As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 13, 2005
Registration Statement No. 333-___
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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16-1616605
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
2501 Cedar Springs
Suite 100
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 953-9500
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
William W. Davis
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
2501 Cedar Springs
Suite 100
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 953-9500
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
Douglass M. Rayburn
Baker Botts L.L.P.
2001 Ross Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75201-2980
Telephone: (214) 953-6500
Facsimile: (214) 953-6503
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
following box. o
If any of the securities being registered on this form are being offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following
box: þ
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the
following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Proposed maximum |
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Proposed |
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Title of each class of |
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Amount to be |
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offering price per |
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maximum aggregate |
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Amount of |
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securities to be registered |
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registered (1) |
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unit (2) |
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offering price (2) |
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registration fee |
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Common Units |
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1,495,410 |
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$38.60 |
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$57,722,826 |
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$6,793.98 |
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(1) |
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This registration statement covers resales of 1,495,410 common units representing limited
partner interests of the registrant issuable upon conversion of 1,495,410 senior subordinated
units representing limited partner interests of the registrant acquired by the selling
unitholders in June 2005. |
(2) |
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Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule
457(c) based on the average of the high and low prices of the common units as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market on September 8, 2005. |
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be
necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in
accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement
shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to
said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these
securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is
effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting and
offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PROSPECTUS
Subject to Completion, dated September 13, 2005
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
1,495,410 Common Units
Representing Limited Partner Interests
This prospectus relates to the offer and sale from time to time of up to an aggregate of
1,495,410 common units representing limited partner interests in Crosstex Energy, L.P. for the
account of the selling unitholders named in this prospectus. The selling unitholders acquired the
senior subordinated units convertible into such common units from us in a private placement exempt
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The senior subordinated units
will automatically convert into common units on February 24, 2006.
At any time after the conversion of the senior subordinated units, the common units may be
offered and sold from time to time by the selling unitholders named in this prospectus or in any
supplement to this prospectus. The selling unitholders may sell the common units at various times
and in various types of transactions, including sales in the open market, sales in negotiated
transactions and sales by a combination of these methods. The common units covered by this
prospectus may be sold at market prices prevailing at the time or at negotiated prices. We will
not receive any proceeds from the sale of the common units by the selling unitholders.
Our common units trade on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol XTEX. The last
reported sale price of our common units on the Nasdaq on September 12, 2005 was $39.91 per common
unit.
Investing in our securities involves risk. You should carefully consider the risk factors
described under Risk Factors beginning on page 2 of this prospectus before you make any
investment in our securities.
In connection with certain sales of the common units hereunder, a prospectus supplement may
accompany this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully
before you invest in our common units.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or determined whether this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is , 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, any prospectus
supplement and the documents we have incorporated by reference. Neither we nor the selling
unitholders have authorized any other person to give you different information. These securities
are not being offered in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that
the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus
supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents. We will
disclose any material changes in our affairs in an amendment to this prospectus, a prospectus
supplement or a future filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission incorporated by reference
in this prospectus.
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ABOUT
THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we have filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission using a shelf registration process. Under this shelf
registration process, the selling unitholders may, from time to time, sell up to an aggregate of
1,495,410 common units representing limited partner interests in one or more offerings as described
in this prospectus.
This prospectus relates to common units issuable upon conversion of 1,495,410 senior
subordinated units representing limited partner interests in Crosstex Energy, L.P. The senior
subordinated units were issued to Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company, Tortoise Energy Capital
Corporation and Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation pursuant to a privately negotiated
Senior Subordinated Unit Purchase Agreement, dated June 24, 2005. In connection with the private
placement, we agreed to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission the common units
issuable upon conversion of the senior subordinated units. The senior subordinated units will
automatically convert into common units on February 24, 2006 at a ratio of one common unit for each
senior subordinated unit.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of us and the common units that may be
offered by the selling unitholders. In connection with any offer or sale of common units by the
selling unitholders under this prospectus, the selling unitholders are required to provide this
prospectus and, in certain cases, a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information
about the selling unitholders and the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement also may
add to, update or change information in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the
information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in
the prospectus supplement. You should read carefully this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and
the additional information described below under the heading Where You Can Find More Information.
Throughout this prospectus, when we use the terms we, us and our and similar terms, we
are referring to Crosstex Energy, L.P., or to Crosstex Energy, L.P. and its subsidiaries,
collectively, as the context requires.
WHO WE ARE
We are a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, formed in July 2002 in connection with
our initial public offering, which was completed in December 2002. Our business activities are
conducted through our subsidiary, Crosstex Energy Services, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership,
and its subsidiaries. We are an independent midstream energy company engaged in the gathering,
transmission, treating, processing and marketing of natural gas. We connect the wells of natural
gas producers in our market areas to our gathering systems, treat natural gas to remove impurities
to ensure that it meets pipeline quality specifications, process natural gas for the removal of
natural gas liquids or NGLs, transport natural gas and ultimately provide an aggregated supply of
natural gas to a variety of markets. We purchase natural gas from natural gas producers and other
supply points and sell that natural gas to utilities, industrial consumers, other marketers and
pipelines and thereby generate gross margins based on the difference between the purchase and
resale prices. In addition, we purchase natural gas from producers not connected to our gathering
systems for resale and sell natural gas on behalf of producers for a fee.
Our general partner, Crosstex Energy GP, L.P., is a Delaware limited partnership. Crosstex
Energy GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is Crosstex Energy GP, L.P.s general
partner. Our general partner is managed by its general partner, Crosstex Energy GP, LLC, which has
ultimate responsibility for conducting our business and managing our operations.
Our executive offices are located at 2501 Cedar Springs, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75201, and
our telephone number is (214) 953-9500. Our common units trade on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol XTEX.
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RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common units involves a significant degree of risk, including the risks
described below. You should carefully consider the following risk factors together with all of the
other information included in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents we have
incorporated by reference into this prospectus in evaluating an investment in our common units.
If any of the following risks actually were to occur, our business, financial condition or
results of operations could be affected materially and adversely. In that case, we may be unable to
make distributions to our unitholders, the trading price of our common units could decline and you
could lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Inherent in Our Business
We may not have sufficient cash after the establishment of cash reserves and payment of our general
partners fees and expenses to enable us to pay the minimum quarterly distribution each quarter.
We may not have sufficient available cash each quarter to pay the minimum quarterly
distribution. Under the terms of our partnership agreement, we must pay our general partners fees
and expenses and set aside any cash reserve amounts before making a distribution to our
unitholders. The amount of cash we can distribute on our common units principally depends upon the
amount of cash we generate from our operations, which will fluctuate from quarter to quarter based
on, among other things:
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the amount of natural gas transported in our gathering and transmission pipelines; |
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the level of our processing and treating operations; |
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the fees we charge and the margins we realize for our services; |
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the price of natural gas; |
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the relationship between natural gas and NGL prices; and |
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our level of operating costs. |
In addition, the actual amount of cash we will have available for distribution will depend on
other factors, some of which are beyond our control, including:
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the level of capital expenditures we make; |
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the cost of acquisitions, if any; |
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our debt service requirements; |
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fluctuations in our working capital needs; |
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restrictions on distributions contained in our bank credit facility; |
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our ability to make working capital borrowings under our bank credit facility to pay distributions; |
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prevailing economic conditions; and |
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the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner in its sole
discretion for the proper conduct of our business. |
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Because of these factors, we may not have sufficient available cash each quarter to pay the
minimum quarterly distribution. Furthermore, you should also be aware that the amount of cash we
have available for distribution depends primarily upon our cash flow, including cash flow from
financial reserves and working capital borrowings, and is not solely a function of profitability,
which will be affected by non-cash items. As a result, we may make cash distributions during
periods when we record losses and may not make cash distributions during periods when we record net
income.
Our profitability is dependent upon prices and market demand for natural gas and NGLs, which are
beyond our control and have been volatile.
We are subject to significant risks due to fluctuations in commodity prices. These risks are
based upon three components of our business: (1) the purchase of certain volumes of natural gas at
a price that is a percentage of a relevant index; (2) certain processing contracts for our Gregory
system and out Plaquemine and Gibson processing plants whereby we are exposed to natural gas and
NGL commodity price risks; and (3) part of our fee from our Conroe and Seminole gas plants is
based on a portion of the NGLs produced, and, therefore, is subject to commodity price risks.
The margins we realize from purchasing and selling a portion of the natural gas that we
transport through our pipeline systems decrease in periods of low natural gas prices because our
gross margins are based on a percentage of the index price. For the year ended December 31, 2004
and the six months ended June 30, 2005, we purchased approximately 8% and 11%, respectively, of our
gas at a percentage of relevant index. Accordingly, a decline in the price of natural gas could
have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
A portion of our profitability is affected by the relationship between natural gas and NGL
prices. For a component of our Gregory system and our Plaquemine plant and Gibson plant volumes, we
purchase natural gas, process natural gas and extract NGLs, and then sell the processed natural gas
and NGLs. Since we extract Btus from the gas stream in the form of the liquids or consume it as
fuel during processing, we reduce the Btu content of the natural gas. Accordingly, our margins
under these arrangements can be negatively affected in periods in which the value of natural gas is
high relative to the value of NGLs.
In the past, the prices of natural gas and NGLs have been extremely volatile and we expect
this volatility to continue. For example, in 2003, the NYMEX settlement price for natural gas for
the prompt month contract ranged from a high of $9.282 per MMBtu to a low of $4.486 per MMBtu. In
2004, the same index ranged from $7.976 per MMBtu to $5.082 per MMBtu. A composite of the OPIS Mt.
Belvieu monthly average liquids price based upon our average liquids composition in 2003 ranged
from a high of approximately $0.65 per gallon to a low of approximately $0.46 per gallon. In 2004,
the same composite ranged from approximately $0.98 per gallon to approximately $0.66 per gallon.
We may not be successful in balancing our purchases and sales. In addition, a producer could
fail to deliver contracted volumes or deliver in excess of contracted volumes, or a consumer could
purchase less than contracted volumes. Any of these actions could cause our purchases and sales not
to be balanced. If our purchases and sales are not balanced, we will face increased exposure to
commodity price risks and could have increased volatility in our operating income.
The markets and prices for residue gas and NGLs depend upon factors beyond our control. These
factors include demand for oil, natural gas and NGLs, which fluctuate with changes in market and
economic conditions and other factors, including:
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the impact of weather on the demand for oil and natural gas; |
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the level of domestic oil and natural gas production; |
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the level of domestic industrial and manufacturing activity; |
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the availability of imported oil and natural gas; |
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actions taken by foreign oil and gas producing nations; |
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the availability of local, intrastate and interstate transportation systems; |
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the availability and marketing of competitive fuels; |
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the impact of energy conservation efforts; and |
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the extent of governmental regulation and taxation. |
If we are unable to integrate our acquisitions, or if we do not continue to make acquisitions on
economically acceptable terms, our future financial performance may be limited.
Our future financial performance will depend, in part, on our ability to make acquisitions of
assets and businesses at attractive prices. From time to time, we will evaluate and seek to
acquire assets or businesses that we believe complement our existing business and related assets.
We may acquire assets or businesses that we plan to use in a manner materially different than their
prior owners use. Any acquisition involves potential risks, including:
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the inability to integrate the operations of recently acquired businesses or assets; |
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the diversion of managements attention from other business concerns; |
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the loss of customers or key employees from the acquired businesses; |
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a significant increase in our indebtedness; and |
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potential environmental or regulatory liabilities and title problems. |
Managements assessment of these risks is necessarily inexact and may not reveal or resolve
all existing or potential problems associated with an acquisition. Realization of any of these
risks could adversely affect our operations and cash flows. If we consummate any future
acquisition, our capitalization and results of operations may change significantly, and you will
not have the opportunity to evaluate the economic, financial and other relevant information that we
will consider in determining the application of these funds and other resources.
In August 2005 we announced the acquisition of El Paso Corporations processing and liquids
business in South Louisiana for $500 million. This acquisition is significantly larger than any
other acquisition we have undertaken, and we are continuing to consider large acquisition
candidates and transactions. The integration, financial and other risks discussed above will be
amplified if the size of our future acquisitions increases.
Our acquisition strategy is based, in part, on our expectation of ongoing divestitures of gas
processing and transportation assets by large industry participants. A material decrease in such
divestitures will limit our opportunities for future acquisitions and could adversely affect our
operations and cash flows.
We are vulnerable to operational, regulatory and other risks associated with South Louisiana and
the Gulf of Mexico, including the effects of adverse weather conditions such as hurricanes, because
we have a significant portion of our assets located in South Louisiana.
Our operations and revenues will be significantly impacted by conditions in South Louisiana
because, upon completion of our recently announced acquisition of El Paso Corporations processing
and liquids business in South Louisiana, we will have a significant portion of our assets located
in South Louisiana. This concentration of activity make us more vulnerable than many of our
competitors to the risks associated with Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico, including:
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adverse weather conditions, including hurricanes and tropical storms; |
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delays or decreases in production, the availability of equipment, facilities or services; and |
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changes in the regulatory environment. |
Because a significant portion of our operations could experience the same condition at the same
time, these conditions could have a relatively greater impact on our results of operations than
they might have on other midstream companies who have operations in a more diversified geographic
area.
In addition, our operations in South Louisiana are dependent upon continued deep shelf
drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. The deep shelf in the Gulf of Mexico is an area that has had
limited historical drilling activity. This is due, in part, to its geological complexity and
depth. Deep shelf development is more expensive and inherently more risky than conventional shelf
drilling. A decline in the level of deep shelf drilling in the Gulf of Mexico could have a adverse
effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We must continually compete for natural gas supplies, and any decrease in our supplies of natural
gas could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Competition is intense in many of our markets. The principal areas of competition include
obtaining gas supplies and the marketing and transportation of natural gas and NGLs. Our
competitors include major integrated oil companies, interstate and intrastate pipelines and natural
gas gatherers and processors. Our competitors in the Texas Gulf Coast area include El Paso Field
Services, Kinder Morgan Inc., Houston Pipeline Company and Duke Energy Field Services. Our
competitors in Mississippi include Southern Natural Gas and Gulf South Pipeline Company. Our
competitors in Louisiana include Bridgeline, Acadian Pipeline and Gulf South Pipeline Company.
Some of our competitors offer more services or have greater financial resources and access to
larger natural gas supplies than we do.
If we are unable to maintain or increase the throughput on our systems by accessing new
natural gas supplies to offset the natural decline in reserves, our business and financial results
could be materially, adversely affected. In addition, our future growth will depend, in part, upon
whether we can contract for additional supplies at a greater rate than the rate of natural decline
in our currently connected supplies.
In order to maintain or increase throughput levels in our natural gas gathering systems and
asset utilization rates at our treating and processing plants, we must continually contract for new
natural gas supplies. We may not be able to obtain additional contracts for natural gas supplies.
The primary factors affecting our ability to connect new wells to our gathering facilities include
our success in contracting for existing natural gas supplies that are not committed to other
systems and the level of drilling activity near our gathering systems. Fluctuations in energy
prices can greatly affect production rates and investments by third parties in the development of
new oil and natural gas reserves. Drilling activity generally decreases as oil and natural gas
prices decrease. We have no control over producers and depend on them to maintain sufficient levels
of drilling activity. A material decrease in natural gas production or in the level of drilling
activity in our principal geographic areas for a prolonged period, as a result of depressed
commodity prices or otherwise, likely would have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial position.
A substantial portion of our assets is connected to natural gas reserves that will decline over
time, and the cash flows associated with those assets will accordingly decline.
A substantial portion of our assets, including our gathering systems and our treating plants,
is dedicated to certain natural gas reserves and wells for which the production will naturally
decline over time. Accordingly, our cash flows associated with these assets will also decline. If
we are unable to access new supplies of natural gas either by connecting additional reserves to our
existing assets or by constructing or acquiring new assets that have access to additional natural
gas reserves, our cash flows may decline and our ability to make distributions to our unitholders
could decrease.
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Growing our business by constructing new pipelines and processing and treating facilities subjects
us to construction risks and risks that natural gas supplies will not be available upon completion
of the facilities.
One of the ways we intend to grow our business is through the construction of additions to our
existing gathering systems and construction of new pipelines and gathering, processing and treating
facilities. The construction of pipelines and gathering, processing and treating facilities
requires the expenditure of significant amounts of capital, which may exceed our expectations.
Generally, we may have only limited natural gas supplies committed to these facilities prior to
their construction. Moreover, we may construct facilities to capture anticipated future growth in
production in a region in which anticipated production growth does not materialize. We may also
rely on estimates of proved reserves in our decision to construct new pipelines and facilities,
which may prove to be inaccurate because there are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating
quantities of proved reserves. As a result, new facilities may not be able to attract enough
natural gas to achieve our expected investment return, which could adversely affect our results of
operations and financial condition.
We are in the process of constructing a 122-mile pipeline and associated gathering lines from
an area near Fort Worth, Texas into new markets accessed by the NGPL pipeline system. Drilling
success in the Barnet Shale formation in the area has expanded productions beyond the capacity of
the existing pipeline infrastructure to efficiently access markets. Capital cost to construct the
pipeline and associated facilities are estimated to be approximately $98 million, with completion
estimated in the first quarter of 2006.
We have limited control over the development of certain assets because we are not the operator.
As the owner of a non-operating interest in the Seminole gas processing plant, we do not have
the right to direct or control the operation of the plant. As a result, the success of the
activities conducted at the plant, which is operated by a third party, may be affected by factors
outside of our control. The failure of the third-party operator to make decisions, perform its
services, discharge its obligations, deal with regulatory agencies or comply with laws, rules and
regulations affecting the plant, including environmental laws and regulations, in a proper manner
could result in material adverse consequences to our interest and adversely affect our results of
operations.
We expect to encounter significant competition in any new geographic areas into which we seek to
expand and our ability to enter such markets may be limited.
As we expand our operations into new geographic areas, we expect to encounter significant
competition for natural gas supplies and markets. Competitors in these new markets will include
companies larger than us, which have both lower capital costs and greater geographic coverage, as
well as smaller companies, which have lower total cost structures. As a result, we may not be able
to successfully develop acquired assets and markets located in new geographic areas and our results
of operations could be adversely affected.
We are exposed to the credit risk of our customers and counterparties, and a general increase in
the nonpayment and nonperformance by our customers could have an adverse effect on our financial
condition and results of operations.
Risks of nonpayment and nonperformance by our customers are a major concern in our business.
We are subject to risks of loss resulting from nonpayment or nonperformance by our customers. Any
increase in the nonpayment and nonperformance by our customers could reduce our ability to make
distributions to our unitholders.
We may not be able to retain( existing customers or acquire new customers, which would reduce our
revenues and limit our future profitability.
The renewal or replacement of existing contracts with our customers at rates sufficient to
maintain current revenues and cash flows depends on a number of factors beyond our control,
including competition from other pipelines, and the price of, and demand for, natural gas in the
markets we serve.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 76% of our sales of gas which were
transported using our physical facilities were to industrial end-users and utilities. As a
consequence of the increase in
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competition in the industry and volatility of natural gas prices, end-users and utilities are
reluctant to enter into long-term purchase contracts. Many end-users purchase natural gas from more
than one natural gas company and have the ability to change providers at any time. Some of these
end-users also have the ability to switch between gas and alternate fuels in response to relative
price fluctuations in the market. Because there are numerous companies of greatly varying size and
financial capacity that compete with us in the marketing of natural gas, we often compete in the
end-user and utilities markets primarily on the basis of price. The inability of our management to
renew or replace our current contracts as they expire and to respond appropriately to changing
market conditions could have a negative effect on our profitability.
We depend on certain key customers, and the loss of any of our key customers could adversely affect
our financial results.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from contracts with a subsidiary of Kinder
Morgan Inc. To the extent that this and other customers may reduce volumes of natural gas
purchased under existing contracts, we would be adversely affected unless we were able to make
comparably profitable arrangements with other customers. Sales to the subsidiary of Kinder Morgan
Inc. accounted for 10.2% of our revenues during 2004, 20.5% of our revenues during 2003 and 27.5%
of our revenues during 2002. Our primary contract with Kinder Morgan Inc. expires in March 2006.
Our agreements with our key customers provide for minimum volumes of natural gas that each customer
must purchase until the expiration of the term of the applicable agreement, subject to certain
force majeure provisions. Our customers may default on their obligations to purchase the minimum
volumes required under the applicable agreements.
Our business involves many hazards and operational risks, some of which may not be fully covered by
insurance.
Our operations are subject to the many hazards inherent in the gathering, compressing,
treating and processing of natural gas and storage of residue gas, including:
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damage to pipelines, related equipment and surrounding properties caused by
hurricanes, floods, fires and other natural disasters and acts of terrorism; |
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inadvertent damage from construction and farm equipment; |
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leaks of natural gas, NGLs and other hydrocarbons; and |
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fires and explosions. |
These risks could result in substantial losses due to personal injury and/or loss of life,
severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment and pollution or other environmental
damage and may result in curtailment or suspension of our related operations. Our operations are
concentrated in Texas, Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and a natural disaster or other
hazard affecting this region could have a material adverse effect on our operations. We are not
fully insured against all risks incident to our business. In accordance with typical industry
practice, we do not have any property insurance on any of our underground pipeline systems that
would cover damage to the pipelines. We are not insured against all environmental accidents that
might occur, other than those considered to be sudden and accidental. Our business interruption
insurance covers only our Gregory processing plant. If a significant accident or event occurs that
is not fully insured, it could adversely affect our operations and financial condition.
The threat of terrorist attacks has resulted in increased costs, and future war or risk of war may
adversely impact our results of operations and our ability to raise capital.
Terrorist attacks or the threat of terrorist attacks cause instability in the global financial
markets and other industries, including the energy industry. Uncertainty surrounding retaliatory
military strikes or a sustained military campaign may affect our operations in unpredictable ways,
including disruptions of fuel supplies and markets, and the possibility that infrastructure
facilities, including pipelines, production facilities, and transmission and
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distribution facilities, could be direct targets, or indirect casualties, of an act of terror.
Instability in the financial markets as a result of terrorism, the war in Iraq or future
developments could also affect our ability to raise capital.
Changes in the insurance markets attributable to the threat of terrorist attacks have made
certain types of insurance more difficult for us to obtain. Our insurance policies now generally
exclude acts of terrorism. Such insurance is not available at what we believe to be acceptable
pricing levels. A lower level of economic activity could also result in a decline in energy
consumption, which could adversely affect our revenues or restrict our future growth. Instability
in the financial markets as a result of terrorism or war could also affect our ability to raise
capital.
Federal, state or local regulatory measures could adversely affect our business.
While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, generally does not regulate any of
our operations, directly or indirectly, it influences certain aspects of our business and the
market for our products. As a raw natural gas gatherer, we generally are exempt from FERC
regulation under the Natural Gas Act of 1938, or NGA, but FERC regulation still significantly
affects our business. In recent years, FERC has pursued pro-competitive policies in its regulation
of interstate natural gas pipelines. However, we cannot assure you that FERC will continue this
approach as it considers matters such as pipeline rates and rules and policies that may affect
rights of access to natural gas transportation capacity.
Some of our intrastate natural gas transmission pipelines are subject to regulation as a
common carrier and as a gas utility by the Texas Railroad Commission, or TRRC. The TRRCs
jurisdiction extends to both rates and pipeline safety. The rates we charge for transportation
services are deemed just and reasonable under Texas law unless challenged in a complaint. Should a
complaint be filed or should regulation become more active, our business may be adversely affected.
Other state and local regulations also affect our business. We are subject to ratable take and
common purchaser statutes in the states where we operate. Ratable take statutes generally require
gatherers to take, without undue discrimination, natural gas production that may be tendered to the
gatherer for handling. Similarly, common purchaser statutes generally require gatherers to purchase
without undue discrimination as to source of supply or producer. These statutes have the effect of
restricting our right as an owner of gathering facilities to decide with whom we contract to
purchase or transport natural gas. Federal law leaves any economic regulation of natural gas
gathering to the states, and some of the states in which we operate have adopted complaint-based or
other limited economic regulation of natural gas gathering activities. States in which we operate
that have adopted some form of complaint-based regulation, like Oklahoma and Texas, generally allow
natural gas producers and shippers to file complaints with state regulators in an effort to resolve
grievances relating to natural gas gathering access and rate discrimination.
The states in which we conduct operations administer federal pipeline safety standards under
the Pipeline Safety Act of 1968. The rural gathering exemption under the Natural Gas Pipeline
Safety Act of 1968 presently exempts substantial portions of our gathering facilities from
jurisdiction under that statute, including those portions located outside of cities, towns, or any
area designated as residential or commercial, such as a subdivision or shopping center. The rural
gathering exemption, however, may be restricted in the future, and it does not apply to our
natural gas transmission pipelines. In response to recent pipeline accidents in other parts of the
country, Congress and the Department of Transportation have passed or are considering heightened
pipeline safety requirements.
Compliance with pipeline integrity regulations issued by the TRRC, or those issued by the
United States Department of Transportation, or DOT, in December of 2003 could result in substantial
expenditures for testing, repairs and replacement. TRRC regulations require periodic testing of
all intrastate pipelines meeting certain size and location requirements. Our costs relating to
compliance with the required testing under the TRRC regulations were
approximately $1.9 million in
2004 and we expect the costs for compliance with TRRC and DOT regulations to be $0.3 million in
2005 and $2.4 million in aggregate during 2006 and 2007. If our pipelines fail to meet the safety
standards mandated by the TRRC or the DOT regulations, then we may be required to repair or replace
sections of such pipelines, the cost of which cannot be estimated at this time.
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Our business involves hazardous substances and may be adversely affected by environmental
regulation.
Many of the operations and activities of our gathering systems, plants and other facilities
are subject to significant federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. These
include, for example, laws and regulations that impose obligations related to air emissions and
discharge of wastes from our facilities and the cleanup of hazardous substances that may have been
released at properties currently or previously owned or operated by us or locations to which we
have sent wastes for disposal. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce
compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to
administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Liability
may be incurred without regard to fault for the remediation of contaminated areas. Private
parties, including the owners of properties through which our gathering systems pass, may also have
the right to pursue legal actions to enforce compliance as well as to seek damages for
non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations or for personal injury or property damage.
There is inherent risk of the incurrence of environmental costs and liabilities in our
business due to our handling of natural gas and other petroleum products, air emissions related to
our operations, historical industry operations, waste disposal practices and the prior use of
natural gas flow meters containing mercury. In addition, the possibility exists that stricter laws,
regulations or enforcement policies could significantly increase our compliance costs and the cost
of any remediation that may become necessary. We may incur material environmental costs and
liabilities. Furthermore, our insurance may not provide sufficient coverage in the event an
environmental claim is made against us.
Our business may be adversely affected by increased costs due to stricter pollution control
requirements or liabilities resulting from non-compliance with required operating or other
regulatory permits. New environmental regulations might adversely affect our products and
activities, including processing, storage and transportation, as well as waste management and air
emissions. Federal and state agencies could also impose additional safety requirements, any of
which could affect our profitability.
Our use of derivative financial instruments has in the past and could in the future result in
financial losses or reduce our income.
We use over-the-counter price and basis swaps with other natural gas merchants and financial
institutions, and we use futures and option contracts traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Use of these instruments is intended to reduce our exposure to short-term volatility in commodity
prices. We could incur financial losses or fail to recognize the full value of a market
opportunity as a result of volatility in the market values of the underlying commodities or if one
of our counterparties fails to perform under a contract.
Due to our lack of asset diversification, adverse developments in our gathering, transmission,
treating, processing and producer services businesses would reduce our ability to make
distributions to our unitholders.
We rely exclusively on the revenues generated from our gathering, transmission, treating,
processing and producer services businesses, and as a result our financial condition depends upon
prices of, and continued demand for, natural gas and NGLs. Due to our lack of asset
diversification, an adverse development in one of these businesses would have a significantly
greater impact on our financial condition and results of operations than if we maintained more
diverse assets.
Our success depends on key members of our management, the loss of whom could disrupt our business
operations.
We depend on the continued employment and performance of the officers of the general partner
of our general partner and key operational personnel. The general partner of our general partner
has entered into employment agreements with each of its executive officers. If any of these
officers or other key personnel resign or become unable to continue in their present roles and are
not adequately replaced, our business operations could be materially adversely affected. We do not
maintain any key man life insurance for any officers.
9
Risks Inherent in an Investment in Us
Crosstex Energy, Inc. controls our general partner and owned a 50.9% limited partner interest in us
as of August 1, 2005. Our general partner has conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary
responsibilities, which may permit our general partner to favor its own interests.
As of August 1, 2005, Crosstex Energy, Inc., or CEI, indirectly owned an aggregate limited
partner interest of approximately 50.9% in us. In addition, CEI owns and controls our general
partner. Due to its control of our general partner and the size of its limited partner interest in
us, CEI effectively controls all limited partnership decisions, including any decisions related to
the removal of our general partner. Conflicts of interest may arise in the future between CEI and
its affiliates, including our general partner, on the one hand, and our partnership, on the other
hand. As a result of these conflicts our general partner may favor its own interests and those of
its affiliates over our interests. These conflicts include, among others, the following situations:
Conflicts Relating to Control:
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our partnership agreement limits our general partners liability and reduces its
fiduciary duties, while also restricting the remedies available to our unitholders for
actions that might, without these limitations, constitute breaches of fiduciary duty by
our general partner; |
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in resolving conflicts of interest, our general partner is allowed to take into
account the interests of parties in addition to unitholders, which has the effect of
limiting its fiduciary duties to the unitholders; |
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our general partners affiliates may engage in limited competition with us; |
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our general partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed to us by our
general partner and its affiliates; |
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our general partner decides whether to retain separate counsel, accountants or
others to perform services for us; |
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in some instances our general partner may cause us to borrow funds from affiliates
of the general partner or from third parties in order to permit the payment of cash
distributions, even if the purpose or effect of the borrowing is to make a distribution
on our subordinated units or to make incentive distributions or hasten the expiration
of the subordination period; and |
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our partnership agreement gives our general partner broad discretion in establishing
financial reserves for the proper conduct of our business. These reserves also will
affect the amount of cash available for distribution. Our general partner may establish
reserves for distribution on our subordinated units, but only if those reserves will
not prevent us from distributing the full minimum quarterly distribution, plus any
arrearages, on the common units for the following four quarters. |
Conflicts Relating to Costs:
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our general partner determines the amount and timing of asset purchases and sales,
capital expenditures, borrowings, issuance of additional limited partner interests and
reserves, each of which can affect the amount of cash that is available for the payment
of principal and interest on the notes; |
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our general partner determines which costs incurred by it and its affiliates are
reimbursable by us; and |
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our general partner is not restricted from causing us to pay it or its affiliates
for any services rendered on terms that are fair and reasonable to us or entering into
additional contractual arrangements with any of these entities on our behalf. |
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Our unitholders have no right to elect our general partner or the directors of its general partner
and have limited ability to remove our general partner.
Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, unitholders have only limited voting
rights on matters affecting our business, and therefore limited ability to influence managements
decisions regarding our business. Unitholders did not elect our general partner or the board of
directors of its general partner and have no right to elect our general partner or the board of
directors of its general partner on an annual or other continuing basis.
Furthermore, if unitholders are dissatisfied with the performance of our general partner, they
will have little ability to remove our general partner. The general partner generally may not be
removed except upon the vote of the holders of 66 2/3% of the outstanding units voting together as a
single class.
Because affiliates of the general partner controlled approximately 52% of all the units as of
August 1, 2005, the general partner could not be removed without the consent of the general partner
and its affiliates. Also, if the general partner is removed without cause during the subordination
period and units held by the general partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that
removal, all remaining subordinated units will automatically be converted into common units and any
existing arrearages on the common units will be extinguished. A removal without cause would
adversely affect the common units by prematurely eliminating their distribution and liquidation
preference over the subordinated units which would otherwise have continued until we had met
certain distribution and performance tests.
Cause is narrowly defined to mean that a court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final,
non-appealable judgment finding the general partner liable for actual fraud, gross negligence, or
willful or wanton misconduct in its capacity as our general partner. Cause does not include, in
most cases, charges of poor management of the business, so the removal of the general partner
because of the unitholders dissatisfaction with the general partners performance in managing our
partnership will most likely result in the termination of the subordination period.
In addition, unitholders voting rights are further restricted by the partnership agreement
provision providing that any units held by a person that owns 20% or more of any class of units
then outstanding, other than our general partner, its affiliates, their transferees and persons who
acquired such units with the prior approval of the board of directors of the general partners
general partner, cannot be voted on any matter. In addition, the partnership agreement contains
provisions limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings or to acquire information about our
operations, as well as other provisions limiting the unitholders ability to influence the manner
or direction of management.
As a result of these provisions, it will be more difficult for a third party to acquire our
partnership without first negotiating such a purchase with our general partner and, as a result,
you are less likely to receive a takeover premium.
Cost reimbursements due our general partner may be substantial and will reduce the cash available
for distribution to you.
Prior to making any distributions on the units, we reimburse our general partner and its
affiliates, including officers and directors of our general partner, for all expenses they incur on
our behalf. The reimbursement of expenses could adversely affect our ability to make distributions
to our unitholders. Our general partner has sole discretion to determine the amount of these
expenses. In addition, our general partner and its affiliates provide us with services for which we
are charged reasonable fees as determined by our general partner in its sole discretion.
The control of our general partner may be transferred to a third party, and that third party could
replace our current management team.
The general partner may transfer its general partner interest to a third party in a merger or
in a sale of all or substantially all of its assets without the consent of the unitholders.
Furthermore, there is no restriction in the partnership agreement on the ability of the owner of
the general partner from transferring its ownership interest in the general partner to a third
party. The new owner of the general partner would then be in a position to replace the
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board of directors and officers of the general partner with its own choices and to control the
decisions taken by the board of directors and officers.
Our general partners absolute discretion in determining the level of cash reserves may adversely
affect our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.
Our partnership agreement requires our general partner to deduct from operating surplus cash
reserves that in its reasonable discretion are necessary to fund our future operating expenditures.
In addition, the partnership agreement permits our general partner to reduce available cash by
establishing cash reserves for the proper conduct of our business, to comply with applicable law or
agreements to which we are a party or to provide funds for future distributions to partners. These
cash reserves will affect the amount of cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
Our partnership agreement contains provisions that reduce the remedies available to unitholders for
actions that might otherwise constitute a breach of fiduciary duty by our general partner.
Our partnership agreement limits the liability and reduces the fiduciary duties of our general
partner to the unitholders. The partnership agreement also restricts the remedies available to
unitholders for actions that would otherwise constitute breaches of our general partners fiduciary
duties. If you choose to purchase a common unit, you will be treated as having consented to the
various actions contemplated in the partnership agreement and conflicts of interest that might
otherwise be considered a breach of fiduciary duties under applicable state law.
We may issue additional common units without your approval, which would dilute your ownership
interests.
During the subordination period, our general partner, without the approval of our unitholders,
may cause us to issue up to 2,632,000 additional common units. Our general partner may also cause
us to issue an unlimited number of additional common units or other equity securities of equal rank
with the common units, without unitholder approval, in a number of circumstances such as:
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the issuance of common units in connection with acquisitions that increase cash flow
from operations per unit on a pro forma basis; |
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the conversion of subordinated units into common units; |
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the conversion of units of equal rank with the common units into common units under
some circumstances; |
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the conversion of the general partner interest and the incentive distribution rights
into common units as a result of the withdrawal of our general partner; |
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issuances of common units under our long-term incentive plan; or |
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issuances of common units to repay indebtedness, the cost of which to service is
greater than the distribution obligations associated with the units issued in
connection with the debts retirement. |
The issuance of additional common units or other equity securities of equal or senior rank
will have the following effects:
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our unitholders proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease; |
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the amount of cash available for distribution on each unit may decrease; |
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because a lower percentage of total outstanding units will be subordinated units,
the risk that a shortfall in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution will be
borne by our common unitholders will increase; |
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the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit may be diminished; and |
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the market price of the common units may decline. |
After the end of the subordination period, we may issue an unlimited number of limited partner
interests of any type without the approval of our unitholders. Our partnership agreement does not
give our unitholders the right to approve our issuance of equity securities ranking junior to the
common units at any time.
Our general partner has a limited call right that may require you to sell your common units at an
undesirable time or price.
If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more than 80% of the common units,
our general partner will have the right, but not the obligation, which it may assign to any of its
affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the common units held by
unaffiliated persons at a price not less than their then-current market price. As a result, you may
be required to sell your common units at an undesirable time or price and may therefore not receive
any return on your investment. You may also incur a tax liability upon a sale of your units. For
additional information about the call right, please read Description of Our Partnership
AgreementLimited Call Right.
You may not have limited liability if a court finds that unitholder action constitutes control of
our business.
You could be held liable for our obligations to the same extent as a general partner if a
court determined that the right or the exercise of the right by our unitholders to remove or
replace our general partner, to approve amendments to our partnership agreement, or to take other
action under our partnership agreement constituted participation in the control of our business,
to the extent that a person who has transacted business with the partnership reasonably believes,
based on your conduct, that you are a general partner. Our general partner generally has unlimited
liability for the obligations of the partnership, such as its debts and environmental liabilities,
except for those contractual obligations of the partnership that are expressly made without
recourse to our general partner. In addition, Section 17-607 of the Delaware Revised Uniform
Limited Partnership Act provides that a limited partner who receives a distribution and knew at the
time of the distribution that the distribution was in violation of that section may be liable to
the limited partnership for the amount of the distribution for a period of three years from the
date of the distribution. The limitations on the liability of holders of limited partner interests
for the obligations of a limited partnership have not been clearly established in some of the other
states in which we do business. Please read Description of the Common Units Limited Liability
for a discussion of the implications of the limitations on liability to a unitholder.
Tax Risks to Our Unitholders
You are urged to read Material Tax Consequences for a more complete discussion of the
expected material federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of common units.
Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, as well
as our not being subject to entity-level taxation by individual states. If the IRS treats us as a
corporation or we become subject to entity-level taxation for state tax purposes, it would
substantially reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to you.
The anticipated after-tax economic benefit of an investment in us depends largely on our being
treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. We have not requested, and do not plan
to request, a ruling from the IRS on this or any other matter affecting us.
If we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, we would pay tax on our
income at corporate rates of up to 35% (under the law as of the date of this prospectus) and we
would probably pay state income taxes as well. In addition, distributions to unitholders would
generally be taxed again as corporate distributions and none of our income, gains, losses, or
deductions would flow through to unitholders. Because a tax would be imposed upon us as a
corporation, the cash available for distribution to unitholders would be substantially
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reduced. Therefore, treatment of us as a corporation would result in a material reduction in
the anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to the unitholders and thus would likely result in a
material reduction in the value of the common units.
A change in current law or a change in our business could cause us to be treated as a
corporation for federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject us to entity-level taxation. In
addition, because of widespread state budget deficits, several states are evaluating ways to
subject partnerships to entity-level taxation through the imposition of state income, franchise and
other forms of taxation. If any of these states were to impose a tax on us, the cash available for
distribution to unitholders would be reduced. Our partnership agreement provides that, if a law is
enacted or existing law is modified or interpreted in a manner that subjects us to taxation as a
corporation or otherwise subjects us to entity-level taxation for federal, state, or local income
tax purposes, the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution amounts will be
decreased to reflect the impact of that law on us.
A successful IRS contest of the federal income tax positions we take may adversely impact the
market for our common units and the costs of any contest will be borne by us and, therefore,
indirectly by our unitholders and our general partner.
We have not requested any ruling from the IRS with respect to our treatment as a partnership
for federal income tax purposes or any other matter affecting us. The IRS may adopt positions that
differ from our counsels conclusions expressed in this prospectus or from the positions we take.
It may be necessary to resort to administrative or court proceedings to sustain some or all of our
counsels conclusions or the positions we take. A court may not agree with all of our counsels
conclusions or the positions we take. Any contest with the IRS may materially and adversely impact
the market for our common units and the prices at which our common units trade. In addition, our
costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne by us and therefore indirectly by our unitholders
and our general partner since such costs will reduce the amount of cash available for distribution
by us.
Unitholders may be required to pay taxes on income from us even if they do not receive any cash
distributions from us.
Because our unitholders will be treated as partners to whom we will allocate taxable income
which could be different in amount than the cash we distribute, they will be required to pay
federal income taxes and, in some cases, state, local, and foreign income taxes on their share of
our taxable income even if they do not receive cash distributions from us. Unitholders may not
receive cash distributions equal to their share of our taxable income or even the tax liability
that results from that income.
Tax gain or loss on the disposition of our common units could be different than expected.
Unitholders who sell common units will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between
the amount realized and their tax basis in those common units. Prior distributions in excess of the
total net taxable income allocated for a common unit, which decreased the tax basis in that common
unit, will, in effect, become taxable income to the unitholder if the common unit is sold at a
price greater than the tax basis in that common unit, even if the price received is less than the
original cost. A substantial portion of the amount realized, whether or not representing gain, will
likely be ordinary income to the unitholder. Should the IRS successfully contest some positions we
take, unitholders could recognize more gain on the sale of units than would be the case under those
positions, without the benefit of decreased income in prior years. In addition, unitholders who
sell units may incur a tax liability in excess of the amount of cash they receive from the sale.
Tax-exempt entities and foreign persons face unique tax issues from owning common units that may
result in adverse tax consequences to them.
Investment in common units by tax-exempt entities, such as individual retirement accounts
(known as IRAs), regulated investment companies (known as mutual funds) and non-U.S. persons,
raises issues unique to them. For example, virtually all of our income allocated to organizations
exempt from federal income tax, including individual retirement accounts and other retirement
plans, will be unrelated business income and will be taxable to them. Distributions to non-U.S.
persons will be reduced by withholding taxes, at the highest applicable effective tax rate, and
non-U.S. persons will be required to file federal income tax returns and generally pay tax on their
share of
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our taxable income. If you are a tax-exempt entity or a foreign person, you should consult
your tax advisor before investing in our common units.
We will determine the tax benefits that are available to an owner of units without regard to the
units purchased. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value of
the common units.
Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of common units and because of other
reasons, we will take depreciation and amortization positions that may not conform to all aspects
of the Treasury regulations. A successful IRS challenge to those positions could adversely affect
the amount of tax benefits available to unitholders. It also could affect the timing of these tax
benefits or the amount of gain from the sale of common units and could have a negative impact on
the value of our common units or result in audit adjustments to the tax returns of unitholders.
As a result of investing in our common units, unitholders will likely be subject to state and local
taxes and return filing requirements in jurisdictions where they do not live.
In addition to federal income taxes, unitholders will likely be subject to other taxes such as
state and local income taxes, unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or intangible
taxes that are imposed by the various jurisdictions in which we do business or own property.
Unitholders will likely be required to file state, local and foreign income tax returns and pay
state, local and foreign income taxes in some or all of the various jurisdictions in which we do
business or own property and may be subject to penalties for failure to comply with those
requirements. We own property or conduct business in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama. Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, Mississippi and
Alabama impose an income tax, generally. Texas does not impose a state income tax on individuals,
but does impose a franchise tax on limited liability companies and corporations in certain
circumstances. Texas does not impose a franchise tax on partnerships at this time. We may do
business or own property in other states or foreign countries in the future. It is the
responsibility of each unitholder to file all federal, state, local, and foreign tax returns. Our
counsel has not rendered an opinion on the state, local, or foreign tax consequences of owning our
common units.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the information included in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the
documents we incorporate by reference contain forward-looking statements. These statements
discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of
operations or financial condition, or state other information relating to us, based on the current
beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to,
management. Words such as may, will, anticipate, believe, expect, estimate, intend,
project and other similar phrases or expressions identify forward-looking statements. When
considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other
cautionary statements in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents we have
incorporated by reference.
These forward-looking statements are made based upon managements current plans, expectations,
estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting us and therefore involve a
number of risks and uncertainties. We caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees
and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the
forward-looking statements.
Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results could
differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements for a number
of important reasons, including those discussed under Risk Factors beginning on page 2, and
elsewhere in this prospectus.
You should read these statements carefully because they discuss our expectations about our
future performance, contain projections of our future operating results or our future financial
condition, or state other forward-looking information. Before you invest, you should be aware
that the occurrence of any of the events described in Risk Factors beginning on page 2 and
elsewhere in this prospectus could substantially harm our business, results of operations and
financial condition. We disclaim any obligation to announce publicly the result of any revision to
any of the forward-looking information to reflect future events or developments.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The common units to be offered and sold pursuant to this prospectus will be offered and sold
by the selling unitholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the common units by
the selling unitholders. For a list of the persons receiving proceeds from the sale of the common
units, see Selling Unitholders.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE SENIOR SUBORDINATED UNITS
Pursuant to a privately negotiated Senior Subordinated Unit Purchase Agreement, dated June 24,
2005, we issued an aggregate of 1,495,410 senior subordinated units representing limited partner
interests in Crosstex Energy, L.P. to Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company, Tortoise Energy
Capital Corporation and Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation. In connection with the private
placement, Crosstex Energy GP, LLC, the general partner of our general partner, entered into our
Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, which provides for, among other
things, the rights and obligations of the senior subordinated units.
The senior subordinated units entitle the holders to exercise certain rights or privileges
available to limited partners under our partnership agreement. However, until the conversion of
the senior subordinated units into common units, the holders of our senior subordinated units will
not be entitled to participate in our cash distributions, to vote on or approve matters requiring
the vote or approval of a percentage of the holders of our outstanding common units or to
participate in allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction and distributions made with respect
to our common units. The senior subordinated units will automatically convert into common units
representing limited partner interests in us on February 24, 2006 at a ratio of one common unit for
each senior subordinated unit. For additional information about our common units, please see
Description of the Common Units.
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON UNITS
The common units represent limited partner interests in Crosstex Energy, L.P. that entitle the
holders to participate in our cash distributions and to exercise the rights or privileges available
to limited partners under our partnership agreement. For a description of the relative rights and
preferences of holders of common units, holders of subordinated units and our general partner in
and to partnership distributions, together with a description of the circumstances under which
subordinated units convert into common units, see Cash Distributions in this prospectus. For a
general discussion of the expected federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of
common units, see Material Tax Considerations. References in the Description of Common Units
to we, us and our mean Crosstex Energy, L.P.
Our outstanding common units are quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol XTEX.
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company serves as registrar and transfer agent for our common
units.
Status as Limited Partner or Assignee
Except as described under Limited Liability, the common units will be fully paid, and the
unitholders will not be required to make additional capital contributions to us.
Transfer of Common Units
Each purchaser of common units offered by this prospectus must execute a transfer application.
By executing and delivering a transfer application, the purchaser of common units:
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becomes the record holder of the common units and is an assignee until admitted into
our partnership as a substituted limited partner; |
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automatically requests admission as a substituted limited partner in our partnership; |
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agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of, and executes, our partnership agreement; |
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represents that the transferee has the capacity, power and authority to enter into
the partnership agreement; |
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grants powers of attorney to officers of our general partner and any liquidator of
us as specified in the partnership agreement; and |
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makes the consents and waivers contained in the partnership agreement. |
An assignee will become a substituted limited partner of our partnership for the transferred
common units upon the consent of our general partner and the recording of the name of the assignee
on our books and records. Our general partner may withhold its consent in its sole discretion.
A transferees broker, agent or nominee may complete, execute and deliver a transfer
application. We are entitled to treat the nominee holder of a common unit as the absolute owner. In
that case, the beneficial holders rights are limited solely to those that it has against the
nominee holder as a result of any agreement between the beneficial owner and the nominee holder.
Common units are securities and are transferable according to the laws governing transfer of
securities. In addition to other rights acquired upon transfer, the transferor gives the transferee
the right to request admission as a substituted limited partner in our partnership for the
transferred common units. A purchaser or transferee of common units who does not execute and
deliver a transfer application obtains only:
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the right to assign the common unit to a purchaser or transferee; and |
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the right to transfer the right to seek admission as a substituted limited partner
in our partnership for the transferred common units. |
Thus, a purchaser or transferee of common units who does not execute and deliver a transfer
application:
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will not receive cash distributions or federal income tax allocations, unless the
common units are held in a nominee or street name account and the nominee or broker
has executed and delivered a transfer application; and |
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may not receive some federal income tax information or reports furnished to record
holders of common units. |
The transferor of common units has a duty to provide the transferee with all information that
may be necessary to transfer the common units. The transferor does not have a duty to insure the
execution of the transfer application by the transferee and has no liability or responsibility if
the transferee neglects or chooses not to execute and forward the transfer application to the
transfer agent.
Until a common unit has been transferred on our books, we and the transfer agent may treat the
record holder of the unit as the absolute owner for all purposes, except as otherwise required by
law or stock exchange regulations.
Limited Liability
Assuming that a limited partner does not participate in the control of our business within the
meaning of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, or Delaware Act, and that he otherwise acts
in conformity with the provisions of the partnership agreement, his liability under the Delaware
Act will be limited, subject to possible exceptions, to the amount of capital he is obligated to
contribute to us for his common units plus his share of any undistributed profits and assets. If it
were determined, however, that the right, or exercise of the right, by the limited partners as a
group:
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to remove or replace our general partner; |
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to approve some amendments to the partnership agreement; or |
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to take other action under the partnership agreement; |
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constituted participation in the control of our business for the purposes of the Delaware Act,
then the limited partners could be held personally liable for our obligations under the laws of
Delaware, to the same extent as the general partner. This liability would extend to persons who
transact business with us who reasonably believe that the limited partner is a general partner.
Neither the partnership agreement nor the Delaware Act specifically provides for legal recourse
against our general partner if a limited partner were to lose limited liability through any fault
of our general partner. While this does not mean that a limited partner could not seek legal
recourse, we know of no precedent for this type of a claim in Delaware case law.
Under the Delaware Act, a limited partnership may not make a distribution to a partner if,
after the distribution, all liabilities of the limited partnership, other than liabilities to
partners on account of their partnership interests and liabilities for which the recourse of
creditors is limited to specific property of the partnership, would exceed the fair value of the
assets of the limited partnership. For the purpose of determining the fair value of the assets of a
limited partnership, the Delaware Act provides that the fair value of property subject to liability
for which recourse of creditors is limited shall be included in the assets of the limited
partnership only to the extent that the fair value of that property exceeds the nonrecourse
liability. The Delaware Act provides that a limited partner who receives a distribution and knew at
the time of the distribution that the distribution was in violation of the Delaware Act shall be
liable to the limited partnership for the amount of the distribution for three years. Under the
Delaware Act, an assignee who becomes a substituted limited partner of a limited partnership is
liable for the obligations of his assignor to make contributions to the partnership, except the
assignee is not obligated for liabilities unknown to him at the time he became a limited partner
and that could not be ascertained from the partnership agreement.
Our subsidiaries conduct business in seven states. Maintenance of our limited liability as a
limited partner of the operating partnership may require compliance with legal requirements in the
jurisdictions in which the operating partnership conducts business, including qualifying our
subsidiaries to do business there. Limitations on the liability of limited partners for the
obligations of a limited partner have not been clearly established in many jurisdictions. If, by
virtue of our limited partner interest in the operating partnership or otherwise, it were
determined that we were conducting business in any state without compliance with the applicable
limited partnership or limited liability company statute, or that the right or exercise of the
right by the limited partners as a group to remove or replace the general partner, to approve some
amendments to the partnership agreement, or to take other action under the partnership agreement
constituted participation in the control of our business for purposes of the statutes of any
relevant jurisdiction, then the limited partners could be held personally liable for our
obligations under the law of that jurisdiction to the same extent as our general partner under the
circumstances. We will operate in a manner that our general partner considers reasonable and
necessary or appropriate to preserve the limited liability of the limited partners.
Meetings; Voting
Except as described below regarding a person or group owning 20% or more of any class of units
then outstanding, unitholders or assignees who are record holders of units on the record date will
be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, meetings of our limited partners and to act upon matters
for which approvals may be solicited. Common units that are owned by an assignee who is a record
holder, but who has not yet been admitted as a limited partner, will be voted by our general
partner at the written direction of the record holder. Absent direction of this kind, the common
units will not be voted, except that, in the case of common units held by our general partner on
behalf of non-citizen assignees, our general partner will distribute the votes on those common
units in the same ratios as the votes of limited partners on other units are cast.
Our general partner does not anticipate that any meeting of unitholders will be called in the
foreseeable future. Any action that is required or permitted to be taken by the unitholders may be
taken either at a meeting of the unitholders or without a meeting if consents in writing describing
the action so taken are signed by holders of the number of units necessary to authorize or take
that action at a meeting. Meetings of the unitholders may be called by our general partner or by
unitholders owning at least 20% of the outstanding units of the class for which a meeting is
proposed. Unitholders may vote either in person or by proxy at meetings. The holders of a majority
of the outstanding units of the class or classes for which a meeting has been called, represented
in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum unless any action by the unitholders requires
approval by holders of a greater percentage of the units, in which case the quorum will be the
greater percentage.
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Each record holder of a unit has a vote according to his percentage interest in us, although
additional limited partner interests having special voting rights could be issued. Please read
Description of Our Partnership AgreementIssuance of Additional Securities. However, if at any
time any person or group, other than our general partner and its affiliates, or a direct or
subsequently approved transferee of our general partner or its affiliates, acquires, in the
aggregate, beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of units then outstanding, that person
or group will lose voting rights on all of its units and the units may not be voted on any matter
and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders,
calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes.
Common units held in nominee or street name account will be voted by the broker or other nominee in
accordance with the instruction of the beneficial owner unless the arrangement between the
beneficial owner and his nominee provides otherwise. Except as the partnership agreement otherwise
provides, subordinated units will vote together with common units as a single class.
Any notice, demand, request, report or proxy material required or permitted to be given or
made to record holders of common units under the partnership agreement will be delivered to the
record holder by us or by the transfer agent.
Books and Reports
Our general partner is required to keep appropriate books of our business at our principal
offices. The books will be maintained for both tax and financial reporting purposes on an accrual
basis. For tax and fiscal reporting purposes, our fiscal year is the calendar year.
We will furnish or make available to record holders of common units, within 120 days after the
close of each fiscal year, an annual report containing audited financial statements and a report on
those financial statements by our independent public accountants. Except for our fourth quarter, we
will also furnish or make available summary financial information within 90 days after the close of
each quarter.
We will furnish each record holder of a unit with information reasonably required for tax
reporting purposes within 90 days after the close of each calendar year. This information is
expected to be furnished in summary form so that some complex calculations normally required of
partners can be avoided. Our ability to furnish this summary information to unitholders will depend
on the cooperation of unitholders in supplying us with specific information. Every unitholder will
receive information to assist him in determining his federal and state tax liability and filing his
federal and state income tax returns, regardless of whether he supplies us with information.
The partnership agreement provides that a limited partner can, for a purpose reasonably
related to his interest as a limited partner, upon reasonable demand and at his own expense, have
furnished to him:
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a current list of the name and last known address of each partner; |
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a copy of our tax returns; |
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information as to the amount of cash, and a description and statement of the agreed
value of any other property or services, contributed or to be contributed by each
partner and the date on which each became a partner; |
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copies of the partnership agreement, the certificate of limited partnership of the
partnership, related amendments and powers of attorney under which they have been
executed; |
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information regarding the status of our business and financial condition; and |
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any other information regarding our affairs as is just and reasonable. |
Our general partner may, and intends to, keep confidential from the limited partners trade
secrets or other information the disclosure of which our general partner believes in good faith is
not in our best interests or that we are required by law or by agreements with third parties to
keep confidential.
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DESCRIPTION OF OUR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of the material provisions of our partnership agreement. Our
partnership agreement is included as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this
prospectus constitutes a part.
We summarize the following provisions of the partnership agreement elsewhere in this
prospectus:
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with regard to the transfer of common units, please read Description of the Common
UnitsTransfer of Common Units; |
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with regard to limited liability of limited partners, please read Description of
the Common UnitsLimited Liability; |
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with regard to meetings and voting, please read Description of the Common
UnitsMeetings; Voting; |
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with regards to the rights of unitholders regarding our books and reports, please
read Description of the Common UnitsBooks and Reports; |
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with regard to distributions of available cash, please read Cash Distribution
Policy; and |
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with regard to allocations of taxable income and taxable loss, please read Material
Tax Consequences. |
Organization and Duration
We were organized on July 12, 2002 and will have a perpetual existence except as provided
below under Termination and Dissolution.
Purpose
Our purpose under the partnership agreement is limited to serving as the limited partner of
the operating partnership and engaging in any business activities that may be engaged in by the
operating partnership or that are approved by our general partner. The partnership agreement of the
operating partnership provides that the operating partnership may, directly or indirectly, engage
in:
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its operations as conducted immediately before our initial public offering; |
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any other activity approved by the general partner but only to the extent that the
general partner reasonably determines that, as of the date of the acquisition or
commencement of the activity, the activity generates qualifying income as this term
is defined in Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code; or |
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any activity that enhances the operations of an activity that is described in either
of the two preceding clauses or any other activity provided such activity does not
affect our treatment as a partnership for Federal income tax purposes. |
Although our general partner has the ability to cause us, the operating partnership or its
subsidiaries to engage in activities other than gathering, transmission, treating, processing and
marketing of natural gas, our general partner has no current plans to do so. Our general partner is
authorized in general to perform all acts deemed necessary to carry out our purposes and to conduct
our business.
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Power of Attorney
Each limited partner, and each person who acquires a unit from a unitholder and executes and
delivers a transfer application, grants to our general partner and, if appointed, a liquidator, a
power of attorney to, among other things, execute and file documents required for our
qualification, continuance or dissolution. The power of attorney also grants our general partner
the authority to amend, and to make consents and waivers under, the partnership agreement.
Capital Contributions
Unitholders are not obligated to make additional capital contributions, except as described
under Description of the Common UnitsLimited Liability.
Voting Rights
The following matters require the unitholder vote specified below. Certain significant
decisions require approval by a unit majority of the common units. We define unit majority as:
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during the subordination period, at least a majority of the outstanding common
units, excluding common units owned by the general partner and its affiliates, voting
as a class and at least a majority of the outstanding subordinated units voting as a
class; and |
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thereafter, at least a majority of the outstanding common units. |
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Matter |
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Vote Requirement |
Issuance of additional common units or units of equal
rank with the common units during the subordination
period
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Unit majority, with certain exceptions described
under Issuance of Additional Securities. |
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Issuance of units senior to the common units during
the subordination period
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Unit majority. |
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Issuance of units junior to the common units during
the subordination period
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No approval right. |
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Issuance of additional units after the subordination
period
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No approval right. |
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Amendment of the partnership agreement
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Certain amendments may be made by our general
partner without the approval of the unitholders.
Other amendments generally require the approval
of a unit majority. See Amendment of the
Partnership Agreement. |
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Merger of our partnership or the sale of all or
substantially all of our assets
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Unit majority. See Merger, Sale or Other
Disposition of Assets. |
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Matter |
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Vote Requirement |
Amendment of the operating partnership agreement and
other action taken by us as a limited partner of the
operating partnership
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Unit majority if such amendment or other action
would adversely affect our limited partners (or
any particular class of limited partners) in any
material respect. See Action Relating to the
Operating Partnership. |
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Dissolution of our partnership
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Unit majority. See Termination and Dissolution. |
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Reconstitution of our partnership upon dissolution
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Unit majority. See Termination and Dissolution. |
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Withdrawal of the general partner
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The approval of a majority of the common units,
excluding common units held by the general
partner and its affiliates, is required in most
circumstances for the withdrawal of the general
partner prior to December 31, 2012 in a manner
which would cause a dissolution of our
partnership. See Withdrawal or Removal of our
General Partner. |
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Removal of the general partner
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Not less than 662/3% of the
outstanding units, voting as a single class,
including units held by our general partner and
its affiliates. See Withdrawal or Removal of
our General Partner. |
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Transfer of the general partner interest
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Our general partner may transfer all, but not
less than all, of its general partner interest in
us without a vote of our unitholders to an
affiliate or another person in connection with
its merger or consolidation with or into, or sale
of all our substantially all of its assets to
such person. The approval of a majority of the
common units, excluding common units held by the
general partner and its affiliates, is required
in other circumstances for a transfer of the
general partner interest to a third party prior
to December 31, 2012. See Transfer of General
Partner Interests. |
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Transfer of incentive distribution rights
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Except for transfers to an affiliate or another
person as part of the general partners merger or
consolidation with or into, or sale of all or
substantially all of its assets to or sale of all
or substantially all its equity interests to such
person, the approval of a majority of the common
units, excluding common units held by our general
partner and its affiliates, voting separately as
a class, is required in most circumstances for a
transfer of the incentive distribution rights to
a third party prior to December 31, 2012. See
"Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights. |
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Transfer of ownership interests in the general partner
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No approval required at any time. See Transfer
of Ownership Interests in our General Partner. |
Issuance of Additional Securities
Our partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited number of additional partnership
securities and rights to buy partnership securities for the consideration and on the terms and
conditions established by our
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general partner in its sole discretion without the approval of the unitholders. During the
subordination period, however, except as we discuss in the following paragraph, we may not issue
equity securities ranking senior to the common units or an aggregate of more than 2,633,000
additional common units or units on a parity with the common units, in each case, without the
approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common units and subordinated units,
voting as separate classes.
During or after the subordination period, we may issue an unlimited number of common units
without the approval of unitholders as follows:
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upon conversion of the subordinated units into common units; |
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upon conversion of units of equal rank with the common units under some circumstances; |
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under employee benefit plans; |
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upon conversion of the general partner interest and incentive distribution rights as
a result of a withdrawal of our general partner; |
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in the event of a combination or subdivision of common units; |
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in connection with an acquisition or a capital improvement that increases cash flow
from operations per unit on a pro forma basis; or |
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if the proceeds of the issuance are used exclusively to repay indebtedness the cost
of which to service is greater than the distribution obligations associated with the
units issued in connection with its retirement. |
It is possible that we will fund acquisitions through the issuance of additional common units
or other equity securities. Holders of any additional common units we issue will be entitled to
share equally with the then-existing holders of common units in our distributions of available
cash. In addition, the issuance of additional partnership interests may dilute the value of the
interests of the then-existing holders of common units in our net assets.
In accordance with Delaware law and the provisions of our partnership agreement, we may also
issue additional partnership securities interests that, in the sole discretion of our general
partner, have special voting rights to which the common units are not entitled.
Upon the issuance of additional partnership securities, our general partner will be required
to make additional capital contributions to the extent necessary to maintain its 2% general partner
interest in us. Moreover, our general partner will have the right, which it may from time to time
assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates, to purchase common units, subordinated units
or other equity securities whenever, and on the same terms that, we issue those securities to
persons other than our general partner and its affiliates, to the extent necessary to maintain its
percentage interest, including its interest represented by common units and subordinated units,
that existed immediately prior to each issuance. The holders of common units will not have
preemptive rights to acquire additional common units or other partnership securities.
Amendment of the Partnership Agreement
General. Amendments to the partnership agreement may be proposed only by or with the consent
of our general partner, which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion. In order to
adopt a proposed amendment, other than the amendments discussed below, our general partner must
seek written approval of the holders of the number of units required to approve the amendment or
call a meeting of the limited partners to consider and vote upon the proposed amendment. Except as
we describe below, an amendment must be approved by a unit majority.
Prohibited Amendments. No amendment may be made that would:
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enlarge the obligations of any limited partner without its consent, unless approved
by at least a majority of the type or class of limited partner interests so affected; |
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enlarge the obligations of, restrict in any way any action by or rights of, or
reduce in any way the amounts distributable, reimbursable or otherwise payable by us to
our general partner or any of its affiliates without the consent of our general
partner, which may be given or withheld in its sole discretion; |
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change the term of our partnership; |
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provide that our partnership is not dissolved upon an election to dissolve our
partnership by our general partner that is approved by a unit majority; or |
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give any person the right to dissolve our partnership other than our general
partners right to dissolve our partnership with the approval of a unit majority. |
The provision of the partnership agreement preventing the amendments having the effects
described in any of the clauses above can be amended upon the approval of the holders of at least
90% of the outstanding units voting together as a single class.
No Unitholder Approval. Our general partner may generally make amendments to the partnership
agreement without the approval of any limited partner or assignee to reflect:
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a change in our name, the location of our principal place of business, our
registered agent or our registered office; |
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the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of partners in accordance with
the partnership agreement; |
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a change that, in the sole discretion of our general partner, is necessary or
advisable for us to qualify or to continue our qualification as a limited partnership
or a partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability under the laws of
any state or to ensure that neither we, the operating partnership nor any of its
subsidiaries will be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise
taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes; |
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an amendment that is necessary, in the opinion of our counsel, to prevent us or our
general partner or its directors, officers, agents or trustees, from in any manner
being subjected to the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment
Advisors Act of 1940, or plan asset regulations adopted under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, whether or not substantially similar to plan asset
regulations currently applied or proposed; |
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subject to the limitations on the issuance of additional partnership securities
described above, an amendment that in the discretion of our general partner is
necessary or advisable for the authorization of additional partnership securities or
rights to acquire partnership securities; |
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any amendment expressly permitted in the partnership agreement to be made by our
general partner acting alone; |
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an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a merger agreement that has
been approved under the terms of the partnership agreement; |
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any amendment that, in the discretion of our general partner, is necessary or
advisable for the formation by us of, or our investment in, any corporation,
partnership or other entity, as otherwise permitted by our partnership agreement; |
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a change in our fiscal year or taxable year and related changes; or |
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any other amendments substantially similar to any of the matters described in the preceding clauses. |
In addition, our general partner may make amendments to the partnership agreement without the
approval of any limited partner or assignee if those amendments, in the discretion of our general
partner:
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do not adversely affect the limited partners (or any particular class of limited
partners as compared to other classes of limited partners) in any material respect; |
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are necessary or advisable to satisfy any requirements, conditions or guidelines
contained in any opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any federal or
state agency or judicial authority or contained in any federal or state statute; |
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are necessary or advisable to facilitate the trading of limited partner interests or
to comply with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any securities
exchange on which the limited partner interests are or will be listed for trading,
compliance with any of which our general partner deems to be in our best interest and
the best interest of our limited partners; |
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are necessary or advisable for any action taken by our general partner relating to
splits or combinations of units under the provisions of the partnership agreement; or |
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are required to effect the intent expressed in this prospectus or the intent of the
provisions of our partnership agreement or are otherwise contemplated by our
partnership agreement. |
Opinion of Counsel and Unitholder Approval. Our general partner will not be required to
obtain an opinion of counsel that an amendment will not result in a loss of limited liability to
the limited partners or result in our being treated as an entity for federal income tax purposes if
one of the amendments described above under No Unitholder Approval should occur. No other
amendments to the partnership agreement will become effective without the approval of holders of at
least 90% of the units unless we obtain an opinion of counsel to the effect that the amendment will
not affect the limited liability under applicable law of any of our limited partners or cause us,
the operating partnership or its subsidiaries to be taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be
taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not previously taxed as such).
In addition to the above restrictions, any amendment that would have a material adverse effect
on the rights or preferences of any type or class of outstanding units in relation to other classes
of units will require the approval of at least a majority of the type or class of units so
affected. Any amendment that reduces the voting percentage required to take any action must be
approved by the affirmative vote of limited partners constituting not less than the voting
requirement sought to be reduced.
Action Relating to the Operating Partnership
Without the approval of holders of units representing a unit majority, our general partner is
prohibited from consenting on our behalf, as the limited partner of the operating partnership, to
any amendment to the partnership agreement of the operating partnership or taking any action on our
behalf permitted to be taken by a limited partner of the operating partnership, in each case that
would adversely affect our limited partners (or any particular class of limited partners as
compared to other classes of limited partners) in any material respect.
Merger, Sale or Other Disposition of Assets
The partnership agreement generally prohibits our general partner, without the prior approval
of the holders of units representing a unit majority, from causing us to, among other things, sell,
exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets in a single transaction or
a series of related transactions, including by way of merger, consolidation or other combination,
or approving on our behalf the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of
the assets of our subsidiaries as a whole. Our general partner may, however, mortgage, pledge,
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hypothecate or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of our assets without
that approval. Our general partner may also sell all or substantially all of our assets under a
foreclosure or other realization upon those encumbrances without that approval.
If conditions specified in the partnership agreement are satisfied, our general partner may
merge us or any of our subsidiaries into, or convey some or all of our assets to, a newly formed
entity if the sole purpose of that merger or conveyance is to change our legal form into another
limited liability entity. The unitholders are not entitled to dissenters rights of appraisal under
the partnership agreement or applicable Delaware law in the event of a merger or consolidation, a
sale of substantially all of our assets or any other transaction or event.
Termination and Dissolution
We will continue as a limited partnership until terminated under the partnership agreement. We
will dissolve upon:
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the election of our general partner to dissolve us, if approved by the holders of
units representing a unit majority; |
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the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets
and properties and our subsidiaries; |
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the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of our partnership; or |
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the withdrawal or removal of our general partner or any other event that results in
its ceasing to be our general partner other than by reason of a transfer of its general
partner interest in accordance with the partnership agreement or withdrawal or removal
following approval and admission of a successor. |
Upon a dissolution under the last clause, the holders of a majority of the outstanding common
units and subordinated units, voting as separate classes, may also elect, within specific time
limitations, to reconstitute us and continue our business on the same terms and conditions
described in the partnership agreement by forming a new limited partnership on terms identical to
those in the partnership agreement and having as general partner an entity approved by the holders
of units representing a unit majority, subject to our receipt of an opinion of counsel to the
effect that:
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the action would not result in the loss of limited liability of any limited partner;
and |
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neither our partnership, the reconstituted limited partnership nor the operating
partnership would be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise be
taxable as an entity for federal income tax purposes upon the exercise of that right to
continue. |
Liquidation and Distribution of Proceeds
Upon our dissolution, unless we are reconstituted and continued as a new limited partnership,
the liquidator authorized to wind up our affairs will, acting with all of the powers of our general
partner that the liquidator deems necessary or desirable in its judgment, liquidate our assets and
apply the proceeds of the liquidation as provided in Cash Distribution PolicyDistributions of
Cash upon Liquidation. The liquidator may defer liquidation of our assets for a reasonable period
of time or distribute assets to partners in kind if it determines that a sale would be impractical
or would cause undue loss to the partners.
Withdrawal or Removal of our General Partner
Except as described below, our general partner has agreed not to withdraw voluntarily as our
general partner prior to December 31, 2012 without obtaining the approval of the holders of at
least a majority of the outstanding common units, excluding common units held by our general
partner and its affiliates, and furnishing an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and
tax matters. On or after December 31, 2012 our general partner
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may withdraw as general partner without first obtaining approval of any unitholder by giving
90 days written notice, and that withdrawal will not constitute a violation of the partnership
agreement. Notwithstanding the information above, our general partner may withdraw without
unitholder approval upon 90 days notice to the limited partners if at least 50% of the outstanding
common units are held or controlled by one person and its affiliates other than our general partner
and its affiliates. In addition, the partnership agreement permits our general partner in some
instances to sell or otherwise transfer all of its general partner interest in us without the
approval of the unitholders. Please read Transfer of General Partner Interests below.
Upon the withdrawal of our general partner under any circumstances, other than as a result of
a transfer by our general partner of all or a part of its general partner interest in us, the
holders of a majority of the outstanding common units and subordinated units, voting as separate
classes, may select a successor to that withdrawing general partner. If a successor is not elected,
or is elected but an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and tax matters cannot be
obtained, we will be dissolved, wound up and liquidated, unless within 180 days after that
withdrawal, the holders of a majority of the outstanding common units and subordinated units,
voting as separate classes, agree in writing to continue our business and to appoint a successor
general partner. Please read Termination and Dissolution above.
Our general partner may not be removed unless that removal is approved by the vote of the
holders of not less than 662/3% of the outstanding units, voting together as
a single class, including units held by our general partner and its affiliates, and we receive an
opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and tax matters. Any removal of the general partner
is also subject to the approval of a successor general partner by the vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding common units and subordinated units, voting as separate classes. The
ownership of more than 331/3% of the outstanding units by our general partner
and its affiliates would give it the practical ability to prevent its removal.
The partnership agreement also provides that if Crosstex Energy GP, L.P. is removed as our
general partner under circumstances where cause does not exist and units held by our general
partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that removal:
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the subordination period will end and each outstanding subordinated unit will
immediately convert into one common unit; |
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any existing arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the
common units will be extinguished; and |
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our general partner will have the right to convert its general partner interest and
its incentive distribution rights into common units or to receive cash in exchange for
those interests based on the fair market value of those interests at the time. |
In the event of removal of the general partner under circumstances where cause exists or
withdrawal of a general partner where that withdrawal violates the partnership agreement, a
successor general partner will have the option to purchase the general partner interest and
incentive distribution rights of the departing general partner for a cash payment equal to the fair
market value of those interests. Under all other circumstances where a general partner withdraws or
is removed by the limited partners, the departing general partner will have the option to require
the successor general partner to purchase the general partner interest of the departing general
partner and its incentive distribution rights for fair market value. In each case, this fair market
value will be determined by agreement between the departing general partner and the successor
general partner. If no agreement is reached, an independent investment banking firm or other
independent expert selected by the departing general partner and the successor general partner will
determine the fair market value. Or, if the departing general partner and the successor general
partner cannot agree upon an expert, then an expert chosen by agreement of the experts selected by
each of them will determine the fair market value.
If the option described above is not exercised by either the departing general partner or the
successor general partner, the departing general partners general partner interest and its
incentive distribution rights will
28
automatically convert into common units equal to the fair market value of those interests as
determined by an investment banking firm or other independent expert selected in the manner
described in the preceding paragraph.
In addition, we will be required to reimburse the departing general partner for all amounts
due the departing general partner, including, without limitation, all employee-related liabilities,
including severance liabilities, incurred for the termination of any employees employed by the
departing general partner or its affiliates for our benefit.
Our general partner and its affiliates may at any time transfer units to one or more persons,
without unitholder approval, except that they may not transfer subordinated units to us.
Transfer of General Partner Interests
Except for transfer by our general partner of all, but not less than all, of its general
partner interest in us and the operating partnership to:
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an affiliate of the general partner (other than an individual); or |
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another entity as part of the merger or consolidation of our general partner with or
into another entity or the transfer by our general partner of all or substantially all
of its assets to another entity, |
our general partner may not transfer all or any part of its general partner interest in us and the
operating partnership to another entity prior to December 31, 2012 without the approval of the
holders of at least a majority of the outstanding common units, excluding common units held by the
general partner and its affiliates. As a condition of this transfer, the transferee must assume the
rights and duties of our general partner, agree to be bound by the provisions of the partnership
agreement, and furnish an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and tax matters.
Transfer of Ownership Interests in our General Partner
At any time, the partners of our general partner may sell or transfer all or part of their
partnership interests in the general partner without the approval of the unitholders.
Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights
Our general partner or its affiliates or a subsequent holder of incentive distribution rights
may transfer its incentive distribution rights to an affiliate or to another person as part of its
merger or consolidation with or into, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets, or sale of
substantially all of its equity interests to, that person without the prior approval of the
unitholders; but, in each case, the transferee must agree to be bound by the provisions of the
partnership agreement. Prior to December 31, 2012, other transfers of the incentive distribution
rights will require the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding common units
(excluding common units held by the general partner or its affiliates). On or after December 31,
2012, the incentive distribution rights will be freely transferable.
Change of Management Provisions
The partnership agreement contains specific provisions that are intended to discourage a
person or group from attempting to remove Crosstex Energy GP, L.P. as our general partner or
otherwise change management. If any person or group other than our general partner and its
affiliates acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of units, that person or group
loses voting rights on all of its units. This loss of voting rights does not apply to any person or
group that acquires the units from our general partner or its affiliates and any transferees of
that person or group approved by our general partner or to any person or group who acquires the
units with the prior approval of the board of directors.
29
Limited Call Right
If at any time our general partner and its affiliates hold more than 80% of the then-issued
and outstanding partnership securities of any class, our general partner will have the right, which
it may assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less
than all, of the remaining partnership securities of the class held by unaffiliated persons as of a
record date to be selected by our general partner, on at least ten but not more than 60 days
notice. The purchase price in the event of this purchase is the greater of:
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the highest cash price paid by our general partner or any of its affiliates for any
partnership securities of the class purchased within the 90 days preceding the date on
which our general partner first mails notice of its election to purchase those
partnership securities; and |
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the current market price as of the date three days before the date the notice is
mailed. |
As a result of our general partners right to purchase outstanding partnership securities, a
holder of partnership securities may have his partnership securities purchased at an undesirable
time or price. The tax consequences to a unitholder of the exercise of this call right are the same
as a sale by that unitholder of his common units in the market. Please read Material Tax
ConsequencesDisposition of Common Units.
Status as Limited Partner or Assignee
Except as described above under Description of the Common UnitsLimited Liability the common
units will be fully paid, and unitholders will not be required to make additional contributions.
An assignee of a common unit, after executing and delivering a transfer application, but
pending its admission as a substituted limited partner, is entitled to an interest equivalent to
that of a limited partner for the right to share in allocations and distributions from us,
including liquidating distributions. Our general partner will vote and exercise other powers
attributable to common units owned by an assignee that has not become a substitute limited partner
at the written direction of the assignee. Please read Description of the Common UnitsMeetings;
Voting. Transferees that do not execute and deliver a transfer application will be treated
neither as assignees nor as record holders of common units, and will not receive cash
distributions, federal income tax allocations or reports furnished to holders of common units.
Please read Description of the Common UnitsTransfer of Common Units.
Non-citizen Assignees; Redemption
If we are or become subject to federal, state or local laws or regulations that, in the
reasonable determination of our general partner, create a substantial risk of cancellation or
forfeiture of any property that we have an interest in because of the nationality, citizenship or
other related status of any limited partner or assignee, we may redeem the units held by the
limited partner or assignee at their current market price. In order to avoid any cancellation or
forfeiture, our general partner may require each limited partner or assignee to furnish information
about his nationality, citizenship or related status. If a limited partner or assignee fails to
furnish information about his nationality, citizenship or other related status within 30 days after
a request for the information or our general partner determines after receipt of the information
that the limited partner or assignee is not an eligible citizen, the limited partner or assignee
may be treated as a non-citizen assignee. In addition to other limitations on the rights of an
assignee that is not a substituted limited partner, a non-citizen assignee does not have the right
to direct the voting of his units and may not receive distributions in kind upon our liquidation.
Indemnification
Under the partnership agreement, in most circumstances, we will indemnify the following
persons, to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against all losses, claims, damages or
similar events:
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our general partner; |
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any departing general partner; |
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any person who is or was an affiliate of a general partner or any departing general partner; |
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any person who is or was a member, partner, officer, director, employee, agent,
fiduciary or trustee of our general partner or any departing general partner or any
affiliate of a general partner or any departing general partner; or |
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any person who is or was serving at the request of a general partner or any
departing general partner or any affiliate of a general partner or any departing
general partner as an officer, director, employee, member, partner, agent, fiduciary or
trustee of another person. |
Any indemnification under these provisions will only be out of our assets. Unless it otherwise
agrees in its sole discretion, our general partner will not be personally liable for, or have any
obligation to contribute or loan funds or assets to us to enable us to effectuate, indemnification.
We may purchase insurance against liabilities asserted against and expenses incurred by persons for
our activities, regardless of whether we would have the power to indemnify the person against
liabilities under the partnership agreement.
Registration Rights
Under the partnership agreement, we have agreed to register for resale under the Securities
Act of 1933 and applicable state securities laws any common units, subordinated units or other
partnership securities proposed to be sold by our general partner or any of its affiliates or their
assignees if an exemption from the registration requirements is not otherwise available. These
registration rights continue for two years following any withdrawal or removal of Crosstex Energy
GP, L.P. as our general partner. We are obligated to pay all expenses incidental to the
registration, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions.
31
CASH DISTRIBUTION POLICY
Distributions of Available Cash
References in this Cash Distribution Policy to we, us and our mean Crosstex Energy,
L.P.
General. Within approximately 45 days after the end of each quarter, we will distribute all
of our available cash to unitholders of record on the applicable record date.
Definition of Available Cash. Available Cash means, for any quarter ending prior to liquidation:
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all cash and cash equivalents of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and its subsidiaries on
hand at the end of that quarter; and |
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all additional cash and cash equivalents of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and its
subsidiaries on hand on the date of determination of available cash for that
quarter resulting from working capital borrowings made after the end of that
quarter; |
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less the amount of cash reserves that is necessary or appropriate in the reasonable
discretion of the general partner to |
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provide for the proper conduct of the business of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and its
subsidiaries (including reserves for future capital expenditures and for future
credit needs of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and its subsidiaries) after that quarter; |
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comply with applicable law or any debt instrument or other agreement or
obligation to which Crosstex Energy, L.P. or any of its subsidiaries is a party or
its assets are subject; and |
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provide funds for minimum quarterly distributions and cumulative common unit
arrearages for any one or more of the next four quarters; |
provided, however, that the general partner may not establish cash reserves for distributions to
the subordinated units unless the general partner has determined that, in its judgment, the
establishment of reserves will not prevent Crosstex Energy, L.P. from distributing the minimum
quarterly distribution on all common units and any cumulative common unit arrearages thereon for
the next four quarters; and
provided, further, that disbursements made by Crosstex Energy, L.P. or any of its subsidiaries or
cash reserves established, increased or reduced after the end of that quarter but on or before the
date of determination of available cash for that quarter shall be deemed to have been made,
established, increased or reduced, for purposes of determining available cash, within that quarter
if the general partner so determines.
Minimum Quarterly Distribution. Common units are entitled to receive distributions from
operating surplus of $0.25 per quarter, or $1.00 on an annualized basis, before any distributions
are paid on our subordinated units. There is no guarantee that we will pay the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units in any quarter, and we will be prohibited from making any
distributions to unitholders if it would cause a default or an event of default under our bank
credit facility or the senior secured notes.
Operating Surplus and Capital Surplus
General. All cash distributed to unitholders will be characterized either as operating
surplus or capital surplus. We distribute available cash from operating surplus differently than
available cash from capital surplus.
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Definition of Operating Surplus. We define operating surplus in the glossary, and for any
period it generally means:
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our cash balance of $7.2 million at the closing of our initial public offering; plus |
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$8.9 million (as described below); plus |
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all of our cash receipts since the initial public offering, excluding cash from
borrowings that are not working capital borrowings, sales of equity and debt securities
and sales or other dispositions of assets outside the ordinary course of business; plus |
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working capital borrowings made after the end of a quarter but before the date of
determination of operating surplus for the quarter; less |
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all of our operating expenditures since the initial public offering, including the
repayment of working capital borrowings, but not the repayment of other borrowings, and
including maintenance capital expenditures, and less |
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the amount of cash reserves that the general partner deems necessary or advisable to
provide funds for future operating expenditures. |
As reflected above, our definition of operating surplus includes $8.9 million in addition to
our cash balance of $7.2 million at the closing of our initial public offering, cash receipts from
our operations and cash from working capital borrowings. This amount does not reflect actual cash
on hand at closing that is available for distribution to our unitholders. Rather, it is a provision
that will enable us, if we choose, to distribute as operating surplus up to $8.9 million of cash we
receive in the future from non-operating sources, such as asset sales, issuances of securities and
long-term borrowings, that would otherwise be distributed as capital surplus.
Definition of Capital Surplus. We also define capital surplus in the glossary, and it will
generally be generated only by:
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borrowings other than working capital borrowings; |
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sales of debt and equity securities; and |
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sales or other disposition of assets for cash, other than inventory, accounts
receivable and other current assets sold in the ordinary course of business or as part
of normal retirements or replacements of assets. |
Characterization of Cash Distributions. We will treat all available cash distributed as
coming from operating surplus until the sum of all available cash distributed since we began
operations equals the operating surplus as of the most recent date of determination of available
cash. We will treat any amount distributed in excess of operating surplus, regardless of its
source, as capital surplus. While we do not anticipate that we will make any distributions from
capital surplus in the near term, we may determine that the sale or disposition of an asset or
business owned or acquired by us may be beneficial to our unitholders. If we distribute to you the
equity we own in a subsidiary or the proceeds from the sale of one of our businesses, such a
distribution would be characterized as a distribution from capital surplus.
Subordination Period
General. During the subordination period, which we define below and in the glossary, the
common units will have the right to receive distributions of available cash from operating surplus
in an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.25 per quarter, plus any arrearages
in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units from prior quarters,
before any distributions of available cash from operating surplus may be made on the subordinated
units. The purpose of the subordinated units is to increase the likelihood that during the
subordination period there will be available cash to be distributed on the common units.
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Definition of Subordination Period. We define the subordination period in the glossary. The
subordination period will extend until the first day of any quarter beginning after December 31,
2007 that each of the following tests are met:
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distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each of the outstanding
common units and subordinated units equaled or exceeded the minimum quarterly
distribution for each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods
immediately preceding that date; |
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the adjusted operating surplus (as described below) generated during each of the
three consecutive, non-overlapping four quarter periods immediately preceding that date
equaled or exceeded the sum of the minimum quarterly distributions on all of the
outstanding common units and subordinated units during those periods on a fully diluted
basis and the related distribution on the 2% general partner interest during those
periods; and |
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there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the
common units. |
Early Conversion of Subordinated Units. Before the end of the subordination period, a portion
of the subordinated units may convert into common units on a one-for-one basis immediately after
the distribution of available cash to partners in respect of any quarter ending on or after:
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December 31, 2005 with respect to 25% of the subordinated units; and |
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December 31, 2006 with respect to 25% of the subordinated units. |
The early conversions will occur if at the end of the applicable quarter each of the following
three tests are met:
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distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each of the outstanding
common units and the subordinated units equaled or exceeded the minimum quarterly
distribution for each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods
immediately preceding that date; |
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the adjusted operating surplus generated during each of the three consecutive
non-overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date equaled or
exceeded the sum of the minimum quarterly distributions on all of the outstanding
common units and subordinated units during those periods on a fully diluted basis and
the related distribution on the 2% general partner interest during those periods; and |
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there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the
common units. |
However, the early conversion of the second 25% of the subordinated units may not occur until at
least one year following the early conversion of the first 25% of the subordinated units.
Definition of Adjusted Operating Surplus. We define adjusted operating surplus in the
glossary, and for any period it generally means:
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operating surplus generated with respect to that period; less |
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any net increase in working capital borrowings with respect to that period; less |
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any net reduction in cash reserves for operating expenditures with respect to that
period not relating to an operating expenditure made with respect to that period; plus |
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any net decrease in working capital borrowings with respect to that period; and plus |
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any net increase in cash reserves for operating expenditures with respect to that
period required by any debt instrument for the repayment of principal, interest or
premium. |
Adjusted Operating Surplus is intended to reflect the cash generated from operations during a
particular period and therefore excludes net increases in working capital borrowings and net
drawdowns of reserves of cash generated in prior periods.
Effect of Expiration of the Subordination Period. Upon expiration of the subordination
period, each outstanding subordinated unit will convert into one common unit and will then
participate, pro rata, with the other common units in distributions of available cash. In addition,
if the unitholders remove our general partner other than for cause and units held by our general
partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of such removal:
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the subordination period will end and each subordinated unit will immediately
convert into one common unit on a one-for-one basis; |
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any existing arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the
common units will be extinguished; and |
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our general partner will have the right to convert its general partner interest and
its incentive distribution rights into common units or to receive cash in exchange for
those interests. |
Distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus During the Subordination Period
We will make distributions of available cash from operating surplus for any quarter during the
subordination period in the following manner:
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First, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner, until
we distribute for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly
distribution for that quarter; |
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Second, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner,
until we distribute for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to any arrearages
in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units for any prior
quarters during the subordination period; |
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Third, 98% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner,
until we distribute for each subordinated unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly
distribution for that quarter; and |
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Thereafter, in the manner described in Incentive Distribution Rights below. |
Distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus After the Subordination Period
We will make distributions of available cash from operating surplus for any quarter after the
subordination period in the following manner:
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First, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner until we
distribute for each outstanding unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly
distribution for that quarter; and |
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Thereafter, in the manner described in Incentive Distribution Rights below. |
Incentive Distribution Rights
Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an increasing percentage of
quarterly distributions of available cash from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly
distribution and the target distribution levels have been achieved. Our general partner holds the
incentive distribution rights, but may transfer these rights separately from its general partner
interest, subject to restrictions in the partnership agreement.
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If for any quarter:
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we have distributed available cash from operating surplus to the common and
subordinated unitholders in an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution; and |
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we have distributed available cash from operating surplus on outstanding common
units in an amount necessary to eliminate any cumulative arrearages in payment of the
minimum quarterly distribution; |
then, we will distribute any additional available cash from operating surplus for that quarter
among the unitholders and our general partner in the following manner:
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First, 85% to all unitholders, pro rata, 13% to the holders of the incentive
distribution rights, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner until each unitholder
receives a total of $0.3125 per unit for that quarter (the first target
distribution); |
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Second, 75% to all unitholders, pro rata, 23% to the holders of the incentive
distribution rights, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner, until each unitholder
receives a total of $0.375 per unit for that quarter (the second target
distribution); and |
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Thereafter, 50% to all unitholders, pro rata, 48% to the holders of the incentive
distribution rights, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner. |
In each case, the amount of the target distribution set forth above is exclusive of any
distributions to common unitholders to eliminate any cumulative arrearages in payment of the
minimum quarterly distribution.
Target Amount of Quarterly Distribution
The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of the additional available cash
from operating surplus among the unitholders, our general partner and the holders of the incentive
distribution rights up to the various target distribution levels. The amounts set forth under
Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions are the percentage interests of our unitholders,
our general partner and the holders of the incentive distribution rights in any available cash from
operating surplus we distribute up to and including the corresponding amount in the column Total
Quarterly Distribution Target Amount, until available cash from operating surplus we distribute
reaches the next target distribution level, if any. The percentage interests shown for the
unitholders and our general partner for the minimum quarterly distribution are also applicable to
quarterly distribution amounts that are less than the minimum quarterly distribution.
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Marginal Percentage Interest in Distribution |
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Total Quarterly Distribution |
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General |
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Holders of Incentive |
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Target Amount |
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Unitholders |
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Partner |
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distribution Rights |
Minimum Quarterly
Distribution
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$ |
0.25 |
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98 |
% |
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2 |
% |
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First Target Distribution
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above $0.25 up to $0.3125
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85 |
% |
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2 |
% |
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13 |
% |
Second Target Distribution
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above $0.3125 up to $0.375
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75 |
% |
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2 |
% |
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23 |
% |
Thereafter
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above $0.375
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50 |
% |
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2 |
% |
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48 |
% |
Distributions from Capital Surplus
How Distributions from Capital Surplus will be Made. We will make distributions of available
cash from capital surplus in the following manner:
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First, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner, until we
distribute for each common unit that was issued in the initial public offering, an
amount of available cash from capital surplus equal to the initial public offering
price; |
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Second, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner,
until we distribute for each common unit, an amount of available cash from capital
surplus equal to any unpaid arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution
on the common units; and |
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Thereafter, we will make all distributions of available cash from capital surplus as
if they were from operating surplus. |
Effect of a Distribution from Capital Surplus. The partnership agreement treats a
distribution of capital surplus as the repayment of the initial unit price from the initial public
offering, which is a return of capital. The initial public offering price less any distributions of
capital surplus per unit is referred to as the unrecovered initial unit price. Each time a
distribution of capital surplus is made, the minimum quarterly distribution and the target
distribution levels will be reduced in the same proportion as the corresponding reduction in the
unrecovered initial unit price. Because distributions of capital surplus will reduce the minimum
quarterly distribution, after any of these distributions are made, it may be easier for our general
partner to receive incentive distributions and for the subordinated units to convert into common
units. However, any distribution of capital surplus before the unrecovered initial unit price is
reduced to zero cannot be applied to the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution or any
arrearages.
Once we distribute capital surplus on a unit issued in this offering in an amount equal to the
initial unit price, we will reduce the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution
levels to zero. We will then make all future distributions from operating surplus, with 50% being
paid to the holders of units, 48% to the holders of incentive distribution rights and 2% to our
general partner.
Adjustment to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distribution Levels
In addition to adjusting the minimum quarterly distribution and target distribution levels to
reflect a distribution of capital surplus, if we combine our units into fewer units or subdivide
our units into a greater number of units we will proportionately adjust:
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the minimum quarterly distribution; |
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target distribution levels; |
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unrecovered initial unit price; |
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the number of common units issuable during the subordination period without a
unitholder vote; and |
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the number of common units into which a subordinated unit is convertible. |
For example, if a two-for-one split of the common units should occur, the minimum quarterly
distribution, the target distribution levels and the unrecovered initial unit price would each be
reduced to 50% of its initial level. We will not make any adjustment by reason of the issuance of
additional units for cash or property.
In addition, if legislation is enacted or if existing law is modified or interpreted in a
manner that causes us to become taxable as a corporation or otherwise subject to taxation as an
entity for federal, state or local income tax purposes, we will reduce the minimum quarterly
distribution and the target distribution levels by multiplying the same by one minus the sum of the
highest marginal federal corporate income tax rate that could apply and any increase in the
effective overall state and local income tax rates. For example, if we became subject to a maximum
marginal federal, and effective state and local income tax rate of 38%, then the minimum quarterly
distribution and the target distributions levels would each be reduced to 62% of their previous
levels.
Distributions of Cash upon Liquidation
General. If we dissolve in accordance with the partnership agreement, we will sell or
otherwise dispose of our assets in a process called a liquidation. We will first apply the proceeds
of liquidation to the payment of our
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creditors. We will distribute any remaining proceeds to the unitholders and our general
partner, in accordance with their capital account balances, as adjusted to reflect any gain or loss
upon the sale or other disposition of our assets in liquidation.
The allocations of gain and loss upon liquidation are intended, to the extent possible, to
entitle the holders of outstanding common units to a preference over the holders of outstanding
subordinated units upon our liquidation, to the extent required to permit common unitholders to
receive their unrecovered initial unit price plus the minimum quarterly distribution for the
quarter during which liquidation occurs plus any unpaid arrearages in payment of the minimum
quarterly distribution on the common units. However, there may not be sufficient gain upon our
liquidation to enable the holders of common units to fully recover all of these amounts, even
though there may be cash available for distribution to the holders of subordinated units. Any
further net gain recognized upon liquidation will be allocated in a manner that takes into account
the incentive distribution rights of our general partner.
Manner of Adjustments for Gain. The manner of the adjustment for gain is set forth in the
partnership agreement. If our liquidation occurs before the end of the subordination period, we
will allocate any gain to the partners in the following manner:
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First, to our general partner and the holders of units who have negative balances in
their capital accounts to the extent of and in proportion to those negative balances; |
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Second, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner,
until the capital account for each common unit is equal to the sum of: |
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the unrecovered initial unit price; |
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(2) |
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the amount of the minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter during
which our liquidation occurs; and |
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any unpaid arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution
on that common unit; |
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Third, 98% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner,
until the capital account for each subordinated unit is equal to the sum of: |
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the unrecovered initial unit price; and |
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the amount of the minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter during
which our liquidation occurs; |
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Fourth, 85% to all unitholders, pro rata, 13% to the holders of incentive
distribution rights, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner until we allocate under
this paragraph an amount per unit equal to: |
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the sum of the excess of the first target distribution per unit over
the minimum quarterly distribution per unit for each quarter of our existence; less |
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the cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of available cash
from operating surplus in excess of the minimum quarterly distribution per unit
that we distributed 85% to the unitholders, pro rata, and 15% to our general
partner for each quarter of our existence; |
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Fifth, 75% to all unitholders, pro rata, 23% to the holders of incentive
distribution rights, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner, until we allocate under
this paragraph an amount per unit equal to: |
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the sum of the excess of the second target distribution per unit over
the first target distribution per unit for each quarter of our existence; less |
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the cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of available cash
from operating surplus in excess of the first target distribution per unit that we
distributed 75% to the unitholders, pro rata, and 25% to our general partner for
each quarter of our existence; |
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Thereafter, 50% to all unitholders, pro rata, 48% to the holders of the incentive
distribution rights, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner. |
If the liquidation occurs after the end of the subordination period, the distinction between
common units and subordinated units will disappear, so that clause (3) of the second bullet point
above and all of the third bullet point above will no longer be applicable.
Manner of Adjustments for Losses. Upon our liquidation, we will generally allocate any loss
to our general partner and the unitholders in the following manner:
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First, 98% to holders of subordinated units in proportion to the positive balances
in their capital accounts and 2% to our general partner until the capital accounts of
the subordinated unitholders have been reduced to zero; |
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Second, 98% to the holders of common units in proportion to the positive balances in
their capital accounts and 2% to our general partner until the capital accounts of the
common unitholders have been reduced to zero; and |
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Thereafter, 100% to our general partner. |
If the liquidation occurs after the end of the subordination period, the distinction between
common units and subordinated units will disappear, so that all of the first bullet point above
will no longer be applicable.
Adjustments to Capital Accounts. We will make adjustments to capital accounts upon the
issuance of additional units. In doing so, we will allocate any unrealized and, for tax purposes,
unrecognized gain or loss resulting from the adjustments to the unitholders and our general partner
in the same manner as we allocate gain or loss upon liquidation. In the event that we make positive
adjustments to the capital accounts upon the issuance of additional units, we will allocate any
later negative adjustments to the capital accounts resulting from the issuance of additional units
or upon our liquidation in a manner which results, to the extent possible, in our general partners
capital account balances equaling the amount which they would have been if no earlier positive
adjustments to the capital accounts had been made.
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MATERIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
This section discusses the material tax consequences that may be relevant to prospective
unitholders who are individual citizens or residents of the United States. It is based upon current
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, existing regulations, proposed regulations to the extent
noted, and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change.
Later changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the
consequences described below. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to
us or we are references to Crosstex Energy, L.P. and Crosstex Energy Services, L.P.
No attempt has been made in the following discussion to comment on all federal income tax
matters affecting us or the unitholders. Moreover, the discussion focuses on unitholders who are
individual citizens or residents of the United States and has only limited application to
corporations, estates, trusts, nonresident aliens or other unitholders subject to specialized tax
treatment, such as tax-exempt institutions, foreign persons, individual retirement accounts (IRAs),
real estate investment trusts (REITs), or mutual funds. Accordingly, we recommend that each
prospective unitholder consult, and depend on, his own tax advisor in analyzing the federal, state,
local and foreign tax consequences particular to him of the ownership or disposition of common
units.
All statements as to matters of law and legal conclusions, but not as to factual matters,
contained in this section, unless otherwise noted, are the opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P., counsel
to the general partner and to us, and are, to the extent noted herein, based on the accuracy of
certain factual matters.
No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding any matter affecting us or
prospective unitholders. An opinion of counsel represents only that counsels best legal judgment
and does not bind the IRS or the courts. Accordingly, the opinions and statements made here may not
be sustained by a court if contested by the IRS. Any contest of this sort with the IRS may
materially and adversely impact the market for the common units and the prices at which the common
units trade. In addition, the costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne directly or
indirectly by the unitholders and our general partner. Furthermore, the tax treatment of us, or of
an investment in us, may be significantly modified by future legislative or administrative changes
or court decisions. Any modifications may or may not be retroactively applied.
For the reasons described below, Baker Botts L.L.P. has not rendered an opinion with respect
to the following specific federal income tax issues:
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the treatment of a unitholder whose common units are loaned to a short seller to
cover a short sale of common units (please read Tax Consequences of Unit
OwnershipTreatment of Short Sales below); |
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whether our monthly convention for allocating taxable income and losses is permitted
by existing Treasury Regulations (please read Disposition of Common UnitsAllocations
between Transferors and Transferees below); and |
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whether our method for depreciating Section 743 adjustments is sustainable (please
read Tax Consequences of Unit OwnershipSection 754 Election below). |
Partnership Status
A partnership is not a taxable entity and incurs no federal income tax liability. Instead,
each partner of a partnership is required to take into account his share of items of income, gain,
loss and deduction of the partnership in computing his federal income tax liability, even if no
cash distributions are made to him by the partnership. Distributions by a partnership to a partner
are generally not taxable unless the amount of cash distributed is in excess of the partners
adjusted basis in his partnership interest.
No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS and the IRS has made no determination as to
our status for federal income tax purposes or whether our operations generate qualifying income
under Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code. Instead, we will rely on the opinion of Baker
Botts L.L.P. that, based upon the Internal Revenue Code, its regulations, published revenue rulings
and court decisions, that the operating partnership will be
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disregarded as an entity separate from us for federal income tax purposes so long as the
operating partnership and its general partner (which is a limited liability company) do not elect
to be treated as a corporation and we will be classified as a partnership so long as:
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we do not elect to be treated as a corporation; |
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we are operated in accordance with applicable partnership statutes, the applicable
partnership agreement, and the manner specified in this prospectus; and |
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for each taxable year, more than 90% of our gross income is qualifying income
within the meaning of Section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. |
Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that publicly traded partnerships will, as
a general rule, be taxed as corporations. However, an exception, referred to as the Qualifying
Income Exception, exists with respect to publicly traded partnerships of which 90% or more of the
gross income for every taxable year consists of qualifying income. Qualifying income includes
certain income and gains derived from the transportation and processing of crude oil, natural gas
and products thereof. Other types of qualifying income include interest other than from a financial
business, dividends, gains from the sale of real property and gains from the sale or other
disposition of assets held for the production of income that otherwise constitutes qualifying
income. We estimate that more than 90% of our current income is within one or more categories of
income that are qualifying income in the opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. The portion of our income
that is qualifying income can change from time to time.
Although we expect to conduct our business so as to meet the Qualifying Income Exception, if
we fail to meet the Qualifying Income Exception, other than a failure that is determined by the IRS
to be inadvertent and that is cured within a reasonable time after discovery, we will be treated as
if we had transferred all of our assets, subject to liabilities, to a newly formed corporation, on
the first day of the year in which we fail to meet the Qualifying Income Exception, in return for
stock in that corporation, and as if we had then distributed that stock to the unitholders in
liquidation of their interests in us. This contribution and liquidation should be tax-free to
unitholders and us so long as we, at that time, do not have liabilities in excess of the tax basis
of our assets. Thereafter, we would be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes.
If we were treated as a corporation in any taxable year, either as a result of a failure to
meet the Qualifying Income Exception or otherwise, our items of income, gain, loss and deduction
would be reflected only on our tax return rather than being passed through to the unitholders, and
our net income would be taxed to us at corporate rates. In addition, any distribution made to a
unitholder would be treated as either taxable dividend income, to the extent of our current or
accumulated earnings and profits, or, in the absence of earnings and profits, a nontaxable return
of capital, to the extent of the unitholders tax basis in his common units, or taxable capital
gain, after the unitholders tax basis in his common units is reduced to zero. Accordingly,
treatment of us as a corporation would result in a material reduction in a unitholders cash flow
and after-tax return and thus would likely result in a substantial reduction of the value of the
common units.
The discussion below assumes that we will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax
purposes. See the discussion above of the opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. that we will be treated as
a partnership for federal income tax purposes.
Limited Partner Status
Unitholders who have become limited partners of Crosstex Energy, L.P. will be treated as our
partners for federal income tax purposes. Also:
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assignees who have executed and delivered transfer applications, and are awaiting
admission as limited partners; and |
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unitholders whose common units are held in street name or by a nominee and who have
the right to direct the nominee in the exercise of all substantive rights attendant to
the ownership of their common units, |
will be treated as our partners for federal income tax purposes. Assignees of common units who are
entitled to execute and deliver transfer applications and become entitled to direct the exercise of
attendant rights, but who fail to execute and deliver transfer applications, may not be treated as
one of our partners for federal income tax purposes. Furthermore, a purchaser or other transferee
of common units who does not execute and deliver a transfer application may not receive some
federal income tax information or reports furnished to record holders of common units unless the
common units are held in a nominee or street name account and the nominee or broker has executed
and delivered a transfer application for those common units.
A beneficial owner of common units whose common units have been transferred to a short seller
to complete a short sale would appear to lose his status as one of our partners with respect to
those common units for federal income tax purposes. Please read Tax Consequences of Unit
OwnershipTreatment of Short Sales below.
No portion of our income, gain, deductions or losses is reportable by a unitholder who is not
one of our partners for federal income tax purposes, and any cash distributions received by a
unitholder who is not one of our partners for federal income tax purposes would therefore appear to
be fully taxable as ordinary income. These holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with
respect to the consequences of holding common units for federal income tax purposes.
The following assumes that a unitholder is treated as one of our partners.
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Flow-through of Taxable Income. Each unitholder will be required to report on his income tax
return his share of our income, gains, losses and deductions even if no cash distributions are
received by him. Consequently, we may allocate income to a unitholder even if he has not received a
cash distribution from us. Each unitholder will be required to include in income his allocable
share of our income, gains, losses and deductions for our taxable year ending with or within his
taxable year. Our taxable year ends on December 31.
Treatment of Distributions. Our distributions to a unitholder generally will not be taxable
to him for federal income tax purposes to the extent of his tax basis in his common units
immediately before the distribution. Our cash distributions in excess of a unitholders tax basis
generally will be considered to be gain from the sale or exchange of the common units, taxable in
accordance with the rules described under Disposition of Common Units below. Any reduction in a
unitholders share of our liabilities for which no partner, including the general partner, bears
the economic risk of loss, which are known as nonrecourse liabilities, will be treated as a
distribution of cash to that unitholder. To the extent our distributions cause a unitholders at
risk amount to be less than zero at the end of any taxable year, he must recapture any losses
deducted in previous years. Please read Limitations on Deductibility of Losses below.
A decrease in a unitholders percentage interest in us because of our issuance of additional
common units will decrease his share of our nonrecourse liabilities and result in a corresponding
deemed distribution of cash. A non-pro rata distribution of money or property may result in
ordinary income to a unitholder, regardless of his tax basis in his common units, if the
distribution reduces the unitholders share of our unrealized receivables, including depreciation
recapture and substantially appreciated inventory items, both as defined in the Internal Revenue
Code, and collectively, Section 751 Assets. To that extent, he will be treated as having been
distributed his proportionate share of our Section 751 Assets and having exchanged those assets
with us in return for the non-pro rata portion of the actual distribution made to him. This latter
deemed exchange will generally result in the unitholders realization of ordinary income, which
will equal the excess of (1) the non-pro rata portion of that distribution over (2) the
unitholders tax basis for the share of Section 751 Assets deemed relinquished in the exchange.
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Basis of Common Units. A unitholders initial tax basis for his common units will be the
amount he paid for the common units plus his share of our nonrecourse liabilities. That basis will
be increased by his share of our income and by any increases in his share of our nonrecourse
liabilities. That basis will be decreased, but not below zero, by distributions he receives from
us, by his share of our losses, by any decreases in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities and by
his share of our expenditures that are not deductible in computing taxable income and are not
required to be capitalized. A unitholder generally will have no share of our debt that is recourse
to the general partner, but will have a share, generally based on his share of profits, of our
nonrecourse liabilities. Please read Disposition of Common UnitsRecognition of Gain or Loss
below.
Limitations on Deductibility of Losses. The deduction by a unitholder of his share of our
losses will be limited to the tax basis in his common units and, in the case of an individual
unitholder or a corporate unitholder, if more than 50% of the value of the corporate unitholders
stock is owned directly or indirectly by five or fewer individuals or some tax-exempt
organizations, to the amount for which the unitholder is considered to be at risk with respect to
our activities, if that is less than his tax basis. A unitholder must recapture losses deducted in
previous years to the extent that distributions cause his at risk amount to be less than zero at
the end of any taxable year. Losses disallowed to a unitholder or recaptured as a result of these
limitations will carry forward and will be allowable to the extent that his tax basis or at risk
amount, whichever is the limiting factor, is subsequently increased. Upon the taxable disposition
of a unit, any gain recognized by a unitholder can be offset by losses that were previously
suspended by the at risk limitation but may not be offset by losses suspended by the basis
limitation. Any excess loss above that gain previously suspended by the at risk or basis
limitations is no longer utilizable.
In general, a unitholder will be at risk to the extent of the tax basis of his common units,
excluding any portion of that basis attributable to his share of our nonrecourse liabilities,
reduced by any amount of money he borrows to acquire or hold his common units, if the lender of
those borrowed funds owns an interest in us, is related to the unitholder or can look only to the
common units for repayment. A unitholders at risk amount will increase or decrease as the tax
basis of the unitholders common units increases or decreases, other than tax basis increases or
decreases attributable to increases or decreases in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities.
The passive loss limitations generally provide that individuals, estates, trusts and some
closely-held corporations and personal service corporations can deduct losses from passive
activities, which are generally corporate or partnership activities in which the taxpayer does not
materially participate, only to the extent of the taxpayers income from those passive activities.
The passive loss limitations are applied separately with respect to each publicly traded
partnership. Consequently, any passive losses we generate will only be available to offset our
passive income generated in the future and will not be available to offset income from other
passive activities or investments, including our investments or the unitholders investments in
other publicly traded partnerships, or salary or active business income. Passive losses that are
not deductible because they exceed a unitholders share of our income may be deducted in full when
he disposes of his entire investment in us in a fully taxable transaction with an unrelated party.
The passive activity loss rules are applied after other applicable limitations on deductions,
including the at risk rules and the basis limitation described above.
A unitholders share of our net income may be offset by any of our suspended passive losses,
but it may not be offset by any other current or carryover losses from other passive activities,
including those attributable to other publicly traded partnerships.
Limitations on Interest Deductions. The deductibility of a non-corporate taxpayers
investment interest expense is generally limited to the amount of that taxpayers net investment
income. Investment interest expense includes:
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interest on indebtedness properly allocable to property held for investment; |
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our interest expense attributed to portfolio income; and |
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the portion of interest expense incurred to purchase or carry an interest in a
passive activity to the extent attributable to portfolio income. |
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The computation of a unitholders investment interest expense will take into account interest on
any margin account borrowing or other loan incurred to purchase or carry a unit. Net investment
income includes gross income from property held for investment and amounts treated as portfolio
income under the passive loss rules, less deductible expenses, other than interest, directly
connected with the production of investment income, but generally does not include gains
attributable to the disposition of property held for investment. The IRS has indicated that the net
passive income earned by a publicly traded partnership will be treated as investment income to its
unitholders. In addition, a unitholders share of our portfolio income will be treated as
investment income.
Entity-Level Collections. If we are required or elect under applicable law to pay any
federal, state, local or foreign income tax on behalf of any unitholder or the general partner or
any former unitholder, we are authorized to pay those taxes from our funds. That payment, if made,
will be treated as a distribution of cash to the unitholder on whose behalf the payment was made.
If the payment is made on behalf of a unitholder whose identity cannot be determined, we are
authorized to treat the payment as a distribution to all current unitholders. We are authorized to
amend the partnership agreement in the manner necessary to maintain uniformity of intrinsic tax
characteristics of common units and to adjust later distributions, so that after giving effect to
these distributions, the priority and characterization of distributions otherwise applicable under
the partnership agreement is maintained as nearly as is practicable. Payments by us as described
above could give rise to an overpayment of tax on behalf of a unitholder in which event the
unitholder would be required to file a claim in order to obtain a credit or refund.
Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction. In general, if we have a net profit, our
items of income, gain, loss and deduction will be allocated among the general partner and the
unitholders in accordance with their percentage interests in us. At any time that distributions are
made to the common units in excess of distributions to the subordinated units or the senior
subordinated units, or incentive distributions are made to the general partner, gross income will
be allocated to the recipients to the extent of these distributions. If we have a net loss for the
entire year, that loss will be allocated first to the general partner and the unitholders in
accordance with their percentage interests in us to the extent of their positive capital accounts
and, second, to the general partner.
Certain items of our income, gain, loss and deduction will be allocated to account for the
difference between the tax basis and fair market value of our property at the time of an offering.
We will use the remedial method with respect to such differences with respect to some, but not all,
of our assets, and we may use other methods with respect to some assets. The effect to a unitholder
purchasing units in an offering will, as to those assets in respect of which we use the remedial
method, be essentially the same as if the tax basis of such assets was equal to their fair market
value at the time of the offering, and the effect of allocations that are made under the
traditional method will be essentially the same as if those assets had a tax basis that is less
than fair market value. In addition, recapture income will be allocated to the extent possible to
the unitholder who was allocated the deduction giving rise to the treatment of that gain as
recapture income in order to minimize the recognition of ordinary income by other unitholders.
Finally, although we do not expect that our operations will result in the creation of negative
capital accounts, if negative capital accounts nevertheless result, items of our income and gain
will be allocated in an amount and manner to eliminate the negative balance as quickly as possible.
Baker Botts L.L.P. is of the opinion that, with the exception of the issues described in
"Section 754 Election below and Disposition of Common UnitsAllocations Between Transferors and
Transferees below, the allocations in our partnership agreement will be given effect for federal
income tax purposes in determining a unitholders share of our income, gain, loss or deduction.
Treatment of Short Sales. A unitholder whose common units are loaned to a short seller to
cover a short sale of common units may be considered as having disposed of those common units. If
so, he would no longer be a partner for tax purposes with respect to those common units during the
period of the loan and may recognize gain or loss from the disposition. As a result, during this
period:
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any of our income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to those common units would
not be reportable by him; |
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any cash distributions received by him on those common units would be fully taxable; and |
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all of these distributions would appear to be ordinary income to him. |
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Baker Botts L.L.P. has not rendered an opinion regarding the treatment of a unitholder whose
common units are loaned to a short seller; therefore, unitholders desiring to assure their status
as partners and avoid the risk of gain recognition from a loan to a short seller are urged to
modify any applicable brokerage account agreements to prohibit their brokers from borrowing or
loaning their common units. The IRS has announced that it is studying issues relating to the tax
treatment of short sales of partnership interests. Please read Disposition of Common
UnitsRecognition of Gain or Loss below.
Alternative Minimum Tax. Each unitholder will be required to take into account his share of
any items of our income, gain, loss or deduction for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. We do
not expect to generate significant tax preference items or adjustments. Prospective unitholders are
urged to consult with their tax advisors as to the impact of an investment in common units on their
liability for the alternative minimum tax.
Tax Rates. In general, the highest effective United States federal income tax rate for
individuals for 2005 is 35% and the maximum United States federal income tax rate for net capital
gains of an individual for 2005 is 15% if the asset disposed of was held for more than 12 months at
the time of disposition.
Section 754 Election. We made the election permitted by Section 754 of the Internal Revenue
Code. That election is irrevocable without the consent of the IRS. The election generally permits
us to adjust a common unit purchasers tax basis in our assets (inside basis) under Section
743(b) of the Internal Revenue Code to reflect his purchase price when he buys common units from a
holder thereof. This election does not apply to a person who purchases common units directly from
us. For purposes of this discussion, a unitholders inside basis in our assets will be considered
to have two components: (1) the unitholders share of our tax basis in our assets (common basis)
and (2) the unitholders Section 743(b) adjustment to that basis.
Treasury Regulations under Section 743 of the Internal Revenue Code require, if the remedial
allocation method is adopted (which we have adopted), a portion of the Section 743(b) adjustment
attributable to recovery property to be depreciated over the remaining cost recovery period for the
Section 704(c) built-in gain. Under Treasury Regulation Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6), a Section 743(b)
adjustment attributable to recovery property depreciated under Section 167 of the Internal Revenue
Code, is generally required to be depreciated using either the straight-line method or the 150%
declining balance method. Under our partnership agreement, the general partner is authorized to
take a position to preserve the uniformity of units even if that position is not consistent with
these Treasury Regulations.
In order to preserve uniformity of the economic and tax characteristics of common units and/or
determine the tax attributes of a common unit based on its date of purchase and the amount that is
paid therefor, we may adopt certain positions with respect to the depreciation or amortization of
Section 743(b) adjustments that may be inconsistent with the Treasury Regulations. In particular,
we intend to depreciate the portion of a Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to any unamortized
difference between the book and tax basis of an asset in respect of which we use the remedial
method in a manner that is consistent with the regulations under Section 743 of the Internal
Revenue Code as to recovery property in respect of which the remedial allocation method is adopted.
Such method is arguably inconsistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.167(c)-l(a)(6), which may
apply to certain of our assets (although we would not expect these to constitute a material portion
of our assets). If we determine that this position cannot reasonably be taken, we may take a
depreciation or amortization position which may result in lower annual depreciation or amortization
deductions than would otherwise be allowable to some unitholders. In addition, if particular groups
of unitholders are entitled to different treatment in respect of property as to which we are using
the traditional method of eliminating differences in book and tax basis, we may also take a
position that results in lower annual deductions to some or all of our unitholders than might
otherwise be available. Baker Botts L.L.P. is unable to opine as to the validity of any position
that is described in this paragraph because there is no clear applicable authority.
A Section 754 election is advantageous if the transferees tax basis in his common units is
higher than the common units share of the aggregate tax basis of our assets immediately prior to
the transfer. In that case, as a result of the election, the transferee would have, among other
items, a greater amount of depreciation deductions and his
45
share of any gain on a sale of our assets would be less. Conversely, a Section 754 election is
disadvantageous if the transferees tax basis in his common units is lower than those common units
share of the aggregate tax basis of our assets immediately prior to the transfer. Thus, the fair
market value of the common units may be affected either favorably or unfavorably by the election.
The calculations involved in the Section 754 election are complex and will be made on the
basis of assumptions as to the value of our assets and other matters. For example, the allocation
of the Section 743(b) adjustment among our assets must be made in accordance with the Internal
Revenue Code. The IRS could seek to reallocate some or all of any Section 743(b) adjustment
allocated by us to our tangible assets to goodwill instead. Goodwill, as an intangible asset, is
generally amortizable over a longer period of time or under a less accelerated method than our
tangible assets. The determinations we make may be successfully challenged by the IRS and the
deductions resulting from them may be reduced or disallowed altogether. Should the IRS require a
different basis adjustment to be made, and should we determine that the expense of compliance
exceeds the benefit of the election, we may seek permission from the IRS to revoke our Section 754
election. If permission is granted, a subsequent purchaser of common units may be allocated more
income than he would have been allocated had the election not been revoked.
Tax Treatment of Operations
Accounting Method and Taxable Year. We use the year ending December 31 as our taxable year
and the accrual method of accounting for federal income tax purposes. Each unitholder will be
required to include in income his share of our income, gain, loss and deduction for our taxable
year ending within or with his taxable year. In addition, a unitholder who has a taxable year
ending on a date other than December 31 and who disposes of all of his common units following the
close of our taxable year but before the close of his taxable year will be required to include in
income for his taxable year his share of more than one year of our income, gain, loss and
deduction. Please read Disposition of Common UnitsAllocations Between Transferors and
Transferees below.
Tax Basis, Depreciation and Amortization. The tax basis of our assets is used for purposes of
computing depreciation and cost recovery deductions and, ultimately, gain or loss on the
disposition of these assets. The federal income tax burden associated with the difference between
the fair market value of our assets and their tax basis immediately prior to an offering will be
borne by the general partner, its affiliates and our other unitholders as of that time. Please read
"Tax Consequences of Unit OwnershipAllocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction above.
To the extent allowable, we may elect to use the depreciation and cost recovery methods that
will result in the largest deductions being taken in the early years after assets are placed in
service. Property we acquire or construct in the future may be depreciated using accelerated
methods permitted by the Internal Revenue Code.
If we dispose of depreciable property by sale, foreclosure, or otherwise, all or a portion of
any gain, determined by reference to the amount of depreciation previously deducted and the nature
of the property, may be subject to the recapture rules and taxed as ordinary income rather than
capital gain. Similarly, a unitholder who has taken cost recovery or depreciation deductions with
respect to property we own will likely be required to recapture some or all of those deductions as
ordinary income upon a sale of his units. Please read Tax Consequences of Unit
OwnershipAllocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction above and Disposition of Common
UnitsRecognition of Gain or Loss below.
The costs that we incur in selling our common units (syndication expenses) must be
capitalized and cannot be deducted by us currently, ratably or upon our termination. There are
uncertainties regarding the classification of costs as organization expenses, which will be
amortized by us over a period of 60 months, and as syndication expenses, which may not be amortized
by us. Any underwriting discounts and commissions we incur will be treated as syndication expenses.
Valuation and Tax Basis of Our Properties. The federal income tax consequences of the
ownership and disposition of common units will depend in part on our estimates of the fair market
values, and determinations of the initial tax bases, of our assets. Although we may from time to
time consult with professional appraisers regarding valuation matters, we will make many of the
fair market value estimates ourselves. These estimates of value and
46
determinations of basis are subject to challenge and will not be binding on the IRS or the
courts. If the estimates and determinations of fair market value or basis are later found to be
incorrect, the character and amount of items of income, gain, loss or deductions previously
reported by unitholders might change, and unitholders might be required to adjust their tax
liability for prior years and incur interest and penalties with respect to those adjustments.
Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss. Gain or loss will be recognized on a sale of common units equal
to the difference between the amount realized and the unitholders tax basis for the common units
sold. A unitholders amount realized will be measured by the sum of the cash or the fair market
value of other property received by him plus his share of our nonrecourse liabilities. Because the
amount realized includes a unitholders share of our nonrecourse liabilities, the gain recognized
on the sale of common units could result in a tax liability in excess of any cash received from the
sale.
Prior distributions from us in excess of cumulative net taxable income for a common unit that
decreased a unitholders tax basis in that common unit will, in effect, become taxable income if
the common unit is sold at a price greater than his tax basis in that common unit, even if the
price received is less than his original cost.
Except as noted below, gain or loss recognized by a unitholder, other than a dealer in
common units, on the sale or exchange of a unit held for more than one year will generally be
taxable as long-term capital gain or loss. However, a portion of this gain or loss, which will
likely be substantial, will be separately computed and taxed as ordinary income or loss under
Section 751 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent attributable to assets giving rise to
depreciation recapture, other potential recapture items, or other unrealized receivables or to
inventory items we own. Ordinary income attributable to unrealized receivables, inventory items
and depreciation recapture may exceed net taxable gain realized upon the sale of a unit and may be
recognized even if there is a net taxable loss realized on the sale of a unit. Thus, a unitholder
may recognize both ordinary income and a capital loss upon a sale of common units. Capital losses
may offset capital gains and no more than $3,000 of ordinary income, in the case of individuals,
and may only be used to offset capital gains in the case of corporations.
The IRS has ruled that a partner who acquires interests in a partnership in separate
transactions must combine those interests and maintain a single adjusted tax basis for all those
interests. Upon a sale or other disposition of less than all of those interests, a portion of that
tax basis must be allocated to the interests sold using an equitable apportionment method.
Treasury Regulations under Section 1223 of the Internal Revenue Code allow a selling unitholder who
can identify common units transferred with an ascertainable holding period to elect to use the
actual holding period of the common units transferred. Thus, according to the ruling, a common
unitholder will be unable to select high or low basis common units to sell, but, under the
regulations, may designate specific common units sold for purposes of determining the holding
period of the common units sold. A unitholder electing to use the actual holding period of common
units transferred must consistently use that identification method for all subsequent sales or
exchanges of our common units. A unitholder considering the purchase of additional common units or
a sale of common units purchased in separate transactions is urged to consult his tax advisor as to
the possible consequences of this ruling and application of the regulations.
The Internal Revenue Code treats a taxpayer as having sold a partnership interest, such as our
units, in which gain would be recognized if it were actually sold at its fair market value, if the
taxpayer or related persons enters into:
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a short sale; |
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an offsetting notional principal contract; or |
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a futures or forward contract with respect to the partnership interest or
substantially identical property. |
Moreover, if a taxpayer has previously entered into a short sale, an offsetting notional
principal contract or a futures or forward contract with respect to the partnership interest, the
taxpayer will be treated as having sold that position if the taxpayer or a related person then
acquires the partnership interest or substantially identical property.
47
Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees. In general, our taxable income and losses
will be determined annually, will be prorated on a monthly basis and will be subsequently
apportioned among the unitholders in proportion to the number of common units owned by each of them
as of the opening of the applicable exchange on the first business day of the month. However, gain
or loss realized on a sale or other disposition of our assets other than in the ordinary course of
business will be allocated among the unitholders on the first business day of the month in which
that gain or loss is recognized. As a result, a unitholder transferring common units may be
allocated income, gain, loss and deduction realized after the date of transfer.
The use of this method may not be permitted under existing Treasury Regulations. Accordingly,
Baker Botts L.L.P. has not opined on the validity of this method of allocating income and loses
among unitholders. If this method is not allowed under the Treasury Regulations, or only applies to
transfers of less than all of the unitholders interest, our taxable income or losses might be
reallocated among the unitholders. We are authorized to revise our method of allocation between
transferors and transferees as well as among unitholders whose interests vary during a taxable year
to conform to a method permitted under future Treasury Regulations.
A unitholder who owns common units at any time during a quarter and who disposes of them prior
to the record date set for a cash distribution for that quarter will be allocated items of our
income, gain, loss and deductions attributable to that quarter but will not be entitled to receive
that cash distribution.
Notification Requirements. A purchaser of common units other than an individual who is a
citizen of the United States and who purchases through a broker is required to notify us in writing
of that purchase within 30 days after the purchase. We are required to notify the IRS of that
transaction and to furnish specified information to the transferor and transferee. Failure to
notify us of a purchase may lead to the imposition of substantial penalties. In addition, the
transferor and transferee may be required in certain cases to file certain statements with their
federal income tax returns with respect to such transaction.
Constructive Termination. We will be considered to have been terminated for tax purposes if
there are sales or exchanges which, in the aggregate, constitute 50% or more of the total interests
in our capital and profits within a 12-month period. A termination of us will result in the
closing of our taxable year for all unitholders. In the case of a unitholder reporting on a taxable
year other than a fiscal year ending December 31, the closing of our taxable year may result in
more than 12 months of our taxable income or loss being includable in his taxable income for the
year of termination. We would be required to make new tax elections after a termination, including
a new election under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code, and a termination would result in a
deferral of our deductions for depreciation. A termination could also result in penalties if we
were unable to determine that the termination had occurred. Moreover, a termination might either
accelerate the application of, or subject us to, any tax legislation enacted before the
termination.
Tax-Exempt Organizations and Other Investors
Ownership of common units by employee benefit plans, other tax-exempt organizations,
non-resident aliens, foreign corporations, other foreign persons and regulated investment companies
or mutual funds raises issues unique to those investors and, as described below, may have
substantially adverse tax consequences to them.
Employee benefit plans and most other organizations exempt from federal income tax, including
individual retirement accounts and other retirement plans, are subject to federal income tax on
unrelated business taxable income. Virtually all of our income allocated to a unitholder that is a
tax-exempt organization will be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to it.
A regulated investment company, or mutual fund, is required to derive 90% or more of its
gross income from interest, dividends and gains from the sale of stocks or securities or foreign
currency or specified related sources. Recent legislation includes net income derived from the
ownership of an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership as qualified income to a
regulated investment company. We expect that we will meet the definition of a qualified publicly
traded partnership.
48
Non-resident aliens and foreign corporations, trusts or estates that own common units will be
considered to be engaged in business in the United States because of the ownership of common units.
As a consequence, they will be required to file federal tax returns to report their share of our
income, gain, loss or deduction and pay federal income tax at regular rates on their share of our
net income or gain. Moreover, under rules applicable to publicly traded partnerships, we will
withhold at the highest effective tax rate applicable to individuals from cash distributions made
quarterly to foreign unitholders. Each foreign unitholder must obtain a taxpayer identification
number from the IRS and submit that number to our transfer agent on a Form W-8 BEN or applicable
substitute form in order to obtain credit for the taxes withheld. A change in applicable law may
require us to change these procedures.
In addition, because a foreign corporation that owns common units will be treated as engaged
in a United States trade or business, that corporation may be subject to the United States branch
profits tax at a rate of 30%, in addition to regular federal income tax, on its share of our income
and gain, as adjusted for changes in the foreign corporations U.S. net equity, which are
effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade or business. That tax may be
reduced or eliminated by an income tax treaty between the United States and the country in which
the foreign corporate unitholder is a qualified resident. In addition, this type of unitholder is
subject to special information reporting requirements under Section 6038C of the Internal Revenue
Code.
Under a ruling of the IRS, a foreign unitholder who sells or otherwise disposes of a unit will
be subject to federal income tax on gain realized on the sale or disposition of that unit to the
extent that this gain is effectively connected with a United States trade or business of the
foreign unitholder. Apart from the ruling, a foreign unitholder will not be taxed or subject to
withholding upon the sale or disposition of a unit if he has owned less than 5% in value of the
common units during the five-year period ending on the date of the disposition and if the common
units are regularly traded on an established securities market at the time of the sale or
disposition.
Administrative Matters
Information Returns and Audit Procedures. We intend to furnish to each unitholder, within 90
days after the close of each calendar year, specific tax information, including a Schedule K-1,
which describes his share of our income, gain, loss and deduction for our preceding taxable year.
In preparing this information, which generally will not be reviewed by counsel, we will take
various accounting and reporting positions, some of which have been mentioned earlier, to determine
each unitholders share of income, gain, loss and deduction. We cannot assure you that any of those
positions will yield a result that conforms to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code,
Treasury Regulations or administrative interpretations of the IRS. Any challenge by the IRS could
negatively affect the value of the common units.
The IRS may audit our federal income tax information returns. Adjustments resulting from an
IRS audit may require each unitholder to adjust a prior years tax liability, and possibly may
result in an audit of his return. Any audit of a unitholders return could result in adjustments
not related to our returns as well as those related to our returns.
Partnerships generally are treated as separate entities for purposes of federal tax audits,
judicial review of administrative adjustments by the IRS and tax settlement proceedings. The tax
treatment of partnership items of income, gain, loss and deduction are determined in a partnership
proceeding rather than in separate proceedings with the partners. The Internal Revenue Code
requires that one partner be designated as the Tax Matters Partner for these purposes. The
partnership agreement names our general partner as our Tax Matters Partner.
The Tax Matters Partner has made and will make some elections on our behalf and on behalf of
unitholders. In addition, the Tax Matters Partner can extend the statute of limitations for
assessment of tax deficiencies against unitholders for items in our returns. The Tax Matters
Partner may bind a unitholder with less than a 1% profits interest in us to a settlement with the
IRS unless that unitholder elects, by filing a statement with the IRS, not to give that authority
to the Tax Matters Partner. The Tax Matters Partner may seek judicial review, by which all the
unitholders are bound, of a final partnership administrative adjustment and, if the Tax Matters
Partner fails to seek judicial review, judicial review may be sought by any unitholder having at
least a 1% interest in profits or by any group of unitholders having in the aggregate at least a 5%
interest in profits. However, only one action for judicial review will go forward, and each
unitholder with an interest in the outcome may participate.
49
A unitholder must file a statement with the IRS identifying the treatment of any item on his
federal income tax return that is not consistent with the treatment of the item on our return.
Intentional or negligent disregard of this consistency requirement may subject a unitholder to
substantial penalties.
Nominee Reporting. Persons who hold an interest in us as a nominee for another person are
required to furnish us with the following information:
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the name, address and taxpayer identification number of the beneficial owner and the nominee; |
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whether the beneficial owner is: |
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a person that is not a United States person; |
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(2) |
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a foreign government, an international organization or any wholly owned
agency or instrumentality of either of the foregoing; or |
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a tax-exempt entity; |
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the amount and description of common units held, acquired or transferred for the
beneficial owner; and |
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specific information including the dates of acquisitions and transfers, means of
acquisitions and transfers, and acquisition cost for purchases, as well as the amount
of net proceeds from sales. |
Brokers and financial institutions are required to furnish additional information, including
whether they are United States persons and specific information on common units they acquire, hold
or transfer for their own account. A penalty of $50 per failure, up to a maximum of $100,000 per
calendar year, is imposed by the Internal Revenue Code for failure to report that information to
us. The nominee is required to supply the beneficial owner of the common units with the information
furnished to us.
Accuracy-related Penalties. An additional tax equal to 20% of the amount of any portion of an
underpayment of tax that is attributable to one or more specified causes, including negligence or
disregard of rules or regulations, substantial understatements of income tax and substantial
valuation misstatements, is imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. No penalty will be imposed,
however, for any portion of an underpayment if it is shown that there was a reasonable cause for
that portion and that the taxpayer acted in good faith regarding that portion.
A substantial understatement of income tax in any taxable year exists if the amount of the
understatement exceeds the greater of 10% of the tax required to be shown on the return for the
taxable year or $5,000 ($10,000 for most corporations). The amount of any understatement subject to
penalty generally is reduced if any portion is attributable to a position adopted on the return:
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for which there is, or was, substantial authority; or |
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as to which there is a reasonable basis and the pertinent facts of that position are
disclosed on the return. |
More stringent rules apply to tax shelters, a term that in this context does not appear to
include us. If any item of income, gain, loss or deduction included in the distributive shares of
unitholders might result in that kind of an understatement of income for which no substantial
authority exists, we must disclose the pertinent facts on our return. In addition, we will make a
reasonable effort to furnish sufficient information for unitholders to make adequate disclosure on
their returns to avoid liability for this penalty.
A substantial valuation misstatement exists if the value of any property, or the adjusted
basis of any property, claimed on a tax return is 200% or more of the amount determined to be the
correct amount of the valuation or adjusted basis. No penalty is imposed unless the portion of the
underpayment attributable to a
50
substantial valuation misstatement exceeds $5,000 ($10,000 for most corporations). If the
valuation claimed on a return is 400% or more than the correct valuation, the penalty imposed
increases to 40%.
State, Local, Foreign and Other Tax Consequences
In addition to federal income taxes, you will be subject to other taxes, including state,
local and foreign income taxes, unincorporated business taxes, and estate, inheritance or
intangible taxes that may be imposed by the various jurisdictions in which we do business or own
property or in which you are a resident. Although an analysis of those various taxes is not
presented here, each prospective unitholder should consider their potential impact on his
investment in us. We own property or do business in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama. We may also own property or do business in other jurisdictions
in the future. Although you may not be required to file a return and pay taxes in some
jurisdictions because your income from that jurisdiction falls below the filing and payment
requirement, you will be required to file income tax returns and to pay income taxes in many of
these jurisdictions in which we do business or own property and may be subject to penalties for
failure to comply with those requirements. In some jurisdictions, tax losses may not produce a tax
benefit in the year incurred and may not be available to offset income in subsequent taxable years.
Some of the jurisdictions may require us, or we may elect, to withhold a percentage of income from
amounts to be distributed to a unitholder who is not a resident of the jurisdiction. Withholding,
the amount of which may be greater or less than a particular unitholders income tax liability to
the jurisdiction, generally does not relieve a nonresident unitholder from the obligation to file
an income tax return. Amounts withheld will be treated as if distributed to unitholders for
purposes of determining the amounts distributed by us. Please read Tax Consequences of Unit
OwnershipEntity-Level Collections above. Based on current law and our estimate of our future
operations, we anticipate that any amounts required to be withheld will not be material.
It is the responsibility of each unitholder to investigate the legal and tax consequences,
under the laws of pertinent jurisdictions, of his investment in us. Accordingly, each prospective
unitholder is urged to consult his tax counsel or other advisor with regard to those matters.
Further, it is the responsibility of each unitholder to file all state, local and foreign, as well
as United States federal tax returns, that may be required of him. Baker Botts L.L.P. has not
rendered an opinion on the state, local or foreign tax consequences of an investment in us.
Tax Consequences of Ownership of Debt Securities
A description of the material federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership
and disposition of debt securities will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the
offering of the debt securities.
51
INVESTMENT IN US BY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
An equity investment in us by an employee benefit plan is subject to additional considerations
because the investments of such plans are subject to the fiduciary responsibility and prohibited
transaction provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
(ERISA), and restrictions imposed by Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code. For these
purposes, the term employee benefit plan includes, but is not limited to, qualified pension,
profit-sharing and stock bonus plans established or maintained by an employer or employee
organization and IRAs. Among other things, consideration should be given to:
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whether the investment is prudent under Section 404(a)(1)(B) of ERISA; |
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whether in making the investment, the employee benefit plan will satisfy the
diversification requirements of Section 404(a)(l)(C) of ERISA; and |
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whether the investment will result in recognition of unrelated business taxable
income by the employee benefit plan and, if so, the potential after-tax investment
return. |
The person with investment discretion with respect to the assets of an employee benefit plan,
often called a fiduciary, should determine whether an investment in us is authorized by the
appropriate governing instruments and is a proper investment for the employee benefit plan.
Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code prohibit employee benefit
plans from engaging in specified transactions involving plan assets with parties that are
parties in interest under ERISA or disqualified persons under the Internal Revenue Code with
respect to the employee benefit plan.
In addition to considering whether the purchase of common units is a prohibited transaction, a
fiduciary of an employee benefit plan should consider whether the plan will, by investing in us, be
deemed to own an undivided interest in our assets, with the result that our general partner also
would be a fiduciary of the plan and our operations would be subject to the regulatory restrictions
of ERISA, including its prohibited transaction rules, as well as the prohibited transaction rules
of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Department of Labor has issued a regulation (the Plan Assets Regulation) that provides
guidance with respect to whether the assets of an entity in which employee benefit plans acquire
equity interests would be deemed plan assets under some circumstances. Under the Plan Assets
Regulation, an entitys assets would not be considered to be plan assets if, among other things:
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the equity interests acquired by employee benefit plans are publicly offered
securities; i.e., the equity interests are held by 100 or more investors independent of
the issuer and of each other, freely transferable and registered under certain
provisions of the Federal securities laws; |
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the entity is an operating company; i.e., it is primarily engaged in the production
or sale of a product or service other than the investment of capital either directly or
through a majority owned subsidiary or subsidiaries; or |
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equity investment in the entity by benefit plan investors is not significant, which
means that less than 25% of the value of each class of equity interest, disregarding
interests held by the issuer, its affiliates, and some other persons, is held by
employee benefit plans and certain other plans not subject to ERISA, including
governmental plans. |
Our assets should not be considered plan assets under the Plan Assets Regulation because it
is expected that the common units will constitute publicly-offered securities, within the meaning
of the first bullet point above.
Plan fiduciaries contemplating a purchase of common units should consult with their own counsel
regarding the consequences under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code in light of the serious
penalties imposed on persons who engage in prohibited transactions or other violations.
52
SELLING UNITHOLDERS
This prospectus covers the offering for resale from time to time of up to 1,495,410 common
units representing limited partner interests of Crosstex Energy, L.P. by the selling unitholders
identified below. In June 2005, the selling unitholders acquired 1,495,410 senior subordinated
units that will automatically convert into the common units, on a one-for-one basis, on February
24, 2006. The selling unitholders may sell the common units underlying the senior subordinated
units at any time following the conversion. The following table sets forth information relating to
the selling unitholders beneficial ownership of our common units (assuming conversion of the
senior subordinated units) as of August 15, 2005.
No offer or sale may be made by a unitholder unless that unitholder is listed in the table
below, in a supplement to this prospectus or in an amendment to the related registration statement.
We will supplement or amend this prospectus to include additional selling unitholders upon request
and upon provision of all required information to us, subject to the terms of our partnership
agreement and the Senior Subordinated Unit Purchase Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement,
each dated as of June 24, 2005, between us and the initial purchasers of the senior subordinated
units. The selling unitholders may sell all, some or none of the common units covered by this
prospectus. See Plan of Distribution. We will bear all costs, expenses and fees in connection
with the registration of the common units offered by this prospectus. Brokerage commissions and
similar selling expenses, if any, attributable to the sale of the common units will be borne by the
selling unitholders.
The following table sets forth the name of each selling unitholder, the amount of our common
units beneficially owned and the percentage of common units outstanding owned by each selling
unitholder prior to the offering (assuming conversion of all senior subordinated units), the number
of common units being offered for each selling unitholders account, and the amount to be owned and
the percentage of common units outstanding owned by each selling unitholder after completion of the
offering (assuming that the selling unitholders sell all of the common units covered by this
prospectus). The selling unitholders have held no position or office or had any other material
relationship with us or any of our affiliates or predecessors, other than as a unitholder, during
the past three years.
We prepared the table based on information supplied to us by the selling unitholders. We have
not sought to verify such information. Additionally, some or all of the selling unitholders may
have sold or transferred some or all of their common units in exempt or non-exempt transactions,
since the date on which the information in the table was provided to us. Other information about
the selling unitholders may also change over time.
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Common Units |
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Common |
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Common Units |
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Owned Prior to Offering |
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Units |
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Owned After Offering |
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Common |
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Being |
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Common |
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Name of Selling Unitholder |
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Units |
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Percent1 |
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Offered |
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Units |
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Percent |
Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company 2 |
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1,286,437 |
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12.47 |
% |
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1,046,787 |
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239,650 |
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2.32 |
% |
Tortoise Energy Capital Corporation |
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289,114 |
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2.80 |
% |
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288,614 |
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500 |
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* |
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Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation |
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160,009 |
|
|
|
1.55 |
% |
|
|
160,009 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,735,560 |
|
|
|
16.82 |
% |
|
|
1,495,410 |
|
|
|
240,150 |
|
|
|
2.32 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1%. |
|
1 |
|
Percentage ownership is based on the total common units of Crosstex Energy, L.P. outstanding
as of August 15, 2005, which was 10,313,056 (assuming conversion of all senior subordinated
units). |
|
2 |
|
As of August 15, 2005. Does not include 436,060 common units owned by Kayne Anderson Capital
Advisors, L.P., an affiliate of Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company. |
53
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We are registering the common units on behalf of the selling unitholders. As used in this
prospectus, selling unitholders includes donees and pledgees selling common units received from a
named selling unitholder after the date of this prospectus.
Under this prospectus, the selling unitholders intend to offer our securities to the public:
|
|
|
through one or more broker-dealers; |
|
|
|
|
through underwriters; and |
|
|
|
|
directly to investors. |
The selling unitholders may price the common units offered from time to time:
|
|
|
at market prices prevailing at the time of any sale under this registration statement; |
|
|
|
|
at prices related to market prices; or |
|
|
|
|
at negotiated prices. |
We will pay the costs and expenses of the registration and offering of the common units
offered hereby. We will not pay any underwriting fees, discounts and selling commissions allocable
to each selling unitholders sale of its respective common units, which will be paid by the selling
unitholders. Broker-dealers may act as agent or may purchase securities as principal and thereafter
resell the securities from time to time:
|
|
|
in or through one or more transactions (which may involve crosses and block
transactions) or distributions; |
|
|
|
|
on the Nasdaq National Market; |
|
|
|
|
in the over-the-counter market; or |
|
|
|
|
in private transactions. |
Broker-dealers or underwriters may receive compensation in the form of underwriting discounts
or commissions and may receive commissions from purchasers of the securities for whom they may act
as agents. If any broker-dealer purchases the securities as principal, it may effect resales of the
securities from time to time to or through other broker-dealers, and other broker-dealers may
receive compensation in the form of concessions or commissions from the purchasers of securities
for whom they may act as agents.
To the extent required, the names of the specific managing underwriter or underwriters, if
any, as well as other important information, will be set forth in prospectus supplements. In that
event, the discounts and commissions the selling unitholders will allow or pay to the underwriters,
if any, and the discounts and commissions the underwriters may allow or pay to dealers or agents,
if any, will be set forth in, or may be calculated from, the prospectus supplements. Any
underwriters, brokers, dealers and agents who participate in any sale of the securities may also
engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us or our affiliates in the ordinary course
of their businesses.
In addition, the selling unitholders have advised us that they may sell common units in
compliance with Rule 144, if available, or pursuant to other available exemptions from the
registration requirements under the Securities Act, rather than pursuant to this prospectus.
To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time to
describe a specific plan of distribution.
54
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered in this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Baker
Botts L.L.P., Dallas, Texas. Baker Botts L.L.P. will also render an opinion on the material
federal income tax considerations regarding the securities. The selling unitholders counsel will
advise them about other issues relating to the offering. If certain legal matters in connection
with an offering of the securities made by this prospectus and a related prospectus supplement are
passed on by counsel for the underwriters of such offering, that counsel will be named in the
applicable prospectus supplement related to that offering.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement schedule of Crosstex
Energy , L.P. and subsidiaries (the Partnership) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for each of
the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, and managements assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, have been
incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered
public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
The audit report on managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2004, contains an explanatory paragraph that states that the Partnership acquired the
remaining outside limited and general partnership interests of Crosstex Pipeline Partners (CPP)
during 2004, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Partnerships
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31. 2004, CPPs internal control over
financial reporting associated with total assets of $5,203,000 and total revenues of $0, included
in the consolidated financial statements of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and subsidiaries as of and for
the year ended December 31, 2004. The audit of internal control over financial reporting of the
Partnership also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of CPP.
55
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 that
registers the securities offered by this prospectus. The registration statement, including the
attached exhibits, contains additional relevant information about us. The rules and regulations of
the SEC allow us to omit some information included in the registration statement from this
prospectus.
In addition, we file annual, quarterly and other reports and other information with the SEC.
You may read and copy any document we file at the SECs public reference room at 100 F Street,
N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-732-0330 for further information on the
operation of the SECs public reference room. Our SEC filings are available on the SECs web site
at http://www.sec.gov. We also make available free of charge on our website, at
http://www.crosstexenergy.com, all materials that we file electronically with the SEC, including
our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K,
Section 16 reports and amendments to these reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such
materials are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Information contained on our
website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and does not
constitute a part of this prospectus.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we have filed with the SEC.
This means that we can disclose important information to you without actually including the
specific information in this prospectus by referring you to other documents filed separately with
the SEC. These other documents contain important information about us, our financial condition and
results of operations. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this
prospectus. Information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and may replace
information in this prospectus and information previously filed with the SEC.
We incorporate by reference in this prospectus the documents listed below:
|
|
|
our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed on
March 15, 2005; |
|
|
|
|
our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2005 and June
30, 2005, filed on May 13, 2005 and August 8, 2005, respectively; |
|
|
|
|
our current reports on Form 8-K filed on April 6, 2005, May 6, 2005, June 24, 2005,
June 28, 2005 August 9, 2005 and August 11, 2005 (in each case to the extent filed and
not furnished); |
|
|
|
|
the description of our common units in our registration statement on Form 8-A (File
No. 000-50067) filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on November 4,
2002; and |
|
|
|
|
all documents filed by us under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or l5(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 between the date of this prospectus and the termination of the
registration statement. |
You may obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus from the SEC
through the SECs web site at the address provided above. You also may request a copy of any
document incorporated by reference in this prospectus (including exhibits to those documents
specifically incorporated by reference in this document), at no cost, by visiting our internet
website at www.crosstexenergy.com, or by writing or calling us at the following address:
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
2501 Cedar Springs, Suite 100
Dallas, Texas 75201
Attention: Kathie Keller
Telephone: (214) 953-9500
56
APPENDIX A
Glossary of Terms
adjusted operating surplus: For any period, operating surplus generated during that period is
adjusted to:
|
(a) |
|
decrease operating surplus by: |
|
(1) |
|
any net increase in working capital borrowings with respect to
that period; and |
|
|
(2) |
|
any net reduction in cash reserves for operating expenditures
with respect to that period not relating to an operating expenditure made
during that period; and |
|
(b) |
|
increase operating surplus by: |
|
(1) |
|
any net decrease in working capital borrowings with respect to
that period; and |
|
|
(2) |
|
any net increase in cash reserves for operating expenditures
with respect to that period required by any debt instrument for the repayment
of principal, interest or premium. |
Adjusted operating surplus does not include that portion of operating surplus included in
clause (a) (1) or the definition of operating surplus.
available cash: For any quarter ending prior to liquidation:
|
(1) |
|
all cash and cash equivalents of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and its
subsidiaries on hand at the end of that quarter; and |
|
|
(2) |
|
all additional cash and cash equivalents of Crosstex Energy,
L.P. and its subsidiaries on hand on the date of determination of available
cash for that quarter resulting from working capital borrowings made after the
end of that quarter; |
|
(b) |
|
less the amount of cash reserves that is necessary or appropriate in the
reasonable discretion of the general partner to |
|
(1) |
|
provide for the proper conduct of the business of Crosstex
Energy, L.P. and its subsidiaries (including reserves for future capital
expenditures and for future credit needs Crosstex Energy, L.P. and its
subsidiaries ) after that quarter; |
|
|
(2) |
|
comply with applicable law or any debt instrument or other
agreement or obligation to which Crosstex Energy, L.P. or any of its
subsidiaries is a party or its assets are subject; and |
|
|
(3) |
|
provide funds for minimum quarterly distributions and
cumulative common unit arrearages for any one or more of the next four
quarters; |
provided, however, that the general partner may not establish cash reserves for distributions
to the subordinated units unless the general partner has determined that, in its judgment, the
establishment of reserves will not prevent Crosstex Energy, L.P. from distributing the minimum
quarterly distribution on all common units and any cumulative common unit arrearages thereon for
the next four quarters; and
provided, further, that disbursements made by Crosstex Energy, L.P. or any of its subsidiaries
or cash reserves established, increased or reduced after the end of that quarter but on or before
the date of determination of
A-1
available cash for that quarter shall be deemed to have been made, established, increased or
reduced, for purposes of determining available cash, within that quarter if the general partner so
determines.
btu: British Thermal Units.
capital account: The capital account maintained for a partner under the partnership
agreement. The capital account of a partner for a common unit, a subordinated unit, or any other
partnership interest will be the amount which that capital account would be if that common unit,
subordinated unit, incentive distribution right or other partnership interest were the only
interest in Crosstex Energy, L.P. held by a partner.
capital surplus: All available cash distributed by us from any source will be treated as
distributed from operating surplus until the sum of all available cash distributed since the
closing of the initial public offering equals the operating surplus as of the end of the quarter
before that distribution. Any excess available cash will be deemed to be capital surplus.
closing price: The last sale price on a day, regular way, or in case no sale takes place on
that day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on that day, regular way. In either case,
as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system for securities listed or
admitted to trading on the principal national securities exchange on which the units of that class
are listed or admitted to trading. If the units of that class are not listed or admitted to trading
on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price on that day. If no quoted price exists,
the average of the high bid and low asked prices on that day in the over-the-counter market, as
reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market or any other system then in use. If on any day the units of
that class are not quoted by any organization of that type, the average of the closing bid and
asked prices on that day as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in the units
of the class selected by the general partner. If on that day no market maker is making a market in
the units of that class, the fair value of the units on that day as determined reasonably and in
good faith by the general partner.
common unit arrearage: The amount by which the minimum quarterly distribution for a quarter
during the subordination period exceeds the distribution of available cash from operating surplus
actually made for that quarter on a common unit, cumulative for that quarter and all prior quarters
during the subordination period.
current market price: For any class of units listed or admitted to trading on any national
securities exchange as of any date, the average of the daily closing prices for the 20 consecutive
trading days immediately prior to that date.
incentive distribution right: A non-voting limited partner partnership interest issued to the
general partner in connection with the formation of the partnership. The partnership interest will
confer upon its holder only the rights and obligations specifically provided in the partnership
agreement for incentive distribution rights.
incentive distributions: The distributions of available cash from operating surplus initially
made to the general partner that are in excess of the general partners aggregate 2% general
partner interest.
interim capital transactions: The following transactions if they occur prior to liquidation:
|
(a) |
|
borrowings, refinancings or refundings of indebtedness and sales of debt
securities (other than for working capital borrowings and other than for items
purchased on open account in the ordinary course of business) by Crosstex Energy, L.P.
or any of its subsidiaries; |
|
|
(b) |
|
sales of equity interests by Crosstex Energy, L.P. or any of its subsidiaries; |
|
|
(c) |
|
sales or other voluntary or involuntary dispositions of any assets of Crosstex
Energy, L.P. or any of its subsidiaries (other than sales or other dispositions of
inventory, accounts receivable and other assets in the ordinary course of business, and
sales or other dispositions of assets as a part of normal retirements or replacements). |
A-2
MMBtu: One million British Thermal Units.
NGLs: Natural gas liquids which consist primarily of ethane, propane, isobutane, normal
butane and natural gas.
operating expenditures: All expenditures of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and our subsidiaries,
including, but not limited to, taxes, reimbursements of the general partner, repayment of working
capital borrowings, debt service payments and capital expenditures, subject to the following:
|
(a) |
|
Payments (including prepayments) of principal of and premium on indebtedness,
other than working capital borrowings will not constitute operating expenditures. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Operating expenditures will not include: |
|
(1) |
|
capital expenditures made for acquisitions or for capital
improvements; |
|
|
(2) |
|
payment of transaction expenses relating to interim capital
transactions; or |
|
|
(3) |
|
distributions to partners. |
operating surplus: For any period prior to liquidation, on a cumulative basis and without
duplication:
|
(1) |
|
$8.9 million plus all the cash of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and its
subsidiaries on hand as of the closing date of our initial public offering; |
|
|
(2) |
|
all cash receipts of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and our subsidiaries
for the period beginning on the closing date of our initial public offering and
ending with the last day of that period, other than cash receipts from interim
capital transactions; and |
|
|
(3) |
|
all cash receipts of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and our subsidiaries
after the end of that period but on or before the date of determination of
operating surplus for the period resulting from working capital borrowings;
less |
|
(1) |
|
operating expenditures for the period beginning on the closing
date of our initial public offering and ending with the last day of that
period; and |
|
|
(2) |
|
the amount of cash reserves that is necessary or advisable in
the reasonable discretion of the general partner to provide funds for future
operating expenditures; provided however, that disbursements made (including
contributions to a member of Crosstex Energy, L.P. and our subsidiaries or
disbursements on behalf of a member of Crosstex Energy, L.P., and our
subsidiaries ) or cash reserves established, increased or reduced after the end
of that period but on or before the date of determination of available cash for
that period shall be deemed to have been made, established, increased or
reduced for purposes of determining operating surplus, within that period if
the general partner so determines. |
subordination period: The subordination period will generally extend from the closing of the
initial public offering until the first to occur of:
|
(a) |
|
the first day of any quarter on or after December 31, 2007 for which: |
A-3
|
(1) |
|
distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each
of the outstanding common units and subordinated units equaled or exceeded the
sum of the minimum quarterly distribution on all of the outstanding common
units and subordinated units for each of the three consecutive non-overlapping
four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date; |
|
|
(2) |
|
the adjusted operating surplus generated during each of the
three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding
that date equaled or exceeded the sum of the minimum quarterly distribution on
all of the common units and subordinated units that were outstanding during
those periods on a fully-diluted basis, and the related distribution on the
general partner interests in Crosstex Energy, L.P.; and |
|
|
(3) |
|
there are no outstanding cumulative common units arrearages. |
|
(b) |
|
the date on which the general partner is removed as general partner of Crosstex
Energy, L.P. upon the requisite vote by the limited partners under circumstances where
cause does not exist and units held by the general partner and its affiliates are not
voted in favor of the removal. |
throughput: The volume of gas transported or passing through a pipeline or other facility.
units: refers to both common units and subordinated units, but not the general partner
interest.
working capital borrowings: Borrowings exclusively for working capital purposes made pursuant
to a credit facility or other arrangement requiring all borrowings thereunder to be reduced to a
relatively small amount each year for an economically meaningful period of time.
A-4
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
Set forth below are the expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) expected
to be incurred in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities registered
hereby. With the exception of the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee, the amounts
set forth below are estimates:
|
|
|
|
|
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee |
|
$ |
6,794 |
|
Legal Fees and Expenses |
|
|
50,000 |
|
Accounting Fees and Expenses |
|
|
25,000 |
|
Printing and Engraving Expenses |
|
|
15,000 |
|
Miscellaneous |
|
|
3,206 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Subject to any terms, conditions or restrictions set forth in a partnership agreement, Section
17-108 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act empowers a Delaware limited
partnership to indemnify and hold harmless any partner or other persons from and against all claims
and demands whatsoever.
The partnership agreement of Crosstex Energy, L.P. provides that the partnership will, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify (i) its general partner, (ii) any departing general
partner, (iii) any person who is or was an affiliate of its general partner or any departing
general partner, (iv) any person who is or was a member, partner, officer, director, employee,
agent or trustee of any Group Member (as defined therein), its general partner or any departing
general partner or any affiliate of any Group Member, its general partner or any departing general
partner or (v) any person who is or was serving at the request of its general partner or any
departing general partner or any affiliate of its general partner or any departing general partner
as an officer, director, employee, member, partner, agent, fiduciary or trustee of another person
(each, an Indemnitee) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or
several, expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest,
settlements or other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or
proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which any Indemnitee may
be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of its status as
an Indemnitee; provided that in each case the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner that
such Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in, or (in the case of a person other than the general
partner) not opposed to, the best interests of each partnership and, with respect to any criminal
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe its conduct was unlawful.
Any indemnification under these provisions will only be out of the assets of the partnership.
The general partner shall not be personally liable for, or have any obligation to contribute or
loan any monies or property to the partnership to enable it to effectuate, such indemnification.
The partnership may purchase (or reimburse its general partner or its affiliates for the cost of)
insurance against liabilities asserted against and expenses incurred by such persons in connection
with the partnerships activities, regardless of whether the partnership would have the power to
indemnify such person against liabilities under its partnership agreement.
Crosstex Energy, L.P. has entered into indemnification agreements (the Indemnification
Agreements) with its directors and executive officers (collectively, the Indemnitees). Under
the terms of the Indemnification Agreements, the Company has agreed to indemnify each Indemnitee
(i) if such person is, by reason of his or her status as an employee, director and/or officer of
Crosstex Energy GP, LLC or a director, officer, employee or agent of any other corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise with which such person
was serving at the request of Crosstex Energy, L.P. (any such status being referred to as a
Corporate Status), made or threatened to be made a party to or otherwise involved in any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative, arbitrative or investigative, any appeal in such an action, suit or proceeding, and
any inquiry or investigation that could lead to such an action, suit or proceeding irrespective of
the initiator thereof (each, a Proceeding), other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the
II-1
Company; (ii) if such person is, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, made or threatened to be
made a party to any Proceeding brought by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in
its favor, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter in
such Proceeding as to which such Indemnitee shall have been adjudged to be liable to Crosstex
Energy, L.P., unless and only to the extent that a court shall otherwise determine; (iii) against
expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person or on his or her behalf in connection with
any Proceeding to which such Indemnitee was or is a party by reason of his or her Corporate Status
and in which such Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise; (iv) against expenses
actually and reasonably incurred by such person or on his or her behalf in connection with a
Proceeding to the extent that such Indemnitee is, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, a
witness in any Proceeding to which such person is not a party; (v) against costs or expenses
(including attorneys fees and disbursements) incurred by Indemnitee in cooperating with any
person, persons or entity determining whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification; and (vi)
against any and all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such Indemnitee in any judicial
adjudication of his or her rights under the Indemnification Agreements, but only if (and only to
the extent) he or she prevails therein. To the extent that a change in the laws of the State of
Delaware permits greater indemnification or advancement of expenses than would be afforded under
the Indemnification Agreements as of the date of the Indemnification Agreements, the Indemnitee
shall enjoy the greater benefits so afforded by such change.
In addition, under the terms of the Indemnification Agreements, Crosstex Energy, L.P. has
agreed to pay all reasonable expenses incurred by an Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding
in advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding no later than 10 days after receipt by
Crosstex Energy, L.P. of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay such amount to
the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by
Crosstex Energy, L.P.
The Indemnification Agreements also include provisions that specify the procedures and
presumptions that are to be employed to determine whether an Indemnitee is entitled to
indemnification thereunder. In some cases, the nature of the procedures specified in the
Indemnification Agreements varies depending on whether there has occurred a Change in Control (as
defined in the Indemnification Agreements) of Crosstex Energy, L.P.
Item 16. Exhibits.
|
(a) |
|
Exhibits. The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Registration Statement: |
|
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Limited Partnership of Crosstex Energy, L.P. (the Registrant)
(filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File
No. 333-97779), filed on August 7, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
|
|
Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Crosstex Energy,
L.P., dated as of June 24, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrants Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on June 24, 2005 (File No. 000-50067) and incorporated
herein by reference). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Limited Partnership of Crosstex Energy GP, L.P. (filed as Exhibit
3.5 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-97779),
filed on August 7, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
|
Agreement of Limited Partnership of Crosstex Energy GP, L.P., dated as of July 12,
2002 (filed as Exhibit 3.6 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 333-97779), filed on August 7, 2002 and incorporated herein by
reference). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Formation of Crosstex Energy GP, LLC (filed as Exhibit 3.7 to the
Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-97779), filed on
August 7, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
|
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Crosstex Energy GP,
LLC, dated as of December 17, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 3.8 to the Registrants
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-106927), filed on July 10, 2003
and incorporated herein by reference). |
II-2
|
|
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
|
|
Specimen Unit Certificate for the
common units (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrants
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-97779), filed on August 7, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
Senior Subordinated Unit Purchase Agreement, by and among Crosstex Energy, L.P.,
Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company, Tortoise Energy Capital Corporation and
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the
Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 24, 2005 (File No. 000-50067)
and incorporated herein by reference). |
|
|
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
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Registration Rights Agreement, by and among Crosstex Energy, L.P., Kayne Anderson
MLP Investment Company, Tortoise Energy Capital Corporation and Tortoise Energy
Infrastructure Corporation (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrants Current Report
on Form 8-K filed on June 24, 2005 (File No. 000-50067) and incorporated herein by
reference). |
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5.1
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Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. as to the legality of the securities being registered. |
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8.1
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Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. relating to tax matters. |
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23.1
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Consent of KPMG LLP. |
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23.2
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Consent of Baker Botts L.L.P. (contained in Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1). |
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24.1
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Power of Attorney (included on the signature page hereof). |
Item 17. Undertakings.
I. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities
Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the
total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered)
and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range
may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to
Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more
than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
Calculation of Registration Fee table in the effective registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material
change to such information in the registration statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (i) and (ii) above do not apply if the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in
periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by
reference in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities
II-3
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the
securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
II. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrants annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable,
each filing of an employee benefit plans annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
III. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may
be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
provisions described in Item 15 above, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy
as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
IV. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement
in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant
pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be
part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrants
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Dallas, State of Texas, on September 13,
2005.
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CROSSTEX ENERGY, L.P. |
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By: |
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Crosstex Energy GP, L.P., |
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its General Partner |
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By: |
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Crosstex Energy GP, L.L.C., |
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its General Partner |
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By:
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/s/ William W. Davis |
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Name: William W. Davis |
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Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Barry E. Davis and
William W. Davis, and each of them, any of whom may act without the joinder of the other, as his
lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power or substitution and resubstitution for him in
any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments or post-effective amendments to this
registration statement, or any registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective
upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the
same, with exhibits hereto and other documents in connection therewith or in connection with the
registration of the securities under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority
to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such
matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact and agents or his
substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration
Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated below.
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Signature |
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Title |
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Date |
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/s/ Barry E. Davis
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President, Chief Executive Officer and
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September 13, 2005 |
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Barry E. Davis
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Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
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/s/ Rhys J. Best
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Director
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September 13, 2005 |
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Rhys J. Best |
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/s/ Frank M. Burke
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Director
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September 13, 2005 |
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Frank M. Burke |
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/s/ C. Roland Haden
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Director
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September 13, 2005 |
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C. Roland Haden |
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/s/ Bryan H. Lawrence
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Chairman of the Board
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September 13, 2005 |
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Bryan H. Lawrence |
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/s/ Sheldon B. Lubar
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Director
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September 13, 2005 |
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Sheldon B. Lubar |
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/s/ Robert F. Murchison
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Director
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September 13, 2005 |
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Robert F. Murchison |
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/s/ Stephen A. Wells
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Director
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September 13, 2005 |
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Stephen A. Wells |
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/s/ William W. Davis
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Executive Vice President and Chief
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September 13, 2005 |
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William W. Davis
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Financial Officer (Principal Financial and
Accounting officer) |
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II-6
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
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Exhibit |
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Number |
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Description |
4.1
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Certificate of Limited Partnership of Crosstex Energy, L.P. (the Registrant)
(filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File
No. 333-97779), filed on August 7, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference). |
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4.2
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Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Crosstex Energy,
L.P., dated as of June 24, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrants Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on June 24, 2005 (File No. 000-50067) and incorporated
herein by reference). |
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4.3
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Certificate of Limited Partnership of Crosstex Energy GP, L.P. (filed as Exhibit
3.5 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-97779),
filed on August 7, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference). |
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4.4
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Agreement of Limited Partnership of Crosstex Energy GP, L.P., dated as of July 12,
2002 (filed as Exhibit 3.6 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 333-97779), filed on August 7, 2002 and incorporated herein by
reference). |
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4.5
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Certificate of Formation of Crosstex Energy GP, LLC (filed as Exhibit 3.7 to the
Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-97779), filed on
August 7, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference). |
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4.6
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Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Crosstex Energy GP,
LLC, dated as of December 17, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 3.8 to the Registrants
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-106927), filed on July 10, 2003
and incorporated herein by reference). |
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4.7
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Specimen Unit Certificate for the
common units (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrants
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-97779), filed on August 7, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference). |
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4.8
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Senior Subordinated Unit Purchase Agreement, by and among Crosstex Energy, L.P.,
Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company, Tortoise Energy Capital Corporation and
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the
Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 24, 2005 (File No. 000-50067)
and incorporated herein by reference). |
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4.9
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Registration Rights Agreement, by and among Crosstex Energy, L.P., Kayne Anderson
MLP Investment Company, Tortoise Energy Capital Corporation and Tortoise Energy
Infrastructure Corporation (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrants Current Report
on Form 8-K filed on June 24, 2005 (File No. 000-50067) and incorporated herein by
reference). |
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5.1
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Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. as to the legality of the securities being registered. |
|
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8.1
|
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Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. relating to tax matters. |
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23.1
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Consent of KPMG LLP. |
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23.2
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Consent of Baker Botts L.L.P. (contained in Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1). |
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24.1
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Power of Attorney (included on the signature page hereof). |
II-7