AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AMONG GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC., GREEN PLAINS MERGER SUB, INC. AND VBV LLC May 7, 2008

Exhibit A

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

AMONG

GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC.,

GREEN PLAINS MERGER SUB, INC.

AND

VBV LLC

May 7, 2008

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I	DEFINITIONS	A-5

ARTICLE II	THE MERGER	A-11
SECTION 2.1	BASIC TRANSACTION	A-11
SECTION 2.2	CLOSING	A-11
SECTION 2.3	DELIVERIES AT CLOSING	A-11
SECTION 2.4	EFFECTS OF THE MERGER	A-11
SECTION 2.5	EXCHANGE PROCEDURES	A-12

ARTICLE III	REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VBV	A-13
SECTION 3.1	REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONCERNING THE TRANSACTION	A-13
SECTION 3.2	REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONCERNING VBV AND THE VBV SUBSIDIARIES	A-14
ARTICLE IV	REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GREEN PLAINS AND MERGER SUB	A-28
SECTION 4.1	REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONCERNING THE TRANSACTION	A-28
SECTION 4.2	REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONCERNING GREEN PLAINS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES	A-29
ARTICLE V	PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF BUSINESS	A-45
SECTION 5.1	OPERATION OF BUSINESS	A-45
SECTION 5.2	NOTICE OF CHANGES	A-48

ARTICLE VI	OTHER AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS	A-48
SECTION 6.1	REASONABLE BEST EFFORTS	A-48
SECTION 6.2	FULL ACCESS	A-49
SECTION 6.3	EMPLOYEE BENEFITS; EMPLOYEE ISSUES	A-50
ARTICLE 6.4	NO SOLICITATION BY VBV	A-50
SECTION 6.5	NO SOLICITATION BY GREEN PLAINS	A-52
SECTION 6.6	PREPARATION OF FORM S-4 AND PROXY STATEMENT; SHAREHOLDER MEETING	A-55
SECTION 6.7	FEES AND EXPENSES	A-56
SECTION 6.8	ACCOUNTANT’S LETTERS	A-57
SECTION 6.9	CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS	A-58
SECTION 6.10	INDEMNIFICATION, EXCULPATION AND INSURANCE	A-58
SECTION 6.11	LIMITED INDEMNIFICATION BY VBV MEMBERS	A-59
SECTION 6.12	NASDAQ LISTING	A-59
SECTION 6.13	PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS	A-59
SECTION 6.14	ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS	A-59
SECTION 6.15	INVESTMENT IN VBV	A-62

ARTICLE VII	TAX MATTERS	A-62
SECTION 7.1	TAX TREATMENT	A-62
SECTION 7.2	TRANSFER TAXES	A-62

ARTICLE VIII	CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION TO CLOSE	A-62
SECTION 8.1	CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY’S OBLIGATIONS	A-62
SECTION 8.2	CONDITIONS TO GREEN PLAINS’ OBLIGATION	X-00

X-0

SECTION 8.3	CONDITIONS TO VBV’S OBLIGATIONS	A-64
SECTION 8.4	FRUSTRATION OF CLOSING CONDITIONS	A-65

ARTICLE IX	TERMINATION	A-65
SECTION 9.1	TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT	A-65
SECTION 9.2	EFFECT OF TERMINATION	A-66

ARTICLE X	MISCELLANEOUS	A-66
SECTION 10.1	NONSURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES	A-66
SECTION 10.2	PRESS RELEASES AND PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS	A-66
SECTION 10.3	NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES	A-66
SECTION 10.4	SUCCESSION AND ASSIGNMENT	A-66
SECTION 10.5	AMENDMENT	A-67
SECTION 10.6	WAIVERS	A-67
SECTION 10.7	NOTICES	A-67
SECTION 10.8	GOVERNING LAW	A-67
SECTION 10.9	JURISDICTION AND VENUE	A-68
SECTION 10.10	SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE	A-68
SECTION 10.11	SEVERABILITY	A-68
SECTION 10.12	ENTIRE AGREEMENT	A-68
SECTION 10.13	HEADINGS, ETC.	A-68
SECTION 10.14	CONSTRUCTION	A-68
SECTION 10.15	COUNTERPARTS	A-69

Exhibit A	Form of Certificate of Merger
Exhibit B-1	Form of Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Green Plains, IN Merger Sub, LLC, and Indiana Bio-Energy, LLC
Exhibit B-2	Form of Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Green Plains, TN Merger Sub, LLC, and Ethanol Grain Processors, LLC
Exhibit C	Form of Stock Purchase Agreement between Green Plains and Bioverda International Holdings Limited, Bioverda US Holdings LLC and Xxxxx X.X.
Exhibit D	Form of Shareholders’ Agreement by and among Green Plains and the Green Plains Affiliates identified therein
Exhibit E	Form of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Green Plains
Exhibit F	Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Green Plains
Exhibit G-1	Form of Lock-up and Voting Agreement for Green Plains Affiliates
Exhibit G-2	Form of Lock-up and Voting Agreement for Bioverda Int’l and Bioverda US
Exhibit G-3	Form of Lock-up Agreement for Wilon

VBV Disclosure Schedule

Green Plains Disclosure Schedule

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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

This Merger Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into on May 7, 2008 by and among Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc., an Iowa corporation (“Green Plains”), Green Plains Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Green Plains (“Merger Sub”), VBV LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“VBV”), and, solely with respect to the provisions of Section 6.11 hereof, Bioverda International Holdings Limited, a company organized under the laws of Ireland (“Bioverda Int’l”), Bioverda US Holdings LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware (“Bioverda US”), and Wilon Holdings S.A., a company organized under the laws of Panama (together with Bioverda Int’l and Bioverda US, the “VBV Members”). Each of Green Plains, Merger Sub, and VBV are referred to herein as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

This Agreement contemplates a transaction in which Merger Sub will merge with and into VBV, whereby each outstanding limited liability company interest of VBV will be converted into the right to receive shares of Green Plains Common Stock (the “Merger”).

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Parties intend that the Merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder and that this Agreement constitute a plan of reorganization.

VBV owns the majority of the outstanding limited liability company interests of each of its subsidiaries, Indiana Bio-Energy, LLC, an Indiana limited liability company (“IBE”), and Ethanol Grain Processors, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company (“EGP”) (each of IBE and EGP, a “VBV Subsidiary,” and together the “VBV Subsidiaries”), with the balance of such interests owned by parties unaffiliated with VBV. As a condition to and concurrent with the closing of the Merger, each VBV Subsidiary will merge with and into a newly organized subsidiary of Green Plains, and each outstanding limited liability company interest of a VBV Subsidiary will be converted into a right to receive shares of Green Plains Common Stock. Green Plains, Green Plains’ acquisition subsidiaries, and the VBV Subsidiaries are executing merger agreements of even date herewith to effect such mergers (the “VBV Subsidiary Mergers”).

As a condition to and concurrent with the closing of the Merger, Bioverda Int’l and Bioverda US will purchase from Green Plains, and Green Plains will sell to Bioverda Int’l and Bioverda US, an aggregate of 6,000,000 shares of Green Plains Common Stock at a purchase price of $10.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $60,000,000, pursuant to the terms and conditions of a Stock Purchase Agreement in substantially the form attached as Exhibit C.

As a condition to and concurrent with the closing of the Merger, Green Plains, certain affiliates of Green Plains, and certain affiliates of VBV will enter into a shareholders’ agreement, in substantially the form attached as Exhibit D, which grants the affiliates certain registration rights and addresses certain corporate governance and related matters.

Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, as a condition and inducement to VBV’s willingness to enter into this Agreement, the officers, directors, and certain shareholders of Green Plains are entering into lock-up and voting agreements pursuant to which such affiliates of Green Plains have agreed to vote their shares of Green Plains Common Stock in favor of the adoption of this Agreement and as to certain other matters, on the terms set forth herein and attached hereto as Exhibit G.

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Now, therefore, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises herein made, and in consideration of the representations, warranties, and covenants herein contained, the Parties agree as follows:

Article I

Definitions

“Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 of the regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act.

“Affiliated Group” means any affiliated group within the meaning of Code Section 504(a) or any similar group defined under a similar provision of state, local, or foreign law.

“Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which banks are legally permitted to be closed in Delaware or Iowa.

“Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

“Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

“COBRA” means the requirements of Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and Code Section 4980B and of any similar state law.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Confidential Information” means any information concerning the business and affairs of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries or Green Plains and its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, that is not already generally available to the public.

“Data Laws” means laws, regulations, guidelines, and rules in any jurisdiction (federal, state, provincial, or local) applicable to data privacy, data security, and/or personal information, as well as industry standards applicable to VBV, Green Plains, and their Subsidiaries.

“Delaware Law” means the Delaware General Corporation Law and the Delaware Limited Liability Act, as applicable.

“Effective Time” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a).

“Employee Benefit Plan” means any “employee benefit plan” (as such term is defined in ERISA Section 3(3)) and any other bonus, fringe benefit, deferred compensation, vacation, incentive compensation, stock option, restricted stock, restricted stock unit, phantom stock, stock appreciation, disability, severance, profit, pension, retirement, health, medical or life insurance plans or programs, an employment agreement providing compensation in excess of $100,000 or providing material severance benefits or any other form of employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements of any kind.

“Employee Pension Benefit Plan” has the meaning set forth in ERISA Section 3(2).

“Employee Welfare Benefit Plan” has the meaning set forth in ERISA Section 3(1).

“Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements” means all federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, regulations, ordinances, and similar provisions having the force or effect of law, all judicial and administrative orders and determinations, and all common law concerning public health and safety, worker health and safety, pollution, or protection of the environment, including all those relating to the presence, use, production, generation, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, distribution, labeling, testing, processing, discharge, release, threatened release, control, or cleanup of any Hazardous Materials, including but not limited to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), the Solid Waste Disposal Act (“SWDA”), and the

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Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”), each as amended, and all state law equivalents and implementing regulations.

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

“ERISA Affiliate” means each entity that is treated as a single employer with VBV or Green Plains, as the case may be, for purposes of Code Section 414.

“Fiduciary” has the meaning set forth in ERISA Section 3(21).

“Financial Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(e).

“GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time, consistently applied.

“Governmental Entity” means any federal, state, local or foreign government, any court, administrative, regulatory or other governmental agency, commission or authority.

“Green Plains” has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

“Green Plains Common Stock” means the common stock of Green Plains, par value $0.001 per share.

“Green Plains Disclosure Schedule” means the disclosure schedule delivered by Green Plains to VBV on the date hereof, which schedule will be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the lettered and numbered paragraphs contained in this Agreement, provided, however, that any information set forth in one section of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to apply to each other section or subsection thereof to which its relevance is readily apparent on its face.

“Green Plains Plants” means (i) the 50 million gallon per year dry mill ethanol plant, which is located in Shenandoah, Iowa; (ii) the Green Plains Superior Plant; (iii) grain elevators owned and/or operated by Essex Elevator, Inc.; and (iv) the grain, agronomy, feed and petroleum operations of Green Plains Grain Company LLC.

“Green Plains Superior Plant” means the 50 million gallon per year dry mill ethanol plant located at Superior, Iowa.

“Green Plains Real Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(j)(iii).

“Green Plains Shareholder Approval” means the vote of the holders of any class of series of Green Plains’ capital stock necessary to approve, in accordance with Green Plains’ articles of incorporation and bylaws and applicable law, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger.

“Hazardous Materials” means any waste or other substance that is listed, defined, designated, or classified as, or otherwise determined to be, hazardous, radioactive, or toxic or a pollutants or a contaminant under or pursuant to any Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements, including any admixture or solution thereof, and specifically including petroleum and all derivatives thereof or synthetic substitutes therefore and asbestos or asbestos- containing materials, and further including any PCBs, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and any other agricultural chemicals, urea formaldehyde and related substances.

“HIPAA” means the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended.

“HSR Act” means the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

“Improvements” means all buildings, structures, fixtures, building systems and equipment, and all components thereof.

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“Income Tax” means any federal, state, local, or foreign income tax, including any interest, penalty, or addition thereto, whether disputed or not.

“Income Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to Income Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

“Intellectual Property” means all of the following in any jurisdiction throughout the world: (a) all inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), all improvements thereto, and all patents, patent applications, and patent disclosures, together with all reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, revisions, extensions, and reexaminations thereof, (b) all trademarks, service marks, trade dress, logos, slogans, trade names, corporate names, Internet domain names, and rights in telephone numbers, together with all translations, adaptations, derivations, and combinations thereof and including all goodwill associated therewith, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (c) all copyrightable works, all copyrights, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (d) all mask works and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (e) all trade secrets and confidential business information (including ideas, research and development, know-how, formulas, compositions, manufacturing and production processes and techniques, technical data, designs, drawings, specifications, customer and supplier lists, pricing and cost information, and business and marketing plans and proposals), (f) all computer software (including source code, executable code, data, databases, and related documentation), (g) all material advertising and promotional materials, (h) all other proprietary rights, and (i) all copies and tangible embodiments thereof (in whatever form or medium).

“Investment” means the purchase and sale of 6,000,000 shares of Green Plains’ common stock at a purchase price of $10.00 per share, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Stock Purchase Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto at Exhibit C.

“Knowledge” means, with respect to VBV, the actual knowledge of Xxxx Xxxxxx and Xxx Xxxxxx, after reasonable investigation; and, with respect to Green Plains, the actual knowledge of Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, and Xxxxx Xxxxxx, after reasonable investigation.

“Leased Real Property” means all leasehold or subleasehold estates and other rights to use or occupy any land, Improvements or other interest in real property held by VBV or either VBV Subsidiary or Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be.

“Leases” means all leases, subleases, licenses, concessions and other agreements (written or oral), including all amendments, extensions, renewals, guaranties, and other agreements with respect thereto, pursuant to which VBV or either VBV Subsidiary, or Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, holds any Leased Real Property.

“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, charge, or other security interest, other than (a) liens for taxes not yet due and payable, (b) purchase money liens and liens securing rental payments under capital lease arrangements, and (c) other liens arising in the Ordinary Course of Business not yet due and payable and not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money.

“Material Adverse Effect” or “Material Adverse Change” means, when used in connection with VBV or Green Plains, any change, development, event, occurrence, effect or state of facts that, individually or in the aggregate with all such other changes, developments, events, occurrences, effects or states of facts is, or is reasonably likely to be, materially adverse to the business, assets, condition (financial or other) or results of operations or business prospects of such Party and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; provided, that none of the following shall be deemed either alone or in combination to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or is reasonably likely to be, a Material Adverse Change or a Material Adverse Effect: (a) any change, development, event,

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occurrence, effect or state of facts arising out of or resulting from (i) capital market conditions generally or general economic conditions, including with respect to interest rates or currency exchange rates, (ii) geopolitical conditions or any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, acts of war or terrorism occurring after the date of this Agreement, (iii) any hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake or other natural disaster occurring after the date of this Agreement, (iv) any change in applicable law, regulation or GAAP (or authoritative interpretation thereof) which is proposed, approved or enacted after the date of this Agreement, (v) general conditions in the industry in which such Party and its Subsidiaries operate, (vi) the failure, in and of itself, of such party to meet any internal or published projections, forecasts, estimates or predictions in respect of revenues, earnings or other financial or operating metrics (other than projections, forecasts, estimates or predictions set forth in Section 3.2(j)(xiii) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule and Section 4.2(j)(xiii) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule) after the date of this Agreement, or, with respect to Green Plains, changes in the market price, credit rating or trading volume of such party’s securities after the date of this Agreement (it being understood that the underlying facts giving rise or contributing to such failure or change may be deemed either alone or in combination to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or is reasonably likely to be, a Material Adverse Change or a Material Adverse Effect), and (vii) the announcement and pendency of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, compliance with the covenants contained herein, and any loss of or change in relationship with any customer, supplier, distributor or other business partner, or departure of any employee or officer, of such party or any of its Subsidiaries, except, in the cases of clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), to the extent that such party and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are materially disproportionately affected thereby compared with other participants in the industries in which such party and its Subsidiaries operate (in which case the incremental disproportionate impact or impacts may be deemed either alone or in combination to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or is reasonably likely to be, a Material Adverse Change or a Material Adverse Effect); (b) any existing event, occurrence or circumstance concerning a Party with respect to which the other Party has Knowledge as of the date hereof (it being understood that a change in materiality of such event, occurrence or circumstance may be a Material Adverse Change or have a Material Adverse Effect); and (c) any adverse change in or effect on the business of a Party and its Subsidiaries that is cured by such Party before the earlier of (i) the Closing Date and (ii) the date on which this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.

“Merger” has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

“Most Recent Balance Sheet” means the balance sheet contained within the Most Recent Financial Statements.

“Most Recent Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(e) in the case of VBV and as set forth in Section 4.2(f) in the case of Green Plains.

“Most Recent Fiscal Month End” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(e).

“Multiemployer Plan” has the meaning set forth in ERISA Section 3(37).

“Ordinary Course of Business” means the ordinary course of business consistent with past custom and practice, including with respect to quantity and frequency; provided, however, that any transaction or other action that results in an aggregate change of 3,000,000 bushels in a Party’s open corn position, or in an aggregate change of 7,000,000 gallons in a Party’s open ethanol position, shall not be deemed to be in the Ordinary Course of Business, regardless of past custom or practice; and provided, further, that any transaction, event or business dealing involving a construction project that causes a Party to incur a liability or performance obligation in excess of $500,000 of budgeted amounts for individual line items, or $3,000,000 in the aggregate, for such construction project shall not be deemed to be in the Ordinary Course of Business, regardless of past custom or practice.

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“Owned Real Property” means all land, together with all Improvements located thereon and all easements and other rights and interests appurtenant thereto, owned by VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries or Green Plains and any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be.

“Party” has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

“Permitted Encumbrances” means with respect to each parcel of VBV Real Property or Green Plains Real Property, as the case may be: (a) real estate taxes, assessments and other governmental levies, fees, or charges imposed with respect to such Real Property that are (i) not due and payable as of the Closing Date, (ii) not material to the results of operations or financial condition of a Party or (iii) being contested in good faith and for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (b) mechanics’ liens and similar liens for labor, materials, or supplies provided with respect to such Real Property incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business for amounts that are (i) not due and payable as of the Closing Date or (ii) being contested in good faith that would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially impair the use or occupancy of the Real Property or the operation of the business of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries or Green Plains and any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, as currently conducted on such Real Property; (c) zoning, building codes, and other land use laws regulating the use or occupancy of such Real Property or the activities conducted thereon that are imposed by any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over such Real Property, provided that such codes and laws are not violated by the current use or occupancy of such Real Property or the operation of the business of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries or Green Plains and any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, as currently conducted thereon without the benefit of a non-conforming use variance or waiver; and (d) easements, covenants, conditions, restrictions, and other similar matters of record affecting title to such Real Property that do not or would not materially impair the use or occupancy of such Real Property in the operation of the business of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries or Green Plains and any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, as currently conducted thereon.

“Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, any other business entity, or a Governmental Entity.

“Pre-Closing Period” means the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement or the Closing Date.

“Plans and Specifications” means the plans and specifications set forth in Section 3.2(j)(xiii) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule and Section 4.2(j)(xiii) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule, as the case may be.

“Prohibited Transaction” has the meaning set forth in ERISA Section 406 and Code Section 4975.

“Real Property Laws” means all laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations of any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction that govern the ownership, development, construction, use or occupancy of real property, including without limitation, environmental, building, zoning, subdivision, health and safety and other land use laws, and all insurance requirements affecting the VBV Real Property or the Green Plains Real Property, as the case may be.

“Reportable Event” has the meaning set forth in ERISA Section 4043.

“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

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

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“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers, or trustees thereof 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 or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of the partnership or other similar ownership interests thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof and for this purpose, a Person or Persons own a majority ownership interest in such a business entity (other than a corporation) if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of such business entity’s gains or losses or shall be or control any managing director or general partner of such business entity (other than a corporation). The term “Subsidiary” shall include all Subsidiaries of such Subsidiary.

“Surviving Company” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

“Systems” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(y).

“Tax” or “Taxes” means any federal, state, local, or foreign income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental (including taxes under Code Section 59A), customs duties, capital stock, franchise, profits, withholding, social security (or similar), unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, sales, use, transfer, registration, value added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, or other tax of any kind whatsoever, including any interest, penalty, or addition thereto, whether disputed or not.

“Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

“VBV” has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

“VBV Disclosure Schedule” means the disclosure schedule delivered by VBV to Green Plains on the date hereof, which schedule will be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the lettered and numbered paragraphs contained in this Agreement, provided, however, that any information set forth in one section of the VBV Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to apply to each other section or subsection thereof to which its relevance is readily apparent on its face.

“VBV Member Approval” means the vote or approval of the members of VBV necessary to approve, in accordance with VBV’s certificate of formation and Delaware Law, this Agreement and the Merger.

“VBV Plants” means the 100 million gallon per year dry mill ethanol plant located at Bluffton, Indiana, and the 100 million gallon per year dry mill ethanol plant located at Xxxxx, Tennessee.

“VBV Real Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(j)(iii).

“VBV Subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

“VBV Subsidiary Member Approval” means the vote or approval of the unitholders of the VBV Subsidiaries necessary to approve, in accordance with their respective articles of organization, operating agreements and applicable state law, this Agreement and the VBV Subsidiary Mergers.

“VBV Subsidiary Mergers” has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

“VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan” means each Employee Benefit Plan that VBV, a VBV Subsidiary or any of their ERISA Affiliates maintains, or to which VBV, a VBV Subsidiary or any of their ERISA Affiliates contributes or has any obligation to contribute.

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“VBV Units” means each outstanding Common Unit of VBV beneficially owned by the members of VBV.

“WARN Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(u).

Article II

The Merger

Section 2.1 Basic Transaction. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, and in accordance with Delaware Law, Merger Sub will merge with and into VBV at the Effective Time. Following the Effective Time, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and VBV shall continue as the survivor in the Merger (the “Surviving Company”) and shall succeed to and assume all the rights and obligations of Merger Sub in accordance with Delaware Law.

Section 2.2 Closing. The closing of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) will take place at the offices of Husch Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx LLP in Omaha, Nebraska, on a date to be specified by the Parties (the “Closing Date”), which shall be no later than the second Business Day after satisfaction (or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, waiver by the Party or Parties entitled to the benefits thereof) of the conditions set forth in Article VIII (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction (or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, waiver by the Party or Parties entitled to the benefits thereof) of those conditions), unless another time, date or place is agreed to by the Parties.

Section 2.3 Deliveries at Closing. At the Closing, (i) VBV will deliver to Green Plains and Merger Sub the various certificates, instruments, and documents referred to in Sections 8.1 and 8.2, (ii) Green Plains and Merger Sub will deliver to VBV the various certificates, instruments, and documents referred to in Section 8.1 and 8.3, and (iii) VBV and Merger Sub will file with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a Certificate of Merger in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Certificate of Merger”).

Section 2.4 Effects of the Merger.

(a) General. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, as soon as practicable on the Closing Date, the Parties shall file the Certificate of Merger executed in accordance with Delaware Law and, as soon as practicable on or after the Closing Date, shall make all other filings or recordings required under Delaware Law. The Merger shall become effective when the Certificate of Merger is duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such other time as Green Plains and VBV agree and specify in the Certificate of Merger (the time the Merger becomes effective being hereinafter referred to as the “Effective Time”).

(b) Conversion of Merger Sub Capital Stock and VBV Units. At and as of the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder of any VBV Units or any shares of capital stock of Merger Sub:

(i) each issued and outstanding share of capital stock of Merger Sub shall be automatically converted into and become a limited liability company interest of the Surviving Company;

(ii) subject to Section 2.5(d), each VBV Unit shall be converted into the right to receive 7,498.369315 (the “Exchange Ratio”) fully paid and nonassessable shares of Green Plains Common Stock (the “Merger Consideration”). At and as of the Effective Time, all such VBV Units shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and shall cease to be outstanding, and each holder of a VBV Unit shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive the Merger Consideration and certain dividends or other distributions in accordance with Section 2.5(b); and

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(iii) in the event Green Plains changes (or establishes a record date for changing) the number of shares of Green Plains Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time as a result of a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, subdivision, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or similar transaction with respect to the outstanding Green Plains Common Stock and the record date therefor shall be prior to the Effective Time, the Exchange Ratio shall be proportionately adjusted to reflect such stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, subdivision, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or similar transaction.

(c) Governance of Surviving Company. The certificate of formation and operating agreement of Surviving Company shall be amended and restated at and as of the Effective Time in a form mutually agreeable to the Parties, and the officers of Green Plains shall become the managers and officers of Surviving Company at and as of the Effective Time.

Section 2.5 Exchange Procedures.

(a) Exchange Procedures. Promptly after the Effective Time, the holder of each VBV Unit shall be entitled to receive from Green Plains in exchange therefor, and Green Plains shall deliver to such holder, a certificate representing that number of whole shares of Green Plains Common Stock that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to the provisions of this Article II and certain dividends or other distributions in accordance with Section 2.5(b), and such holder’s VBV Unit shall forthwith be canceled. In the event of a transfer of ownership of VBV Units that is not registered in the transfer records of VBV, a certificate representing the proper number of shares of Green Plains Common Stock may be issued to a Person other than the Person in whose name the such VBV Unit is registered if such VBV Unit has been properly assigned and the Person requesting such issuance shall pay any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of shares of Green Plains Common Stock to a Person other than the registered holder of such VBV Unit or establish to the satisfaction of Green Plains that such tax has been paid or is not applicable. Each VBV Unit shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive the Merger Consideration that the holder thereof has the right to receive pursuant to the provisions of this Article II and certain dividends or other distributions in accordance with Section 2.5(b). No interest shall be paid or will accrue on any cash payable to holders VBV Units pursuant to the provisions of this Article II.

(b) Distributions. Whenever a dividend or other distribution is declared or made after the date hereof with respect to Green Plains Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time, such declaration shall include a dividend or other distribution in respect of all shares of Green Plains Common Stock issuable pursuant to this Agreement. Subject to the effect of applicable escheat or similar laws, there shall be paid to the holder of each VBV Unit representing whole shares of Green Plains Common Stock issued in exchange therefor, without interest, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time paid with respect to such whole shares of Green Plains Common Stock.

(c) No Further Ownership Rights in VBV Units. All shares of Green Plains Common Stock issued upon the surrender for exchange of VBV Units in accordance with this Article II shall be deemed to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the VBV Units subject, however, to the Surviving Company’s obligation to pay any dividends or make any other distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time which may have been declared or made by VBV on such VBV Units which remain unpaid at the Effective Time, and there shall be no further registration of transfers on the transfer books of the Surviving Company of the VBV Units that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.

(d) No Fractional Shares. No certificates or scrip representing fractional shares of Green Plains Common Stock shall be issued upon the exchange of VBV Units, no dividends or other distributions of Green Plains shall relate to such fractional share interests, and such fractional share interests will not

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entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any rights of a shareholder of Green Plains. In lieu of such fractional share interests, such fractional share shall be rounded up or down to the nearest whole number (with one-half of a shares rounded up).

(e) No Liability. None of Green Plains, Merger Sub, VBV or the Surviving Company shall be liable to any Person in respect of any shares of Green Plains Common Stock, cash, dividends or other distributions properly delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.

(f) Withholding Rights. Green Plains or the Surviving Company shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of VBV Units such amounts as Green Plains or the Surviving Company is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld and paid over to the appropriate taxing authority by Green Plains or the Surviving Company, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the VBV Units in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by Green Plains or the Surviving Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Green Plains shall not undertake any withholding pursuant to Code Section 1445 with respect to payment of the Merger Consideration to any holder of VBV Units that delivers to Green Plains a notice of nonrecognition transfer in form and substance required pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.1445-2(d)(2). Green Plains shall, within 20 days after the Closing, submit the notice of nonrecognition transfer to the Internal Revenue Service in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.1445-2(d)(2)(i)(B).

Article III

Representations and Warranties of VBV

Section 3.1 Representations and Warranties Concerning the Transaction. Except as set forth in the VBV Disclosure Schedule, VBV represents and warrants to Green Plains as follows:

(a) Authorization of Transaction. VBV has full limited liability company power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of VBV, enforceable in accordance with its terms and conditions. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and all other agreements contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by the Managers of VBV. The Managers of VBV have resolved to recommend that the members of VBV approve and adopt this Agreement and the Merger, and have directed that such matters be submitted to the members of VBV at a duly called meeting thereof.

(b) Members’ Vote to Approve Transaction. A number of votes cast to approve this Agreement and the Merger that exceed the number of votes cast opposing such matters at a duly convened meeting of the members of VBV at which a quorum is present is the only VBV Member Approval necessary to approve this Agreement and the Merger.

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(c) Non-contravention. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will (i) violate any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any Governmental Entity to which VBV or either VBV Subsidiary is subject or any provision of the certificate of formation or operating agreement of VBV or either VBV Subsidiary, or (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of, create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or require any notice under any agreement, contract, lease, license, instrument or other arrangement to which VBV or either VBV Subsidiary is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its assets are subject (or result in the imposition of any Lien upon any of its assets), except where the violation, conflict, breach, default, acceleration, termination, modification, cancellation, failure to give notice or Lien would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary needs to give any notice to, make any filing with, or obtain any authorization, consent, or approval of any Governmental Entity in order for the Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except where the failure to give notice, to file, or to obtain any authorization, consent, or approval would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(d) State Takeover Statutes. No state takeover or similar statute or regulation is applicable to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger and the VBV Subsidiary Mergers. There are no statutory or contractual “dissenters” or “appraisal” rights available to holders of units of VBV or either VBV Subsidiary in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the VBV Subsidiary Mergers.

(e) Brokers’ Fees. VBV has no liability or obligation to pay any fees or commissions to any broker, finder or agent with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 3.2 Representations and Warranties Concerning VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in the VBV Disclosure Schedule, VBV represents and warrants to Green Plains as follows:

(a) Organization, Qualification, and Company Power. Each of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries are manager-managed limited liability companies duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of their formation. Each of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries is duly qualified or licensed to conduct business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where such qualification or license is required, except where the lack of such qualification or license would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Each of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries has the requisite limited liability company power and authority to carry on the business in which it is engaged and to own and use the properties owned and used by it. Section 3.2(a) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule lists the directors and officers of VBV and each of its Subsidiaries.

(b) Subsidiaries. Section 3.2(b) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of the VBV Subsidiaries, including for each its name and jurisdiction of organization and the number and nature of its limited liability company interests. All of the outstanding limited liability company interests of each VBV Subsidiary have been duly authorized and are owned directly or indirectly by VBV and the other Persons identified and in the amounts set forth in Section 3.2(b) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule, free and clear of any Liens and free of any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such limited liability company interests or other ownership interests. There are no outstanding or authorized options, warrants, purchase rights, preemptive rights, subscription rights, conversion rights, exchange rights or other contracts or commitments that could require VBV or either VBV Subsidiary to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any limited liability company interest or other interest of any of the VBV Subsidiaries or that could require any VBV Subsidiary to issue, sell or otherwise cause to become outstanding any of its own limited liability company interests or other interest. There are no outstanding “phantom equity,” profit participation or similar rights with respect to any Subsidiary of VBV. There are no voting trusts, proxies or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting of any limited liability company interests of any Subsidiary of VBV. Except

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for the limited liability interests or other ownership interests of its Subsidiaries, VBV does not beneficially own (or have a right to acquire), directly or indirectly, any material capital stock, limited liability company interest, partnership interest, joint venture interest or other material equity interest in any Person.

(c) Capitalization. The limited liability company interests of VBV consist of Common Units, all of which are certificated. Except as described in Section 3.2(c) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule, all of the VBV Units are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, are not subject to preemptive rights, have been issued in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws, and are held of record by the respective Persons as set forth in Section 3.2(c) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule free and clear of any Liens and free of any restrictions on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such Common Units. There are no outstanding or authorized options, warrants, purchase rights, preemptive rights, subscription rights, conversion rights, exchange rights or other contracts or commitments that could require VBV to issue, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Common Units or other limited liability company interests in VBV or otherwise cause to become outstanding any of its Common Units or other limited liability company interests. There are no outstanding or authorized equity appreciation rights, “phantom equity,” profit participation or similar rights with respect to VBV. There are no voting trusts, proxies, or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting of the VBV Units.

(d) Title to Assets. VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries have good and marketable title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, the personal property and tangible and intangible assets used by them, located on their premises or shown on the Most Recent Balance Sheet or acquired after the date thereof, free and clear of all Liens, except for personal property and tangible and intangible assets disposed of in the Ordinary Course of Business since the date of the Most Recent Balance Sheet.

(e) Financial Statements. Section 3.2(e) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule includes the following financial statements (collectively the “Financial Statements”): (i) unaudited consolidated balance sheets and statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flow as of and for periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, for VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries; and (ii) unaudited consolidated balance sheets and statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flow (the “Most Recent Financial Statements”) as of and for the month ended April 30, 2008 (the “Most Recent Fiscal Month End”) for VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries. The Financial Statements (including the notes thereto) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP throughout the periods covered thereby and present fairly the financial condition of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries as of such dates and the results of operations of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries for such periods; provided, however, that the Most Recent Financial Statements are subject to normal year-end adjustments (which will not be material individually or in the aggregate) and lack footnotes and other presentation items.

(f) Events Subsequent to Most Recent Fiscal Year End. Since March 31, 2008, there has not been any Material Adverse Change. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, since that date:

(i) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has sold, leased, transferred or assigned any assets, tangible or intangible, outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(ii) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has entered into any agreement, contract, lease or license outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(iii) no party (including VBV or either VBV Subsidiary) has accelerated, terminated, made modifications to or canceled any agreement, contract, lease or license to which VBV or either VBV Subsidiary is a party or by which any of them is bound, outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(iv) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has imposed any Lien upon any of its assets, tangible or intangible, outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

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(v) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has made any capital expenditures outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(vi) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has made any capital investment in, or any material loan to, any other Person outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(vii) VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries have not created, incurred, assumed, or guaranteed more than $50,000 in aggregate indebtedness for borrowed money and capitalized lease obligations outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(viii) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has transferred, assigned or granted any license or sublicense of any rights under or with respect to any Intellectual Property outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(ix) there has been no change made or authorized in the certificate of formation or operating agreement of VBV or either VBV Subsidiary;

(x) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has issued, sold or otherwise disposed of any of its limited liability company interests, or granted any options, warrants, or other rights to purchase or obtain (including upon conversion, exchange, or exercise) any of its limited liability company interests outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xi) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has declared, set aside or paid any dividend or made any distribution with respect to its limited liability company interests (whether in cash or in kind) or redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired any of its limited liability company interests outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xii) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has experienced any damage, destruction or loss (whether or not covered by insurance) to its property outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xiii) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary (a) has made any loan to, or entered into any other transaction with, any of its managers, officers, and employees outside the Ordinary Course of Business, (b) has outstanding or arranged to have outstanding any “extensions of credit” to directors or executive officers within the meaning of Section 402 of SOX or (c) has entered into any transactions or relationships with any present or former manager or officer thereof, or any member of such manager’s or officer’s family or any Person controlled by such officer or manager or his or her family, or that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K;

(xiv) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has entered into or terminated any employment contract or collective bargaining agreement, written or oral, or modified the terms of any existing such contract or agreement outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xv) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has granted any increase in the base compensation of any of its managers, officers, and employees outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xvi) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has adopted, amended, modified or terminated any bonus, profit sharing, incentive, severance, or other plan, contract or commitment for the benefit of any of its directors, officers, and employees (or taken any such action with respect to any other Employee Benefit Plan) outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xvii) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has made any other change in employment terms for any of its managers, officers, and employees outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

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(xviii) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has made any loans or advances of money outside the Ordinary Course of Business; and

(xix) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has committed to any of the foregoing.

(g) Undisclosed Liabilities. Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has any material liability (whether known or unknown, whether asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued, whether liquidated or unliquidated, and whether due or to become due, including any liability for Taxes), except for (i) liabilities set forth on the face of the Most Recent Balance Sheet (rather than in any notes thereto) and (ii) liabilities that have arisen after the Most Recent Fiscal Month End in the Ordinary Course of Business.

(h) Legal Compliance. VBV and each VBV Subsidiary has complied with all applicable laws (including rules, regulations, codes, plans, injunctions, judgments, orders, decrees, rulings, and charges thereunder) of any Governmental Entity, and no action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation, charge, complaint, claim, demand, or notice has been filed or commenced against any of them alleging any failure so to comply, except where the failure to comply would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(i) Tax Matters.

(i) VBV and each VBV Subsidiary has filed all federal Income Tax Returns and all other material Tax Returns that it was required to file. VBV filed an election to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes for fiscal years 2007 and 2008. Such election was not made as part of or in contemplation of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement. All such Tax Returns as so filed disclose all Taxes required to be paid for the periods covered thereby. All material Taxes due and owing by VBV or either VBV Subsidiary (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid. Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary currently is the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return. There are no Liens for Taxes (other than Taxes not yet due and payable) upon any of the assets of VBV or either VBV Subsidiary. Each of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries has withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder, or other third party, and all Forms W-2 and 1099 required with respect thereto have been properly completed and timely filed.

(ii) There is no material dispute or claim concerning any Tax liability of VBV or the VBV Subsidiaries either (A) claimed or raised by any authority in writing or (B) as to which any of the managers and officers of VBV or the VBV Subsidiaries has Knowledge based upon personal contact with any agent of such authority.

(iii) Section 3.2(i) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule lists all federal and other material Tax Returns filed with respect to VBV or the VBV Subsidiaries for 2007 taxable fiscal years, indicates those Tax Returns that have been audited, and indicates those Tax Returns that currently are the subject of audit. VBV has delivered to Green Plains correct and complete copies of all federal Income Tax Returns, examination reports, and statements of deficiencies assessed against, or agreed to by VBV or either VBV Subsidiary for 2007 taxable fiscal years. Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency.

(iv) Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary is a party to any agreement, contract, arrangement, or plan that has resulted or would result, separately or in the aggregate, in the payment of any “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Code Section 280G (or any corresponding provision of state, local, or foreign Tax law). Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary is a party to or bound by any tax allocation or sharing agreement. Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary (A) has been a member of an Affiliated Group filing a consolidated federal Income Tax Return or (B) has any liability for the Taxes of any Person under Reg. Section 1.1502-6

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(or any similar provision of state, local, or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract, or otherwise.

(v) The unpaid Taxes of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries (A) did not, as of the Most Recent Fiscal Month End, exceed the reserve for Tax liability (rather than any reserve for deferred Taxes established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax income) set forth on the face of the balance sheet included among the Most Recent Financial Statements (rather than in any notes thereto) and (B) will not exceed that reserve as adjusted for operations and transactions through the Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries in filing their Tax Returns.

(vi) Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary will be required to include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any:

(A) change in method of accounting for a taxable period ending on or prior to the Closing Date;

(B) “closing agreement” as described in Code Section 7121 (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign Income Tax law) executed on or prior to the Closing Date;

(C) intercompany transactions or any excess loss account described in Treasury Regulations under Code Section 1502 (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign Income Tax law);

(D) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date; or

(E) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing Date.

(j) Real Property.

(i) Section 3.2(j)(i) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule sets forth the address and description of each parcel of Owned Real Property. With respect to each parcel of Owned Real Property, (A) VBV or one of its Subsidiaries has good and marketable fee simple title, free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Encumbrances; (B) except as set forth in Section 3.2(j)(iii) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule, neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has leased or otherwise granted to any Person the right to use or occupy such Owned Real Property or any portion thereof; and (C) there are no outstanding agreements, options, rights of first offer or rights of first refusal to purchase, and except for VBV and VBV Subsidiaries, no Person is in possession of, such Owned Real Property or any portion thereof or interest therein.

(ii) Section 3.2(j)(ii) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule sets forth the address of each parcel of Leased Real Property, and a true and complete list of all Leases for each such Leased Real Property (including the date and name of the parties to such Lease document). Except as set forth in Section 3.2(j)(ii) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule, with respect to each Lease:

(A) such Lease is legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect;

(B) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement do not require the consent of any other party to such Lease or otherwise will not result in a breach of or default under such Lease, and will not otherwise cause such Lease to cease to be legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect on identical terms following the Closing;

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(C) none of VBV’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ possession and quiet enjoyment of the Leased Real Property under such Lease has been disturbed and, to the Knowledge of VBV, there are no disputes with respect to such Lease;

(D) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary, nor to the Knowledge of VBV any other party to the Lease, is in breach of or default under such Lease, and no event has occurred or circumstance exists that, with the delivery of notice, the passage of time or both, would constitute such a breach or default by any party under such Lease, or permit the termination, modification or acceleration of rent under such Lease;

(E) no security deposit or portion thereof deposited with respect to such Lease has been applied in respect of a breach of or default under such Lease that has not been redeposited in full;

(F) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary owes, or will owe in the future, any brokerage commissions or finder’s fees with respect to such Lease;

(G) the other party to such Lease is not an Affiliate of, and otherwise does not have any economic interest in, VBV or either VBV Subsidiary;

(H) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has subleased, licensed or otherwise granted any Person the right to use or occupy, purchase or extend the term of the Leased Real Property or any portion thereof; and

(I) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has collaterally assigned or granted any other Lien in such Lease or any interest therein.

(iii) The Owned Real Property identified in Section 3.2(j)(i) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule and the Leased Real Property identified in Section 3.2(j)(ii) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the “VBV Real Property”) comprise all of the real property used or intended to be used in the business of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries; and neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary is a party to any agreement or option, rights of first offer or rights of first refusal, to purchase any real property or interest therein.

(iv) All Improvements included in the VBV Real Property are in good condition and repair and sufficient for the operation of the business of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries. There are no facts or conditions affecting any of the Improvements that would, individually or in the aggregate, interfere in any material respect with the use or occupancy of the Improvements or any portion thereof in the operation of the business of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries as currently conducted thereon.

(v) Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has received written notice of, and has no Knowledge of, any condemnation, expropriation or other proceeding in eminent domain affecting any parcel of Owned Real Property or any portion thereof or interest therein. There is no injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling or charge outstanding, or any claim, litigation, administrative action or similar proceeding, pending or, to the Knowledge of VBV, threatened, relating to the ownership, lease, use or occupancy of the Owned Real Property or any portion thereof, or the operation of the business of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries as currently conducted thereon.

(vi) The VBV Real Property is in material compliance with all Real Property Laws. Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has received any notice of violation of any Real Property Law and, to the Knowledge of VBV, there is no basis for the issuance of any such notice or the taking of any action for such violation.

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(vii) Each parcel of VBV Real Property has direct and uninterrupted vehicular access to a public street adjoining the VBV Real Property or has direct and uninterrupted vehicular access to a public street via insurable easements benefiting such parcel of VBV Real Property, suitable and appropriate for operation of the VBV Plants, and such access is not dependent on any land or other real property interest that is not included in the VBV Real Property. None of the Improvements or any portion thereof is dependent for its access, use or operation on any land, building, improvement or other real property interest that is not included in the VBV Real Property.

(viii) All water, oil, gas, electrical, steam, compressed air, telecommunications, sewer, storm and waste water systems and other utility services or systems for the VBV Real Property have been installed and are operational and sufficient for the operation of the VBV Plants and business of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries as currently conducted thereon.

(ix) VBV’s and its Subsidiaries’ use or occupancy of the VBV Real Property or any portion thereof and the operation of the business of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries as currently conducted thereon is not dependent on a “permitted non-conforming use” or “permitted non-conforming structure” or similar variance, exemption or approval from any Governmental Entity.

(x) The current use and occupancy of the Owned Real Property and the operation of the business of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries as currently conducted thereon does not violate in any material respect any easement, covenant, condition, restriction or similar provision in any instrument of record or other unrecorded agreement affecting such Owned Real Property.

(xi) None of the VBV Real Property or any portion thereof is located in a flood hazard area (as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency).

(xii) The VBV Real Property is zoned so as to permit the construction and operation of the VBV Plants, and the construction and operation of the Plants are not dependent on a nonconforming use or other waiver from a Governmental Entity, the absence of which would limit the construction or operation of the Plants.

(xiii) Construction of the VBV Plants has commenced, and the VBV Plants are currently scheduled to become operational in August 2008 and October 2008, respectively. VBV and its Subsidiaries have provided to Green Plains true and complete copies of all agreements with Xxxxx, Inc., ICM, Inc., and all other major contractors with respect to the construction of the VBV Plants. Section 3.2(j)(xiii) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule sets forth the schedule, broken down by trade, of the estimated dates of commencement and completion of the construction of the VBV Plants. VBV and its Subsidiaries have provided to Green Plains a true and complete set of the currently existing plans and specifications with respect to the construction of the VBV Plants, which comply with all applicable legal requirements and the terms of all necessary permits and have been approved by each Governmental Entity as is required for construction of the VBV Plants.

(k) Intellectual Property.

(i) None of VBV or either VBV Subsidiary, or any of its or their respective businesses as presently conducted, has or will interfere with, infringe upon, misappropriate, or otherwise come into conflict with, any Intellectual Property rights of third parties; there are no facts indicating a likelihood of the foregoing; and VBV has never received any charge, complaint, claim, demand, or notice alleging any such interference, infringement, misappropriation, or conflict (including any claim that VBV or either VBV Subsidiary must license or refrain from using any Intellectual Property rights of any third party). To the Knowledge of VBV, no third party has interfered with,

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infringed upon, misappropriated, or otherwise come into conflict with, any Intellectual Property rights of VBV or either VBV Subsidiary.

(ii) None of VBV or either VBV Subsidiary holds any patent or registration with respect to any of its respective Intellectual Property, nor have any pending patent application or application for registration with respect to any of its Intellectual Property. None of VBV or either VBV Subsidiary has entered into any material license, sublicense, agreement, or other permission with any third party with respect to any of its Intellectual Property. Section 3.2(k)(ii) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule also identifies each material trade name or unregistered trademark, service xxxx, corporate name, Internet domain name, copyright and material computer software item used by VBV or the VBV Subsidiaries in connection with its business. With respect to each item of Intellectual Property required to be identified in Section 3.2(k)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule:

(A) VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries possess all right, title, and interest in and to the item, free and clear of any Lien, license or other restriction;

(B) the item is not subject to any outstanding injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling or charge;

(C) no action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation, charge, complaint, claim or demand is pending or, to the Knowledge of VBV, threatened that challenges the legality, validity, enforceability, use or ownership of the item;

(D) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has agreed to indemnify any Person for or against any interference, infringement, misappropriation or other conflict with respect to the item; and

(E) VBV has complied with all duties of disclosure pertaining to patent prior art, or otherwise with respect to the item.

(iii) Section 3.2(k)(iii) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule identifies each material item of Intellectual Property that any third party owns and that VBV or either VBV Subsidiary uses pursuant to license, sublicense, agreement or permission. With respect to each item of Intellectual Property required to be identified in Section 3.2(k)(iii) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule:

(A) the license, sublicense, agreement or permission covering the item is legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect in all material respects;

(B) no party to the license, sublicense, agreement or permission is in material breach or default, and no event has occurred that with notice or lapse of time would constitute a material breach or default or permit termination, modification or acceleration thereunder;

(D) neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has granted any sublicense or similar right with respect to the license, sublicense, agreement or permission; and

(E) no loss or expiration of the item is threatened, pending, or reasonably foreseeable, except for patents expiring at the end of their statutory terms (and not as a result of any act or omission by VBV or the VBV Subsidiaries, including without limitation, a failure by VBV or the VBV Subsidiaries to pay any required maintenance fees).

(l) Tangible Assets. The buildings, machinery, equipment, and other tangible assets that VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries own and lease are free from material defects (patent and latent), have been maintained in accordance with normal industry practice, and are in good operating condition and repair (subject to normal wear and tear).

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(m) Inventory. The inventory of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries consists of raw materials and supplies, manufactured and processed parts, work in process, and finished goods, all of which is merchantable and fit for the purpose for which it was procured or manufactured, and none of which is slow-moving, obsolete, damaged, or defective, subject only to the reserve for inventory write-down set forth on the face of the Most Recent Balance Sheet (rather than in any notes thereto) as adjusted for operations and transactions through the Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries.

(n) Contracts. Section 3.2(n) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule lists the following agreements to which VBV or either VBV Subsidiary is a party:

(i) any agreement (or group of related agreements) for the lease of personal property to or from any Person providing for lease payments in excess of $10,000 per annum;

(ii) any agreement (or group of related agreements) relating to development, production, marketing or distribution of the VBV Plants, or the products and services of VBV or the VBV Subsidiaries and any products licensed by VBV or the VBV Subsidiaries, including agreements for the purchase or sale of grain, distillers grains, ethanol, and any other raw materials, commodities, supplies, or products or personal property, or for the furnishing or receipt of services, the performance of which will extend over a period of more than 60 days;

(iii) any hedging contract that extends out more than 60 days or involves a quantity of grain, ethanol or distillers grains in excess of 60 days’ production;

(iv) any agreement concerning a partnership or joint venture;

(v) any agreement (or group of related agreements) under which it has created, incurred, assumed, or guaranteed any indebtedness for borrowed money, or any capitalized lease obligation, in excess of $50,000 or under which it has imposed a Lien on any of its assets, tangible or intangible;

(vi) any material agreement concerning confidentiality or restricting or purporting to restrict VBV’s or any VBV Subsidiary’s ability to compete in any line of business, geographic market or customer segment, or containing any “standstill” or similar restrictions on a Person’s right to acquire equity interests in VBV or any VBV Subsidiary;

(vii) any material agreement with any of its Affiliates (other than its Subsidiaries);

(viii) any profit sharing, option, equity purchase, deferred compensation, severance, or other material plan or arrangement for the benefit of its current or former managers, officers, and employees;

(ix) any collective bargaining agreement;

(x) any agreement for the employment of any individual on a full-time, part-time, consulting, or other basis providing annual compensation in excess of $100,000 or providing material severance benefits;

(xi) any agreement under which it has advanced or loaned any amount to any of its managers, officers, and employees outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xii) any agreement under which the consequences of a default or termination could have a Material Adverse Effect;

(xiii) any agreement under which it has granted any Person any registration rights;

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(xiv) any settlement, conciliation or similar agreement with any Governmental Entity or which will involve payment after the Most Recent Fiscal Month End of consideration in excess of $50,000;

(xv) any agreement under which VBV or either VBV Subsidiary has advanced or loaned any other Person amounts in the aggregate exceeding $50,000; or

(xvi) any other agreement (or group of related agreements) the performance of which involves consideration in excess of $100,000.

VBV has delivered to Green Plains a correct and complete copy of each written agreement listed in Section 3.2(n) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule and a written summary setting forth the material terms and conditions of each oral agreement referred to in Section 3.2(n) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule. With respect to each such agreement, (A) the agreement is legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect in all material respects; and (B) none of VBV, any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of VBV, any other party thereto is in violation of or in default under (nor does there exist any condition which upon the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would cause such a violation of or default by VBV or either VBV Subsidiary or, to the Knowledge of VBV, any other party thereto under) any agreement, contract, lease, license, instrument or other arrangement to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties or other assets is bound, except for violations or defaults that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and are not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(o) Notes and Accounts Receivable. All notes and accounts receivable of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries are reflected properly on their books and records, are valid receivables subject to no setoffs or counterclaims, are current and collectible, and will be collected in accordance with their terms at their recorded amounts, subject only to the reserve for bad debts set forth on the face of the Most Recent Balance Sheet (rather than in any notes thereto) as adjusted for operations and transactions through the Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries.

(p) Powers of Attorney. There are no outstanding powers of attorney executed on behalf of VBV or either VBV Subsidiary.

(q) Insurance. Section 3.2(q) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule sets forth the following information with respect to each material insurance policy (including policies providing property, casualty, liability, and workers’ compensation coverage and bond and surety arrangements) with respect to which VBV or either VBV Subsidiary is a party, a named insured, or otherwise the beneficiary of coverage:

(i) the name, address, and telephone number of the agent;

(ii) the name of the insurer, the name of the policyholder, and the name of each covered insured; and

(iii) the policy number and the period of coverage.

With respect to each such insurance policy: (A) the policy is legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect in all material respects; (B) neither VBV, nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any other party to the policy is in material breach or default (including with respect to the payment of premiums or the giving of notices), and no event has occurred that, with notice or the lapse of time, would constitute such a material breach or default, or permit termination, modification, or acceleration, under the policy; and (C) no party to the policy has repudiated any material provision thereof. There are no material self-insurance arrangements affecting VBV or either VBV Subsidiary. There is no claim pending under any of such policies or bonds as to which coverage has been questioned, denied or disputed by the underwriters of such policies or bonds. All premiums due and payable under all such policies and bonds have been paid.

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(r) Litigation. Section 3.2(r) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule sets forth each instance in which VBV or either VBV Subsidiary (i) is subject to any outstanding injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling or charge or (ii) is a party or, to the Knowledge of VBV, is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, proceeding, hearing or investigation of, in or before (or that could come before) any Governmental Entity or arbitrator.

(s) Product Warranty. Substantially all of the products manufactured, sold, leased, and delivered by VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries have conformed in all material respects with all applicable contractual commitments and all express and implied warranties, and neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has any material liability (whether known or unknown, whether asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued, whether liquidated or unliquidated, and whether due or to become due) for replacement or repair thereof or other damages in connection therewith, subject only to the reserve for product warranty claims set forth on the face of the Most Recent Balance Sheet (rather than in any notes thereto) as adjusted for operations and transactions through the Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries. Substantially all of the products manufactured, sold, leased, and delivered by VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries are subject to standard terms and conditions of sale or lease. Section 3.2(s) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule includes copies of the standard terms and conditions of sale or lease for each of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries (containing applicable guaranty, warranty, and indemnity provisions).

(t) Product Liability. Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has any material liability (whether known or unknown, whether asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued, whether liquidated or unliquidated, and whether due or to become due) arising out of any injury to individuals or property as a result of the ownership, possession or use of any product manufactured, sold, leased or delivered by VBV or either VBV Subsidiary.

(u) Employees. To the Knowledge of VBV, no executive, key employee or significant group of employees plans to terminate employment with VBV or either VBV Subsidiary during the next 12 months. Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary is a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, nor has any of them experienced any strike or material grievance, claim of unfair labor practices, or other collective bargaining dispute since inception of VBV. Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has committed any material unfair labor practice. VBV has no Knowledge of any organizational effort presently being made or threatened by or on behalf of any labor union with respect to employees of VBV or either VBV Subsidiary. With respect to the Merger, any notice required under any law or collective bargaining agreement has been given, and all bargaining obligations with any employee representative have been, or prior to the Closing Date will be, satisfied. Since inception, neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has implemented any plant closing or layoff of employees that could implicate the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, as amended, or any similar foreign, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance (collectively, the “WARN Act”), and no such action will be implemented without advance notification to Green Plains.

(v) Employee Benefits.

(i) Section 3.2(v)(i) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule lists each VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan.

(ii) Each VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan (and each related trust, insurance contract, or fund) has been maintained, funded and administered in accordance with the terms of such Employee Benefit Plan and complies in form and in operation in all material respects with the applicable requirements of ERISA, the Code, and other applicable laws.

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Employee Benefit Plan. The requirements of COBRA and HIPAA have been met in all material respects with respect to each VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan and each VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan that is an Employee Welfare Benefit Plan subject to COBRA or to HIPAA. Section 3.2 of the Disclosure Schedule lists all former employees and other qualified beneficiaries who have elected, or have a right to elect, to continue health coverage under any health plan maintained by VBV, a VBV Subsidiary or any of their ERISA Affiliates or to which VBV or any of its ERISA Affiliates contributes.

(iv) All contributions (including all employer contributions and employee salary reduction contributions) that are due have been made within the time periods prescribed by ERISA and the Code to each VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan that is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan and all contributions for any period ending on or before the Closing Date that are not yet due have been made to each such Employee Pension Benefit Plan or accrued in accordance with the past custom and practice of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries and their ERISA Affiliates. All premiums or other payments for all periods ending on or before the Closing Date have been paid with respect to each VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan that is an Employee Welfare Benefit Plan. All liabilities with respect to any VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan are accurately reflected in the Financial Statements, and there are no unfunded liabilities, known or unknown, present or future, with respect to any VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan.

(v) Each VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to meet the requirements of a “qualified plan” under Code Section 401(a) has received a determination from the Internal Revenue Service that such Employee Benefit Plan is so qualified or otherwise is entitled to reliance on Internal Revenue Service approval without a determination letter, and neither VBV, either VBV Subsidiary or any of their ERISA Affiliates is not aware of any facts or circumstances that could adversely affect the qualified status of any VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan. All amendments to each VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Code Section 401(a) that are required to be adopted to maintain the qualified status of the plan have been timely adopted and implemented.

(vi) There have been no Prohibited Transactions with respect to any VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan or any Employee Benefit Plan maintained by VBV, a VBV Subsidiary or any of their ERISA Affiliates. No Fiduciary has any liability for material breach of fiduciary duty or any other material failure to act or comply in connection with the administration or investment of the assets of any VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan. No action, suit, proceeding, hearing, or investigation with respect to the administration or the investment of the assets of any VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan (other than routine claims for benefits) is pending or, to the Knowledge of VBV, a VBV Subsidiary or any of their ERISA Affiliates, threatened.

(vii) VBV has delivered to Buyer correct and complete copies of the plan documents and summary plan descriptions, the most recent determination letter received from the Internal Revenue Service, the most recent annual report (Form 5500, with all applicable attachments), and all related trust agreements, insurance contracts, and other funding arrangements which implement each VBV or Affiliate Employee Benefit Plan.

(viii) Neither VBV, a VBV Subsidiary nor any of their ERISA Affiliates contributes to, has any obligation to contribute to, or has any material liability under or with respect to any Employee Pension Benefit Plan that is a “defined benefit plan” (as defined in ERISA Section 3(35)).

(ix) Neither VBV, a VBV Subsidiary nor any of their ERISA Affiliates contributes to, has any obligation to contribute to, or has any material liability (including withdrawal liability as defined in ERISA Section 4201) under or with respect to any Multiemployer Plan.

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(x) Neither VBV, a VBV Subsidiary nor any of their ERISA Affiliates maintains, contributes to or has an obligation to contribute to, or has any material liability or potential liability with respect to, any Employee Welfare Benefit Plan providing health or life insurance or other welfare-type benefits for current or future retired or terminated employees (or any spouse or other dependent thereof) of VBV, a VBV Subsidiary or any of their ERISA Affiliates other than in accordance with COBRA.

(xi) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall not result in the payment, vesting or acceleration of any benefit under any Employee Benefit Plan listed in Section 3.2(v) of the Disclosure Schedule.

(xii) Section 3.2(v)(xii) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule lists each written agreement, contract, or other arrangement—whether or not an Employee Benefit Plan (collectively a “Plan”)—to which VBV, a VBV Subsidiary nor any of their ERISA Affiliates is a party that, to the Knowledge of VBV a VBV Subsidiary and their ERISA Affiliates, is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” subject to Code Section 409A. Each such Plan either (A) complies in all material respects with the requirements of Code Section 409A(a)(2), (3), and (4) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued thereunder or (B) has been operated in good faith compliance with such requirements.

(w) Guaranties. Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary is a guarantor or otherwise is responsible for any liability or obligation (including indebtedness) of any other Person.

(x) Environmental, Health, and Safety Matters. Except as disclosed on Section 3.2(x) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule and to the Knowledge of VBV:

(i) Each of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries have complied and are in compliance, in each case in all material respects, with all Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries have obtained, have complied, and are in compliance with, in each case in all material respects, all material permits, licenses and other authorizations that are required pursuant to Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements for the current occupation of their facilities and the current operation of their business.

(iii) Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has received any written notice from any Governmental Entity regarding any actual or alleged material violation of Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements, or any material liabilities or potential material liabilities, including any material investigatory, remedial, or corrective obligations, relating to any of them or their facilities arising under Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements.

(iv) There has been no release or threat of release of any Hazardous Materials at or from or onto the Leased Real Property or Owned Real Property, or from or by or onto any other properties and assets in which VBV or its Subsidiaries has or had an interest, or at any other locations where any Hazardous Materials from the Leased Real Property or Owned Real Property of VBV or the VBV Subsidiaries were transferred, recycled, stored, disposed, used, refined, or processed.

(v) Each of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries has identified those permits necessary under Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements for future occupation of the facilities and operation of the VBV Plants at those facilities and either has applied for those permits or will apply for those permits in time to lawfully operate the VBV Plants in accordance with the existing plans or specifications.

(vi) Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary, nor any of their respective predecessors or Affiliates have treated, stored, disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal of, transported,

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handled, manufactured, distributed, exposed any person to, or released any substance, including without limitation any Hazardous Materials, or owned or operated any property or facility (and no such property or facility is contaminated by any such Materials) so as to give rise to any current or future material liabilities, including any material liability for fines, penalties, response costs, corrective action costs, personal injury, property damage, natural resources damages or attorneys’ fees, pursuant to any Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements.

(vii) Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary, nor their respective predecessors or Affiliates has designed, manufactured, sold, marketed, installed, or distributed products or other items containing asbestos and none of such entities is or will become subject to any liabilities with respect to the presence of asbestos in any product or item or in or upon any property, premises, or facility.

(viii) VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries have furnished to Green Plains all environmental audits, reports, permits, permit applications (where the permit has not yet been issued), licenses, license applications (where the license has not yet been issued), studies, analyses, tests, monitoring, notices of violation, stipulations, agreements, orders and other material environmental documents relating to VBV’s, the VBV Subsidiaries’, or Affiliates’ current properties, facilities, or operations that are in their possession, custody, or under their reasonable control.

(y) Business Continuity. None of the computer software, computer hardware (whether general or special purpose), telecommunications capabilities (including all voice, data and video networks) and other similar or related items of automated, computerized, and/or software systems and any other networks or systems and related services that are used by or relied on by VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries in the conduct of their business (collectively, the “Systems”) have experienced bugs, failures, breakdowns, or continued substandard performance in the past twelve (12) months that has caused any substantial disruption or interruption in or to the use of any such Systems by VBV or the VBV Subsidiaries. Each of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries are covered by business interruption insurance in scope and amount customary and reasonable to ensure the ongoing business operations of VBV’s and its Subsidiaries’ business.

(z) Certain Business Relationships With VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries. VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries have not been involved in any material business arrangement or relationship with any of their respective Affiliates (other than their respective parent and Subsidiaries) within the past 12 months, and no such Affiliate owns any material asset, tangible or intangible, that is used in the business of VBV or either VBV Subsidiary.

(aa) Customers and Suppliers. Neither VBV nor the VBV Subsidiaries have any customers. Since the date of the Most Recent Balance Sheet, no material supplier of VBV or any its Subsidiaries has indicated in writing that it will cease, or materially decrease the rate of, supplying materials, products or services to VBV or either VBV Subsidiary.

(bb) SEC Filings and Related Matters.

(i) The VBV Subsidiary Ethanol Grain Processors, LLC (for the purposes of this Section 3.2(bb) only, “EGP”), filed (or, where permitted, furnished) all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents (including exhibits and all other information incorporated therein) required to be filed (or furnished) under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act or the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 (including the rules and regulations thereunder) by EGP with the SEC between December 30, 2005 and the date on which EGP’s reporting obligations were suspended pursuant to Rule 15d-6 under the Securities Exchange Act (such documents, together with any documents filed during such period by EGP with the SEC on a voluntary basis on Current Reports on Form 8-K, collectively, the “EGP SEC Documents”). As of their respective dates, the EGP SEC Documents complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the

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Securities Exchange Act, in each case to the extent applicable to such EGP SEC Documents, and none of the EGP SEC Documents when filed (and, in the case of any registration statement under the Securities Act, at the time it was declared effective) contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Except to the extent that information contained in any EGP SEC Document has been revised, amended, supplemented or superseded by a later filed EGP SEC Document, none of the EGP SEC Documents contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The financial statements of EGP included in the EGP SEC Documents complied as to form, as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC, in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared in accordance with GAAP (except, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-QSB and Regulation S-B of the SEC) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly presented in all material respects the consolidated financial position of EGP as of the dates thereof and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal recurring year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes if applicable).

(ii) Each of the principal executive officer of EGP and the principal financial officer of EGP (or each former principal executive officer of EGP and each former principal financial officer of EGP, as applicable) made all certifications required by Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act and Sections 302 and 906 of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 with respect to EGP SEC Documents, and the statements contained in such certifications were true and accurate.

(iii) The VBV Subsidiary Indiana Bio-Energy, LLC, is not nor has at any time since inception, been, subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act.

(cc) Data Privacy. VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries have complied with and, as presently conducted, are in compliance with, all Data Laws and their respective policies applicable to data privacy, data security, and/or personal information. Neither VBV nor either VBV Subsidiary has experienced any incident in which personal information or other sensitive data was or may have been stolen or improperly accessed and, to the Knowledge of VBV, there are no facts suggesting the likelihood of the foregoing, including without limitation, any breach of security or receipt of any notices or complaints from any Person regarding personal information or other data.

(dd) Disclosure. The representations and warranties contained in this Article III do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements and information contained in this Article III not misleading.

Article IV

Representations and Warranties of Green Plains and Merger Sub

Section 4.1 Representations and Warranties Concerning the Transaction. Except as set forth in the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule, Green Plains and Merger Sub represent and warrant to VBV as follows:

(a) Authorization of Transaction. Each of Green Plains and Merger Sub has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of each of Green Plains and Merger Sub, enforceable in accordance with its terms and conditions. The execution, delivery, and performance

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of this Agreement and all other agreements contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by each of Green Plains and Merger Sub. The Directors of Green Plains have resolved to recommend that the shareholders of Green Plains approve and adopt this Agreement and the Merger, and have directed that such matters be submitted to the shareholders of Green Plains at a duly call meeting thereof.

(b) Shareholder Vote to Approve Transaction. A number of votes cast to approve this Agreement and the Merger that exceed the number of votes cast opposing such matters at a duly convened meeting of the shareholders of Green Plains at which a quorum is present is the only Green Plains Shareholder Approval necessary to approve this Agreement and the Merger.

(c) Non-contravention. Neither the execution and the delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will (i) violate any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge or other restriction of any Governmental Entity to which Green Plains or Merger Sub is subject or any provision of the charter or bylaws of Green Plains or Merger Sub or (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of, create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or require any notice under any agreement, contract, lease, license, instrument or other arrangement to which Green Plains or Merger Sub is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its assets is subject (or result in the imposition of any Lien upon any of its assets), except where the violation, conflict, breach, default, acceleration, termination, modification, cancellation, failure to give notice or Lien would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither Green Plains nor Merger Sub need give any notice to, make any filing with, or obtain any authorization, consent, or approval of any Governmental Entity in order for the Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except where the failure to give notice, to file, or to obtain any authorization, consent, or approval would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(d) State Takeover Statutes. No state takeover or similar statute or regulation is applicable to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. There are no statutory or contractual “dissenters” or “appraisal” rights available to holders of Green Plains Common Stock in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the VBV Subsidiary Mergers.

(e) Brokers’ Fees. Neither Green Plains nor Merger Sub has any liability or obligation to pay any fees or commissions to any broker, finder or agent with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 4.2 Representations and Warranties Concerning Green Plains and its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule, Green Plains represents and warrants to VBV as follows:

(a) Organization, Qualification, and Corporate Power. Each of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries is a corporation or other legal Person duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization. Each of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified or licensed to conduct business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where such qualification or license is required, except where the lack of such qualification or license would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Each of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries has the requisite corporate or other power and authority to carry on the business in which it is engaged and to own and use the properties owned and used by it. Section 4.2(a) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule lists the directors and officers of Green Plains and each of its Subsidiaries.

(b) Subsidiaries. Section 4.2(b) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of each of Green Plains’ Subsidiaries, including for each its name and jurisdiction of organization and the number and nature of its equity interests. All the outstanding shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each Subsidiary of Green Plains have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and are owned directly or indirectly by Green Plains,

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free and clear of any Liens and free of any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such capital stock or other ownership interests. There are no outstanding or authorized options, warrants, purchase rights, preemptive rights, subscription rights, conversion rights, exchange rights, or other contracts or commitments that could require Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any capital stock or other equity interests of any of its Subsidiaries or that could require any Subsidiary of Green Plains to issue, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or otherwise cause to become outstanding any of its own capital stock or other equity interests. There are no outstanding stock appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation, or similar rights with respect to any Subsidiary of Green Plains. There are no voting trusts, proxies, or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting of any capital stock of any Subsidiary of Green Plains. Except for the capital stock or other ownership interests of its Subsidiaries, Green Plains does not beneficially own (or have a right to acquire), directly or indirectly, any material capital stock, limited liability company interest, partnership interest, joint venture interest or other material equity interest in any Person.

(i) The authorized capital stock of Green Plains consists of (i) 25,000,000 shares of Green Plains Common Stock and (ii) no shares of preferred stock. At the close of business on April 30, 2008, 7,799,528 shares of Green Plains Common Stock were issued and outstanding; no shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding; 1,000,000 shares of Green Plains Common Stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan and grants of other options; and 320,014 shares of Green Plains Common Stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding common stock purchase warrants. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock have been, and all shares which may be issued upon exercise of outstanding options and warrants when issued in accordance with their terms will be, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable, and delivered free and clear of all Liens (other than Liens created by or imposed upon the holders thereof), are not subject to preemptive rights, and have been issued in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws. Except for the options and warrants referenced above, there are no outstanding or authorized options, warrants, purchase rights, preemptive rights, subscription rights, conversion rights, exchange rights or other contracts or commitments that could require Green Plains to issue, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any capital stock or other interest in Green Plains or cause to become outstanding any of its capital stock. There are no outstanding or authorized stock appreciation rights, “phantom stock,” profit participation or similar rights with respect to Green Plains. There are no voting trusts, proxies, or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting of the capital stock of Green Plains.

(ii) The authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. There are issued and outstanding 100 shares of Merger Sub common stock, all of which shares have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable, and delivered free and clear of all Liens (other than Liens created by or imposed upon the holders thereof), are not subject to preemptive rights, and have been issued in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws. All such shares are owned directly by Green Plains. Merger Sub does not have issued or outstanding any options, warrants, subscriptions, calls, rights, convertible securities or other agreements or commitments obligating Merger Sub to issue, transfer or sell any shares of Merger Sub common stock.

(d) Title to Assets. Green Plains and its Subsidiaries have good and marketable title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, the personal property and tangible and intangible assets used by them, located on their premises, or shown on the Most Recent Balance Sheet of Green Plains or acquired after the date thereof, free and clear of all Liens, except for personal property and tangible and intangible assets disposed of in the Ordinary Course of Business since the date of the Most Recent Balance Sheet of Green Plains.

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(e) SEC Filings and Related Matters.

(i) Green Plains has filed (or, where permitted, furnished) all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents (including exhibits and all other information incorporated therein) required to be filed (or furnished) under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act or the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 (including the rules and regulations thereunder) by Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries with the SEC since June 29, 2004 (such documents, together with any documents filed during such period by Green Plains with the SEC on a voluntary basis on Current Reports on Form 8-K, collectively, the “Green Plains SEC Documents”). As of their respective dates, the Green Plains SEC Documents complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act, in each case to the extent applicable to such Green Plains SEC Documents, and none of the Green Plains SEC Documents when filed (and, in the case of any registration statement under the Securities Act, at the time it was declared effective) contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Except to the extent that information contained in any Green Plains SEC Document has been revised, amended, supplemented or superseded by a later filed Green Plains SEC Document, none of the Green Plains SEC Documents contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The financial statements of Green Plains included in the Green Plains SEC Documents comply as to form, as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC, in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X of the SEC) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of Green Plains and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal recurring year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes if applicable). Except for liabilities and obligations (i) reflected or reserved against in the Most Recent Balance Sheet (or described in the notes thereto) of Green Plains included in the Green Plains Filed SEC Documents, (ii) incurred in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (iii) incurred since November 30, 2007, in the ordinary course of business, neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) that, individually or in the aggregate, have had or are reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Green Plains.

(ii) Each of the principal executive officer of Green Plains and the principal financial officer of Green Plains (or each former principal executive officer of Green Plains and each former principal financial officer of Green Plains, as applicable) has made all certifications required by Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act and Sections 302 and 906 of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 with respect to Green Plains SEC Documents, and the statements contained in such certifications are true and accurate. Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has outstanding, or has arranged any outstanding, “extensions of credit” to directors or executive officers within the meaning of Section 402 of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002.

(iii) Green Plains’ “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act) are reasonably designed to ensure that all information (both financial and non-financial) required to be disclosed by Green Plains in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and

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reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that all such information is accumulated and communicated to Green Plains’ management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the certifications of the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Green Plains required under the Securities Exchange Act with respect to such reports. Prior to the date of this Agreement, Green Plains’ outside auditors and the audit committee of the board of directors of Green Plains have not been advised of (A) any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which could reasonably be expected to adversely affect Green Plains’ ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information or (B) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Green Plains’ internal control over financial reporting. Since December 31, 2006, any material change in internal control over financial reporting required to be disclosed in any Green Plains SEC Document has been so disclosed.

(iv) None of Green Plains’ Subsidiaries is, or has at any time since inception, been, subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act.

(f) Events Subsequent to Most Recent Fiscal Year End. Since November 30, 2007 (“Most Recent Financial Statements”), there has not been any Material Adverse Change. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, since that date:

(i) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has sold, leased, transferred or assigned any assets, tangible or intangible, outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(ii) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any agreement, contract, lease or license outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(iii) no party (including Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries) has accelerated, terminated, made modifications to or canceled any agreement, contract, lease or license to which Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them is bound, outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(iv) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has imposed any Lien upon any of its assets, tangible or intangible outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(v) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has made any capital expenditures outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(vi) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has made any capital investment in, or any material loan to, any other Person outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(vii) Green Plains and its Subsidiaries have not created, incurred, assumed, or guaranteed more than $50,000 in aggregate indebtedness for borrowed money and capitalized lease obligations outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(viii) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has transferred, assigned or granted any license or sublicense of any rights under or with respect to any Intellectual Property outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(ix) there has been no change made or authorized in the charter, bylaws or other organizational documents of Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries;

(x) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has issued, sold or otherwise disposed of any of its capital stock or other equity interests, or granted any options, warrants, or other rights to purchase or obtain (including upon conversion, exchange, or exercise) any of its capital stock or other equity interests outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

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(xi) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has declared, set aside, or paid any dividend or made any distribution with respect to its capital stock or other equity interests (whether in cash or in kind) or redeemed, purchased, or otherwise acquired any of its capital stock or other equity interests outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xii) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has experienced any damage, destruction or loss (whether or not covered by insurance) to its property outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xiii) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries (a) has made any loan to, or entered into any other transaction with, any of its directors, officers, managers, and employees outside the Ordinary Course of Business, (b) has outstanding or arranged to have outstanding any “extensions of credit” to directors or executive officers within the meaning of Section 402 of SOX or (c) has entered into any transactions or relationships with any present or former director or officer thereof, or any member of director’s or officer’s family or any Person controlled by such director or officer or his or her family, or that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K;

(xiv) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into or terminated any employment contract or collective bargaining agreement, written or oral, or modified the terms of any existing such contract or agreement outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xv) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has granted any increase in the base compensation of any of its directors, officers, managers, and employees outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xvi) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has adopted, amended, modified or terminated any bonus, profit sharing, incentive, severance, or other plan, contract or commitment for the benefit of any of its directors, officers, and employees (or taken any such action with respect to any other Employee Benefit Plan) outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xvii) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has made any other change in employment terms for any of its directors, officers, managers, and employees outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xviii) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has made any loans or advances of money outside the Ordinary Course of Business; and

(xix) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has committed to any of the foregoing.

(g) Undisclosed Liabilities. Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has any material liability (whether known or unknown, whether asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued, whether liquidated or unliquidated, and whether due or to become due, including any liability for Taxes), except for (i) liabilities set forth on the face of the Most Recent Balance Sheet (rather than in any notes thereto) of Green Plains and (ii) liabilities that have arisen after the Most Recent Fiscal Month End in the Ordinary Course of Business.

(h) Legal Compliance. Each of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries have complied with all applicable laws (including rules, regulations, codes, plans, injunctions, judgments, orders, decrees, rulings, and charges thereunder) of any Governmental Entity, and no action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation, charge, complaint, claim, demand, or notice has been filed or commenced against any of them alleging any failure so to comply, except where the failure to comply would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

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(i) Tax Matters.

(i) Each of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries has filed all federal Income Tax Returns and all other material Tax Returns that it was required to file. All such Tax Returns as so filed disclose all Taxes required to be paid for the periods covered thereby. All material Taxes due and owing by Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid or accrued on the balance sheet included among Green Plains’ Most Recent Financial Statements. Neither Green Plains nor any its Subsidiaries currently is the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return. There are no Liens for Taxes (other than Taxes not yet due and payable) upon any of the assets of Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries. Each of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries has withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder, or other third party, and all Forms W-2 and 1099 required with respect thereto have been properly completed and timely filed.

(ii) There is no material dispute or claim concerning any Tax liability of Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries either (A) claimed or raised by any authority in writing or (B) as to which any of the directors and officers of Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries has Knowledge based upon personal contact with any agent of such authority.

(iii) Section 4.2(i) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule lists all federal and all other material Tax Returns filed with respect to Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries for taxable periods ended on or after January 1, 2004, indicates those Tax Returns that have been audited, and indicates those Tax Returns that currently are the subject of audit. Green Plains has delivered to VBV correct and complete copies of all federal Income Tax Returns, examination reports, and statements of deficiencies assessed against, or agreed to by Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 2004. Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries have waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency.

(iv) Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement, contract, arrangement, or plan that has resulted or would result, separately or in the aggregate, in the payment of any “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Code Section 280G (or any corresponding provision of state, local, or foreign Tax law). Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any tax allocation or sharing agreement. Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries (A) has been a member of an Affiliated Group filing a consolidated federal Income Tax Return (other than a group the common parent of which was Green Plains) or (B) has any liability for the Taxes of any Person (other than Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries) under Reg. Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local, or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract, or otherwise.

(v) The unpaid Taxes of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries (A) did not, as of the Most Recent Fiscal Month End, exceed the reserve for Tax liability (rather than any reserve for deferred Taxes established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax income) set forth on the face of the balance sheet included among Green Plains’ Most Recent Financial Statements (rather than in any notes thereto) and (B) will not exceed that reserve as adjusted for operations and transactions through the Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries in filing their Tax Returns.

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(vi) Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any:

(A) change in method of accounting for a taxable period ending on or prior to the Closing Date;

(B) “closing agreement” as described in Code Section 7121 (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign Income Tax law) executed on or prior to the Closing Date;

(D) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date; or

(E) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing Date.

(vii) Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has distributed stock of another Person, or has had its stock distributed by another Person, in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed in whole or in part by Code Section 355 or Code Section 361, except as set forth in Section 4.2(i) to the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule.

(viii) Green Plains is a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Code Section 897(c)(2).

(j) Real Property.

(i) Section 4.2(j)(i) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule sets forth the address and description of each parcel of Owned Real Property. With respect to each parcel of Owned Real Property, (A) Green Plains or one of its Subsidiaries has good and marketable fee simple title, free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Encumbrances; (B) except as set forth in Section 4.2(j)(iii) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule, neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has leased or otherwise granted to any Person the right to use or occupy such Owned Real Property or any portion thereof; and (C) there are no outstanding agreements, options, rights of first offer or rights of first refusal to purchase, and except for Green Plains and its Subsidiaries, no Person is in possession of, such Owned Real Property or any portion thereof or interest therein.

(ii) Section 4.2(j)(ii) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule sets forth the address of each parcel of Leased Real Property, and a true and complete list of all Leases for each such Leased Real Property (including the date and name of the parties to such Lease document). Except as set forth in Section 4.2(j)(ii) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule, with respect to each of the Leases:

(A) such Lease is legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect;

(C) none of Green Plains’ or any of its Subsidiaries’ possession and quiet enjoyment of the Leased Real Property under such Lease has been disturbed and, to the Knowledge of Green Plains, there are no disputes with respect to such Lease;

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(D) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor to the Knowledge of Green Plains any other party to the Lease, is in breach of or default under such Lease, and no event has occurred or circumstance exists that, with the delivery of notice, the passage of time or both, would constitute such a breach or default by any party under such Lease, or permit the termination, modification or acceleration of rent under such Lease;

(E) no security deposit or portion thereof deposited with respect to such Lease has been applied in respect of a breach of or default under such Lease that has not been redeposited in full;

(F) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries owes, or will owe in the future, any brokerage commissions or finder’s fees with respect to such Lease;

(G) the other party to such Lease is not an Affiliate of, and otherwise does not have any economic interest in, Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries;

(H) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has subleased, licensed or otherwise granted any Person the right to use or occupy, purchase or extend the term of the Leased Real Property or any portion thereof; and

(I) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has collaterally assigned or granted any other Lien in such Lease or any interest therein.

(iii) The Owned Real Property identified in Section 4.2(j)(i) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule, and the Leased Real Property identified in Section 4.2(j)(ii) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the “Green Plains Real Property”) comprise all of the real property used or intended to be used in the business of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries; and neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement or option, rights of first offer or rights of first refusal, to purchase any real property or interest therein.

(iv) All Improvements included in the Green Plains Real Property are in good condition and repair and sufficient for the operation of the business of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries. There are no facts or conditions affecting any of the Improvements that would, individually or in the aggregate, interfere in any material respect with the use or occupancy of the Improvements or any portion thereof in the operation of the business of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted thereon.

(v) Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice of, and has no Knowledge of, any condemnation, expropriation or other proceeding in eminent domain affecting any parcel of Owned Real Property or any portion thereof or interest therein. There is no injunction, decree, order, writ or judgment outstanding, or any claim, litigation, administrative action or similar proceeding, pending or threatened, relating to the ownership, lease, use or occupancy of the Owned Real Property or any portion thereof, or the operation of the business of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted thereon.

(vi) The Green Plains Real Property is in material compliance with all applicable Real Property Laws. Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of violation of any Real Property Law and, to the Knowledge of Green Plains , there is no basis for the issuance of any such notice or the taking of any action for such violation.

(vii) Each parcel of Green Plains Real Property has direct and uninterrupted (x) vehicular access to a public street adjoining the Green Plains Real Property or has direct and uninterrupted vehicular access to a public street via insurable easements benefiting such parcel of Green Plains Real Property, and (y) to interstate rail lines via insurable easements or leases benefiting such parcel of Green Plains Real Property, in each case suitable and appropriate for operation of the Green Plains Plants, and such access is not dependent on any land or other real property interest

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that is not included in the Green Plains Real Property. None of the Improvements or any portion thereof is dependent for its access, use or operation on any land, building, improvement or other real property interest that is not included in the Green Plains Real Property.

(viii) All water, oil, gas, electrical, steam, compressed air, telecommunications, sewer, storm and waste water systems and other utility services or systems for the Green Plains Real Property have been installed and are operational and sufficient for the operation of the Green Plains Plants and business of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted thereon.

(ix) Green Plains’ and its Subsidiaries’ use or occupancy of the Green Plains Real Property or any portion thereof and the operation of the business of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted thereon is not dependent on a “permitted non-conforming use” or “permitted non-conforming structure” or similar variance, exemption or approval from any Governmental Entity.

(x) The current use and occupancy of the Owned Real Property and the operation of the business of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted thereon does not violate in any material respect any easement, covenant, condition, restriction or similar provision in any instrument of record or other unrecorded agreement affecting such Owned Real Property.

(xi) None of the Green Plains Real Property or any portion thereof is located in a flood hazard area (as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency).

(xii) With respect to the Green Plains Superior Plant, the Green Plains Real Property is zoned so as to permit the construction and operation of the Green Plains Superior Plant, and the construction and operation of the Green Plains Superior Plant is not dependent on a nonconforming use or other waiver from a Governmental Entity, the absence of which would limit the construction or operation of the Green Plains Superior Plant.

(xiii) Construction of the Green Plains Superior Plant has commenced and the Green Plains Superior Plant is currently scheduled to become operational in May 2008. Green Plains and its Subsidiaries have provided to VBV true and complete copies of all agreements with Delta T Corporation, Agra Industries, Inc., and all other major contractors with respect to the construction of the Green Plains Superior Plant. Section 4.2(j)(xiii) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule sets forth the schedule, broken down by trade, of the estimated dates of commencement and completion of the construction of the Green Plains Superior Plant. Green Plains and its Subsidiaries have provided to VBV a true and complete set of the currently existing plans and specifications with respect to the construction of the Green Plains Superior Plant, which comply with all applicable legal requirements and the terms of all necessary permits and have been approved by each Governmental Entity as is required for construction of the Green Plains Superior Plant.

(k) Intellectual Property.

(i) None of Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of its or their respective businesses as presently conducted, has or will interfere with, infringe upon, misappropriate, or otherwise come into conflict with, any Intellectual Property rights of third parties; there are no facts indicating a likelihood of the foregoing; and none of Green Plains or its Subsidiaries has ever received any charge, complaint, claim, demand, or notice alleging any such interference, infringement, misappropriation, or conflict (including any claim that Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries must license or refrain from using any Intellectual Property rights of any third party). To the Knowledge of Green Plains, no third party has interfered with, infringed upon, misappropriated, or otherwise come into conflict with, any Intellectual Property rights of Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries.

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(ii) Section 4.2(k)(ii) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule identifies each patent or registration which has been issued to Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to any of its Intellectual Property, identifies each pending patent application or application for registration that Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries has made with respect to any of its Intellectual Property, and identifies each material license, sublicense, agreement, or other permission that Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries has granted to any third party with respect to any of its Intellectual Property (together with any exceptions). Section 4.2(k)(ii) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule also identifies each material trade name or unregistered trademark, service xxxx, corporate name, Internet domain name, copyright and material computer software item used by Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with its business. With respect to each item of Intellectual Property required to be identified in Section 4.2(k)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule:

(A) Green Plains and its Subsidiaries possess all right, title, and interest in and to the item, free and clear of any Lien, license or other restriction;

(B) the item is not subject to any outstanding injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling or charge;

(C) no action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation, charge, complaint, claim or demand is pending or, to the Knowledge of Green Plains, is threatened that challenges the legality, validity, enforceability, use or ownership of the item;

(D) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has agreed to indemnify any Person for or against any interference, infringement, misappropriation or other conflict with respect to the item; and

(E) Green Plains has complied with all duties of disclosure pertaining to patent prior art or otherwise with respect to the item.

(ii) Section 4.2(k)(iii) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule identifies each material item of Intellectual Property that any third party owns and that Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries uses pursuant to license, sublicense, agreement or permission. With respect to each item of Intellectual Property required to be identified in Section 4.2(k)(iii) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule:

(A) the license, sublicense, agreement or permission covering the item is legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect in all material respects;

(D) neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has granted any sublicense or similar right with respect to the license, sublicense, agreement or permission; and

(E) no loss or expiration of the item is threatened, pending, or reasonably foreseeable, except for patents expiring at the end of their statutory terms (and not as a result of any act or omission by Green Plains or its Subsidiaries, including without limitation, a failure by Green Plains or its Subsidiaries to pay any required maintenance fees).

(l) Tangible Assets. The buildings, machinery, equipment, and other tangible assets that Green Plains and its Subsidiaries own and lease are free from material defects (patent and latent), have been maintained in accordance with normal industry practice, and are in good operating condition and repair (subject to normal wear and tear).

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(m) Inventory. The inventory of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries consists of raw materials and supplies, manufactured and processed parts, work in process, and finished goods, all of which is merchantable and fit for the purpose for which it was procured or manufactured, and none of which is slow-moving, obsolete, damaged, or defective, subject only to the reserve for inventory write-down set forth on the face of the Most Recent Balance Sheet (rather than in any notes thereto) as adjusted for operations and transactions through the Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries.

(n) Contracts. Section 4.2(n) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule lists the following agreements to which Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries is a party:

(i) any agreement (or group of related agreements) for the lease of personal property to or from any Person providing for lease payments in excess of $10,000 per annum;

(ii) any agreement (or group of related agreements) relating to development, production, marketing or distribution of the Green Plains Plants, or the products and services of Green Plains or its Subsidiaries, and any products licensed by Green Plains or its Subsidiaries, including agreements for the purchase or sale of grain, distillers grains, ethanol, and any other raw materials, commodities, supplies, or products or personal property, or for the furnishing or receipt of services, the performance of which will extend over a period of more than 60 days;

(iii) any hedging contract that extends out more than 60 days or involves a quantity of grain, ethanol or distillers grains in excess of 60 days’ production;

(iv) any agreement concerning a partnership or joint venture;

(vi) any material agreement concerning confidentiality or restricting or purporting to restrict Green Plains’ or any of Green Plains’ Subsidiaries’ ability to compete in any line of business, geographic market or customer segment, or containing any “standstill” or similar restrictions on a Person’s right to acquire shares of Green Plains’ capital stock;

(vii) any material agreement with any of its Affiliates (other than Green Plains and its Subsidiaries);

(viii) any profit sharing, stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation, deferred compensation, severance, or other material plan or arrangement for the benefit of its current or former directors, officers, managers, and employees;

(ix) any collective bargaining agreement;

(xi) any agreement under which it has advanced or loaned any amount to any of its directors, officers, managers, and employees outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(xii) any agreement under which the consequences of a default or termination could have a Material Adverse Effect;

(xiii) any agreement under which it has granted any Person any registration rights;

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(xiv) any settlement, conciliation or similar agreement with any Governmental Entity or which will involve payment after the Most Recent Fiscal Month End of consideration in excess of $50,000;

(xv) any agreement under which Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries has advanced or loaned any other Person amounts in the aggregate exceeding $50,000; or

(xvi) any other agreement (or group of related agreements) the performance of which involves consideration in excess of $100,000.

Green Plains has delivered to VBV a correct and complete copy of each written agreement listed in Section 4.2(n) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule and a written summary setting forth the material terms and conditions of each oral agreement referred to in Section 4.2(n) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule. With respect to each such agreement, (A) the agreement is legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect in all material respects; and (B) none of Green Plains, any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Green Plains, any other party thereto is in violation of or in default under (nor does there exist any condition which upon the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would cause such a violation of or default by Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of Green Plains, any other party thereto under) any agreement, contract, lease, license, instrument or other arrangement to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties or other assets is bound, except for violations or defaults that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and are not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(o) Notes and Accounts Receivable. All notes and accounts receivable of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries are reflected properly on their books and records, are valid receivables subject to no setoffs or counterclaims, are current and collectible, and will be collected in accordance with their terms at their recorded amounts, subject only to the reserve for bad debts set forth on the face of the Most Recent Balance Sheet (rather than in any notes thereto) as adjusted for operations and transactions through the Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries.

(p) Powers of Attorney. There are no outstanding powers of attorney executed on behalf of Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries.

(q) Insurance. Section 4.2(q) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule sets forth the following information with respect to each material insurance policy (including policies providing property, casualty, liability, and workers’ compensation coverage and bond and surety arrangements) with respect to which Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, a named insured, or otherwise the beneficiary of coverage:

(i) the name, address, and telephone number of the agent;

(ii) the name of the insurer, the name of the policyholder, and the name of each covered insured; and

(iii) the policy number and the period of coverage.

With respect to each such insurance policy: (A) the policy is legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect in all material respects; (B) neither Green Plains, nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any other party to the policy is in material breach or default (including with respect to the payment of premiums or the giving of notices), and no event has occurred that, with notice or the lapse of time, would constitute such a material breach or default, or permit termination, modification, or acceleration, under the policy; and (C) no party to the policy has repudiated any material provision thereof. Section 4.2(q) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule describes any material self-insurance arrangements affecting Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries. There is no claim pending under any of such policies or bonds as to which coverage has been questioned, denied or disputed by the

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underwriters of such policies or bonds. All premiums due and payable under all such policies and bonds have been paid.

(r) Litigation. Section 4.2(r) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule sets forth each instance in which Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries (i) is subject to any outstanding injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling or charge or (ii) is a party or, to the Knowledge of Green Plains, is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, proceeding, hearing or investigation of, in or before (or that could come before) any Governmental Entity or arbitrator.

(s) Product Warranty. Substantially all of the products manufactured, sold, leased, and delivered by Green Plains and its Subsidiaries have conformed in all material respects with all applicable contractual commitments and all express and implied warranties, and neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has any material liability (whether known or unknown, whether asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued, whether liquidated or unliquidated, and whether due or to become due) for replacement or repair thereof or other damages in connection therewith, subject only to the reserve for product warranty claims set forth on the face of the Most Recent Balance Sheet (rather than in any notes thereto) as adjusted for operations and transactions through the Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries. Substantially all of the products manufactured, sold, leased, and delivered by Green Plains and its Subsidiaries are subject to standard terms and conditions of sale or lease. Section 4.2(s) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule includes copies of the standard terms and conditions of sale or lease for each of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries (containing applicable guaranty, warranty, and indemnity provisions).

(t) Product Liability. Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has any material liability (whether known or unknown, whether asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued, whether liquidated or unliquidated, and whether due or to become due) arising out of any injury to individuals or property as a result of the ownership, possession or use of any product manufactured, sold, leased or delivered by Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries.

(u) Employees. To the Knowledge of Green Plains, no executive, key employee or significant group of employees plans to terminate employment with Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries during the next 12 months. Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, nor has any of them experienced any strike or material grievance, claim of unfair labor practices, or other collective bargaining dispute within the past three years. Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has committed any material unfair labor practice. To Green Plains’ Knowledge, there is no organizational effort presently being made or threatened by or on behalf of any labor union with respect to employees of Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries. With respect to the Merger, any notice required under any law or collective bargaining agreement has been given, and all bargaining obligations with any employee representative have been, or prior to the Closing Date will be, satisfied. Within the past three years, neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has implemented any plant closing or layoff of employees that could implicate the WARN Act, and no such action will be implemented without advance notification to Green Plains.

(v) Employee Benefits.

(i) Section 4.2(v)(i) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule lists each Employee Benefit Plan that Green Plains or any of its ERISA Affiliates maintains or to which Green Plains or any of its ERISA Affiliates contributes or has any obligation to contribute.

(ii) Each such Employee Benefit Plan (and each related trust, insurance contract, or fund) has been maintained, funded and administered in accordance with the terms of such Employee Benefit Plan and complies in form and in operation in all material respects with the applicable requirements of ERISA, the Code, and other applicable laws.

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(iii) All required reports and descriptions (including Form 5500 annual reports, summary annual reports, and summary plan descriptions) have been timely filed and/or distributed in accordance with the applicable requirements of ERISA and the Code with respect to each such Employee Benefit Plan. The requirements of COBRA and HIPAA have been met in all material respects with respect to each such Employee Benefit Plan and each Employee Benefit Plan maintained by an ERISA Affiliate of Green Plains that is an Employee Welfare Benefit Plan subject to COBRA or to HIPAA. Section 4.2 of the Disclosure Schedule lists all former employees and other qualified beneficiaries who have elected, or have a right to elect, to continue health coverage under any health plan maintained by Green Plains or any of its ERISA Affiliates or to which Green Plains or any of its ERISA Affiliates contributes.

(iv) All contributions (including all employer contributions and employee salary reduction contributions) that are due have been made within the time periods prescribed by ERISA and the Code to each such Employee Benefit Plan that is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan and all contributions for any period ending on or before the Closing Date that are not yet due have been made to each such Employee Pension Benefit Plan or accrued in accordance with the past custom and practice of Green Plains and its ERISA Affiliates. All premiums or other payments for all periods ending on or before the Closing Date have been paid with respect to each such Employee Benefit Plan that is an Employee Welfare Benefit Plan. All liabilities with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan are accurately reflected in the Financial Statements, and there are no unfunded liabilities, known or unknown, present or future, with respect to any such Employee Benefit Plan.

(v) Each such Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to meet the requirements of a “qualified plan” under Code Section 401(a) has received a determination from the Internal Revenue Service that such Employee Benefit Plan is so qualified, and Green Plains is not aware of any facts or circumstances that could adversely affect the qualified status of any such Employee Benefit Plan. All amendments to each such Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Code Section 401(a) that are required to be adopted to maintain the qualified status of the plan have been timely adopted and implemented.

(vi) There have been no Prohibited Transactions with respect to any such Employee Benefit Plan or any Employee Benefit Plan maintained by an ERISA Affiliate of Green Plains. No Fiduciary has any liability for material breach of fiduciary duty or any other material failure to act or comply in connection with the administration or investment of the assets of any such Employee Benefit Plan. No action, suit, proceeding, hearing, or investigation with respect to the administration or the investment of the assets of any such Employee Benefit Plan (other than routine claims for benefits) is pending or, to the Knowledge of Green Plains and its ERISA Affiliates, threatened.

(vii) Green Plains has delivered to Buyer correct and complete copies of the plan documents and summary plan descriptions, the most recent determination letter received from the Internal Revenue Service, the most recent annual report (Form 5500, with all applicable attachments), and all related trust agreements, insurance contracts, and other funding arrangements which implement each such Employee Benefit Plan.

(viii) With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan that Green Plains or any of its ERISA Affiliates maintains, to which any of them contributes or has any obligation to contribute, or with respect to which any of them has any material liability or potential liability:

(A) No such Employee Benefit Plan that is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan (other than any Multiemployer Plan) has been completely or partially terminated or been the subject of a Reportable Event as to which notices would be required to be filed with the PBGC. No proceeding by the PBGC to terminate any such Employee Pension Benefit Plan (other than any Multiemployer Plan) has been instituted or, to the Knowledge of Green Plains and its

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ERISA Affiliates, threatened. The market value of assets under each such Employee Benefit Plan that is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan (other than any Multiemployer Plan) equals or exceeds the present value of all vested and non-vested liabilities thereunder (determined in accordance with then current funding assumptions).

(B) Neither Green Plains nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred any material liability to the PBGC (other than with respect to PBGC premium payments not yet due) or otherwise under Title IV of ERISA or under the Code with respect to any such Employee Benefit Plan that is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan.

(C) All premiums due to the PBGC from Green Plains or from any of its ERISA Affiliates with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan have been timely paid.

(ix) Neither Green Plains nor any of its ERISA Affiliates contributes to, has any obligation to contribute to, or has any material liability (including withdrawal liability as defined in ERISA Section 4201) under or with respect to any Multiemployer Plan.

(x) Neither Green Plains nor any of its ERISA Affiliates maintains, contributes to or has an obligation to contribute to, or has any material liability or potential liability with respect to, any Employee Welfare Benefit Plan providing health or life insurance or other welfare-type benefits for current or future retired or terminated employees (or any spouse or other dependent thereof) of Green Plains or any of its ERISA Affiliates other than in accordance with COBRA.

(xii) Section 4.2(v)(xii) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule lists each written agreement, contract, or other arrangement—whether or not an Employee Benefit Plan (collectively a “Plan”)—to which Green Plains nor any of its ERISA Affiliates is a party that, to the Knowledge of Green Plains and its ERISA Affiliates, is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” subject to Code Section 409A. Each such Plan either (A) complies in all material respects with the requirements of Code Section 409A(a)(2), (3), and (4) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued thereunder or (B) has been operated in good faith compliance with such requirements.

(w) Guaranties. Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries is a guarantor or otherwise is responsible for any liability or obligation (including indebtedness) of any other Person.

(x) Environmental, Health, and Safety Matters. Except as disclosed on Section 4.2(x) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule and to the Knowledge of Green Plains:

(i) Each of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries have complied and are in compliance, in each case in all material respects, with all Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries have obtained and are in compliance with, in each case in all material respects, all material permits, licenses and other authorizations that are required pursuant to Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements for the current occupation of their facilities and the current operation of their business.

(iii) Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice from any Governmental Entity regarding any actual or alleged material violation of Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements, or any material liabilities or potential material liabilities, including any material investigatory, remedial, or corrective obligations, relating to any of them or their facilities arising under Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements.

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(iv) There has been no release or threat of release of any Hazardous Materials at or from or onto the Leased Real Property or Owned Real Property, or from or by or onto any other properties and assets in which Green Plains or its Subsidiaries has or had an interest, or at any other locations where any Hazardous Materials from the Leased Real Property or Owned Real Property of Green Plains or its Subsidiaries were transferred, recycled, stored, disposed, used, refined, or processed.

(v) Each of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries has identified those permits necessary under Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements for future occupation of the facilities and operation of the Green Plains Superior Plant and either has applied for those permits or will apply for those permits in time to lawfully operate the Green Plains Superior Plant in accordance with the existing plans and specifications.

(vi) Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any of their respective predecessors or Affiliates have treated, stored, disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal of, transported, handled, manufactured, distributed, exposed any person to, or released any substance, including without limitation any Hazardous Materials, or owned or operated any property or facility (and no such property or facility is contaminated by any such Materials) so as to give rise to any current or future material liabilities, including any material liability for fines, penalties, response costs, corrective action costs, personal injury, property damage, natural resources damages or attorneys’ fees, pursuant to any Environmental, Health, and Safety Requirements.

(vii) Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor their respective predecessors or Affiliates has designed, manufactured, sold, marketed, installed, or distributed products or other items containing asbestos and none of such entities is or will become subject to any liabilities with respect to the presence of asbestos in any product or item or in or upon any property, premises, or facility.

(viii) Green Plains and its Subsidiaries have furnished to VBV all environmental audits, reports, permits, permit applications (where the permit has not yet been issued), licenses, license applications (where the license has not yet been issued), studies, analyses, tests, monitoring, notices of violation, stipulations, agreements orders and other material environmental documents relating to Green Plains’, or Affiliates’ current properties, facilities, or operations that are in their possession, custody, or under their reasonable control.

(y) Business Continuity. None of the Systems that are used by or relied on by Green Plains and/or its Subsidiaries in the conduct of their business have experienced bugs, failures, breakdowns, or continued substandard performance in the past twelve months that has caused any substantial disruption or interruption in or to the use of any such Systems by Green Plains or its Subsidiaries. Each of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries are covered by business interruption insurance in scope and amount customary and reasonable to ensure the ongoing business operations of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries’ business.

(z) Certain Business Relationships. Except as set forth in Section 4.2(z) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule, none of Green Plains’ and its Subsidiaries’ directors, officers, managers, employees, and shareholders has been involved in any material business arrangement or relationship with Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries within the past 12 months, and none of Green Plains’ and its Subsidiaries’ directors, officers, managers, employees, and shareholders owns any material asset, tangible or intangible, that is used in the business of Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries.

(aa) Customers and Suppliers. Section 4.2(aa) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule lists the five largest customers of Green Plains (on a consolidated basis) for each of the Green Plains’ two most recent fiscal years and sets forth opposite the name of each such customer the percentage of

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consolidated net sales attributable to such customer. Section 4.2(aa) of the Disclosure Schedule also lists any additional current customers that Green Plains anticipates shall be among the five largest customers for the current fiscal year. Since the date of the Most Recent Balance Sheet of Green Plains, no material supplier of Green Plains or any its Subsidiaries has indicated in writing that it will cease, or materially decrease the rate of, supplying materials, products or services to Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries, and no customer listed on Section 4.2(aa) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule has indicated in writing that it will cease, or materially decrease the rate of, buying materials, products or services from Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries.

(bb) Data Privacy. Green Plains and its Subsidiaries have complied with and, as presently conducted, are in compliance with, all Data Laws and their respective policies applicable to data privacy, data security, and/or personal information. Neither Green Plains nor any of its Subsidiaries has experienced any incident in which personal information or other sensitive data was or may have been stolen or improperly accessed, and to the Knowledge of Green Plains, there are no facts suggesting the likelihood of the foregoing, including without limitation, any breach of security or receipt of any notices or complaints from any Person regarding personal information or other data.

(cc) Disclosure. The representations and warranties contained in this Article IV do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements and information contained in this Article IV not misleading.

(dd) Opinion of Financial Advisor. Green Plains has received the opinion of Duff & Xxxxxx, LLC, to the effect that, as of such date, the Exchange Ratio (assuming that Exchange Ratio is defined and considers both the merger consideration and the Investment) is fair to Green Plains from a financial point of view, and a copy of such opinion, when available, will be delivered to VBV for informational purposes only. Green Plains has been authorized by Duff & Xxxxxx, LLC to permit the inclusion of such opinion in its entirety in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

(ee) Xxxx-to-Market Position. Section 4.2(ee) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule sets forth Green Plains’ Xxxx-to-Market position as of May 2, 2008, as defined in the Letter of Intent between the Parties dated February 21, 2008, as subsequently amended.

Article V

Pre-Closing Covenants Relating to the Conduct of Business

Section 5.1 Operation of Business. Except as set forth in Section 5.1 of the VBV Disclosure Schedule or Section 5.1 of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule, as otherwise expressly permitted by this Agreement, as may be required by applicable law or as consented to in writing by the VBV or Green Plains, as the case may be (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), during the Pre-Closing Period, VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries, and Green Plains and its Subsidiaries, shall carry on their respective businesses in the Ordinary Course of Business, pay their respective debts and Taxes when due subject to good faith disputes over such debts or Taxes, pay or perform other obligations when due, and, to the extent consistent with such business, use all reasonable efforts consistent with past practices and policies to preserve intact their respective present business organization, keep available the services of their respective present officers and key employees and preserve their respective relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors, licensors, licensees, and others having business dealings with them, to the end that their respective goodwill and ongoing businesses shall not be materially impaired at the Closing Date. Each of VBV and Green Plains shall promptly notify the other of any event or occurrence not in the Ordinary Course of Business of VBV or Green Plains, respectively. In addition to and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as set forth in Section 5.1 of the VBV Disclosure Schedule or Section 5.1 of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule, as otherwise expressly permitted by this Agreement, as may be required by applicable law or as consented

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to in writing by VBV or Green Plains, as the case may be (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), during the Pre-Closing Period neither VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries, nor Green Plains and its Subsidiaries, shall:

(a) (i) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distributions (whether in cash, stock, property or otherwise) in respect of, any of its limited liability company interest or capital stock (except for dividends and distributions by a direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of VBV or Green Plains to its respective parent), (ii) split, combine or reclassify any of its limited liability company interest or capital stock or issue or authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for its limited liability company interests or capital stock, or undertake any recapitalization, exchange of shares or similar transaction, or (iii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any limited liability company interest or capital stock or any other securities thereof or any rights, warrants or options to acquire any such limited liability company interest, capital stock or other securities;

(b) issue, deliver, sell, grant, pledge or otherwise encumber or subject to any Lien any of its limited liability company interest or capital stock, any other voting securities or any securities convertible into, or exchangeable for or any rights, warrants or options to acquire, any such interests, voting securities or convertible securities, or any “phantom” stock, “phantom” stock rights, stock appreciation rights or stock-based performance units;

(d) directly or indirectly acquire or agree to acquire (i) by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing assets of, by making an investment in or capital contribution to, or by any other manner, any person or business or equity interest of any Person or (ii) a significant portion of the assets of any other Person;

(e) (i) sell and leaseback, mortgage or otherwise encumber or subject to any Lien any of its properties or other assets or sell, lease, license or otherwise dispose of any material real property interests or material equipment or any interests therein or (ii) enter into any material lease of real property, or materially amend or modify any material lease;

(f) (i) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any such indebtedness of another person, issue or sell any debt securities or calls, options, warrants or other rights to acquire any debt securities, guarantee any debt securities of another person, enter into any “keep well” or other agreement to maintain any financial statement condition of another person or enter into any arrangement having the economic effect of any of the foregoing, except for (A) short-term borrowings incurred in the ordinary course of business pursuant to revolving credit agreements existing on the date of this Agreement, (B) scheduled borrowings under the loan agreements specified on Section 5.1 of the VBV Disclosure Schedule and Section 5.1 of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule, and (C) intercompany indebtedness between VBV or Green Plains, as the case may be, and any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries or between such wholly-owned Subsidiaries, or (ii) make any loans or advances to any other person (other than credit extended to customers in the ordinary course of business and travel and similar advances to its employees in the ordinary course of business);

(g) except for scheduled capital expenditures as set forth on Section 5.1 of the VBV Disclosure Schedule and Section 5.1 of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule, make or agree to make any new capital expenditure or expenditures outside of the Ordinary Course of Business;

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(h) (i) pay, discharge, settle or satisfy any claims, liabilities or obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise) or litigation (whether or not commenced prior to the date of this Agreement), other than the payment, discharge, settlement or satisfaction, in the ordinary Course of Business or in accordance with its terms, of any liability recognized or disclosed in the Most Recent Financial Statements (or the notes thereto) of VBV or Green Plains, as the case may be, or incurred since the date of such financial statements in the Ordinary Course of Business, (ii) cancel any material indebtedness, (iii) waive or assign any claims or rights of material value, (iv) waive any benefits of, or agree to modify in any respect, or, subject to the terms hereof, knowingly fail to enforce, or consent to any matter with respect to which consent is required under, any standstill or similar agreement to which VBV or either VBV Subsidiary, or Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries, is a party or (v) waive any material benefits of, or agree to modify in any material respect, or, subject to the terms hereof, knowingly fail to enforce in any material respect, or consent to any matter with respect to which consent is required under, any material confidentiality or similar agreement to which VBV or either VBV Subsidiary, or Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries, is a party;

(i) except as contemplated hereby, enter into, adopt or amend in any material respect or terminate any Employee Benefit Plan, Employee Benefit Agreement, collective bargaining agreement, employment agreement, incentive agreement, deferred compensation agreement, consulting agreement, severance agreement, retention agreement, change in control agreement, termination agreement, indemnification agreement, equity or equity-based compensation agreement or any other compensatory agreement, plan or policy involving VBV or either VBV Subsidiary or Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries, and one or more of its current or former directors, officers , employees or independent contractors, or materially change any actuarial or other assumption used to calculate funding obligations with respect to any pension plan, or change the manner in which contributions to any pension plan are made or the basis on which such contributions are determined;

(j) except for normal increases in the Ordinary Course of Business that, in the aggregate, do not materially increase benefits or compensation expenses of VBV or the VBV Subsidiaries or Green Plains or its Subsidiaries, or as contemplated hereby or by the terms of any contract or agreement the existence of which does not constitute a violation of this Agreement, increase the compensation, bonus or other benefits of any director, officer or other employee or pay any benefit or amount not required by a plan or arrangement as in effect on the date of this Agreement to any such person;

(k) transfer or license to any person or entity or otherwise extend, amend or modify any rights to the Intellectual Property Rights of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries or Green Plains and its Subsidiaries other than in the Ordinary Course of Business or on a non-exclusive basis not materially different from past practices;

(l) enter into any agreement that would be of a type referred to in Section 3.2(n)) or Section 4.2(n); or modify, amend or terminate any agreement, contract, lease, license, instrument or other arrangement listed or required to be listed in Section 3.2(n) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule or Section 4.2(n) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule; or waive, release or assign any material rights or claims thereunder except in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(m) make any material Tax election or settle or compromise any material Tax liability other than in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(n) liquidate or dissolve or adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or dissolution;

(o) make any change in accounting methods, principles or practices unless required by GAAP or the SEC;

(p) with respect to the construction of the VBV Plants and the Green Plains Superior Plant, as the case may be, (i) permit such construction to be conducted other than in accordance with the Plans and Specifications and applicable Legal Requirements and in a good and workmanlike manner using

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first- class materials, (ii) fail to obtain and maintain in existence all licenses, permits, and approvals required in connection with such construction, (iii) enter into any agreement for the payment of, or otherwise agree to pay, any amounts that are not provided for in the construction-related agreements delivered to Green Plains or VBV referenced in Section 5.1 of the VBV Disclosure Schedule or Section 5.1 of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule, as the case may be, (iv) fail to pay all costs and expenses associated with such construction when the same become due and payable, (v) materially amend or otherwise modify, or authorize the material amendment or modification of, any document relating to such construction, including, without limitation, the construction schedule and the contracts with the general contractor or any other contractors or subcontractors, (vi) make or authorize the making of any other material modification to such construction, including, without limitation, issuing any change order and replacing any contractor or subcontractor; (vii) incur any fees or expenses in connection with any financing transaction; or (viii) enter into any written agreement, contract, commitment or arrangement to do any of the foregoing; or

(q) authorize, commit, resolve or agree to take any of the foregoing actions.

(r) In addition, except as may be required by applicable law or as consented to in writing by VBV (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), during the Pre-Closing Period, Green Plains and its Subsidiaries shall not enter into any agreement, liquidate any position (other than by maturity of such position) or take any action that results in an aggregate change of 3,000,000 bushels in Green Plains and its Subsidiaries’ open xxxx to market position, or in an aggregate change of 7,000,000 gallons in Green Plains and its Subsidiaries’ open ethanol position.

Section 5.2 Notice of Changes. To the extent consistent with applicable law, (a) VBV shall promptly advise Green Plains orally and in writing to the extent its has Knowledge of any material event, development or occurrence that would reasonably be expected to give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Sections 8.1 or 8.2 and (ii) Green Plains shall promptly advise VBV orally and in writing to the extent it has Knowledge of any material event, development or occurrence that would reasonably be expected to give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Sections 8.1 or 8.3. No notification pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall affect the representations, warranties, covenants, or agreements of the parties (or remedies with respect thereto) or the conditions to the obligations of the parties under this Agreement.

Article VI

Other Agreements and Covenants

Section 6.1 Reasonable Best Efforts.

(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the Parties agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other Parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including using reasonable best efforts to accomplish the following: (i) the taking of all reasonable acts necessary to cause the conditions to Closing to be satisfied as promptly as practicable, (ii) the obtaining of all necessary actions, waivers, consents and approvals from Governmental Entities and the making of all necessary registrations and filings (including filings with Governmental Entities, if any) and the taking of all reasonable steps as may be necessary to obtain an approval or waiver from, or to avoid an action or proceeding by any Governmental Entity, (iii) the obtaining of all necessary consents, approvals or waivers from third parties, (iv) the defending of any lawsuits or other legal proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by, and to fully carry out the purposes of, this Agreement, including seeking to have any stay or temporary restraining order entered by any Governmental Entity vacated or reversed and (v) the

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execution and delivery of any additional instruments necessary to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by, and to fully carry out the purposes of, this Agreement.

(b) In connection with and without limiting the foregoing, each Party shall use its reasonable best efforts to furnish to each other all information required for any filing, form, declaration, notification, registration and notice, other than confidential or proprietary information not directly related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and to keep the other party reasonably informed with respect to the status of each clearance, approval or waiver sought from a Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the material communications between such Party and such Governmental Entity. Each party shall without limitation: (i) promptly notify the other of, and if in writing, furnish the other with copies of (or, in the case of oral communications, advise the other of) any communications from or with any Governmental Entity with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) permit the other to review and discuss in advance, and consider in good faith the views of the other in connection with, any proposed written or any oral communication with any such Governmental Entity, (iii) not participate in any meeting or have any communication with any such Governmental Entity unless it has given the other an opportunity to consult with it in advance and to the extent permitted by such Governmental Entity gives the other the opportunity to attend and participate therein, (iv) furnish the other with copies of all filings and communications between it and any such Governmental Entity with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (v) furnish the other with such necessary information and reasonable assistance as the other may reasonably request in connection with its preparation of necessary filings or submissions of information to any such Governmental Entity.

(c) In connection with and without limiting the foregoing, VBV and its managers and Green Plains and its board of directors shall each use their respective reasonable best efforts to: (i) take all action necessary to ensure that no state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation is or becomes applicable to this Agreement or the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) if any state takeover statute or similar statute becomes applicable to this Agreement, the Merger or any other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, take all action necessary to ensure that the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated by this Agreement and otherwise to minimize the effect of such statute or regulation on this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to require VBV or Green Plains to agree to, or proffer to, divest or hold separate any assets or any portion of any business of VBV or Green Plains or any of their respective Subsidiaries that is material to the business, financial condition or results of operations, of VBV, Green Plains and their respective Subsidiaries (after giving effect to the Merger), taken as a whole. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of VBV and Green Plains shall give the other Party the opportunity to participate in the defense of any litigation against VBV or Green Plains, as applicable, and/or its managers or directors relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 6.2 Full Access. Each of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries shall permit representatives of Green Plains (including legal counsel and accountants), and Green Plains shall permit representatives of VBV (including legal counsel and accountants), to have full access at all reasonable times, and in a manner so as not to interfere with the normal business operations of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Green Plains and its Subsidiaries, on the other hand, to each such party’s properties, personnel, books, records (including Tax records), contracts, and documents of or pertaining thereto. Green Plains will treat and hold as such any Confidential Information it receives from VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries in the course of the reviews contemplated by this Section 6.2, will not use any of the Confidential Information except in connection with this Agreement, and, if this Agreement is terminated for any reason whatsoever, will return to VBV, and its Subsidiaries all tangible embodiments (and all copies) of the Confidential Information which are in its possession; and VBV will

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treat and hold as such any Confidential Information it receives from any of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries in the course of the reviews contemplated by this Section 6.2, will not use any of the Confidential Information except in connection with this Agreement, and, if this Agreement is terminated for any reason whatsoever, will return to Green Plains and its Subsidiaries all tangible embodiments (and all copies) of the Confidential Information which are in its possession

Section 6.3 Employee Benefits; Employee Issues.

(a) Green Plains agrees that all employees of VBV who continue employment with Green Plains or the Surviving Company after the Effective Time (“Continuing Employees”) shall be eligible to continue to participate in the Surviving Company’s retirement, health, vacation and other non-equity based employee benefit plans; provided, however, that (a) nothing in this Section 6.3 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall limit the right of Green Plains or the Surviving Company to amend or terminate any such retirement, health, vacation or other employee benefit plan at any time, and (b) if Green Plains or the Surviving Company terminates any such retirement, health, vacation or other employee benefit plan, then the Continuing Employees shall be eligible to participate in Green Plains’ health, vacation and other non-equity based employee benefit plans, to substantially the same extent as employees of Green Plains in similar positions and at similar grade levels. With respect to such benefits and to the extent permitted under the applicable employee benefit plans of Green Plains, credit for service accrued by Continuing Employees (and eligible dependents) for employment with VBV or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Time shall be recognized (except to the extent necessary to prevent duplication of benefits), any pre-existing condition limitations and eligibility waiting periods applicable to any Continuing Employee under any group health plan shall be waived, and employees shall be given credit for amounts paid under any VBV employee benefit plan during the same period for purposes of applying deductibles, co-payments and out-of-pocket maximums as though such amounts had been paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable VBV employee benefit plan.

(b) Green Plains shall use commercially reasonable efforts to enter into employment agreements with Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx and Xxxx Xxxxxx prior to the Effective Time. Nothing in this Section 6.3 or elsewhere in this Agreement, however, shall be construed to create a right in any employee to employment with Green Plains, the Surviving Company or any other Subsidiary of Green Plains and, subject to any binding written agreement between an employee and Green Plains or the Surviving Company, the employment of each Continuing Employee shall be “at will” employment.

Section 6.4 No Solicitation by VBV.

(a) From and after the date of this Agreement, VBV shall not, and shall not authorize or permit any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective managers, officers, employees or representatives, directly or indirectly through another Person, to (i) solicit, initiate or encourage, or take any other action to facilitate, any inquiries with respect to or the making of any VBV Takeover Proposal or (ii) enter into, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any Person any information with respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with, any VBV Takeover Proposal. Without limiting the foregoing, it is agreed that any material violation of the covenants set forth in the preceding sentence by any manager, officer, employee or representative of VBV or a VBV Subsidiary shall be a breach of this Section 6.4(a) by VBV. VBV shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated all existing discussions or negotiations with any Person conducted heretofore with respect to any VBV Takeover Proposal and request the prompt return or destruction of all Confidential Information previously furnished. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to obtaining VBV Member Approval, if the managers of VBV determine in good faith (after consultation with VBV’s outside counsel and financial advisors), in response to a bona fide written VBV Takeover Proposal that was unsolicited, made after the date of this Agreement, and did not otherwise result from a breach of this Section 6.4(a), that such VBV Takeover Proposal

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constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to a VBV Superior Proposal, then, subject in each case to compliance with Section 6.4(c), VBV may (i) furnish information with respect to VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries to the Person making such VBV Takeover Proposal pursuant to a customary confidentiality agreement, and (ii) participate in discussions or negotiations with the Person making such VBV Takeover Proposal regarding such VBV Takeover Proposal; provided, that notice of such determination and the basis therefor is promptly (and in any event within 48 hours of such determination) given to Green Plains; and provided, further, that such confidentiality agreement (A) is no less restrictive to such Person than the provisions of the Mutual Confidentiality Agreement, dated December 11, 2007, between VBV and Green Plains, (B) does not provide for an exclusive right to negotiate with VBV, (C) contains “standstill” terms restricting the Person from commencing a public tender offer or otherwise acquiring shares of VBV’s equity interests, and (D) does not hinder or restrict VBV from complying with any provision of this Agreement; and provided, further, that all such information has previously been provided to Green Plains or is provided to Green Plains prior to or concurrently with the time it is provided to such Person.

The term “VBV Takeover Proposal” means any inquiry (including a request for a waiver or amendment of an existing agreement), proposal or offer from any Person (other than a VBV Member or Green Plains or an Affiliate thereof) relating to, or that could reasonably be expected to lead to, any direct or indirect acquisition or purchase, in one transaction or a series of transactions, of assets (including limited liability company interests of any Subsidiary of VBV) or businesses that constitute 10% or more of the revenues, net income or assets of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, 25% or more of the revenues, net income or assets of a VBV Subsidiary, or 10% or more of any limited liability company interest of VBV or any VBV Subsidiary; any tender offer or exchange offer that if consummated would result in any Person beneficially owning 10% or more of any limited liability company interest of VBV; or any merger, consolidation, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, joint venture or similar transaction involving VBV or either VBV Subsidiary pursuant to which any Person or the shareholders of any Person would own 10% or more of the limited liability company interest of VBV, and VBV Subsidiary, or any class of equity securities of any resulting parent company of VBV, in each case other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

The term “VBV Superior Proposal” means any bona fide offer made by a third party that if consummated would result in such Person (or its shareholders) owning, directly or indirectly, more than 80% of the limited liability company interests of VBV or of any VBV Subsidiary then outstanding (or of the shares or limited liability company interest of the surviving entity in a merger or the direct or indirect parent of the surviving entity in a merger) or all or substantially all the assets of VBV, or any VBV Subsidiary, which the managers of VBV, or the board of such VBV Subsidiary, as the case may be, determine in good faith (after consultation with VBV’s financial advisors), to be (i) more favorable to the members of VBV or the VBV Subsidiary, from a financial point of view than the Merger (taking into account all the terms and conditions of such proposal and this Agreement (including any changes to the financial terms of this Agreement proposed by Green Plains in response to such offer or otherwise)) and (ii) reasonably capable of being completed on or before December 31, 2008 and on the terms proposed, taking into account all financial, legal, regulatory, and other aspects of such proposal.

(b) The managers of VBV shall not (i) (A) withdraw (or qualify or modify in a manner adverse to Green Plains), or publicly propose to withdraw (or qualify or modify in a manner adverse to Green Plains), their approval, adoption or recommendation of this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (B) approve, adopt or recommend, or propose to approve, adopt or recommend, any VBV Takeover Proposal (any action described in this clause (i) being referred to as a “VBV Adverse Recommendation”); or (ii) approve, adopt or recommend, or propose to approve, adopt or recommend, or allow VBV or a Subsidiary to execute or enter into, any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement or other similar

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arrangement constituting or related to, or that is intended to or could reasonably be expected to lead to, any VBV Takeover Proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement referred to in Section 6.4(a)) (a “VBV Acquisition Agreement”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to obtaining VBV Member Approval and subject to Section 6.4(c), the managers of VBV, in response to a VBV Takeover Proposal that the managers of VBV determine in good faith (after consultation with VBV’s outside counsel and financial advisors) constitutes a VBV Superior Proposal and that was unsolicited, made after the date of this Agreement, and did not otherwise result from a breach of this Section 6.4(a), may make a VBV Adverse Recommendation; provided, however, that VBV shall not be entitled to exercise its right to make a VBV Adverse Recommendation (x) if it is in breach of its obligations under this Section 6.4 and (y) until after the tenth Business Day following Green Plains’ receipt of notice (a “Notice of VBV Superior Proposal”) from VBV advising Green Plains that the managers of VBV intend to take such action and specifying the reasons therefor, including the terms and conditions of any VBV Superior Proposal that is the basis of the proposed action by the managers (it being understood and agreed that any material amendment to the financial or any other term of such VBV Superior Proposal shall require a new Notice of VBV Superior Proposal and a new ten Business Day period); provided, that if VBV gives notice pursuant to clause (y) within ten (10) Business Days of the date of the VBV member meeting, VBV shall, subject to the requirement of applicable law, postpone the VBV member meeting to a date and time to ensure that Green Plains has ten (10) Business Days’ notice following receipt of the notice of a VBV Superior Proposal before the VBV member meeting. In determining whether to make a VBV Adverse Recommendation pursuant to this Section 6.4(b), the managers of VBV shall consider in good faith any changes to the financial terms of this Agreement, the Investment, and the VBV Subsidiary Mergers proposed by Green Plains in response to a Notice of VBV Superior Proposal or otherwise.

(c) In addition to the obligations of VBV set forth in Sections 6.4 (a) and (b), VBV shall provide notice to Green Plains of any VBV Takeover Proposal as promptly as reasonably practicable (and in any event within 48 hours) after the receipt or delivery thereof, which notice shall include a description of the material terms and conditions of any such VBV Takeover Proposal (including any changes thereto) and the identity of the Person making any such VBV Takeover Proposal. VBV shall (i) keep Green Plains fully informed in all material respects of the status and details (including any change to the terms thereof) of any VBV Takeover Proposal and (ii) provide to Green Plains copies of all correspondence and other written material sent or provided to VBV or either VBV Subsidiary from any Person that describes any of the terms or conditions of any VBV Takeover Proposal, in each case as promptly as reasonably practicable (and in any event within 48 hours) after receipt or delivery thereof.

(d) Nothing contained in this Section 6.4 shall prohibit VBV from (x) taking and disclosing to its members a position contemplated by Rule 14e-2(a) under the Securities Exchange Act or a statement required under Rule 14a-9 under the Securities Exchange Act or (y) making any disclosure to the members of VBV that is required by applicable law; provided, however, that in no event shall VBV or its managers take, or agree or resolve to take, any action prohibited by Section 6.4(b) (it being understood that any accurate disclosure of factual information to the members of VBV that is required to be made to such shareholders under applicable federal securities laws shall not be considered a modification prohibited by clause (i)(A) of Section 6.4(b)).

Section 6.5 No Solicitation by Green Plains.

(a) From and after the date of this Agreement, Green Plains shall not, and shall not authorize or permit any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or representatives, directly or indirectly through another Person, to (i) solicit, initiate or encourage, or take any other action designed to, or to facilitate any inquiries with respect to or the making of any Green Plains Takeover Proposal or (ii) enter into, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any Person any information with respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with, any Green Plains Takeover Proposal. Without limiting the foregoing, it is agreed that any material

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violation of the covenants set forth in the preceding sentence by any director, officer, employee or representative of Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries shall be a breach of this Section 6.5(a) by Green Plains. Green Plains shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated all existing discussions or negotiations with any Person conducted heretofore with respect to any Green Plains Takeover Proposal and request the prompt return or destruction of all Confidential Information previously furnished. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to obtaining Green Plains Shareholder Approval, if the board of directors of Green Plains determines in good faith (after consultation with Green Plains’ outside counsel and financial advisors), in response to a bona fide written Green Plains Takeover Proposal that was unsolicited, made after the date of this Agreement, and did not otherwise result from a breach of this Section 6.5(a), that such Green Plains Takeover Proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to a Green Plains Superior Proposal, then, subject in each case to compliance with Section 6.5(c), Green Plains may (i) furnish information with respect to Green Plains and its Subsidiaries to the Person making such Green Plains Takeover Proposal pursuant to a customary confidentiality agreement, and (ii) participate in discussions or negotiations with the Person making such Green Plains Takeover Proposal regarding such Green Plains Takeover Proposal; provided, that notice of such determination and the basis therefor is promptly (and in any event within 48 hours of such determination) given to VBV; and provided, further, that such confidentiality agreement (A) is no less restrictive to such Person than the provisions of the Mutual Confidentiality Agreement, dated December 11, 2007, between VBV and Green Plains, (B) does not provide for an exclusive right to negotiate with Green Plains, (C) contains “standstill” terms restricting the Person from commencing a public tender offer or otherwise acquiring shares of Green Plains’ capital stock, and (D) does not hinder or restrict Green Plains from complying with any provision of this Agreement; and provided, further, that all such information has previously been provided to VBV or is provided to VBV prior to or concurrently with the time it is provided to such Person.

The term “Green Plains Takeover Proposal” means any inquiry (including a request for a waiver or amendment of an existing agreement), proposal or offer from any Person (other than VBV or an Affiliate thereof) relating to, or that could reasonably be expected to lead to, any direct or indirect acquisition or purchase, in one transaction or a series of transactions, of assets (including equity securities of any Subsidiary of Green Plains) or businesses that constitute 10% or more of the revenues, net income or assets of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or 10% or more of any class of equity securities of Green Plains; any tender offer or exchange offer that if consummated would result in any Person beneficially owning 10% or more of any class of equity securities of Green Plains; or any merger, consolidation, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, joint venture, binding share exchange or similar transaction involving Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to which any Person or the shareholders of any Person would own 10% or more of any class of equity securities of Green Plains or of any resulting parent company of Green Plains, in each case other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

The term “Green Plains Superior Proposal” means any bona fide offer made by a third party that if consummated would result in such Person (or its shareholders) owning, directly or indirectly, more than 80% of the shares of Green Plains Common Stock then outstanding (or of the shares of the surviving entity in a merger or the direct or indirect parent of the surviving entity in a merger) or all or substantially all the assets of Green Plains, which the board of directors of Green Plains determines in good faith (after consultation with its financial advisors) to be (i) more favorable to the shareholders of Green Plains from a financial point of view than the Merger, the VBV Subsidiary Mergers, and the Investment, taken as a whole, and taking into account all the terms and conditions of such proposal, this Agreement, the VBV Subsidiary Mergers, and the Investment (including any changes to the financial terms of this Agreement, the VBV Subsidiary Mergers, and the Investment proposed by VBV in response to such offer or otherwise)) and (ii) reasonably capable of being completed on or before December 31, 2008 and on the terms proposed, taking into account all financial, legal, regulatory, and other aspects of such proposal.

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(b) Neither the board of directors of Green Plains nor any committee thereof shall (i) (A) withdraw (or qualify or modify in a manner adverse to VBV), or publicly propose to withdraw (or qualify or modify in a manner adverse to VBV), the approval, adoption or recommendation by the board of directors or any committee thereof of this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (B) approve, adopt or recommend, or propose publicly to approve, adopt or recommend, any Green Plains Takeover Proposal (any action described in this clause (i) being referred to as a “Green Plains Adverse Recommendation”) or (ii) approve, adopt or recommend, or publicly propose to approve, adopt or recommend, or allow Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries to execute or enter into, any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement or other similar arrangement constituting or related to, or that is intended to or could reasonably be expected to lead to, any Green Plains Takeover Proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement referred to in Section 6.5(a)) (a “Green Plains Acquisition Agreement”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to obtaining Green Plains Shareholder Approval and subject to Section 6.5(c), the board of directors of Green Plains, in response to a Green Plains Takeover Proposal that the board of directors of Green Plains determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside counsel and financial advisors) constitutes a Green Plains Superior Proposal that was unsolicited, made after the date of this Agreement, and did not otherwise result from a breach of this Section 6.5(a), may make a Green Plains Adverse Recommendation; provided, however, that Green Plains shall not be entitled to exercise its right to make a Green Plains Adverse Recommendation pursuant hereto (x) if it is in breach of its obligations under this Section 6.5 and (y) until after the tenth Business Day following VBV’s receipt of notice (a “Notice of Green Plains Superior Proposal”) from Green Plains advising Green Plains that the board of directors of Green Plains intends to take such action and specifying the reasons therefor, including the terms and conditions of any Green Plains Superior Proposal that is the basis of the proposed action by the board of directors (it being understood and agreed that any material amendment to the financial or any other term of such Green Plains Superior Proposal shall require a new Notice of Green Plains Superior Proposal and a new ten Business Day period); provided, that if Green Plains gives notice pursuant to clause (y) within ten Business Days of the date of the Green Plains Shareholders’ meeting, Green Plains shall, subject to the requirements of applicable law, postpone the Green Plains Shareholders’ Meeting to a date and time to ensure that VBV has ten Business days’ notice following receipt of the notice of Green Plains Superior Proposal before the Green Plains Shareholders’ Meeting. In determining whether to make a Green Plains Adverse Recommendation pursuant to this Section 6.5(b), the board of directors of Green Plains shall consider in good faith any changes to the financial terms of this Agreement, the VBV Subsidiary Mergers, and the Investment proposed by VBV in response to a Notice of Green Plains Superior Proposal or otherwise.

(c) In addition to the obligations of Green Plains set forth in Sections 6.5(a) and (b), Green Plains shall provide notice to VBV of any Green Plains Takeover Proposal as promptly as reasonably practicable (and in any event within 48 hours) after the receipt or delivery thereof, which notice shall include a description of the material terms and conditions of any such Green Plains Takeover Proposal (including any changes thereto) and the identity of the Person making any such Green Plains Takeover Proposal. Green Plains shall (i) keep VBV fully informed in all material respects of the status and details (including any change to the terms thereof) of any Green Plains Takeover Proposal and (ii) provide to VBV copies of all correspondence and other written material sent or provided to Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries from any Person that describe any of the terms or conditions of any Green Plains Takeover Proposal, in each case as promptly as reasonably practicable (and in any event within 48 hours) after receipt or delivery thereof.

(d) Nothing contained in this Section 6.5 shall prohibit Green Plains from (x) taking and disclosing to its shareholders a position contemplated by Rule 14e-2(a) under the Securities Exchange Act or a statement required under Rule 14a-9 under the Securities Exchange Act or (y) making any

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disclosure to the shareholders of Green Plains that is required by applicable law; provided, however, that in no event shall Green Plains or its board of directors or any committee thereof take, or agree or resolve to take, any action prohibited by Section 6.5(b) (it being understood that any accurate disclosure of factual information to the shareholders of Green Plains that is required to be made to such shareholders under applicable federal securities laws shall not be considered a modification prohibited by clause (i)(A) of Section 6.5(b)).

Section 6.6 Preparation of Form S-4 and Proxy Statement; Shareholder Meeting.

(a) As soon as practicable following the date of this Agreement, Green Plains shall prepare and file with the SEC a proxy statement relating to the Green Plains shareholders’ meeting (such proxy statement, as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Proxy Statement”). Green Plains shall prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 in connection with the issuance of Green Plains common stock in the Merger and the VBV Subsidiary Mergers (the “Form S-4”), in which the Proxy Statement will be included, and take such other action (other than qualifying to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not now so qualified or to file a general consent to service of process) required to be taken under applicable federal and state securities laws in connection with the issuance of Green Plains common stock in the Merger and the VBV Subsidiary Mergers, including such actions as may be necessary to exempt any such issuances from the registration and qualification requirements of applicable securities laws. Each of VBV and Green Plains shall use their respective commercially reasonable best efforts to have the Form S-4 declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing and keep the Form S-4 effective for so long as necessary to complete the Merger and the VBV Subsidiary Mergers, as applicable. Green Plains will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to Green Plains’s shareholders, as promptly as practicable after the Form S-4 is declared effective under the Securities Act. Each party shall furnish all information concerning itself and the holders of its limited liability company interests or capital stock (as the case may be) as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action and the preparation, filing, and distribution of the Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement. No filing of, or amendment or supplement to, or correspondence to the SEC or its staff with respect to, the Form S-4 or the Proxy Statement will be made by Green Plains without the consent of VBV (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Green Plains will advise VBV, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the time when the Form S-4 has become effective or any supplement or amendment thereto has been filed, the issuance of any stop order, the suspension of the qualification of the Green Plains Common Stock issuable in connection with the Merger and the VBV Subsidiary Mergers for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or any request by the SEC for amendment of the Form S-4 or the Proxy Statement or comments thereon and responses thereto or requests by the SEC for additional information and will, as promptly as practicable, provide to VBV copies of all correspondence and filings with the SEC with respect to the Form S-4. If at any time prior to the Closing Date any information relating to VBV or Green Plains, or any of their respective Affiliates, directors or officers, should be discovered by VBV or Green Plains which should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to any of the Form S-4 or the Proxy Statement, so that any of such documents would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the party which discovers such information shall promptly notify the other parties hereto and an appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information shall be promptly filed with the SEC and, to the extent required by law, disseminated to the shareholders of Green Plains and the members of VBV. For purposes of Section 6.6, information concerning or related to Green Plains, its Subsidiaries or the Green Plains Shareholders’ Meeting will be deemed to have been provided by Green Plains, and information concerning or related to VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries will be deemed to have been provided by VBV.

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(b) Green Plains (i) shall establish a record date for and, as soon as practicable following the date of this Agreement, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders (the “Green Plains Shareholders’ Meeting”) for the purpose of obtaining Green Plains Shareholder Approval and (ii) shall (1) through the Green Plains board of directors, recommend to its shareholders that they give the Green Plains Shareholder Approval and include such recommendation in the Proxy Statement and (2) solicit from holders of shares of Green Plains Common Stock entitled to vote at the Green Plains Shareholders’ Meeting proxies in favor of obtaining the Green Plains Shareholder Approval. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Green Plains agrees that its obligations pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 6.6(b) shall not be affected by the commencement, public proposal, public disclosure or communication to Green Plains of any Green Plains Takeover Proposal, and that its obligations under clause (i) of this Section 6.6(b) shall not be limited or otherwise affected by any Green Plains Adverse Recommendation.

(c) VBV shall take such steps as it deems necessary and appropriate in order to seek and obtain VBV Member Approval and VBV Subsidiary Member Approval such that the foregoing Approvals are sought and obtained in a manner that is concurrent with the Green Plains Shareholder Approval process described in Section 6.6(b) above.

Section 6.7 Fees and Expenses.

(a) Except as provided in this Section 6.7, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such fees or expenses, whether or not the Merger is consummated, except that each of Green Plains and VBV shall bear and pay one-half of the filing fees for the pre-merger notification and report forms under the HSR Act.

(b) In the event that:

(i) this Agreement is terminated by Green Plains pursuant to Section 9.1(c)(ii);

(ii) (A) prior to the Closing Date, a VBV Takeover Proposal shall have been made to VBV, to the members of VBV generally or shall have otherwise become publicly known, or any Person shall have publicly announced an intention (whether or not conditional) to make a VBV Takeover Proposal, (B) thereafter this Agreement is terminated by either Green Plains or VBV pursuant to Section 9.1(b)(i) (but only if the VBV Member Approval has not been obtained) or Section 9.1(b)(iii) and (C) within six months after such termination, VBV enters into a definitive agreement to consummate, or consummates, the transactions contemplated by any VBV Takeover Proposal;

then VBV shall pay Green Plains a fee equal to $6,000,000 (the “VBV Termination Fee”) by wire transfer of same-day funds on (x) in the case of a payment required by clause (i) above, the second Business Day after the date of termination of this Agreement, and (y) in the case of a payment required by clause (ii) above, the date of the first to occur of the events referred to in clause (ii)(C); provided, that the VBV Termination Fee shall be reduced by any amounts payable to Green Plains as a termination fee under the merger agreements relating to the VBV Subsidiary Mergers, such that the aggregate amount payable to Green Plains, if any, under this Section 6.7(b) and under the merger agreements relating to the VBV Subsidiary Mergers shall be $6,000,000. The obligations of VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries are joint and several with respect to the payment of the VBV Termination Fee and the termination fees payable under the merger agreements relating to the VBV Subsidiary Mergers.

(i) this Agreement is terminated by VBV pursuant to pursuant to Section 9.1(d)(ii); or

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(ii) (A) prior to the obtaining of the Green Plains Shareholder Approval, a Green Plains Takeover Proposal shall have been made to Green Plains, to the shareholders of Green Plains generally or shall have otherwise become publicly known, or any Person shall have publicly announced an intention (whether or not conditional) to make a Green Plains Takeover Proposal, (B) thereafter this Agreement is terminated by either Green Plains or VBV pursuant to Section 9.1(b)(i) (but only if a vote to obtain the Green Plains Shareholder Approval or the Green Plains Shareholders’ Meeting has not been held) or Section 9.1(b)(ii) and (C) within six months after such termination, Green Plains enters into a definitive agreement to consummate, or consummates, the transactions contemplated by any Green Plains Takeover Proposal;

then Green Plains shall pay VBV a fee equal to $6,000,000 (the “Green Plains Termination Fee”) by wire transfer of same-day funds on (x) in the case of a payment required by clause (i) above, the second Business Day after the date of termination of this Agreement, and (y) in the case of a payment required by clause (ii) above, the date of the first to occur of the events referred to in clause (ii)(C); provided, that the Green Plains Termination Fee shall be reduced by any amounts paid to VBV as a termination fee under the merger agreements relating to the VBV Subsidiary Mergers, such that the aggregate amount payable to VBV, if any, under this Section 6.7(c) and under the merger agreements relating to the VBV Subsidiary Mergers shall be $6,000,000.

(d) VBV acknowledges that the agreements contained in Section 6.7(b) are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and that, without these agreements, Green Plains would not enter into this Agreement; accordingly, if VBV fails promptly to pay the amount due pursuant to Section 6.7(b), and, in order to obtain such payment, Green Plains commences a suit that results in a judgment against VBV for the fees set forth in Section 6.7(b), VBV shall pay to Green Plains its out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) in connection with such suit, together with interest on the amount due at the prime rate, as reported in the Wall Street Journal, in effect on the date such payment was required to be made.

(e) Green Plains acknowledges that the agreements contained in Section 6.7(c) are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and that, without these agreements, VBV would not enter into this Agreement; accordingly, if Green Plains fails promptly to pay the amount due pursuant to Section 6.7(c), and, in order to obtain such payment, VBV commences a suit that results in a judgment against Green Plains for the fees set forth in Section 6.7(c), Green Plains shall pay to VBV its out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including attorneys fees and expenses) in connection with such suit, together with interest on the amount due at the prime rate, , as reported in the Wall Street Journal, in effect on the date such payment was required to be made.

(f) Except as otherwise set forth in Section 6.7(c), if this Agreement is terminated by VBV or Green Plains pursuant to Section 9.1(b)(ii), then Green Plains shall promptly pay VBV or its designee all out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of VBV and its Affiliates in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, financing sources, hedging counterparts, experts and consultants, up to an aggregate maximum amount of $1,000,000 for all such costs, fees, and expenses.

(g) Except as otherwise set forth in Section 6.7(b), if this Agreement is terminated by Green Plains or VBV pursuant to Section 9.1(b)(iii), then VBV shall promptly pay Green Plains or its designee all out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of Green Plains in connection with this Agreement ant the transactions contemplated hereby, including all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, financing sources, hedging counterparts, experts and consultants, up to an aggregate maximum amount of $1,000,000 for all such costs, fees, and expenses.

Section 6.8 Accountant’s Letters. Each of Green Plains and VBV shall use reasonable best efforts to cause to be delivered to the other party letters from their respective independent accountants, one dated approximately as of the date the Form S-4 is declared effective and one dated approximately as

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of the Closing Date, each addressed to the other party, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other party and customary in scope and substance for comfort letters delivered by independent public accountants in connection with registration statements similar to the Form S-4; provided, that the failure of any such letter to be delivered shall not result in a failure of a condition to Closing.

Section 6.9 Corporate Governance Matters.

(a) On or prior to the Closing Date, Green Plains shall take all necessary actions so that, from and after the Closing Date, the board of directors of Green Plains will be comprised of not more than nine directors, unless an increase in the number of directors is authorized by a majority of the Green Plains board of directors then serving in office. Prior to the Closing Date, Green Plains shall take all necessary action (including soliciting and obtaining resignations of directors currently in office) to cause the Persons identified on Section 6.9(a) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule to be elected, contingent on the occurrence of the Merger, to the Green Plains board of directors.

(b) For a period of up to twelve months after the Closing Date, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx shall serve as chief executive officer of Green Plains, subject to the discretion of the Company’s board of directors. As of the Effective Time, Xxxx Xxxxxx shall be appointed to serve as president and chief operating officer of Green Plains; provided, that Xx. Xxxxxxxxx shall resign, and Xx. Xxxxxx shall be appointed, as chief executive officer of Green Plains not later than the first anniversary of the Closing Date, subject to the discretion of the Company’s board of directors; provided, further, that each such officer shall hold office in accordance with Green Plains’ bylaws and until his successor is elected and qualified or until such officer’s earlier death, resignation or removal.

Section 6.10 Indemnification, Exculpation and Insurance.

(a) All rights to indemnification and exculpation from liabilities for acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (and rights for advancement of expenses) now existing in favor of the current or former managers or officers of VBV or the VBV Subsidiaries as provided in their respective certificates of formation or operating agreements (or comparable organizational documents) and any indemnification or other agreements of VBV as in effect on the date of this Agreement, as set forth on Section 6.10 of the VBV Disclosure Schedule, shall be assumed by the Surviving Company in the Merger, without further action, as of the Effective Time and shall survive the Merger and shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.

(b) In the event that Green Plains or the Surviving Company or any of their respective successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other Person and is not the continuing or surviving Person of such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all its properties and assets to any Person, then, and in each such case, Green Plains shall cause provision to be made so that the successors and assigns of Green Plains or the Surviving Company, as applicable, assume the obligations of Green Plains or the Surviving Company, as applicable, set forth in this Section 6.10. In the event that Green Plains takes any action to materially impair the financial ability of the Surviving Company to satisfy the obligations referred to in Section 6.10, Green Plains will either guarantee such obligations or take such other action to insure that the ability of the Surviving Company to satisfy such obligations will not be diminished in any material respect.

(c) Prior to the Effective Time, VBV shall purchase a six-year prepaid “tail” policy on terms and conditions providing substantially equivalent benefits as VBV’s current managers’ and officers’ liability insurance with respect to acts or omissions occurring on or before the Effective Time, covering without limitation the transactions contemplated hereby. Green Plains shall cause such policy to be maintained in full force and effect, for its full term, and cause all obligations thereunder to be honored by it and the Surviving Company, and no other party shall have any further obligation to purchase or pay for insurance hereunder.

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(d) The provisions of this Section 6.10 (i) are intended to be for the benefit of, and will be enforceable by, each indemnified party, his or her heirs and his or her representatives and (ii) are in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other rights to indemnification or contribution that any such person may have by contract or otherwise. Green Plains will pay (as incurred) all out-of-pocket expenses, including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel, that a current or former manager or officer of VBV may incur in enforcing the indemnity and other obligations provided for in this Section 6.10.

Section 6.11 Limited Indemnification by VBV Members. The VBV Members shall, jointly and severally, indemnify, defend and hold harmless Green Plains from, against, and in respect of any and all claims, liabilities, obligations, damages, losses, costs, expenses, judgments (at equity or at law, including statutory and common) and damages whenever arising or incurred (including amounts paid in settlement and reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) (the “Green Plains Losses”) arising out of or relating to any action, suit or claim brought by any of the members of either VBV Subsidiary other than VBV (the “Minority Members”) directly in connection with the VBV Subsidiary Mergers; provided, however, that the total aggregate amount of the liability of the VBV Members with respect to any and all claims for Green Plains Losses made pursuant to this Section 6.11 shall be limited to $500,000; provided, further, that in the event at least 50% of the Minority Members of a VBV Subsidiary either (a) exercise their “tag-along” rights in connection with such VBV Subsidiary Merger or (B) vote at a duly held meeting of the members of such VBV Subsidiary in favor of such VBV Subsidiary Merger (an “Approving VBV Subsidiary”), then, with respect to such Approving VBV Subsidiary, any and all rights of Green Plains to indemnification pursuant to this Section 6.11 shall immediately terminate and this Section 6.11 shall have no further force or effect.

Section 6.12 Nasdaq Listing. Green Plains shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the Green Plains Common Stock issuable in the Merger and the VBV Subsidiary Mergers to be approved for listing on the Nasdaq Global Market, subject to official notice of issuance, as promptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement, and in any event prior to the Closing Date.

Section 6.13 Public Announcements. Promptly after the date of this Agreement, Green Plains and VBV will develop a joint communications plan and, except as required by law, each Party hereto shall use its best efforts to ensure that all press releases and other public statements with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger, shall be consistent with such joint communications plan. Green Plains and VBV will consult with each other before issuing any press release or otherwise making any written public statement with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger, and shall not issue any such press release or make any such written public statement prior to such consultation, except as either party may determine is required by applicable law or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with any national securities exchange.

Section 6.14 Environmental Matters. Prior to Closing, the Parties agree that certain environmental matters will be addressed at the following Green Plains Plants in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below:

(a) Essex Elevator

(i) Additional Environmental Activity: A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (“ESA”) and a Limited Compliance Assessment (“LCA”) will be performed. If the Phase I ESA recommends additional follow-up activity, the Parties will meet and confer to discuss whether that activity will be conducted and the scope of the activity. The consultant will provide a written cost estimate for obtaining a “no further action” letter from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (“IDNR”) based upon the information available on May 5, 2008. If the consultant concludes that further site characterization is necessary in

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order to provide such a cost estimate, the Parties will meet and confer to discuss whether that activity will be conducted and the scope of the activity.

(ii) Cost Responsibility: The parties will share the cost of the Phase I ESA. VBV will pay the cost of the LCA. If the Phase I ESA requires additional work, the Parties will share the cost up to $10,000. Any additional costs for the additional activity (above $10,000) will be borne by VBV. If the consultant concludes that further site characterization is necessary in order to provide a cost estimate for obtaining a no further action letter, and the Parties agree to authorize that activity, the Parties will share the cost up to $10,000, with additional costs to be borne by VBV.

(iii) Selection of a Consultant: Tetra Tech

(iv) All draft and final reports will be available to both Parties.

(b) Superior, Iowa

(i) Additional Environmental Activity: Consultant shall collect and analyze two sediment samples from the former city storm water lagoons to determine if storm water runoff from the former Great Lakes Cooperative facility may have caused contamination. Consultant shall collect one or two soil samples by the truck fueling area for analysis of petroleum constituents. Both activities will generate a report containing findings, conclusions and recommendations, including (if applicable) a written cost estimate for obtaining a no further action letter from the IDNR. (The aforementioned activity shall be “the lagoons and petroleum constituents investigation.”) If the consultant recommends additional sampling or any other additional activity, the Parties will meet and confer to discuss whether that activity will be conducted and the scope of the activity.

(ii) Cost Responsibility: Costs for the lagoons and petroleum constituents investigation will be shared equally between Green Plains and VBV.

(iii) Selection of a Consultant: Tetra Tech

(iv) All draft and final reports will be available to both parties.

(i) Additional Environmental Activity: Collect and analyze one or two soil samples by the shed near the Keytrol station for petroleum constituents. Investigate the likely contents of the equipment in the grain elevator with a PCB sticker to determine if PCBs may be present above 50 ppm. Both activities will generate a report containing findings, conclusions and recommendations, including (if applicable) a written cost estimate for obtaining a no further action letter from the IDNR. (The aforementioned activity shall be “the Keytrol and PCB investigation.”) If the consultant recommends additional sampling or any other additional activity, the parties will meet & confer to discuss whether that activity will be conducted, the scope of the activity and (if applicable) cost responsibility.

(ii) Cost Responsibility: Costs for the Keytrol and PCB investigation will be shared equally between Green Plains and VBV.

(iii) Selection of a Contractor: Tetra Tech

(iv) All draft and final reports will be available to both Parties.

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(d) Greenville, Iowa

(i) Additional Environmental Activities: Consultant shall collect and analyze one or two soil samples by the small AST for petroleum constituents, with a report containing findings, conclusions and recommendations, including (if applicable) a written cost estimate for obtaining a no further action letter from the IDNR (“the initial subsurface investigation”). If the consultant recommends additional sampling or any other additional activity, the Parties will meet and confer to discuss whether that activity will be conducted, the scope of the activity and (if applicable) cost responsibility.

(ii) Cost Responsibility: Costs for the initial subsurface investigation will be shared equally between Green Plains and VBV.

(iii) Selection of a Consultant: Tetra Tech

(iv) All draft and final reports will be available to both Parties.

(e) Xxxxxxx, Iowa

(i) Additional Environmental Activities: Consultant shall collect and analyze (for petroleum constituents) one or two soil samples near the fuel dispenser serving the 1,000 gallon gas tank, the 500 gallon diesel tank, and the 300 gallon off-road diesel tank, with a report containing findings, conclusions and recommendations, including (if applicable) a written cost estimate for obtaining a no further action letter from the IDNR (“the initial subsurface investigation”). If the consultant recommends additional sampling or any other additional activity, the Parties will meet and confer to discuss whether that activity will be conducted, the scope of the activity and (if applicable) cost responsibility.

(ii) Cost Responsibility: The initial subsurface investigation will be shared equally between Green Plains and VBV.

(iii) Selection of a Consultant: Tetra Tech.

(iv) All draft and final reports will be available to both Parties.

(f) Xxxxxx, Iowa

(i) Additional Environmental Activities: Consultant shall collect and analyze one or two soil samples near the waste oil AST for petroleum constituents, and one sample of the peeling paint on the feed mill supports for lead content, with a report containing findings, conclusions and recommendations, including (if applicable) a written cost estimate for obtaining a no further action letter from the IDNR (“the initial subsurface investigation”). If the consultant recommends additional sampling or any other additional activity, the Parties will meet and confer to discuss whether that activity will be conducted, the scope of the activity and (if applicable) cost responsibility.

(ii) Cost Responsibility: Costs of the initial subsurface investigation will be shared equally between Green Plains and VBV.

(iii) Selection of a Consultant: Tetra Tech

(iv) All draft and final reports will be available to both Parties.

(g) Spencer, Iowa

(i) Additional Environmental Activities: Consultant shall collect and analyze soil and groundwater samples at or near the location where four above-ground iron tanks were

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located in the 1940s, with a report containing findings, conclusions and recommendations, including (if applicable) a written cost estimate for obtaining a no further action letter from the IDNR (“the initial subsurface investigation”). If the consultant recommends additional sampling or any other additional activity, the Parties will meet and confer to discuss whether that activity will be conducted, the scope of the activity and (if applicable) cost responsibility.

(ii) Cost Responsibility: Costs of the initial subsurface investigation will be shared equally between Green Plains and VBV up to $8,000. Additional costs to be borne by VBV.

(iii) Selection of a Consultant: Tetra Tech

(iv) All draft and final reports will be available to both Parties.

The environmental professional shall also prepare cost estimates and schedules of necessary steps to obtain no further action liability relief letters or approvals from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for identified soil and/or groundwater contamination and any material regulatory compliance issues identified in the reports discussed above. Such cost estimates and schedules shall be provided to VBV at least twenty (20) days prior to the Closing Date.

Section 6.15 Investment in VBV. If and to the extent that any of the VBV Members provide a working capital loan to VBV between the date hereof and the Closing Date, and repayment of such loan is not expected to occur at or after the Closing, then the Parties shall cooperate in good faith to structure such loan so that it may be repaid in cash or up to $3,000,000 in principal amount may be converted into shares of Green Plains common stock, at the election of the Surviving Company.

Article VII

Tax Matters

Section 7.1 Tax Treatment. Each of VBV, Green Plains, and Merger Sub shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify as a reorganization under the provisions of Section 368 of the Code. No party shall take any action, cause or permit any action to be taken, or fail to take any action, that would reasonably be expected to cause the Merger to fail to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

Section 7.2 Transfer Taxes. If the Effective Time occurs, all stock transfer, real estate transfer, documentary, stamp, recording and other similar Taxes (including interest, penalties and additions to any such Taxes) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the Surviving Company.

Article VIII

Conditions to Obligation to Close

Section 8.1 Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations. The respective obligation of each party to consummate the transactions to be performed by it in connection with the Closing is subject to the satisfaction or (to the extent permitted by law) waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:

(a) Shareholder and Member Approvals. Each of the VBV Member Approval and the Green Plains Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained.

(b) Consents and Approvals. Each of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries and VBV and the VBV Subsidiaries shall have procured all authorizations, consents, and approvals referred to in Section 3.1(c) of the VBV Disclosure Schedule and Section 4.1(c) of the Green Plains Disclosure Schedule. The waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the Merger under the HSR Act shall have been terminated or shall have expired.

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(c) No Injunctions or Restraints. No temporary restraining order, injunction or other judgment or order issued by any Governmental Entity or other law, rule, legal restraint or prohibition shall be in effect preventing the consummation of the Merger; provided, however, that each of the Parties shall have used its reasonable best efforts to prevent the entry of any such order, injunction, judgment or other restraint and to appeal as promptly as possible any such order, injunction, judgment or other restraint.

(d) Form S-4. The Form S-4 shall have become effective under the Securities Act and shall not be the subject of any stop order or proceedings seeking a stop order.

(e) Nasdaq Listing. The shares of Green Plains Common Stock issuable to holders of VBV Units as contemplated by this Agreement (including in connection with the VBV Subsidiary Mergers) shall have been approved for quotation on the Nasdaq Global Market.

(f) VBV Subsidiary Mergers. All conditions to completing the VBV Subsidiary Mergers pursuant to the agreements and plans of merger, substantially in the forms set forth in Exhibits B-1 and B-2, shall have been satisfied or waived by the respective parties thereto, which transactions shall be completed concurrently with the Closing.

(g) Amended and Restated Green Plains Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Green Plains’ articles of incorporation and bylaws shall be amended and restated at and as of the Effective Time in the forms attached hereto as Exhibit E and Exhibit F, respectively.

(h) Certificate of Formation and Operating Agreement of Surviving Company. The certificate of formation and operating agreement of Surviving Company shall be amended and restated at and as of the Effective Time in a form mutually agreeable to the Parties.

Section 8.2 Conditions to Green Plains’ Obligation. The obligation of Green Plains to consummate the transactions to be performed by it in connection with the Closing is subject to satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties set forth in Article III shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the Closing Date, except for inaccuracies the circumstances giving rise to which, individually or in the aggregate, do not constitute, and could not reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect; provided, that to the extent that such representations and warranties are qualified by the term “material” or contain terms such as “Material Adverse Effect” or “Material Adverse Change,” such representations and warranties as so written (including such terms) shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the Closing Date;

(b) Performance of Covenants. VBV shall have performed and complied with all of its covenants hereunder in all material respects through the Closing; provided, that to the extent that such covenants are qualified by the term “material” or contain terms such as “Material Adverse Effect” or “Material Adverse Change,” VBV shall have performed and complied with all of such covenants as so written (including such terms) in all respects through the Closing;

(c) Lock-up Agreements. Each of the VBV Members shall have entered into a lock-up agreement with Green Plains, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit G;

(d) The Investment. All conditions to completing the Investment pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit C, shall have been satisfied or waived by the respective parties thereto, which transaction shall be completed concurrently with the Closing;

(e) Shareholders’ Agreement. Each of the VBV Members shall have entered into the Shareholders’ Agreement, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D, relating to certain corporate governance matters;

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(f) VBV Managers and Officers. In accordance with the terms of the Shareholders’ Agreement, Green Plains shall have received the resignations, effective as of the Closing, of the appropriate officers and managers of VBV and its Subsidiaries, and shall have appointed such officers, effective as of the Closing, such officers as the Parties mutually agree.

All actions to be taken by VBV in connection with consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and all certificates, instruments, and other documents required to effect the transactions contemplated hereby will be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Green Plains.

Section 8.3 Conditions to VBV’s Obligations. VBV’s obligation to consummate the transactions to be performed by it in connection with the Closing is subject to satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties set forth in Article IV shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the Closing Date, except for inaccuracies the circumstances giving rise to which, individually or in the aggregate, do not constitute, and could not reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect; provided, that to the extent that such representations and warranties are qualified by the term “material” or contain terms such as “Material Adverse Effect” or “Material Adverse Change,” such representations and warranties as so written (including such terms) shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the Closing Date;

(b) Performance of Covenants. Green Plains shall have performed and complied with all of its covenants hereunder in all material respects through the Closing; provided, that to the extent that such covenants are qualified by the term “material” or contain terms such as “Material Adverse Effect” or “Material Adverse Change,” Green Plains shall have performed and complied with all of such covenants as so written (including such terms) in all respects through the Closing;

(c) Green Plains Directors. Green Plains shall have received the resignations, effective as of the Closing, of five of the nine incumbent directors of Green Plains, and shall have elected five substitute directors, designated by the VBV Members, effective as of the Closing, to serve as directors of Green Plains;

(d) Green Plains Officers. In accordance with the terms of the Shareholders’ Agreement, Green Plains shall have received the resignations, effective as of the Closing, of the appropriate officers of Green Plains and its Subsidiaries, and shall have appointed Xxxx Xxxxxx as president and chief operating officer of Green Plains, and such other officers as the Parties mutually agree, effective as of the Closing;

(e) The Investment. All conditions to completing the Investment pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit C, shall have been satisfied or waived by the respective parties thereto, which transaction shall be completed concurrently with the Closing;

(f) Shareholders’ Agreement. Green Plains and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxx, and each of the members of Green Plains’ board of directors, shall have entered into the Shareholders’ Agreement, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D, relating to certain corporate governance matters;

(g) Real Estate Matters. Green Plains shall have provided the following to VBV within the time periods provided (the “Title and Survey Materials”): (i) within twenty (20) days prior to the Closing Date (other than surveys for the Green Plains Grain Company, LLC Owned Real Property which shall be provided within the time period required by the Post-Closing Agreement executed with First National Bank of Omaha), as-built surveys identifying all factual information necessary and sufficient for the Title Company to remove any exceptions for matters otherwise disclosed by an accurate survey from the Title Policies defined below; (ii) within forty-five (45) days prior to the Closing Date, ALTA extended coverage owners’ policies of title insurance (the “Title Polices”) with respect to each of the parcels of Owned Real Property owned by Green Plains or any of its Subsidiaries issued in an amount

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reasonably approximate to the fair market value of such Owned Real Property by First American Title Insurance Company or another reputable title insurance company reasonably acceptable to VBV (“Title Company”), with such reinsurance as the parties may agree, within the previous six (6) months (and updated as requested by VBV as of the Closing Date) reflecting title to each of the parcels of Owned Real Property vested as reflected in Schedule 4.2(j)(i), subject only to Permitted Encumbrances or such other exceptions as may be acceptable to VBV in its sole and absolute discretion and including as appurtenances thereto all such legally enforceable easements and covenants as may be necessary to operate the Owned Real Property for the business purposes represented by Green Plains (including without limitation rail spurs and track); and (iii) within forty-five days prior to the Closing Date, full and complete copies of all leases, easements, use agreements, development agreements, railcar agreements and other agreements or encumbrances affecting the use or operation of any of the Owned Real Property disclosed in the Title Policies or otherwise discovered in the course of VBV’s review of the foregoing materials, together with such third party consents as may be required under the terms of such agreements or encumbrances.

(h) D&O Insurance. Green Plains shall have obtained directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, with terms and conditions substantially similar to or better than the terms and conditions of its existing insurance policy, and otherwise reasonably acceptable to VBV.

All actions to be taken by Green Plains and Merger Sub in connection with consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and all certificates, opinions, instruments, and other documents required to effect the transactions contemplated hereby will be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to VBV.

Section 8.4 Frustration of Closing Conditions. None of Green Plains, Merger Sub or VBV may rely on the failure of any condition set forth in Section 8.1, 8.2 or 8. 3, as the case may be, to be satisfied if such failure was caused by such Party’s failure to use its reasonable best efforts to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement as required by and subject to Section 6.1.

Article IX

Termination

Section 9.1 Termination of Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing Date, whether before or after the Green Plains Shareholder Approval:

(a) by mutual written consent of Green Plains and VBV;

(b) by either Green Plains or VBV:

(i) if the Merger shall not have been consummated by December 31, 2008; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.1(b)(i) shall not be available to any party whose willful breach of a representation or warranty in this Agreement or whose other action or failure to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement has been a principal cause of or resulted in the failure of the Merger to be consummated by such time;

(ii) if the Green Plains Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained at a Green Plains Shareholders Meeting duly convened therefor or at any adjournment or postponement thereof at which a vote on the matters subject to such approval was taken;

(iii) if the VBV Member Approval shall not have been obtained; or

(iv) if any action, suit, proceeding, hearing having any of the effects set forth in Section 8.1(c) shall be in effect and shall have become final and nonappealable; provided that the party seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.1(b)(iv) shall have used reasonable best

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efforts to prevent the entry of and to remove such unfavorable injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling or charge;

(i) if VBV shall have breached any of its representations or warranties or failed to have performed any of its covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform (i) would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Section 8.2(a) or (b) and (ii) has not been or is incapable of being cured by VBV within 30 calendar days after its receipt of notice from Green Plains; or

(ii) in the event of a VBV Adverse Recommendation or a breach of any provision of Section 6.4 by VBV.

(d) by VBV,

(i) if Green Plains shall have breached any of its representations or warranties or failed to have performed any of its covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform (i) would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Section 8.3(a) or (b) and (ii) has not been or is incapable of being cured by Green Plains within 30 calendar days after its receipt of notice from VBV;

(ii) in the event of a Green Plains Adverse Recommendation or a breach of any provision of Section 6.5 or Section 6.6 by Green Plains; or

(iii) If the cost estimates and/or the liability costs identified by the environmental professional described in Section 6.14 exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000).

Section 9.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement by either Green Plains or VBV as provided in Section 9.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability or obligation on the part of Green Plains, other than the provisions of Section 6.7, this Section 9.2 and Article X, which provisions survive such termination, and except to the extent that such termination results from the willful and material breach by a party of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement.

Article X

Miscellaneous

Section 10.1 Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties. None of the representations and warranties in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time. This Section 10.1 shall not limit any covenant or agreement of the parties which by its terms contemplates performance after the Closing Date.

Section 10.2 Press Releases and Public Announcements. No Party shall issue any press release or make any public announcement relating to the subject matter of this Agreement prior to the Closing without the prior written approval of Green Plains; provided, however, that any Party may make any public disclosure it believes in good faith is required by applicable law or any listing or trading agreement concerning its publicly traded securities (in which case the disclosing Party will use its reasonable best efforts to advise the other Parties prior to making the disclosure).

Section 10.3 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall not confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

Section 10.4 Succession and Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties named herein and their respective successors and permitted assigns. No Party may assign either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests or obligations hereunder without the

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prior written approval of Green Plains and VBV; provided, however, that Green Plains may (i) assign any or all of its rights and interests hereunder to one or more of its Affiliates and (ii) designate one or more of its Affiliates to perform its obligations hereunder (in any or all of which cases Green Plains nonetheless shall remain responsible for the performance of all of its obligations hereunder).

Section 10.5 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties at any time before or after the Green Plains Shareholder Approval; provided, however, that after any such approval, there shall not be made any amendment that by law requires further approval by the shareholders of Green Plains without the further approval of such shareholders. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of Green Plains and VBV.

Section 10.6 Waivers. At any time prior to the Closing Date, a party may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other parties contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement or (c) subject to the proviso of Section 10.5, waive compliance by the other party with any of the agreements or conditions contained in this Agreement. Any agreement on the part of a party to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such party. The failure of any party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of such rights, nor shall any single or partial exercise by any party to this Agreement of any of its rights under this Agreement preclude any other or further exercise of such rights or any other rights under this Agreement.

Section 10.7 Notices. All notices, requests, demands, claims, and other communications hereunder shall be in writing. Any notice, request, demand, claim, or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly given (i) when delivered personally to the recipient, (ii) one business day after being sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid), (iii) one business day after being sent to the recipient by facsimile transmission or electronic mail, or (iv) four business days after being mailed to the recipient by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, and addressed to the intended recipient as set forth below:

if to Green Plains, to:		with a copy (which shall not constitute effective notice) to:

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc.		1600 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
100 Xxxxx 00xx Xxxxxx		Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxx 000		Xxxxx, XX 00000
Omaha, Nebraska 68131		Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000		Attention: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Esq.
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx		Husch Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx LLP

and if to VBV, to:		with a copy (which shall not constitute effective notice) to:

VBV LLC		Stoel Rives LLP
One South Dearborn, Suite 800		33 South Sixth Street, Suite 4200
Chicago, IL 60603		Mixxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000		Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Xxxx Xxxxxx		Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.

Any Party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands, claims, and other communications hereunder are to be delivered by giving the other Parties notice in the manner herein set forth.

Section 10.8 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law

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provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware; provided, however, that the laws of the state of Iowa shall govern the relative rights, obligations, powers, duties, and other internal affairs of Green Plains and its board of directors.

Section 10.9 Jurisdiction and Venue. Each of the Parties irrevocably agrees that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect hereof brought by any other Party hereto or its successors or assigns may be brought and determined in the state or federal courts located in New Castle County, Delaware, and each of the Parties hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts for itself and with respect to its property, unconditionally, with regard to any such action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (and agrees not to commence any action, suit or proceeding relating thereto except in such courts). Each of the Parties agrees further to accept service of process in any manner permitted by such court. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion or as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the above-referenced courts for any reason other than the failure lawfully to serve process, (b) that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of such courts or from any legal process commenced therein, and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by law, that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper, or (iii) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such court. The exclusive choice of forum set forth herein shall not be deemed to preclude the enforcement of any judgment obtained in such forum or the taking of any action under this Agreement to enforce such judgment in any appropriate jurisdiction.

Section 10.10 Specific Performance. The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur and that the Parties would not have any adequate remedy at law in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in the state or federal courts located in New Castle County, Delaware, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.

Section 10.11 Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction.

Section 10.12 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the exhibits, annexes, and schedules referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof.

Section 10.13 Headings, etc. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Any reference to any federal, state, local, or foreign statute or law shall be deemed also to refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise. The word “including” shall mean including without limitation.

Section 10.14 Construction. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption or burden of

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proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 10.15 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including by means of facsimile), each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[Signature page follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date first above written.

	GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC.

	By:	/s/ XXXXX XXXXXXXXX
	Name:	Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer

	GREEN PLAINS MERGER SUB, INC.

	By:	/s/ XXXXX XXXXXXXXX
	Name:	Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer

	VBV LLC

	By:	/s/ XXXX XXXXXX
	Name:	Xxxx Xxxxxx
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer

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Solely with respect to the provisions of Section 6.11 of this Agreement:

	BIOVERDA INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

	By:	/s/ XXXXX XXXXX
	Name:	Xxxxx Xxxxx
	Title:	Director

	BIOVERDA US HOLDINGS LLC

	By:	/s/ XXXXXXX XXXX
	Name:	Xxxxxxx Xxxx
	Title:	Director

	WILON HOLDINGS S.A.

	By:	/s/ XXXXX XXXXXX
	Name:	Xxxxx Xxxxxx
	Title:	Director

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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AMONG GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC., GREEN PLAINS MERGER SUB, INC. AND VBV LLC May 7, 2008

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