Form F-3
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2015

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM F-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Capital Product Partners L.P.

(as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

4412

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification of Code Number)

 

Republic of the Marshall Islands

3 Iassonos Street

Piraeus, 18537 Greece

Telephone: +30 210 458 4950

Not Applicable

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Address and telephone number of

registrant’s principal executive offices)

  (IRS Employer
Identification Number)

 

 

Corporation Service Company

1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 210

New York, NY 10036

Telephone: 800-927-9800

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 

 

With copies to:

Jay Clayton, Esq.

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, NY 10004

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

If only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.  ¨

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  x

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.  ¨

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.C. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  x

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.C. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ¨

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to Be Registered

 

Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate

Offering Price(1)

 

Amount of

Registration Fee(2)(3)

Common Units

  $   $

Preferred Units

       

Debt Securities(4)

       

Total

  $   $

 

 

(1) An indeterminate aggregate initial offering price and number of the securities of each listed class are being registered as may from time to time be offered at indeterminate prices or be issued on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities issued directly or on settlement of contracts or other agreements. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities or that are issued pursuant to contracts or other agreements.
(2) In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant is deferring payment of the registration fee and will pay any required registration fees subsequently in advance or on a pay-as-you-go basis.
(3) Pursuant to Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act, U.S. $19,080.26 on account with the SEC in connection with the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-177491, which has not been applied to the payment of registration fees for securities sold in the United States, will be carried over to this Registration Statement and may be applied to the payment of registration fees in respect of eventual sales of securities hereunder.
(4) Subject to note (1) above, an indeterminable amount of these securities may be senior or subordinated.

 

 

 


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PROSPECTUS

 

 

LOGO

Capital Product Partners L.P.

Common Units

Preferred Units

Debt Securities

 

 

We may, from time to time, offer to sell common units, preferred units or debt securities. We refer to our common units, preferred units and debt securities collectively as the “securities”. The securities we may offer may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for other securities. We may offer the securities separately or together, in separate series or classes and in amounts, at prices and on terms described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. In addition, this prospectus may be used, from time to time, to offer our common units for the account of selling unitholders. This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities. Each time we sell securities, or selling unitholders offer and sell our common units, the specific terms of the securities to be offered, and any other information relating to a specific offering, will be set forth in an amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or in a supplement to this prospectus, or may be set forth in one or more documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

We may offer and sell these securities, or selling unitholders may offer and sell our common units, to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, or through other means, on a continuous or delayed basis. If any underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities offered by this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them, will be set forth, or may be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement.

You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in any of our securities. You should also read the documents we refer to in the “Where You Can Find More Information” section for information about us and our financial statements. This prospectus may not be used to offer and sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of our common units by any selling unitholder.

Our common units trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “CPLP.”

 

 

Limited partnerships are inherently different from corporations. You should carefully consider each of the factors described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 10 of this prospectus before you make an investment in our securities.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is March 16, 2015


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     1   

CAPITAL PRODUCT PARTNERS L.P.

     2   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     3   

INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

     4   

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     6   

RISK FACTORS

     10   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     33   

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON UNITS

     34   

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS

     35   

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

     36   

SELLING UNITHOLDERS

     36   

MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     37   

NON-UNITED STATES TAX CONSEQUENCES

     48   

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     49   

SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

     49   

VALIDITY OF SECURITIES

     49   

EXPERTS

     49   

EXPENSES

     50   

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form F-3 that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, (a) we may sell from time to time any combination of the common units, preferred units or debt securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings and (b) selling unitholders may sell from time to time our common units in one or more offerings. This prospectus generally describes us and the securities that we or selling unitholders may offer. Each time we or selling unitholders offer securities with this prospectus, we will provide this prospectus and a prospectus supplement that will describe, among other things, the specific amounts and prices of the securities being offered and the terms of the offering, including the specific terms of the securities being offered. The prospectus supplement may also 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.

Unless otherwise indicated, the term “selling unitholders” as used in this prospectus means the selling unitholders referred to in this prospectus and their valid transferees. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this prospectus to “Capital Product Partners”, “we”, “us” and “our” and similar terms refer to Capital Product Partners L.P. and/or one or more of its subsidiaries. Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this prospectus to “dollars” and “$” are to, and amounts are presented in, U.S. Dollars, and financial information presented in this prospectus is prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or “GAAP”. References to our “Annual Report” are to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014 incorporated by reference herein.

You should read carefully this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, and the additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information”. You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with additional, different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell the securities in any jurisdiction where their offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus or information we previously filed with or furnished to the SEC that is incorporated by reference herein is accurate as of any date other than its respective date. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since such dates.

 

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CAPITAL PRODUCT PARTNERS L.P.

We are a limited partnership organized as Capital Product Partners L.P. (“CPLP”) under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands on January 16, 2007, by Capital Maritime & Trading Corp. (“Capital Maritime”), an international shipping company with a long history of operating and investing in the shipping market. We maintain our principal executive headquarters at 3 Iassonos Street, Piraeus, 18537 Greece and our telephone number is +30 210 4584 950.

We are an international owner of modern tanker, container and drybulk vessels. Our fleet of 30 high specification vessels (2.1 million dwt) with an average age of approximately 6.8 years as of December 31, 2014, consists of four Suezmax crude oil tankers, 18 modern medium range product tankers, all of which are classed as IMO II/III vessels, seven post-panamax container carrier vessels and one Capesize bulk carrier. Our vessels are capable of carrying a wide range of cargoes, including crude oil, refined oil products such as gasoline, diesel, fuel oil and jet fuel, edible oils and certain chemicals, such as ethanol, as well as dry cargo and containerized goods.

On April 3, 2007, we completed our initial public offering (the “IPO”) on the Nasdaq Global Select Market of 13,512,500 common units at a price of $21.50 per unit. Capital Ship Management Corp., a subsidiary of Capital Maritime (“Capital Ship Management” or the “Manager”), provides management and technical services in connection with our vessels under fixed or floating rate arrangements. Since the IPO we have increased the size of our fleet in terms of both number of vessels and carrying capacity, and Capital Maritime has granted us a right of first offer for any product or crude oil tankers with a carrying capacity greater than or equal to 30,000 dwt in its fleet. We intend to continue to make strategic acquisitions and to take advantage of our relationship with Capital Maritime. As of the date hereof, the Marinakis family, including Evangelos M. Marinakis, our former chairman, may be deemed to beneficially own on a fully converted basis a 17.6% and on a non-fully converted basis a 19.9% interest in us through its beneficial ownership of common units through, among others, Capital Maritime.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form F-3 that we filed with the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process or continuous offering process. We may, from time to time, offer to sell common units, preferred units or debt securities. Each time we sell securities, or selling unitholders offer and sell our common units, the specific terms of the securities to be offered, and any other information relating to a specific offering, will be set forth in an amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or in a supplement to this prospectus, or may be set forth in one or more documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

Any such amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or any such prospectus supplement, may include additional risk factors or other special considerations applicable to those securities and may also add, update, or change information in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in that amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or that prospectus supplement.

In addition, we are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), and, in accordance therewith, are required to file with the SEC annual reports on Form 20-F within four months of our fiscal year-end, and provide to the SEC other material information on Form 6-K. These reports and other information may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC or obtained from the SEC’s website as provided above.

As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Securities Exchange Act from, among other things, certain rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our directors and principal unitholders and the executive officers of our general partner are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, including the filing of quarterly reports or current reports on Form 8-K. However, we furnish or make available to our unitholders annual reports containing our audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and make available to our unitholders quarterly reports containing our unaudited interim financial information for the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year.

CPLP files annual reports with and furnishes other reports and information to the SEC. You may read and copy any document CPLP files with or furnishes to the SEC free of charge at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain documents CPLP files with or furnishes to the SEC on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. The address of the SEC’s website is provided solely for the information of prospective investors and is not intended to be an active link. Please visit the website or call the SEC at +1 (800) 732-0330 for further information about its public reference room. Reports and other information concerning the business of CPLP may also be inspected at the offices of the Nasdaq Global Select Market at One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway, New York, NY 10006.

We also make our periodic reports as well as other information filed with or furnished to the SEC available, free of charge, through our website, at www.capitalpplp.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports and other information are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.

 

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INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” certain information that we file with or furnish to the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you without actually including the specific information in this prospectus by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. With respect to this prospectus, information that we later file with or furnish to the SEC will automatically update and supersede information in this prospectus and information previously incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Each document incorporated by reference into this prospectus is current only as of the date of such document, and the incorporation by reference of such document is not intended to create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of the relevant document or that the information contained in such document is current as of any time subsequent to its date. Any statement contained in such incorporated documents is deemed to be modified or superseded for the purpose of this prospectus to the extent that a subsequent statement contained in another document that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus at a later date modifies or supersedes that statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below, which we have previously filed with or furnished to the SEC. These documents contain important information about us and our financial condition, business and results.

 

    Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (our “Annual Report”);

 

    Current Report on Form 6-K or Form 6-K/A furnished on February 26, 2015 (Announcement of New Charters for the M/T Amore Mio II and M/T Amoureux).

We are also incorporating by reference all subsequent annual reports on Form 20-F that we file with the SEC and certain Current Reports on Form 6-K that we furnish to the SEC after the date of this prospectus (if such Current Reports state that they are incorporated by reference into this prospectus) until we file a post-effective amendment indicating that the offering of the securities made by this prospectus has been terminated. In all cases, you should rely on the later information over different information included in this prospectus.

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with additional, different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell the securities in any jurisdiction where their offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus or information we previously filed with or furnished to the SEC that is incorporated by reference herein is accurate as of any date other than its respective date. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since such dates.

You may obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus from the SEC through its public reference facilities or its website at the addresses provided in the section of this prospectus captioned “Where You Can Find More Information”. You also may request a copy of any document incorporated by reference in this prospectus (excluding exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference in this document), at no cost by visiting our website at www.capitalpplp.com. The information contained on our website, or any other website, is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus and does not constitute a part of this prospectus. You may also make requests for such documents at no cost by writing or calling us at the following address:

Capital Product Partners L.P.

Investor Relations Representative

Nicolas Bornozis, President

Capital Link, Inc.

230 Park Avenue — Suite 1536

New York, NY 10160, USA

Tel: +1 212 661-7566

 

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In reviewing any agreements included as exhibits to the registration statement relating to the securities covered by this prospectus or to other SEC filings incorporated by reference into this prospectus, please be aware that these agreements are attached as exhibits to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about us or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements may contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement, which representations and warranties may have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and, as applicable:

 

    should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate;

 

    have been qualified by disclosures that may have been made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement;

 

    may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to you or other investors; and

 

    were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement (or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement) and are subject to more recent developments.

Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time and should not be relied upon by investors in considering whether to invest in our securities.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Our disclosure and analysis in this prospectus concerning our business, operations, cash flows, and financial position, including, in particular, the likelihood of our success in developing and expanding our business, include forward-looking statements. In addition, we and our representatives may from time to time make other oral or written statements which are also forward-looking statements. Such statements include, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in our business, financial condition and the markets in which we operate, and involve risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify the forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “likely”, “intend”, “forecast”, “believe”, “estimate”, “project”, “predict”, “propose”, “potential”, “continue”, “seek” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Although these statements are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable based upon available information, including projections of revenues, operating margins, earnings, cash flow, working capital and capital expenditures, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that are described more fully in this prospectus in the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 10 of this prospectus. These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this prospectus and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this prospectus and include statements with respect to, among other things:

 

    expectations regarding our ability to make distributions on the common units and our Class B Convertible Preferred Units (the “Class B Units”), which rank senior to the common units and receive distributions prior to any distributions on the common units;

 

    our ability to increase our distributions over time;

 

    global economic outlook and growth;

 

    shipping conditions and fundamentals, including the balance of supply and demand in the tanker, drybulk and container markets in which we operate, as well as trends and conditions in the newbuilding markets and scrapping of older vessels;

 

    increases or decreases in domestic or worldwide oil consumption;

 

    future supply of, and demand for, refined products and crude oil;

 

    future refined product and crude oil prices and production;

 

    our ability to operate in various new markets, including the tanker, drybulk and container carrier markets;

 

    tanker, drybulk and container carrier industry trends, including charter rates and factors affecting the chartering of vessels;

 

    our future financial condition or results of operations and our future revenues and expenses, including revenues from any profit sharing arrangements, and required levels of reserves;

 

    future levels of operating surplus and levels of distributions, as well as our future cash distribution policy;

 

    future charter hire rates and vessel values;

 

    anticipated future acquisitions of vessels from Capital Maritime and from third parties, including in respect of our rights of first refusal over six newbuild Samsung eco medium range product tankers being purchased by Capital Maritime;

 

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    anticipated future chartering arrangements with Capital Maritime and third parties;

 

    our ability to leverage to our advantage Capital Maritime’s relationships and reputation in the shipping industry;

 

    our ability to compete successfully for future chartering and newbuilding opportunities;

 

    our current and future business and growth strategies and other plans and objectives for future operations;

 

    our ability to access debt, credit and equity markets;

 

    changes in the availability and costs of funding due to conditions in the bank market, capital markets and other factors;

 

    our ability to refinance our debt and/or achieve further postponement of any amortization of our debt if necessary under the current terms of our credit facilities;

 

    the ability of our customers to meet their obligations under the terms of our charter agreements, including the timely payment of the rates under the agreements;

 

    the financial viability and sustainability of our customers;

 

    changes in interest rates and any interest rate hedging practices in which we may engage;

 

    the debt amortization payments and repayment of debt and settling of interest rate swaps we may make, if any;

 

    the effectiveness of our risk management policies and procedures and the ability of counterparties to our derivative contracts to fulfill their contractual obligations;

 

    planned capital expenditures and availability of capital resources to fund capital expenditures;

 

    our ability to maintain long-term relationships with major refined product importers and exporters, major crude oil companies and major commodity traders, operators and liner companies;

 

    the ability of our Manager, Capital Ship Management, to qualify for short- and long-term charter business with oil major charterers and oil traders, and drybulk operaters and liner companies;

 

    our ability to maximize the use of our vessels, including the redeployment or disposition of vessels no longer under long-term time charter;

 

    our continued ability to enter into long-term, fixed-rate time charters with our charterers and to recharter our vessels as their existing charters expire at attractive rates;

 

    the changes to the regulatory requirements applicable to the oil transportation industry, including, without limitation, stricter requirements adopted by international organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization and the European Union, or by individual countries or charterers and actions taken by regulatory authorities and governing such areas as safety and environmental compliance;

 

    the expected cost of, and our ability to comply with, governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards, including with new environmental regulations and standards being introduced, as well as with standard regulations imposed by our charterers applicable to our business;

 

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    the impact of heightened regulations and the actions of regulators and other government authorities, including anti-corruption laws and regulations, as well as sanctions and other governmental actions;

 

    our anticipated general and administrative expenses and our costs and expenses under the management agreements and the administrative services agreement with our Manager, and for reimbursement for fees and costs of Capital GP L.L.C., our general partner;

 

    increases in costs and expenses, including, but not limited to: crew wages, insurance, provisions, port expenses, lube oil, bunkers, repairs, maintenance and general and administrative expenses;

 

    the adequacy of our insurance arrangements and our ability to obtain insurance and required certifications;

 

    the impact on operating expenses of the floating fee structure under which an increasing number of our vessels are managed;

 

    potential increases in costs and expenses under our management agreements following expiration and/or renewal of such agreements in connection with certain of our vessels;

 

    the impact of heightened environmental and quality concerns of insurance underwriters and charterers;

 

    the anticipated taxation of our partnership and distributions to our common and Class B unitholders;

 

    estimated future maintenance and replacement capital expenditures;

 

    expected demand in the shipping sectors in which we operate in general and the demand for our crude oil and product tankers, container and drybulk vessels in particular;

 

    the expected lifespan and condition of our vessels;

 

    our ability to employ and retain key employees;

 

    our track record, and past and future performance, in safety, environmental and regulatory matters;

 

    potential liability and costs due to environmental, safety and other incidents involving our vessels;

 

    the effects of increasing emphasis on environmental and safety concerns by customers, governments and others, as well as changes in maritime regulations and standards;

 

    expected financial flexibility to pursue acquisitions and other expansion opportunities;

 

    anticipated funds for liquidity needs and the sufficiency of cash flows;

 

    our transition in leadership following Mr. Petros Christodoulou’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer;

 

    Capital Maritime’s willingness and ability to fulfill its payment obligations in respect of the Dropdown Vessels to the respective shipyards;

 

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    the ability of each Dropdown Vessel’s respective shipyard to deliver on time and on specification the respective Dropdown Vessel;

 

    the performance and expected cost savings of the Dropdown Vessels and any new technologies incorporated into their construction, at least some of which may not have yet been tested; and

 

    future sales of our units in the public market.

These and other forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current plans, expectations, estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting us and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including those risks discussed in our Annual Report under the heading “Risk Factors” and in this prospectus in the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 10. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions involve known and unknown risks and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. 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.

Unless required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of these factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures included in this prospectus, our Annual Report, and in our other filings made with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, prospects and results of operations.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Any investment in the securities involves a high degree of risk. In addition to the risks described below, you should carefully consider the important factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report, incorporated by reference herein, and the corresponding section in any subsequent report we file with or furnish to the SEC, which we hereby incorporate by reference herein, before investing in the securities offered hereby. The risks and uncertainties described below or incorporated by reference herein are not the only risks and uncertainties we face. Some of the following risks relate principally to the countries and the industry in which we operate and the nature of our business in general. Although many of our business risks are comparable to those a corporation engaged in a similar business would face, security interests in us are inherently different from the capital stock of a corporation. In particular, if any of the risks described below or incorporated by reference herein actually occurs, our business, financial condition or operating results could be materially adversely affected. In that case, we might not be able to pay distributions on our common units or Class B Units, the trading price of our common units could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment. The risks described below or incorporated by reference herein also include forward-looking statements and our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements”, beginning on page 6 of this prospectus.

RISKS RELATING TO THE TANKER INDUSTRY

Global economic conditions may have a material adverse effect on our ability to pay distributions as well as on our business, financial position, distributions and results of operations, and, along with changes in the oil markets, could result in decreased demand for our vessels and services, and could materially affect our ability to recharter our vessels at favorable rates.

Oil has been one of the world’s primary energy sources for a number of decades. The global economic growth of previous years had a significant impact on the demand for oil and subsequently on the oil trade and shipping demand. However, the past several years were marked by a major economic slowdown which has had, and continues to have, a significant impact on world trade, including the oil trade. Global economic conditions remain fragile with significant uncertainty remaining with respect to recovery prospects, levels of recovery and long-term economic growth effects. In particular, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Euro zone, the economic prospects of the United States and the future economic growth of China, Brazil, Russia, India and other emerging markets are all expected to affect demand for product and crude tankers going forward. Demand for oil and refined petroleum products remains weak as a result of the weak global economic environment and a general global trend towards energy efficient technologies, which in combination with the diminished availability of trade credit and deteriorating international liquidity conditions, led to decreased demand for tanker vessels, creating downward pressure on charter rates. This economic downturn has also affected vessel values overall. Despite global oil demand growth remaining marginally positive for 2014, during the last half of calendar year 2014, energy prices sharply declined and average spot and period charter rates for product and crude tankers remained, and continue to be, at below historically average rates. If oil demand grows in the future, it is expected to come primarily from emerging markets which have been historically volatile, such as China and India, and a slowdown in these countries’ economies may severely affect global oil demand growth, and may result in protracted, reduced consumption of oil products and a decreased demand for our vessels and lower charter rates, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to make cash distributions.

If these global economic conditions persist we may not be able to operate our vessels profitably or employ our vessels at favorable charter rates as they come up for rechartering. In the long term, oil demand may also be reduced by an increased reliance on alternative energy sources and/or a drive for increased efficiency in the use of oil as a result of environmental concerns or high oil prices. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the market value of our vessels may cause us to recognize losses if any of our vessels are sold or if their values are impaired, and may affect our ability to comply with our loan covenants. A deterioration of the current economic and market conditions or a negative change in global economic conditions or the product or crude tanker markets would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions and comply with our loan covenants, as well as our future prospects and ability to grow our fleet.

 

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Charter rates for tanker vessels are highly volatile and are currently below historically average rates and may further decrease in the future, which may adversely affect our earnings and our ability to make cash distributions, as we may not be able to recharter our vessels or we may not be able to recharter them at competitive rates.

The shipping industry is cyclical, which may result in volatility in charter hire rates and vessel values. We may not be able to successfully charter our vessels in the future or renew existing charters at the same or similar rates. Charter hires are currently below historically average rates and may further decrease in the future, which may adversely affect our earnings as we may not be able to recharter our vessels for period charters at competitive rates or at all. We are particularly exposed to the fundamentals of the product and crude tanker markets as the majority of the vessels in our fleet are tankers and the majority of period charters scheduled to expire over the next 12 month period relate to tanker vessels. We may only be able to recharter these vessels at reduced or unprofitable rates as their current charters expire, or we may not be able to recharter these vessels at all. In the event the current low rate environment continues and charterers do not display an increased interest in chartering vessels for longer periods at improved rates, we may not be able to obtain competitive rates for our vessels and our earnings and distributions may be adversely affected. Even if we manage to successfully charter our vessels in the future, our charterers may go bankrupt or fail to perform their obligations under the charter agreements, they may delay payments or suspend payments altogether, they may terminate the charter agreements prior to the agreed-upon expiration date or they may attempt to renegotiate the terms of the charters. If we are required to enter into a charter when charter hire rates are low, our results of operations and our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders could be adversely affected.

Alternatively, we may have to deploy these vessels in the spot market, which, although common in the tanker industry, is cyclical and highly volatile, with rates fluctuating significantly based upon demand for oil and oil products and tanker supply, among others. In the past, the spot market has also experienced periods when spot rates have declined below the operating cost of vessels. The successful operation of our vessels in the spot market depends upon, among other things, obtaining profitable spot charters and minimizing, to the extent possible, time spent waiting for charters and time spent traveling unladen to pick up cargo. Furthermore, as charter rates for spot charters are fixed for a single voyage of up to several weeks, during periods in which spot charter rates are rising, we will generally experience delays in realizing the benefits from such increases.

The demand for period charters may not increase and the tanker charter market may not significantly recover over the next several months or may decline further. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to meet our obligations and to make cash distributions.

In addition, the market value and charter hire rates of product and crude oil tankers can fluctuate substantially over time due to a number of different factors outside of our control, including:

 

    the supply for oil and oil products which is influenced by, among others:

 

    international economic activity;

 

    geographic changes in oil production, processing and consumption;

 

    oil price levels;

 

    inventory policies of the major oil and oil trading companies;

 

    competition from alternative sources of energy; and

 

    strategic inventory policies of countries such as the United States, China and India;

 

    the demand for oil and oil products;

 

    regional availability of refining capacity;

 

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    prevailing economic conditions in the market in which the vessel trades;

 

    availability of credit to charterers and traders in order to finance expenses associated with the relevant trades;

 

    regulatory change;

 

    lower levels of demand for the seaborne transportation of refined products and crude oil;

 

    increases in the supply of vessel capacity; and

 

    the cost of retrofitting or modifying existing ships, as a result of technological advances in vessel design or equipment, changes in applicable environmental or other regulations or standards, or otherwise.

The market value of vessels is influenced by the ability of buyers to access bank finance and equity capital and any disruptions to the market and the possible lack of adequate available finance may negatively affect such market values. If we sell a vessel at a time when the market value of our vessels has fallen, the sale may be at less than the vessel’s carrying amount, resulting in a loss. In addition, a decrease in the future charter rate and/or market value of our vessels could potentially result in an impairment charge. A decline in the market value of our vessels could also lead to a default under any prospective credit facility to which we become a party, affect our ability to refinance our existing credit facilities and/or limit our ability to obtain additional financing.

RISKS RELATED TO THE DRYBULK INDUSTRY

We are exposed to various risks in the international drybulk shipping industry, which is cyclical and volatile.

Since our acquisition of the M/V Cape Agamemnon from Capital Maritime in June 2011, we have been subject to various risks of the drybulk shipping industry. The drybulk shipping industry is cyclical with attendant volatility in charter rates, vessel values and profitability. In addition, the degree of charter hire rate volatility among different types of drybulk carriers has varied widely. After reaching historical highs in mid-2008, charter hire rates for Capesize drybulk carriers such as the M/V Cape Agamemnon have been decreasing and are currently at or, near historical low levels. The M/V Cape Agamemnon is currently deployed on a period time charter. In the future we may have to charter it pursuant to short-term time charters, and may be exposed to changes in spot market and short-term charter rates for drybulk carriers, and such changes may affect our earnings and the value of the M/V Cape Agamemnon at any given time.

Moreover, the factors affecting the supply and demand for drybulk vessels are outside of our control and are difficult to predict with confidence. As a result, the nature, timing, direction and degree of changes in industry conditions are also unpredictable.

Factors that influence demand for vessel capacity include, among others:

 

    supply and demand for drybulk products;

 

    changes in global production of products transported by drybulk vessels;

 

    seaborne and other transportation patterns, including the distances over which drybulk cargoes are transported and changes in such patterns and distances;

 

    the globalization of manufacturing;

 

    global and regional economic and political conditions;

 

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    developments in international trade;

 

    environmental and other regulatory developments;

 

    currency exchange rates; and

 

    weather.

Factors that influence the supply of vessel capacity include, among others:

 

    the number of newbuild deliveries, which among other factors relates to the ability of shipyards to deliver newbuilds by contracted delivery dates and the ability of purchasers to finance such newbuilds;

 

    the scrapping rate of older vessels;

 

    the number of vessels that are in or out of service, including due to vessel casualties;

 

    changes in environmental and other regulations and standards that may limit the profitability or useful lives of vessels; and

 

    port and canal congestion and closures.

We currently anticipate that the future demand for the M/V Cape Agamemnon following completion of its charter and, in turn, drybulk charter rates, will be dependent, among other things, upon economic growth in the global economy including the world’s developing economies such as China, India, Brazil and Russia, seasonal and regional changes in demand, changes in the capacity of the global drybulk vessel fleet and the sources and supply of drybulk cargo to be transported by sea. A decline in demand for commodities transported in drybulk vessels or an increase in supply of drybulk vessels could cause a significant decline in charter rates, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The M/V Cape Agamemnon is currently chartered at rates that are at a substantial premium to the spot and period market, and the loss of this charter could result in a significant loss of expected future revenues and cash flows.

The M/V Cape Agamemnon is currently under a 10 year time charter to Cosco Bulk Carrier Co. Ltd. (“Cosco”), an affiliate of the China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company and one of the largest drybulk charterers globally, which commenced in July 2010 and was amended in November 2011. The earliest expiry under the charter is June 2020. Since the charter amendment in November 2011, the gross charter rate is a flat rate of $42,200 per day.

Cosco has faced financial difficulties and has incurred losses in recent years. The loss of this customer could result in a significant loss of revenues, cash flow and our ability to maintain or improve distributions in the long term. We could lose this customer or the benefits of the charter entered into with it if, among other things:

 

    the customer is unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the charter, including the payment of the agreed rates in a timely manner;

 

    the customer continues to face financial difficulties forcing it to declare bankruptcy or to default under the charter;

 

    the customer fails to make charter payments because of its financial inability, disagreements with us or otherwise;

 

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    the customer seeks to re-negotiate the terms of the charter agreement due to prevailing economic and market conditions or due to continued poor performance by the charterer;

 

    the customer exercises certain rights to terminate the charter;

 

    the customer terminates the charter because we fail to comply with the terms of the charter, the vessel is lost or damaged beyond repair, there are serious deficiencies in the vessel or prolonged periods of off-hire, or we default under the charter;

 

    a prolonged force majeure event affecting the customer, including war or political unrest prevents us from performing services for that customer; or

 

    the customer terminates the charter because we fail to comply with the safety and regulatory criteria of the charterer or the rules and regulations of various maritime organizations and bodies.

In the event we lose the benefit of the charter with Cosco prior to its expiration date, we would have to recharter the vessel at the then prevailing charter rates. In such event, we may not be able to obtain competitive, or profitable, rates for this vessel and our earnings and ability to make cash distributions may be adversely affected.

A negative change in the economic conditions in the United States, the European Union or the Asian region, especially in China, Japan or India, could reduce drybulk trade and demand, which could reduce charter rates and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A significant number of the port calls made by capesize bulk carriers involve the loading or discharging of raw materials in ports in the Asian region, particularly China, Japan and India. As a result, a negative change in economic conditions in any Asian country, particularly China, Japan or India, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations, as well as our future prospects, by reducing demand and, as a result, charter rates and affecting our ability to recharter the M/V Cape Agamemnon at a profitable rate. In past years, China and India have had two of the world’s fastest growing economies in terms of gross domestic product and have been the main driving force behind increases in marine drybulk trade and the demand for drybulk vessels. If economic growth declines in China, Japan, India and other countries in the Asian region, we may face decreases in such drybulk trade and demand. Moreover, a slowdown in the United States and Japanese economies, or the economies of the European Union, as has occurred recently, or certain Asian countries will likely adversely affect economic growth in China, India and elsewhere. Such an economic downturn in any of these countries could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

An oversupply of drybulk vessel capacity may lead to reductions in charter rates and profitability.

The market supply of drybulk vessels has been increasing, and the number of drybulk vessels on order as of December 2014 was estimated by market sources to be approximately 22.6% of the then-existing global drybulk fleet in terms of dwt, with deliveries expected mainly during the succeeding 24 months, although available data with regard to cancellations of existing newbuild orders or delays of newbuild deliveries are not always accurate or may not be readily available.

Despite increased demolition of older drybulk vessels between 2011–2014, the drybulk fleet continues to grow at a rapid pace. An oversupply of drybulk vessel capacity will likely result in a reduction of charter hire rates. Upon the expiration of its current period time charter in June 2020, if we cannot enter into a new period time charter for the M/V Cape Agamemnon on acceptable terms, we may have to secure charters in the spot market, where charter rates are more volatile and revenues are, therefore, less predictable, or we may not be able to charter the vessel at all.

 

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The international drybulk shipping industry is highly competitive, and with only one drybulk vessel in our fleet, we may not be able to compete successfully for charters with established companies with greater resources, and we may not be able to successfully operate the vessel.

We have historically owned tanker vessels and have been active in the tanker market only. We employ the M/V Cape Agamemnon in the highly competitive drybulk market, which is capital intensive and highly fragmented. Competition arises primarily from other vessel owners, some of which have substantially greater resources than we have or will have. Competition for the transportation of drybulk cargo by sea is intense and depends on price, customer relationships, operating expertise, professional reputation and size, age, location and condition of the vessel. In this highly fragmented market, companies operating larger fleets as well as additional competitors with greater resources may be able to offer lower charter rates than we are able to offer, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to utilize the M/V Cape Agamemnon and, accordingly, its profitability.

The operation of drybulk vessels has certain unique operational risks, and failure to adequately maintain the M/V Cape Agamemnon could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The M/V Cape Agamemnon is the only drybulk vessel in our fleet. With a drybulk vessel, the cargo itself and its interaction with the vessel may create operational risks. By their nature, drybulk cargoes are often heavy, dense and easily shifted, and they may react badly to water exposure. In addition, drybulk vessels are often subjected to battering treatment during unloading operations with grabs, jackhammers (to pry encrusted cargoes out of the hold) and small bulldozers. This treatment may cause damage to the vessel. Vessels damaged due to treatment during unloading procedures may be more susceptible to breach while at sea. Breaches of a drybulk vessel’s hull may lead to the flooding of the vessel’s holds. If a drybulk vessel suffers flooding in its forward holds, the bulk cargo may become so dense and waterlogged that its pressure may buckle the vessel’s bulkheads, leading to the loss of a vessel. If we or Capital Maritime, as manager, do not adequately maintain the M/V Cape Agamemnon, we may be unable to prevent these events. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

RISKS RELATING TO THE CONTAINER CARRIER INDUSTRY

We are exposed to various risks in the ocean-going container shipping industry, which is cyclical and volatile in terms of charter rates and profitability.

With the exception of the M/V Cape Agamemnon, we have historically owned tanker vessels and have been active in the tanker market only. Since December 2012, we have acquired seven container vessels from Capital Maritime and have become subject to various risks of the container shipping industry. We employ the seven container vessels we currently own in the container shipping market in which we had limited experience prior to 2012. The ocean-going container shipping industry is both cyclical and volatile in terms of charter rates and profitability and demand for our vessels depends on demand for the shipment of cargoes in containers and, in turn, containerships. Containership charter rates peaked in 2005 but have declined sharply and have remained low throughout 2014, as the impact of the European sovereign debt crisis and economic slowdown across the globe have affected international trade, including exports from China to Europe and the United States, and have been subject to downward fluctuations, which in many cases have resulted in historical lows. Liner companies have experienced a substantial drop-off in container shipping activity, resulting in decreased average freight rates since the second half of 2011, and the continuation of such decreased freight rates or any further declines in freight rates would negatively affect the liner companies to which we charter our containerships. Variations in containership charter rates result from changes in the supply and demand for ship capacity and changes in the supply and demand for the major products transported by containerships. The economics of the container business have also been affected negatively by the large number of containership newbuild vessels ordered prior to the onset of the general economic downturn in 2008–2009. Accordingly, weak conditions in the containership sector may affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make cash distributions.

The decline in the containership market has affected the major liner companies and the value of container vessels, which follow the trends of freight rates and containership charter rates, and can affect the earnings on our charters, and similarly, our cash flows and liquidity. The decline in the containership charter market has had and

 

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may continue to have additional adverse consequences for the container industry including a less active secondhand market for the sale of vessels and charterers not performing under, or requesting modifications of, existing time charters. A further downturn in the container shipping industry could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make cash distributions.

Our ability to recharter our containerships upon the expiration or termination of their current time charters and the charter rates payable under any renewal options or replacement time charters will depend upon, among other things, the prevailing state of the containership charter market, which can be affected by consumer demand for products shipped in containers. If the charter market is depressed when our containerships’ time charters expire, we may be forced to recharter our containerships at reduced or even unprofitable rates, or we may not be able to recharter them at all, which may reduce or eliminate our earnings or make our earnings volatile. The same issues will be faced if we acquire additional vessels and attempt to obtain multi-year time charters as part of our acquisition and financing plan.

Consumer confidence and consumer spending recently have been relatively weak and remain uncertain. Consumer purchases of discretionary items, many of which are transported by sea in containers, generally decline during periods where disposable income is adversely affected or there is economic uncertainty and, as a result, liner company customers may ship fewer containers or may ship containers only at reduced rates. Any such decrease in shipping volume could adversely impact liner companies and increase the counterparty risk associated with the charters for our vessels and, in turn, affect overall demand for containerships.

The factors affecting the supply and demand for containerships and supply and demand for products shipped in containers are outside of our control and are difficult to predict with confidence. As a result, the nature, timing, direction and degree of changes in industry conditions are unpredictable.

Factors that influence demand for containership capacity include, among others:

 

    supply and demand for products suitable for shipping in containers;

 

    changes in global production of products transported by containerships;

 

    seaborne and other transportation patterns, including the distances over which container cargoes are transported and changes in such patterns and distances;

 

    the globalization of manufacturing;

 

    global and regional economic and political conditions;

 

    developments in international trade;

 

    environmental and other regulatory developments;

 

    currency exchange rates;

 

    weather; and

 

    cost of bunkers.

Factors that influence the supply of containership capacity include, among others:

 

    the number of newbuilding orders and deliveries;

 

    the extent of newbuilding vessel deferrals;

 

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    the scrapping rate of containerships;

 

    newbuilding prices and containership owner access to capital to finance the construction of newbuildings;

 

    charter rates and the price of steel and other raw materials;

 

    changes in environmental and other regulations and standards that may limit the useful life of containerships;

 

    the number of containerships that are slow-steaming or extra slow-steaming to conserve fuel;

 

    the number of containerships that are off-charter;

 

    port and canal congestion and closures; and

 

    demand for fleet renewal.

An oversupply of containership capacity may prolong or further depress current charter rates and adversely affect our ability to recharter our existing containerships at profitable rates or at all.

From 2005 through the first quarter of 2010, the size of the containership order-book was at historically high levels. Although order-book volume dropped during 2011 to relatively low levels compared to previous years, as of December 31, 2014 the order-book is still at almost 18.3% of the existing fleet and deliveries of vessels ordered will significantly increase the size of the container fleet over the next year. Additionally, a substantial number of container vessels are currently idle and the potential reactivation of the idle fleet may result in a prolonged period of lower charter rates or in a reduction of charter rates. An oversupply of newbuilding vessels and/or rechartered or idle containership capacity entering the market, combined with any future decline in the demand for containerships, may result in a reduction of charter rates and may decrease our ability to recharter our containerships other than for reduced rates or unprofitable rates, or we may not be able to recharter our containerships at all.

We are dependent on our container carrier vessel charterers fulfilling their obligations under their agreements with us, and their inability or unwillingness to honor these obligations could reduce our revenues and cash flow.

The seven container carrier vessels we presently own and the three container carrier vessels we have agreed to acquire from Capital Maritime are currently under charters with Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. Ltd. (“HMM”), A.P. Moller-Maersk A.S (“Maersk Line”) and CMA CGM Group (“CMA CGM”). We expect that these containerships will continue to be chartered to customers mainly under multi-year fixed rate time charters. Many liner companies, including our charterers, finance their activities through cash from operations, the incurrence of debt or the issuance of equity and other shipping operations including tanker and drybulk. Moreover since 2008, there has been a significant decline in the credit markets and the availability of credit, and the equity markets have been volatile. In addition, the tanker and drybulk markets have been or are currently at historically low levels, which has negatively affected the profitability and balance sheet of such liner companies. The combination of a reduction of cash flow resulting from declines in world trade, a reduction in borrowing bases under reserve-based credit facilities and the lack of availability of debt or equity financing and losses from other operations may result in a significant reduction in the ability of our charterers to make charter payments to us. If we lose a time charter because the charterer is unable to pay us or for any other reason, we may be unable to redeploy the related vessel on similarly favorable terms or at all. Also, we will not receive any revenues from such a vessel while it is unchartered, but we will be required to pay expenses necessary to maintain and insure the vessel and service any indebtedness on it. The combination of any surplus of containership capacity and the expected increase in the size of the world containership fleet over the next few years may make it difficult to secure substitute employment for any of our containerships if our counterparties fail to perform their obligations under the currently arranged time charters, and any new charter arrangements we are able to secure may be at lower rates. Furthermore, the surplus of containerships available at lower charter rates and lack of demand for our customers’ liner services could negatively affect our charterers’ willingness to perform their obligations under our time charters, which in many cases provide for charter rates

 

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significantly above current market rates. A failure of HMM, Maersk Line or CMA CGM to comply with the terms of its respective charters, and our inability to replace such charters in a certain manner may, under certain circumstances, result in an event of default under our credit facilities.

The loss of our charterers or a decline in payments under our time charters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, revenues and cash flow and our ability to pay cash distributions to our unitholders.

Several of our container vessels are under charters at rates that are at a substantial premium to the spot and period market, and the loss of these charters could result in a significant loss of expected future revenues and cash flows.

The M/V Hyundai Premium, M/V Hyundai Paramount, M/V Hyundai Privilege, M/V Hyundai Platinum and M/V CCNI Angol are each currently under 12 year time charters to HMM, at a gross charter rate of $29,350 per day, that all commenced in the first half of 2013. The M/V Anaxagoras (to be renamed CMA CGM Magdalena), M/V Adonis (to be renamed CMA CGM Uruguay) and M/V Akadimos (to be renamed CMA CGM Amazon) are each under time charters for a minimum of five years to CMA CGM, at a gross charter rate of $39,250 per day, that all were entered into in December 2013.

HMM and CMA CGM have each faced financial difficulties and incurred losses recently. The loss of these customers could result in a significant loss of revenues, cash flow and our ability to maintain or improve distributions over the long term. We could lose these customers or the benefits of the charters entered into with them if, among other things:

 

    the customer is unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the charters, including the payment of the agreed rates in a timely manner;

 

    the customer continues to face financial difficulties forcing it to declare bankruptcy or to default under the charters;

 

    the customer fails to make charter payments because of its financial inability, disagreements with us or otherwise;

 

    the customer seeks to renegotiate the terms of the charter agreements due to prevailing economic and market conditions or due to continued poor performance by the charterer;

 

    the customer exercises certain rights to terminate the charters;

 

    the customer terminates the charters because we fail to comply with the terms of the charters, the vessels are lost or damaged beyond repair, there are serious deficiencies in the vessels or prolonged periods of off-hire, or we default under the charters;

 

    a prolonged force majeure event affecting the customer, including war or political unrest prevents us from performing services for that customer; or

 

    the customer terminates the charters because we fail to comply with the safety and regulatory criteria of the charterer or the rules and regulations of various maritime organizations and bodies.

In the event we lose the benefit of the charters with HMM, CMA CGM or both prior to their respective expiration date, we would have to recharter the vessels at the then prevailing charter rates. In such event, we may not be able to obtain competitive, or profitable, rates for these vessels and our earnings and ability to make cash distributions may be adversely affected.

 

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Currently, we have two older container vessels, the M/V Archimidis and the M/V Agamemnon, fixed under charters at rates at a substantial premium to the market. The M/V Archimidis and the M/V Agamemnon are each employed on time charters by Maersk Line, which has the option to extend each charter for an additional four years at a net day rate of $30,712 and $29,737 per day, respectively, for the fourth and fifth year and $31,200 per day for the final two years. If all options were to be exercised, the employment of the vessels would extend to December 2019 for the M/V Archimidis and July 2019 for the M/V Agamemnon. However, because the vessels are of older design Maersk Line may not exercise its options and we may not be able to procure contracts for these vessels at favorable rates or at all going forward.

A decrease in the level of China’s export of goods or an increase in trade protectionism could have a material adverse impact on our charterers’ business and, in turn, could cause a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

China exports considerably more goods than it imports. Our containerships are deployed on routes involving containerized trade in and out of emerging markets, and our charterers’ container shipping and business revenue may be derived from the shipment of goods from the Asia Pacific region to various overseas export markets including the United States and Europe. Any reduction in or hindrance to the output of China-based exporters could have a material adverse effect on the growth rate of China’s exports and on our charterers’ business. For instance, the government of China has implemented economic policies aimed at increasing domestic consumption of Chinese-made goods. This may have the effect of reducing the supply of goods available for export and may, in turn, result in a decrease of demand for container shipping. Additionally, though in China there is an increasing level of autonomy and a gradual shift in emphasis to a “market economy” and enterprise reform, many of the reforms, particularly some limited price reforms that result in the prices for certain commodities being principally determined by market forces, are unprecedented or experimental and may be subject to revision, change or abolition. The level of imports to and exports from China could be adversely affected by changes to these economic reforms by the Chinese government, as well as by changes in political, economic and social conditions or other relevant policies of the Chinese government.

For instance, China recently enacted a new tax for non-resident international transportation enterprises engaged in the provision of services of passengers or cargo, among other items, in and out of China using their own, chartered or leased vessels, including any stevedore, warehousing and other services connected with the transportation. The new regulation broadens the range of international transportation companies who may find themselves liable for Chinese enterprise income tax on profits generated from international transportation services passing through Chinese ports. This tax or similar regulations by China may result in an increase in the cost of goods exported from China and the risks associated with exporting goods from China, as well as a decrease in the quantity of goods to be shipped from our through China, which would have an adverse impact on our charterers’ business, operating results and financial condition and could thereby affect their ability to make timely charter hire payments to us and to renew and increase the number of their time charters with us.

Our operations expose us to the risk that increased trade protectionism will adversely affect our business. If the global recovery is undermined by downside risks and the recent economic downturn returns, governments may turn to trade barriers to protect their domestic industries against foreign imports, thereby depressing the demand for shipping. Specifically, increasing trade protectionism in the markets that our charterers serve may cause an increase in (i) the cost of goods exported from China, (ii) the length of time required to deliver goods from China and (iii) the risks associated with exporting goods from China, as well as a decrease in the quantity of goods to be shipped. Any increased trade barriers or restrictions on trade, especially trade with China, would have an adverse impact on our charterers’ business, operating results and financial condition and could thereby affect their ability to make timely charter hire payments to us and to renew and increase the number of their time charters with us. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay cash distributions to our unitholders.

 

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Containership values decreased significantly in 2008 and 2009 and have remained at depressed levels through 2014. Containership values may decrease further and over time may fluctuate substantially. If these values are low at a time when we are attempting to dispose of a vessel, we could incur a loss.

Containership values can fluctuate substantially over time due to a number of different factors, including:

 

    prevailing economic conditions in the markets in which containerships operate;

 

    reduced demand for containerships, including as a result of a substantial or extended decline in world trade;

 

    increases in the supply of containership capacity;

 

    prevailing charter rates and the cost of retrofitting or modifying existing ships to respond to technological advances in vessel design or equipment; or

 

    changes in applicable environmental or other regulations or standards, or otherwise.

If the market values of our vessels deteriorate significantly, we may be required to record an impairment charge in our financial statements, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. If a charter expires or is terminated, we may be unable to recharter the vessel at an acceptable rate and, rather than continue to incur costs to maintain the vessel, may seek to dispose of it. Our inability to dispose of one or more of the containerships at a reasonable price could result in a loss on its sale and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our growth and our ability to recharter our containerships depends on our ability to expand relationships with existing customers and develop relationships with new customers, for which we will face substantial competition.

We will look to recharter our containerships following the expiration of their current charters and we will seek charters for any additional containerships that we subsequently acquire. The process of obtaining new long-term time charters on containerships is highly competitive and generally involves an intensive screening process and competitive bids, and often extends for several months. Containership charters are awarded based upon a variety of factors relating to the vessel operator, including, among others:

 

    shipping industry relationships and reputation for customer service and safety;

 

    container shipping experience and quality of ship operations, including cost effectiveness;

 

    quality and experience of seafaring crew;

 

    the ability to finance containerships at competitive rates and the ship owner’s financial stability generally;

 

    relationships with shipyards and the ability to get suitable berths;

 

    construction management experience, including the ability to obtain on-time delivery of new ships according to customer specifications;

 

    willingness to accept operational risks pursuant to the charter, such as allowing termination of the charter for force majeure events; and

 

    competitiveness of the bid in terms of overall price.

Competition for providing new containerships for chartering purposes comes from a number of experienced shipping companies, including direct competition from other independent charter owners and indirect competition from state-sponsored and other major entities with their own fleets. Some of our competitors have significantly greater financial resources than we do and can operate larger fleets and may be able to offer better charter rates. An increasing number of marine transportation companies have entered the containership sector, including many with strong reputations and extensive resources and experience in the marine transportation industry. This increased competition may cause greater price competition for time charters. As a result of these factors, we may be unable to expand our relationships with existing customers or to develop relationships with new customers on a profitable basis, if at all, which could harm our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make cash distributions.

 

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RISKS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS OF CPLP

We may not be able to grow or to effectively manage our growth.

Our future growth will depend upon a number of factors, some of which we cannot control. These factors include our ability to:

 

    capitalize on opportunities in the container, crude and product tanker markets by fixing period charters for our vessels at attractive rates;

 

    identify businesses engaged in managing, operating or owning vessels for acquisitions or joint ventures;

 

    identify vessels and/or shipping companies for acquisitions;

 

    access financing and obtain required financing for existing and new operations, including refinancing of existing indebtedness;

 

    integrate any acquired businesses or vessels successfully with existing operations;

 

    hire, train and retain qualified personnel to manage, maintain and operate our business and fleet;

 

    identify additional new markets;

 

    improve operating and financial systems and controls;

 

    complete accretive transactions in the future; and

 

    maintain our commercial and technical management agreements with Capital Maritime or other competent managers.

Our ability to grow is in part dependent on our ability to expand our fleet through acquisitions of suitable vessels. We may not be able to acquire newbuildings or secondhand vessels on favorable terms, which could impede our growth and negatively impact our financial condition and ability to pay cash distributions. We may not be able to contract for newbuildings or locate suitable vessels or negotiate acceptable construction or purchase contracts with shipyards and owners, or obtain financing for such acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, or at all.

The failure to effectively identify, purchase, develop, employ and integrate any vessels or businesses could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make cash distributions.

Fees and cost reimbursements paid by us to Capital Maritime for services provided to us and certain of our subsidiaries are substantial, fluctuate, cannot be easily predicted and may reduce the cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

We have entered into three separate technical and commercial management agreements with Capital Ship Management for the management of our fleet: the fixed fee management agreement, the floating fee management agreement and, with respect to the vessels acquired as part of the merger with Crude Carriers, the Crude Carriers management agreement. Each vessel in our fleet is managed under the terms of one of these three agreements.

 

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The expenses incurred under our three management agreements depend upon a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our or our Manager’s control. Some of these costs, primarily relating to crewing, insurance and enhanced security measures have been increasing and may increase in the future. Increases in any of these costs would decrease our earnings, cash flows and the amount of cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

We expect that as the fixed fee management agreement expires for vessels currently managed under it, such vessels, and any additional acquisitions we make in the future, will be managed under floating fee management agreements on similar terms to the ones currently in place. It is possible that the level of our operating costs may materially change following any such renewal. Any increase in the costs and expenses associated with the provision of these services by our Manager in the future, such as the condition and age of our vessels, or costs of crews for our time chartered vessels and insurance, will lead to an increase in the fees we would have to pay to Capital Ship Management or another third party under any new agreements.

The payment of fees to Capital Ship Management and compensation for expenses and liabilities incurred on our behalf, as well as the costs associated with future drydockings and/or intermediate surveys on our vessels, which are expected to be significant, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, including our ability to make cash distributions.

We cannot assure you that we will pay any distributions to holders of our common units.

We currently observe a cash dividend and cash distribution policy implemented by our board of directors. The actual declaration of future cash distributions, and the establishment of record and payment dates, is subject to the terms of our partnership agreement and final determination by our board of directors each quarter after its review of financial performance. Our ability to pay distributions in any period will depend upon factors, including, but not limited to, our financial condition, results of operations, prospects and applicable provisions of Marshall Islands law. Further, holders of our common units are subject to the prior distribution rights of any holders of our preferred units then outstanding. As of the date hereof, there are 14,023,737 Class B Units issued and outstanding. Under the terms of our partnership agreement, we are prohibited from declaring and paying distributions on our common units until we declare and pay (or set aside for payment) full distributions on the Class B Units. We may not have sufficient cash available each quarter to pay the declared quarterly distribution per Class B or per common unit following establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses.

The timing and amount of distributions, if any, could be affected by factors affecting cash flows, results of operations, required capital expenditures, compliance with our loan covenants or reserves. Maintaining the distribution policy will depend on shipping market developments and the charter rates we earn when we recharter our vessels, our cash earnings, financial condition and cash requirements, and could be affected by factors, including the loss of a vessel, required capital expenditures, reserves established by our board of directors, increased or unanticipated expenses, additional borrowings and compliance with our loan covenants, as well as our ability to refinance existing indebtedness, asset valuations or future issuances of securities, which may be beyond our control.

Under Marshall Islands law, a limited partnership shall not make a distribution to a partner to the extent that at the time of the distribution, after giving effect to 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 specified property of the limited partnership, exceed the fair value of the assets of the limited partnership, except that the fair value of property that is subject to a liability for which the 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 that liability.

The amount of cash we generate from our operations may differ materially from our profit or loss for the period, which will be affected by non-cash items. As a result of this and the other factors mentioned above, we may make cash distributions during periods when we record losses and may not make cash distributions during periods when we record net income.

 

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Subject to limited exceptions, our distribution policy may be changed at any time, and from time to time, by our board of directors.

Our common units are equity securities and are subordinated to our existing and future indebtedness and our Class B Units.

Our common units are equity interests in us and do not constitute indebtedness. The common units rank junior to all indebtedness and other non-equity claims on us with respect to the assets available to satisfy claims, including a liquidation of CPLP. Additionally, holders of the common units are subject to the prior distribution and liquidation rights of any holders of the Class B Units and any other preferred units we may issue in the future.

As long as our outstanding Class B Units remain outstanding, distribution payments relating to our common units are prohibited under our partnership agreement until all accrued and unpaid distributions are paid on the Class B Units.

Our board of directors is authorized to issue additional classes or series of preferred units without the approval or consent of the holders of our common units. In addition, holders of the Class B Units have the right to convert all or a portion of their Class B Units at any time into common units. As of the date hereof, 14,023,737 Class B Units are issued and outstanding. Any such actions as described above could adversely affect the market price of our common units.

Matters Related to Investigations of Greek Professional Football (Soccer).

Our former Chairman, Evangelos M. Marinakis, has been the principal owner of the Greek professional football team Olympiacos since January 2011 and has served as President of Olympiacos since December 2010. Mr. Marinakis also was President of the Superleague Greece in which Olympiacos participates and Vice-President of the Hellenic Football Federation from August 2010 for a year. Since 2011, Greek authorities have investigated allegations of match-fixing and other improprieties related to professional football in Greece. Various individuals, including Mr. Marinakis, have been identified as subjects of these investigations. Mr. Marinakis has cooperated with the investigations and has denied any wrongdoing.

While it is not possible to predict the outcome of these matters with certainty, CPLP does not expect that the outcome of these matters will be materially adverse to us or Mr. Marinakis’s relationship to CPLP.

RISKS RELATING TO FINANCING ACTIVITIES

A limited number of financial institutions hold our cash including, from time to time, financial institutions located in Greece.

We maintain our cash with a limited number of financial institutions, occassionally including institutions located in Greece. Of these financial institutions located in Greece, some are subsidiaries of international banks and others are Greek financial institutions. These balances may not be covered by insurance in the event of default by these financial institutions. The ongoing fiscal situation and political uncertainty in Greece may result in an event of default by some or all of these financial institutions. The occurrence of such a default could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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We have incurred significant indebtedness which could adversely affect our ability to further finance our operations, refinance our existing indebtedness, pursue desirable business opportunities or successfully run our business in the future as well as our ability to make cash distributions.

As of December 31, 2014, our total debt is $577.9 million consisting of: (i) $250.9 million outstanding under a credit facility entered into in 2007 (“2007 credit facility”); (ii) $233.0 million outstanding under a credit facility entered into in 2008 (“2008 credit facility”); (iii) $19.0 million outstanding under a credit facility entered into in 2011 (“2011 credit facility”) and (iv) $75.0 million outstanding under a credit facility entered into in 2013 (“2013 credit facility”). With the exception of part of the 2008 credit facility, which has a quarterly amortization schedule of $1.4 million, the remaining facilities are non-amortizing until March 2016.

As of December 31, 2014, the principal repayment schedule under our existing credit facilities, on an aggregated basis, is as follows:

(Expressed in millions of United States Dollars)

Year

   2015      2016      2017      2018      2019      2020  

Aggregate Principal Amount Due

   $ 5.4       $ 98.5       $ 245.5       $ 170.8       $ 5.8       $ 51.9   

Our leverage and debt service obligations could have significant additional consequences, including the following:

 

    If future cash flows are insufficient, we may need to incur further indebtedness in order to make the capital expenditures and other expenses or investments we have planned.

 

    If future cash flows are insufficient and we are not able to service our debt or, when the non-amortizing period of our existing credit facilities expires in March 2016, we are not able to refinance our existing indebtedness with non-amortizing debt with similar terms to our existing facilities, our obligation to make principal payments under our credit facilities may force us to take actions such as reducing or eliminating distributions, reducing or delaying business activities, acquisitions, investments or capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing our debt, or seeking additional equity capital or bankruptcy protection.

 

    Our indebtedness will have the general effect of reducing our flexibility to react to changing business and economic conditions insofar as they affect our financial condition and, therefore, may pose substantial risk to our unitholders.

 

    In the event that we are liquidated, any of our senior or subordinated creditors and any senior or subordinated creditors of our subsidiaries will be entitled to payment in full prior to any distributions to the holders of our common units.

 

    Our 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2013 credit facilities mature in 2017, 2018, 2018 and 2020, respectively. Our ability to secure additional financing, or to refinance such facilities, prior to or after that time, if needed, may be substantially restricted by the existing level of our indebtedness and the restrictions contained in our debt instruments. Upon maturity, we will be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to the payment of such debt, which will reduce the amount of funds available for operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities.

The occurrence of any one of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects and ability to make cash distributions and to satisfy our obligations under our credit facilities or any debt securities.

 

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Our credit facilities contain, and we expect that any new or amended credit facilities we may enter into will contain, restrictive covenants, which may limit our business and financing activities, including our ability to make cash distributions.

The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our credit facilities and in any new or amended credit facility we enter into in the future could adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage, expand or pursue our business activities. For example, our credit facilities require the consent of our lenders to, or limit our ability to, among other items:

 

    incur or guarantee indebtedness;

 

    charge, pledge or encumber our vessels;

 

    change the flag, class, management or ownership of our vessels;

 

    change the commercial and technical management of our vessels;

 

    sell or change the beneficial ownership or control of our vessels; and

 

    subordinate our obligations thereunder to any general and administrative costs relating to our vessels, including the fixed daily fee payable under the management agreement.

Our credit facilities also require us to comply with the International Safety Management Code and to maintain valid safety management certificates and documents of compliance at all times. In addition our amended credit facilities require us to comply with certain financial covenants:

 

    maintain minimum free consolidated liquidity of at least $500,000 per collateralized vessel;

 

    maintain a ratio of EBITDA (as defined in each credit facility) to net interest expense of at least 2.00 to 1.00 on a trailing four-quarter basis; and

 

    maintain a ratio of net Total Indebtedness to the aggregate Fair Market Value (as each term is defined in each credit facility) of our total fleet, current or future, of no more than 0.725.

In addition, our credit facilities require that we maintain an aggregate fair market value of the vessels in our fleet of at least 125% of the aggregate amount outstanding under each credit facility. The interest margin of our credit facilities was amended to 2.0% for our 2007 credit facility and 3.0% for our 2008 credit facility in connection with our issuance and sale of Class B Units in 2012. The interest margin for our 2011 and 2013 credit facilities is 3.25% and 3.5%, respectively. Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in our credit facilities may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions, interest rate developments, changes in the funding costs of our banks and changes in vessel earnings and asset valuations. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired. If we are in breach of any of the restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in our credit facilities, or if we trigger a cross-default currently contained in our credit facilities, we may be forced to suspend our distributions, a significant portion of our obligations may become immediately due and payable and our lenders’ commitment to make further loans to us may terminate. We may not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments. In addition, obligations under our credit facilities are secured by our vessels, and if we are unable to repay debt under the credit facilities, the lenders could seek to foreclose on those assets.

Furthermore, any contemplated vessel acquisitions will have to be at levels that do not impair the required ratios set out above. The global economic downturn that occurred within the past several years had an adverse effect on vessel values, which may occur again if an economic slowdown arises in the future. If the estimated asset values of the vessels in our fleet decrease, such decreases may limit the amounts we can draw down under our credit facilities to purchase additional vessels and our ability to expand our fleet. In addition, we may be obligated to prepay part of our outstanding debt in order to remain in compliance with the relevant covenants in our credit facilities. If funds under our credit facilities become unavailable as a result of a breach of our covenants or otherwise, we may not be able to perform our business strategy which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions.

 

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If we default under our credit facilities, our ability to make cash distributions may be impaired and we could forfeit our rights in certain of our vessels and their charters.

We have pledged all of our vessels as security to the lenders under our credit facilities. Default under these credit facilities, if not waived or modified, would permit the lenders to foreclose on the mortgages over the vessels and the related collateral, and we could lose our rights in the vessels and their charters.

When final payment is due under our loan agreements, we must repay any borrowings outstanding, including balloon payments. To the extent that cash flows are insufficient to repay any of these borrowings or asset cover is inadequate due to a deterioration in vessel values, we will need to refinance some or all of our loan agreements, replace them with alternate credit arrangements or provide additional security. We may not be able to refinance or replace our loan agreements or provide additional security at the time they become due.

In the event we default under our credit facilities or we are not able to refinance our existing debt obligations with new debt facilities with similar terms to the existing facilities, or if our operating results are not sufficient to service current or future indebtedness, or to make relevant principal repayments if necessary, we may be forced to take actions such as reducing or eliminating distributions, reducing or delaying business activities, acquisitions, investments or capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing debt, or seeking additional equity capital or bankruptcy protection. In addition, the terms of any refinancing or alternate credit arrangement may restrict our financial and operating flexibility and our ability to make cash distributions.

If we are in breach of any of the terms of our credit facilities, a significant portion of our obligations may become immediately due and payable and our lenders’ commitments to make further loans to us may terminate. We may also be unable to execute our business strategy or make cash distributions.

Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in our credit facilities and any other debt instruments we may enter into in the future may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If vessel earnings and valuations, or market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired. If we are in breach of any of the restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in our credit facilities, or if we trigger a cross-default currently contained in our credit facilities or any interest rate swap agreements, or in any such facility or agreement we may enter into, pursuant to their terms, a significant portion of our obligations may become immediately due and payable, and our lenders’ commitment to make further loans to us may terminate. We may not be able to reach agreement with our lenders to amend the terms of the loan agreements or waive any breaches and we may not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make any accelerated payments. In addition, obligations under our credit facilities are secured by our vessels, and if we are unable to repay debt under the credit facilities, the lenders could seek to foreclose on those assets. Furthermore, if funds under our credit facilities become unavailable as a result of a breach of our covenants or otherwise, we may not be able to execute our business strategy, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions.

Restrictions in our debt agreements may prevent us from paying distributions.

Our payment of interest and, following the end of the relevant non-amortizing periods, principal on our debt will reduce cash available for distribution on our units. In addition, our credit facilities prohibit the payment of distributions if we are not in compliance with certain financial covenants or upon the occurrence of an event of default or if the fair market value of the vessels in our fleet is less than 125% of the aggregate amount outstanding under each of our credit facilities.

Events of default under our credit facilities include:

 

    failure to pay principal or interest when due;

 

    breach of certain undertakings, negative covenants and financial covenants contained in the credit facility, any related security document or guarantee or the interest rate swap agreements, including failure to maintain unencumbered title to any of the vessel owning subsidiaries or any of the assets of the vessel owning subsidiaries and failure to maintain proper insurance;

 

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    any breach of the credit facility, any related security document or guarantee or the interest rate swap agreements (other than breaches described in the preceding two bullet points) if, in the opinion of the lenders, such default is capable of remedy and continues unremedied for 20 days after written notice of the lenders;

 

    any representation, warranty or statement made by us in the credit facility or any drawdown notice thereunder or related security document or guarantee or the interest rate swap agreements is untrue or misleading when made;

 

    a cross-default of our other indebtedness of $5.0 million or greater, or of the indebtedness of our subsidiaries of $750,000 or greater;

 

    we become, in the reasonable opinion of the lenders, unable to pay our debts when due;

 

    any of our or our subsidiaries’ assets are subject to any form of execution, attachment, arrest, sequestration or distress in respect of a sum of $1.0 million or more that is not discharged within 10 business days;

 

    an event of insolvency or bankruptcy;

 

    cessation or suspension of our business or of a material part thereof;

 

    unlawfulness, non-effectiveness or repudiation of any material provision of our credit facility, of any of the related finance and guarantee documents or of our interest rate swap agreements;

 

    failure of effectiveness of security documents or guarantee;

 

    our common units cease to be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market or on any other recognized securities exchange;

 

    any breach under any provisions contained in our interest rate swap agreements;

 

    termination of any interest rate swap agreements or an event of default thereunder that is not timely remedied;

 

    invalidity of a security document in any material respect or if any security document ceases to provide a perfected first priority security interest;

 

    failure by key charter parties, such as HMM, BP Shipping Limited, Maersk Line or CMA CGM, to comply with the terms of their charters and we are unable to replace the charter in a manner that meets our obligations under the facilities; or

 

    any other event that occurs or circumstance that arises in light of which the lenders reasonably consider that there is a significant risk that we will be unable to discharge our liabilities under the credit facility, related security and guarantee documents or interest rate swap agreements.

We anticipate that any subsequent refinancing of our current debt or any new debt could have similar or more onerous restrictions. For more information regarding our financing arrangements, please read “Item 5A: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report.

 

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RISKS INHERENT IN AN INVESTMENT IN US

Increased inspection procedures and tighter import and export controls could increase costs and disrupt our business.

International shipping is subject to various security and customs inspection and related procedures in countries of origin and destination and trans-shipment points. Inspection procedures may result in the seizure of contents of our vessels, delays in the loading, offloading, trans-shipment or delivery and the levying of customs duties, fines or other penalties against us.

It is possible that changes to inspection procedures could impose additional financial and legal obligations on us. Changes to inspection procedures could also impose additional costs and obligations on our customers and may, in certain cases, render the shipment of certain types of cargo uneconomical or impractical. Any such changes or developments may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to make cash distributions.

The smuggling of drugs or other contraband onto our vessels may lead to governmental claims against us.

Our vessels call in ports throughout the world and smugglers may attempt to hide drugs and other contraband on our vessels, with or without the knowledge of crew members. To the extent our vessels are found with contraband, whether inside or attached to the hull of our vessels, and whether with or without the knowledge of any of our crew, we may face governmental or other regulatory claims or penalties, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to make distributions.

Because the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board is not currently permitted to inspect our independent accounting firm, you may not benefit from such inspections.

Auditors of U.S. public companies are required by law to undergo periodic Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), inspections that assess their compliance with U.S. law and professional standards in connection with performance of audits of financial statements filed with the SEC. Certain European Union countries, including Greece, do not currently permit the PCAOB to conduct inspections of accounting firms established and operating in such European Union countries, even if they are part of major international firms. The PCAOB did conduct inspections in Greece in 2008 and evaluated our auditor’s performance of audits of SEC registrants and our auditor’s quality controls. The PCAOB issued its report which can be found on the PCAOB website. Currently however the PCAOB is unable to conduct inspections in Greece until such time as a cooperation agreement between the PCAOB and the Greek Accounting & Auditing Standards Oversight Board (AAOB) is reached. Accordingly, unlike for most U.S. public companies, should the PCAOB again wish to conduct an inspection it is currently prevented from evaluating our auditor’s performance of audits and its quality control procedures, and, unlike shareholders of most U.S. public companies, our shareholders would be deprived of the possible benefits of such inspections.

Unitholders have limited voting rights and our partnership agreement restricts the voting rights of unitholders owning 5% or more of our units.

Holders of common units have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business. We hold a meeting of our limited partners every year to elect one or more members of our board of directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. Common unitholders (excluding Capital Maritime and its affiliates) elect five of the eight members of our board of directors. The elected directors are elected on a staggered basis and serve for three-year terms. Our general partner in its sole discretion has the right to appoint the remaining three directors, who also serve for three-year terms. Our partnership agreement also contains provisions limiting the ability of common 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. Unitholders have no right to elect our general partner and our general partner may not be removed except by a vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3 % of the outstanding units, including any units owned by our general partner and its affiliates, voting together as a single class and a majority vote of our board of directors. Currently, 85,231,569 common units are owned by non-affiliated public unitholders, representing 81.7% of our common units and a 70.8% common unitholder interest in us overall.

 

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Our partnership agreement further restricts unitholders’ voting rights by providing that if any person or group, other than our general partner, its affiliates, their transferees and persons who acquired such units with the prior approval of our board of directors, beneficially owns 5% or more of any class of units then outstanding, any such units owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% 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, except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes, unless required by law. The voting rights of any such unitholders in excess of 4.9% will be redistributed pro rata among the other unitholders holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote. As affiliates of our general partner, Capital Maritime and Crude Carriers Investments Corp. (“Crude Carriers Investments”) are not subject to this limitation.

The vote of a majority of our common unitholders generally is required to amend the terms of our partnership agreement, including votes cast by affiliates of our general partner. As of the date hereof, an 18.3% interest in us may be deemed to be beneficially owned by affiliates of our general partner which can significantly impact any vote under the terms of our partnership agreement and may significantly affect your rights under our partnership agreement. In addition, affiliates of our general partner are not subject to the limitations on voting rights imposed on our other limited partners and may favor their own interests in any vote by our unitholders.

Under the terms of our partnership agreement the affirmative vote of a majority of common units (including, in certain circumstances described in our partnership agreement, the votes of holders of Class B Units voting on an as-converted basis, or in certain other cases a higher percentage), is required in order to reach certain decisions or actions, including:

 

    amendments to the definition of available cash, operating surplus and adjusted operating surplus;

 

    changes in our cash distribution policy;

 

    elimination of the obligation to pay the minimum quarterly distribution;

 

    elimination of the obligation to hold an annual general meeting;

 

    removal of any appointed director for cause;

 

    transfer of the general partner interest;

 

    transfer of incentive distribution rights;

 

    the ability of the board of directors to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

    resolution of conflicts of interest;

 

    withdrawal of the general partner;

 

    removal of the general partner;

 

    dissolution of the partnership;

 

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    change to the quorum requirements;

 

    approval of merger or consolidation; and

 

    any other amendment to our partnership agreement, except for certain amendments related to our day-to-day management and amendments necessary or appropriate to carrying on our business consistent with historical practice, including any change that our board of directors determines to be necessary or appropriate to qualify or continue our qualification as a limited partnership, or any amendment that our board of directors, and, if required, our general partner, determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the authorization and issuance of any class or series of our securities.

Capital Maritime, our largest unitholder, may propose amendments to our partnership agreement that may favor its interests over yours and which may change or limit your rights under our partnership agreement. Furthermore, our partnership agreement provides that any changes to the rights of the Class B unitholders, whose rights rank senior to those of our common unitholders in many respects, must be approved by at least 75% of the holders of such units, excluding units held by Capital Maritime and its affiliates.

As of the date hereof, the Marinakis family may be deemed to beneficially own on a fully converted basis a 17.6% and on a non-fully converted basis a 19.9% interest in us through its beneficial ownership of common units through, among others, Capital Maritime, which may be deemed to beneficially own a 14.9% interest in us, including 15,764,181 common units and a 2% interest in us (1.8% on a fully-converted basis) through its ownership of our general partner, and Crude Carriers Investments, which may be deemed to beneficially own a 2.7% interest in us. These considerations may significantly impact any vote under the terms of our partnership agreement and may significantly affect your rights under our partnership agreement.

Future sales of our common units, or the issuance of additional preferred units, debt securities or warrants, could cause the market price of our common units to decline.

The market price of our common units could decline due to sales of a large number of units, or the issuance of debt securities or warrants, in the market, or the perception that these sales could occur. These sales could also make it more difficult or impossible for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate to raise funds through future offerings of common units.

In addition, pursuant to the terms of our partnership agreement, holders of our Class B Units may convert all or a portion of their Class B Units into common units at any time, and from time to time, at a ratio of one-for-one, such conversion ratio to be adjusted in the event that, among other certain anti-dilution protection provisions, the distribution rate on our common units is increased. As of the date hereof, certain Class B unitholders, including Capital Maritime, have converted an aggregate of 10,631,817 Class B Units into 10,631,817 common units.

We may issue additional equity securities without your approval, which would dilute your ownership interests.

We may, without the approval of our unitholders, issue an unlimited number of additional units or other equity securities, including securities to Capital Maritime. As of the date hereof, we have issued and outstanding 14,023,737 Class B Units to certain investors, which are convertible on a one-for-one basis into common units under certain circumstances, and have also issued 24,967,240 common units to holders of Crude Carriers’ shares, in a unit-for-share transaction consummated in September 2011 whereby Crude Carriers became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours. We have also issued common units in connection with the acquisition of certain of our vessels, either directly to Capital Maritime or through public offerings, including an issuance of 279,286 common units in August 2013 in connection with the purchase of the Hyundai Prestige, Hyundai Privilege and Hyundai Platinum. In

 

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addition, on August 21, 2014, following approval obtained from our limited partners at our 2014 annual meeting, we amended and restated our Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, adopted in April 2008, as amended, to increase the maximum number of restricted units authorized for issuance thereunder from 800,000 to 1,650,000, of which 795,200 have been previously issued and have vested. We also issued an aggregate of 17,250,000 common units in a public offering in September 2014, which included the full exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option of 2,250,000 common units. In accordance with the terms of such offering, we used part of the proceeds from such offering to acquire from Capital Maritime 5,950,610 common units, which were canceled immediately after their acquisition. We may make additional such issuances in the future. The issuance by us of additional units or other equity securities of equal or senior rank may have the following effects:

 

    our unitholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease;

 

    the amount of cash available for distribution on each unit may decrease;

 

    the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit may be diminished; and

 

    the market price of the units may decline.

Our organization as a limited partnership under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands may limit the ability of unitholders to protect their interests.

Our affairs are governed by our partnership agreement and the Marshall Islands Limited Partnership Act (“MILPA”). The provisions of the MILPA resemble provisions of the limited partnership laws of a number of states in the United States, most notably Delaware. The MILPA also provides that it is to be applied and construed to make the laws of the Marshall Islands, with respect to the subject matter of the MILPA, uniform with the laws of the State of Delaware and, so long as it does not conflict with the MILPA or decisions of the High and Supreme Courts of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the non-statutory law (or case law) of the State of Delaware is adopted as the law of the Marshall Islands. However, there have been few, if any, judicial cases in the Republic of the Marshall Islands interpreting the MILPA. For example, the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in certain U.S. jurisdictions. Although the MILPA does specifically incorporate the non-statutory law, or judicial case law, of the State of Delaware, our public unitholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by management, directors or controlling unitholders than would shareholders of a limited partnership organized in a U.S. jurisdiction.

It may not be possible for investors to enforce U.S. judgments against us.

We are organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, as is our general partner and most of our subsidiaries. Most of our directors and the directors and officers of our general partner and those of our subsidiaries are residents of countries other than the United States. Substantially all of our assets and those of our subsidiaries are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for U.S. investors to serve process within the United States upon us or to enforce judgment upon us for civil liabilities in U.S. courts. In addition, you should not assume that courts in the countries in which we or our subsidiaries are incorporated or organized or where our assets or the assets of our subsidiaries are located (1) would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against us or our subsidiaries based upon the civil liability provisions of applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws or (2) would impose, in original actions, liabilities against us or our subsidiaries based upon these laws.

 

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TAX RISKS

U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a “passive foreign investment company”, which could have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. unitholders.

A foreign entity taxed as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes if (x) at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of “passive income”, or (y) at least 50% of the average value of the entity’s assets produce or are held for the production of those types of “passive income”. For purposes of these tests, “passive income” includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of investment property, and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties that are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business. For purposes of these tests, income derived from the performance of services does not constitute “passive income”. U.S. persons who own shares of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous U.S. federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC, and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their shares in the PFIC.

Based on our current and projected method of operation, we believe that we are not currently a PFIC and we do not expect to become a PFIC in the future. We intend to treat our income from spot and time chartering activities as non-passive income, and the vessels engaged in those activities as non-passive assets, for PFIC purposes. However, no assurance can be given that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or a United States court will accept this position, and there is accordingly a risk that the IRS or a United States court could determine that we are a PFIC. Moreover, no assurance can be given that we would not constitute a PFIC for any future taxable year if there were to be changes in our assets, income or operations. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Ownership and Disposition of Common Units—PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences” beginning on page 37.

We may have to pay tax on United States source income, which would reduce our earnings.

Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), 50% of the gross shipping income of a vessel owning or chartering corporation that is attributable to transportation that either begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States is characterized as U.S. source shipping income, and such income generally is subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for deduction, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code. We believe that we and each of our subsidiaries will qualify for this statutory tax exemption, and we will take this position for U.S. federal income tax return reporting purposes. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Certain Considerations Relating to the United States Federal Income Taxation of CPLP” beginning on page 37. However, there are factual circumstances, including some that may be beyond our control, which could cause us to lose the benefit of this tax exemption. In addition, our conclusion that we currently qualify for this exemption is based upon legal authorities that do not expressly contemplate an organizational structure such as ours. Although we have elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for corporate law purposes we are organized as a limited partnership under Marshall Islands law. Our general partner will be responsible for managing our business and affairs and has been granted certain veto rights over decisions of our board of directors. Therefore, we can give no assurances that the IRS will not take a different position regarding our qualification, or the qualification of any of our subsidiaries, for this tax exemption.

If we or our subsidiaries are not entitled to this exemption under Section 883 of the Code for any taxable year, we or our subsidiaries generally would be subject for those years to a 4% U.S. federal gross income tax on our U.S. source shipping income. The imposition of this taxation could have a negative effect on our business and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution to our unitholders.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we specify otherwise in any prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from our sale of securities covered by this prospectus for general partnership purposes, which may include, among other things:

 

    acquisitions, including vessel acquisitions;

 

    paying or refinancing all or a portion of our indebtedness outstanding at the time; and

 

    funding working capital or capital expenditures.

The actual application of proceeds from the sale of any particular offering of securities covered by this prospectus will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the offering. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of our common units by any selling unitholder.

 

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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON UNITS

Our common units started trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “CPLP” on March 30, 2007. The following table sets forth the high and low closing market prices in U.S. Dollars for our common units for each of the periods indicated.

 

     High      Low  

Year Ended: December 31,

     

2014

   $ 11.56       $ 6.79   

2013

     10.57         6.81   

2012

     8.74         6.21   

2011

     11.32         4.89   

2010

     10.01         6.88   

Quarter Ended:

     

December 31, 2014

     9.90         6.79   

September 30, 2014

     11.56         9.79   

June 30, 2014

     11.56         10.53   

March 31, 2014

     11.15         9.68   

December 31, 2013

     10.57         8.24   

September 30, 2013

     9.97         8.61   

June 30, 2013

     9.48         8.13   

March 31, 2013

     8.28         6.81   

Month Ended:

     

March 31, 2015(1)

     9.69         9.07   

February 28, 2015

     9.30         8.63   

January 31, 2015

     9.16         7.84   

December 31, 2014

     8.00         6.79   

November 30, 2014

     9.19         7.82   

October 31, 2014

     9.90         7.70   

September 30, 2014

     10.96         9.79   

 

(1) For period up to and including March 13, 2015.

 

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS

The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to (a) fixed charges and (b) fixed charges and preferred unit distributions for the periods presented for the periods presented.

For the purpose of calculating such ratios, “earnings” consist of CPLP’s net income before fixed charges. “Fixed charges” consist of interest expense and amortization of debt issuance finance costs. “Preferred dividend declared” represent the amount of pre-tax earnings that is required to pay the distributions on outstanding preferred units and is computed as the amount of (a) the distribution divided by (b) the result of one minus the effective income tax rate applicable to continuing operations.

(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars)

            Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012     2011      2010  

EARNINGS

             

Partnership’s net income/(loss)

     44,012         99,481         (21,189     87,120         17,936   

Interest Expense (1)

     18,076         15,338         26,095        32,970         32,502   

Amortization of finance cost

     821         451         481        618         547   

Total Earnings

     62,909         115,270         5,387        120,708         50,985   

FIXED CHARGES

             

Interest Expense (1)

     18,076         15,338         26,095        32,970         32,502   

Amortization of finance cost

     821         451         481        618         547   

Total Fixed Charges

     18,897         15,789         26,576        33,588         33,049   

Preferred dividend declared

     14,042         18,805         10,809        —           —     

Total Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends

     32,939         34,594         37,385        33,588         33,049   

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     3.3x         7.3x         0.2x        3.6x         1.5x   

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends (2)

     1.9x         3.3x         0.1x (3)      3.6x         1.5x   

 

(1) Interest expense consists of interest costs incurred under our $370.0 million, $350.0 million, $25.0 million, and $225.0 million credit facilities, interest costs associated with our swap agreements until their expiration in March 2013, as well as commitment and annual loan fees.
(2) Our loan facilities covenants have an EBITDA to Net Interest expenses requirement, which is different from the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
(3) For the year ended December 31, 2012, earnings were inadequate to cover total fixed charges and preferred dividends by approximately $32.0 million.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

We may offer common units, preferred units or debt securities. We will set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement a description of the common units, preferred units or debt securities that may be offered under this prospectus. The terms of the offering of securities, including the public offering price and any net proceeds to us, will be contained in the accompanying prospectus supplement and other offering material relating to such offering.

SELLING UNITHOLDERS

Information about selling unitholders, where applicable, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement, in an amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or in filings we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act, that are incorporated by reference.

 

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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

This section describes the material United States federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of common units or certain debt securities that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. In the case of debt securities, it only applies to U.S.-dollar denominated debt instruments that are not convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for other securities that pay interest at least annually at a single fixed or qualified floating rate, that have a term of not more than 30 years and that are not issued at a premium or with more than a de minimis amount of discount to their principal amount. The applicable prospectus supplement will discuss, as applicable, the material United States federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of any units or debt securities that are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for other securities, preferred units, and debt securities that may be subject to special United States federal income tax rules, including (without limitation), debt securities issued with original issue discount or with premium, debt securities denominated in, or linked to, non-U.S. dollar currencies, indexed debt securities and debt securities subject to the special rules for contingent payment debt instruments. To the extent this section consists of statements as to matters of tax law, this section is the opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, our United States counsel. This section applies to you only if you acquire your common units or debt securities in an offering or offerings contemplated by this prospectus and you hold your common units or debt securities as capital assets for tax purposes. This section does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules, including:

 

    a dealer in securities,

 

    a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings,

 

    a tax-exempt organization,

 

    a life insurance company,

 

    a person liable for alternative minimum tax,

 

    a person that actually or constructively owns 10% or more of common units,

 

    a person that holds common units or debt securities as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction,

 

    a person that purchases or sells common units or debt securities as part of a wash sale for tax purposes,

 

    a U.S. expatriate, or

 

    a U.S. Holder (as defined below) of common units or debt securities whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar.

This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations under the Code, and published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

If a partnership holds common units or debt securities, the United States federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the tax treatment of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding common units or debt securities, you should consult your tax advisors with regard to the United States federal income tax treatment of an investment in common units or debt securities.

For the purposes of this section, you are a “U.S. Holder” if you are a beneficial owner of common units or debt securities and you are:

 

    an individual citizen or resident of the United States for United States federal income tax purposes,

 

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    a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any U.S. state or the District of Columbia,

 

    an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or

 

    a trust which either (i) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

For the purposes of this section, a “Non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of common units or debt securities (other than a partnership) that is not a U.S. person for United States federal income tax purposes.

If you purchase debt securities at a price other than their offering price, the amortizable bond premium or market discount rules may also apply to you. You should consult your tax advisor regarding this possibility.

For a discussion of certain considerations relating to the United States federal income taxation our company, please see “Certain Considerations Relating to the United States Federal Income Taxation of CPLP.”

This discussion does not address tax consequences that may vary with, or are contingent on, individual circumstances. Moreover, it only addresses United States federal income tax and does not address any non-income tax or any foreign, state or local tax consequences. You should consult your own tax advisors concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of the ownership of common units or debt securities in light of your particular situation, as well as any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

Tax Characterization of CPLP

We have elected to be taxed as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. As such, among other consequences, U.S. Holders of common units will, subject to the discussion of certain rules relating to passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”) below (please see “Ownership and Disposition of Common Units—PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences”), generally not be directly subject to United States federal income tax on our income, but rather will be subject to United States federal income tax on distributions received from us and dispositions of common units, as described below. Additionally, our distributions to common unitholders will generally be reported on Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form 1099-DIV.

Ownership and Disposition of Common Units

U.S. Holders of Common Units

Distributions

Subject to the discussion of the rules applicable to PFICs below, any distributions made by us with respect to the common units to a U.S. Holder generally will constitute dividends, which may be taxable as ordinary income or “qualified dividend income” as described in more detail below, to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its common units on a dollar-for-dollar basis and thereafter as capital gain. U.S. Holders that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to any distributions they receive from us. Dividends paid with respect to the common units generally will be treated as “passive” income from sources outside the United States for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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Dividends paid on the common units to a U.S. Holder who is an individual, trust or estate (or a “U.S. Individual Holder”) will be treated as qualified dividend income that is taxable to such U.S. Individual Holder at preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gain provided that: (i) our common units are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the Nasdaq Global Select Market on which our common units are traded); (ii) we are not a PFIC (which we do not believe we are, have been or will be, as discussed below); (iii) the U.S. Individual Holder has owned the common units for more than 60 days in the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common units become ex-dividend (and has not entered into certain risk limiting transactions with respect to such units) and (iv) the U.S. Individual Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. There is no assurance that any dividends paid on the common units will be eligible for these preferential rates in the hands of a U.S. Individual Holder, and any dividends paid on the common units that are not eligible for these preferential rates will be taxed as ordinary income to a U.S. Individual Holder. Special rules may apply to any “extraordinary dividend” paid by us. An extraordinary dividend is, generally, a dividend with respect to a unit if the amount of the dividend is equal to or in excess of 10 percent of a unitholder’s adjusted basis (or fair market value in certain circumstances) in such unit. If we pay an “extraordinary dividend” on the common units that is treated as “qualified dividend income”, then any loss derived by a U.S. Individual Holder from the sale or exchange of such units will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of such dividend.

Disposition of Common Units

Subject to the discussion of PFICs below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of common units in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such units. Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Such capital gain or loss will generally be treated as U.S. source income or loss, as applicable, for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. A U.S. Holder’s ability to deduct capital losses is subject to certain limitations. Long-term capital gain of a U.S. Individual Holder is generally subject to tax at preferential rates.

Non-U.S. Holders of Common Units

Distributions

Distributions paid to a Non-U.S. Holder in respect of common units will not be subject to United States federal income tax unless the distributions are “effectively connected” with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States, and the distributions are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States if that is required by an applicable income tax treaty as a condition for subjecting the Non-U.S. Holder to U.S. taxation on a net income basis. In such cases, the Non-U.S. Holder generally will be taxed in the same manner as a U.S. Holder. “Effectively connected” distributions recognized by a corporate Non-U.S. Holder may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate, or at a lower rate if the corporate Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for a lower rate.

Disposition of Common Units

A Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal income tax on gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of common units unless (i) the gain is “effectively connected” with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and the gain is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States if that is required by an applicable income tax treaty as a condition for subjecting the Non-U.S. Holder to U.S. taxation on a net income basis, or (ii) the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual, the Non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the sale, and certain other conditions exist. “Effectively connected” gains recognized by a corporate Non-U.S. Holder may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate, or at a lower rate if the corporate Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for a lower rate.

 

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PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences

Special and adverse U.S. federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that owns an equity interest in a non-U.S. entity taxed as a corporation and classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which such holder held our common units, either:

 

    at least 75% of our gross income (including the gross income of our vessel owning subsidiaries) for such taxable year consists of passive income (e.g., dividends, interest, capital gains and rents derived other than in the active conduct of a rental business); or

 

    at least 50% of the average value of the assets held by us (including the assets of our vessel owning subsidiaries) during such taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income.

Income earned, or deemed earned, by us in connection with the performance of services would not constitute passive income. By contrast, rental income would generally constitute “passive income” unless we were treated under specific rules as deriving our rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business. Based on our current and projected methods of operation, we believe that we are not currently a PFIC, nor do we expect to become a PFIC. Although there is no legal authority directly on point, and we are not obtaining a ruling from the IRS on this issue, we will take the position that, for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from the time and spot chartering activities of our wholly owned subsidiaries constitutes services income, rather than rental income. Correspondingly, such income should not constitute passive income, and the assets that we or our wholly owned subsidiaries own and operate in connection with the production of such income, in particular, the vessels we or our subsidiaries own that are subject to time charters, should not constitute passive assets for purposes of determining whether we were a PFIC.

As noted above, there is, however, no direct legal authority under the PFIC rules addressing our method of operation. Moreover, in a case not specifically interpreting the PFIC rules, Tidewater Inc. v. United States, 565 F.3d 299 (5th Cir. 2009), the Fifth Circuit held that the vessel time charters at issue generated predominantly rental income rather than services income. However, the court’s ruling was contrary to the position of the IRS that the time charter income should have been treated as services income. Additionally, the IRS later affirmed its position in Tidewater, adding further that the time charters at issue would be treated as giving rise to services income under the PFIC rules.

No assurance, however, can be given that the IRS, or a court of law will accept our position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court of law could determine we are or were a PFIC. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid, to the extent possible, being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure you that the nature of our operations will not change in the future, or that we can avoid PFIC status in the future.

As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder would be subject to different taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a “Qualified Electing Fund”, (a “QEF election”). As an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder should be able to make a “mark-to-market” election with respect to our common units, as discussed below. In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns our common units during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, such units owned by such holder will generally be treated as units in a PFIC even if we are not a PFIC in a subsequent year and, if the total value of all PFIC stock that such holder directly or indirectly owns exceeds certain thresholds, such holder must file IRS Form 8621 with the holder’s U.S. federal income tax return to report the holder’s ownership of our common units.

Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a Timely QEF Election

If a U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF election, (such U.S. Holder, an “Electing Holder”), the Electing Holder must report each year for U.S. federal income tax purposes his pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and our net capital gain, if any, for our taxable year that ends with or within the taxable year of the Electing Holder, regardless of whether or not distributions were received from us by the Electing Holder. The Electing Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common units will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed income. Distributions of earnings and profits that had been previously taxed will result in a corresponding reduction in the adjusted tax basis in the common units and will not be taxed again once distributed. An Electing Holder would generally recognize capital

 

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gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common units. A U.S. Holder would make a QEF election with respect to any year that we are a PFIC by filing one copy of IRS Form 8621 with his U.S. federal income tax return and a second copy in accordance with the instructions to such form. If contrary to our expectations, we determine that we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, we will attempt to provide each U.S. Holder with all necessary information in order to make the QEF election described above.

Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a “Mark-to-Market” Election

Alternatively, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and, as we anticipate, our common units were treated as “marketable stock”, a U.S. Holder would be allowed to make a “mark-to-market” election with respect to common units, provided the U.S. Holder completes and files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury Regulations. If that election is made, the U.S. Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the common units at the end of the taxable year over such holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common units. The U.S. Holder would also be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common units over the fair market value thereof at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in his common units would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amount. Gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common units would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common units would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included by the U.S. Holder.

Taxation of U.S. Holders not making a timely QEF or mark-to-market election

Finally, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder who does not make either a QEF election or a “mark-to-market” election for that year (such U.S. Holder, a “Non-Electing Holder”), would be subject to special rules with respect to (1) any excess distribution (i.e., the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on our common units in a taxable year in excess of 125% of the average annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the Non-Electing Holder’s holding period for the common units), and (2) any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common units. Under these special rules:

 

    the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder’s aggregate holding period for the common units;

 

    the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any year prior to the year we were first treated as a PFIC with respect to the Non-Electing Holder would be taxed as ordinary income; and

 

    the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year, and an interest charge for the deemed deferral benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year.

These penalties would not apply to a qualified pension, profit sharing or other retirement trust or other tax-exempt organization that did not borrow money or otherwise utilize leverage in connection with its acquisition of our common units. If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and a Non-Electing Holder who is an individual dies while owning our common units, such holder’s successor generally would not receive a step-up in tax basis with respect to such units.

 

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Ownership and Disposition of Debt Securities

U.S. Holders of Debt Securities

Payments of Interest

A U.S. Holder will be taxed on interest on its debt securities as ordinary income at the time the U.S. Holder receives the interest or when the interest accrues, depending on the U.S. Holder’s method of accounting for tax purposes.

A U.S. Holder must include any tax withheld from an interest payment as ordinary income even if the U.S. Holder does not in fact receive the withheld portion. A U.S. Holder may be entitled to deduct or credit this tax, subject to applicable limits. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex, and U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit in their situation. Interest paid by us on the debt securities is income from sources outside the United States for purposes of the rules regarding the foreign tax credit allowable to a U.S. Holder and will, depending on a U.S. Holder’s circumstances, be either “passive” or “general” income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit.

Purchase, Sale and Retirement of Debt Securities

A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its debt securities generally will be the U.S. Holder’s cost. A U.S. Holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or retirement of its debt securities equal to the difference between the amount the U.S. Holder realizes on the sale or retirement, excluding any amounts attributable to accrued but unpaid interest (which will be treated as interest payments), and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its debt securities. Capital gain of a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the holder has a holding period greater than one year.

Non-U.S. Holders of Debt Securities

Payments of Interest

Under United States federal income and estate tax law, and subject to the discussion of backup withholding below, interest on debt securities paid to a Non-U.S. Holder is exempt from United States federal income tax, including withholding tax, whether or not such Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a trade or business in the United States, unless:

 

    such Non-U.S. Holder is an insurance company carrying on a United States insurance business to which the interest is attributable, within the meaning of the Code, or

 

    such Non-U.S. Holder both

 

    has an office or other fixed place of business in the United States to which the interest is attributable and

 

    derives the interest in the active conduct of a banking, financing or similar business within the United States or is a corporation with a principal business of trading in stocks and securities for its own account.

Purchase, Sale and Retirement of Debt Securities

A Non-U.S. Holder of debt securities generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax on gain realized on the sale, exchange or retirement of debt securities unless:

 

    the gain is effectively connected with such Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States or

 

    such Non-U.S. Holder is an individual, the Non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States for 183 or more days during the taxable year in which the gain is realized, and certain other conditions exist.

 

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For purposes of the United States federal estate tax, the debt securities will be treated as situated outside the United States and will not be includible in the gross estate of a holder who is neither a citizen nor a resident of the United States at the time of death.

Medicare Tax

A U.S. Holder that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, is subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (i) the U.S. Holder’s “net investment income” (or “undistributed net investment income” in the case of an estate or trust) for the relevant taxable year and (ii) the excess of the U.S. Holder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals is between $125,000 and $250,000, depending on the individual’s circumstances). A holder’s net investment income generally includes its dividend and interest income and its net gains from the disposition of common units and debt securities, unless such dividend income, interest income or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). A U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate or trust is urged to consult its tax advisors regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to its income and gains in respect of its investment in common units or debt securities.

Information with Respect to Foreign Financial Assets

Owners of “specified foreign financial assets” with an aggregate value in excess of $50,000 (and in some circumstances, a higher threshold) may be required to file an information report with respect to such assets with their tax returns. “Specified foreign financial assets” may include financial accounts maintained by foreign financial institutions, as well as the following, but only if they are held for investment and not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions: (i) stocks and securities issued by non-U.S. persons, (ii) financial instruments and contracts that have non-U.S. issuers or counterparties, and (iii) interests in foreign entities. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of this reporting requirement to their ownership of common units and debt securities.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

If you are a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder, information reporting requirements, on IRS Form 1099, generally will apply to:

 

    dividend and interest payments or other taxable distributions made to you within the United States and payments of principal on debt securities made to you within the United States, and

 

    the payment of proceeds to you from the sale of common units or debt securities effected at a U.S. office of a broker.

Additionally, backup withholding may apply to such payments if you are a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder that fails to comply with applicable certification requirements or that is notified by the IRS that you have failed to report all interest and dividends required to be shown on your federal income tax returns.

If you are a Non-U.S. Holder, you are generally exempt from backup withholding and information reporting requirements with respect to:

 

    dividend payments and payments of principal and interest made to you outside the United States by us or another non-U.S. payor, and

 

    other dividend payments and payments of principal and interest made within the United States and the payment of the proceeds from the sale of common units or debt securities effected at a U.S. office of a broker, as long as either (i) the payor or broker does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a U.S. person and you have furnished a valid IRS Form W-8 or other documentation upon which the payor or broker may rely to treat the payments as made to a non-U.S. person, or (ii) you otherwise establish an exemption.

 

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Payment of the proceeds from the sale of common units or debt securities effected at a foreign office of a broker generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, a sale of common units or debt securities that is effected at a foreign office of a broker will be subject to information reporting in the same manner as a sale within the United States (and in certain cases may be subject to backup withholding as well) if:

 

    the broker has certain connections to the United States,

 

    the proceeds or confirmation are sent to the United States, or

 

    the sale has some other specified connection with the United States as provided in United States Treasury regulations.

You generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules that exceed your income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS.

Certain Considerations Relating to the United States Federal Income Taxation of CPLP

Election to be Taxed as a Corporation

We have elected to be taxed as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, among other consequences, U.S. Holders will, subject to the discussion of certain rules relating to PFICs above, generally not directly be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income, but rather will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on distributions received from us and dispositions of common units, as described above. As a corporation, we may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income as discussed below. Additionally, distributions from us to common unitholders will generally be reported on Internal Revenue Service Form 1099-DIV.

Taxation of Operating Income

We expect that substantially all of our gross income will continue to be attributable to the transportation of crude oil and related oil products as well as dry cargo and containerized goods. For this purpose, gross income attributable to transportation (or “Transportation Income”) includes income derived from, or in connection with, the use (or hiring or leasing for use) of a vessel to transport cargo, or the performance of services directly related to the use of any vessel to transport cargo, and thus includes spot charter, time charter and bareboat charter income.

Transportation Income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States (or “U.S. Source International Transportation Income”) will be considered to be 50% derived from sources within the United States. Transportation Income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States (or “U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income”) will be considered to be 100% derived from sources within the United States. Transportation Income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-U.S. destinations will be considered to be 100% derived from sources outside the United States. Transportation Income derived from sources outside the United States generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Based on our current operations, we do not expect to have U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income. However, certain of our activities give rise to U.S. Source International Transportation Income, and future expansion of our operations could result in an increase in the amount of U.S. Source International Transportation Income, as well as give rise to U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income, all of which could be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless exempt from U.S. taxation under Section 883 of the Code (or the “Section 883 Exemption”), as discussed below.

 

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The Section 883 Exemption

In general, the Section 883 Exemption provides that if a non-U.S. corporation satisfies the requirements of Section 883 of the Code and the Treasury regulations thereunder (the “Section 883 Regulations”), it will not be subject to the net basis and branch profits taxes or the 4% gross basis tax described below on its U.S. Source International Transportation Income. The Section 883 Exemption applies to U.S. Source International Transportation Income and other forms of related income, such as gain from the sale of a vessel. As discussed below, we believe that under our current ownership structure, the Section 883 Exemption will apply and that, accordingly, we will not be taxed on our U.S. Source International Transportation Income. The Section 883 Exemption does not apply to U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income.

We will qualify for the Section 883 Exemption if, among other matters, we meet the following three requirements:

 

    We are organized in a jurisdiction outside the United States that grants an equivalent exemption from tax to corporations organized in the United States (an “Equivalent Exemption”);

 

    We satisfy the “Publicly Traded Test” (as described below); and

 

    We meet certain substantiation, reporting and other requirements.

The Publicly Traded Test requires that the stock of a non-U.S. corporation be “primarily and regularly traded” on an established securities market either in the United States or in a jurisdiction outside the United States that grants an Equivalent Exemption. The Section 883 Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that equity interests in a non-U.S. corporation will be considered to be “primarily traded” on an established securities market in a given country if the number of units of each class of equity relied upon to meet the “regularly traded” test that are traded during any taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of units in each such class that are traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country. Equity of a non-U.S. corporation will be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market under the Section 883 Regulations if one or more classes of equity of the corporation that, in the aggregate, represent more than 50% of the total combined voting power and value of the non-U.S. corporation are listed on such market and certain trading volume requirements are met or deemed met as described below. For this purpose, if one or more “5% Unitholders” (i.e., a unitholder holding, actually or constructively, at least 5% of the vote and value of a class of equity) own in the aggregate 50% or more of the vote and value of a class of equity (the “Closely Held Block”), such class of equity will not be counted towards meeting the “primarily and regularly traded” test (the “Closely Held Block Exception”).

We are organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The U.S. Treasury Department has recognized the Republic of the Marshall Islands as a jurisdiction that grants an Equivalent Exemption. Consequently, our U.S. Source International Transportation Income (including, for this purpose, (i) any such income earned by our subsidiaries that have properly elected to be treated as partnerships or disregarded as entities separate from us for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (ii) any such income earned by subsidiaries that are corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, are organized in a jurisdiction that grants an Equivalent Exemption and whose outstanding stock is owned 50% or more by value by us) will be exempt from U.S. federal income taxation provided we meet the Publicly Traded Test. In addition, since our common units are only traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which is considered to be an established securities market, our common units will be deemed to be “primarily traded” on an established securities market.

We believe we meet the trading volume requirements of the Section 883 Exemption, because the pertinent regulations provide that trading volume requirements will be deemed to be met with respect to a class of equity traded on an established securities market in the United States where, as will be the case for our common units, the units are regularly quoted by dealers who regularly and actively make offers, purchases and sales of such units to unrelated persons in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, the pertinent regulations also provide that a class of equity will be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market if (i) such class of stock is listed on such market, (ii) such class of stock is traded on such market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable year or one sixth of the days in a short taxable year, and (iii) the aggregate number of

 

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shares of such class of stock traded on such market during the taxable year is at least 10% of the average number of shares of such class of stock outstanding during such year, or as appropriately adjusted in the case of a short taxable year. We believe that trading of our common units has satisfied these conditions in the past, and we expect that such conditions will continue to be satisfied. Finally, we believe that our common units represent more than 50% of our voting power and value and accordingly we believe that our units should be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market.

These conclusions, however, are based upon legal authorities that do not expressly contemplate an organizational structure such as ours. In particular, although we have elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for corporate law purposes, we are organized as a limited partnership under Marshall Islands law and our general partner is responsible for managing our business and affairs and has been granted certain veto rights over decisions of our board of directors. Accordingly, it is possible that the IRS could assert that our units do not meet the “regularly traded” test.

We expect that our units will not lose eligibility for the Section 883 Exemption as a result of the Closely Held Block Exception, because our partnership agreement provides that the voting rights of any 5% Unitholders (other than our general partner and its affiliates, their transferees and persons who acquired such units with the approval of our board of directors) are limited to a 4.9% voting interest in us regardless of how many common units are held by that 5% Unitholder. (The voting rights of any such Unitholders in excess of 4.9% will be redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote). If Capital Maritime and our general partner own 50% or more of our common units, they will provide the necessary documents to establish an exception to the application of the Closely Held Block Exception. This exception is available when shareholders residing in a jurisdiction granting an Equivalent Exemption and meeting certain other requirements own sufficient shares in the Closely Held Block to preclude shareholders who have not met such requirements from owning 50% or more of the outstanding class of equity relied upon to satisfy the Publicly Traded Test.

Thus, although the matter is not free from doubt, we believe that we will satisfy the Publicly Traded Test. Should any of the facts described above cease to be correct, our ability to satisfy the test will be compromised.

Taxation of Operating Income in the Absence of the Section 883 Exemption

If we earn U.S. Source International Transportation Income and the Section 883 Exemption does not apply, the U.S. source portion of such income may be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States (or “Effectively Connected Income”) if we have a fixed place of business in the United States and substantially all of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation or, in the case of bareboat charter income, is attributable to a fixed place of business in the United States. Based on our current operations, none of our potential U.S. Source International Transportation Income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation or is received pursuant to bareboat charters attributable to a fixed place of business in the United States. As a result, we do not anticipate that any of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income will be treated as Effectively Connected Income. However, there is no assurance that we will not earn income pursuant to regularly scheduled transportation or bareboat charters attributable to a fixed place of business in the United States in the future, which would result in such income being treated as Effectively Connected Income. In addition, any U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income generally will be treated as Effectively Connected Income.

Any income we earn that is treated as Effectively Connected Income would be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax (the highest statutory rate is currently 35%). In addition, a 30% branch profits tax imposed under Section 884 of the Code also would apply to such income, and a branch interest tax could be imposed on certain interest paid or deemed paid by us.

 

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Taxation of Gain on the Sale of a Vessel

Provided we qualify for the Section 883 Exemption, gain from the sale of a vessel should be exempt from tax under Section 883. If, however, we do not qualify for the Section 883 Exemption, then such gain could be treated as effectively connected income (determined under rules different from those discussed above) and subject to the net income and branch profits tax regime described above.

The 4% Gross Basis Tax

If the Section 883 Exemption does not apply and the net basis tax does not apply, we would be subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax on the U.S. source portion of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income, without the benefit of deductions.

 

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NON-UNITED STATES TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following is the opinion of Watson Farley & Williams LLP, our counsel as to matters of the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and is based on and relates solely to the current laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands applicable to persons who do not reside in, maintain offices in or engage in business in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and, if applicable, are not citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Because we and our subsidiaries do not and do not expect to conduct business or operations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and because all documentation related to the offerings of common units, preferred units and debt securities will be executed outside of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, under current Marshall Islands law you will not be subject to Marshall Islands taxation or withholding on distributions, including upon distribution treated as a return of capital, we make to you as a unitholder or a debt security holder. In addition, you will not be subject to Marshall Islands stamp, capital gains or other taxes on the purchase, ownership or disposition of our common units, preferred units or debt securities and you will not be required by the Republic of the Marshall Islands to file a tax return relating to your ownership of common units, preferred units or debt securities.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We or any selling unitholder may sell the securities offered by this prospectus and applicable prospectus supplements from time to time on a continuous or delayed basis:

 

    to or through underwriters or dealers;

 

    through agents;

 

    directly to one or more purchasers or other persons or entities;

 

    through a combination of any such methods; or

 

    through other means.

We will identify the specific plan of distribution, including any underwriters, dealers, agents or other purchasers, persons or entities and any applicable compensation, in a prospectus supplement or other appropriate filing.

SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

We are organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands as a limited partnership. Our general partner is formed under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands as a limited liability company. The Republic of the Marshall Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States and provides protections for investors to a significantly lesser extent.

Most of our directors and the directors and officers of our general partner and those of our subsidiaries are residents of countries other than the United States. Substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets and a substantial portion of the assets of our directors and the directors and officers of our general partner are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for United States investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us, our directors, our general partner, our subsidiaries or the directors and officers of our general partner, or to realize against us or them judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. However, we have expressly submitted to the jurisdiction of the U.S. federal and New York state courts sitting in The City of New York for the purpose of any suit, action or proceeding arising under the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States, and we have appointed CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10011, to accept service of process on our behalf in any such action.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP, our counsel as to Marshall Islands law, has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Republic of the Marshall Islands would (1) recognize or enforce against us, our directors, our general partner, our subsidiaries or our general partner’s directors or officers judgments of courts of the United States based on civil liability provisions of applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws or (2) impose liabilities against us, our directors, our general partner, our subsidiaries or our general partner’s directors or officers in original actions brought in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, based on these laws.

VALIDITY OF SECURITIES

Unless otherwise stated in any prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities will be passed upon by Watson Farley & Williams LLP, as to matters of Marshall Islands law, and by Sullivan  & Cromwell LLP, as to matters of New York law.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Capital Product Partners L.P. (“CPLP”), incorporated in this prospectus by reference from CPLP’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, and the effectiveness of CPLP’s internal control over

 

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financial reporting, have been audited by Deloitte, Hadjipavlou, Sofianos & Cambanis S.A., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. The offices of Deloitte, Hadjipavlou, Sofianos & Cambanis S.A. are located at Fragoklissias 3a  & Granikou Str., GR 151 25, Maroussi, Athens, Greece.

EXPENSES

The following table sets forth the main costs and expenses, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with this offering.

 

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

*

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority filing fee

**

Nasdaq Global Select Market listing fee

**

Legal fees and expenses

**

Accounting fees and expenses

**

Printing and engraving costs

**

Transfer agent fees and expenses

**

Miscellaneous

**
  

 

Total

**
  

 

 

* In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) of the Securities Act, as amended, we are deferring payment of the registration fee for the securities offered. Pursuant to Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act, U.S. $19,080.26 on account with the SEC in connection with the Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-177491, which has not been applied to the payment of registration fees for securities sold in the United States, will be carried over to this Registration Statement and applied to the payment of registration fees in respect of eventual sales of securities hereunder.
** Amounts to be provided in a prospectus supplement or furnished in a Current Report on Form 6-K subsequently incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

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LOGO

Capital Product Partners L.P.

Common Units

Preferred Units

Debt Securities

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

March 16, 2015

 

 

 


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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

Item 8. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

CPLP is a Marshall Islands limited partnership. Under the Marshall Islands Limited Partnership Act, a partnership agreement may set forth that the partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless any partner or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever.

The Partnership Agreement provides that to the fullest extent permitted by law, but subject to the limitations expressly provided in the Partnership Agreement, the general partner, CPLP’s board or directors and any other person the CPLP board of directors decides, shall be indemnified and held harmless by CPLP 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 such person may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, provided, however, that such person shall not be indemnified and held harmless if there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that, in respect of the matter for which the person is seeking indemnification, the person acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud or willful misconduct or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted with knowledge that his or her conduct was unlawful; and, provided further, that indemnification shall be available to the general partner or its affiliates only for obligations incurred on behalf of CPLP.

Under the Partnership Agreement, each CPLP director is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with attending meetings of the CPLP board of directors or committees and is fully indemnified by CPLP for actions associated with being a director to the fullest extent permitted under Marshall Islands law, provided that indemnification is not available where there has been a final, non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction that the director acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud or willful misconduct.

CPLP currently maintains directors’ and officers’ insurance for its directors and officers as well as officers and directors of certain subsidiaries.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Item 9. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

  1.1    Form of Purchase Agreement*
  1.2    Form of Underwriting Agreement*
  4.1    Amendment, dated as of September 30, 2011, to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Capital Product Partners L.P., dated as of February 22, 2010 (1)
  4.2    Second Amendment, dated as of May 22, 2012, to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Capital Product Partners L.P., dated as of February 22, 2010 (2)
  4.3    First Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement, by and among Capital Maritime & Trading Corp., Capital GP L.L.C., Capital Product Operating L.L.C. and Capital Product Partners L.P., dated as of September 30, 2011(1)
  4.4    Third Amendment, dated as of May 19, 2013, to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Capital Product Partners L.P., dated as of February 22, 2010 (3)
  4.5    Fourth Amendment, dated as of August 21, 2014, to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Capital Product Partners L.P., dated as of February 22, 2010(4)
  4.6    Form of Indenture for Debt Securities†
  4.7    Form of Debt Securities (included in Exhibit 4.6)

 

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  5.1 Opinion of Watson, Farley & Williams LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered
  5.2 Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
  8.1 Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP relating to tax matters
  8.2 Opinion of Watson, Farley & Williams LLP relating to tax matters
21.1 List of Subsidiaries of Capital Product Partners L.P.
23.1 Consent of Deloitte Hadjipavlou, Sofianos & Cambanis S.A.
23.2 Consent of Watson, Farley & Williams LLP (contained in Exhibits 5.1 and 8.2)
23.3 Consent of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (contained in Exhibits 5.2 and 8.1)
25.1 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility respecting the Indenture**

 

* To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a Report on Form 6-K of the Registrant that is subsequently incorporated by reference into this registration statement.
** To be filed in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Rule 5b-3 thereunder.
Subordinated debt securities may be issued pursuant to Exhibit 4.6.
(1) Previously furnished on September 30, 2011, as an exhibit to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 6-K.
(2) Previously furnished on May 23, 2012, as an exhibit to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 6-K.
(3) Previously furnished on March 21, 2013, as an exhibit to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 6-K.
(4) Previously furnished on August 26, 2014, as an exhibit to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 6-K.

Item 10. Undertakings.

The 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:

 

  a. To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

  b. To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent posteffective 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;

 

  c. 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 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

2. That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment 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.

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.

4. To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A. of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act need not be furnished,

 

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provided that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph 4 and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to registration statements on Form F-3, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and information required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act or Rule 3-19 of this chapter if such financial statements and information are 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 Form F-3.

5. That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

 

  a. Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

  b. Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

6. That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

a. Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

b. Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

c. The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

d. Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

7. To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act (“Act”) in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under section 305(b)(2) of the Act.

The Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or 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.

 

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Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, 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 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 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Piraeus, Country of Greece on the 16th day of March, 2015.

 

CAPITAL PRODUCT PARTNERS L.P.,
By: Capital GP L.L.C., its general partner

/s/ Petros Christodoulou

Name: Petros Christodoulou
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Capital GP L.L.C.

 

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POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below appoints Petros Christodoulou as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and any registration statement (including any amendments thereto) for this 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 all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or would do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully 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 by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

   Date

/s/ PETROS CHRISTODOULOU

Petros Christodoulou

   Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting Officer) of Capital GP L.L.C. and Director    March 16, 2015
     

/s/ IOANNIS E. LAZARIDIS

   Director and Chairman of the Board    March 16, 2015
Ioannis E. Lazaridis      

/s/ KEITH FORMAN

   Director    March 16, 2015
Keith Forman      

/s/ JERRY KALOGIRATOS

   Director    March 16, 2015
Jerry Kalogiratos      

/s/ PIERRE DE DEMANDOLX-DEDONS

   Director    March 16, 2015
Pierre de Demandolx-Dedons      

/s/ ABEL RASTERHOFF

   Director    March 16, 2015
Abel Rasterhoff      

/s/ DIMITRIS CHRISTACOPOULOS

   Director    March 16, 2015
Dimitris Christacopoulos      

/s/ EVANGELOS G. BAIRACTARIS

   Director and Secretary    March 16, 2015
Evangelos G. Bairactaris      

 

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SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REGISTRANT

Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the undersigned, a duly authorized representative of Capital Product Partners L.P. in the United States, has signed the Registration Statement in the City of New York, State of New York on the 16th day of March, 2015.

 

CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY
By:

/s/ DAVID W. NICKELSEN

Name: David W. Nickelsen
Title: Assistant Secretary

 

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Exhibit

No.

  

Description

1.1    Form of Purchase Agreement*
1.2    Form of Underwriting Agreement*
4.1    Amendment, dated as of September 30, 2011, to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Capital Product Partners L.P., dated as of February 22, 2010 (1)
4.2    Second Amendment, dated as of May 22, 2012, to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Capital Product Partners L.P., dated as of February 22, 2010 (2)
4.3    First Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement, by and among Capital Maritime & Trading Corp., Capital GP L.L.C., Capital Product Operating L.L.C. and Capital Product Partners L.P., dated as of September 30, 2011(1)
4.4    Third Amendment, dated as of May 19, 2013, to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Capital Product Partners L.P., dated as of February 22, 2010 (3)
4.5    Fourth Amendment, dated as of August 21, 2014, to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Capital Product Partners L.P., dated as of February 22, 2010(4)
4.6    Form of Indenture for Debt Securities†
4.7    Form of Debt Securities (included in Exhibit 4.6)
5.1    Opinion of Watson Farley & Williams LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered
5.2    Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
8.1    Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP relating to tax matters
8.2    Opinion of Watson Farley & Williams LLP relating to tax matters
21.1    List of Subsidiaries of Capital Product Partners L.P.
23.1    Consent of Deloitte Hadjipavlou, Sofianos & Cambanis S.A.
23.2    Consent of Watson Farley & Williams LLP (contained in Exhibits 5.1 and 8.2)
23.3    Consent of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (contained in Exhibits 5.2 and 8.1)
25.1   

Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility respecting the Indenture**

 

 

*   To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a Report on Form 6-K of the Registrant that is subsequently incorporated by reference into this registration statement.
**   To be filed in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Rule 5b-3 thereunder.
  Subordinated debt securities may be issued pursuant to Exhibit 4.6.
(1)   Previously furnished on September 30, 2011, as an exhibit to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 6-K.
(2)   Previously furnished on May 23, 2012, as an exhibit to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 6-K.
(3)   Previously furnished on March 21, 2013, as an exhibit to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 6-K.
(4)   Previously furnished on August 26, 2014, as an exhibit to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 6-K.
EX-4.6

Exhibit 4.6

 

 

 

CAPITAL PRODUCT PARTNERS L.P.

TO

[TRUSTEE]

As Trustee

 

 

Indenture

Dated as of             ,     20    

 

 

 


Certain Sections of this Indenture relating to Sections 310 through 318, inclusive, of the Trust

Indenture Act of 1939:

 

Trust Indenture Act Section    Indenture Section
§ 310(a)(1)    609
(a)(2)    609
(a)(3)    Not Applicable
(a)(4)    Not Applicable
(b)    608
   610
§ 311(a)    613
(b)    613
§ 312(a)    701
(b)    702
(c)    702
§ 313(a)    703
(b)    703
(c)    703
(d)    703
§ 314(a)    704
(a)(4)    101
   1004
(b)    Not Applicable
(c)(1)    102
(c)(2)    102
(c)(3)    Not Applicable
(d)    Not Applicable
(e)    102
§ 315(a)    601
(b)    602
(c)    601
(d)    601
(e)    514
§ 316(a)    101
(a)(1)(A)    502
   512
(a)(1)(B)    513
(a)(2)    Not Applicable
(b)    508
(c)    104
§ 317(a)(1)    503
(a)(2)    504
(b)    1003
§ 318(a)    107

NOTE: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PARTIES

     1   

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

     1   

ARTICLE ONE

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS

OF GENERAL APPLICATION

 

Section 101.   Definitions.      i   
  “Act”      ii   
  “Additional Amounts”      ii   
  “Affiliate”      ii   
  “Authenticating Agent”      ii   
  “Board of Directors”      ii   
  “Board Resolution”      ii   
  “Business Day”      ii   
  “Commission”      ii   
  “Company”      ii   
  “Company Request” or “Company Order”      ii   
  “Corporate Trust Office”      ii   
  “corporation”      iii   
  “Covenant Defeasance”      iii   
  “Defaulted Interest”      iii   
  “Defeasance”      iii   
  “Depositary”      iii   
  “Event of Default”      iii   
  “Exchange Act”      iii   
  “Expiration Date”      iii   
  “Global Security”      iii   
  “Holder”      iii   
  “Indenture”      iii   
  “interest”      iii   
  “Interest Payment Date”      iii   
  “Investment Company Act”      iii   
  “Maturity”      iii   
  “Notice of Default”      iii   
  “Officers’ Certificate”      iv   
  “Opinion of Counsel”      iv   
  “Original Issue Discount Security”      iv   
  “Outstanding”      iv   
  “Paying Agent”      v   
  “Person”      v   
  “Place of Payment”      v   
  “Predecessor Security”      v   
  “Redemption Date”      v   
  “Redemption Price”      v   
  “Regular Record Date”      v   
  “Securities”      v   
  “Securities Act”      v   


“Security Register”   v   
“Senior Debt”   v   
“Special Record Date”   v   
“Stated Maturity”   v   
“Subsidiary”   vi   
“Taxes”   vi   
“Taxing Authority”   vi   
“Trust Indenture Act”   vi   
“Trustee”   vi   
“U.S. Government Obligation”   vi   
“Vice President”   vi   
Section 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.   vi   
Section 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.   vii   
Section 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates.   vii   
Section 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.   ix   
Section 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.   ix   
Section 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.   x   
Section 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.   x   
Section 109. Successors and Assigns.   x   
Section 110. Separability Clause.   x   
Section 111. Benefits of Indenture.   x   
Section 112. Governing Law.   x   
Section 113. Legal Holidays.   x   
Section 114. Consent to Service; Jurisdiction   xi   
ARTICLE TWO   
SECURITY FORMS   
Section 201. Forms Generally.   xi   
Section 202. Form of Face of Security.   xii   
Section 203. Form of Reverse of Security.   xiv   
Section 204. Form of Legend for Global Securities.   xvii   
Section 205. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.   xvii   
Section 206. Form of Notice of Conversion   []   
ARTICLE THREE   
THE SECURITIES   
Section 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series   xviii   
Section 302. Denominations.   xxi   
Section 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.   xxi   
Section 304. Temporary Securities.   xxii   
Section 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.   xxiii   
Section 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.   xxiv   
Section 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.   xxv   
Section 308. Persons Deemed Owners.   xxvi   
Section 309. Cancellation.   xxvi   
Section 310. Computation of Interest.   xxvi   
Section 311. Payment of Additional Amounts   xxvi   
Section 312. Additional Issuances   xxix   
Section 313. CUSIP Numbers.   xxix   


ARTICLE FOUR   
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE   
Section 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.   xxix   
Section 402. Application of Trust Money.   xxx   
ARTICLE FIVE   
REMEDIES   
Section 501. Events of Default.   xxx   
Section 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.   xxxii   
Section 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.   xxxiii   
Section 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.   xxxiii   
Section 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.   xxxiv   
Section 506. Application of Money Collected.   xxxiv   
Section 507. Limitation on Suits.   xxxiv   
Section 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest, and to Convert.   xxxv   
Section 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.   xxxv   
Section 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.   xxxv   
Section 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.   xxxvi   
Section 512. Control by Holders.   xxxvi   
Section 513. Waiver of Past Defaults.   xxxvi   
Section 514. Undertaking for Costs.   xxxvi   
Section 515. Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws.   xxxvii   
ARTICLE SIX   
THE TRUSTEE   
Section 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.   xxxvii   
Section 602. Notice of Defaults.   xxxvii   
Section 603. Certain Rights of Trustee.   xxxviii   
Section 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.   xxxviii   
Section 605. May Hold Securities.   xxxix   
Section 606. Money Held in Trust.   xxxix   
Section 607. Compensation and Reimbursement.   xxxix   
Section 608. Conflicting Interests.   xxxix   
Section 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.   xxxix   
Section 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.   xl   
Section 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.   xli   
Section 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.   xlii   
Section 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.   xlii   
Section 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.   xlii   
ARTICLE SEVEN   
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY   
Section 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.   xliv   
Section 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.   xliv   
Section 703. Reports by Trustee.   xlv   


Section 704. Reports by Company.   xlv   
ARTICLE EIGHT   
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE   
Section 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.   xlv   
Section 802. Successor Substituted.   xlvi   
Section 803. Transfer or Lease to a Wholly Owned Subsidiary.   xlvi   
ARTICLE NINE   
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES   
Section 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.   xlvi   
Section 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders.   xlvii   
Section 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.   xlviii   
Section 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.   xlix   
Section 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.   xlix   
Section 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.   xlix   
ARTICLE TEN   
COVENANTS   
Section 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.   xlix   
Section 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.   xlix   
Section 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.   l   
Section 1004. Statement by Officers as to Default.   li   
Section 1005. Waiver of Certain Covenants.   li   
ARTICLE ELEVEN   
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES   
Section 1101. Applicability of Article.   li   
Section 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.   li   
Section 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.   lii   
Section 1104. Notice of Redemption.   lii   
Section 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.   liii   
Section 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date.   liii   
Section 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.   liii   
Section 1108. Optional Tax Redemption.   liii   
ARTICLE TWELVE   
SINKING FUNDS   
Section 1201. Applicability of Article.   liv   
ARTICLE THIRTEEN   
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE   
Section 1301. Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.   liv   
Section 1302. Defeasance and Discharge.   liv   
Section 1303. Covenant Defeasance.   lv   
Section 1304. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.   lv   
Section 1305. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions.   lvii   
Section 1306. Reinstatement.   lviii   


INDENTURE of trust, dated as of             , between Capital Product Partners, L.P., a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (herein called the “Company”), and             , a             duly organized and existing under the laws of             , as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”).

Recitals of the Company

WHEREAS the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the “Securities”), to be issued in one or more series as in this Indenture provided.

WHEREAS all acts and things necessary to make the Securities, when executed, authenticated and delivered by the Company as provided in this Indenture, the legal, valid and biding obligations of the Company, and to constitute this Indenture a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done and performed.

WHEREAS, in order to provide, among other things, for the authentication, delivery and administration of the Securities, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture.


Now, Therefore, This Indenture Witnesseth:

For and in consideration of the premises and of the covenants herein contained and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually agreed, for the benefit of the parties hereto and for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of series thereof, as follows:

ARTICLE ONE

Definitions and Other Provisions

of General Application

Section 101. Definitions.

For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;

(2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;

(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the term “generally accepted accounting principles” with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles at the date of such computation;

NOTE: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.

(4) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article” or a “Section” refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this Indenture; and

(5) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.

“Act”, when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 104.

“Additional Amounts” has the meaning specified in Section 311.

“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

“Authenticating Agent” means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 614 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series.

“Board of Directors” means either the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of that board.

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

“Business Day”, when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

“Commission” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.


“Company” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor Person.

“Company Request” or “Company Order” means a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by any one of the individuals who may sign an Officers’ Certificate on its behalf and delivered to the Trustee.

“Corporate Trust Office” means the principal office of the Trustee in             at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered.

“corporation” means a corporation, association, company, joint-stock company or business trust.

“Covenant Defeasance” has the meaning specified in Section 1303.

“Defaulted Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 307.

“Defeasance” has the meaning specified in Section 1302.

“Depositary” means, with respect to Securities of any series issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for such Securities as contemplated by Section 301.

“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 501.

“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

“Expiration Date” has the meaning specified in Section 104.

“Global Security” means a Security that evidences all or part of the Securities of any series and bears the legend set forth in Section 204 (or such legend as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities).

“Holder” means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register.

“Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed and as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively. The term “Indenture” shall also include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 301.

“interest”, when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity.

“Interest Payment Date”, when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an instalment of interest on such Security.

“Investment Company Act” means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

“Maturity”, when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security or an instalment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.


“Notice of Default” means a written notice of the kind specified in Section 501(3) or 501(4).

“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by any two members of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or any other individual duly authorized by a Board Resolution, or by the Secretary, Assistant Secretary or any individual duly authorized by a Board Resolution and delivered to the Trustee. One of the officers signing an Officers’ Certificate given pursuant to Section 1004 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company.

“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Company, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

“Original Issue Discount Security” means any Security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502.

“Outstanding” , when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore executed, authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

(1) Securities, or portions thereof, theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

(2) Securities, or portions thereof, for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

(3) Securities as to which Defeasance has been effected pursuant to Section 1302; and

(4) Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 306 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been executed, authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given, made or taken any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action hereunder as of any date, (A) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof which would be due and payable as of such date upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof to such date pursuant to Section 502, (B) if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of a Security is not determinable, the principal amount of such Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount as specified or determined as contemplated by Section 301, (C) the principal amount of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of such date in the manner provided as contemplated by Section 301, of the principal amount of such Security (or, in the case of a Security described in Clause (A) or (B) above, of the amount determined as provided in such Clause), and (D) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, only Securities which the Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.

“Paying Agent” means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company.


“Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, joint stock company, joint stock holding corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

“Place of Payment”, when used with respect to the Securities of any series, means the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series are payable as specified as contemplated by Section 301.

“Predecessor Security” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.

“Redemption Date”, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

“Redemption Price”, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

“Regular Record Date” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301.

“Securities” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities executed, authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

“Security Register” and “Security Registrar” have the respective meanings specified in Section 305.

“Senior Debt” shall have the meaning established pursuant to a Board Resolution.

“Special Record Date” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.

“Stated Maturity”, when used with respect to any Security or any instalment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such instalment of principal or interest is due and payable.

“Subsidiary” means a corporation more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, “voting stock” means stock which ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency.

“Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 311.

“Taxing Authority” has the meaning specified in Section 311.

“Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, “Trust Indenture Act” means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.


“Trustee” means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

“U.S. Government Obligation” has the meaning specified in Section 1304.

“Vice President” , when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee, means any vice president or similar officer, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title of such officer.

Section 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee such certificates and opinions as may be required under the Trust Indenture Act. Each such certificate or opinion shall be given in the form of an Officers’ Certificate, if to be given by an officer of the Company, or an Opinion of Counsel, if to be given by counsel, and shall comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirements set forth in this Indenture.

Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (except for certificates provided for in Section 1004) shall include,

(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;

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

(3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

(4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

Section 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.

In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or opinion of counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.


Section 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.

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

The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register.

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

The Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders of Securities of such series, provided that the Company may not set a record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in the next paragraph. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106.

The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to join in the giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default, (ii) any declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 502, (iii) any request to institute proceedings referred to in Section 507(2) or (iv) any direction referred to in Section 512, in each case with respect to Securities of such series. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable


Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company’s expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Company in the manner set forth in Section 105 and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106.

With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto which sets such record dates may designate any day as the “Expiration Date” and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto which set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 180th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be later than the 180th day after the applicable record date.

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

Section 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,

(1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention:             , or

(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this instrument or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.

Section 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.

Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to each Holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice to any particular Holder, nor any defect in any notice so mailed to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.


Section 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.

If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act which is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act which may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.

Section 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

Section 109. Successors and Assigns.

All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind and, to the extent permitted hereby, shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

Section 110. Separability Clause.

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

Section 111. Benefits of Indenture.

Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder, the holders of Senior Debt, if any, and the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

Section 112. Governing Law.

This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.

Section 113. Legal Holidays.

In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities (other than a provision of any Security which specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section)) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity.

Section 114. Consent to Service; Jurisdiction.

Each of the Parties hereto submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any U.S. federal court in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York, United States and any appellate court of such a court in any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture or any Security, waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such legal suit, action or proceeding, waives any immunity from jurisdiction or to service of process in respect of any such suit, action or proceeding and irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any such court in any such suit, action or proceeding. The Company further submits to the jurisdiction of the courts of its own corporate domicile in any legal suit, action or proceeding initiated against it arising out of or relating to this Indenture or any Security. The Company hereby irrevocably designates and appoints             , which currently maintains an office situated at             , as its authorized agent upon which process may be


served in any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture or any Security which may be instituted in any federal or state court in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York, and agrees that service of process upon such agent, and written notice of said service to the Company by the Person serving the same, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Company (if such notice is given to the Company) in any such suit, action or proceeding and further designates its domicile, the domicile of             specified above and any domicile             may have in the future as its domicile to receive any notice hereunder (including service of process). If for any reason             (or any successor agent for this purpose) shall cease to have a domicile in the United States or to act as agent for service of process as provided above, the Company will promptly appoint a successor agent domiciled in the United States for this purpose reasonably acceptable to Trustee and shall grant thereto notarial powers-of-attorney for lawsuits and collections. The Company agrees to take any and all actions as may be necessary to maintain such designation and appointment of such agent in full force and effect so long as the Securities are Outstanding.

ARTICLE TWO

Security Forms

Section 201. Forms Generally.

The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form set forth in this Article, or in such other form as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or Depositary therefor or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution thereof. If the form of Securities of any series is established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 303 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities.

The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

Section 202. Form of Face of Security.

[Legend required by the Internal Revenue Code as needed.]

[Capital Product Partners L.P.]

[Title of Security]

 

No.       $               

Capital Product Partners L.P., a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (herein called the “Company”, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to             or registered assigns, the principal sum of             Dollars on             [if the Security is to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert — , and to pay interest thereon from             or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually on             and             in each year, commencing             , at the rate of     % per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which


shall be the             or             (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture].

[If the Security is not to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert — The principal of this Security shall not bear interest except in the case of a default in payment of principal upon acceleration, upon redemption or at Stated Maturity and in such case the overdue principal and any overdue premium shall bear interest at the rate of     % per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue principal or premium shall be payable on demand.]

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and [if applicable, insert — any such] interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in             , in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts [if applicable, insert —; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place].

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated:

 

Capital Product Partners L.P.
By

 

Authorized Officer
By

 

Authorized Officer


Attest:

 

 

Section 203. Form of Reverse of Security.

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of                     (herein called the “Indenture”, which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), between the Company and             , as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee [if applicable, insert — the holders of Senior Debt] and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof [If applicable, insert —, limited in aggregate principal amount to $        ].

[If applicable, insert — Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not, prior to             , redeem any Securities of this series as contemplated by [if applicable, insert — Clause (2) of] the preceding paragraph as a part of, or in anticipation of, any refunding operation by the application, directly or indirectly, of moneys borrowed having an interest cost to the Company (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of less than     % per annum.]

[If the Security is subject to redemption of any kind, insert — In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.]

[If applicable, insert paragraph regarding subordination of the Security.]

[If applicable, insert — The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness of this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.]

[If the Security is not an Original Issue Discount Security, insert — If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.]

[If the Security is an Original Issue Discount Security, insert — If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, an amount of principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. Such amount shall be equal to — insert formula for determining the amount. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal, premium and interest (in each case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company’s obligations in respect of the payment of the principal of and premium and interest, if any, on the Securities of this series shall terminate.]

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.


If the Company is required, as a result of a change in, execution of or amendment to any laws or treaties or the official application or interpretation of any laws or treaties, to pay Additional Amounts, the Company shall have the option (but not the obligation) to redeem, in whole but not in part, the Securities of this series. This option applies only in the case of changes, executions or amendments that occur on or after             and in the jurisdiction where the Company is incorporated. If succeeded by another Person, the applicable jurisdiction will be the jurisdiction in which such successor is organized, and the applicable date will be the date the Person became a successor. If this series of Securities is redeemed pursuant to this option, the Redemption Price for Securities will be [If the Security is not an Original Issue Discount Security, insert — equal to the principal amount of the Securities being redeemed plus accrued interest and any additional amounts due up to, but not including, the Redemption Date.] [If the Security is an Original Issue Discount Security, insert — equal to —insert formula for determining the amount].

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $        and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.


Section 204. Form of Legend for Global Securities.

Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for the Securities evidenced thereby, every Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

Section 205. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.

The Trustee’s certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

As Trustee
By

 

Authorized Officer
By

 

Authorized Officer

Section 206 Form of Notice of Conversion

The undersigned Holder of this Note hereby irrevocably exercises the option to convert this Note, or any portion of the principal amount hereof (which is U.S. $1,000 or an integral multiple of U.S. $1,000 in excess thereof, provided that the unconverted portion of such principal amount is U.S. $1,000 or any integral multiple of U.S. $1,000 in excess thereof) below designated in accordance with the terms of the Indenture referred to in this Note, and directs that any shares of Common Stock or Reference Property issued upon conversion, together with a check in payment for any fractional share (as applicable) and any Notes representing any unconverted principal amount hereof, be delivered to and be registered in the name of the undersigned unless a different name has been indicated below. If shares of Common Stock, Reference Property or Notes are to be registered in the name of a Person other than the undersigned, (a) the undersigned shall pay all transfer taxes payable with respect thereto and (b) signature(s) must be guaranteed by an Eligible Guarantor Institution with membership in an approved signature guarantee program pursuant to Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any amount required to be paid by the undersigned on account of Additional Interest accompanies this Note.


Dated:

 

 

Signature(s)

If shares or Notes are to be registered in the name of a Person other than the Holder, please print such Person’s name and address:

 

(Name)
    

(Address)

 

Social Security or other Identification Number, if any

 

[Signature Guaranteed]

If only a portion of the Notes is to be converted, please indicate:

1. Principal amount to be converted: U.S. $         

2. Principal amount and denomination of Notes representing unconverted principal amount to be issued:             

Amount: U.S. $            Denominations: U.S. $            

(U.S. $1,000 or any integral multiple of U.S. $1,000 in excess thereof, provided that the unconverted portion of such principal amount is U.S. $1,000 or any integral multiple of U.S. $1,000 in excess thereof)

ARTICLE THREE

The Securities

Section 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.

The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

The Securities may be issued in one or more series, and each series may consist of one or more identifiable tranches. There shall be established, without notice to or the consent of any Holder, in or pursuant to a Board Resolution and, subject to Section 303, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers’ Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series,

(1) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from Securities of any other series including any series number or tranche designation as the case may be);

(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (including any provision for the issuance of additional Securities of the series in excess of any such amount) except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906 or 1107 and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder;

(3) the Person to whom any interest on a Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest;

(4) the form of the Securities of the series, including the form of the Trustee’s certificate of authentication for such series; or


(5) the date or dates on which the principal of any Securities of the series is payable, if any;

(6) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the manner of calculation of such rate or rates, and the date or dates from which any such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest shall be payable or the manner of determination of such Interest Payment Dates and the Regular Record Date for any such interest payable on any Interest Payment Date;

(7) the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable;

(8) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series may be redeemed or repurchased, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company and, if other than by a Board Resolution, and the other material terms and provisions applicable to the Company’s redemption or repurchase rights;

(9) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase any Securities, including at the option of the Holder thereof, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

(10) the subordination provisions, if any, applicable to the Securities of the series and the ranking of the Securities of the series;

(11) any collateral or other security pledged against payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on the Securities of the series;

(12) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which the Securities of the series shall be issuable;

(13) if the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index, other security (whether equity or debt), or pursuant to a formula or other special method, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;

(14) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in the currency of the United States of America for any purpose, including for purposes of the definition of “Outstanding” in Section 101;

(15) if the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series is to be payable, at the election of the Company or the Holder thereof, in one or more currencies, currency units or composite currencies other than that or those in which such Securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies, currency units or composite currencies in which the principal of or any premium or interest on such Securities as to which such election is made shall be payable, the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the other material terms applicable to the right to make such election amount so payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined);

(16) if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of any Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502;

(17) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of any Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such Securities as of any such date for any purposes thereunder or hereunder, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which shall be deemed to be Outstanding as of any date prior to the Stated Maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the principal amount shall be determined);


(18) if applicable, that the Securities of the series, in whole or any specified part, shall be defeasible pursuant to Section 1302 or Section 1303 or both such Sections and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to defease such Securities shall be evidenced;

(19) if applicable, that any Securities of the series shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the respective Depositaries for such Global Securities, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of that set forth in Section 204 and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Clause (2) of the last paragraph of Section 305 in which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and any transfer of such Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof;

(20) any material change in the Events of Default which applies to any Securities of the series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to Section 502;

(21) any special tax implications of the Securities, including provisions for Original Issue Discount Securities, if offered;

(22) the terms of any repurchase or remarketing rights;

(23) whether the Securities of the series will be convertible into or exchangeable for other Securities, common shares or other securities of any kind of the Company or another obligor, and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so convertible or exchangeable, including the initial conversion or exchange price or rate or the method of calculation, how and when the conversion price or exchange ratio may be adjusted, whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the Holder or at the Company’s option, the conversion or exchange period, and any other provision in addition to or in lieu of those described herein;

(24) any provisions granting special rights to Holders when a specified event occurs;

(25) any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Article Ten which applies to the Securities of the series.

(26) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 901(5)); and

(27) provisions, if any, with regard to the conversion or exchange of the Securities of such series, at the option of the Holders thereof or the Company, as the case may be, for or into new Securities of a different series, Common Stock or other securities, and, if the Securities of such series are convertible into Common Stock or other Marketable Securities, the Conversion Price therefor.

All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above and (subject to Section 303) set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in the Officers’ Certificate referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.

If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers’ Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.

Section 302. Denominations.

The Securities of each series shall be issuable only in registered form without coupons and only in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 301. In the absence of any such specified denomination with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.


Section 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by a member of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or any other individual duly authorized by a Board Resolution, and by the Secretary, Assistant Secretary or anyone duly authorized by a Board Resolution attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile.

Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. If the form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 201 and 301, in authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating,

(1) if the form of such Securities has been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 201, that such form has been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

(2) if the terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 301, that such terms have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and

(3) that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles. If such form or terms have been so established, the Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of the preceding paragraph, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver the Officers’ Certificate otherwise required pursuant to Section 301 or the Company Order and Opinion of Counsel otherwise required pursuant to such preceding paragraph at or prior to the authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued.

Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 309, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.


Section 304. Temporary Securities.

Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor one or more definitive Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series and tenor.

Section 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.

The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office and in any other office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment or otherwise designated pursuant to Section 1002 being herein sometimes collectively referred to as the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed “Security Registrar” for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided.

Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of a series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed, by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906 or 1107 not involving any transfer.


If the Securities of any series (or of any series and specified tenor) are to be redeemed in part, the Company shall not be required (A) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Securities of that series (or of that series and specified tenor, as the case may be) during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of any such Securities selected for redemption under Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, or (B) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part. The provisions of Clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) below shall apply only to Global Securities:

(1) Each Global Security authenticated under this Indenture shall be registered in the name of the Depositary designated for such Global Security or a nominee thereof and delivered to such Depositary or a nominee thereof or custodian therefor, and each such Global Security shall constitute a single Security for all purposes of this Indenture.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, no Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name of any Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof unless (A) such Depositary (i) has notified the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or (ii) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (B) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to such Global Security or (C) there shall exist such circumstances, if any, in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing as have been specified for this purpose as contemplated by Section 301.

(3) Subject to Clause (2) above, any exchange of a Global Security for other Securities may be made in whole or in part, and all Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security or any portion thereof shall be registered in such names as the Depositary for such Global Security shall direct.

(4) Every Security authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Security or any portion thereof, whether pursuant to this Section, Section 304, 306, 906 or 1107 or otherwise, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Security, unless such Security is registered in the name of a Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof.

Section 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security. Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder.


The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

Section 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.

Except as otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities, interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.

Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in Clause (1) or (2) below:

(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be given to each Holder of Securities of such series in the manner set forth in Section 106, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following Clause (2).

(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this Clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.

Upon conversion, a Holder shall not receive any separate cash payment for accrued and unpaid Additional Interest except as set forth below. The Company’s settlement of the Conversion Obligation as described above shall be deemed to satisfy its obligation to pay the principal amount of the Note and accrued and unpaid Additional Interest to, but not including, the Conversion Date. As a result, accrued and unpaid Additional Interest to, but not including, the Conversion Date shall be deemed to be paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if Notes are converted after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on a Regular Record Date, Holders of such Notes as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on such Regular Record Date shall receive the Additional Interest payable on such Notes on the corresponding Interest Payment Date notwithstanding the conversion. Notes surrendered for conversion during the period from 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on any Regular Record Date to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the corresponding Interest Payment Date must be


accompanied by payment of an amount in cash equal to the Additional Interest payable, on such Interest Payment Date, on the Notes so converted; provided, however, that no such payment need be made (i) if the Company has specified a Designated Event Repurchase Date that is after a Regular Record Date and on or prior to the corresponding Interest Payment Date; (ii) to the extent of any overdue Additional Interest existing at the time of conversion with respect to such Note; or (iii) with respect to any Conversion Date that occurs during the period from the close of business on the Regular Record Date immediately preceding the Maturity Date to the Maturity Date. Except as described above, no payment or adjustment shall be made for accrued Additional Interest on converted Notes.

Section 308. Persons Deemed Owners.

Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 307) any interest on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

Section 309. Cancellation.

The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of as directed by a Company Order.

Section 310. Computation of Interest.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

Section 311. Payment of Additional Amounts.

Unless otherwise required by law, the Company shall make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Securities of any series without withholding or deduction for any present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (collectively, “Taxes”), imposed or levied by or on behalf of [] or, if succeeded by another Person, the jurisdiction in which such successor Person is organized, or any political subdivisions or taxing authority thereof or therein having power to tax (collectively, “Taxing Authorities”). In the event that the Company is required to withhold or deduct any amount for or on account of such Taxes from any payment made under or with respect to any Securities of any series, the Company shall except in the circumstances set forth below pay such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) so that the net amount received by each Holder of Securities, including the additional amounts, shall equal the amount that such Holder would have received if such Taxes had not been required to be withheld or deducted. The obligation of the Company to pay Additional Amounts shall not be payable with respect to a payment made to a Holder of Securities of any series to the extent:

(1) that any such Taxes would not have been so imposed but for the existence of any current or former connection between such Holder and the jurisdiction of the Taxing Authority imposing such Taxes, other than the mere receipt of such payment, acquisition, ownership or disposition of such Securities or the exercise or enforcement of rights under the Securities of any series or this Indenture;


(2) that any such Taxes are imposed on or measured by, net income of the beneficiary or Holder or his net wealth or similar;

(3) of any such Taxes required to be withheld by any Paying Agent from any payment of principal or of interest on the Securities of any series, if such payment can be made without withholding by any other Paying Agent and the Company duly provides for such other Paying Agent;

(4) of any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, transfer, or personal property Taxes imposed with respect to the Securities of any series, except as otherwise provided in this Indenture;

(5) that any such Taxes are payable other than by deduction or withholding from payments on the Securities of any series;

(6) that any such Taxes would not have been imposed but for the presentation of the Securities of any series, where presentation is required, for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due and payable or the date on which payment thereof is duly provided for, whichever is later, except to the extent that the beneficiary or Holder thereof would have been entitled to Additional Amounts had the Securities of the relevant series been presented for payment on any date during such 30-day period;

(7) that such Holder would not be liable or subject to such withholding or deduction of Taxes but for the failure to make a valid declaration of residence, non-residence, or other similar claim for exemption or to provide a certificate, if: (x) the making of such declaration or claim or the provision of such certificate is required or imposed by statute, treaty, regulation, ruling or administrative practice of the relevant Taxing Authority as a precondition to an exemption from, or reduction in, the relevant Taxes; and (y) at least 60 days prior to the first payment date with respect to which the Company shall apply this condition, the Company shall have notified all Holders of the Securities of any series in writing that they shall be required to provide such declaration or claim; and

(8) of any combination of the above conditions. Such Additional Amounts shall also not be payable where, had the beneficial owner of the Securities been the Holder of such Securities, it would not have been entitled to payment of Additional Amounts by reason of any of the conditions set forth above.

The Company shall withhold or deduct the Taxes as required; remit the full amount of Taxes deducted or withheld to the relevant Taxing Authority in accordance with all applicable laws; use its reasonable efforts to obtain from each Taxing Authority imposing such Taxes copies of tax receipts evidencing the payment of any Taxes deducted or withheld; and upon request, and to the extent reasonably practicable, make available to the Holders of the Securities, within 90 days after the date the payment of any Taxes deducted or withheld is due pursuant to applicable law, copies of tax receipts evidencing such payment by the Company or if, notwithstanding its efforts to obtain such receipts, the same are not obtainable, other evidence of such payments.

At least 30 days prior to each date on which any payment under or with respect to the Securities is due and payable, if the Company is obligated to pay Additional Amounts with respect to such payment, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that such Additional Amounts shall be payable, the amounts so payable and such other information as is necessary to enable the Trustee to pay such Additional Amounts to Holders of the Securities on the payment date.

The Company shall pay any stamp, issue, registration, documentary or other similar taxes and duties, including interest, penalties and Additional Amounts with respect thereto, payable in [] or the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority of or in the foregoing in respect of the creation, issue, offering, enforcement, redemption or retirement of the Securities if and to the extent any such creation, issue, offering, enforcement, redemption or retirement was required pursuant to applicable law or ordered by a court or Taxing Authority.

The foregoing provisions shall survive any termination or the discharge of this Indenture and shall apply to any jurisdiction in which any successor to the Company is organized or is engaged in business for tax purposes or any political subdivisions or taxing authority or agency thereof or therein.


Whenever this Indenture or the Securities of any series refer to the payment of principal, premium, if any, redemption price, interest or any other amount payable under or with respect to any Security of any series, such reference shall include the payment of Additional Amounts to the extent payable in the particular context.

In the event that Additional Amounts actually paid with respect to the Securities of any series pursuant to the preceding paragraphs are based on rates of deduction or withholding of Taxes in excess of the appropriate rate applicable to the Holder of such Securities, and as a result thereof such Holder is entitled to make a claim for a refund or credit of such excess from the Taxing Authority imposing such Taxes, then such Holder shall, by accepting such Securities, be deemed to have assigned and transferred all right, title and interest to any such claim for a refund or credit of such excess to the Company; provided, however, that by making such assignment, the Holder makes no representation or warranty that the Company shall be entitled to receive such claim for a refund or credit and incurs no other obligation with respect thereto.

Section 312. Additional Issuances.

The Company may from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the Holders of the Securities of any series, create and issue additional Securities of the relevant series having the same terms as and ranking equally and ratably with such Securities in all respects (or in all respects except for the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of such additional Securities or except for the first payment of interest following the issue date of such additional Securities), so that such additional Securities shall be consolidated and form a single series with, and shall have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as, the Securities of the relevant series.

Section 313. CUSIP Numbers.

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

ARTICLE FOUR

Satisfaction and Discharge

Section 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.

This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities herein expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when

(1) either

(A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 and (ii) Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(B) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation


(i) have become due and payable, or

(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

(iii) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,

and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;

(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and

(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of Clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 402 and the last paragraph of Section 1003 shall survive.

Section 402. Application of Trust Money.

Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal and any premium and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee.

ARTICLE FIVE

Remedies

Section 501. Events of Default.

“Event of Default”, wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

(1) default in the payment of any principal of or any premium upon any Security of such series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 14 days; or

(2) default in the payment of any interest upon any Securities of such series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or

(3) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of series of Securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by


the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder; or

(4) (A) failure to pay any principal amount exceeding $50 million when due and payable (after the expiration of any applicable grace period with respect thereto) under any agreement, bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company (including a failure to pay with respect to Securities of any series other than that series) whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, or (B) a default which shall have resulted in any such indebtedness having an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least $50 million becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without, in the case of Clause (A), such indebtedness having been discharged, or, in the case of Clause (B), such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled, within a period of 30 days after there shall have been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default and requiring the Company to cause such indebtedness to be discharged or cause such acceleration to be rescinded or annulled, as the case may be, and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder; or

(5) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Republic of the Marshall Islands bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Company bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable Republic of the Marshall Islands law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

(6) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Republic of the Marshall Islands bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Republic of the Marshall Islands law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or

(7) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series.

An Event of Default under any securities that have not been authenticated and delivered under this Indenture shall not constitute an Event of Default under the terms of this Indenture.

Section 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 501(5) or 501(6)) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable.


If an Event of Default specified in Section 501(5) or 501(6) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable.

At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if

(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay

(A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that series,

(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities,

(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and

(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel;

and

(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the nonpayment of the principal of Securities of that series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Section 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

The Company covenants that if

(1) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or

(2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security when such principal (or premium, if any) becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days,

the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, and the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to such provisions for


the indemnification of the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of that series.

Section 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

In case of any judicial proceeding relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), its property or its creditors, the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to have claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding. In particular, the Trustee shall be authorized to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation and the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee under Section 607.

No provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding; provided, however, that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors’ or other similar committee.

Section 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

Section 506. Application of Money Collected.

Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal or any premium or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due to the Trustee under Section 607; and

SECOND: Subject to any subordination provisions established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture, to the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest, respectively.

Section 507. Limitation on Suits.

No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless


(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series;

(2) the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

(4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series; it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such Holders.

Such limitations shall not apply to any such proceeding instituted by a Holder for the enforcement of payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security on or after the applicable due date specified in any such Security.

Section 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest.

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 307) interest on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment[, and to convert such Note in accordance with Article [    ],] and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment and right to convert, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

Section 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

Section 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

Section 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to exercise any right or remedy accruing


upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

Section 512. Control by Holders.

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of such series, provided that

(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture, and

(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

Section 513. Waiver of Past Defaults.

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default

(1) in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of such series, or

(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.

Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Section 514. Undertaking for Costs.

In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, a court may require any party litigant in such suit to file an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and may assess costs against any such party litigant, in the manner and to the extent provided in the Trust Indenture Act; provided that neither this Section nor the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to authorize any court to require such an undertaking or to make such an assessment in any suit instituted by the Company.

Section 515. Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws.

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


ARTICLE SIX

The Trustee

Section 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.

The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.

Section 602. Notice of Defaults.

If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series, the Trustee shall give the Holders of Securities of such series notice of such default as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 501(3) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term “default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series.

Notices to be given to direct Holders of a Global Security shall be given only to the depositary, in accordance with its applicable policies as in effect from time to time. Notices to be given to direct Holders of Securities other than Global Securities shall be sent by mail to the respective addresses of the Holders as they appear in the Trustee’s records, and shall be deemed given when mailed. Neither the failure to give any notice to a particular Holder, nor any defect in a notice given to a particular Holder, shall affect the sufficiency of any notice given to another Holder.

Section 603. Certain Rights of Trustee.

Subject to the provisions of Section 601:

(1) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

(2) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order, and any resolution of the Board of Directors shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;

(3) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers’ Certificate;

(4) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

(5) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

(6) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney; and


(7) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys.

Section 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.

Section 605. May Hold Securities.

The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar, any Conversion Agent or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 608 and 613, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar, Conversion Agent or such other agent.

Section 606. Money Held in Trust.

Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company.

Section 607. Compensation and Reimbursement.

The Company agrees

(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);

(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its or its agents’ negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct; and

(3) to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on its or its agents’ part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the reasonable and documented costs and out-of-pocket expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.

Section 608. Conflicting Interests.

If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. To the extent permitted by such Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of being a trustee under this Indenture with respect to Securities of more than one series.


Section 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

There shall at all times be one (and only one) Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of each series, which may be Trustee hereunder for Securities of one or more other series. Each Trustee shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such, has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and has its Corporate Trust Office in New York, New York. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section and to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.

Section 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611.

The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.

If at any time:

(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 608 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or

(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder, or

(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,

then, in any such case, (A) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (B) subject to Section 514, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 611. If, within one year after such resignation,


removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series to all Holders of Securities of such series in the manner provided in Section 106. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

Section 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.

In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.

No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.


Section 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities.

Section 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Company (or any such other obligor).

Section 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.

The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon original issue and upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 306, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.

An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice of such appointment in the manner provided in Section 106 to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.


The Trustee agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section, and the Trustee shall be entitled to be reimbursed for such payments, subject to the provisions of Section 607.

If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in the following form:

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

,
As Trustee
By

 

,
As Authenticating Agent
By

 

Authorized Officer
By

 

Authorized Officer

ARTICLE SEVEN

Holders’ Lists and Reports by Trustee and Company

Section 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.

The Company shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee at such times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished;

excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar.

Section 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.

The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act.


Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 703. Reports by Trustee.

The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.

A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company shall notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange.

If a default occurs with respect to Securities of any series, the Trustee shall give the Holders of the relevant series notice of the default when, as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. However, in the case of any default under any covenant with respect to the series, no notice of default to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence of the default.

Section 704. Reports by Company.

The Company shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, and transmit to Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; provided that any such information, documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within 15 days after the same is actually filed with the Commission.

ARTICLE EIGHT

Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease

Section 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.

The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, and the Company shall not permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to the Company, unless:

(1) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the Securities and the performance or observance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed; provided, however, that this assumption may be pursuant to a full and unconditional guarantee; and

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person or permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets as part of a transaction involving non-related third parties or as part of an internal corporate reorganization.


Section 802. Successor Substituted.

Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section 801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.

Section 803. Transfer or Lease to a Wholly Owned Subsidiary.

Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Article Eight, Sections 801 and 802 will not be applicable in connection with any transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the Company’s properties and assets to a wholly owned Subsidiary.

The Company may transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any wholly owned Subsidiary, provided that such wholly owned Subsidiary shall expressly assume pursuant to a full and unconditional guarantee executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the Securities and the performance or observance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed.

ARTICLE NINE

Supplemental Indentures

Section 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.

Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities; or

(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or

(3) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such additional Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such additional Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); or

(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form; or

(5) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination

(A) shall neither (i) apply to any Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental


indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor (ii) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding; or

(6) to secure the Securities; or

(7) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301; or

(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 611;

(9) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, provided that such action pursuant to this Clause (9) shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect; or

[(10) to provide for the terms and conditions of conversion into Common Stock or other Marketable Securities of the Securities of any series which are convertible into Common Stock or other Marketable Securities, if different from those set forth in Article [    ].]

Section 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders.

With the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture (in each case, other than as permitted by Section 901); provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby,

(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security or any other Security which would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, or change any Place of Payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, conversion or exchange on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date), modify any provisions with respect to the subordination of Securities in a manner adverse to the Holders, or alter the provisions of this Indenture so as to affect adversely the terms, if any, of conversion of any Securities into Common Stock or other securities; or

(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or

(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section or Section 513 or Section 1005, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby; provided, however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any Holder with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and concomitant changes in this Section and Section 1005, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 611 and 901(8).


A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.

It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

Section 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

Section 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

Section 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.

Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.

Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.

ARTICLE TEN

Covenants

Section 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.

The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Securities that it shall duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of the Securities and this Indenture.

Section 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.

The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities of that series may be


surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served and where any Securities with conversion privileges may be presented and surrendered for conversion. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

Section 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.

If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal and any premium and interest so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such amount, such sum to be held as provided by the Trust Indenture Act, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will (1) comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and (2) during the continuance of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of any payment in respect of the Securities of that series, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the Securities of that series.

The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.

Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once in the English language in a newspaper customarily published on each Business Day and of general circulation in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.


Section 1004. Statement by Officers as to Default.

The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers’ Certificate, stating whether or not to the knowledge of the signers thereof the Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they have knowledge.

Section 1005. Waiver of Certain Covenants.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series, the Company may, with respect to the Securities of any series, omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in any covenant provided pursuant to Section 301(25), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such series or in any of Sections 1001 to 1004 , inclusive, if before the time for such compliance the Holders of majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

ARTICLE ELEVEN

Redemption of Securities

Section 1101. Applicability of Article.

Securities of any series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities) in accordance with this Article.

Section 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all the Securities of any series (including any such redemption affecting only a single Security), the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date, of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, if applicable, of the tenor of the Securities to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers’ Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction.

Section 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.

If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed or unless such redemption affects only a single Security), the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of a portion of the principal amount of any Security of such series, provided that the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of any Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security. If less than all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed (unless such


redemption affects only a single Security), the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series and specified tenor not previously called for redemption in accordance with the preceding sentence.

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities selected for redemption as aforesaid and, in case of any Securities selected for partial redemption as aforesaid, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

The provisions of the two preceding paragraphs shall not apply with respect to any redemption affecting only a single Security, whether such Security is to be redeemed in whole or in part. In the case of any such redemption in part, the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security.

For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.

Section 1104. Notice of Redemption.

Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at his address appearing in the Security Register.

All notices of redemption shall state:

(1) the Redemption Date,

(2) the Redemption Price,

(3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of more than a single Security are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption of any such Securities, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed and, if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of a single Security are to be redeemed, the principal amount of the particular Security to be redeemed,

(4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date,

(5) the place or places where each such Security is to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price,

(6) Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company and shall be irrevocable, and

(7) if such Securities are convertible into Common Stock or other securities, the Conversion Price or other conversion price and the date on which the right to convert such Securities into Common Stock or other securities will terminate.

Section 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.

Prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date.


Section 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date.

Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.

If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and any premium shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security.

Section 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.

Any Security which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series and of like tenor, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered.

Section 1108. Optional Tax Redemption.

The Company shall have the option (but not the obligation) to redeem, in whole but not in part, the Securities of any series where, as a result of a change in, execution of or amendment to any laws or treaties or the official application or interpretation of any laws or treaties, the Company would be required to pay Additional Amounts as described in Section 311; provided, however, that this option applies only in the case of changes, executions or amendments that occur on or after the date specified in the prospectus supplement for the applicable series of Securities.

If the Securities of any series are redeemed, the Redemption Price for Securities of the relevant series shall be, in the case of a Security other than an Original Issue Discount Security of the relevant series, equal to the principal amount of the Securities of the relevant series being redeemed plus accrued interest and any additional amounts due up to, but not including, the Redemption Date and, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security of the relevant series, equal to an amount determined by reference to a formula or other special method.

If the Company elects to redeem the Securities pursuant to this Section 1108, the Company shall provide notice in the manner specified in Section 1104 and redeem the securities in the manner specified in Sections 1102, 1105 and 1106.

ARTICLE TWELVE

SINKING FUNDS

Section 1201. Applicability of Article.

The Company is not required to make any sinking fund payments with respect to Securities of any series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance


Section 1301. Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The Company may elect, at its option at any time, to have Section 1302 or Section 1303 applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, designated pursuant to Section 301 as being defeasible pursuant to such Section 1302 or 1303, in accordance with any applicable requirements provided pursuant to Section 301 and upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article. Any such election shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities.

Section 1302. Defeasance and Discharge.

Upon the Company’s exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its payment and other obligations, and any subordination provisions established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture shall cease to be effective, with respect to such Securities as provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter called “Defeasance”). For this purpose, such Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Securities and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such Securities are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), subject to the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (1) the rights of Holders of such Securities to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 1304 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities when payments are due, (2) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 304, 305, 306, 1002 and 1003, (3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (4) this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article, the Company may exercise its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option (if any) to have Section 1303 applied to such Securities.

Section 1303. Covenant Defeasance.

Upon the Company’s exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, (1) the Company shall be released from its obligations under any covenants provided pursuant to Section 301(25), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities and (2) the occurrence of any event specified in Sections 501(3) (with respect to any such covenants provided pursuant to Section 301(25), 901(2) or 901(7)), 501(5) and 501(7) shall be deemed not to be or result in an Event of Default, in each case with respect to such Securities as provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter called “Covenant Defeasance”). For this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to such Securities, the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such specified Section (to the extent so specified in the case of Section 501(3)), or any subordination provisions established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture, whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or such subordination provisions or by reason of any reference in any such Section or such subordination provisions to any other provision herein or in any other document, but the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby.

Section 1304. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The following shall be the conditions to the application of Section 1302 or Section 1303 to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be:

(1) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee which satisfies the requirements contemplated by Section 609 and agrees to comply with the provisions of this Article applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefits of the Holders of such Securities, (A) money in an amount, or (B) U.S. Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in


respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, money in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or any such other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities on the respective Stated Maturities, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and such Securities. As used herein, “U.S. Government Obligation” means (x) any security which is (i) a direct obligation of the United States of America for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case (i) or (ii), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and (y) any depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any U.S. Government Obligation which is specified in Clause (x) above and held by such bank for the account of the Holder of such depositary receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any U.S. Government Obligation which is so specified and held, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the Holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depositary receipt.

(2) In the event of an election to have Section 1302 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of this instrument, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case (A) or (B) to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, Defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit, Defeasance and discharge were not to occur.

(3) In the event of an election to have Section 1303 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and Covenant Defeasance to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and Covenant Defeasance were not to occur.

(4) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that neither such Securities nor any other Securities of the same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit.

(5) No event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to such Securities or any other Securities shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit or, with regard to any such event specified in Sections 501(5) and (6), at any time on or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until after such 90th day).

(6) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all Securities are in default within the meaning of such Act).

(7) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.

(8) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act unless such trust shall be registered under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder.


(9) In the event any Securities or any series of Securities include subordination provisions established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture, at the time of such deposit, (A) no default in the payment of any principal of or premium or interest on any Senior Debt shall have occurred and be continuing, (B) no event of default with respect to any Senior Debt shall have resulted in such Senior Debt becoming, and continuing to be, due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable (unless payment of such Senior Debt has been made or duly provided for), and (C) no other event of default with respect to any Senior Debt shall have occurred and be continuing permitting (after notice or lapse of time or both) the holders of such Senior Debt (or a trustee on behalf of such holders) to declare such Senior Debt due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable.

The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

Section 1305. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions.

Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee or other qualifying trustee (solely for purposes of this Section and Section 1306, the Trustee and any such other trustee are referred to collectively as the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 1304 in respect of any Securities shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any such Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Securities, of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal and any premium and interest, but money so held in trust need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Money and U.S. Government Obligations so held in trust shall not be subject to any subordination provisions established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture.

The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 1304 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of Outstanding Securities. Anything in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 1304 with respect to any Securities which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect the Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, with respect to such Securities.

Section 1306. Reinstatement.

If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money in accordance with this Article with respect to any Securities by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the obligations under this Indenture and such Securities from which the Company has been discharged or released pursuant to Section 1303 shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article with respect to such Securities, until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all money held in trust pursuant to Section 1305 with respect to such Securities in accordance with this Article; provided, however, that if the Company makes any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on any such Security following such reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights (if any) of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money so held in trust.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

By

 

Attest:
By

 

 

Attest:

 

-lix-


STATE OF

   )  
    
 
)
ss.:
  
  

COUNTY OF )

     )   

On the             day of             ,             , before me personally came             , to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is             of             , one of the corporations described in and which executed the foregoing instrument and that he signed his name thereto by authority of the Board of Directors of said corporation.

 

 

STATE OF

   )  
    
 
)
ss.:
  
  

COUNTY OF )

     )   

On the             day of             ,             , before me personally came             , to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is             of             , one of the corporations described in and which executed the foregoing instrument and that he signed his name thereto by authority of the Board of Directors of said corporation.

 

[To be revised accordingly if not signed in New York.]

EX-5.1

Exhibit 5.1

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

1133 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10036

Tel (212) 922-2200

Fax (212) 922-1512

Capital Product Partners L.P.

3, Iassonos Street

Piraeus, Athens

18537, Greece

March 16, 2015

Registration Statement on Form F-3ASR

Dear Sirs:

We have acted as special counsel as to matters of the law of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (“Marshall Islands Law”) for Capital Product Partners L.P., a Marshall Islands limited partnership (the “Partnership”), in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (“Rules”), of a registration statement on Form F-3ASR (such registration statement and any additional registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) is referred to as the “Registration Statement”) for the registration of the sale from time to time of (i) common units to be issued by the Partnership (“Common Units”), each representing limited partnership interests in the Partnership, (ii) preferred units, which may be convertible into securities of the Partnership, to be issued by the Partnership (“Preferred Units”), each representing limited partnership interests in the Partnership, and (iii) debt securities (“Debt Securities,” and collectively with the Common Units and Preferred Units, the “Securities”), including convertible debt securities, which may be issued pursuant to a form of indenture for debt securities and a form of indenture for convertible debt securities, in the form filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Registration Statement (the “Indenture”). The Securities will be sold from time to time as set forth in the Registration Statement, the prospectus contained therein (the “Prospectus”) and supplements to the Prospectus (the “Prospectus Supplements”).

In rendering this opinion, we have examined originals or photocopies of all such documents, including (i) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (ii) the Indenture, (iii) the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership (the “Certificate of Limited Partnership”), (vi) the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership dated as of February 22, 2010, as amended by the Amendment dated as of September 30, 2011, and the Second Amendment dated as of May 22, 2012, and the Third Amendment dated as of May 19, 2013 and the Fourth Amendment dated as of August 25, 2014 (the “Partnership Agreement”, and together with the Certificate of Limited Partnership, the “Organizational Documents”), (v) such other papers, documents and certificates of public officials and

 


Capital Product Partners L.P.

March 16, 2015

Page 2

 

 

certificates of representatives of the Partnership and its general partner, Capital GP L.L.C., a Marshall Islands limited liability company (the “General Partner”), as we have deemed necessary. In such examination, we have assumed (a) the legal capacity of each natural person, (b) the genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, (c) the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as conformed or photostatic copies, (d) that the documents reviewed by us in connection with the rendering of the opinion set forth herein are true, correct and complete and (e) the truthfulness of each statement as to all factual matters contained in any document or certificate encompassed within the due diligence review undertaken by us. We have also assumed the power, authority and legal right of all parties (other than the Partnership) to the Registration Statement and any amendments or supplements thereto (including any necessary post-effective amendments), and all parties to the Indenture (other than the Partnership), to enter into and perform their respective obligations thereunder, and the due authorization, execution and delivery of the Indenture by all parties thereto. We have further assumed the validity and enforceability of all documents under all applicable laws other than Marshall Islands Law. As to any questions of fact material to our opinion, we have, when relevant facts were not independently established, relied upon the aforesaid certificates.

We have also assumed that (i) the Registration Statement and any amendments or supplements thereto (including any necessary post-effective amendments) shall have become effective under the Securities Act, (ii) a Prospectus Supplement or, as applicable, term sheet, shall have been prepared and filed with the Commission describing the Securities offered thereby, (iii) the Securities shall be issued and sold in compliance with applicable U.S. federal, state and foreign laws and in the manner stated in the Registration Statement and the applicable Prospectus Supplement or term sheet, (iv) a definitive purchase agreement, underwriting agreement or similar agreement with respect to any Securities offered will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the applicable registrants and the other parties thereto, (v) any Securities, including Securities issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any Security being offered, will be duly authorized, created and, if appropriate, reserved for issuance upon such conversion, exchange or exercise, and will be validly issued, and the certificates, if any, evidencing the same will be duly executed and delivered, against receipt of the consideration approved by the Partnership and, as applicable, the General Partner and the holders of the Class B Convertible Preferred Units of the Partnership, and (vi) the definitive terms of any Security, other than Common Units, offered pursuant to the Registration Statement will have been established in accordance with resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Partnership, the General Partner (if applicable), if necessary, the holders of the Class B Convertible Preferred Units of the Partnership, the Organizational Documents and applicable law.

With respect to the issuance and sale of any series of Preferred Units, we have further assumed that an appropriate certificate of designations or similar instrument setting forth the preferential, deferred, qualified or special rights, powers, privileges, conditions or duties with respect to such series of Preferred Units, or an amendment to the Organizational Documents, will have been duly adopted and fixed by the Board of Directors of the Partnership and, if applicable, the General Partner (and, if necessary, the holders of Class B Convertible Preferred Units of the Partnership) in a form to be described in a Prospectus Supplement, all in conformity with the requirements of the Organizational Documents.

With respect to the issuance and sale of any Debt Securities, we have further assumed that (i) the Indenture will be duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, (ii) the Indenture will have been duly executed and delivered by the Partnership and the trustee named therein (the “Trustee”) substantially


Capital Product Partners L.P.

March 16, 2015

Page 3

 

 

in the form examined by us and any applicable supplemental indenture will have been duly executed and delivered by the Partnership and the Trustee in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Indenture regarding the creation, authentication and delivery of any supplemental indenture to the Indenture and (iii) such Debt Securities when issued, will be executed, authenticated, issued and delivered (a) against receipt of the consideration therefor approved by the Partnership and, if applicable, the General Partner and (b) as provided in the Indenture with respect thereto.

This opinion is limited to Marshall Islands Law and is as of the date hereof. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to advise of any development or circumstance of any kind, including any change of law or fact that may occur after the date of this opinion letter that might affect the opinion expressed herein.

Based on the foregoing and having regard to legal considerations which we deem relevant, and subject to the qualifications, limitations and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

  1. The Partnership is validly existing under Marshall Islands Law.

 

  2. The Partnership has the limited partnership power to enter into the Indenture.

 

  3. When the terms of the issuance and sale thereof have been duly authorized and approved by the Partnership, and if applicable, the General Partner, and when issued and delivered against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Organizational Documents, the applicable purchase, underwriting or similar agreement and the Registration Statement, Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement, the Common Units will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

  4. When the terms of the issuance and sale thereof have been duly authorized and approved by the Partnership, and if applicable, the General Partner, and if necessary, the holders of Class B Convertible Preferred Units of the Partnership, and when issued and delivered against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Organizational Documents, the applicable purchase, underwriting or similar agreement and the Registration Statement, Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement, the Preferred Units will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and if the Preferred Units are convertible into Common Units or other Preferred Units, then such resulting Common Units or Preferred Units upon conversion will be (subject to compliance with the requirements set forth in this Paragraph and Paragraph 3 above), validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

  5. Upon the due execution and delivery of the Indenture by the parties thereto substantially in the form examined by us, when (a) the specific terms of a particular Debt Security have been duly authorized by the Partnership and, if applicable, the General Partner and established in accordance with the Indenture, and (b) such Debt Security has been duly executed, authenticated, issued for value and delivered in accordance with such Indenture, and if the Debt Securities are convertible into Common Units or Preferred Units, then such resulting Common Units or Preferred Units will be (subject to compliance with the requirements set forth in Paragraphs 3 and 4 above), validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.


Capital Product Partners L.P.

March 16, 2015

Page 4

 

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, the discussion of this opinion in the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm in the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or related Rules nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any part of the Registration Statement within the meaning of the term “expert” as used in the Securities Act or related Rules.

Very truly yours,

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

/s/ Watson Farley & Williams LLP

EX-5.2

Exhibit 5.2

[Letterhead of Sullivan & Cromwell]

March 16, 2015

Capital Product Partners L.P.,

3 Iassonos Street,

Piraeus 18537, Greece.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) of an indeterminate principal of (i) common units, each representing limited partnership interests in Capital Product Partners L.P., a Marshall Islands limited partnership (the “Company”), (ii) one or more series of preferred units to be issued by the Company, including preferred units convertible into or exchangeable for common units or other securities of the Company, and (iii) debt securities, including debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for common units or other securities of the Company (the “Debt Securities”), we, as your United States counsel, have examined such corporate records, certificates and other documents, and such questions of law, as we have considered necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.

Upon the basis of such examination, it is our opinion that when the registration statement relating to the Debt Securities (the “Registration Statement”) has become effective under the Act, when an indenture relating to the Debt Securities has been duly authorized, executed and delivered in accordance with Marshall Islands law, when the terms of the Debt Securities and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the applicable indenture and Marshall Islands law so as not to violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, and when the Debt Securities have been duly authorized, executed and authenticated in accordance with the applicable indenture and Marshall Islands law and issued and delivered as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Debt Securities will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.


Capital Product Partners L.P.

-2-

 

We note that, as of the date of this opinion, a judgment for money in an action based on a Security denominated in a foreign currency or currency unit in a Federal or state court in the United States ordinarily would be enforced in the United States only in United States dollars. The date used to determine the rate of conversion of the foreign currency or currency unit in which a particular Security is denominated into United States dollars will depend upon various factors, including which court renders the judgment. In the case of a Security denominated in a foreign currency, a state court in the State of New York rendering a judgment on such Security would be required under Section 27 of the New York Judiciary Law to render such judgment in the foreign currency in which the Security is denominated, and such judgment would be converted into United States dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of entry of the judgment.

The foregoing opinion is limited to the Federal laws of the United States and the laws of the State of New York, and we are expressing no opinion as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction. For purposes of our opinion, we have, with your approval, assumed that the Company (i) is validly existing as a partnership in good standing under Marshall Islands law and (ii) has the power to enter into an indenture relating to the Debt Securities, in each case under Marshall Islands law. We note that, with respect to all matters of Marshall Islands law, you are being provided with the opinion of Watson Farley & Williams LLP, dated as of the date hereof, which is also filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. Also, we have relied as to certain factual matters on information obtained from public officials, officers of the Company and other sources believed by us to be responsible. We have assumed, without independent verification, that the signatures on all documents examined by us are genuine.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references to us under the heading “Validity of Securities” in the prospectus contained therein. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/ SULLIVAN & CROMWELL LLP
EX-8.1

Exhibit 8.1

[Letterhead of Sullivan & Cromwell]

 

March 16, 2015

Capital Product Partners L.P.,

3 Iassonos Street,

Piraeus 18537, Greece.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as United States federal income tax counsel to Capital Product Partners L.P. (“CPLP”), a Marshall Islands limited partnership, in connection with the registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 on Form F-3 (the “Registration Statement”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof. We hereby confirm to you that, insofar as it relates to United States federal income tax matters, the discussion set forth under the caption “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations,” subject to the qualifications, exceptions, assumptions and limitations contained therein, is our opinion.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references therein to us. In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,

/s/ SULLIVAN AND CROMWELL LLP

 

EX-8.2

Exhibit 8.2

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

1133 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10036

Tel (212) 922-2200

Fax (212) 922-1512

Capital Product Partners L.P.

3, Iassonos Street

Piraeus, Athens

18537, Greece

March 16, 2015

Registration Statement on Form F-3ASR

Dear Sirs:

We have acted as special counsel as to matters of the law of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (“Marshall Islands Law”) for Capital Product Partners L.P., a Marshall Islands limited partnership (the “Partnership”), in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (“Rules”), of a registration statement on Form F-3ASR (such registration statement and any additional registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) is referred to as the “Registration Statement”) for the registration of the sale from time to time of (i) common units to be issued by the Partnership, each representing limited partnership interests in the Partnership, (ii) preferred units, which may be convertible preferred units, to be issued by the Partnership, each representing limited partnership interests in the Partnership, (iii) debt securities, including convertible debt securities, which may be issued pursuant to a form of indenture for debt securities and a form of indenture for convertible debt securities, in substantially the forms filed as Exhibit 4.6 and Exhibit 4.7, respectively, to the Registration Statement. The securities will be sold from time to time as set forth in the Registration Statement, the prospectus contained therein (the “Prospectus”) and supplements to the Prospectus (the “Prospectus Supplements”).

In rendering this opinion, we have examined originals or photocopies of all such documents, including (i) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and (ii) certificates of public officials and of representatives of the Partnership as we have deemed necessary. In such examination, we have assumed: (a) the legal capacity of each natural person, (b) the genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, (c) the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as conformed or photostatic copies, (d) that the documents reviewed by us in connection with the rendering of the opinion set forth herein are true, correct and complete and (e) the truthfulness of each statement as to all factual matters contained in any document or certificate encompassed within the due diligence review undertaken by us. As to any questions of fact material to our opinion, we have, when relevant facts were not independently

 


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Capital Products Partners L.P.

March 16, 2015

 

established, relied upon the aforesaid certificates. We have also assumed that (i) the Registration Statement and any amendments or supplements thereto (including any necessary post-effective amendments) shall have become effective under the Securities Act, and (ii) a Prospectus Supplement shall have been prepared and filed with the Commission describing the securities offered thereby.

This opinion is limited to Marshall Islands Law and is as of the date hereof. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to advise of any development or circumstance of any kind, including any change of law or fact that may occur after the date of this opinion letter that might affect the opinion expressed herein.

Based on the facts as set forth in the Prospectus and having regard to legal considerations which we deem relevant, and subject to the qualifications, limitations and assumptions set forth herein, we hereby confirm that we have reviewed the discussion set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “Non-United States Tax Consequences” and we confirm that the statements in such discussion, to the extent they constitute legal conclusions, unless otherwise noted, are the opinion of Watson Farley & Williams LLP with respect to Marshall Islands tax consequences as of the date of the Prospectus (except for the representations and statements of fact of the Partnership included under such caption, as to which we express no opinion).

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, the discussion of this opinion in the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm in the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or related Rules nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any part of the Registration Statement within the meaning of the term “expert” as used in the Securities Act or related Rules.

Very truly yours,

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

/s/ Watson Farley & Williams LLP

EX-21.1

Exhibit 21.1

LIST OF SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES

The following is a list of Capital Product Partners L.P.’s significant subsidiaries as at March 16, 2015:

 

Name of Subsidiary

  

Jurisdiction of Incorporation

   Proportion of Ownership
Interest
 

Capital Product Operating L.L.C.

   Republic of The Marshall Islands      100

Crude Carriers Corp.

   Republic of The Marshall Islands      100
EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form F-3 of our reports dated February 25, 2015, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Capital Product Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), and the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 20-F of the Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2014, and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

/s/ Deloitte Hadjipavlou, Sofianos & Cambanis S.A.

Athens, Greece

March 16, 2015