SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OF BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III L.P.

Exhibit 10.3

 

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

OF

BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III L.P.

Dated as of January 1, 2009

 

THE PARTNERSHIP UNITS OF BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III L.P. HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE, PROVINCE OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS AND ARE BEING SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH UNITS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR PROVINCE, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE UNITS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS AND OTHER TRANSFEREES OF SUCH UNITS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT OR ACQUISITION FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.

Table of Contents

 

 

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SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

OF

BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III L.P.

This SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) of Blackstone Holdings III L.P. (the “ Partnership ”) is made as of the 1st day of January, 2009, by and among Blackstone Holdings III GP L.P., a limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of Delaware, as general partner, and the Limited Partners (as defined herein) of the Partnership.

WHEREAS , the Partnership was formed as a limited partnership pursuant to the Act, by the execution of the Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of June 13, 2007 (the “ Original Agreement ”);

WHEREAS , the Original Agreement was amended by the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of June 18, 2007 (the “ First Amended and Restatement Limited Partnership Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS , the parties hereto desire to enter into this Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree to amend and restate the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement in its entirety to read as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.01 .  Definitions . Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the following meanings (such meanings being equally applicable to both the singular and plural form of the terms defined):

“ Act ” means, the Civil Code and An Act respecting legal publicity of sole proprietorships, partnerships and legal persons (Québec), as they may be amended from time to time, and the laws of Québec applicable to partnerships.

“ Additional Credit Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).

“ Adjusted Capital Account Balance ” means, with respect to each Partner, the balance in such Partner’s Capital Account adjusted (i) by taking into account the adjustments, allocations and distributions described in U.S. Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c)(4), (5) and (6); and (ii) by adding to such balance such Partner’s share of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, determined

pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5), any amounts such Partner is obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or by applicable Law. The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account Balance is intended to comply with the provisions of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

“ Affiliate ” means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such specified Person.

“ Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

“ Amended Tax Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).

“ Assignee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.08.

“ Assumed Tax Rate ” means the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate for a Fiscal Year prescribed for an individual or corporate resident in New York, New York (taking into account (a) the nondeductiblity of expenses subject to the limitation described in Section 67(a) of the Code and (b) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt income) of the applicable income, but not taking into account the deductibility of state and local income taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes). For the avoidance of doubt, the Assumed Tax Rate will be the same for all Partners.

“ Available Cash ” means, with respect to any fiscal period, the amount of cash on hand which the General Partner, in its reasonable discretion, deems available for distribution to the Partners, taking into account all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership then due and amounts which the General Partner, in its reasonable discretion, deems necessary to expend or retain for working capital or to place into reserves for customary and usual claims with respect to the Partnership’s operations.

“ Blackstone Holdings Partnerships ” means each of the Partnership, Blackstone Holdings I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., a Québec société en commandite.

“ Capital Account ” means the separate capital account maintained for each Partner in accordance with Section 5.03 hereof.

“ Capital Contribution ” means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of money contributed to the Partnership and the Carrying Value of any property (other than money), net of any liabilities assumed by the Partnership upon contribution or to which such property is subject, contributed to the Partnership pursuant to Article V.

“ Carrying Value ” means, with respect to any Partnership asset, the asset’s adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except that the initial carrying value of assets contributed to the Partnership shall be their respective gross fair market values on the date of contribution as determined by the General Partner, and the Carrying Values of all

 

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Partnership assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective fair market values, in accordance with the rules set forth in United States Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), except as otherwise provided herein, as of: (a) the date of the acquisition of any additional Partnership Interest by any new or existing Partner in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution; (b) the date of the distribution of more than a de minimis amount of Partnership assets to a Partner; (c) the date a Partnership Interest is relinquished to the Partnership; or (d) any other date specified in the United States Treasury Regulations; provided , however, that adjustments pursuant to clauses (a), (b) (c) and (d) above shall be made only if such adjustments are deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner to reflect the relative economic interests of the Partners. The Carrying Value of any Partnership asset distributed to any Partner shall be adjusted immediately before such distribution to equal its fair market value. In the case of any asset that has a Carrying Value that differs from its adjusted tax basis, Carrying Value shall be adjusted by the amount of depreciation calculated for purposes of the definition of “Profits (Losses)” rather than the amount of depreciation determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and depreciation shall be calculated by reference to Carrying Value rather than tax basis once Carrying Value differs from tax basis.

“ Category 1 Limited Partner ” means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 1 Limited Partner.

“ Category 2 Limited Partner ” means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 2 Limited Partner.

“ Category 3 Limited Partner ” means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 3 Limited Partner.

“ Category 4 Limited Partner ” means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 4 Limited Partner.

“ Category 5 Limited Partner ” means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 5 Limited Partner.

“ Category 6 Limited Partner ” means the Limited Partner identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 6 Limited Partner.

“ Cause ” means the occurrence or existence of any of the following as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by an Employed Limited Partner of any provision of this Agreement or the Non-Competition Agreement attached hereto, (x) any material breach of any rules or regulations applicable to senior managing directors or employees, as applicable, of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, (y) an Employed Limited Partner’s deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, or (z) an Employed Limited Partner’s committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities in any material way (provided that, in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z),

 

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the General Partner has given the Employed Limited Partner written notice (a “ Notice of Breach ”) within fifteen days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Employed Limited Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt by the Employed Limited Partner of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure, provided , that such Employed Limited Partner is diligently pursuing such cure), (iii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, or (iv) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere ) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. securities laws, rules or regulations of the securities industry, that such Employed Limited Partner individually has violated any U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Employed Limited Partner’s ability to function as a senior managing director or employee, as applicable, of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, taking into account the services required of Employed Limited Partner and the nature of the business of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities or (B) the business of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities.

“ Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any Person, other than a Person approved by the current Issuer General Partner, becoming the general partner of the Issuer.

“ Charity ” means any organization that is organized and operated for a purpose described in Section 170(c) of the Code (determined without reference to Code Section 170(c)(2)(A)) and described in Code Sections 2055(a) and 2522.

“ Civil Code ” means the Civil Code of Québec, RSQ ch. C-1991, as it may be amended from time to time.

“ Class ” means the classes of Units into which the interests in the Partnership may be classified or divided from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.

“ Class A Units ” means the Units of partnership interest in the Partnership designated as the “Class A Units” herein and having the rights pertaining thereto as are set forth in this Agreement.

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

“ Common Units ” means common units representing limited partner interests of the Issuer.

 

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“ Contingencies ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).

“ Control ” (including the terms “ Controlled by ” and “ under common Control with ”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise, including, without limitation, the ownership, directly or indirectly, of securities having the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar body governing the affairs of such Person.

“ Credit Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii) of this Agreement.

“ Creditable Non-U.S. Tax ” means a non-U.S. tax paid or accrued for United States federal income tax purposes by the Partnership, in either case to the extent that such tax is eligible for credit under Section 901(a) of the Code. A non-U.S. tax is a Creditable Non-U.S. Tax for these purposes without regard to whether a partner receiving an allocation of such non-U.S. tax elects to claim a credit for such amount. This definition is intended to be consistent with the definition of “Creditable Non-U.S. Tax” in Temporary Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1T(b)(4)(xi)( b ), and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

“ Declaration ” means the declaration of registration of the Partnership filed with the Registraire des entreprises (Québec) pursuant to the Act, as amended from time to time.

“ Disability ” means, as to any Person, such Person’s inability to perform in all material respects his or her duties and responsibilities to the General Partner, or any of its Affiliates, by reason of a physical or mental disability or infirmity which inability is reasonably expected to be permanent and has continued (i) for a period of six consecutive months or (ii) such shorter period as the General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith.

“ Disabling Event ” means the General Partner ceasing to be the general partner of the Partnership pursuant to Section 17-402 of the Act.

“ Dissolution Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02 of this Agreement.

“ Employed Limited Partner ” means any Limited Partner that is employed by or providing services to the Issuer General Partner, the Issuer, the General Partner, the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries at the time in question, and any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner.

“ Encumbrance ” means any mortgage, claim, lien, encumbrance, conditional sales or other title retention agreement, right of first refusal, preemptive right, pledge, option, charge, security interest or other similar interest, easement, judgment or imperfection of title of any nature whatsoever.

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

 

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“ Exchange Act ” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

“ Exchange Agreement ” means the exchange agreement dated as of or about the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement among the Issuer, the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and the limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships from time to time, as amended from time to time.

“ Exchange Transaction ” means an exchange of Units for Common Units pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Exchange Agreement or, if the Issuer and the exchanging Limited Partner shall mutually agree, a Transfer of Units to the Issuer, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries for other consideration.

“ Final Tax Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).

“ First Amended and Restatement Limited Partnership Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

“ Fiscal Year ” means (i) the period commencing upon the formation of the Partnership and ending on December 31, 2007 or (ii) any subsequent twelve-month period commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31.

“ GAAP ” means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as in effect from time to time.

“ General Partner ” means Blackstone Holdings III GP L.P., a limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of Delaware or any successor general partner admitted to the Partnership in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

“ Government Official ” means a person who holds a high-level, full-time position with a national, supranational, U.S. federal, U.S. state or City of New York government.

“ Incapacity ” means, with respect to any Person, the bankruptcy, dissolution, termination, entry of an order of incompetence, or the insanity, permanent disability or death of such Person.

“ Initial Limited Partner ” means each Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement.

“ Initial Units ” means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Class A Units owned by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement.

“ Initial Unvested Units ” means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Unvested Units owned by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement.

 

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“ Initial Vested Units ” means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Vested Units listed in the books and records of the Partnership as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, and any additional Initial Units that have vested from time to time in accordance with Section 8.01 of this Agreement.

“ Intangible Assets ” means the assets of the Partnership that are described in Section 197(d) of the Code.

“ Intangible Asset Gain ” means the net gain recognized by the Partnership with respect to the Partnership’s Intangible Assets in connection with the actual or hypothetical sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership, including but not limited to net capital gain realized in connection with an adjustment to the Carrying Value of Partnership assets; provided , however , that any such gain shall constitute “Intangible Asset Gain” only to the extent that any such gain exceeds losses previously recognized in an actual or hypothetical sale of Intangible Assets.

“ IPO ” means the initial public offering and sale of Common Units, as contemplated by the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-141504).

“ Issuer ” means The Blackstone Group L.P., a limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor thereto.

“ Issuer General Partner ” means Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware and the general partner of the Issuer, or any successor general partner of the Issuer.

“ Issuer Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Issuer dated substantially concurrently with the consummation of the IPO, as such agreement of limited partnership may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

“ Law ” means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, executive order, injunction, judgment, decree or other order issued or promulgated by any national, supranational, state, federal, provincial, local or municipal government or any administrative or regulatory body with authority therefrom with jurisdiction over the Partnership or any Partner, as the case may be.

“ Limited Partner ” means a special partner, as defined in the Act and, more specifically, each of the Persons from time to time listed as a limited partner in the books and records of the Partnership, and, for purposes of Sections 8.01, 8.02, 8.03, 8.04, 8.05 and 8.06, any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner.

“ Liquidation Agent ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03 of this Agreement.

 

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“ Last Reported Sale Price ” of the Common Units on any date means:

(a) the closing sale price per unit on the New York Stock Exchange on that date (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price);

(b) if the Common Units are not listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the closing sale price (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price) as reported on that date in composite transactions for the principal national securities exchange registered pursuant to Section 6(g) of the Exchange Act on which the Common Units are listed;

(c) if the Common Units are not so listed on a national securities exchange, the last quoted bid price for the Common Units on that date in the over-the-counter market as reported by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization; or

(d) if the Common Units are not so quoted by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization, the average of the mid-point of the last bid and ask prices for the Common Units on that date from a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm selected by the General Partner for this purpose.

“ Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.04(a).

“ Net Taxable Income ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).

“ Non-Competition Agreement ” means collectively, the Senior Managing Director Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement and Contracting Employees Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement dated on or about the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement by certain Employed Limited Partners with each of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and any agreement with respect to similar subject matter entered into from time to time by an Employed Limited Partner.

“ Nonrecourse Deductions ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b). The amount of Nonrecourse Deductions of the Partnership for a fiscal year equals the net increase, if any, in the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain of the Partnership during that fiscal year, determined according to the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(c).

“ Original Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

“ Partners ” means, at any time, each person listed as a Partner (including the General Partner) on the books and records of the Partnership, in each case for so long as he, she or it remains a partner of the Partnership as provided hereunder.

“ Partnership ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

“ Partnership Minimum Gain ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d).

 

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“ Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain ” means an amount with respect to each partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) equal to the Partnership Minimum Gain that would result if such partner nonrecourse debt were treated as a nonrecourse liability (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-1(a)(2)) determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3).

“ Partner Nonrecourse Deductions ” has the meaning ascribed to the term “partner nonrecourse deductions” set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2).

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

“ Personal Planning Vehicle ” means, in respect of any Limited Partner, any estate, family limited liability company, family limited partnership, or inter vivos or testamentary trust that holds Units that is designated as a Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner in the books and records of the Partnership.

“ Profits ” and “ Losses ” means, for each Fiscal Year or other period, the taxable income or loss of the Partnership, or particular items thereof, determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (a) all items of income, gain, loss or deduction allocated pursuant to Section 5.05 shall not be taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss; (b) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits and Losses shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (c) if the Carrying Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any gain or loss resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such Carrying Value; (d) upon an adjustment to the Carrying Value (other than an adjustment in respect of depreciation) of any asset, pursuant to the definition of Carrying Value, the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (e) if the Carrying Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of depreciation, amortization or cost recovery deductions with respect to such asset for purposes of determining Profits and Losses, if any, shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such Carrying Value as the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deductions bears to such adjusted tax basis ( provided that if the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction is zero, the General Partner may use any reasonable method for purposes of determining depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deductions in calculating Profits and Losses); and (f) except for items in (a) above, any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits and Losses pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items.

“ Restricted Period ,” with respect to each Limited Partner that is or was an Employed Limited Partner, has the meaning set forth in such Limited Partner’s Non-Competition Agreement.

 

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“ Restrictive Covenant ,” with respect to each Limited Partner that is or was an Employed Limited Partner, has the meaning set forth in such Limited Partner’s Non-Competition Agreement.

“ Retirement ” (including the term “ Retire ”) means retirement of an Employed Limited Partner from his or her employment with the Issuer General Partner, the Issuer, the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries after (a) he or she has reached age 65 and has at least five full years of service, or (b) (i) his or her age plus years of service totals at least 65, (ii) he or she has reached age 50 and (iii) he or she has had a minimum of five years of service; provided , however, that no Employed Limited Partner will be eligible to Retire prior to June 30, 2010.

“ Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

“ Similar Law ” means any law or regulation that could cause the underlying assets of the Partnership to be treated as assets of the Limited Partner by virtue of its limited partner interest in the Partnership and thereby subject the Partnership and the General Partner (or other persons responsible for the investment and operation of the Partnership’s assets) to laws or regulations that are similar to the fiduciary responsibility or prohibited transaction provisions contained in Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

“ Tax Advances ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.

“ Tax Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).

“ Tax Distributions ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).

“ Tax Matters Partner ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08.

“ Total Percentage Interest ” means, with respect to any Partner, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Units (vested or unvested) then owned by such Partner by the number of Units then owned by all Partners.

“ Transfer ” means, in respect of any Unit, property or other asset, any sale, assignment, transfer, distribution or other disposition thereof, whether voluntarily or by operation of Law, including, without limitation, the exchange of any Unit for any other security.

“ Transferee ” means any Person that is a transferee of a Partner’s interest in the Partnership, or part thereof.

“ Treasury Regulations ” means the income tax regulations, including temporary regulations, promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).

 

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“ Units ” means the Class A Units and any other Class of Units authorized in accordance with this Agreement, which shall constitute interests in the Partnership as provided in this Agreement and under the Act, entitling the holders thereof to the relative rights, title and interests in the profits, losses, deductions and credits of the Partnership at any particular time as set forth in this Agreement, and any and all other benefits to which a holder thereof may be entitled as a Partner as provided in this Agreement, together with the obligations of such Partner to comply with all terms and provisions of this Agreement.

“ Unvested Units ” means those Units listed as unvested Units in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

“ Vested Percentage Interest ” means, with respect to any Partner, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Vested Units then owned by such Partner by the number of Vested Units then owned by all Partners.

“ Vested Units ” means those Units listed as vested Units in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

FORMATION, TERM, PURPOSE AND POWERS

SECTION 2.01 .  Formation . The Partnership was formed as a limited partnership under the provisions of the Act by the execution of the Original Agreement. A Declaration was filed with the Registraire des entreprises (Québec) as of June 13, 2007, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. If requested by the General Partner, the Limited Partners shall promptly execute all certificates and other documents consistent with the terms of this Agreement necessary for the General Partner to accomplish all filing, recording, publishing and other acts as may be appropriate to comply with all requirements for (a) the formation and operation of a limited partnership under the laws of the Province of Québec, (b) if the General Partner deems it advisable, the operation of the Partnership as a limited partnership, or partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited liability, in all jurisdictions where the Partnership proposes to operate and (c) all other filings required to be made by the Partnership.

SECTION 2.02 .  Name . The name of the Partnership shall be, and the business of the Partnership shall be conducted under the name of, Placements Blackstone III s.e.c. and, in its English version, Blackstone Holdings III L.P.

SECTION 2.03 .  Term . The term of the Partnership commenced on the date of the Original Agreement, and the term shall continue until the dissolution of the Partnership in accordance with Article IX. The existence of the Partnership shall continue until dissolution of the Partnership in the manner required by the Act.

SECTION 2.04 .  Offices . The Partnership may have offices at such places either within or outside the Province of Québec as the General Partner from time to time may select. As of the date hereof, the principal place of business and office of the Partnership is located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154. The Québec domicile of the Partnership shall be located at 1 Place Ville Marie, 37 ^th Floor, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3B 3P4.

 

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SECTION 2.05 .  Agent for Service of Process . The Partnership’s registered agent for service of process in the Province of Québec shall be as set forth in the Declaration, or such other person as the General Partner shall designate in its sole discretion from time to time.

SECTION 2.06 .  Business Purpose . The Partnership was formed for the object and purpose of, and the nature and character of the business to be conducted by the Partnership is, engaging in any lawful act or activity for which limited partnerships may be formed under the Act.

SECTION 2.07 .  Powers of the Partnership . Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, the Partnership will possess and may exercise all of the powers and privileges granted to it by the Act including, without limitation, the ownership and operation of the assets contributed to the Partnership by the Partners, by any other Law or this Agreement, together with all powers incidental thereto, so far as such powers are necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of the purpose of the Partnership set forth in Section 2.06.

SECTION 2.08 .  Partners; Admission of New Partners . Each of the Persons listed in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, by virtue of the execution of this Agreement, are admitted as Partners of the Partnership. The rights, duties and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided in the Act, except as is otherwise expressly provided herein, and the Partners consent to the variation of such rights, duties and liabilities as provided herein. A Person may be admitted from time to time as a new Partner in accordance with Section 8.10; provided , however, that each new Partner shall execute and deliver to the General Partner an appropriate supplement to this Agreement pursuant to which the new Partner agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time.

SECTION 2.09 .  Withdrawal . No Partner shall have the right to withdraw as a Partner of the Partnership other than following the Transfer of all Units owned by such Partner in accordance with Article VIII; provided , however, that a new General Partner or substitute General Partner may be admitted to the Partnership in accordance with Section 8.09.

ARTICLE III

MANAGEMENT

SECTION 3.01 .  General Partner . (a) The business, property and affairs of the Partnership shall be managed under the sole, absolute and exclusive direction of the General Partner, which may from time to time delegate authority to officers or to others to act on behalf of the Partnership.

(b) Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.01, the General Partner shall have the general power to manage or cause the management of the Partnership (which may be delegated to officers of the Partnership), including, without limitation, the following powers:

(i) to develop and prepare a business plan each year which will set forth the operating goals and plans for the Partnership;

 

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(ii) to execute and deliver or to authorize the execution and delivery of contracts, deeds, leases, licenses, instruments of transfer and other documents on behalf of the Partnership;

(iii) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money, the assumption or guarantee of, or other contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of indebtedness and the incurring of any other obligations;

(iv) to employ, retain, consult with and dismiss personnel;

(v) to establish and enforce limits of authority and internal controls with respect to all personnel and functions;

(vi) to engage attorneys, consultants and accountants for the Partnership;

(vii) to develop or cause to be developed accounting procedures for the maintenance of the Partnership’s books of account; and

(viii) to do all such other acts as shall be authorized in this Agreement or by the Partners in writing from time to time.

SECTION 3.02 .  Compensation . The General Partner shall not be entitled to any compensation for services rendered to the Partnership in its capacity as General Partner.

SECTION 3.03 .  Expenses . The Partnership shall bear and/or reimburse the General Partner for any expenses incurred by the General Partner in connection with serving as the general partner of the Partnership.

SECTION 3.04 .  Officers . Subject to the direction and oversight of the General Partner, the day-to-day administration of the business of the Partnership may be carried out by employees and agents who may be designated as officers by the General Partner, with titles including but not limited to “chief executive officer,” “chief financial officer,” “chief legal officer,” “chief administrative officer,” “chief compliance officer,” “principal accounting officer,” “chairman,” “senior chairman,” “vice chairman,” “president,” “vice president,” “treasurer,” “assistant treasurer,” “secretary,” “assistant secretary,” “general manager,” “senior managing director,” “managing director” and “director,” as and to the extent authorized by the General Partner. The officers of the Partnership shall have such titles and powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the General Partner and otherwise as shall customarily pertain to such offices. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. All employees, agents and officers shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the General Partner and may be removed from such office by the General Partner and the authority, duties or responsibilities of any employee, agent or officer of the Partnership may be suspended by the General Partner from time to time, in each case in the sole discretion of the General Partner. The General Partner shall not cease to be a general partner of the Partnership as a result of the delegation of any duties hereunder. No officer of the Partnership, in its capacity as such, shall be considered a general partner of the Partnership by agreement, estoppel, as a result of the performance of its duties hereunder or otherwise.

 

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SECTION 3.05 .  Authority of Partners . Other than exercising a Limited Partner’s rights and powers as a Limited Partner, as contemplated in the Act, no Limited Partner, in its capacity as such, shall participate in or have any control over the business of the Partnership. Except as expressly provided herein, the Units do not confer any rights upon the Limited Partners to participate in the affairs of the Partnership described in this Agreement. Except as expressly provided herein, the Limited Partners shall have no right to vote on any matter involving the Partnership, including with r