Archrock 8K Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement | AROC 5 Oct 09

Exhibit 2.1

CONTRIBUTION, CONVEYANCE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

among

EXTERRAN HOLDINGS, INC.

EXTERRAN ENERGY CORP.

EXTERRAN GENERAL HOLDINGS LLC

EXTERRAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS, L.P.

EES LEASING LLC

EXH GP LP LLC

EXTERRAN GP LLC

EXH MLP LP LLC

EXTERRAN GENERAL PARTNER, L.P.

EXLP OPERATING LLC

EXLP LEASING LLC

and

EXTERRAN PARTNERS, L.P.

dated as of

OCTOBER 2, 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS


ARTICLE I CONTRIBUTIONS, CONVEYANCES, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND DISTRIBUTIONS		3
1.1	Transactions	3
1.2	Transaction Taxes	4
1.3	Proration of 2009 Ad Valorem Taxes	4

ARTICLE II CLOSING		4
2.1	Closing	4
2.2	Deliveries at the Closing	5

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE CONTRIBUTORS		5
3.1	Organization and Existence	5
3.2	Authority and Approval	6
3.3	No Conflict	6
3.4	Consents	7
3.5	Laws and Regulations; Litigation	7
3.6	No Adverse Changes	8
3.7	Employee Benefits	8
3.8	Management Projections; Financial and Operational Information	8
3.9	Environmental Matters	8
3.10	Contracts	9
3.11	Compression Equipment	9
3.12	Sufficiency of Assets	10
3.13	Licenses; Permits	10
3.14	Insurance	10
3.15	Brokerage Arrangements	10
3.16	Investment	10

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE RECIPIENTS		11
4.1	Organization and Existence	11
4.2	Authority and Approval	11
4.3	Delivery of Opinion	11
4.4	Brokerage Arrangements	11
4.5	Newly Issued Common Units	11

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ARTICLE V CONDITIONS TO CLOSING		12
5.1	Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Effect the Transactions	12
5.2	Conditions to the Obligation of the Recipients	12
5.3	Conditions to the Obligation of the Contributors	13

ARTICLE VI COVENANTS, ETC.		13
6.1	Regulatory Filings; Consents	13
6.2	Independent Investigation	14
6.3	General	14
6.4	Revisions to Schedules A, B and C	14
6.5	Inadvertent Transfers of, or Failure to Transfer, Assets	14
6.6	Nasdaq Listing	15

ARTICLE VII INDEMNIFICATION		15
7.1	Indemnification of the Contributors and Other Parties	15
7.2	Indemnification of the Recipients	15
7.3	Demands	15
7.4	Right to Contest and Defend	16
7.5	Cooperation	17
7.6	Right to Participate	17
7.7	Payment of Damages	17
7.8	Limitations on Indemnification	17
7.9	Survival	17
7.10	Sole Remedy	18
7.11	Express Negligence Rule	18

ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION		18
8.1	Events of Termination	18
8.2	Effect of Termination	19

ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS		19
9.1	Transfer Restrictions	19
9.2	Registration Rights of MLP LP LLC and its Affiliates	20
9.3	Expenses	22
9.4	Notices	22
9.5	Governing Law	23
9.6	Public Statements	23

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9.7	Form of Payment	23
9.8	Entire Agreement; Amendments and Waivers	23
9.9	Binding Effect and Assignment	24
9.10	Severability	24
9.11	Interpretation	24
9.12	Headings and Schedules	24
9.13	Counterparts	24

EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES


Exhibit A		EES Leasing Bill of Sale
Exhibit B		EESLP Bill of Sale
Exhibit C		MLP Bill of Sale
Exhibit D		EXLP Operating Bill of Sale

Exhibit E		Second Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement
Schedule A		EES Leasing Compression Equipment
Schedule B		EESLP Compression Equipment
Schedule C		Master Agreements
Schedule 3.3		No Conflict
Schedule 3.5		Laws and Regulations; Litigation
Schedule 3.6		No Adverse Changes
Schedule 3.10		Contracts
Schedule 3.11		Compression Equipment
Schedule 3.14		Insurance

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CONTRIBUTION, CONVEYANCE AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

This Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of October 2, 2009 by and among Exterran Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“EXH”), Exterran Energy Corp., a Delaware corporation (“EEC”), Exterran General Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“General Holdings”), Exterran Energy Solutions, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“EESLP”), EES Leasing LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“EES Leasing”), EXH GP LP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“LP LLC”), Exterran GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“GP LLC”), EXH MLP LP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“MLP LP LLC”), Exterran General Partner, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“GP”), EXLP Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“EXLP Operating”), EXLP Leasing LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“EXLP Leasing”), and Exterran Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“MLP”).

RECITALS:

WHEREAS, prior to the Closing (as defined below) or within 10 business days following the Closing (as required bySection 6.5), EESLP shall acquire certain compression services agreements and compression equipment from Exterran ABS 2007 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ABS 2007”), and Exterran ABS Leasing 2007 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ABS Leasing”); and

WHEREAS, at the Closing (as defined below), each of the following events shall occur:

1. EEC will assume $57,200,000 of EXH’s indebtedness under EXH’s revolving credit facility (the “Assumed Debt”) in exchange for a reduction in the balance under the existing revolving note, dated August 20, 2007, from EEC (formerly Hanover Compressor Company) in favor of EXH (the “EEC Note”);

2. General Holdings will assume the Assumed Debt in exchange for a reduction in the balance under the existing revolving note, dated August 20, 2007, from General Holdings (formerly Hanover Compression General Holdings LLC) in favor of EEC (the “General Holdings Note”);

3. EESLP will assume the Assumed Debt in exchange for a reduction in the balance under the existing revolving note, dated August 20, 2007, from EESLP in favor of General Holdings (the “EESLP-General Holdings Note”);

4. EES Leasing will sell to EESLP the compression equipment set forth onSchedule A, as modified in accordance withSection 6.4 (the “EES Leasing Compression Equipment”), that is, as of the Closing Date, used to provide compression services under certain compression services agreements (such compression services agreements, the “EES CSAs”), and in exchange the balance under the existing revolving note, dated October 1, 2007, from EES Leasing in favor of EESLP (the “EES Leasing Note”) will be reduced by an amount equal to the net book value of the EES Leasing Compression Equipment as of the Closing Date, all pursuant to and in

accordance with that certain Bill of Sale between EES Leasing and EESLP in the form set forth asExhibit A (the “EES Leasing Bill of Sale”);

5. EESLP will transfer the (a) EES CSAs, (b) the EES Leasing Compression Equipment, (c) the master agreements set forth onSchedule C (other than the provisions thereof, if any, pursuant to which services other than Competitive Services (as defined in that certain First Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement (as amended and restated on or prior to the Closing Date, the “Omnibus Agreement”), dated as of August 20, 2007, by and among EXH, EESLP (individually and as successor to Exterran, Inc., a Texas corporation), GP LLC, GP, MLP and EXLP Operating) are to be provided), (d) the compression equipment set forth onSchedule B, as modified in accordance withSection 6.4 (the “EESLP Compression Equipment” and, together with the EES Leasing Compression Equipment, the “Compression Equipment”), and (e) the compression services agreements pursuant to which the EESLP Compression Equipment is, as of the Closing Date, used to provide compression services (such compression services agreements, the “EESLP CSAs” and, together with the master agreements set forth onSchedule C and the EES CSAs, the “CSAs”), to MLP pursuant to and in accordance with that certain Bill of Sale between EESLP and MLP dated as of the Closing Date in the form set forth asExhibit B (the “EESLP Bill of Sale”) (of which Compression Equipment and CSAs (i) an undivided 1.9973000268% interest shall be deemed contributed to LP LLC, by LP LLC to GP and by GP to MLP, (ii) an undivided 0.0000199732% interest shall be deemed contributed to GP LLC, by GP LLC to GP and by GP to MLP and (iii) an undivided 98.002% interest shall be deemed contributed to MLP LP LLC and by MLP LP LLC to MLP) in exchange for (A) MLP’s issuance of 4,739,927 common units (the “New Common Units”) representing limited partner interests in MLP to MLP LP LLC, (B) MLP’s issuance of 96,601 general partner units (the “New GP Units”) in MLP in consideration of GP’s continuation of its 1.99732% general partner interest in MLP and (C) MLP’s assumption of the Assumed Debt (of which Assumed Debt (i) an undivided 1.9973000268% interest is deemed assumed by LP LLC, by GP from LP LLC and by MLP from GP, (ii) an undivided 0.0000199732% interest is deemed assumed by GP LLC, by GP from GP LLC and by MLP from GP and (iii) an undivided 98.002% interest is deemed assumed by MLP LP LLC and by MLP from MLP LP LLC);

6. MLP will sell the CSAs and the Compression Equipment to EXLP Operating in exchange for EXLP Operating’s assumption of the Assumed Debt and a capital contribution from MLP to EXLP Operating or a dividend from EXLP Operating to MLP, as applicable, all pursuant to and in accordance with that certain Bill of Sale between MLP and EXLP Operating dated as of the date hereof in the form set forth asExhibit C (the “MLP Bill of Sale”);

7. EXLP Operating will sell the Compression Equipment to EXLP Leasing, and in exchange the balance under the existing revolving note, dated July 30, 2008, from EXLP Leasing in favor of EXLP Operating (the “EXLP Leasing Note”) will be increased by an amount equal to the net book value of the Compression Equipment as of the Closing Date, all pursuant to and in accordance with that certain Bill of Sale between EXLP Operating and EXLP Leasing dated as of the date hereof in the form set forth asExhibit D (the “EXLP Operating Bill of Sale”); and

8. EXLP Operating will repay the Assumed Debt.

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NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual undertakings and agreements contained in this Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I
CONTRIBUTIONS, CONVEYANCES, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

1.1Transactions. On the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, each of the following transactions (collectively, the “Transactions”) will occur:

(a) EEC will assume the Assumed Debt in exchange for a reduction in the balance under the EEC Note;

(b) General Holdings will assume the Assumed Debt in exchange for a reduction in the balance under the General Holdings Note;

(d) EES Leasing will grant, sell, bargain, convey, assign, transfer, set over and deliver to EESLP, its successors and assigns, for its own use forever, all right, title and interest in and to the EES Leasing Compression Equipment, and the balance under the EES Leasing Note will be reduced by an amount equal to the net book value of the EES Leasing Compression Equipment as of the Closing Date, all as further evidenced by the execution and delivery of the EES Leasing Bill of Sale by EES Leasing and EESLP;

(e) EESLP will transfer, convey, assign, set over and deliver to MLP, its successors and assigns, for its own use forever, all right, title and interest in and to the CSAs and the Compression Equipment, and MLP will accept such Compression Equipment and assume such CSAs (of which (i) an undivided 1.9973000268% interest shall be deemed contributed by EESLP to LP LLC, by LP LLC to GP and by GP to MLP, (ii) an undivided 0.0000199732% interest shall be deemed contributed by EESLP to GP LLC, by GP LLC to GP and by GP to MLP and (iii) an undivided 98.002% interest shall be deemed contributed by EESLP to MLP LP LLC and by MLP LP LLC to MLP) in exchange for (i) MLP’s issuance of the New Common Units to MLP LP LLC, (ii) MLP’s issuance of the New GP Units to GP in continuation of GP’s 1.99732% general partner interest in MLP and (iii) MLP’s assumption of the Assumed Debt (of which (i) an undivided 1.9973000268% interest is deemed assumed by LP LLC, by GP from LP LLC and by MLP from GP, (ii) an undivided 0.0000199732% interest is deemed assumed by GP LLC, by GP from GP LLC and by MLP from GP and (iii) an undivided 98.002% interest is deemed assumed by MLP LP LLC and by MLP from MLP LP LLC), as further evidenced by the execution and delivery of the EESLP Bill of Sale by EESLP and MLP;

(f) MLP will grant, sell, bargain, convey, assign, transfer, set over and deliver to EXLP Operating, its successors and assigns, for its own use forever, all right, title and interest in and to the Compression Equipment and the CSAs, and EXLP Operating will accept such Compression Equipment and assume such CSAs in exchange for EXLP Operating’s assumption of the Assumed Debt and a capital contribution from MLP to EXLP Operating or a dividend from EXLP Operating to MLP, as applicable, as further evidenced by the execution and delivery of the MLP Bill of Sale by MLP and EXLP Operating;

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(g) EXLP Operating will grant, sell, bargain, convey, assign, transfer, set over and deliver to EXLP Leasing, its successors and assigns, for its own use forever, all right, title and interest in and to the Compression Equipment, and EXLP Leasing will accept such Compression Equipment, and in exchange the balance under the EXLP Leasing Note will be increased by an amount equal to the net book value of the Compression Equipment as of the Closing Date, as further evidenced by the execution and delivery of the EXLP Operating Bill of Sale by EXLP Operating and EXLP Leasing; and

(h) The parties acknowledge that EXLP Operating will repay the Assumed Debt.

1.2Transaction Taxes. All sales, use, transfer, filing, recordation, registration and similar taxes and fees arising from or associated with the transactions contemplated hereunder other than taxes based on income (“Transaction Taxes”), shall be borne 50% by EES Leasing and EESLP (each a “Contributor” and, together, the “Contributors”) and 50% by MLP. To the extent under applicable law the transferee is responsible for filing tax returns in respect of Transaction Taxes, MLP shall prepare and file all such returns. The parties shall provide such certificates and other information and otherwise cooperate to the extent reasonably required to minimize Transaction Taxes. The party that is not responsible under applicable law for paying the Transaction Taxes shall pay its share of the Transaction Taxes to the responsible party prior to the due date of such taxes.

1.3Proration of 2009 Ad Valorem Taxes. Ad valorem taxes relating to the EES Leasing Compression Equipment for the 2009 year shall be prorated on a daily basis between EXLP Leasing on the one hand and EES Leasing on the other hand, with EES Leasing responsible for the prorated portion of such taxes for the period (for purposes of this Section 1.3, “period” means the period beginning on the assessment date for ad valorem taxes through the day before the next assessment date for such taxes) up to and including the Closing Date and EXLP Leasing responsible for the prorated portion of such taxes after the Closing Date. Ad valorem taxes relating to the EESLP Compression Equipment for the 2009 year shall be prorated on a daily basis between EXLP Leasing on the one hand and EESLP on the other hand, with EESLP responsible for the prorated portion of such taxes for the period up to and including the Closing Date and EXLP Leasing responsible for the prorated portion of such taxes after the Closing Date. The party that receives the ad valorem tax billing (the “Billed Party”) shall provide a copy of such billing to the other party together with a calculation of the prorated ad valorem taxes owed by each party. The party that did not receive the ad valorem tax billing shall pay its prorated portion of the ad valorem taxes to the Billed Party prior to the due date of such taxes and the Billed Party shall be responsible for the timely payment of the ad valorem taxes to the taxing authorities.

ARTICLE II
CLOSING

2.1Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the closing (the “Closing”) of the Transactions will be held at the offices of Baker Botts L.L.P., 910 Louisiana Street, Suite 3200, Houston, Texas at 9:00 a.m., Houston, Texas time on a date, as mutually agreed by the parties, that is within the first five business days immediately following the date of

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fulfillment or waiver (in accordance with the provisions hereof) of the last to be fulfilled or waived of the conditions set forth inSection 5.1, or, if on such day any condition set forth inSection 5.2 orSection 5.3 has not been fulfilled or waived (in accordance with the provisions hereof) (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be fulfilled at the Closing, but subject to the fulfillment or waiver of such conditions), as soon as practicable after all the conditions set forth inSection 5.2 orSection 5.3, as applicable, have been fulfilled or waived in accordance with this Agreement. The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to as the “Closing Date.”

2.2Deliveries at the Closing. At the Closing:

(a) Each party will execute and deliver the bills of sale described inSection 1.1 to which it is a party;

(b) EXLP Operating will assume the Assumed Debt;

(d) EXLP Operating will repay the Assumed Debt;

(e) The Contributors will deliver to MLP a certificate (i) stating that each of the Contributors is not a foreign corporation, foreign partnership, foreign trust or foreign estate, (ii) providing their U.S. Employer Identification Numbers and (iii) providing their addresses, all pursuant to Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”);

(f) The Contributors will deliver, or cause to be delivered, to MLP all other documents, certificates and other instruments required to be delivered or caused to be delivered by the Contributors pursuant hereto;

(g) Each party will execute and deliver all other documents, certificates and other instruments required to be delivered or caused to be delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement; and

(h) Each party to the Omnibus Agreement will execute the Second Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement in the form set forth asExhibit E to this Agreement.

ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE CONTRIBUTORS

Each of the Contributors hereby represents and warrants, jointly and severally, to MLP, EXLP Operating and EXLP Leasing (collectively, the “Recipients”) that as of the date hereof:

3.1Organization and Existence. Each of the Contributors, ABS 2007 and ABS Leasing has been duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation, with full limited liability company or limited partnership power and authority to own, lease and operate the properties and assets it now owns, leases and operates and to carry on its business as and where such properties and assets are now owned or held and such

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business is now conducted. Each of the Contributors, ABS 2007 and ABS Leasing is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing as a limited liability company or limited partnership in each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required for the conduct of its business, except where the failure to so qualify or to be in good standing does not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial or operating condition or results of operations of the Business (defined herein) or the Assets (defined herein), taken as a whole (a “Material Adverse Effect”).

3.2Authority and Approval. Each of the Contributors has the limited liability company or limited partnership power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to consummate the Transactions and to perform all the terms and conditions hereof to be performed by it. The execution and delivery by the Contributors of this Agreement, the performance by each of them of all the terms and conditions hereof to be performed by it and the consummation of the Transactions have been duly authorized and approved by all requisite limited liability company or limited partnership action of each of the Contributors. This Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each of the Contributors, enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity (whether applied in a proceeding at law or in equity).

3.3No Conflict. Except as set forth inSchedule 3.3, this Agreement and the execution and delivery hereof by the Contributors do not, and the fulfillment and compliance with the terms and conditions hereof and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not:

(a) conflict with any of the provisions of the charter documents or bylaws or equivalent governing instruments of the Contributors or the provisions of the CSAs;

(b) conflict with any provision of any law or administrative regulation or any judicial, administrative or arbitration order, award, judgment, writ, injunction or decree applicable to any Contributor;

(c) conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under (whether with notice or the lapse of time or both) or accelerate or permit the acceleration of the performance required by, or require any consent, authorization or approval under, any material indenture, mortgage, lien or material agreement, contract, commitment or instrument to which any Contributor is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its property is subject;

(d) result in the creation of, or afford any person the right to obtain, any material lien, charge or encumbrance on the capital stock or other equity interests, property or assets of any Contributor under any such material indenture, mortgage, lien, agreement, contract, commitment or instrument; or

(e) result in the revocation, cancellation, suspension or material modification, singly or in the aggregate, of any Governmental Approval (as defined below) any Contributor possesses that is necessary or desirable for the ownership, lease or operation of its properties and

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other assets in the conduct of its business as now conducted, including any Governmental Approvals under any applicable Environmental Law (as defined below);

except, in the case of clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e), as would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and except for such as will have been cured at or prior to the Closing.

3.4Consents. Other than filings required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “HSR Act”) and except for notice to, or consent of, Governmental Authorities (as defined below) related to the transfer of environmental permits, no consent, approval, license, permit, order, or authorization of, or registration, declaration, or filing with, (each a “Governmental Approval”) any court or federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality (collectively, “Governmental Authorities”) or other person or entity is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Contributors in connection with:

(a) the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions;

(b) the enforcement against the Contributors of their respective obligations hereunder; or

(c) following the Closing, the conduct by MLP of the business (the “Business”) represented by the Compression Equipment and CSAs (the “Assets”) as it was conducted immediately prior to the Closing.

3.5Laws and Regulations; Litigation.Schedule 3.5 sets forth a list as of the date hereof of all pending claims, fines, actions, suits, demands, investigations or proceedings or any arbitration or binding dispute resolution proceeding (collectively, “Litigation”) with respect to which any of the Contributors, ABS 2007 or ABS Leasing has been contacted in writing by or on behalf of the plaintiff or claimant, against or affecting the Business or the Assets or the Contributors’, ABS 2007’s or ABS Leasing’s ownership of the Business or the Assets (other than Litigation under any Environmental Law, which is the subject ofSection 3.9) and that (i) would individually, or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) seek any material injunctive relief. Except as set forth inSchedule 3.5 or as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, (x) the Contributors, ABS 2007 and ABS Leasing are not in violation of or in default under any law or regulation or under any order (other than Environmental Laws, which are the subject ofSection 3.9) of any Governmental Authority applicable to it and (y) there is no Litigation (other than Litigation under any Environmental Law, which is the subject ofSection 3.9) pending or, to any Contributor’s knowledge, threatened against or affecting such Contributor, ABS 2007 or ABS Leasing, or any of their respective properties or assets, at law or in equity, by or before any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over such party. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, no Litigation is pending or, to any Contributor’s knowledge, threatened to which any Contributor, ABS 2007 or ABS Leasing is or may become a party that questions or involves the validity or enforceability of any of such Contributor’s, ABS 2007’s or ABS

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Leasing’s obligations under this Agreement or seeks to prevent or delay, or damages in connection with, the consummation of the Transactions.

3.6No Adverse Changes. Except as set forth inSchedule 3.6 and for changes in the ordinary course of business due to matters that generally affect the economy or the industry in which the Business is engaged (including but not limited to fluctuations in the prices of natural gas or crude oil or any derivative of natural gas or crude oil), since June 30, 2009 there have been no changes in the Assets or the liabilities, financial or operational condition or results of operations of the Business that have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth inSchedule 3.6, since January 1, 2009 the Contributors, ABS 2007 and ABS Leasing have caused the Business to be conducted in the ordinary course and in substantially the same manner as previously conducted.

3.7Employee Benefits. The Business does not have and never has had any employees. None of the Contributors, ABS 2007 or ABS Leasing is a party to or is bound by any collective bargaining agreement with respect to any employees who perform services in connection with the Business. The Business does not and has never sponsored, maintained, contributed to or been a party to any employee benefit plan as defined in Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or any other employee benefit or compensation arrangement, agreement or program.

3.8Management Projections; Financial and Operational Information. The projections (including projections of maintenance capital and allocated sales, general and administrative expense required for the Assets) provided to the MLP (including those provided to Sanders Morris Harris Inc. (“Sanders Morris”), the financial advisor to the conflicts committee (the “Conflicts Committee”) of the Board of Directors of GP LLC) by the Contributors as part of MLP’s due diligence review of the Business in connection with this Agreement are consistent with management’s current expectations. The information regarding horsepower, revenues and costs of sales relating to the Assets and the Business provided to Sanders Morris as part of its review of the Assets for the Conflicts Committee (the “Financial and Operational Information”) is materially correct and materially complete for the periods covered, and is derived from the Contributors’ books and records.

3.9Environmental Matters. With respect to the Business, except as do not (individually or in the aggregate) have a Material Adverse Effect, the Contributors (i) are in compliance with any and all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the prevention of pollution or protection of the environment or imposing liability or standards of conduct concerning any Hazardous Materials (as defined below) (“Environmental Laws”), (ii) have received all permits required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct the Business as presently conducted, (iii) are in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permits and (iv) do not have any liability in connection with the release into the environment of any Hazardous Material. The term “Hazardous Material” means (A) any “hazardous substance” as defined in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, (B) any “hazardous waste” as defined in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, (C) any petroleum or petroleum product, (D) any polychlorinated biphenyl and (E) any pollutant or contaminant or hazardous, dangerous or toxic chemical,

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material, waste or substance regulated under or within the meaning of any applicable Environmental Law.

3.10Contracts.

(a) True and complete copies of the CSAs have been made available to MLP. Except as set forth inSchedule 3.10, the Contributors, ABS 2007 and ABS Leasing are not and, to the Contributors’ knowledge, no other party is in default under or in breach or violation of (and no event has occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a default under or a breach or violation or lapse of) any term, condition or provision of any CSA except for defaults, breaches, violations or events that, individually or in the aggregate, do not have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Except as set forth inSchedule 3.10, each of the CSAs constitutes a valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Contributors, ABS 2007 or ABS Leasing that are parties thereto and, to the Contributors’ knowledge, enforceable obligations of any other party thereto, in accordance with its terms (subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, general equitable principles (whether considered on a proceeding in equity or at law) and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing) and is in full force and effect, and no defenses, off-sets or counterclaims have been asserted or, to the Contributors’ knowledge, threatened by any party thereto, nor has any Contributor, ABS 2007 or ABS Leasing waived any material rights thereunder.

(c) Except as set forth inSchedule 3.10, to the Contributors’ knowledge, (i) none of the Contributors, ABS 2007 or ABS Leasing has received any compensation for services provided under any CSA that is subject to any refund or creates any repayment obligation either by or to any Contributor, ABS 2007 or ABS Leasing, and there is no basis for a claim that a refund is due and (ii) EXLP Operating will be entitled to receive the full contract price, in accordance with the terms of each CSA, for all services provided under that CSA on and after the Closing Date.

3.11Compression Equipment.

(a) ABS Leasing and EES Leasing have good and valid title to the Compression Equipment, in each case free and clear of all security interests, liens, mortgages, pledges, charges, encumbrances and rights of others (“Liens”) for sums not yet due except (i) those set forth inSchedule 3.11, (ii) mechanics’, carriers’, workmen’s, repairmen’s or other like Liens arising or incurred in the ordinary course of business, (iii) Liens for taxes that are not due and payable or that may thereafter be paid without penalty, (iv) Liens securing debt of ABS 2007 or EXH that will be released prior to or as of the Closing (a complete list of which is set forth onSchedule 3.11) and (v) other imperfections of title or encumbrances that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the Business (the Liens described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above are hereinafter referred to collectively as “Permitted Liens”), as well as free and clear of all preferential purchase rights, options or other rights to purchase.

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(b) The Compression Equipment is, in the aggregate, in good operating condition and repair (normal wear and tear excepted) and has been maintained in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, as well as generally accepted industry practice, and is adequate for the purposes for which it is currently being used or held for use.

3.12Sufficiency of Assets. The Assets constitute all of the assets necessary to conduct the Business in a manner materially consistent with the Financial and Operational Information.

3.13Licenses; Permits. The Contributors, ABS 2007 and ABS Leasing hold all licenses, permits and authorizations (other than environmental permits, which are the subject ofSection 3.9) that are necessary for the conduct of the Business and the ownership and current operation of the Assets, each in compliance with applicable law and regulation of Governmental Authorities, except for those the failure of which to have, individually or in the aggregate, does not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Contributors, ABS 2007 and ABS Leasing have complied in all material respects with all terms and conditions thereof.

3.14Insurance. The Contributors or their affiliates maintain policies of fire and casualty, liability, and other forms of property and liability insurance related to the Assets and the Business in such amounts, with such deductibles, and against such risks and losses as are, in the Contributors’ judgment, reasonable for the Business and the Assets, and such policies are listed onSchedule 3.14. All such policies are in full force and effect, all premiums due and payable thereon have been paid, and no notice of cancellation or termination has been received with respect to any such policy that has not been replaced on substantially similar terms prior to the date of such cancellation. To the Contributors’ knowledge, the activities and operations of the Business have been conducted in a manner so as to conform in all material respects to all applicable provisions of those insurance policies.

3.15Brokerage Arrangements. None of the Contributors has entered, directly or indirectly, into any agreement with any person, firm or corporation that would obligate MLP to pay any commission, brokerage or “finder’s fee” or other fee in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions.

3.16Investment. MLP LP LLC is not acquiring the New Common Units with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof or any other security related thereto within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). MLP LP LLC is familiar with investments of the nature of the New Common Units, understands that this investment involves substantial risks, has adequately investigated MLP and the New Common Units, and has substantial knowledge and experience in financial and business matters such that it is capable of evaluating, and has evaluated, the merits and risks inherent in purchasing the New Common Units, and is able to bear the economic risks of such investment. MLP LP LLC has had the opportunity to visit with MLP and meet with the officers of its general partner and other representatives to discuss the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition, and operations of MLP, has received all materials, documents and other information that MLP LP LLC deems necessary or advisable to evaluate MLP and the New Common Units, and has made their own independent examination, investigation, analysis and evaluation of MLP and the New Common Units, including its own estimate of the value of the New Common Units. MLP LP LLC has

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undertaken such due diligence (including a review of the properties, liabilities, books, records and contracts of MLP) as MLP LP LLC deems adequate.

ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE RECIPIENTS

Each of the Recipients hereby represents and warrants, jointly and severally, to the Contributors that as of the date hereof:

4.1Organization and Existence. Each of the Recipients is a partnership or limited liability company validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with full partnership or limited liability company power and authority to own, lease and operate the properties and assets it now owns, leases and operates and to carry on its business as and where such properties and assets are now owned or held and such business is now conducted. Each of the Recipients is duly qualified to transact business as a limited partnership or limited liability company and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required for the conduct of its business, except where the failure to so qualify or to be in good standing does not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Recipients, taken as a whole (a “Recipient Material Adverse Effect”).

4.2Authority and Approval. Each of the Recipients has the partnership or limited liability company power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to consummate the Transactions and to perform all the terms and conditions hereof to be performed by it. The execution and delivery by the Recipients of this Agreement, the performance by each of them of all the terms and conditions hereof to be performed by it and the consummation of the Transactions have been duly authorized and approved by all requisite partnership or limited liability company action of each of the Recipients. This Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each of the Recipients, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity (whether applied in a proceeding at law or in equity).

4.3Delivery of Opinion. Sanders Morris has delivered an opinion to the Conflicts Committee that the aggregate consideration to be paid by the Recipients as consideration for the Assets pursuant to this Agreement is fair to the common unitholders of MLP (other than EESLP and its subsidiaries) from a financial point of view.

4.4Brokerage Arrangements. No Recipient has entered, directly or indirectly, into any agreement with any person, firm or corporation that would obligate the Contributors or any of their affiliates (other than the Recipients) to pay any commission, brokerage or “finder’s fee” or other fee in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions.

4.5Newly Issued Common Units. The New Common Units being issued at Closing will be, when issued in consideration for the contribution by the Contributors of the Assets, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act) and free of any preemptive or similar rights (other than those set forth in MLP’s limited partnership agreement).

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ARTICLE V
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

5.1Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Effect the Transactions. The respective obligation of each party to proceed with the Closing is subject to the satisfaction or waiver by each of the parties to this Agreement (subject to applicable laws) on or prior to the Closing Date of all of the following conditions:

(a) all necessary filings with and consents of any Governmental Authority required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement shall have been made and obtained, all waiting periods with respect to filings made with Governmental Authorities in contemplation of the consummation of the transactions described herein shall have expired or been terminated;

(b) all necessary consents, waivers, conditions precedent or similar transfer restrictions held by or to be granted by any third party, other than any Governmental Authority, required for the consummation of the Transactions shall have been made and obtained, except where the failure to so obtain does not have a Material Adverse Effect or Recipient Material Adverse Effect or materially impair the ability of the parties to consummate the Transactions;

(c) no party shall be subject to any decree, order or injunction of a court of competent jurisdiction that prohibits the consummation of the Transactions and no statute, rule, regulation, order, decree or injunction enacted, entered, or issued by any Governmental Authority, or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Transactions, shall be in effect;

(d) EXLP Operating shall have access to funds (on terms reasonably acceptable to the Conflicts Committee in its sole discretion) sufficient to repay the Assumed Debt; and

(e) the New Common Units shall have been approved for listing upon notice of issuance on The Nasdaq Stock Market.

5.2Conditions to the Obligation of the Recipients. The obligation of the Recipients to proceed with the Closing is subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Recipients on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions: (a) the Contributors shall have materially performed their covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement required to be performed on or prior to the Closing Date and (b) the representations and warranties of the Contributors made in this Agreement shall be true and correct (without regard to qualifications as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect contained therein) as of the Closing Date (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date), except in the case of clause (b) where the failure of the representations and warranties to be true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, has not had a Material Adverse Effect;provided, that the Compression Equipment being utilized to service the customers that are parties to the CSAs on the Closing Date shall not, taken together, consist of less than an aggregate of 256,500 operating horsepower of compression. The Contributors shall have

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delivered to the Recipients a certificate dated the Closing Date and signed by an authorized officer of each of the Contributors confirming the foregoing matters set forth in thisSection 5.2.

5.3Conditions to the Obligation of the Contributors. The obligation of the Contributors to proceed with the Closing is subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Contributors on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions: (a) the Recipients shall have materially performed their covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement required to be performed on or prior to the Closing Date, (b) the representations and warranties of the Recipients made in this Agreement shall be true and correct (without regard to qualifications as to materiality or Recipient Material Adverse Effect contained therein) as of the Closing Date (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date), except in the case of clause (b) where the failure of the representations and warranties to be true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, has not had a Recipient Material Adverse Effect and (c) ABS 2007 shall have received the consent of each Control Party (as defined in that certain Indenture, dated August 20, 2007, by ABS 2007 in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as indenture trustee (as amended, the “Indenture”)) under Section 645 of the Indenture for the distribution to EESLP of the Compression Equipment and the CSAs owned by ABS 2007 as of the date of this Agreement. The Recipients shall have delivered to the Contributors a certificate dated the Closing Date and signed by an authorized officer of each of the Recipients confirming the foregoing matters set forth in clauses (a) and (b) of thisSection 5.3.

ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS, ETC.

6.1Regulatory Filings; Consents.

(a) As promptly as practicable but in any event no later than five business days after the date of this Agreement, the Contributors and the Recipients shall file with the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice any notifications and other documents required to be filed by such party under the HSR Act with respect to the Transactions. The parties shall consult with each other to respond promptly to any requests for additional information made by either of such agencies and to cause the waiting periods under the HSR Act to terminate or expire at the earliest possible date after the date of filing. MLP will pay all filing fees under the HSR Act, but each party will bear its own costs except EESLP will bear the costs of EES Leasing for the preparation of any such filing.

(b) The Contributors and the Recipients shall in good faith cooperate with each other and (i) promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation, (ii) effect all necessary applications, notices, petitions and filings and execute all agreements and documents, (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the transfer or issuance to the Recipients of all necessary consents, approvals and authorizations of all Governmental Authorities at the earliest possible date and (iv) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all consents, approvals and authorizations of all other parties, in the case of each of clauses (i) through (iv) above as are necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement at the earliest possible date or required by the terms of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, franchise, permit, concession, contract, lease or other instrument to which any of

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the Contributors, ABS 2007, ABS Leasing or the Recipients is a party or by which any of them is bound.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, the Recipients agree that the Contributors’ obligations under this Agreement shall in no way require any Contributor to accept any condition or requirement of any regulatory approval that is or could reasonably be determined to be adverse to any Contributor, ABS 2007, ABS Leasing or EXH.

6.2Independent Investigation. The Recipients acknowledge that in making the decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the Transactions, they have relied solely on their own independent investigation of the Business and the Assets and upon the express written representations, warranties and covenants in this Agreement. Without diminishing the scope of the express written representations, warranties and covenants of the parties in this Agreement and without affecting or impairing its right to rely thereon, THE RECIPIENTS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE CONTRIBUTORS HAVE NOT MADE, AND THE CONTRIBUTORS HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM AND NEGATE, ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, RELATING TO THE ASSETS OR THE BUSINESS (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED OR EXPRESS WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR CONFORMITY TO MODELS OR SAMPLES OF MATERIALS).

6.3General. Subject toSection 6.1(c), each party hereto will use good-faith commercially reasonable efforts to take all action and to do all things necessary, proper or advisable in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

6.4Revisions to Schedules A, B and C. Prior to or at the Closing, the Contributors shall use commercially reasonable efforts to reviseSchedules A,B andC to reflect the EES Leasing Compression Equipment, EESLP Compression Equipment and master agreements (if they are intended to be transferred), respectively, that are anticipated to be used to provide compression services as of the Closing Date to the customers listed inSchedules A andB as of the date of this Agreement, with such changes to the Schedules identified as of the date hereof to reflect only those changes in the CSAs with, and equipment then being used to provide compression services to, the customers that occur in the ordinary course of business and subject to the proviso set forth in Section 5.2.

6.5Inadvertent Transfers of, or Failure to Transfer, Assets. Within 10 business days following the Closing, the Contributors shall provide the Recipients a definitive list (the “Closing Asset List”) of the Compression Equipment and, if they are intended to be transferred, master agreements that were used as of the Closing Date to provide compression services to the customers listed inSchedules A andB, as modified in accordance with Section 6.4, with such changes fromSchedules A,B andC provided pursuant to Section 6.4 to reflect only those changes in Compression Equipment and, where applicable, master agreements governing the provisions of compression services to the customers that occur in the ordinary course of business and subject to the proviso set forth in Section 5.2. In the event that the Closing Asset List indicates that any assets were inadvertently transferred by the Contributors as part of the Assets, the applicable Recipient shall execute, deliver and record (where appropriate) any and all instruments or other documents of transfer, conveyance and assignment, and take such other

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action as EESLP may reasonably request, as may be necessary or advisable to effect or evidence the transfer of those assets to EESLP or such affiliate as EESLP directs. In the event that the Closing Asset List indicates that any Contributor failed to transfer (A) any assets that are used to provide compression services under the CSAs or (B) any CSAs as of the Closing Date, the applicable parties shall execute, deliver and record (where appropriate) any and all instruments or other documents of transfer, conveyance and assignment, and take such other action as MLP may reasonably request, as may be necessary or advisable to effect or evidence the transfer of those assets or CSAs in accordance with this Agreement.

6.6Nasdaq Listing. Prior to the Closing, MLP will use its best efforts to list, subject to notice of issuance, the New Common Units on The Nasdaq Stock Market.

ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION

7.1Indemnification of the Contributors and Other Parties. Solely for the purpose of indemnification in thisSection 7.1, the representations and warranties of the Recipients in this Agreement shall be deemed to have been made without regard to any materiality or Recipient Material Adverse Effect qualifiers. From and after the Closing Date, the Recipients shall indemnify and hold the Contributors and their affiliates (other than the Recipients and their respective subsidiaries), equity holders, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives and insurers (together with the Contributors, the “Contributor Parties”) harmless from and against any and all damages (including exemplary damages and penalties), losses, deficiencies, costs, expenses, obligations, fines, expenditures, claims and liabilities, including reasonable counsel fees and reasonable expenses of investigation, defending and prosecuting litigation (collectively, the “Damages”), suffered by the Contributor Parties as a result of, caused by, arising out of, or in any way relating to (a) any breach of a representation or warranty of any Recipient in this Agreement, (b) any breach of any agreement or covenant under this Agreement on the part of any Recipient or (c) the ownership, operation or conduct of the Businesses or the Assets on or after the Closing Date, other than those for which the Recipients may be indemnified by the Contributors hereunder.

7.2Indemnification of the Recipients. Solely for the purpose of indemnification in thisSection 7.2, the representations and warranties of the Contributors in this Agreement shall be deemed to have been made without regard to any materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifiers. The Contributors shall indemnify and hold the Recipients and their respective affiliates (other than any of the Contributor Parties), equity holders (other than any of the Contributor Parties), directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives and insurers (together with the Recipients, the “Recipient Parties”) harmless from and against any and all Damages suffered by the Recipient Parties as a result of, caused by, arising out of, or in any way relating to (a) any breach of a representation or warranty of any Contributor in this Agreement, (b) any breach of any agreement or covenant under this Agreement on the part of any Contributor or (c) the ownership, operation or conduct of the Business or the Assets prior to the Closing Date.

7.3Demands. Each indemnified party agrees that promptly upon its discovery of facts giving rise to a claim for indemnity under the provisions of this Agreement, including receipt by it of notice of any demand, assertion, claim, action or proceeding, judicial or

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otherwise, by any third party (such third party actions being collectively referred to herein as the “Indemnity Claim”), with respect to any matter as to which it claims to be entitled to indemnity under the provisions of this Agreement, it will give prompt notice thereof in writing to the indemnifying party, together with a statement of such information respecting any of the foregoing as it shall have. Such notice shall include a formal demand for indemnification under this Agreement. The indemnifying party shall not be obligated to indemnify the indemnified party with respect to any Indemnity Claim if the indemnified party knowingly failed to notify the indemnifying party thereof in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement to the extent that knowing failure to notify actually results in material prejudice or damage to the indemnifying party.

7.4Right to Contest and Defend. The indemnifying party shall be entitled at its cost and expense to contest and defend by all appropriate legal proceedings any Indemnity Claim with respect to which it is called upon to indemnify the indemnified party under the provisions of this Agreement; provided, that notice of the intention to so contest shall be delivered by the indemnifying party to the indemnified party within 20 days from the date of receipt by the indemnifying party of notice by the indemnified party of the assertion of the Indemnity Claim. Any such contest may be conducted in the name and on behalf of the indemnifying party or the indemnified party as may be appropriate. Such contest shall be conducted and prosecuted diligently to a final conclusion or settled in accordance with thisSection 7.4 by reputable counsel employed by the indemnifying party and not reasonably objected to by the indemnified party, but the indemnified party shall have the right but not the obligation to participate in such proceedings and to be represented by counsel of its own choosing at its sole cost and expense. The indemnifying party shall have full authority to determine all action to be taken with respect thereto; provided, however, that the indemnifying party will not have the authority to subject the indemnified party to any obligation whatsoever, other than the performance of purely ministerial tasks or obligations not involving material expense. If the indemnifying party does not elect to contest any such Indemnity Claim or elects to contest such Indemnity Claim but fails diligently and promptly to prosecute or settle such claim, the indemnifying party shall be bound by the result obtained with respect thereto by the indemnified party. If the indemnifying party shall have assumed the defense of an Indemnity Claim, the indemnified party shall agree to any settlement, compromise or discharge of an Indemnity Claim that the indemnifying party may recommend and that by its terms obligates the indemnifying party to pay the full amount of the liability in connection with such Indemnity Claim, which releases the indemnified party completely in connection with such Indemnity Claim and which would not otherwise adversely affect the indemnified party.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnifying party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Indemnity Claim (and shall be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel incurred by the indemnified party in defending such Indemnity Claim) if the Indemnity Claim seeks an order, injunction or other equitable relief or relief for other than money damages against the indemnified party which the indemnified party reasonably determines, after conferring with its outside counsel, cannot be separated from any related claim for money damages. If such equitable relief or other relief portion of the Indemnity Claim can be so separated from that for money damages, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to assume the defense of the portion relating to money damages.

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7.5Cooperation. If requested by the indemnifying party, the indemnified party agrees to cooperate with the indemnifying party and its counsel in contesting any Indemnity Claim that the indemnifying party elects to contest or, if appropriate, in making any counterclaim against the person asserting the Indemnity Claim, or any cross-complaint against any person, and the indemnifying party will reimburse the indemnified party for any expenses incurred by it in so cooperating. At no cost or expense to the indemnified party, the indemnifying party shall cooperate with the indemnified party and its counsel in contesting any Indemnity Claim.

7.6Right to Participate. The indemnified party agrees to afford the indemnifying party and its counsel the opportunity to be present at, and to participate in, conferences with all persons, including Governmental Authorities, asserting any Indemnity Claim against the indemnified party or conferences with representatives of or counsel for such persons.

7.7Payment of Damages. The indemnification required hereunder shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, within 10 days as and when reasonably specific bills are received or loss, liability, claim, damage or expense is incurred and reasonable evidence thereof is delivered. In calculating any amount to be paid by an indemnifying party by reason of the provisions of this Agreement, the amount shall be reduced by all tax benefits and other reimbursements (including, without limitation, insurance proceeds) credited to or received by the other party related to the Damages.

7.8Limitations on Indemnification.

(a) To the extent the Recipient Parties are entitled to indemnification for Damages pursuant toSection 7.2(a) or(b), the Contributors shall not be liable for those Damages unless the aggregate amount of Damages exceeds $1.44 million (the “Deductible”), and then only to the extent of any such excess; provided, that the Contributors shall not be liable for Damages that exceed, in the aggregate, $14.4 million less the Deductible.

(b) Notwithstanding clause (a) above, to the extent the Recipient Parties are entitled to indemnification for Damages for claims arising from fraud, the Contributors shall be fully liable for such Damages without respect to the Deductible or the limitations inSection 7.8(a).

(c) To the extent the Contributor Parties are entitled to indemnification for Damages pursuant toSection 7.1(a) or(b), the Recipients shall not be liable for those Damages unless the aggregate amount of Damages exceeds, in the aggregate, the Deductible, and then only to the extent of any such excess; provided, that the Recipients shall not be liable for Damages that exceed, in the aggregate, $14.4 million less the Deductible.

(d) Notwithstanding clause (c) above, to the extent the Contributor Parties are entitled to indemnification for Damages pursuant toSection 7.1(c) or for claims arising from fraud, the Recipients shall be fully liable for such Damages without respect to the Deductible and the limitations inSection 7.8(c).

7.9Survival.

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(a) The liability of the Contributors for the breach of any of the representations and warranties of the Contributors set forth inSections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.11(a) shall be limited to claims for which the Recipients deliver written notice to the Contributors on or before the date that is two years after the Closing Date. The liability of the Contributors for the breach of any of the representations and warranties of the Contributors set forth inArticle III other than those set forth in the immediately previous sentence shall be limited to claims for which the Recipients deliver written notice to the Contributors on or before the date that is one year after the Closing Date.

(b) The liability of the Recipients for the breach of any of the representations and warranties of the Recipients set forth inArticle IV shall be limited to claims for which the Contributors deliver written notice to the Recipients on or before the date that is one year after the Closing Date.

7.10Sole Remedy. After the Closing, no party shall have liability under this Agreement or the Transactions except as is provided in thisArticle VII (other than claims or causes of action arising from fraud).

7.11Express Negligence Rule. THE INDEMNIFICATION AND ASSUMPTION PROVISIONS PROVIDED FOR IN THIS AGREEMENT HAVE BEEN EXPRESSLY NEGOTIATED IN EVERY DETAIL, ARE INTENDED TO BE GIVEN FULL AND LITERAL EFFECT, AND SHALL BE APPLICABLE WHETHER OR NOT THE LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, CLAIMS, JUDGMENTS, LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES OR DAMAGES IN QUESTION ARISE OR AROSE SOLELY OR IN PART FROM THE GROSS, ACTIVE, PASSIVE OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHER FAULT OF ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY. THE RECIPIENTS AND THE CONTRIBUTORS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS STATEMENT COMPLIES WITH THE EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE RULE AND CONSTITUTES CONSPICUOUS NOTICE.NOTICE IN THIS CONSPICUOUS NOTICE IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE OR ALTER THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES, ALL OF WHICH ARE SPECIFIED ELSEWHERE IN THIS AGREEMENT.

ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION

8.1Events of Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing Date:

(a) by mutual written consent of EESLP and MLP;

(b) by either EESLP or MLP in writing after the date that is six months after the date of this Agreement if the Closing has not occurred by that date, provided that as of that date the terminating party is not in default under this Agreement;

(c) by either EESLP or MLP in writing without prejudice to other rights and remedies the terminating party or its affiliates may have (provided the terminating party and its affiliates are not otherwise in material default or breach of this Agreement, or have not failed or refused to close without justification hereunder), if the other party or its affiliates shall have (i)

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materially failed to perform its covenants or agreements contained herein required to be performed on or prior to the Closing Date, or (ii) materially breached any of its representations or warranties contained herein; provided, however, that in the case of clause (i) or (ii), the defaulting party shall have a period of 30 days following written notice from the non-defaulting party to cure any breach of this Agreement, if the breach is curable; provided further, that for purposes of this Section 8.1(c), the term “affiliates,” when used with respect to EESLP, shall not include the Recipients and their respective subsidiaries, and, when used with respect to MLP, shall not include the Contributor Parties;

(d) by either EESLP or MLP in writing, without liability, if there shall be any order, writ, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority binding on the parties that prohibits or restrains any party from consummating the Transactions;provided, that the applicable party shall have used its reasonable best efforts to have any such order, writ, injunction or decree removed but it shall not have been removed within 30 days after entry by the Governmental Authority; or

(e) by EESLP, if any Governmental Authority shall have indicated that any Contributor may be required to accept any condition or requirement of any regulatory approval that is or could reasonably be determined to be adverse to that Contributor or EXH.

8.2Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement by a party as provided inSection 8.1, this Agreement shall thereafter become void except for thisSection 8.2 andSection 9.3. Nothing in thisSection 8.2 shall be deemed to release any party from any liability for any breach by such party of the terms and provisions of this Agreement or to impair any rights of any party under this Agreement. If this Agreement is terminated by MLP pursuant toSection 8.1(c), then EESLP shall reimburse MLP for its out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement (including legal fees and fees paid to Sanders Morris, in either case incurred by the MLP or the Conflicts Committee). If this Agreement is terminated by EESLP pursuant toSection 8.1(e), then EESLP shall reimburse MLP for 50% of its out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement (including legal fees and fees paid to Sanders Morris, in either case incurred by the MLP or the Conflicts Committee).

ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS

9.1Transfer Restrictions. For a 180-day period beginning on the Closing Date, neither the New Common Units nor any interest therein shall be transferable by MLP LP LLC without the prior written consent of MLP, except for transfers to affiliated entities of the Contributors in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder. MLP shall require (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to MLP) any proposed permitted transferee of any such New Common Units or any interest therein to be acquired from MLP LP LLC to agree to take and hold such New Common Units or any interest therein subject to the provisions and upon the conditions specified in thisSection 9.1. Any transfer of those New Common Units or any interest therein otherwise than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be null and void.

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9.2Registration Rights of MLP LP LLC and its Affiliates.

(a) If (i) MLP LP LLC or any affiliate of MLP LP LLC (including for purposes of thisSection 9.2, any affiliate of MLP LP LLC as of the date hereof notwithstanding that it may later cease to be an affiliate of MLP LP LLC) desires to sell New Common Units and (ii) Rule 144 of the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation to Rule 144) or another exemption from registration is not available to enable such holder of New Common Units (the “Holder”) to dispose of the number of New Common Units it desires to sell at the time it desires to do so without registration under the Securities Act, then at the option and upon the request of the Holder, MLP shall file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) as promptly as practicable after receiving such request, and use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause to become effective and remain effective for a period of not less than six months following its effective date or such shorter period as shall terminate when all New Common Units covered by such registration statement have been sold, a registration statement under the Securities Act registering the offering and sale of the number of New Common Units specified by the Holder; provided, however, that MLP shall not be required to effect more than three registrations pursuant to thisSection 9.2(a) andSection 9.2(b); and provided further, however, that if the Conflicts Committee determines that the requested registration would be materially detrimental to MLP or the limited partners of MLP (other than EESLP and its subsidiaries) because such registration would (x) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, reorganization or other similar transaction involving MLP, (y) require premature disclosure of material information that MLP has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential or (z) render MLP unable to comply with requirements under applicable securities laws, then MLP shall have the right to postpone such requested registration for a period of not more than three months after receipt of the Holder’s request, such right pursuant to thisSection 9.2(a) orSection 9.2(b) not to be utilized more than twice in any 12-month period. In connection with any registration pursuant to the first sentence of thisSection 9.2(a), MLP shall (i) promptly prepare and file (A) such documents as may be necessary to register or qualify the securities subject to such registration under the securities laws of such states as the Holder shall reasonably request; provided, however, that no such qualification shall be required in any jurisdiction where, as a result thereof, MLP would become subject to general service of process or to taxation or qualification to do business as a foreign corporation or partnership doing business in such jurisdiction solely as a result of such registration, and (B) such documents as may be necessary to apply for listing or to list the New Common Units subject to such registration on a national securities exchange as the Holder shall reasonably request, and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to do any and all other acts and things that may be necessary or appropriate to enable the Holder to consummate a public sale of such New Common Units in such states. Except as set forth inSection 9.2(d), all costs and expenses of any such registration and offering (other than the underwriting discounts and commissions and excluding the legal fees and other expenses incurred by the Holder) shall be paid by MLP, without reimbursement by the Holder.

(b) If any Holder holds New Common Units that it desires to sell and Rule 144 of the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation to Rule 144) or another exemption from registration is not available to enable such Holder to dispose of the number of New Common Units it desires to sell at the time it desires to do so without registration under the Securities Act, then at the option and upon the request of the Holder, MLP shall file with the Commission as promptly as practicable after receiving such request, and use all reasonable

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efforts to cause to become effective and remain effective for a period of not less than six months following its effective date or such shorter period as shall terminate when all New Common Units covered by a shelf registration statement have been sold, a “shelf” registration statement covering the New Common Units specified by the Holder on an appropriate form under Rule 415 under the Securities Act, or any similar rule that may be adopted by the Commission; provided, however, that MLP shall not be required to effect more than three registrations pursuant toSection 9.2(a) and thisSection 9.2(b); and provided further, however, that if the Conflicts Committee determines in good faith that any offering under, or the use of any prospectus forming a part of, the shelf registration statement would be materially detrimental to MLP and its Partners because such offering or use would (x) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, reorganization or other similar transaction involving MLP, (y) require premature disclosure of material information that MLP has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential or (z) render MLP unable to comply with requirements under applicable securities laws, then MLP shall have the right to suspend such offering or use for a period of not more than three months after receipt of the Holder’s request, such right pursuant toSection 9.2(a) or thisSection 9.2(b) not to be utilized more than twice in any 12-month period.

(c) Except as provided in the first sentence of each of subsection (a) and (b) of thisSection 9.2, MLP shall be deemed not to have used all reasonable efforts to keep the registration statement effective during the applicable period if it voluntarily takes any action that would result in Holders of New Common Units covered thereby not being able to offer and sell such New Common Units at any time during such period, unless such action is required by applicable law.

(d) If MLP shall at any time propose to file a registration statement under the Securities Act for an offering of equity securities of MLP for cash (other than an offering relating solely to an employee benefit plan), MLP shall use all reasonable efforts to provide the Holders notice of its intention to file such registration statement and shall use all reasonable efforts to include such number or amount of securities held by the Holder in such registration statement as the Holder shall request; provided, that MLP is not required to make any effort or take any action to so include the securities of the Holder once the registration statement is declared effective by the Commission or otherwise becomes effective, including any registration statement providing for the offering from time to time of securities pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act. If the proposed offering pursuant to thisSection 9.2(d) shall be an underwritten offering, then, if the managing underwriter or managing underwriters of such offering advise MLP and the Holder in writing that in their opinion the inclusion of all or some of the Holder’s New Common Units would adversely and materially affect the success of the offering, MLP shall include in such offering only that number or amount, if any, of securities held by the Holder that, in the opinion of the managing underwriter or managing underwriters, will not adversely and materially affect the offering. All costs and expenses of any such registration and offering (other than the underwriting discounts and commissions and excluding the legal fees and other expenses incurred by the Holder) shall be paid by MLP, without reimbursement by the Holder.

(e) The provisions ofSection 9.2(a),Section 9.2(b) andSection 9.2(d) shall continue to be applicable with respect to MLP LP LLC (and any of MLP LP LLC’s affiliates) after GP ceases to be a general partner of MLP, during a period of two years subsequent to the effective date of such cessation and for so long thereafter as is required for the Holder to sell all

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of the New Common Units with respect to which it has requested during such two-year period inclusion in a registration statement otherwise filed or that a registration statement be filed; provided, however, that MLP shall not be required to file successive registration statements covering the same New Common Units for which registration was demanded during such two-year period. The provisions ofSection 9.2(d) shall continue in effect thereafter.

(f) The rights to cause MLP to register New Common Units pursuant to thisSection 9.2 may be assigned (but only with all related obligations) by a Holder to a transferee or assignee of such New Common Units if (i) MLP is, within a reasonable time after such transfer, furnished with written notice of the name and address of such transferee or assignee and the number of New Common Units with respect to which such registration rights are being assigned and (ii) such transferee or assignee agrees in writing to be bound by and subject to the terms set forth in thisSection 9.2.

(g) Any request to register New Common Units pursuant to thisSection 9.2 shall (i) specify the New Common Units intended to be offered and sold by the person making the request, (ii) express such person’s present intent to offer such New Common Units for distribution, (iii) describe the nature or method of the proposed offer and sale of New Common Units, and (iv) contain the undertaking of such Person to provide all such information and materials and take all action as may be required in order to permit MLP to comply with all applicable requirements in connection with the registration of such New Common Units.

9.3Expenses. Except as otherwise set forth herein, each party hereto shall pay its own expenses incident to this Agreement and all action taken in preparation for effecting the provisions of this Agreement.

9.4Notices. Any notice, request, instruction, correspondence or other document to be given hereunder by either party to the other shall be in writing and delivered in person or by courier service requiring acknowledgment of receipt of delivery or mailed by certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, or by telecopier, as follows:

If to the Contributors or any other party except the Recipients, addressed to:

Exterran Energy Solutions, L.P.
16666 Northchase Drive
Houston, Texas 77060
Attention: General Counsel
Telecopy: (281) 836-8061

with a copy, which will not constitute notice, to:

Baker Botts L.L.P.
One Shell Plaza
910 Louisiana Street
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Ryan J. Maierson
Telecopy: (713) 229-7911

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If to the Recipients, addressed to:

Exterran Partners, L.P.
16666 Northchase Drive
Houston, Texas 77060
Attention: James G. Crump
Telecopy: (281) 836-8061

with a copy, which will not constitute notice, to:

16666 Northchase Drive
Houston, Texas 77060
Attention: General Counsel
Telecopy: (281) 836-8061

Notice given by personal delivery, courier service or telecopier shall be effective upon actual receipt. Notice given by mail shall be effective at the close of business on the third business day following the day when placed in the mail, certified, with postage prepaid and return receipt requested, appropriately addressed. Any party may change any address to which notice is to be given to it by giving notice as provided above of such change of address.

9.5Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of Texas without reference to principles of conflicts of law that would result in the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

9.6Public Statements. The parties hereto shall consult with each other and no party shall issue any public announcement or statement with respect to the Transactions without the consent of the other parties, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, unless the party desiring to make such announcement or statement, after seeking such consent from the other parties, obtains advice from legal counsel that a public announcement or statement is required by applicable law or stock exchange regulations.

9.7Form of Payment. All payments hereunder shall be made in United States dollars and, unless the parties making and receiving such payments shall agree otherwise or the provisions hereof provide otherwise, shall be made by wire or interbank transfer of immediately available funds by 12:00 noon Houston, Texas time on the date such payment is due to such account as the party receiving payment may designate at least three business days prior to the proposed date of payment.

9.8Entire Agreement; Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement and the documents and instruments and other agreements specifically referred to herein or delivered pursuant hereto, including the schedules hereto (collectively, the “Constituent Documents”), (a) constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and (b) are not intended to confer upon any other person or entity any rights or remedies hereunder except asArticle VII orArticle IX contemplates or except as otherwise expressly provided herein or therein. Each party to this Agreement agrees that (i) no other party to this Agreement (including its agents and representatives) has made any

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representation, warranty, covenant or agreement to or with such party relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, other than those expressly set forth in the Constituent Documents, and (ii) such party has not relied upon any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement relating to this Agreement or the Transactions other than those referred to in clause (i) above. No supplement, modification or waiver of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by each party to be bound thereby. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (regardless of whether similar), nor shall any such waiver constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided.

9.9Binding Effect and Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, but, except as provided in Section 9.2(f), neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, benefits or obligations hereunder shall be assigned, by operation of law or otherwise, by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties.

9.10Severability. If any provision of the Agreement is rendered or declared illegal or unenforceable by reason of any existing or subsequently enacted legislation or by decree of a court of last resort, the parties shall meet promptly and negotiate substitute provisions for those rendered or declared illegal or unenforceable, but all of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and will not be affected or impaired in any way thereby.

9.11Interpretation. The parties agree that they have been represented by counsel during the negotiation and execution of this Agreement and, therefore waive the application of any law, regulation, holding or rule of construction providing that ambiguities in an agreement or other document will be construed against the party drafting such agreement or document.

9.12Headings and Schedules. The headings of the several Articles and Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The schedules referred to herein are attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, and unless the context expressly requires otherwise, those schedules are incorporated in the definition of “Agreement.”

9.13Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

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EXECUTED as of the date first set forth above.


EXTERRAN HOLDINGS, INC.
By:	/s/ Ernie L. Danner
	Name:	Ernie L. Danner
	Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer

EXTERRAN ENERGY CORP.
By:	/s/ Ernie L. Danner
	Name:	Ernie L. Danner
	Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer

EXTERRAN GENERAL HOLDINGS LLC
By:	/s/ Ernie L. Danner
	Name:	Ernie L. Danner
	Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer

EXTERRAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS, L.P.
By:	/s/ Ernie L. Danner
	Name:	Ernie L. Danner
	Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer

EES LEASING LLC By: Exterran Energy Solutions, L.P., its sole member By: EES GP, L.P., its general partner By: Exterran Energy Corp., its general partner
By:	/s/ Ernie L. Danner
	Name:	Ernie L. Danner
	Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer

Contribution Agreement Signature Page


EXH GP LP LLC
By:	/s/ Pamela A. Jasinski
	Name:	Pamela A. Jasinski
	Title:	Manager

EXTERRAN GP LLC
By:	/s/ David S. Miller
	Name:	David S. Miller
	Title:	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EXH MLP LP LLC
By:	/s/ Pamela A. Jasinski
	Name:	Pamela A. Jasinski
	Title:	Manager

EXTERRAN GENERAL PARTNER, L.P. By: Exterran GP LLC, its general partner
By:	/s/ David S. Miller
	Name:	David S. Miller
	Title:	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EXLP OPERATING LLC
By:	/s/ David S. Miller
	Name:	David S. Miller
	Title:	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Contribution Agreement Signature Page


EXLP LEASING LLC
By:	/s/ David S. Miller
	Name:	David S. Miller
	Title:	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EXTERRAN PARTNERS, L.P. By: Exterran General Partner, L.P., its general partner By: Exterran GP LLC, its general partner
By:	/s/ David S. Miller
	Name:	David S. Miller
	Title:	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Contribution Agreement Signature Page

Archrock (AROC) 8-KEntry into a Material Definitive Agreement