee.
(14) No Recourse Against Others. Neither the General Partner nor any director, officer, partner, member, employee, incorporator, manager or unit holder or other owner of Equity Interest of the Issuers or any
Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Indenture, the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes and the Note Guarantees. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities
under the federal securities laws.
A-6
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(15) Authentication. This Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.
(16) Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right
of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
(17) Additional Rights of Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and
Restricted Definitive Notes will have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 2009, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the other parties named on the signature pages thereof or, in the case of Additional Notes, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes will have the rights set forth in one or more registration rights agreements, if any, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the other parties thereto, relating to rights given by the Issuers
and the Guarantors to the purchasers of any Additional Notes (collectively, the “Registration Rights Agreement”).
(18) CUSIP Numbers. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuers have caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee
may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption, and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
(19) GOVERNING LAW. THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WILL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THIS NOTE AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES.
The Issuers will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to:
Regency Energy Finance Corp.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
A-7
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Assignment Form
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to: (Insert assignee’s legal name)
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)
and irrevocably appoint
to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuers. The agent substitute another to act for him.
Date: ___________________
Your Signature:
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)
Signature Guarantee*: _________________________
* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).
A-8
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Option of Holder to Elect Purchase
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.15 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:
|
Section 4.10 |
Section 4.15 |
If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.15 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:
$_______________
Date: _______________
Your Signature:
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)
Tax Identification No.:
Signature Guarantee*: _________________________
* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).
A-9
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note *
The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:
·Date of Exchange |
·Amount of decrease
in Principal Amount
of
this Global Note |
·Amount of increase
in Principal Amount
of
this Global Note |
·Principal Amount of this
Global Note
following such
decrease
(or increase) |
·Signature of
authorized officer
of Trustee or
Custodian |
· |
· |
· |
· |
· |
· |
· |
· |
· |
· |
· |
· |
· |
· |
· |
* This schedule should be included only if the Note is issued in global form.
A-10
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
Regency Energy Partners LP
Regency Energy Finance Corp.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Xxxxx Fargo Bank, National Association
Corporate Trust Services
00 Xxxxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Re: 9 3/8% Senior Notes due 2016
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2009 (the “Indenture”), among Regency Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Regency Energy Partners”), and Regency Energy Finance
Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Finance Corp.” and, together with Regency Energy Partners, the “Issuers”), the Guarantors party thereto and Xxxxx Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
____________ (the “Transferor”) owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of $___in such Note[s] or interests (the “Transfer”),
to ______(the “Transferee”), as further specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:
[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
1. Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being effected pursuant
to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment
discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated
in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
2. Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The Transfer is being
effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a Person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the
B-1
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made
in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act and (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Regulation S Global Note
and/or the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
3. Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities Act other than
Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):
(a) such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act;
or
(b) such Transfer is being effected to the Issuers or a subsidiary thereof;
or
(c) such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act;
or
(d) such Transfer is being effected to an Institutional Accredited Investor and pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A, Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904, and the Transferor hereby further certifies that
it has not engaged in any general solicitation within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act and the Transfer complies with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note or Restricted Definitive Notes and the requirements of the exemption claimed, which certification is supported by (1) a certificate executed by the Transferee in the form of Exhibit D to the Indenture and (2) if such Transfer is in respect of a principal amount of Notes at the time of transfer
of less than $250,000, an Opinion of Counsel provided by the Transferor or the Transferee (a copy of which the Transferor has attached to this certification), to the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on a Restricted Global Note
and/or the Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
4. Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note.
B-2
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
(a) Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of
any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted
Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
(b) Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Regulation S. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities
laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted
Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
(c) Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Other Exemption. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer
restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the
Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuers.
|
|
[Insert Name of Transferor] |
|
By: |
|
Name: |
|
Title: |
Dated: ________________________
B-3
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
1. The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:
[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]
(a) a beneficial interest in the:
(i) 144A Global Note (CUSIP ___), or
(ii) Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP ___), or
(iii) IAI Global Note (CUSIP ___); or
2. After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:
[CHECK ONE OF]
(a) a beneficial interest in the:
(i) 144A Global Note (CUSIP ___), or
(ii) Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP ___), or
(iii) IAI Global Note (CUSIP ___); or
(iii) Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP _________); or
(b) a Restricted Definitive Note; or
(c) an Unrestricted Definitive Note,
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
B-4
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE
Regency Energy Partners LP
Regency Energy Finance Corp.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Xxxxx Fargo Bank, National Association
Corporate Trust Services
00 Xxxxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Re: 9 3/8% Senior Notes due 2016
(CUSIP ____________)
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2009 (the “Indenture”), among Regency Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Regency Energy Partners”), and Regency Energy Finance
Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Finance Corp.” and, together with Regency Energy Partners, the “Issuers”), the Guarantors party thereto and Xxxxx Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
_________________ (the “Owner”) owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of $___in such Note[s] or interests (the “Exchange”). In
connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:
1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note
(a) Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted
Global Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and
the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
(b) Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby
certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture
C-1
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
(c) [Reserved]
(d) Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive
Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable
blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes
(a) Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Restricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal
amount, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuers.
|
|
[Insert Name of Transferor] |
|
By: |
|
Name: |
|
Title: |
Dated: ________________________
C-2
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF CERTIFICATE FROM
ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR
Regency Energy Partners LP
Regency Energy Finance Corp.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Xxxxx Fargo Bank, National Association
Corporate Trust Services
00 Xxxxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Re: 9 3/8% Senior Notes due 2016
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2009 (the “Indenture”), among Regency Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Regency Energy Partners”), and Regency Energy Finance
Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Finance Corp.” and, together with Regency Energy Partners, the “Issuers”), the Guarantors party thereto and Xxxxx Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
In connection with our proposed purchase of $______aggregate principal amount of:
(a) a beneficial interest in a Global Note, or
(b) a Definitive Note,
we confirm that:
1. We understand that any subsequent transfer of the Notes or any interest therein is subject to certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Indenture and the undersigned agrees to be bound by, and not to resell, pledge or otherwise transfer the Notes or any interest
therein except in compliance with, such restrictions and conditions and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
2. We understand that the offer and sale of the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, and that the Notes and any interest therein may not be offered or sold except as permitted in the following sentence. We agree, on our own behalf and on behalf
of any accounts for which we are acting as hereinafter stated, that if we should sell the Notes or any interest therein, we will do so only (A) to Regency Energy Partners or any subsidiary thereof, (B) in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined therein), (C) to an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined below) that, prior to such transfer, furnishes (or has furnished on its behalf by a U.S. broker-dealer) to you and to
the Issuers a signed letter substantially in the form of this letter and, if such transfer is in respect of a principal amount of Notes, at the time of transfer of less than $250,000, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuers to the effect that such transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act, (D) outside the United States in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (E) pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act or (F)
D-1
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and we further agree to provide to any Person purchasing the Definitive Note or beneficial interest in a Global Note from us in a transaction meeting the requirements of clauses (A) through (E) of this paragraph a notice advising such purchaser that resales thereof
are restricted as stated herein.
3. We understand that, on any proposed resale of the Notes or beneficial interest therein, we will be required to furnish to you and the Issuers such certifications, legal opinions and other information as you and the Issuers may reasonably require to confirm that the proposed
sale complies with the foregoing restrictions. We further understand that the Notes purchased by us will bear a legend to the foregoing effect.
4. We are an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Regulation D under the Securities Act) and have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks
of our investment in the Notes, and we and any accounts for which we are acting are each able to bear the economic risk of our or its investment.
5. We are acquiring the Notes or beneficial interest therein purchased by us for our own account or for one or more accounts (each of which is an institutional “accredited investor”) as to each of which we exercise sole investment discretion.
You and the Issuers are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.
|
|
[Insert Name of Accredited Investor] |
|
By: |
|
Name: |
|
Title: |
Dated: ________________________
D-2
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
EXHIBIT E
[FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE]
For value received, each Guarantor (which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture) has, jointly and severally, unconditionally guaranteed, to the extent set forth in the Indenture and subject to the provisions in the Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2009 (the “Indenture”),
among Regency Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Regency Energy Partners”), and Regency Energy Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Finance Corp.” and, together with Regency Energy Partners, the “Issuers”), the Guarantors party
thereto and Xxxxx Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), (a) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on, the Notes, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on overdue principal of, premium if any, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes, if any, if lawful, and the
due and punctual performance of all other obligations of the Issuers to the Holders or the Trustee all in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. The obligations of the Guarantors to the Holders of Notes and
to the Trustee pursuant to the Note Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article 10 of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of the Note Guarantee. Each Holder of a Note, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee, on behalf of such Holder, to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination as provided in the Indenture and (c) appoints
the Trustee attorney-in-fact of such Holder for such purpose.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
|
[Name of Guarantor(s)] |
|
By: |
|
Name: |
|
Title: |
Dated: ________________________
E-1
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
EXHIBIT F
[FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS]
Supplemental Indenture (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of ___, 200___, among ___(the “Guaranteeing Subsidiary”), Regency Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Regency
Energy Partners”), and Regency Energy Finance Corp. (“Finance Corp.” and, together with Regency Energy Partners, the “Issuers”), the other Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to herein) and Xxxxx Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee under the Indenture referred to below (the “Trustee”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Issuers have heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “Indenture”), dated as of May 20, 2009 providing for the issuance of 9 3/8% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Notes”);
WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Issuers’ Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set
forth herein (the “Note Guarantee”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes as follows:
1. Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
2. Agreement to Guarantee. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees to provide an unconditional Guarantee on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Note Guarantee and in the Indenture
including but not limited to Article 10 thereof.
3. No Recourse Against Others. No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder or agent of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations
of the Issuers or any Guaranteeing Subsidiary under the Notes, any Note Guarantees, the Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of the Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and
it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
4. NEW YORK LAW TO GOVERN. THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE.
F-1
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
5. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.
6. Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
7. The Trustee. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained
herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Issuers.
F-2
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the date first above written.
Dated: _______________, 20___
|
[Guaranteeing Subsidiary] |
By:
Name:
Title:
|
REGENCY ENERGY PARTNERS LP |
By: Regency GP LP,
its general partner
|
By: |
Regency GP LLC, |
|
its general partner |
By:
Name:
Title:
|
REGENCY ENERGY FINANCE CORP. |
By:
Name:
Title:
|
[Existing Guarantors] |
By:
Name:
Title:
|
XXXXX FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, |
|
as Trustee |
By:
Authorized Signatory
F-3
Exhibit 4.3 - Indenture