424B7 1 d637039d424b7.htm 424B7 424B7
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As Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(7)
Registration No. 333-185398

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of Securities to be Offered  

Maximum Aggregate

Offering Price

 

Amount of

Registration Fee(1)(2)

Common units representing limited partner interests

  $355,005,000   $45,725

 

 

(1) Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(2) This “Calculation of Registration Fee” table shall be deemed to update the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-185398) in accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act.


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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus dated December 12, 2012)

 

LOGO

 

Access Midstream Partners, L.P.

6,000,000 Common Units

Representing Limited Partner Interests

 

 

 

All of the common units offered by this prospectus supplement are being sold by entities controlled by Global Infrastructure Investors II, LLC and identified in this prospectus supplement (collectively, the “selling unitholders”). We will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering.

 

Our common units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ACMP.” On December 3, 2013, the last reported sales price of our common units on the New York Stock Exchange was $54.01 per common unit.

 

 

 

Limited partnerships are inherently different from corporations. You should consider carefully each of the factors described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-13 of this prospectus supplement and page 2 of the accompanying base prospectus before you make an investment in our securities.

 

 

 

     Per Common
Unit
     Total  

Public offering price

   $ 51.45       $ 308,700,000   

Underwriting discount

   $ 0.27       $ 1,620,000   

Proceeds to the selling unitholders (before expenses)

   $ 51.18       $ 307,080,000   

 

The selling unitholders have granted Citigroup Global Markets Inc. a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 900,000 common units on the same terms and conditions as set forth above.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

Citigroup expects to deliver the common units to purchasers on or about December 9, 2013.

 

 

 

Citigroup

 

 

 

Prospectus Supplement dated December 3, 2013.


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OUR OPERATING AREAS

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus that we may provide to you. Neither we nor the underwriter have authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriter is not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. You should not assume that the information contained in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the respective dates of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

     Page  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

     S-ii   

SUMMARY

     S-1   

RISK FACTORS

     S-13   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     S-14   

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON UNITS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

     S-15   

SELLING UNITHOLDERS

     S-16   

MATERIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     S-18   

UNDERWRITING

     S-21   

VALIDITY OF THE COMMON UNITS

     S-26   

EXPERTS

     S-26   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     S-26   

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

     S-27   

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     S-28   

 

Base Prospectus

 

     PAGE  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     ii   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     ii   

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     iv   

WHO WE ARE

     1   

RISK FACTORS

     2   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     3   

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

     4   

DESCRIPTION OF OUR COMMON UNITS

     5   

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND GUARANTEES

     7   

PROVISIONS OF OUR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT RELATING TO CASH DISTRIBUTIONS

     22   

THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

     36   

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

     50   

TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNERSHIP OF DEBT SECURITIES

     66   

INVESTMENT IN ACCESS MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P. BY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

     67   

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     69   

VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES

     71   

EXPERTS

     71   

 

S-i


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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this offering of common units. The second part is the accompanying base prospectus, which provides more general information. Generally, when we use the term “prospectus,” we are referring to both parts combined. If the information varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement.

 

In making an investment decision, prospective investors must rely on their own examination of the partnership and the terms of the offering, including the merits and risks involved. Prospective investors should not construe anything in this prospectus as legal, business or tax advice. Each prospective investor should consult its own advisors as needed to make its investment decision and to determine whether it is legally permitted to purchase the securities under applicable legal investment, or similar laws or regulations.

 

Any statement made in this prospectus, any free writing prospectus authorized by us or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus, any free writing prospectus authorized by us or in any other subsequently filed document that is also incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. Please read “Where You Can Find More Information” on page S-26 of this prospectus supplement.

 

S-ii


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SUMMARY

 

This summary provides a brief overview of information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our common units. For a more complete understanding of this offering and our common units, you should read the entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference, including our historical financial statements and the notes to those financial statements, which are incorporated herein by reference from our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2013, June 30, 2013 and September 30, 2013. Please read “Where You Can Find More Information” on page S-26 of this prospectus supplement. Please read “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-13 of this prospectus supplement and the other documents incorporated by reference to which that section refers for more information about important risks that you should consider carefully before investing in our common units.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus supplement to the “Partnership,” and uses of the first person refer to the results of Chesapeake Midstream Partners, L.L.C. from its inception on September 30, 2009, through the closing date of our initial public offering of common units on August 3, 2010, and to Access Midstream Partners, L.P. (formerly named Chesapeake Midstream Partners, L.P.) and its subsidiaries thereafter. Our “general partner” refers to Access Midstream Partners GP, L.L.C. “Access Midstream Ventures” refers to Access Midstream Ventures, L.L.C., the sole member of our general partner. The “GIP I Entities” refers to GIP-A Holding (CHK), L.P., GIP-B Holding (CHK), L.P. and GIP-C Holding (CHK), L.P., collectively. The “GIP II Entities” refers to certain entities affiliated with Global Infrastructure Investors II, LLC, collectively. “GIP” refers to the GIP I Entities and their affiliates and the GIP II Entities, collectively. “Williams” refers to The Williams Companies, Inc. “Chesapeake” refers to Chesapeake Energy Corporation. “Total,” when discussing our gas gathering agreement to which it is a party and related matters, refers to Total E&P USA, Inc. and Total Gas & Power North America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Total S.A.

 

Access Midstream Partners, L.P.

 

We are a growth-oriented publicly traded Delaware limited partnership formed in 2010 to own, operate, develop and acquire natural gas, natural gas liquids, or NGLs, and oil gathering systems and other midstream energy assets. We are principally focused on natural gas and NGL gathering, the first segment of midstream energy infrastructure that connects natural gas and NGLs produced at the wellhead to third-party takeaway pipelines. We provide our midstream services to Chesapeake, Total, Mitsui & Co., or Mitsui, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, or Anadarko, Statoil ASA, or Statoil, and other leading producers under long-term, fixed-fee contracts.

 

We operate assets in our Barnett Shale region in north-central Texas; our Eagle Ford Shale region in south Texas; our Haynesville Shale region in northwest Louisiana; our Marcellus Shale region primarily in Pennsylvania and West Virginia; our Niobrara Shale region in eastern Wyoming; our Utica Shale region in eastern Ohio; and our Mid-Continent region, which includes the Anadarko, Arkoma, Delaware and Permian Basins.

 

Our Business Strategies

 

Our principal business objective is to increase the quarterly cash distributions that we pay to our unitholders over time while ensuring the ongoing stability of our business. We expect to achieve this objective through the following strategies:

 

   

Focus on High-Growth, Unconventional Plays.    Our extensive operations are focused on cost advantaged unconventional resource plays such as the Barnett Shale, the Eagle Ford Shale, the

 

 

S-1


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Haynesville Shale, the Marcellus Shale, the Niobrara Shale, the Utica Shale and the Colony Granite Wash, Texas Panhandle Granite Wash and Mississippi Lime which, together with our relationship with our largest customer, Chesapeake, position us as a major gatherer from unconventional resource plays, a growing source of U.S. natural gas production.

 

   

Leverage Our Extensive Asset Base.    We own and operate a high-quality, high-capacity asset base that we believe will allow us to gather significant incremental natural gas volumes by leveraging our significant investment to date.

 

   

Minimize Direct Commodity Price Exposure.    We generate substantially all of our revenues pursuant to long-term, fixed-fee contracts that are designed to support a return on invested capital, and we plan to maintain our focus on providing midstream energy services on a fixed-fee basis.

 

   

Grow Through Disciplined Development and Accretive Acquisitions.    We plan to pursue organic development that will complement and expand our existing operations and pursue accretive acquisitions of midstream assets.

 

Our Competitive Strengths

 

We believe that we will continue to successfully execute our business strategies because of the following competitive strengths:

 

   

Well-Positioned Asset Base.    Our assets include extensive high-quality natural gas pipeline networks and related assets in our areas of operation. We operate in many of the leading unconventional resource plays in the United States.

 

   

Extensive Acreage Dedication and System Scale.    We have significant embedded volume growth potential associated with our extensive acreage dedication from Chesapeake, Total, Mitsui, Anadarko, Statoil and other leading producers, and our system scale positions us to attract additional volumes from other producers.

 

   

Long-Term Contracted Cash Flow Stability.    We believe that our fixed-fee contract structure and long-term gas gathering agreements, certain of which include minimum volume commitments and a majority of which include periodic fee redeterminations or cost of service adjustments, mitigate our exposure to direct commodity price risk and provide us with long-term cash flow stability.

 

   

Experienced Midstream Management Team.    Our senior officers have significant experience building, acquiring and managing midstream and other assets and are focused on optimizing our existing business and expanding our operations through disciplined development and accretive acquisitions.

 

   

Capital Structure and Financial Flexibility.    We believe that our capital structure allows us to pursue organic growth opportunities and acquisitions even in challenging commodity price environments and periods of capital markets dislocation.

 

Our Relationship with GIP and Williams

 

The GIP II Entities and Williams each indirectly owns 50% of both our general partner and our incentive distribution rights through their respective ownership interests in Access Midstream Ventures. GIP consists of two separate infrastructure investment funds with aggregate assets in excess of $15 billion on a combined basis. GIP targets investments in single assets and portfolios of assets and companies in power and utilities, natural resources infrastructure, air transport infrastructure, seaports, freight railroad, water distribution and treatment and waste management. Williams is an energy infrastructure company that operates in a number of areas within the energy industry, including principally interstate natural gas transportation and midstream services.

 

 

S-2


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After giving effect to this offering and assuming that the underwriter does not exercise in full its option to purchase 900,000 additional common units, the GIP II Entities and Williams together will own 55.3% of our limited partner interests (including common, Class B and Class C units) and 100% of our general partner and our incentive distribution rights. Please read “Selling Unitholders.”

 

Recent Developments

 

Equity Distribution Agreement.    On August 2, 2013, we entered into an equity distribution agreement with Citigroup Global Markets Inc. pursuant to which we may, from time to time, offer and sell common units having an aggregate offering price of up to $300 million through Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as our sales agents. As of December 3, 2013, we have issued 952,330 common units under this program for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $50.1 million.

 

Senior Notes.    On August 14, 2013, we issued $400 million in aggregate principal amount of additional 5.875 percent senior notes due 2021 (the “Additional Notes”). The Additional Notes are additional to the $350 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875 percent senior notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”) issued on April 19, 2011 and are fully fungible with, rank equally with and form a single series with the 2021 Notes. The Additional Notes were issued at a price of 101.5 percent of the principal amount plus accrued interest from April 15, 2013, resulting in net proceeds to us of $400.8 million, which were used for general partnership purposes, including funding working capital, repayment of indebtedness and funding our capital expenditure program. Debt issuance costs of $5.5 million are being amortized over the life of the Additional Notes.

 

Third Quarter 2013 Distribution.    On October 25, 2013, the board of directors of our general partner declared a cash distribution of $0.535 per common and Class C unit for the 2013 third quarter. This distribution, which was paid on November 14, 2013 to all unitholders of record at the close of business on November 7, 2013, represents an increase of $0.10, or 23%, over the 2012 third quarter distribution and an increase of $0.05, or 10.3%, over the 2013 second quarter distribution. In addition, the board of directors of the general partner declared a distribution of $0.535 per unit on our Class B units, which was paid in the form of additional Class B units.

 

Ongoing Acquisition and Financing Activities

 

Consistent with our business strategy, we are continuously engaged in discussions with potential sellers regarding the possible purchase of assets and operations that are strategic and complementary to our existing operations. Such acquisition efforts may involve participation by us in processes that have been made public and involve a number of potential buyers, commonly referred to as “auction” processes, as well as situations in which we believe we are the only party or one of a limited number of potential buyers in negotiations with the potential seller. These acquisition efforts often involve assets which, if acquired, could have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We typically do not announce a transaction until after we have executed a definitive acquisition agreement. However, in certain cases, in order to protect our business interests or for other reasons, we may defer public announcement of an acquisition until closing or a later date. Past experience has demonstrated that discussions and negotiations regarding a potential acquisition can advance or terminate in a short period of time. Moreover, the closing of any transaction for which we have entered into a definitive acquisition agreement will be subject to customary and other closing conditions, which may not ultimately be satisfied or waived. Accordingly, we can give no assurance that our acquisition efforts will be successful. Although we expect the acquisitions we make to be accretive in the long term, we can provide no assurance that our expectations will ultimately be realized.

 

 

S-3


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In the future, we may increase our capital resources or we may extend the duration of our existing indebtedness through long-term debt financing in one or more offerings, either in connection with acquisitions or otherwise. There can be no assurance that such long-term financing will be available to us, or if available, that it will be on terms acceptable to us or in the amounts that may be authorized by us.

 

Principal Executive Offices and Internet Address

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 525 Central Park Drive, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105, and our telephone number is (877) 413-1023. Our website is located at www.accessmidstream.com. We make available our periodic reports and other information filed with or furnished to the SEC, free of charge through our website, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports and other information are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information on our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference herein and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

 

Partnership Structure

 

The table and diagram below illustrate our organization and ownership after giving effect to this offering, assuming that the underwriter does not exercise its option to purchase additional common units:

 

Common Units owned by the Public

     43.8

Common Units owned by the GIP II Entities

     26.0

Common Units owned by Williams

     16.8

Class B Units owned by the GIP II Entities

     3.0

Class B Units owned by Williams

     3.0

Class C Units owned by the GIP II Entities

     2.7

Class C Units owned by Williams

     2.7

General Partner Interest

     2.0
  

 

 

 

Total

     100.0
  

 

 

 

 

 

S-4


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LOGO

 

 

 

S-5


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The Offering

 

Common units offered by the selling unitholders

6,000,000 common units.

 

Option to purchase additional common units from the selling unitholders

900,000 common units.

 

Units outstanding before and after this offering

177,800,256 common units, 12,424,358 Class B units and 11,199,268 Class C units.

 

Use of proceeds

We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of common units by the selling unitholders. Please read “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Cash distributions

Our general partner has adopted a cash distribution policy that requires us to distribute all of our cash on hand at the end of each quarter, less reserves established by our general partner and payment of fees and expenses. We refer to this cash as “available cash,” and it is defined in our partnership agreement. Please read “Provisions of our Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash Distributions” in the accompanying base prospectus.

 

  On November 14, 2013, we paid a quarterly cash distribution to our limited partners for the 2013 third quarter of $0.535 per common and Class C unit, or $2.14 per unit on an annualized basis. In addition we paid a quarterly distribution of $0.535 per unit on our Class B units, which was paid in the form of additional Class B units.

 

  On August 14, 2013, we paid a quarterly cash distribution to our limited partners for the 2013 second quarter of $0.485 per common, subordinated and Class C unit, or $1.94 per unit on an annualized basis. Upon payment of the cash distribution for the 2013 second quarter, the subordination period with respect to our 69,076,122 subordinated units expired and all outstanding subordinated units converted into common units on a one-for-one basis on August 15, 2013. The conversion did not impact the total number of our outstanding units representing limited partner interests. Although all of our subordinated units converted into common units, our Class C units are entitled to quarterly cash distributions only after the common units have received the minimum quarterly distribution, plus any arrearages from prior quarters.

 

Issuance of additional units

We can issue an unlimited number of units without the consent of our unitholders. Please read “The Partnership Agreement—Issuance of Additional Partnership Interests” in the accompanying base prospectus.

 

Limited voting rights

Our general partner manages and operates us. Common unitholders have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business.

 

 

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Table of Contents
 

Common unitholders have no right to elect our general partner or its directors on an annual or continuing basis. Our general partner may not be removed except by a vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding units voting together as a single class, including any units owned by our general partner and its affiliates, including the GIP II Entities and Williams. After giving effect to this offering and assuming that the underwriter does not exercise its option to purchase additional common units, the GIP II Entities and Williams will own an aggregate of 55.3% of our common, Class B and Class C units.

 

Estimated ratio of taxable income to distributions

We estimate that if you own the common units you purchase in this offering through the record date for distributions for the period ending December 31, 2016, you will be allocated, on a cumulative basis, an amount of federal taxable income for that period that will be 20% or less of the cash distributed to you with respect to that period. Please read “Material Tax Considerations” in this prospectus supplement.

 

Material tax consequences

For a discussion of other material federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to prospective unitholders who are individual citizens or residents of the United States, please read “Material Tax Considerations” in this prospectus supplement and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the accompanying base prospectus.

 

Exchange listing

Our common units are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ACMP.”

 

Risk factors

You should carefully read and consider the information beginning on page S-13 of this prospectus supplement set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” and all other information in this prospectus, including the information incorporated by reference, before deciding to invest in our common units.

 

 

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Summary Historical Financial and Operating Data

 

The following table presents summary consolidated historical financial and operating data for us for the periods and as of the dates presented. The following table should be read in conjunction with “Selected Historical Financial and Operating Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the financial statements and related notes appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2013, each of which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement. For pro forma information regarding the CMO Acquisition, please read the unaudited pro forma financial statements and notes thereto included in our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 12, 2012 and July 15, 2013, which are incorporated by reference herein.

 

The summary consolidated historical balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011 and 2012 and summary consolidated historical statement of income and cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are derived from our audited historical consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement. The summary consolidated balance sheet data as of September 30, 2013 and the summary consolidated historical statements of income and cash flow data for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013 are derived from our unaudited historical consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, and the summary consolidated balance sheet data as of September 30, 2012 are derived from our unaudited historical consolidated financial statements not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any future period.

 

 

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The following table includes our historical Adjusted EBITDA and our distributable cash flow, which have not been prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are presented because they are helpful to management, industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies and may be used to assess the financial performance and operating results of our fundamental business activities. For the definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow and reconciliations thereof to their most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, please see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

 

    Partnership  
    Year Ended
December 31,

2010
    Year Ended
December 31,

2011
    Year Ended
December 31,

2012
    Nine months ended
September 30,
    Three months ended
September 30,
 
          2012     2013     2012     2013  
    (In thousands, except operating data and per unit information)  

Statement of Income Data:

             

Revenues(1)

  $ 459,153      $ 565,929      $ 608,447      $ 460,098      $ 745,144      $ 156,092      $ 260,943   

Operating expenses

    133,293        176,851        197,639        143,218        249,140        49,805        83,533   

Depreciation and amortization expense

    88,601        136,169        165,517        120,323        215,605        41,163        77,086   

General and administrative expense

    31,992        40,380        67,579        38,326        73,293        15,283        24,470   

Other operating (income) loss

    285        739        (766     (433     1,744        (628     (239
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    254,171        354,139        429,969        301,434        539,782        105,623        184,850   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

    204,982        211,790        178,478        158,664        205,362        50,469        76,093   

Interest expense

    (7,426     (14,884     (64,739     (46,813     (83,394     (15,219     (28,600

Income from unconsolidated affiliates

    —         433        67,542        44,682        91,588        15,724        32,835   

Other income

    102        287        320        174        631        115        236   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

    197,658        197,626        181,601        156,707        214,187        51,089        80,564   

Income tax expense

    2,431        3,289        3,214        2,507        3,853        861        1,353   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

    195,227        194,337        178,387        154,200        210,334        50,228        79,211   

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

    —         —         (68     —         3,366        —         994   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Access Midstream Partners, L.P.

  $ 195,227      $ 194,337      $ 178,455      $ 154,200      $ 206,968      $ 50,228      $ 78,217   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

General partner interest in net income(2)

  $ 2,188      $ 5,070      $ 8,481      $ 5,545      $ 23,378      $ 2,364      $ 12,591   

Limited partner interest in net income(2)

  $ 107,208      $ 189,267      $ 169,974      $ 148,655      $ 183,590      $ 47,864      $ 65,626   

Net income per common unit (basic and diluted)

  $ 0.78      $ 1.37      $ 1.11      $ 1.00      $ 0.54      $ 0.32      $ 0.22   

Net income per subordinated unit (basic and diluted)(3)

  $ 0.78      $ 1.37      $ 1.14      $ 1.00      $ 0.93      $ 0.32      $ 0.33   

Balance Sheet Data (at period end):

             

Net property, plant and equipment

  $ 2,226,909      $ 2,527,924      $ 4,632,048      $ 2,614,910      $ 5,099,229      $ 2,614,910      $ 5,099,229   

Total assets

    2,545,916        3,683,238        6,561,100        3,950,242        7,572,092        3,950,242        7,572,092   

Long-term debt

    249,100        1,062,900        2,500,000        1,374,500        3,010,693        1,374,500        3,010,693   

Total partners’ capital

    2,194,568        2,473,145        3,796,506        2,445,122        4,251,172        2,445,122        4,251,172   

Cash Flow Data:

             

Net cash provided by (used in):

             

Operating activities

  $ 317,091      $ 399,016      $ 318,130      $ 242,673      $ 358,006      $ 106,275      $ 140,426   

Investing activities

    (711,480     (1,017,104     (2,685,965     (361,532     (1,164,001     (183,057     (386,393

Financing activities

    412,202        600,294        2,432,807        118,857        760,964        61,684        247,907   

Other Data (unaudited):

             

Adjusted EBITDA(4)

  $ 293,970      $ 349,473      $ 477,882      $ 358,849      $ 617,987      $ 119,522      $ 226,963   

Distributable cash flow(4)

    218,989        261,960        340,073        258,007        454,782        86,293        171,465   

Capital expenditures(5)

    216,303        418,834        350,500        231,632        811,111        90,711        265,517   

Operating Data (unaudited):

             

Throughput, bcf/d

    1.595        2.176        2.819        2.832        3.671        2.825        3.796   

 

(1)  

If Chesapeake or Total does not meet its minimum volume commitment to us in the Barnett Shale region or Chesapeake does not meet its minimum volume commitments in the Haynesville Shale region under the applicable gas gathering agreement for specified annual

 

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periods, Chesapeake or Total is obligated to pay us a fee equal to the applicable fee for each Mcf by which the applicable party’s minimum volume commitment for the year exceeds the actual volumes gathered on our systems. We recognize any associated revenue in the fourth quarter. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we recognized revenue related to volume shortfall of $17.4 million and $56.8 million, respectively, because throughput in our Barnett Shale region was below contractual minimum volume commitment levels. No revenue associated with minimum volume commitments was recognized in 2012, because volumes exceeded commitment levels.

(2)   The 2010 amounts are reflective of general and limited partner interests in net income since closing of our initial public offering on August 3, 2010.
(3)   All outstanding subordinated units were converted into common units on a one-for-one basis on August 15, 2013. For purposes of calculating net income per subordinated unit, forty-six days of activity are reflected in the third quarter.
(4)   Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are defined under the heading “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” For reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow to their most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
(5)   Total capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2012, the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the three months ended September 30, 2013 including the Partnership’s share of capital spend in entities accounted for as equity investments and excluding the Partnership’s share of capital expenditures attributable to noncontrolling interest, were $734.9 million, $1,232.9 million and $398.9 million, respectively.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit), interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense and certain other items management believes affect the comparability of operating results. We define distributable cash flow as Adjusted EBITDA, plus interest income, less cash paid for interest expense, maintenance capital expenditures and income taxes. Distributable cash flow does not reflect changes in working capital balances. Distributable cash flow and Adjusted EBITDA are not presentations made in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are non-GAAP supplemental financial measures that management and external users of our consolidated financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies, may use to assess:

 

   

our operating performance as compared to other publicly traded partnerships in the midstream energy industry, without regard to historical cost basis, or in the case of Adjusted EBITDA, financing methods;

 

   

our ability to incur and service debt and fund capital expenditures;

 

   

the ability of our assets to generate sufficient cash flow to make distributions to our unitholders; and

 

   

the viability of acquisitions and other capital expenditure projects and the returns on investment of various investment opportunities.

 

We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow provides useful information to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are net income and net cash provided by operating activities, respectively. Our non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP net income or net cash provided by operating activities. Each of Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow has important limitations as an analytical tool because it excludes some but not all items that affect net income and net cash provided by operating activities, respectively. You should not consider either Adjusted EBITDA or distributable cash flow in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow may be defined differently by other companies in our industry, our definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility.

 

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The following table presents a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow to the GAAP financial measures of net income and net cash provided by operating activities:

 

    Partnership  
    Year Ended
December 31,

2010
    Year Ended
December 31,

2011
    Year Ended
December 31,

2012
    Nine months ended
September 30,
    Three months  ended
September 30,
 
          2012     2013     2012     2013  
    (In thousands)  

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income:

             

Net income attributable to Access Midstream Partners, L.P.

  $ 195,227      $ 194,337      $ 178,455      $ 154,200      $ 206,968      $ 50,228      $ 78,217   

Plus:

             

Interest expense

    7,426        14,884        64,739        46,813        83,394        15,219        28,600   

Income tax expense

    2,431        3,289        3,214        2,507        3,853        861        1,353   

Depreciation and amortization expense

    88,601        136,169        165,517        120,323        215,605        41,163        77,086   

Other

    285        739        (820     (433     (1,577     (628     (1,257

Income from unconsolidated affiliates

    —          (433     (67,542     (44,682     (91,588     (15,724     (32,835

EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates

    —          488        116,887        80,121        141,662        28,403        52,452   

Expense for non-cash equity awards

    —          —          —          —          22,170        —          5,847   

Implied minimum volume commitment

    —          —          —          —          37,500        —          17,500   

Acquisition transaction costs

    —          —          17,432        —          —          —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 293,970      $ 349,473      $ 477,882      $ 358,849      $ 617,987      $ 119,522      $ 226,963   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

             

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 317,091      $ 399,016      $ 318,130      $ 242,673      $ 358,006      $ 106,275      $ 140,426   

Plus:

             

Changes in assets and liabilities

    (28,002     (62,457     (33,472     (7,171     (10,137     (28,656     (10,122

Distribution of earnings received from unconsolidated affiliates

    —          —          —          —          (4,737     —          (4,737

Interest expense

    7,426        14,884        64,739        46,813        83,394        15,219        28,600   

Current income tax expense

    2,431        3,289        3,214        2,507        3,853        861        1,353   

Other non-cash items

    (4,976     (5,747     (9,048     (6,094     (13,724     (2,580     (4,356

Acquisition transaction costs

    —          —          17,432        —          —          —          —     

EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates

    —          488        116,887        80,121        141,662        28,403        52,452   

Expense for non-cash equity awards

    —          —          —          —          22,170        —          5,847   

Implied minimum volume commitment

    —          —          —          —          37,500        —          17,500   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 293,970      $ 349,473      $ 477,882      $ 358,849      $ 617,987      $ 119,522      $ 226,963   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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    Partnership  
    Year Ended
December 31,

2010
    Year Ended
December 31,

2011
    Year Ended
December 31,

2012
    Nine months ended
September 30,
    Three months  ended
September 30,
 
          2012     2013     2012     2013  
    (In thousands)  

Reconciliation of Distributable Cash Flow to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

             

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 317,091      $ 399,016      $ 318,130      $ 242,673      $ 358,006      $ 106,275      $ 140,426   

Less:

             

Changes in assets and liabilities

    (28,002     (62,457     (33,472     (7,171     (10,137     (28,656     (10,122

Distribution of earnings received from unconsolidated affiliates

    —          —          —          —          (4,737     —          (4,737

Maintenance capital expenditures

    (70,000     (74,000     (75,184     (55,500     (82,500     (18,500     (27,500

Other non-cash items

    (100     (1,087     (3,720     (2,116     (7,182     (1,229     (2,401

Acquisition transaction costs

    —          —          17,432        —          —          —          —     

EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates

    —          488        116,887        80,121        141,662        28,403        52,452   

Expense for non-cash equity awards

    —          —          —          —          22,170        —          5,847   

Implied minimum volume commitment

    —          —          —          —          37,500        —          17,500   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributable cash flow

  $ 218,989      $ 261,960      $ 340,073      $ 258,007      $ 454,782      $ 86,293      $ 171,465   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Distributable Cash Flow to Net Income

             

Net income attributable to Access Midstream Partners, L.P.

  $ 195,227      $ 194,337      $ 178,455      $ 154,200      $ 206,968      $ 50,228      $ 78,217   

Less:

             

Maintenance capital expenditures

    (70,000     (74,000     (75,184     (55,500     (82,500     (18,500     (27,500

Plus:

             

Depreciation and amortization expense

    88,601        136,169        165,517        120,323        215,605        41,163        77,086   

Other

    285        739        (820     (433     (1,577     (628     (1,257

Other non-cash items

    4,876        4,660        5,328        3,978        6,542        1,351        1,955   

Income from unconsolidated affiliates

    —          (433     (67,542     (44,682     (91,588     (15,724     (32,835

EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates

    —          488        116,887        80,121        141,662        28,403        52,452   

Expense for non-cash equity awards

    —          —          —          —          22,170        —          5,847   

Implied minimum volume commitment

    —          —          —          —          37,500        —          17,500   

Acquisition transaction costs

    —          —          17,432        —          —          —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributable cash flow

  $ 218,989      $ 261,960      $ 340,073      $ 258,007      $ 454,782      $ 86,293      $ 171,465   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Our business is subject to uncertainties and risks. Before you invest in our common units you should carefully consider the risk factors beginning on page 2 of the accompanying base prospectus and those included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference. If any of the risks discussed in the foregoing documents were to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected and you could lose all or part of your investment. Please also read “Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We will not receive any of the net proceeds from the sale of the common units by the selling unitholders. We expect to incur approximately $200,000 of expenses in connection with this offering. The selling unitholders will pay all underwriting discounts and commissions in connection with this offering.

 

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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON UNITS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

Our common units are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ACMP.” The last reported sale price of our common units on the NYSE on December 3, 2013 was $54.01. As of December 3, 2013, there were 29 holders of record of our common units. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of our common units as well as the amount of cash distributions declared and paid during each quarter since our initial public offering.

 

    Common Unit Price     Distributions per
Common Unit
         

Quarter Ended

      High             Low           Record Date   Payment Date

December 31, 2013 (through December 3, 2013)

  $ 57.48      $ 46.66        (1)      (1)   (1)

September 30, 2013

  $ 49.29      $ 44.75        0.5350      November 7, 2012   November 14, 2013

June 30, 2013

  $ 48.74      $ 38.00        0.4850      August 7, 2013   August 14, 2013

March 31, 2013

  $ 41.68      $ 33.76        0.4675      May 8, 2013   May 15, 2013

December 31, 2012

  $ 37.57      $ 30.10        0.4500      February 6, 2013   February 13, 2013

September 30, 2012

  $ 33.65      $ 26.46        0.4350      November 7, 2012   November 14, 2012

June 30, 2012

  $ 29.90      $ 22.50        0.4200      August 7, 2012   August 14, 2012

March 31, 2012

  $ 31.19      $ 27.59        0.4050      May 8, 2012   May 15, 2012

December 31, 2011

  $ 29.21      $ 24.49        0.3900      February 7, 2012   February 14, 2012

September 30, 2011

  $ 28.90      $ 23.93        0.3750      November 7, 2011   November 14, 2011

June 30, 2011

  $ 29.06      $ 25.52        0.3625      August 5, 2011   August 12, 2011

March 31, 2011

  $ 29.31      $ 24.93        0.3500      May 6, 2011   May 13, 2011

December 31, 2010

  $ 29.15      $ 25.20        0.3375      February 10, 2011   February 14, 2011

September 30, 2010(2)

  $ 26.00      $ 21.25        0.2165      November 5, 2010   November 12, 2010

 

(1)   The distributions attributable to the quarter ending December 31, 2013 have not yet been declared or paid. We expect to declare and pay cash distributions for the fourth quarter of 2013 within 45 days following the end of the quarter.
(2)   The distributions attributable to the quarter ended September 30, 2010 were prorated for the 59-day period from the date of the closing of our initial public offering through September 30, 2010.

 

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SELLING UNITHOLDERS

 

The common units being offered hereby were obtained by the selling unitholders as a result of their acquisition of Chesapeake’s ownership interest in us during the second quarter of 2012. We entered into an amended and restated registration rights agreement with the selling unitholders on December 20, 2012 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). We are registering the common units described below pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. As of December 3, 2013, the selling unitholders owned a 50% membership interest in Access Midstream Ventures, the sole member of our general partner, 59,242,727 common units, 6,212,179 Class B units and 5,599,634 Class C units. The Class B units will be convertible into common units on a one-for-one basis at the election of either the holder or us from the first business day after the record date for the distribution on our common units for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2014, and other circumstances as noted in our partnership agreement. Class C units will be convertible into common units on a one-for-one basis at the election of either the holder or us from the first business day after the record date for the distribution on our common units for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2013, and other circumstances as noted in our partnership agreement.

 

We will bear all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the registration of the common units offered by this prospectus. Brokerage commissions and similar selling expenses attributable to the sale of common units will be borne by the selling unitholders.

 

None of the selling unitholders is a broker-dealer registered under Section 15 of the Exchange Act, or an affiliate of a broker-dealer registered under Section 15 of the Exchange Act.

 

The following table sets forth information relating to the selling unitholders as of December 3, 2013 based on information supplied to us by the selling unitholders on or prior to that date. We have not sought to verify such information.

 

     Common  units
beneficially owned
prior to the offering(1)
    Common units
being offered(1)(2)
     Common units
beneficially owned after
the offering(1)(2)
 

Name of Selling Unitholders

   Number      Percentage(3)            Number(2)      Percentage(3)  

GIP II Entities(4)

     59,242,727         33.3     6,000,000         53,242,727         29.9

 

(1)   The GIP II Entities also own 6,212,179 Class B units and 5,599,634 Class C units, which are convertible into common units under the circumstances noted above and in our partnership agreement. These Class B units and Class C units are not included in this table and are not being registered under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
(2)   Assumes that the underwriter does not exercise its option to purchase additional common units. If the underwriter’s option to purchase additional common units is exercised in full, the GIP II Entities will own 52,342,727, or 29.4%, of our common units after giving effect to this offering.
(3)   Based on 177,800,256 common units outstanding as of December 3, 2013.
(4)   The GIP II Entities are comprised of Global Infrastructure Investors II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Global Investors”), Global Infrastructure GP II, L.P., a Guernsey limited partnership (“Global GP”), GIP II Eagle Acquisition Holdings GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Eagle GP”), GIP II Eagle Holdings Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Eagle Holdings”), GIP II Hawk Holdings Partnership GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Hawk GP”), GIP II Hawk Holdings Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“GIP II-Hawk”), GIP II Eagle 2 Holding, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“GIP Eagle 2”) and GIP II Hawk 2 Holding, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“GIP Hawk 2”). Eagle GP is the general partner of Eagle Holdings, and Hawk GP is the general partner of GIP II-Hawk. Global GP is the managing member of each of Eagle GP and Hawk GP and is the general partner of the managing member of the general partner of each of GIP Eagle 2 and GIP Hawk 2. Global Investors is the sole general partner of Global GP. Eagle Holdings, GIP II-Hawk, GIP Eagle 2 and GIP Hawk 2 hold, and immediately following this offering will hold, the following interests in us (assuming that the underwriter does not exercise its option to purchase additional common units):

 

   

Eagle Holdings owns 58,263,984 common units (52,363,109 common units after this offering) and a 50% membership interest in Access Midstream Ventures;

 

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GIP II-Hawk owns 5,918,950 Class B units and 5,335,317 Class C units;

 

   

GIP Eagle 2 owns 978,743 common units (879,618 common units after this offering); and

 

   

GIP Hawk 2 owns 293,229 Class B units and 264,317 Class C units.

 

Matthew C. Harris and William A. Woodburn, two of the directors of our general partner, as members of internal committees of the GIP II Entities, are entitled to vote on decisions to vote, or to direct to vote, and to dispose, or to direct the disposition of, the common units held by the GIP II Entities but cannot individually or together control the outcome of such decisions. Each of the GIP II Entities disclaims beneficial ownership of the common units held by it except to the extent of its respective pecuniary interest in such units. Each of Matthew C. Harris and William A. Woodburn disclaims any beneficial ownership of the common units held by the GIP II Entities. The address of Eagle Holdings, GIP Eagle 2 and Global Investors is 12 East 49th Street, 38th Floor, New York, New York 10017.

 

The selling unitholders, as affiliates of Access Midstream Partners, L.P., are “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and, as a result, are deemed to be making a primary offering of securities, indirectly, on our behalf.

 

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MATERIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

The tax consequences to you of an investment in our common units will depend in part on your own tax circumstances. Although this section updates and adds information related to certain tax considerations, it should be read in conjunction with the risk factors included under the caption “Tax Risks to Common Unitholders” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and with “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the accompanying base prospectus, which provides a discussion of the principal federal income tax considerations associated with our operations and the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common units. The following discussion is limited as described under the caption “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the accompanying base prospectus. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor about the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences particular to your circumstances.

 

Ratio of Taxable Income to Distributions

 

We estimate that a purchaser of common units in this offering who owns those common units from the date of closing of this offering through the record date for distributions for the period ending December 31, 2016, will be allocated, on a cumulative basis, an amount of federal taxable income for that period that will be 20% or less of the cash distributed with respect to that period. Thereafter, we anticipate that the ratio of allocable taxable income to cash distributions to the unitholders will increase. Our estimate is based upon many assumptions regarding our business operations, including assumptions as to our revenues, capital expenditures, cash flow, net working capital and anticipated cash distributions. These estimates and assumptions are subject to, among other things, numerous business, economic, regulatory, legislative, competitive and political uncertainties beyond our control. Further, the estimates are based on current tax law and tax reporting positions that we will adopt and with which the IRS could disagree. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that these estimates will prove to be correct.

 

The actual ratio of allocable taxable income to cash distributions could be higher or lower than expected, and any differences could be material and could materially affect the value of the common units. For example, the ratio of allocable taxable income to cash distributions to a purchaser of common units in this offering will be higher, and perhaps substantially higher, than our estimate with respect to the period described above if:

 

   

gross income from operations exceeds the amount required to make minimum quarterly distributions on all units, yet we only distribute the minimum quarterly distributions on all units; or

 

   

we make a future offering of common units and use the proceeds of the offering in a manner that does not produce substantial additional deductions during the period described above, such as to repay indebtedness outstanding at the time of this offering or to acquire property that is not eligible for depreciation or amortization for federal income tax purposes or that is depreciable or amortizable at a rate significantly slower than the rate applicable to our assets at the time of this offering.

 

Alternative Minimum Tax

 

Each unitholder will be required to take into account his distributive share of any items of our income, gain, loss or deduction for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. The current minimum tax rate for noncorporate taxpayers is 26% on the first $179,500 of alternative minimum taxable income in excess of the exemption amount and 28% on any additional alternative minimum taxable income. Prospective unitholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors as to the impact of an investment in our common units on their liability for the alternative minimum tax.

 

Tax Rates

 

Beginning on January 1, 2013, the highest marginal U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to ordinary income of individuals is 39.6% and the highest marginal U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains (generally, capital gains on certain assets held for more than twelve months) of individuals is 20%. Such rates are subject to change by new legislation at any time.

 

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In addition, a 3.8% Medicare tax, or NIIT, on certain net investment income earned by individuals, estates and trusts applies for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. For these purposes, net investment income generally includes a unitholder’s allocable share of our income and gain realized by a unitholder from a sale of units. In the case of an individual, the tax will be imposed on the lesser of (1) the unitholder’s net investment income and (2) the amount by which the unitholder’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds $250,000 (if the unitholder is married and filing jointly or a surviving spouse), $125,000 (if the unitholder is married and filing separately) or $200,000 (in any other case). In the case of an estate or trust, the tax will be imposed on the lesser of (1) undistributed net investment income and (2) the excess adjusted gross income over the dollar amount at which the highest income tax bracket applicable to an estate or trust begins. Recently, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued proposed Treasury Regulations that provide guidance regarding the NIIT. Although the proposed Treasury Regulations are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013, taxpayers may rely on the proposed Treasury Regulations for purposes of compliance until the effective date of the final regulations. Prospective unitholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors as to the impact of the NIIT on an investment in our common units.

 

Tax Exempt Organizations and Other Investors

 

Ownership of common units by tax-exempt entities, including employee benefit plans and IRAs, and foreign investors raises issues unique to such persons. The relevant rules are complex, and the discussions herein and in the accompanying base prospectus do not address tax considerations applicable to tax-exempt entities and foreign investors, except as specifically set forth in the accompanying base prospectus. Please read “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Tax-Exempt Organizations and Other Investors” in the accompanying base prospectus.

 

Additional Withholding Requirements

 

Withholding taxes may apply to certain types of payments made to “foreign financial institutions” (as specially defined in the Internal Revenue Code) and certain other non-U.S. entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding tax may be imposed on interest, dividends and other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gains, profits and income from sources within the United States (“FDAP Income”), or gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any property of a type which can produce interest or dividends from sources within the United States (“Gross Proceeds”) paid to a foreign financial institution or to a “non-financial foreign entity” (as specially defined in the Internal Revenue Code”), unless (i) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting, (ii) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial U.S. owner or (iii) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements in clause (i) above, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain U.S. persons or U.S.-owned foreign entities, annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on payments to noncompliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders.

 

These rules generally will apply to payments of FDAP Income made on or after July 1, 2014 and to payments of relevant Gross Proceeds made on or after January 1, 2017. Thus, to the extent we have FDAP Income or Gross Proceeds after these dates that are not treated as effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business (please read “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Tax-Exempt Organizations and Other Investors” in the accompanying base prospectus), unitholders who are foreign financial institutions or certain other non-US entities may be subject to withholding on distributions they receive from us, or their distributive share of our income, pursuant to the rules described above.

 

Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential application of these withholding provisions to their investment in our common units.

 

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Recent Legislative Developments

 

The present federal income tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships, including us, or an investment in our common units may be modified by administrative, legislative or judicial interpretation at any time. For example, from time to time, members of Congress propose and consider substantive changes to the existing federal income tax laws that affect publicly traded partnerships. Any modification to the federal income tax laws and interpretations thereof may or may not be retroactively applied and could make it more difficult or impossible to meet the exception for us to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. Please read “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Partnership Status” in the accompanying base prospectus. We are unable to predict whether any such changes will ultimately be enacted. However, it is possible that a change in law could affect us , and any such changes could negatively impact the value of an investment in our common units.

 

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UNDERWRITING

 

Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus supplement, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as the sole underwriter, has agreed to purchase, and the selling unitholders have agreed to sell to that underwriter, 6,000,000 common units. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriter to purchase the common units included in this offering are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The underwriter is obligated to purchase all of the common units (other than those covered by the option to purchase additional common units described below) if it purchases any of the common units.

 

Common units sold by the underwriter to the public will initially be offered at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. Any common units sold by the underwriter to securities dealers may be sold at a discount from the initial offering price not to exceed $0.15 per common unit. If all the common units are not sold at the public offering price, the underwriter may change the offering price and the other selling terms.

 

Option to Purchase Additional Common Units

 

The selling unitholders granted to the underwriter an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase up to 900,000 additional common units at the public offering price less the underwriting discount. Any common units issued or sold under the option will be issued and sold on the same terms and conditions as the other common units that are the subject of this offering.

 

Lock-up Agreements

 

We, our general partner and certain of our affiliates, including GIP and its affiliates, have agreed that, for a period of 45 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, we and they will not, without the prior written consent of Citigroup Global Markets Inc., offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file any registration statement relating to, any common units or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common units, or enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the common units, whether any such transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of common units or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, subject to certain exceptions, including (i) the issuance of common units registered on a registration statement for an acquisition, provided the number of such common units is less than 5% of the total number of common units outstanding and (ii) the issuance and sale of common units under our “at-the-market” offering program established pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement, dated August 2, 2013, among us, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. Citigroup Global Markets Inc., in its sole discretion, may release any of the securities subject to these lock-up agreements at any time without notice.

 

Listing

 

The common units are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ACMP.”

 

Commissions and Expenses

 

The following table shows the underwriting discounts and commissions that the selling unitholders are to pay to the underwriter in connection with this offering. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional common units.

 

     No Exercise      Full Exercise  

Per Common Unit

   $ 0.27       $ 0.27   

Total

   $ 1,620,000       $ 1,863,000   

 

We will pay all expenses of the selling unitholders in connection with the offering, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions. These expenses are expected to be approximately $200,000.

 

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Short Positions and Price Stabilizations

 

In connection with the offering, the underwriter may purchase and sell common units in the open market. Purchases and sales in the open market may include short sales, purchases to cover short positions, which may include purchases pursuant to the option to purchase additional common units, and stabilizing purchases.

 

   

Short sales involve secondary market sales by the underwriter of a greater number of common units than the underwriter is required to purchase in the offering.

 

   

“Covered” short sales are sales of common units in an amount up to the number of common units represented by the underwriter’s option to purchase additional common units.

 

   

“Naked” short sales are sales of common units in an amount in excess of the number of common units represented by the underwriter’s option to purchase additional common units.

 

   

Covering transactions involve purchases of common units either pursuant to the underwriter’s option to purchase additional common units or in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions.

 

   

To close a naked short position, the underwriter must purchase common units in the open market after the distribution has been completed. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriter are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common units in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.

 

   

To close a covered short position, the underwriter must purchase common units in the open market after the distribution has been completed or must exercise the option to purchase additional common units. In determining the source of common units to close the covered short position, the underwriter will consider, among other things, the price of common units available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase common units through its option to purchase additional common units.

 

   

Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase common units so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.

 

Purchases to cover short positions and stabilizing purchases, as well as other purchases by the underwriter for their own account, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common units. They may also cause the price of the common units to be higher than the price that would otherwise exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriter may conduct these transactions on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. If the underwriter commences any of these transactions, it may discontinue them at any time.

 

Relationships

 

The underwriter and its respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. The underwriter or certain of its affiliates have performed commercial banking, investment banking and advisory services for us, our affiliates, the selling unitholders and their affiliates from time to time for which they have received customary fees and reimbursement of expenses. The underwriter or its affiliates may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us, our affiliates, the selling unitholders and their affiliates in the ordinary course of their business for which they may receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses.

 

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriter and its respective affiliates have made or held, and may in the future make or hold, a broad array of investments, including serving as counterparties to certain derivative and hedging arrangements, and may have actively traded, and, in the future

 

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may actively trade, debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities), and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may have in the past and at any time in the future hold long and short positions in such securities and instruments. Such investment and securities activities may have involved, and in the future may involve, securities and instruments of the Partnership.

 

Electronic Distribution

 

This prospectus supplement in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriter. The underwriter may agree with the selling unitholders to allocate a number of common units for sale to their online brokerage account holders. The underwriter may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, common units may be sold by the underwriter to securities dealers who resell common units to online brokerage account holders.

 

Indemnification

 

We, our general partner and the selling unitholders have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriter may be required to make because of any of those liabilities.

 

FINRA Conduct Rule

 

Because the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is expected to view the common units offered hereby as interests in a direct participation program, this offering is being made in compliance with Rule 2310 of the FINRA Rules. Investor suitability with respect to the common units will be judged similarly to the suitability with respect to other securities that are listed for trading on a national securities exchange.

 

Selling Restrictions

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

 

In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area that has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a relevant member state), other than Germany, with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that relevant member state (the relevant implementation date), an offer of securities described in this prospectus may not be made to the public in that relevant member state other than:

 

   

to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;

 

   

to fewer than 100 or, if the relevant member state has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150, natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the relevant Dealer or Dealers nominated by the Issuer for any such offer; or

 

   

in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive;

 

provided that no such offer of securities shall require us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

 

For purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of securities to the public” in any relevant member state means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities, as the expression may be varied in that member state by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that member state, and the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto,

 

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including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the relevant member state), and includes any relevant implementing measure in each relevant member state. The expression “2010 PD Amending Directive” means Directive 2010/73/EU.

 

We have not authorized and do not authorize the making of any offer of securities through any financial intermediary on their behalf, other than offers made by the underwriter with a view to the final placement of the securities as contemplated in this prospectus. Accordingly, no purchaser of the securities, other than the underwriter, is authorized to make any further offer of the securities on behalf of us or the underwriter.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

 

Our partnership may constitute a “collective investment scheme” as defined by section 235 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) that is not a “recognised collective investment scheme” for the purposes of FSMA (CIS) and that has not been authorised or otherwise approved. As an unregulated scheme, it cannot be marketed in the United Kingdom to the general public, except in accordance with FSMA. This prospectus is only being distributed in the United Kingdom to, and is only directed at:

 

(1) if our partnership is a CIS and is marketed by a person who is an authorised person under FSMA, (a) investment professionals falling within Article 14(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Promotion of Collective Investment Schemes) (Exemptions) Order 2001, as amended (the CIS Promotion Order) or (b) high net worth companies and other persons falling within Article 22(2)(a) to (d) of the CIS Promotion Order; or

 

(2) otherwise, if marketed by a person who is not an authorised person under FSMA, (a) persons who fall within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the Financial Promotion Order) or (b) Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Financial Promotion Order; and

 

(3) in both cases (1) and (2) to any other person to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). Our partnership’s common units are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such common units will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

 

An invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of FSMA) in connection with the issue or sale of any common units which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus will only be communicated or caused to be communicated in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of FSMA does not apply to our partnership.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

 

This prospectus is being communicated in Switzerland to a small number of selected investors only. Each copy of this prospectus is addressed to a specifically named recipient and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed or passed on to third parties. Our common units are not being offered to the public in Switzerland, and neither this prospectus, nor any other offering materials relating to our common units may be distributed in connection with any such public offering. We have not been registered with the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA as a foreign collective investment scheme pursuant to Article 120 of the Collective Investment Schemes Act of June 23, 2006 (CISA). Accordingly, our common units may not be offered to the public in or from Switzerland, and neither this prospectus, nor any other offering materials relating to our common units may be made available through a public offering in or from Switzerland. Our common units may only be offered and this prospectus may only be distributed in or from Switzerland by way of private placement exclusively to qualified investors (as this term is defined in the CISA and its implementing ordinance).

 

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Notice to Prospective Investors in Germany

 

This document has not been prepared in accordance with the requirements for a securities or sales prospectus under the German Securities Prospectus Act (Wertpapierprospektgesetz), the German Capital Investment Act (Vermögensanlagengesetz), or the German Investment Act (Investmentgesetz). Neither the German Federal Financial Services Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht—BaFin) nor any other German authority has been notified of the intention to distribute our common units in Germany. Consequently, our common units may not be distributed in Germany by way of public offering, public advertisement or in any similar manner and this document and any other document relating to the offering, as well as information or statements contained therein, may not be supplied to the public in Germany or used in connection with any offer for subscription of our common units to the public in Germany or any other means of public marketing. Our common units are being offered and sold in Germany only to qualified investors which are referred to in Section 3, paragraph 2 no. 1, in connection with Section 2, no. 6, of the German Securities Prospectus Act, Section 2 no. 4 of the German Capital Investment Act, and in Section 2 paragraph 11 sentence 2 no. 1 of the German Investment Act. This document is strictly for use of the person who has received it. It may not be forwarded to other persons or published in Germany.

 

The offering does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy our common units in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Netherlands

 

Our common units may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in the Netherlands, other than to qualified investors (gekwalificeerde beleggers) within the meaning of Article 1:1 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

 

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VALIDITY OF THE COMMON UNITS

 

The validity of the common units will be passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP, Houston, Texas. Certain legal matters in connection with the common units offered hereby will be passed upon for the underwriter by Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the selling unitholders by Latham & Watkins LLP, New York, New York.

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference to Access Midstream Partners L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 15, 2013 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Access Midstream Partners L.P. for the year ended December 31, 2012 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph stating that the Company earned its revenues and has other significant transactions with affiliated entities and which contains a reference to segments Note 14) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

The financial statements of Chesapeake Midstream Operating, L.L.C. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 11, 2012 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph stating that Chesapeake Midstream Operating, L.L.C. earned a significant portion of its revenue and has other significant transactions with affiliated entities) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We have filed a registration statement with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that registers the offer and sale from time to time of our common units and debt securities, including the common units covered by this prospectus supplement. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits, contains additional relevant information about us and our securities. In addition, we file annual, quarterly and current reports with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available over the internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You also can read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference room and its copy charges. You also can obtain information about us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

 

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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we have filed with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you without actually including the specific information in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus by referring you to other documents filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. Information that we later provide to the SEC, and that is deemed to be “filed” with the SEC, will automatically update information previously filed with the SEC and may replace information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and information previously filed with the SEC.

 

We incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (excluding information deemed to be furnished and not filed with the SEC under Item 2.02 or 7.01), until all the common units offered hereby are sold:

 

   

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC on February 25, 2013;

 

   

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2013, as filed with the SEC on May 3, 2013;

 

   

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2013, as filed with the SEC on August 1, 2013;

 

   

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2013, as filed with the SEC on October 30, 2013;

 

   

Current Reports on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on August 19, 2013, August 16, 2013, August 2, 2013, July 15, 2013, June 18, 2013, May 14, 2013, April 2, 2013 and December 12, 2012; and

 

   

The description of our common units contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-34831) as filed with the SEC on July 26, 2010 and any subsequent amendment thereto filed for the purpose of updating such description.

 

You may request a copy of any document incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and any exhibit specifically incorporated by reference in those documents, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or phone number:

 

Access Midstream Partners, L.P.

525 Central Park Drive

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

Attention: David C. Shiels

Telephone: (877) 413-1023

 

We also make available free of charge on our internet website at www.accessmidstream.com our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and you should not consider information contained on our website as part of this prospectus supplement.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements and information in this prospectus supplement may constitute forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “foresee,” “should,” “would,” “could” or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate. All comments concerning our expectations for future revenues and operating results are based on our forecasts for our existing operations and do not include the potential impact of any future acquisitions. Our forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those summarized below:

 

   

our dependence on Chesapeake, Total, Mitsui, Anadarko and Statoil for a substantial majority of our revenues;

 

   

the impact on our growth strategy and ability to increase cash distributions if producers do not increase the volume of natural gas they provide to our gathering systems;

 

   

oil and natural gas realized prices;

 

   

the termination of our gas gathering agreements;

 

   

the availability, terms and effects of acquisitions;

 

   

our potential inability to maintain existing distribution amounts or pay the minimum quarterly distribution to our unitholders;

 

   

the limitations that our level of indebtedness may have on our financial flexibility;

 

   

our ability to obtain new sources of natural gas, which is dependent on factors largely beyond our control;

 

   

the availability of capital resources to fund capital expenditures and other contractual obligations, and our ability to access those resources through the debt or equity capital markets;

 

   

competitive conditions;

 

   

the unavailability of third-party pipelines interconnected to our gathering systems or the potential that the volumes we gather do not meet the quality requirement of such pipelines;

 

   

that new asset construction may not result in revenue increases and will be subject to regulatory, environmental, political, legal and economic risks;

 

   

our exposure to direct commodity price risk may increase in the future;

 

   

our ability to maintain and/or obtain rights to operate our assets on land owned by third parties;

 

   

hazards and operational risks that may not be fully covered by insurance;

 

   

our dependence on Chesapeake for substantially all of our compression capacity;

 

   

our lack of industry diversification; and

 

   

legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in environmental regulations, environmental risks, regulations by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and liability under federal and state environmental laws and regulations.

 

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Other factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results are described under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and in our reports filed from time to time with the SEC and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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PROSPECTUS

 

LOGO

Access Midstream Partners, L.P.

ACMP Finance Corp.

Common Units Representing Limited Partner Interests

Debt Securities

 

 

We may from time to time, in one or more offerings, offer and sell common units representing limited partner interests in Access Midstream Partners, L.P. We, together with ACMP Finance Corp., may from time to time offer and sell debt securities in one or more series as described in this prospectus. ACMP Finance Corp. may act as co-issuer of the debt securities, and certain direct or indirect subsidiaries of Access Midstream Partners, L.P. may guarantee any debt securities offered by this prospectus, if and to the extent identified in the related prospectus supplement. We refer to the common units and the debt securities collectively as the “securities.”

We may offer and sell these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions and other factors at the time of our offerings. We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. This prospectus describes only the general terms of the securities and the general manner in which we will offer the securities. The specific terms of any securities we offer will be included in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will describe the specific manner in which we will offer the securities and also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. The names of any underwriters and the specific terms of a plan of distribution will be stated in the prospectus supplement.

Our common units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “ACMP.” We will provide information in the related prospectus supplement for the trading market, if any, for any debt securities that may be offered.

 

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Limited partnerships are inherently different from corporations. You should review carefully the risk factors identified in the documents incorporated by reference herein for a discussion of important risks you should consider before you make an investment in our securities.

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

The date of this prospectus is December 12, 2012


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     PAGE  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     ii   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     ii   

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     iv   

WHO WE ARE

     1   

RISK FACTORS

     2   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     3   

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

     4   

DESCRIPTION OF OUR COMMON UNITS

     5   

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND GUARANTEES

     7   

PROVISIONS OF OUR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT RELATING TO CASH DISTRIBUTIONS

     22   

THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

     36   

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

     50   

TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNERSHIP OF DEBT SECURITIES

     66   

INVESTMENT IN ACCESS MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P. BY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

     67   

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     69   

VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES

     71   

EXPERTS

     71   

In making your investment decision, you should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with any other information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it.

You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of those documents. You should not assume that the information contained in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the respective dates of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. We will disclose any material changes in our affairs in an amendment to this prospectus, a prospectus supplement or a future filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we and ACMP Finance Corp. have filed with the SEC using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may over time, in one or more offerings, offer and sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of Access Midstream Partners, L.P. and the securities that are registered hereunder. Each time we sell any securities offered by this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering and the securities being offered. Any prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus. To the extent information in this prospectus is inconsistent with the information contained in a prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

Additional information, including our financial statements and the notes thereto, is incorporated in this prospectus by reference to our reports filed with the SEC. Before you invest in our securities, you should carefully read this prospectus, including the “Risk Factors,” any prospectus supplement, the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement (including the documents described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” in both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement), and any additional information you may need to make your investment decision.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports with the SEC (File No. 001-34831). Our SEC filings are available over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference room and its copy charges.

We “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus, which means that we disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus.

We incorporate by reference in this prospectus the documents listed below and any subsequent filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (excluding information deemed to be furnished and not filed with the SEC) until all offerings under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part are completed or terminated:

 

   

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC on February 29, 2012;

 

   

Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC on May 10, 2012;

 

   

Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2012, as filed with the SEC on August 8, 2012;

 

   

Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2012, as filed with the SEC on November 7, 2012;

 

   

Our Current Reports on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A as filed with the SEC on January 4, 2012, January 6, 2012, January 11, 2012, January 31, 2012, February 1, 2012, February 7, 2012, February 14, 2012, May 3, 2012, June 20, 2012, July 6, 2012, July 30, 2012, October 30, 2012 and December 12, 2012 (in each case excluding any information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any such Current Report on Form 8-K); and

 

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The description of our common units contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-34831) as filed with the SEC on July 26, 2010 and any subsequent amendment thereto filed for the purpose of updating such description.

We are also incorporating by reference all additional documents we may file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, after the date hereof and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

You may request a copy of any document incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any exhibit specifically incorporated by reference in those documents, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or phone number:

Access Midstream Partners, L.P. 900 NW 63rd Street Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118 Attention: David C. Shiels Telephone: (405) 935-6224

We also make available free of charge on our internet website at www.accessmidstream.com our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and you should not consider information contained on our website as part of this prospectus.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements and information in this prospectus may constitute forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “foresee,” “should,” “would,” “could” or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate. All comments concerning our expectations for future revenues and operating results are based on our forecasts for our existing operations and do not include the potential impact of any future acquisitions. Our forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those summarized below:

 

   

our dependence on Chesapeake Energy Corporation (“Chesapeake”) and Total E&P USA, Inc. (“Total”) for a substantial majority of our revenues;

 

   

the impact on our growth strategy and ability to increase cash distributions if Chesapeake, Total or other producers do not increase the volume of natural gas they provide to our gathering systems;

 

   

oil and natural gas realized prices;

 

   

the termination of our gas gathering agreements with Chesapeake, Total or other producers;

 

   

the availability, terms and effects of acquisitions;

 

   

our potential inability to maintain existing distribution amounts or pay the minimum quarterly distribution to our unitholders;

 

   

the limitations that Chesapeake’s and our own level of indebtedness may have on our financial flexibility;

 

   

our ability to obtain new sources of natural gas, which is dependent on factors largely beyond our control;

 

   

the availability of capital resources to fund capital expenditures and other contractual obligations, and our ability to access those resources through the debt or equity capital markets;

 

   

competitive conditions;

 

   

the unavailability of third-party pipelines interconnected to our gathering systems or the potential that the volumes we gather do not meet the quality requirement of such pipelines;

 

   

new asset construction may not result in revenue increases and will be subject to regulatory, environmental, political, legal and economic risks;

 

   

our exposure to direct commodity price risk may increase in the future;

 

   

our ability to maintain and/or obtain rights to operate our assets on land owned by third parties;

 

   

hazards and operational risks that may not be fully covered by insurance;

 

   

our dependence on Chesapeake for substantially all of our compression capacity;

 

   

our lack of industry diversification; and

 

   

legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in environmental regulations, environmental risks, regulations by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, and liability under federal and state environmental laws and regulations.

 

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Other factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results are described under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus and in our reports filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date originally made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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WHO WE ARE

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to the “Partnership,” “we,” “our,” “us” or like terms, refer to Access Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: ACMP) and its subsidiaries. “Finance Corp.” refers to ACMP Finance Corp., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Access Midstream Partners, L.P. that may act as co-issuer of any debt securities offered by this prospectus. Our “general partner” refers to Access Midstream Partners GP, L.L.C.

General

We are a growth-oriented publicly traded Delaware limited partnership formed in 2010 to own, operate, develop and acquire natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil gathering systems and other midstream energy assets. We are principally focused on natural gas gathering, the first segment of midstream energy infrastructure that connects natural gas produced at the wellhead to third-party takeaway pipelines. We currently operate in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. We provide gathering, treating and compression services to Chesapeake, Total and other leading producers under long-term, fixed-fee contracts.

Finance Corp. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on April 4, 2011, is wholly owned by the Partnership, and has no material assets or any liabilities other than as a co-issuer of debt securities. Its activities are limited to co-issuing debt securities and engaging in other activities incidental thereto.

Our executive offices are located at 900 NW 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118 and our telephone number at this address is (405) 935-1500.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Limited partner interests are inherently different from capital stock of a corporation, although many of the business risks to which we are subject are similar to those that would be faced by a corporation engaged in similar businesses. Before you invest in our securities you should carefully consider the risk factors included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and the documents we incorporate by reference, in evaluating an investment in our securities. If any of the risks discussed in the foregoing documents were to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected and you could lose all or part of your investment. Please also read “Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

The actual application of proceeds to us from the sale of any particular offering of securities using this prospectus will be determined at the time of the offering and will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such offering. The precise amount and timing of the application of these proceeds will depend upon, among other factors, our funding requirements and the availability and cost of other funds.

 

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated on a consolidated historical basis. For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, “earnings” consists of pre-tax income from continuing operations before income from equity investees plus fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest), distributed income of equity investees and amortization of capitalized interest. “Fixed charges” represents interest incurred (whether expensed or capitalized), amortization of debt expense (including discounts and premiums relating to indebtedness) and the portion of rental expense on operating leases deemed to be the equivalent of interest.

 

                                 Predecessor(1)  
     Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2012
     Year
Ended
December  31,
2011
     Year
Ended
December  31,
2010
     Period from
October 1,
2009 through
December 31,
2009
     Period from
January 1,
2009 through
September 30,
2009
   

 

Year Ended
December 31,

 
                   2008      2007  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     3.0x         5.2x         8.2x         9.4x         (2)      6.5x         10.5x   

 

(1) Represents data from our predecessor, Chesapeake Midstream Development, L.P. before our inception on September 30, 2009. For further discussion, please see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
(2) During the period noted, our coverage ratio was less than 1:1. We would have needed to generate additional earnings of approximately $17.5 million during the period from January 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009 to achieve a coverage ratio of 1:1.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR COMMON UNITS

The Units

The common units represent limited partner interests in us. The holders of units are entitled to participate in partnership distributions and exercise the rights or privileges available to limited partners under our partnership agreement. For a description of the relative rights and preferences of holders of common units in and to partnership distributions, please read this section and “Provisions of our Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash Distributions.” For a description of the rights and privileges of limited partners under our partnership agreement, including voting rights, please read “The Partnership Agreement.”

Our outstanding common units are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ACMP,” and any additional common units we issue will also be listed on the NYSE. As of December 11, 2012, there were 78,923,118 common units outstanding. On December 11, 2012, the last reported sales price of our common units on the NYSE was $34.03 per common unit.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Duties. Computershare Trust Company, N.A. serves as the registrar and transfer agent for the common units. We will pay all fees charged by the transfer agent for transfers of common units except the following that must be paid by unitholders:

 

   

surety bond premiums to replace lost or stolen certificates, taxes and other governmental charges;

 

   

special charges for services requested by a common unitholder; and

 

   

other similar fees or charges.

There will be no charge to unitholders for disbursements of our cash distributions. We will indemnify the transfer agent, its agents and each of their stockholders, directors, officers and employees against all claims and losses that may arise out of acts performed or omitted for its activities in that capacity, except for any liability due to any gross negligence or intentional misconduct of the indemnified person or entity.

Resignation or Removal. The transfer agent may resign, by notice to us, or be removed by us. The resignation or removal of the transfer agent will become effective upon our appointment of a successor transfer agent and registrar and its acceptance of the appointment. If no successor is appointed, our general partner may act as the transfer agent and registrar until a successor is appointed.

Transfer of Common Units

By transfer of common units in accordance with our partnership agreement, each transferee of common units shall be admitted as a limited partner with respect to the common units transferred when such transfer and admission are reflected in our books and records. Each transferee:

 

   

represents that the transferee has the capacity, power and authority to become bound by our partnership agreement;

 

   

automatically becomes bound by the terms and conditions of, and is deemed to have executed, our partnership agreement; and

 

   

gives the consents, waivers and approvals contained in our partnership agreement.

Our general partner will cause any transfers to be recorded on our books and records no less frequently than quarterly.

 

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We may, at our discretion, treat the nominee holder of a common unit as the absolute owner. In that case, the beneficial holder’s rights are limited solely to those that it has against the nominee holder as a result of any agreement between the beneficial owner and the nominee holder.

Common units are securities and any transfers are subject to the laws governing the transfer of securities. In addition to other rights acquired upon transfer, the transferor gives the transferee the right to become a substituted limited partner in our partnership for the transferred common units.

Until a common unit has been transferred on our books, we and the transfer agent may treat the record holder of the unit as the absolute owner for all purposes, except as otherwise required by law or stock exchange regulations.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES AND GUARANTEES

Access Midstream Partners, L.P. may issue debt securities in one or more series, and ACMP Finance Corp. may be a co-issuer of one or more series of debt securities. The debt securities will be issued under an indenture to be dated as of a date on or prior to our initial issuance of debt securities. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., will serve as trustee under the indenture, which will be executed at the time we issue any debt securities. Any supplemental indentures will be filed with the SEC on a Form 8-K or by a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The terms of the debt securities will include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”).

The following description is only a summary of the material provisions of the debt securities and the indenture. These descriptions do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, the debt securities and the indenture. We urge you to read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines the rights of Holders of the debt securities. The indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Additionally, you may request copies of the indenture at our address set forth under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

You can find the definitions of certain terms used in this description under the subheading “—Certain Definitions.” In this description, the term “Partnership,” “us,” “our” or “we” refers only to Access Midstream Partners, L.P. and not to any of its subsidiaries, the term “Finance Corp.” refers to ACMP Finance Corp. and the term “Issuers” refers to the Partnership and Finance Corp.

The registered Holder of a debt security will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes. Only registered Holders will have rights under the indenture.

General

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued thereunder. Debt securities may be issued under the indenture from time to time in separate series, each up to the aggregate amount authorized for such series. The indenture also gives us the ability to reopen a previous issue of a series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series. The debt securities will be general obligations of the Issuers. The indenture permits the Issuers to issue debt securities that are subordinated to their Senior Indebtedness. Unless provided otherwise in a prospectus supplement for a series of debt securities, the debt securities will be the Issuers’ senior obligations and will rank pari passu with their other Senior Indebtedness. See “—Subordination of Debt Securities.”

Terms

A prospectus supplement and a supplemental indenture (or a resolution of the Board of Directors of our General Partner and of Finance Corp. and an accompanying officers’ certificate from each of our General Partner and Finance Corp.) relating to any series of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. These terms will include some or all of the following:

 

   

whether Finance Corp. will be a co-issuer of the debt securities;

 

   

the form and title of the debt securities;

 

   

the total principal amount of the debt securities;

 

   

the dates on which the principal of and premium, if any, on the debt securities will be payable;

 

   

the rate at which the debt securities will bear interest, the date from which interest will accrue, and the interest payment dates and the record dates for the debt securities;

 

   

any right to extend or defer the interest payment periods and the duration of the extension;

 

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whether and under what circumstances any additional amounts with respect to the debt securities will be payable;

 

   

any provisions for optional redemption or early repayment;

 

   

any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate the Issuers to repurchase or otherwise redeem the debt securities;

 

   

whether the debt securities are entitled to the benefit of the Subsidiary Guarantee of the Guarantors;

 

   

the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other than denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 thereafter;

 

   

the terms, if any, upon which the debt securities may be convertible into or exchanged for Capital Stock or other securities of the Issuers or any other obligor or issuer;

 

   

the portion of the principal amount which will be payable if the maturity of the debt securities is accelerated;

 

   

any additional means of defeasance of the debt securities, any additional conditions or limitations to defeasance of the debt securities or any changes to those conditions or limitations;

 

   

the currency or currency unit in which the debt securities will be paid, if not U.S. dollars;

 

   

any deletions from, additions to or modifications of the covenants or Events of Default;

 

   

whether the debt securities will be issued in individual certificates to each Holder or in the form of temporary or permanent global debt securities held by a depositary on behalf of Holders;

 

   

the subordination, if any, of the debt securities and any changes to the subordination provisions of the indenture; and

 

   

any other terms of the debt securities not prohibited by the indenture.

We may sell the debt securities at a discount, which may be substantial, below their stated principal amount. These debt securities may bear no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below market rates. If we sell these debt securities, we will describe in the prospectus supplement any material United States federal income tax consequences and other special considerations.

If we sell any of the debt securities denominated in any foreign currency or currency unit or if payments on the debt securities are payable in any foreign currency or currency unit, we will describe in the prospectus supplement the restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information relating to those debt securities and the foreign currency or currency unit.

Subsidiary Guarantees

If provided for with respect to a series of debt securities, the payment obligations of the Issuers under the debt securities will be jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantors. The Subsidiary Guarantee provides that in the event of a default in the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any debt security, the trustee may institute legal proceedings directly against the applicable Guarantor to enforce the Subsidiary Guarantee without first proceeding against us. Unless otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement for a series of debt securities, the obligation of a Guarantor in respect of its Subsidiary Guarantee will be its senior obligation and will rank pari passu with its other Senior Indebtedness from time to time outstanding. See “— Subordination of Debt Securities.”

These Subsidiary Guarantees will be joint and several obligations of the Guarantors. The obligations of each Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee will be limited as necessary to prevent that Subsidiary Guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law.

 

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The Partnership has no independent assets or operations. The Partnership’s operations are conducted by its subsidiaries through its operating company subsidiary, Access MLP Operating, L.L.C. Each of Access MLP Operating, L.L.C. and the Partnership’s other subsidiaries is a Guarantor, other than Finance Corp., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership whose sole purpose is to act as co-issuer of any debt securities. Each Guarantor is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Partnership or any Guarantor to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan. None of the assets of the Partnership or any Guarantor represent restricted net assets pursuant to Rule 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.

Subject to the next succeeding paragraph, no Guarantor may consolidate with or merge with or into another Person, other than the Partnership or another Guarantor, unless:

(1) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Guarantor) assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor under the indenture and the debt securities pursuant to a supplemental indenture, and

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists.

The Subsidiary Guarantee of a Guarantor will be automatically released upon:

(1) the sale or disposition of a Guarantor (or all or substantially all of its assets), whether by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, or the liquidation and dissolution of the Guarantor;

(2) delivery of a written notice by us to the trustee of the cessation by a Guarantor to guarantee any other Indebtedness of the Partnership or any other Guarantor other than a De Minimis Guaranteed Amount; or

(3) the Partnership’s election, in compliance with the terms of the indenture, to exercise its rights pursuant to the provisions in the indenture regarding Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance (each as defined below in “—Defeasance”).

Covenants

The indenture contains covenants regarding payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities; maintenance of an office or agency where debt securities may be presented or surrendered for purposes of payments, transfers, exchanges and, if applicable, conversions; payment of taxes; waiver of stay, extension and usury laws; and maintenance of existence. Additionally, the indenture requires that the Partnership will file with the trustee, within 30 days after it files the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and the information, documents and other reports that the Partnership is required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. If the Partnership is not subject to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Partnership will file with the trustee, within 30 days after it would have been required to file the same with the Commission, financial statements, including any notes thereto and, with respect to the annual information only, a report on the annual financial statements by the Partnership’s certified independent accountants, and a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” both comparable to what the Partnership would have been required to include in such annual reports, information, documents or other reports if the Partnership had been subject to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

A series of debt securities may contain additional financial and other covenants applicable to us and our subsidiaries. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain a description of any such covenants that are added to the indenture specifically for the benefit of Holders of a particular series of debt securities.

 

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Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets

Neither of the Issuers may, directly or indirectly: (1) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not such Issuer is the survivor); or (2) sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions, to another Person; unless:

(1) either: (a) such Issuer is the survivor; or (b) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Issuer) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition has been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia; provided, however, that Finance Corp. may not consolidate or merge with or into any Person other than a corporation satisfying such requirement so long as the Partnership is not a corporation;

(2) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Issuer) or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition has been made assumes all the obligations of such Issuer under the debt securities and the indenture pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to the trustee; and

(3) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default would occur and be continuing or would result from the transaction.

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, the Partnership is permitted to reorganize as any other form of entity in accordance with the following procedures provided that:

(1) the reorganization involves the conversion (by merger, sale, contribution or exchange of assets or otherwise) of the Partnership into a form of entity other than a limited partnership formed under Delaware law;

(2) the entity so formed by or resulting from such reorganization is an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

(3) the entity so formed by or resulting from such reorganization assumes all the obligations of the Partnership under the debt securities and the indenture pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to the trustee;

(4) immediately after such reorganization no Default or Event of Default exists; and

(5) such reorganization is not materially adverse to the Holders or Beneficial Owners of the debt securities (for purposes of this clause (5) a reorganization will not be considered materially adverse to the Holders or Beneficial Owners of the debt securities solely because the successor or survivor of such reorganization (a) is subject to federal or state income taxation as an entity or (b) is considered to be an “includible corporation” of an affiliated group of corporations within the meaning of Section 1504(b) of the Code or any similar state or local law).

Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve “all or substantially all” of the properties or assets of a Person.

Events of Default and Remedies

Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, each of the following will be an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of any series:

(1) failure to pay interest due on the debt securities of that series for 30 days;

(2) failure to pay the principal of, or premium, if any, on the debt securities of that series when due;

 

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(3) failure to pay when due any sinking fund payment with respect to the debt securities of that series;

(4) failure by an Issuer or, if such series of debt securities is entitled to the benefits of a Subsidiary Guarantee, any Guarantor to perform any other covenant in the indenture that continues for 60 days after written notice is given to such Issuer or, if applicable, Guarantor;

(5) any Subsidiary Guarantee of the debt securities of such series ceases to be in full force and effect or is declared null and void in a judicial proceeding or any Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations in respect of such series under the indenture or such Subsidiary Guarantee;

(6) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization described in the indenture with respect to either Issuer or, if such series of debt securities is entitled to the benefits of a Subsidiary Guarantee, any of the Guarantors; and

(7) any other Event of Default provided with regard to such series of debt securities in the terms thereof.

In the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to the Partnership or the Operating Company, all outstanding debt securities will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of a series may declare all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately.

Holders of the debt securities may not enforce the indenture or the debt securities except as provided in the indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of a series may direct the trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. This provision does not, however, affect the right of any Holder of a debt security to sue for enforcement of any overdue payment. The trustee may withhold notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default from Holders of the debt securities if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest, except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on, the debt securities.

The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of a series then outstanding by notice to the trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the debt securities of that series waive any existing Default or Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of that series and its consequences under the indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on the debt securities.

The Partnership is required to deliver to the trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the indenture. Within 30 days of any officer of the General Partner becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of a series, the Partnership is required to deliver to the trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

An Event of Default under one series of debt securities will not necessarily be an Event of Default under another series.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Unitholders and No Recourse to General Partner

Neither the General Partner nor any director, officer, partner, employee, incorporator, manager or unitholder or other owner of Capital Stock of the Issuers, the General Partner or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or any Guarantor under the debt securities, the indenture or the Subsidiary Guarantees, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of debt securities, by accepting a debt security, waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the debt securities.

 

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Defeasance

The Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have all of their obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding debt securities of a series and all obligations of the Guarantors discharged with respect to their Subsidiary Guarantees (“Legal Defeasance”), except for:

(1) the rights of Holders of outstanding debt securities of that series to receive payments in respect of the principal of, and interest or premium, if any, on such debt securities when such payments are due from the trust referred to below;

(2) the Issuers’ obligations with respect to the debt securities of that series concerning issuing temporary debt securities, registration of debt securities, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;

(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the trustee, and the Issuers’ obligations in connection therewith; and

(4) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the indenture.

In addition, the Issuers may, at their option and at any time, elect to have their obligations released with respect to certain covenants that are described in the indenture (“Covenant Defeasance”) and thereafter any omission to comply with those covenants will not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to the debt securities. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including non-payment, bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events) described under “—Events of Default and Remedies” will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities. If the Issuers exercise either their Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance option, each Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee and any security for the debt securities (other than the trust) will be released.

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance with respect to a series of debt securities:

(1) the Issuers must irrevocably deposit with the trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the debt securities of that series, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and non-callable Government Securities, in amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the outstanding debt securities of that series on the date of fixed maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Issuers must specify whether the debt securities of that series are being defeased to the date of fixed maturity or to a particular redemption date;

(2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Issuers have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the trustee confirming that:

(a) the Issuers have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling; or

(b) since the date of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law,

in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel will confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuers have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the trustee confirming that the Holders of the outstanding debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

 

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(4) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the debt securities of that series on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default in respect of such series resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit);

(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than the indenture and solely with respect to such series of debt securities) to which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

(6) the Issuers must deliver to the trustee an officers’ certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuers with the intent of preferring the Holders of debt securities of that series over the other creditors of the Issuers with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Issuers or others; and

(7) the Issuers must deliver to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the indenture or the debt securities of any series may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of each series affected by such amendment or supplement (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, debt securities), and any existing default or compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities of any series may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of each series affected by such waiver (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, debt securities).

Without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not (with respect to any debt securities held by a non-consenting Holder):

(1) reduce the principal amount of debt securities whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(2) change the Stated Maturity of any debt security or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption or repurchase of the debt securities of any such series;

(3) reduce the premium, if any, payable upon the redemption of any debt security or change the fixed date after which any debt security may or shall be redeemed;

(4) change any obligation of the Partnership or any Guarantor to pay Additional Amounts with respect to any debt security;

(5) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any debt security;

(6) adversely affect the conversion rights of any debt security that is convertible in accordance with the applicable provisions of such debt security;

(7) waive a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on or Additional Amounts with respect to the debt securities of any series (except a rescission of acceleration of the debt securities of that series by the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

(8) make any debt security payable in currency other than that stated in such debt security;

 

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(9) make any change in the provisions of the indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or Events of Default or the rights of Holders of debt securities to receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on the debt securities;

(10) waive a redemption or repurchase payment with respect to any debt security;

(11) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any debt security as provided in the indenture;

(12) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee or the indenture or modify the related Guarantee in any manner materially adverse to the Holders, except in accordance with the terms of the indenture; or

(13) make any change in the preceding amendment, supplement and waiver provisions.

Notwithstanding the preceding, without the consent of any Holder of debt securities, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the trustee may amend or supplement the indenture or the debt securities of any series:

(1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

(2) to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities;

(3) to provide for the assumption of an Issuer’s obligations to Holders of debt securities in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of such Issuer’s properties or assets;

(4) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders, that surrenders a right or benefit held by the Issuers or any Guarantor or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the indenture of any such Holder;

(5) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of the indenture, provided that any such addition, change or elimination shall not be effective as to the debt securities of any series outstanding prior to the date of such amendment or supplement;

(6) to establish the forms or terms of the debt securities of any series issued under the indenture;

(7) to make provisions with respect to the conversion of debt securities of any series that are convertible in accordance with the terms of such debt securities;

(8) to secure the debt securities or the subsidiary guarantees;

(9) to add any additional Guarantor with respect to the debt securities of any series or to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its Subsidiary Guarantee, in each case as provided in the indenture;

(10) to comply with requirements of the Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act or to comply with the rules and regulations of any exchange on which the debt securities may be listed or traded;

(11) to provide for the reorganization of the Partnership as any other form of entity in accordance with the second paragraph under “—Merger, Consolidation or Sales of All or Substantially All Assets”; or

(12) to evidence or provide for the acceptance or appointment under the indenture of a successor trustee with respect to debt securities of any series.

 

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Subordination of Debt Securities

Debt securities of a series may be subordinated to our Senior Indebtedness (the debt securities of such series being referred to herein as the “Subordinated Debt Securities”). Subordinated Debt Securities and the Subsidiary Guarantee thereof will be subordinate in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner set forth in the indenture and the prospectus supplement relating to such series, to the prior payment of all indebtedness of the Issuers and Guarantors that is designated as Senior Indebtedness with respect to the series.

The Holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers will receive payment in full of the Senior Indebtedness before Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities will receive any payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest with respect to the Subordinated Debt Securities:

(1) upon any payment or distribution of the assets of the Issuers or a Guarantor to its creditors;

(2) upon a total or partial liquidation or dissolution of the Issuers or a Guarantor; or

(3) in a bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceeding relating to the Issuers or their respective property or a Guarantor or its property.

Until the Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, any distribution to which Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities would otherwise be entitled will be made to the Holders of Senior Indebtedness, except that such Holders may receive securities representing Capital Stock of the Partnership or the Guarantors and any debt securities of the Issuers or the Guarantors that are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness to at least the same extent as the Subordinated Debt Securities.

If the Issuers do not pay the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, Senior Indebtedness within any applicable grace period (including at maturity), or any other default on Senior Indebtedness occurs and the maturity of the Senior Indebtedness is accelerated in accordance with its terms, the Issuers may not:

(1) make any payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest with respect to Subordinated Debt Securities;

(2) make any deposit for the purpose of defeasance of the Subordinated Debt Securities; or

(3) repurchase, redeem or otherwise retire any Subordinated Debt Securities, except that in the case of Subordinated Debt Securities that provide for a mandatory sinking fund, we may deliver Subordinated Debt Securities to the Trustee in satisfaction of our sinking fund obligation,

unless, in either case,

(1) the default has been cured or waived and the declaration of acceleration has been rescinded;

(2) the Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full in cash; or

(3) the Issuers and the Trustee receive written notice approving the payment from the representatives of each issue of Designated Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers.

During the continuance of any default, other than a default described in the immediately preceding paragraph, that may cause the maturity of any Designated Senior Indebtedness to be accelerated immediately without further notice, other than any notice required to effect such acceleration, or the expiration of any applicable grace periods, the Issuers may not pay the Subordinated Debt Securities for a period called the “Payment Blockage Period.” A Payment Blockage Period will commence on the receipt by the Issuers and the Trustee of written notice of the default, called a “Blockage Notice,” from the representative of any Designated Senior Indebtedness specifying an election to effect a Payment Blockage Period.

 

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The Payment Blockage Period may be terminated before its expiration:

(1) by written notice from the Person or Persons who gave the Blockage Notice;

(2) by repayment in full in cash of the Designated Senior Indebtedness with respect to which the Blockage Notice was given; or

(3) if the default giving rise to the Payment Blockage Period is no longer continuing.

Unless the Holders of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or the representative of such Holders shall have accelerated the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness, the Issuers may resume payments on the Subordinated Debt Securities after the expiration of the Payment Blockage Period.

Generally, not more than one Blockage Notice may be given in any period of 360 consecutive days irrespective of the number of defaults with respect to any number of issues of Designated Senior Indebtedness during such period. The total number of days during which any one or more Payment Blockage Periods are in effect, however, may not exceed an aggregate of 179 days during any period of 360 consecutive days.

If a Guarantor does not pay the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor within any applicable grace period (including at maturity), or any other default on Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor occurs and the maturity of the Senior Indebtedness is accelerated in accordance with its terms, such Guarantor may not make a guarantee payment on Subordinated Debt Securities unless, in either case,

(1) the default has been cured or waived and the declaration of acceleration has been rescinded;

(2) the Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full in cash; or

(3) the Guarantor and the trustee receive written notice approving the payment from the representative of each issue of Designated Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor.

During the continuance of any default, other than a default described in the immediately preceding paragraph, that may cause the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness to be accelerated immediately without further notice, other than any notice required to effect such acceleration, or the expiration of any applicable grace periods, the Guarantor may not make a guarantee payment on Subordinated Debt Securities for the Payment Blockage Period, as described above.

After all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full and until the Subordinated Debt Securities are paid in full, Holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities shall be subrogated to the rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive distributions applicable to Senior Indebtedness.

By reason of the subordination, in the event of insolvency, our creditors who are Holders of Senior Indebtedness, as well as certain of our general creditors, may recover more, ratably, than the Holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to debt securities of any series (except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of the debt securities of that series and as otherwise specified in the indenture), when:

(1) either:

(a) all debt securities of that series which have been authenticated, except lost, stolen or destroyed debt securities of that series which have been replaced or paid and debt securities of that series for whose payment money has been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Issuers, have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation; or

 

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(b) all such debt securities that have not been delivered to the trustee for cancellation have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or otherwise and the Issuers or any Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders of debt securities of such series, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and non-callable Government Securities, in amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the debt securities of such series not delivered to the trustee for cancellation for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest to the date of fixed maturity or redemption;

(2) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the debt securities of that series on the date of the deposit or will occur as a result of the deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default in respect of such series resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit), and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than the indenture and solely with respect to such series) to which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

(3) the Issuers or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it in respect of such series under the indenture; and

(4) the Issuers have delivered irrevocable instructions to the trustee under the indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the debt securities of such series at fixed maturity or on the redemption date, as the case may be.

In addition, the Issuers must deliver an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel to the trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.

Concerning the Trustee

If the trustee becomes a creditor of an Issuer or any Guarantor, the indenture limits its right to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the Trust Indenture Act) after a Default has occurred and is continuing, it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue as trustee or resign.

The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee, subject to certain exceptions. The indenture provides that in case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the debt securities of any series, the trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any Holder of debt securities of that series, unless such Holder has offered to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

Governing Law

The indenture, the debt securities and the Subsidiary Guarantees will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

Additional Information

Anyone who receives this prospectus may obtain a copy of the indenture without charge by writing to the Partnership at 900 NW 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118, Attention: Chief Financial Officer.

 

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Book-Entry, Delivery and Form

Unless otherwise provided with respect to a series of debt securities, the debt securities of each series will be issued in the form of one or more global securities. The global securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee. Except as set forth below, the global securities may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary. Investors may hold their beneficial interests in the global securities directly through the Depositary if they have an account with the Depositary or indirectly through organizations which have accounts with the Depositary.

The Depositary has advised the Partnership as follows: The Depositary is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. The Depositary was created to hold securities of institutions that have accounts with the Depositary (“participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among its participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. The Depositary’s participants include securities brokers and dealers (which may include the underwriters), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to the Depositary’s book-entry system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, whether directly or indirectly.

The Partnership expects that pursuant to procedures established by the Depositary, upon the issuance of the global securities, the Depositary will credit, on its book-entry registrations and transfer system, the aggregate principal amount of debt securities represented by such global securities to the accounts of participants. The accounts to be credited shall be designated by the underwriter of the debt securities. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global securities will be limited to participants or Persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global securities will be shown on, and the transfer of those ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary (with respect to participants’ interest) and such participants (with respect to the owners of beneficial interests in the global securities other than participants). The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such limits and laws may impair the ability to transfer or pledge beneficial interests in the global securities.

So long as the Depositary, or its nominee, is the Holder of the global securities, the Depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole legal owner and Holder of the debt securities for all purposes of the debt securities and the Indenture. Except as set forth below, you will not be entitled to have the debt securities represented by the global securities registered in your name, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered to be the owner or Holder of any debt securities under the global securities. The Partnership understands that under existing industry practice, in the event an owner of a beneficial interest in the global securities desires to take any action that the Depositary, as the Holder of the global securities, is entitled to take, the Depositary will authorize the participants to take such action, and that the participants will authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants to take such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

The Partnership will make all payments on debt securities represented by the global securities registered in the name of and held by the Depositary or its nominee to the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the owner and Holder of the global securities.

The Partnership expects that the Depositary or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment in respect of the global securities, will credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the aggregate principal amount of the global securities as shown on the records of the

 

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Depositary or its nominee. The Partnership also expects that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interest in the global securities held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of such participants. The Partnership will not have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in the global securities for any debt securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between the Depositary and its participants or the relationship between such participants and the owners of beneficial interests in the global securities owning through such participants.

Although the Depositary has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in the global securities among participants of the Depositary, it is under no obligations to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither the Trustee nor the Partnership will have any responsibility for the performance by the Depositary or its participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

Certain Definitions

Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the indenture. Reference is made to the indenture for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.

Additional Amounts” means any additional amounts required by the express terms of a debt security or by or pursuant to a board resolution, under circumstances specified therein or pursuant thereto, to be paid by the Partnership with respect to certain taxes, assessments or other governmental charges imposed on certain Holders and that are owing to such Holders.

Board of Directors” means:

(1) with respect to Finance Corp., its board of directors;

(2) with respect to the Partnership, the Board of Directors of the General Partner or any authorized committee thereof; and

(3) with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person, or its general partner, as applicable, serving a similar function.

Capital Stock” means:

(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;

(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;

(3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and

(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

Commission” or “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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Credit Facilities” means one or more debt facilities, commercial paper facilities or other agreements, in each case with banks or other institutional lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.

Default” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

De Minimis Guaranteed Amount” means a principal amount of Indebtedness that does not exceed $25,000,000.

Depositary” means, unless otherwise specified by the Company with respect to any series of debt securities issuable or issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, or any successor thereto registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act or other applicable statute or regulations.

Designated Senior Indebtedness” means, as of any time of determination, each series of Senior Indebtedness which has an aggregate principal amount outstanding at such time of, or under which, at such time, the holders thereof are committed to lend, at least $100 million.

General Partner” means Access Midstream Partners GP, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and its successors and permitted assigns as general partner of the Partnership.

Government Securities” means direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America for the payment of which guarantee or obligations the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged.

The term “guarantee” means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any manner including, without limitation, by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness. When used as a verb, “guarantee” has a correlative meaning.

Guarantors” means any Subsidiary of the Partnership (except Finance Corp.) who may execute the indenture, or a supplemental indenture, for the purpose of providing a Subsidiary Guarantee and the respective successors and assigns of any such Subsidiary, in each case until such time as any such Subsidiary shall be released and relieved of its obligations pursuant to the indenture or any supplemental indenture.

Holder” means a Person in whose name a debt security is registered.

Indebtedness” means, without duplication, with respect to any Person, (a) all obligations of such Person, including those evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments, for the repayment of money borrowed (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such Person or only to a portion thereof); (b) all liabilities of others of the kind described in the preceding clause (a) that such Person has guaranteed; and (c) Indebtedness (as otherwise defined in this definition) of another Person secured by a lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person, the amount of such obligations being deemed to be the lesser of (1) the full amount of such obligations so secured, and (2) the fair market value of such asset, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of such Person, which determination shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution.

Obligations” means any principal, premium, if any, interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization, whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceeding), penalties, fees, charges, expenses, indemnifications, reimbursement obligations, damages, guarantees, and other liabilities or amounts payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness or in respect thereto.

 

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Operating Company” means Access MLP Operating, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and its successors.

Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or other entity.

Senior Indebtedness” means

(1) any debt securities of the Issuers (other than Subordinated Debt Securities);

(2) all Indebtedness of the Partnership or any Guarantor outstanding under Credit Facilities and all hedging obligations with respect thereto;

(3) the Issuers’ 5.875% Senior Notes due 2021;

(4) the Issuers’ 6.125% Senior Notes due 2022;

(5) any other Indebtedness of the Partnership or any Guarantor, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is subordinated in right of payment to the debt securities or any Subsidiary Guarantee; and

(6) all Obligations with respect to the items listed in the preceding clauses (1) through (4).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding sentence, Senior Indebtedness will not include any intercompany Indebtedness of the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries.

Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the original documentation governing such Indebtedness, and will not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any specified Person:

(1) any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a partnership or limited liability company) of which more than 50% of the total voting power of Voting Stock is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof); and

(2) any partnership (whether general or limited) or limited liability company (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner or managing member of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person, or (b) if there are more than a single general partner or member, either (x) the only general partners or managing members of which are such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof) or (y) such Person owns or controls, directly or indirectly, a majority of the outstanding general partner interests, member interests or other Voting Stock of such partnership or limited liability company, respectively.

Subsidiary Guarantee” means any guarantee by a Guarantor of the Issuers’ Obligations under the indenture and on the debt securities.

Voting Stock” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.

 

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PROVISIONS OF OUR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT RELATING TO CASH DISTRIBUTIONS

Set forth below is a summary of the significant provisions of our partnership agreement that relate to cash distributions.

Distributions of Available Cash

General. Our partnership agreement requires that, within 45 days after the end of each quarter, we distribute all of our available cash to unitholders of record on the applicable record date.

Definition of Available Cash. Available cash, for any quarter, consists of all cash on hand at the end of that quarter:

 

   

less, the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner to:

 

   

provide for the proper conduct of our business;

 

   

comply with applicable law, any of our debt instruments or other agreements; or

 

   

provide funds for distributions to our unitholders for any one or more of the next four quarters (provided that our general partner may not establish cash reserves for subordinated units unless it determines that the establishment of reserves will not prevent us from distributing the minimum quarterly distribution on all common units and any cumulative arrearages for the next four quarters);

 

   

plus, if our general partner so determines, all or a portion of cash on hand on the date of determination of available cash for the quarter resulting from working capital borrowings made after the end of the quarter.

Working capital borrowings are borrowings that are made under a credit facility, commercial paper facility or similar financing arrangement, and in all cases are used solely for working capital purposes or to pay distributions to partners and with the intent of the borrower to repay such borrowings within twelve months from sources other than additional working capital borrowings.

Intent to Distribute the Minimum Quarterly Distribution. We intend to distribute to the holders of common and subordinated units on a quarterly basis at least the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.3375 per unit, or $1.35 on an annualized basis, to the extent we have sufficient cash from our operations after establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses, including payments to our general partner and its affiliates. Our most recent quarterly distribution was $0.435 per unit, or $1.74 annualized. However, there is no guarantee that we will pay the minimum quarterly distribution on the units in any quarter. Even if our cash distribution policy is not modified or revoked, the amount of distributions paid under our policy and the decision to make any distribution is determined by our general partner, taking into consideration the terms of our partnership agreement.

General Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights. Our general partner is entitled to 2.0% of all quarterly distributions that we make after inception and prior to our liquidation. Our general partner has the right, but not the obligation, to contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us to maintain its current general partner interest. Our general partner’s 2.0% interest in our distributions may be reduced if we issue additional limited partner units in the future (other than the issuance of common units upon conversion of outstanding subordinated units or the issuance of common units upon a reset of the incentive distribution rights) and our general partner does not contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest.

Our general partner also currently holds incentive distribution rights that entitle it to receive increasing percentages, up to a maximum of 50.0%, of the cash we distribute from operating surplus (as defined below) in excess of $0.388125 per unit per quarter. The maximum distribution of 50.0% includes distributions paid to our

 

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general partner on its 2.0% general partner interest and assumes that our general partner maintains its general partner interest at 2.0%. The maximum distribution of 50.0% does not include any distributions that our general partner may receive on limited partner units that it owns.

Operating Surplus and Capital Surplus

General. All cash distributed will be characterized as either “operating surplus” or “capital surplus.” Our partnership agreement requires that we distribute available cash from operating surplus differently than available cash from capital surplus.

Operating Surplus. Operating surplus for any period consists of:

 

   

$120 million (as described below); plus

 

   

all of our cash receipts after the closing of our initial public offering, excluding cash from interim capital transactions, which include the following:

 

   

borrowings (including sales of debt securities) that are not working capital borrowings;

 

   

sales of equity interests;

 

   

sales or other dispositions of assets outside the ordinary course of business; and

 

   

capital contributions received;

provided that cash receipts from the termination of a commodity hedge or interest rate hedge prior to its specified termination date shall be included in operating surplus in equal quarterly installments over the remaining scheduled life of such commodity hedge or interest rate hedge; plus

 

   

working capital borrowings made after the end of the period but on or before the date of determination of operating surplus for the period; plus

 

   

cash distributions paid on equity issued (including incremental distributions on incentive distribution rights) to finance all or a portion of the construction, acquisition or improvement of a capital improvement or replacement of a capital asset (such as equipment or facilities) in respect of the period beginning on the date that we enter into a binding obligation to commence the construction, acquisition or improvement of a capital improvement or replacement of a capital asset and ending on the earlier to occur of the date the capital improvement or capital asset commences commercial service and the date that it is abandoned or disposed of; plus

 

   

cash distributions paid on equity issued (including incremental distributions on incentive distribution rights) to pay the construction period interest on debt incurred, or to pay construction period distributions on equity issued, to finance the capital improvements or capital assets referred to above; less

 

   

all of our operating expenditures (as defined below) after the closing of our initial public offering; less

 

   

the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner to provide funds for future operating expenditures; less

 

   

all working capital borrowings not repaid within twelve months after having been incurred; less

 

   

any loss realized on disposition of an investment capital expenditure.

As described above, operating surplus does not reflect actual cash on hand that is available for distribution to our unitholders and is not limited to cash generated by our operations. For example, it includes a basket of $120 million that will enable us, if we choose, to distribute as operating surplus cash we receive in the future from non-operating sources such as asset sales, issuances of securities and long-term borrowings that would otherwise be distributed as capital surplus. In addition, the effect of including, as described above, certain cash

 

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distributions on equity interests in operating surplus is to increase operating surplus by the amount of any such cash distributions. As a result, we may also distribute as operating surplus up to the amount of any such cash that we receive from non-operating sources.

The proceeds of working capital borrowings increase operating surplus and repayments of working capital borrowings are generally operating expenditures, as described below, and thus reduce operating surplus when made. However, if a working capital borrowing is not repaid during the twelve-month period following the borrowing, it will be deemed repaid at the end of such period, thus decreasing operating surplus at such time. When such working capital borrowing is in fact repaid, it will be excluded from operating expenditures because operating surplus will have been previously reduced by the deemed repayment.

We define operating expenditures in the partnership agreement, and it generally means all of our cash expenditures, including, but not limited to, taxes, reimbursement of expenses to our general partner and its affiliates, payments made in the ordinary course of business under our gas compressor master rental and servicing agreement, payments made under interest rate hedge agreements or commodity hedge contracts (provided that (i) with respect to amounts paid in connection with the initial purchase of an interest rate hedge contract or a commodity hedge contract, such amounts will be amortized over the life of the applicable interest rate hedge contract or commodity hedge contract and (ii) payments made in connection with the termination of any interest rate hedge contract or commodity hedge contract prior to the expiration of its stipulated settlement or termination date will be included in operating expenditures in equal quarterly installments over the remaining scheduled life of such interest rate hedge contract or commodity hedge contract), officer compensation, repayment of working capital borrowings, debt service payments and estimated maintenance capital expenditures (as discussed in further detail below), provided that operating expenditures does not include:

 

   

repayment of working capital borrowings deducted from operating surplus pursuant to the penultimate bullet point of the definition of operating surplus above when such repayment actually occurs;

 

   

payments (including prepayments and prepayment penalties) of principal of and premium on indebtedness, other than working capital borrowings;

 

   

expansion capital expenditures;

 

   

actual maintenance capital expenditures (as discussed in further detail below);

 

   

investment capital expenditures;

 

   

payment of transaction expenses relating to interim capital transactions;

 

   

distributions to our partners (including distributions in respect of our incentive distribution rights); or

 

   

repurchases of equity interests except to fund obligations under employee benefit plans.

Capital Surplus. Capital surplus is defined in our partnership agreement as any distribution of available cash in excess of our cumulative operating surplus. Accordingly, capital surplus would generally be generated by:

 

   

borrowings other than working capital borrowings;

 

   

sales of our equity and debt securities; and

 

   

sales or other dispositions of assets for cash, other than inventory, accounts receivable and other assets sold in the ordinary course of business or as part of normal retirement or replacement of assets.

All available cash distributed by us on any date from any source will be treated as distributed from operating surplus until the sum of all available cash distributed since the closing of our initial public offering equals the operating surplus from the closing of our initial public offering through the end of the quarter immediately preceding that distribution. Any excess available cash distributed by us on that date will be deemed to be capital surplus.

 

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Characterization of Cash Distributions. Our partnership agreement requires that we treat all available cash distributed as coming from operating surplus until the sum of all available cash distributed since the closing of our initial public offering equals the operating surplus from the closing of our initial public offering through the end of the quarter immediately preceding that distribution. Our partnership agreement requires that we treat any amount distributed in excess of operating surplus, regardless of its source, as capital surplus. We do not anticipate that we will make any distributions from capital surplus.

Capital Expenditures

Estimated maintenance capital expenditures reduce operating surplus, but expansion capital expenditures, actual maintenance capital expenditures and investment capital expenditures do not. Maintenance capital expenditures are those capital expenditures required to maintain our long-term operating capacity and/or operating income. A primary component of maintenance capital expenditures is well connection expenditures required to replace expected reductions in natural gas gathering volumes handled by our facilities. Other components of maintenance capital expenditures include expenditures for routine equipment and pipeline maintenance or replacement due to obsolescence. Maintenance capital expenditures also include interest (and related fees) on debt incurred and distributions on equity issued (including incremental distributions on incentive distribution rights) to finance all or any portion of the construction or development of a replacement asset that is paid in respect of the period that begins when we enter into a binding obligation to commence constructing or developing a replacement asset and ending on the earlier to occur of the date that any such replacement asset commences commercial service and the date that it is abandoned or disposed of. Capital expenditures made solely for investment purposes are not considered to be maintenance capital expenditures.

Because our maintenance capital expenditures can be irregular, the amount of our actual maintenance capital expenditures may differ substantially from period to period, which could cause similar fluctuations in the amounts of operating surplus and adjusted operating surplus if we subtracted actual maintenance capital expenditures from operating surplus.

Our partnership agreement requires that an estimate of the average quarterly maintenance capital expenditures necessary to maintain our operating capacity and/or operating income (as the Board of Directors of our general partner, with the concurrence of its conflicts committee, deems appropriate) over the long-term be subtracted from operating surplus each quarter as opposed to the actual amounts spent. The amount of estimated maintenance capital expenditures deducted from operating surplus for those periods is subject to review and change by our general partner (with the concurrence of the conflicts committee of our Board of Directors) at least once a year, provided that any change is approved by our conflicts committee. The estimate is made at least annually and whenever an event occurs that is likely to result in a material adjustment to the amount of our maintenance capital expenditures, such as a major acquisition or the introduction of new governmental regulations that will impact our business. For purposes of calculating operating surplus, any adjustment to this estimate will be prospective only.

The use of estimated maintenance capital expenditures in calculating operating surplus has the following effects:

 

   

it reduces the risk that maintenance capital expenditures in any one quarter will be large enough to render operating surplus less than the minimum quarterly distribution to be paid on all the units for the quarter;

 

   

it increases our ability to distribute as operating surplus cash we receive from non-operating sources; and

 

   

it is more difficult for us to raise our distribution above the minimum quarterly distribution and pay incentive distributions on the incentive distribution rights held by our general partner.

Expansion capital expenditures are those capital expenditures that we expect will increase our operating capacity or operating income over the long term. Examples of expansion capital expenditures include the

 

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acquisition of equipment, or the construction, development or acquisition of additional pipeline or treating capacity or new compression capacity, to the extent such capital expenditures are expected to expand our long-term operating capacity or operating income. Expansion capital expenditures also include interest (and related fees) on debt incurred to finance all or any portion of the construction of such capital improvement in respect of the period that commences when we enter into a binding obligation to commence construction of a capital improvement and ending on the earlier to occur of the date any such capital improvement commences commercial service and the date that it is abandoned or disposed of. Capital expenditures made solely for investment purposes are not considered expansion capital expenditures.

Investment capital expenditures are those capital expenditures that are neither maintenance capital expenditures nor expansion capital expenditures. Investment capital expenditures largely consist of capital expenditures made for investment purposes. Examples of investment capital expenditures include traditional capital expenditures for investment purposes, such as purchases of securities, as well as other capital expenditures that might be made in lieu of such traditional investment capital expenditures, such as the acquisition of a capital asset for investment purposes or development of facilities that are in excess of the maintenance of our existing operating capacity or operating income, but which are not expected to expand, for more than the short term, our operating capacity or operating income.

As described above, neither investment capital expenditures nor expansion capital expenditures are included in operating expenditures, and thus do not reduce operating surplus. Because expansion capital expenditures include interest payments (and related fees) on debt incurred to finance all or a portion of the construction, replacement or improvement of a capital asset (such as gathering pipelines or treating facilities) in respect of the period that begins when we enter into a binding obligation to commence construction of the capital asset and ending on the earlier to occur of the date the capital asset commences commercial service or the date that it is abandoned or disposed of, such interest payments are also not subtracted from operating surplus. Losses on disposition of an investment capital expenditure reduce operating surplus when realized and cash receipts from an investment capital expenditure is treated as a cash receipt for purposes of calculating operating surplus only to the extent the cash receipt is a return on principal.

Capital expenditures that are made in part for maintenance capital purposes, investment capital purposes and/or expansion capital purposes are allocated as maintenance capital expenditures, investment capital expenditures or expansion capital expenditure by our general partner.

Subordination Period

General. Our partnership agreement provides that, during the subordination period (which we describe below), the common units have the right to receive distributions of available cash from operating surplus each quarter in an amount equal to $0.3375 per common unit, which amount is defined in our partnership agreement as the minimum quarterly distribution, plus any arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units from prior quarters, before any distributions of available cash from operating surplus is made on the subordinated units. These units are deemed “subordinated” because for a period of time, referred to as the subordination period, the subordinated units are not entitled to receive any distributions until the common units have received the minimum quarterly distribution plus any arrearages from prior quarters. Furthermore, no arrearages are paid on the subordinated units. The practical effect of the subordinated units is to increase the likelihood that during the subordination period there will be available cash to be distributed on the common units.

Subordination Period. Except as described below, the subordination period will expire on the first business day after the distribution to unitholders in respect of any quarter, beginning with the quarter ending June 30, 2013, if each of the following has occurred:

 

   

distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each of the outstanding common and subordinated units and the related distribution on the general partner interest equaled or exceeded the minimum quarterly distribution for each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date;

 

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the “adjusted operating surplus” (as defined below) generated during each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date equaled or exceeded the sum of the minimum quarterly distribution on all of the outstanding common and subordinated units during those periods on a fully diluted weighted average basis and the related distribution on the general partner interest; and

 

   

there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units.

Early Termination of Subordination Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the subordination period will automatically terminate on the first business day after the distribution to unitholders in respect of any quarter, if each of the following has occurred:

 

   

distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each of the outstanding common and subordinated units and the related distribution on the general partner interest equaled or exceeded $2.025 (150.0% of the annualized minimum quarterly distribution) for the four-quarter period immediately preceding that date;

 

   

the “adjusted operating surplus” (as defined below) generated during the four-quarter period immediately preceding that date equaled or exceeded the sum of $2.025 (150.0% of the annualized minimum quarterly distribution) on all of the outstanding common and subordinated units on a fully diluted weighted average basis and the related distribution on the general partner interest and incentive distribution rights; and

 

   

there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distributions on the common units.

Expiration Upon Removal of the General Partner. In addition, if the unitholders remove our general partner other than for cause:

 

   

the subordinated units held by any person will immediately and automatically convert into common units on a one-for-one basis, provided (i) neither such person nor any of its affiliates voted any of its units in favor of the removal and (ii) such person is not an affiliate of the successor general partner; and

 

   

if all of the subordinated units convert pursuant to the foregoing, all cumulative common unit arrearages on the common units will be extinguished and the subordination period will end.

Expiration of the Subordination Period. When the subordination period ends, each outstanding subordinated unit will convert into one common unit and will then participate pro-rata with the other common units in distributions of available cash.

Adjusted Operating Surplus. Adjusted operating surplus is intended to reflect the cash generated from operations during a particular period and therefore excludes net increases in working capital borrowings and net drawdowns of reserves of cash generated in prior periods. Adjusted operating surplus for any period consists of:

 

   

operating surplus generated with respect to that period (excluding any amounts attributable to the items described in the first bullet point under “—Operating Surplus and Capital Surplus—Operating Surplus” above); less

 

   

any net increase in working capital borrowings with respect to that period; less

 

   

any net decrease in cash reserves for operating expenditures with respect to that period not relating to an operating expenditure made with respect to that period; plus

 

   

any net decrease in working capital borrowings with respect to that period; plus

 

   

any net increase in cash reserves for operating expenditures with respect to that period required by any debt instrument for the repayment of principal, interest or premium; plus

 

 

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any net decrease made in subsequent periods in cash reserves for operating expenditures initially established with respect to such period to the extent such decrease results in a reduction of adjusted operating surplus in subsequent periods pursuant to the third bullet point above.

Cash payments by any of our customers to settle a shortfall associated with any minimum volume commitment under a gas gathering agreement will be operating surplus in the quarter in which they are actually received. An estimated, prorated amount of such payments, however, may be included in adjusted operating surplus by our general partner in the manner generally described below. As described elsewhere in this prospectus, the cash settlement of any shortfall in actual volumes associated with the minimum volume commitments of our customers will be settled in the year following the calendar year to which such volume commitments relate. In order to accommodate the rolling-four quarter test associated with expiration of the subordination period (relative to any after the period payment associated with a shortfall in any minimum volume commitment), to the extent that the actual volumes (associated with a minimum volume commitment) in a particular quarter or quarters are less than the prorated minimum volume commitment amount for such period, our general partner may add to adjusted operating surplus for such period an amount equal to such shortfall in actual volumes, multiplied by the then applicable gathering rate. The quarterly shortfall payment estimate would be adjusted each subsequent quarter based on the level of actual volumes for such subsequent quarter and the preceding quarters of the period that remain subject to a minimum volume commitment (as compared to the prorated volume commitment for such period). If the estimated amount of shortfall payments used by our general partner to increase adjusted operating surplus in prior quarters is more than any shortfall amount actually paid for a minimum volume commitment period as finally determined, and subordinated units remain outstanding, then adjusted operating surplus shall be adjusted in each such quarter to give effect to the actual amount of the payment as if it had been received in such quarter to cover the shortfall in such quarter. With respect to a quarter in which a shortfall amount is actually paid, adjusted operating surplus shall be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of quarterly shortfall payment estimates previously added by the general partner to adjusted operating surplus with respect to such minimum volume commitment period.

Distributions of Available Cash From Operating Surplus During the Subordination Period

Our partnership agreement requires that we make distributions of available cash from operating surplus for any quarter during the subordination period in the following manner:

 

   

first, 98.0% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2.0% to our general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter;

 

   

second, 98.0% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2.0% to our general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to any arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units for any prior quarters during the subordination period;

 

   

third, 98.0% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and 2.0% to our general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding subordinated unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; and

 

   

thereafter, in the manner described in “—General Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights” below.

The preceding discussion is based on the assumptions that our general partner maintains its 2.0% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity interests.

 

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Distributions of Available Cash From Operating Surplus After the Subordination Period

Our partnership agreement requires that we make distributions of available cash from operating surplus for any quarter after the subordination period in the following manner:

 

   

first, 98.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2.0% to our general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; and

 

   

thereafter, in the manner described in “—General Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights” below.

The preceding discussion is based on the assumptions that our general partner maintains its 2.0% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity interests.

General Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights

Our general partner is currently entitled to 2.0% of all distributions that we make prior to our liquidation. Our general partner has the right, but not the obligation, to contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest if we issue additional units. Our general partner’s 2.0% interest, and the percentage of our cash distributions to which it is entitled, will be proportionately reduced if we issue additional units in the future (other than the issuance of common units upon conversion of outstanding subordinated units or the issuance of common units upon a reset of the incentive distribution rights) and our general partner does not contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us in order to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest. Our partnership agreement does not require that the general partner fund its capital contribution with cash and our general partner may fund its capital contribution by the contribution to us of common units or other property.

Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an increasing percentage (13.0%, 23.0% and 48.0%) of quarterly distributions of available cash from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels have been achieved. Our general partner currently holds the incentive distribution rights, but may transfer these rights separately from its general partner interest, subject to restrictions in the partnership agreement.

The following discussion assumes that our general partner maintains its 2.0% general partner interest, that there are no arrearages on common units and that our general partner continues to own the incentive distribution rights.

If for any quarter:

 

   

we have distributed available cash from operating surplus to the common and subordinated unitholders in an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution; and

 

   

we have distributed available cash from operating surplus on outstanding common units in an amount necessary to eliminate any cumulative arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution;

then, our partnership agreement requires that we distribute any additional available cash from operating surplus for that quarter among the unitholders and the general partner in the following manner:

 

   

first, 98.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2.0% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.388125 per unit for that quarter (the “first target distribution”);

 

   

second, 85.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 15.0% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.421875 per unit for that quarter (the “second target distribution”);

 

   

third, 75.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 25.0% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.50625 per unit for that quarter (the “third target distribution”); and

 

   

thereafter, 50.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 50.0% to our general partner.

 

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Percentage Allocations of Available Cash From Operating Surplus

The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of available cash from operating surplus between the unitholders and our general partner based on the specified target distribution levels. The amounts set forth under “Marginal percentage interest in distributions” are the percentage interests of our general partner and the unitholders in any available cash from operating surplus we distribute up to and including the corresponding amount in the column “Total quarterly distribution per unit.” The percentage interests shown for our unitholders and our general partner for the minimum quarterly distribution are also applicable to quarterly distribution amounts that are less than the minimum quarterly distribution. The percentage interests set forth below for our general partner include its 2.0% general partner interest, assume our general partner has contributed any additional capital to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest and has not transferred its incentive distribution rights and there are no arrearages on common units.

 

          Marginal percentage interest in
distributions
 
    

Total quarterly distribution per unit

   Unitholders     General partner  

Minimum Quarterly Distribution

   $0.3375      98.0     2.0

First Target Distribution

   up to $0.388125      98.0     2.0

Second Target Distribution

   above $0.388125 up to $0.421875      85.0     15.0

Third Target Distribution

   above $0.421875 up to $ 0.50625      75.0     25.0

Thereafter

   above $ 0.50625      50.0     50.0

General Partner’s Right to Reset Incentive Distribution Levels

Our general partner, as the holder of our incentive distribution rights, has the right under our partnership agreement to elect to relinquish the right to receive incentive distribution payments based on the initial cash target distribution levels and to reset, at higher levels, the minimum quarterly distribution amount and cash target distribution levels upon which the incentive distribution payments to our general partner would be set. Our general partner’s right to reset the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels upon which the incentive distributions payable to our general partner are based may be exercised, without approval of our unitholders or the conflicts committee of our general partner, at any time when there are no subordinated units outstanding and we have made cash distributions to the holders of the incentive distribution rights at the highest level of incentive distribution for each of the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters. The reset minimum quarterly distribution amount and target distribution levels will be higher than the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels prior to the reset such that our general partner will not receive any incentive distributions under the reset target distribution levels until cash distributions per unit following this event increase as described below. We anticipate that our general partner would exercise this reset right in order to facilitate acquisitions or internal growth projects that would otherwise not be sufficiently accretive to cash distributions per common unit, taking into account the existing levels of incentive distribution payments being made to our general partner.

In connection with the resetting of the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels and the corresponding relinquishment by our general partner of incentive distribution payments based on the target cash distributions prior to the reset, our general partner will be entitled to receive a number of newly issued common units based on a predetermined formula described below that takes into account the “cash parity” value of the average cash distributions related to the incentive distribution rights received by our general partner for the two quarters prior to the reset event as compared to the average cash distributions per common unit during this period. Our general partner’s general partner interest in us (currently 2.0%) will be maintained at the percentage immediately prior to the reset election.

 

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The number of common units that our general partner would be entitled to receive from us in connection with a resetting of the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels then in effect would be equal to the quotient determined by dividing (x) the average amount of cash distributions received by our general partner in respect of its incentive distribution rights during the two consecutive fiscal quarters ended immediately prior to the date of such reset election by (y) the average of the amount of cash distributed per common unit during each of these two quarters.

Following a reset election by our general partner, the minimum quarterly distribution amount will be reset to an amount equal to the average cash distribution amount per unit for the two fiscal quarters immediately preceding the reset election (which amount we refer to as the “reset minimum quarterly distribution”) and the target distribution levels will be reset to be correspondingly higher such that we would distribute all of our available cash from operating surplus for each quarter thereafter as follows:

 

   

first, 98.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2.0% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives an amount per unit equal to 115.0% of the reset minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter;

 

   

second, 85.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 15.0% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives an amount per unit equal to 125.0% of the reset minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter;

 

   

third, 75.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 25.0% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives an amount per unit equal to 150.0% of the reset minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter; and

 

   

thereafter, 50.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 50.0% to our general partner.

The following table illustrates the percentage allocation of available cash from operating surplus between the unitholders and our general partner at various cash distribution levels (i) pursuant to the cash distribution provisions of our partnership agreement, as well as (ii) following a hypothetical reset of the minimum quarterly distribution and target distribution levels based on the assumption that the average quarterly cash distribution amount per common unit during the two fiscal quarters immediately preceding the reset election was $0.60.

 

    

Quarterly distribution per
unit prior to reset

   Marginal percentage interest in
distribution
   

Quarterly distribution
per unit following
hypothetical reset

      Unitholders     General
partner
   

Minimum Quarterly Distribution

   $0.3375      98.0     2.0   $0.60

First Target Distribution

   up to $0.388125      98.0     2.0   up to $0.69(1)

Second Target Distribution

   above $0.388125 up to $0.421875      85.0     15.0   above $0.69(1) up to $0.75(2)

Third Target Distribution

   above $0.421875 up to $0.50625      75.0     25.0   above $0.75(2) up to $0.90(3)

Thereafter

   above $0.50625      50.0     50.0   above $0.90(3)

 

(1) This amount is 115.0% of the hypothetical reset minimum quarterly distribution.
(2) This amount is 125.0% of the hypothetical reset minimum quarterly distribution.
(3) This amount is 150.0% of the hypothetical reset minimum quarterly distribution.

 

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The following table illustrates the total amount of available cash from operating surplus that would be distributed to the unitholders and our general partner, including in respect of IDRs based on an average of the amounts distributed for a quarter for the two quarters immediately prior to the reset. The table assumes that immediately prior to the reset there would be 147,999,240 common units outstanding, our general partner has maintained its 2.0% general partner interest, and the average distribution to each common unit would be $0.60 for the two quarters prior to the reset.

 

   

Quarterly

distribution

per unit

prior to reset

  Cash
distributions
to common
unitholders
prior to reset
    Cash distributions to general partner prior to reset        
      Common
Units
    2.0%
general
partner
interest
    Incentive
distribution
rights
    Total     Total
distributions
 

Minimum Quarterly Distribution

  $0.3375   $ 49,949,744      $ —        $ 1,019,383      $ —        $ 1,019,383      $ 50,969,126   

First Target Distribution

  above $0.3375 up to $0.388125     7,492,462        —          152,907        —          152,907        7,645,369   

Second Target Distribution

  above $0.388125 up to $0.421875     4,994,974        —          117,529        763,937        881,466        5,876,440   

Third Target Distribution

  above $0.421875 up to $0.50625     12,487,436        —          332,998        3,829,480        4,162,479        16,649,915   

Thereafter

  above $0.50625     13,874,929        —          554,997        13,319,932        13,874,929        27,749,858   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 88,799,544      $ —        $ 2,177,814      $ 17,913,349      $ 20,091,163      $ 108,890,707   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table illustrates the total amount of available cash from operating surplus that would be distributed to the unitholders and our general partner, including in respect of IDRs, with respect to the quarter in which the reset occurs. The table reflects that as a result of the reset there would be 177,854,822 common units outstanding, our general partner’s 2.0% interest has been maintained, and the average distribution to each common unit would be $0.60. The number of common units to be issued to our general partner upon the reset was calculated by dividing (i) the average of the amounts received by our general partner in respect of its IDRs for the two quarters prior to the reset as shown in the table above, or $17,913,349, by (ii) the average available cash distributed on each common unit for the two quarters prior to the reset as shown in the table above, or $0.60.

 

    

Quarterly
distribution
per unit
after reset

  Cash
distributions
to common
unitholders
after reset
    Cash distributions to general partner after reset        
       Common
Units issued in
connection
with reset
    2.0%
general
partner
interest
    Incentive
distribution
rights
    Total     Total
distributions
 

Minimum Quarterly Distribution

   $0.600   $ 88,799,544      $ 17,913,349      $ 2,177,814      $ —        $ 20,091,163      $ 108,890,707   

First Target Distribution

   up to $0.690 above $0.690     —          —          —          —          —          —     

Second Target Distribution

   up to $0.750 Above $0.750     —          —          —          —          —          —     

Third Target Distribution

   up to $0.900 Above $0.900     —          —          —          —          —          —     

Thereafter

       —          —          —          —          —          —     
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     $ 88,799,544      $ 17,913,349      $ 2,177,814      $ —        $ 20,091,163      $ 108,890,707   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Our general partner will be entitled to cause the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels to be reset on more than one occasion, provided that it may not make a reset election except at a time when it has received incentive distributions for the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters based on the highest level of incentive distributions that it is entitled to receive under our partnership agreement.

Distributions From Capital Surplus

How Distributions from Capital Surplus Will Be Made. Our partnership agreement requires that we make distributions of available cash from capital surplus, if any, in the following manner:

 

   

first, 98.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2.0% to our general partner, until the minimum quarterly distribution is reduced to zero, as described below;

 

   

second, 98.0% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2.0% to our general partner, until we distribute for each common unit, an amount of available cash from capital surplus equal to any unpaid arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units; and

 

   

thereafter, we will make all distributions of available cash from capital surplus as if they were from operating surplus.

The preceding paragraph assumes that our general partner maintains its 2.0% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.

Effect of a Distribution from Capital Surplus. Our partnership agreement treats a distribution of capital surplus as the repayment of the initial unit price from our initial public offering, which is a return of capital. Each time a distribution of capital surplus is made, the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels will be reduced in the same proportion as the distribution had in relation to the fair market value of the common units prior to the announcement of the distribution. Because distributions of capital surplus will reduce the minimum quarterly distribution and target distribution levels after any of these distributions are made, it may be easier for our general partner to receive incentive distributions and for the subordinated units to convert into common units. However, any distribution of capital surplus before the minimum quarterly distribution is reduced to zero cannot be applied to the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution or any arrearages.

If we reduce the minimum quarterly distribution to zero, all future distributions will be made such that 50.0% will be paid to the holders of units and 50.0% to our general partner. The percentage interests shown for our general partner include its 2.0% general partner interest and assume our general partner has not transferred the incentive distribution rights.

Adjustment to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distribution Levels

In addition to adjusting the minimum quarterly distribution and target distribution levels to reflect a distribution of capital surplus, if we combine our units into fewer units or subdivide our units into a greater number of units, our partnership agreement specifies that the following items will be proportionately adjusted:

 

   

the minimum quarterly distribution;

 

   

the target distribution levels;

 

   

the initial unit price as described below; and

 

   

the per unit amount of any outstanding arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution.

For example, if a two-for-one split of the units should occur, the minimum quarterly distribution, the target distribution levels and the initial unit price would each be reduced to 50.0% of its initial level. If we combine our common units into a lesser number of units or subdivide our common units into a greater number of units, we will combine or subdivide our subordinated units using the same ratio applied to the common units. Our partnership agreement provides that we do not make any adjustment by reason of the issuance of additional units for cash or property.

 

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In addition, if as a result of a change in law or interpretation thereof, we or any of our subsidiaries is treated as an association taxable as a corporation or is otherwise subject to additional taxation as an entity for U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. income or withholding tax purposes, our general partner may, in its sole discretion, reduce the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels for each quarter by multiplying each distribution level by a fraction, the numerator of which is available cash for that quarter (after deducting our general partner’s estimate of our additional aggregate liability for the quarter for such income and withholdings taxes payable by reason of such change in law or interpretation) and the denominator of which is the sum of (1) available cash for that quarter, plus (2) our general partner’s estimate of our additional aggregate liability for the quarter for such income and withholding taxes payable by reason of such change in law or interpretation thereof. To the extent that the actual tax liability differs from the estimated tax liability for any quarter, the difference will be accounted for in distributions with respect to subsequent quarters.

Distributions of Cash Upon Liquidation

General. If we dissolve in accordance with the partnership agreement, we will sell or otherwise dispose of our assets in a process called liquidation. We will first apply the proceeds of liquidation to the payment of our creditors. We will distribute any remaining proceeds to the unitholders and the general partner, in accordance with their capital account balances, as adjusted to reflect any gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of our assets in liquidation.

The allocations of gain and loss upon liquidation are intended, to the extent possible, to entitle the holders of units to a repayment of the initial value contributed by them to us for their units, which we refer to as the “initial unit price” for each unit. The initial unit price for the common units will be the price paid for the common units issued in this offering. The allocations of gain and loss upon liquidation are also intended, to the extent possible, to entitle the holders of outstanding common units to a preference over the holders of outstanding subordinated units upon our liquidation, to the extent required to permit common unitholders to receive their initial unit price plus the minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter during which liquidation occurs plus any unpaid arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units. However, there may not be sufficient gain upon our liquidation to enable the holders of common units to fully recover all of these amounts, even though there may be cash available for distribution to the holders of subordinated units. Any further net gain recognized upon liquidation will be allocated in a manner that takes into account the incentive distribution rights of our general partner.

Manner of Adjustments for Gain. The manner of the adjustment for gain is set forth in the partnership agreement. If our liquidation occurs before the end of the subordination period, we will allocate any gain to the partners in the following manner:

 

   

first, to our general partner and the holders of units who have negative balances in their capital accounts to the extent of and in proportion to those negative balances;

 

   

second, 98.0% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2.0% to our general partner, until the capital account for each common unit is equal to the sum of: (i) the initial unit price; (ii) the amount of the minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter during which our liquidation occurs; and (iii) any unpaid arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution;

 

   

third, 98.0% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and 2.0% to our general partner, until the capital account for each subordinated unit is equal to the sum of: (i) the initial unit price; and (ii) the amount of the minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter during which our liquidation occurs;

 

   

fourth, 98.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2.0% to our general partner, until we allocate under this paragraph an amount per unit equal to: (i) the sum of the excess of the first target distribution per unit over the minimum quarterly distribution per unit for each quarter of our existence; less (ii) the cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of available cash from operating surplus in excess of the minimum quarterly distribution per unit that we distributed 98.0% to the unitholders, pro rata, and 2.0% to our general partner, for each quarter of our existence;

 

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fifth, 85.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 15.0% to our general partner, until we allocate under this paragraph an amount per unit equal to: (i) the sum of the excess of the second target distribution per unit over the first target distribution per unit for each quarter of our existence; less (ii) the cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of available cash from operating surplus in excess of the first target distribution per unit that we distributed 85.0% to the unitholders, pro rata, and 15.0% to our general partner for each quarter of our existence;

 

   

sixth, 75.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 25.0% to our general partner, until we allocate under this paragraph an amount per unit equal to: (i) the sum of the excess of the third target distribution per unit over the second target distribution per unit for each quarter of our existence; less (ii) the cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of available cash from operating surplus in excess of the second target distribution per unit that we distributed 75.0% to the unitholders, pro rata, and 25.0% to our general partner for each quarter of our existence; and

 

   

thereafter, 50.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 50.0% to our general partner.

The percentage interests set forth above for our general partner include its 2.0% general partner interest and assume our general partner has not transferred the incentive distribution rights.

If the liquidation occurs after the end of the subordination period, the distinction between common and subordinated units will disappear, so that clause (iii) of the second bullet point above and all of the third bullet point above will no longer be applicable.

Manner of Adjustments for Losses. If our liquidation occurs before the end of the subordination period, we will generally allocate any loss to our general partner and the unitholders in the following manner:

 

   

first, 98.0% to holders of subordinated units in proportion to the positive balances in their capital accounts and 2.0% to our general partner, until the capital accounts of the subordinated unitholders have been reduced to zero;

 

   

second, 98.0% to the holders of common units in proportion to the positive balances in their capital accounts and 2.0% to our general partner, until the capital accounts of the common unitholders have been reduced to zero; and

 

   

thereafter, 100.0% to our general partner.

If the liquidation occurs after the end of the subordination period, the distinction between common and subordinated units will disappear, so that all of the first bullet point above will no longer be applicable.

Adjustments to Capital Accounts. Our partnership agreement requires that we make adjustments to capital accounts upon the issuance of additional units. In this regard, our partnership agreement specifies that we allocate any unrealized and, for tax purposes, unrecognized gain or loss resulting from the adjustments to the unitholders and the general partner in the same manner as we allocate gain or loss upon liquidation. In the event that we make positive adjustments to the capital accounts upon the issuance of additional units, our partnership agreement requires that we allocate any later negative adjustments to the capital accounts resulting from the issuance of additional units or upon our liquidation in a manner which results, to the extent possible, in the general partner’s capital account balances equaling the amount which they would have been if no earlier positive adjustments to the capital accounts had been made.

 

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THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

The following is a summary of the material provisions of our partnership agreement. We will provide prospective investors with a copy of our partnership agreement upon request at no charge.

We summarize the following provisions of our partnership agreement elsewhere in this prospectus:

 

   

with regard to distributions of available cash, please read “Provisions of our Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash Distributions”;

 

   

with regard to the transfer of common units, please read “Description of Our Common Units—Transfer of Common Units”; and

 

   

with regard to allocations of taxable income and taxable loss, please read “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

Organization and Duration

Our partnership was organized in January 2010 and will have a perpetual existence.

Purpose

Our purpose, as set forth in our partnership agreement, is limited to any business activity that is approved by our general partner and that lawfully may be conducted by a limited partnership organized under Delaware law; provided, that our general partner shall not cause us to engage, directly or indirectly, in any business activity that the general partner determines would be reasonably likely to cause us to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise taxable as an entity for federal income tax purposes.

Although our general partner has the ability to cause us and our subsidiaries to engage in activities other than the business of natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil gathering, treating and compression services, our general partner has no current plans to do so and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us or the limited partners. Our general partner is generally authorized to perform all acts it determines to be necessary or appropriate to carry out our purposes and to conduct our business.

Cash Distributions

Our partnership agreement specifies the manner in which we will make cash distributions to holders of our common units and other partnership securities as well as to our general partner in respect of its general partner interest and its incentive distribution rights. For a description of these cash distribution provisions, please read “Provisions of our Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash Distributions.”

Capital Contributions

Unitholders are not obligated to make additional capital contributions, except as described below under “—Limited Liability.”

For a discussion of our general partner’s right to contribute capital to maintain its 2% general partner interest if we issue additional units, please read “—Issuance of Additional Partnership Interests.”

 

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Voting Rights

The following is a summary of the unitholder vote required for approval of the matters specified below. Matters that require the approval of a “unit majority” require:

 

   

during the subordination period, the approval of a majority of the common units, excluding those common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, and a majority of the subordinated units, voting as separate classes; and

 

   

after the subordination period, the approval of a majority of the common units.

In voting their common and subordinated units, our general partner and its affiliates have no fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us or the limited partners.

 

Issuance of additional units

No approval right.

 

Amendment of our partnership agreement

Certain amendments may be made by our general partner without the approval of the unitholders. Other amendments generally require the approval of a unit majority. Please read “—Amendment of the Partnership Agreement.”

 

Merger of our partnership or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets

Unit majority in certain circumstances. Please read “—Merger, Consolidation, Conversion, Sale or Other Disposition of Assets.”

 

Dissolution of our partnership

Unit majority. Please read “—Dissolution.”

 

Continuation of our business upon dissolution

Unit majority. Please read “—Dissolution.”

 

 

Withdrawal of our general partner

Under most circumstances, the approval of a majority of the common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, is required for the withdrawal of our general partner prior to June 30, 2020 in a manner that would cause a dissolution of our partnership. Please read “—Withdrawal or Removal of Our General Partner.”

 

Removal of our general partner

Not less than 66 2/3 percent of the outstanding units, voting as a single class, including units held by our general partner and its affiliates. Please read “— Withdrawal or Removal of Our General Partner.”

 

Transfer of our general partner interest

Our general partner may transfer all, but not less than all, of its general partner interest in us without a vote of our unitholders to an affiliate or another person in connection with its merger or consolidation with or into, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets to, such person. The approval of a majority of the common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, is required in other circumstances for a transfer of the general partner interest to a third party prior to June 30, 2020. Please read “—Transfer of General Partner Interest.”

 

Transfer of incentive distribution rights

Except for transfers to an affiliate or to another person as part of our general partner’s merger or consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets, the sale of all of the ownership interests in our general partner, the pledge, hypothecation, mortgage, encumbrance, grant of a

 

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lien, collateralization, or other grant of a security interest in the incentive distribution rights in favor a person providing bona-fide debt financing to such holder as security or collateral for such debt financing and the transfer of incentive distribution rights in connection with exercise of any remedy of such person in connection therewith, the approval of a majority of the common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, is required in most circumstances for a transfer of the incentive distribution rights to a third party prior to June 30, 2020. Please read “—Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights.”

 

Transfer of ownership interests in our general partner

No approval required at any time. Please read “—Transfer of Ownership Interests in the General Partner.”

If any person or group other than our general partner and its affiliates acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of units, that person or group loses voting rights on all of its units. This loss of voting rights does not apply to any person or group that acquires the units from our general partner, its affiliates, their direct transferees and their indirect transferees approved by our general partner in its sole discretion or to any person or group who acquires the units with the specific prior approval of our general partner.

Applicable Law; Forum, Venue and Jurisdiction

Our partnership agreement is governed by Delaware law. Our partnership agreement requires that any claims, suits, actions or proceedings:

 

   

arising out of or relating in any way to the partnership agreement (including any claims, suits or actions to interpret, apply or enforce the provisions of the partnership agreement) or the duties, obligations or liabilities among limited partners or of limited partners, or the rights or powers of, or restrictions on, the limited partners or us;

 

   

brought in a derivative manner on our behalf;

 

   

asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, or other employee of us or our general partner, or owed by our general partner, to us or the limited partners;

 

   

asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware Act; and

 

   

asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine

shall be exclusively brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, regardless of whether such claims, suits, actions or proceedings sound in contract, tort, fraud or otherwise, are based on common law, statutory, equitable, legal or other grounds, or are derivative or direct claims. By purchasing a common unit, a limited partner is irrevocably consenting to these limitations and provisions regarding claims, suits, actions or proceedings and submitting to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware in connection with any such claims, suits, actions or proceedings.

Limited Liability

Assuming that a limited partner does not participate in the control of our business within the meaning of the Delaware Act and that he otherwise acts in conformity with the provisions of the partnership agreement, his liability under the Delaware Act will be limited, subject to possible exceptions, to the amount of capital he is obligated to contribute to us for his common units plus his share of any undistributed profits and assets. However, if it were determined that the right, or exercise of the right, by the limited partners as a group:

 

   

to remove or replace our general partner;

 

   

to approve some amendments to our partnership agreement; or

 

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to take other action under our partnership agreement;

constituted “participation in the control” of our business for the purposes of the Delaware Act, then the limited partners could be held personally liable for our obligations under the laws of Delaware, to the same extent as our general partner. This liability would extend to persons who transact business with us under the reasonable belief that the limited partner is a general partner. Neither our partnership agreement nor the Delaware Act specifically provides for legal recourse against our general partner if a limited partner were to lose limited liability through any fault of our general partner. While this does not mean that a limited partner could not seek legal recourse, we know of no precedent for this type of a claim in Delaware case law.

Under the Delaware Act, a limited partnership may not make a distribution to a partner if, after the distribution, all liabilities of the limited partnership, other than liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interests and liabilities for which the recourse of creditors is limited to specific property of the partnership, would exceed the fair value of the assets of the limited partnership. For the purpose of determining the fair value of the assets of a limited partnership, the Delaware Act provides that the fair value of property subject to liability for which recourse of creditors is limited shall be included in the assets of the limited partnership only to the extent that the fair value of that property exceeds the nonrecourse liability. The Delaware Act provides that a limited partner who receives a distribution and knew at the time of the distribution that the distribution was in violation of the Delaware Act shall be liable to the limited partnership for the amount of the distribution for three years. Under the Delaware Act, a substituted limited partner of a limited partnership is liable for the obligations of his assignor to make contributions to the partnership, except that such person is not obligated for liabilities unknown to him at the time he became a limited partner and that could not be ascertained from the partnership agreement.

Our subsidiaries conduct business in five states and we may have subsidiaries that conduct business in other states in the future. Maintenance of our limited liability as a member of our primary operating subsidiary, Access MLP Operating, L.L.C., which we refer to as our “operating company,” may require compliance with legal requirements in the jurisdictions in which the operating company conducts business, including qualifying our subsidiaries to do business there.

Limitations on the liability of members or limited partners for the obligations of a limited liability company or limited partnership have not been clearly established in many jurisdictions. If, by virtue of our ownership interest in our operating company or otherwise, it were determined that we were conducting business in any state without compliance with the applicable limited partnership or limited liability company statute, or that the right or exercise of the right by the limited partners as a group to remove or replace our general partner, to approve some amendments to our partnership agreement, or to take other action under our partnership agreement constituted “participation in the control” of our business for purposes of the statutes of any relevant jurisdiction, then the limited partners could be held personally liable for our obligations under the law of that jurisdiction to the same extent as our general partner under the circumstances. We will operate in a manner that our general partner considers reasonable and necessary or appropriate to preserve the limited liability of the limited partners.

Issuance of Additional Partnership Interests

Our partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited number of additional partnership interests for the consideration and on the terms and conditions determined by our general partner without the approval of the unitholders.

It is possible that we will fund acquisitions through the issuance of additional common units, subordinated units or other partnership interests. Holders of any additional common units we issue will be entitled to share equally with the then-existing holders of common units in our distributions of available cash. In addition, the issuance of additional common units or other partnership interests may dilute the value of the interests of the then-existing holders of common units in our net assets.

 

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In accordance with Delaware law and the provisions of our partnership agreement, we may also issue additional partnership interests that, as determined by our general partner, may have special voting rights to which the common units are not entitled. In addition, our partnership agreement does not prohibit our subsidiaries from issuing equity securities, which may effectively rank senior to the common units.

Upon issuance of additional partnership interests (other than the issuance of common units upon conversion of outstanding subordinated units or the issuance of common units upon a reset of the incentive distribution rights) our general partner will be entitled, but not required, to make additional capital contributions to the extent necessary to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest in us. Our general partner’s 2.0% interest in us will be reduced if we issue additional units in the future (other than in those circumstances described above) and our general partner does not contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest. Moreover, our general partner has the right, which it may from time to time assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates, to purchase common units, subordinated units or other partnership interests whenever, and on the same terms that, we issue those interests to persons other than our general partner and its affiliates and beneficial owners, to the extent necessary to maintain the percentage interest of the general partner and its affiliates, including such interest represented by common and subordinated units, that existed immediately prior to each issuance. The holders of common units do not have preemptive rights under our partnership agreement to acquire additional common units or other partnership interests.

Amendment of the Partnership Agreement

General. Amendments to our partnership agreement may be proposed only by or with the consent of our general partner. However, our general partner has no duty or obligation to propose any amendment and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us or the limited partners. In order to adopt a proposed amendment, other than the amendments discussed below, our general partner is required to seek written approval of the holders of the number of units required to approve the amendment or to call a meeting of the limited partners to consider and vote upon the proposed amendment. Except as described below, an amendment must be approved by a unit majority.

Prohibited Amendments. No amendment may be made that would:

 

   

enlarge the obligations of any limited partner without its consent, unless approved by at least a majority of the type or class of limited partner interests so affected; or

 

   

enlarge the obligations of, restrict in any way any action by or rights of, or reduce in any way the amounts distributable, reimbursable or otherwise payable by us to our general partner or any of its affiliates without the consent of our general partner, which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion.

The provision of our partnership agreement preventing the amendments having the effects described in the clauses above can be amended upon the approval of the holders of at least 90.0 percent of the outstanding units, voting as a single class (including units owned by our general partner and its affiliates). As of December 11, 2012, our general partner and its affiliates owned approximately 69.5 percent of our outstanding common and subordinated units.

No Unitholder Approval. Our general partner may generally make amendments to our partnership agreement without the approval of any limited partner to reflect:

 

   

a change in our name, the location of our principal place of business, our registered agent or our registered office;

 

   

the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of partners in accordance with our partnership agreement;

 

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a change that our general partner determines to be necessary or appropriate to qualify or continue our qualification as a limited partnership or a partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability under the laws of any state or to ensure that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries will be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated);

 

   

an amendment that is necessary, in the opinion of our counsel, to prevent us or our general partner or its directors, officers, agents or trustees from in any manner being subjected to the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 or “plan asset” regulations adopted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or ERISA, whether or not substantially similar to plan asset regulations currently applied or proposed;

 

   

an amendment that our general partner determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the creation, authorization or issuance of additional partnership interests or the right to acquire partnership interests;

 

   

any amendment expressly permitted in our partnership agreement to be made by our general partner acting alone;

 

   

an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a merger agreement that has been approved under the terms of our partnership agreement;

 

   

any amendment that our general partner determines to be necessary or appropriate for the formation by us of, or our investment in, any corporation, partnership or other entity, as otherwise permitted by our partnership agreement;

 

   

a change in our fiscal year or taxable year and related changes;

 

   

conversions into, mergers with or conveyances to another limited liability entity that is newly formed and has no assets, liabilities or operations at the time of the conversion, merger or conveyance other than those it receives by way of the conversion, merger or conveyance; or

 

   

any other amendments substantially similar to any of the matters described in the clauses above.

In addition, our general partner may make amendments to our partnership agreement, without the approval of any limited partner, if our general partner determines that those amendments:

 

   

do not adversely affect the limited partners (or any particular class of limited partners) in any material respect;

 

   

are necessary or appropriate to satisfy any requirements, conditions or guidelines contained in any opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any federal or state agency or judicial authority or contained in any federal or state statute;

 

   

are necessary or appropriate to facilitate the trading of limited partner interests or to comply with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any securities exchange on which the limited partner interests are or will be listed for trading;

 

   

are necessary or appropriate for any action taken by our general partner relating to splits or combinations of units under the provisions of our partnership agreement; or are required to effect the intent expressed in this prospectus or the intent of the provisions of our partnership agreement or are otherwise contemplated by our partnership agreement.

Opinion of Counsel and Unitholder Approval. Any amendment that our general partner determines adversely affects in any material respect one or more particular classes of limited partners will require the approval of at least a majority of the class or classes so affected, but no vote will be required by any class or

 

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classes of limited partners that our general partner determines are not adversely affected in any material respect. Any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of any type or class of outstanding units in relation to other classes of units will require the approval of at least a majority of the type or class of units so affected. Any amendment that reduces the voting percentage required to take any action, other than to remove the general partner or call a meeting, is required to be approved by the affirmative vote of limited partners whose aggregate outstanding units constitute not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced. Any amendment that increases the voting percentage required to remove the general partner or call a meeting of unitholders must be approved by the affirmative vote of limited partners whose aggregate outstanding units constitute not less than the voting requirement sought to be increased. For amendments of the type not requiring unitholder approval, our general partner is not required to obtain an opinion of counsel that an amendment will neither result in a loss of limited liability to the limited partners nor result in our being treated as a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes in connection with any of the amendments. No other amendments to our partnership agreement will become effective without the approval of holders of at least 90% of the outstanding units, voting as a single class, unless we first obtain an opinion of counsel to the effect that the amendment will not affect the limited liability under applicable law of any of our limited partners.

Merger, Consolidation, Conversion, Sale or Other Disposition of Assets

A merger, consolidation or conversion of us requires the prior consent of our general partner. However, our general partner has no duty or obligation to consent to any merger, consolidation or conversion and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interest of us or the limited partners.

In addition, our partnership agreement generally prohibits our general partner, without the prior approval of the holders of a unit majority, from causing us to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets in a single transaction or a series of related transactions. Our general partner may, however, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of our assets without such approval. Our general partner may also sell all or substantially all of our assets under a foreclosure or other realization upon those encumbrances without such approval. Finally, our general partner may consummate any merger without the prior approval of our unitholders if we are the surviving entity in the transaction, our general partner has received an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and tax matters, the transaction would not result in a material amendment to the partnership agreement (other than an amendment that the general partner could adopt without the consent of the limited partners), each of our units will be an identical unit of our partnership following the transaction and the partnership interests to be issued do not exceed 20% of our outstanding partnership interests (other than the incentive distribution rights) immediately prior to the transaction.

If the conditions specified in our partnership agreement are satisfied, our general partner may convert us or any of our subsidiaries into a new limited liability entity or merge us or any of our subsidiaries into, or convey all of our assets to, a newly formed entity, if the sole purpose of that conversion, merger or conveyance is to effect a mere change in our legal form into another limited liability entity, our general partner has received an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and tax matters and the governing instruments of the new entity provide the limited partners and our general partner with the same rights and obligations as contained in our partnership agreement. Our unitholders are not entitled to dissenters’ rights of appraisal under our partnership agreement or applicable Delaware law in the event of a conversion, merger or consolidation, a sale of substantially all of our assets or any other similar transaction or event.

Dissolution

We will continue as a limited partnership until dissolved under our partnership agreement. We will dissolve upon:

 

   

the election of our general partner to dissolve us, if approved by the holders of units representing a unit majority;

 

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there being no limited partners, unless we are continued without dissolution in accordance with applicable Delaware law;

 

   

the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of our partnership; or

 

   

the withdrawal or removal of our general partner or any other event that results in its ceasing to be our general partner other than by reason of a transfer of its general partner interest in accordance with our partnership agreement or its withdrawal or removal following the approval and admission of a successor.

Upon a dissolution under the last clause above, the holders of a unit majority may also elect, within specific time limitations, to continue our business on the same terms and conditions described in our partnership agreement by appointing as a successor general partner an entity approved by the holders of units representing a unit majority, subject to our receipt of an opinion of counsel to the effect that:

 

   

the action would not result in the loss of limited liability under Delaware law of any limited partner; and

 

   

neither our partnership, our operating company nor any of our other subsidiaries would be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise be taxable as an entity for federal income tax purposes upon the exercise of that right to continue (to the extent not already so treated or taxed).

Liquidation and Distribution of Proceeds

Upon our dissolution, unless our business is continued, the liquidator authorized to wind up our affairs will, acting with all of the powers of our general partner that are necessary or appropriate, liquidate our assets and apply the proceeds of the liquidation as described in “Provisions of our Partnership Agreement Relating to Cash Distributions—Distributions of Cash Upon Liquidation.” The liquidator may defer liquidation or distribution of our assets for a reasonable period of time or distribute assets to partners in kind if it determines that a sale would be impractical or would cause undue loss to our partners.

Withdrawal or Removal of Our General Partner

Except as described below, our general partner has agreed not to withdraw voluntarily as our general partner prior to June 30, 2020 without obtaining the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, and furnishing an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and tax matters. On or after June 30, 2020, our general partner may withdraw as general partner without first obtaining approval of any unitholder by giving 90 days’ written notice, and that withdrawal will not constitute a violation of our partnership agreement. Notwithstanding the information above, our general partner may withdraw without unitholder approval upon 90 days’ notice to the limited partners if at least 50 percent of the outstanding common units are held or controlled by one person and its affiliates, other than our general partner and its affiliates. In addition, our partnership agreement permits our general partner, in some instances, to sell or otherwise transfer all of its general partner interest in us without the approval of the unitholders. Please read “—Transfer of General Partner Interest” and “—Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights.”

Upon withdrawal of our general partner under any circumstances, other than as a result of a transfer by our general partner of all or a part of its general partner interest in us, the holders of a unit majority may select a successor to that withdrawing general partner. If a successor is not elected, or is elected but an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and tax matters cannot be obtained, we will be dissolved, wound up and liquidated, unless within a specified period after that withdrawal, the holders of a unit majority agree in writing to continue our business and to appoint a successor general partner. Please read “—Dissolution.”

Our general partner may not be removed unless that removal is approved by the vote of the holders of not less than 66 2/3 percent of the outstanding units, voting together as a single class, including units held by our

 

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general partner and its affiliates, and we receive an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and tax matters. Any removal of our general partner is also subject to the approval of a successor general partner by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common units, voting as a class, and the outstanding subordinated units, voting as a class. The ownership of more than 33 1/3 percent of the outstanding units by our general partner and its affiliates gives them the ability to prevent our general partner’s removal.

Our partnership agreement also provides that if our general partner is removed as our general partner under circumstances where cause does not exist:

 

   

the subordinated units held by any person will immediately and automatically convert into common units on a one-for-one basis, provided (i) neither such person nor any of its affiliates voted any of its units in favor of the removal and (ii) such person is not an affiliate of the successor general partner; and

 

   

if all of the subordinated units convert pursuant to the foregoing, all cumulative common unit arrearages on the common units will be extinguished and the subordination period will end.

In the event of the removal of our general partner under circumstances where cause exists or withdrawal of our general partner where that withdrawal violates our partnership agreement, a successor general partner will have the option to purchase the general partner interest and incentive distribution rights of the departing general partner for a cash payment equal to the fair market value of those interests. Under all other circumstances where our general partner withdraws or is removed by the limited partners, the departing general partner will have the option to require the successor general partner to purchase the general partner interest and the incentive distribution rights of the departing general partner or its affiliates for fair market value. In each case, this fair market value will be determined by agreement between the departing general partner and the successor general partner. If no agreement is reached, an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert selected by the departing general partner and the successor general partner will determine the fair market value. Or, if the departing general partner and the successor general partner cannot agree upon an expert, then an expert chosen by agreement of the experts selected by each of them will determine the fair market value.

If the option described above is not exercised by either the departing general partner or the successor general partner, the departing general partner’s general partner interest and all of its or its affiliates’ incentive distribution rights will automatically convert into common units equal to the fair market value of those interests as determined by an investment banking firm or other independent expert selected in the manner described in the preceding paragraph.

In addition, we will be required to reimburse the departing general partner for all amounts due the departing general partner, including, without limitation, all employee-related liabilities, including severance liabilities incurred as a result of the termination of any employees employed for our benefit by the departing general partner or its affiliates.

Transfer of General Partner Interest

Except for transfer by our general partner of all, but not less than all, of its general partner interest to:

 

   

an affiliate of our general partner (other than an individual); or

 

   

another entity as part of the merger or consolidation of our general partner with or into another entity or the transfer by our general partner of all or substantially all of its assets to another entity,

our general partner may not transfer all or any of its general partner interest to another person prior to June 30, 2020 without the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates. As a condition of this transfer, the transferee must, among other things, assume the rights and duties of our general partner, agree to be bound by the provisions of our partnership agreement and furnish an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability and tax matters.

 

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Our general partner and its affiliates may, at any time, transfer common units or subordinated units to one or more persons, without unitholder approval, except that they may not transfer subordinated units to us.

Transfer of Ownership Interests in the General Partner

At any time, the owners of our general partner may sell or transfer all or part their ownership interests in our general partner to an affiliate or a third party without the approval of our unitholders.

Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights

Our general partner or its affiliates or a subsequent holder may (i) transfer its incentive distribution rights to an affiliate of the holder (other than an individual) or another entity as part of the merger or consolidation of such holder with or into another entity, the sale of all of the ownership interests in such holder or the sale of all or substantially all of such holder’s assets to that entity or (ii) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage, encumber, grant a lien, collateralize, or grant a security interest in the incentive distribution rights in favor of a person providing bona-fide debt financing to such holder as security or collateral for such debt financing and the transfer of incentive distribution rights in connection with exercise of any remedy of such person in connection therewith, without the prior approval of the unitholders. Prior to June 30, 2020, any other transfer of incentive distribution rights will require the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates. On or after June 30, 2020, the incentive distribution rights will be freely transferable.

Change of Management Provisions

Our partnership agreement contains specific provisions that are intended to discourage a person or group from attempting to remove Access Midstream Partners GP, L.L.C. as our general partner or from otherwise changing our management. Please read “— Withdrawal or Removal of Our General Partner” for a discussion of certain consequences of the removal of our general partner. If any person or group, other than our general partner and its affiliates, acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of units, that person or group loses voting rights on all of its units. This loss of voting rights does not apply in certain circumstances. Please read “— Meetings; Voting.”

Limited Call Right

If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more than 80% of the then-issued and outstanding limited partner interests of any class, our general partner will have the right, which it may assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates or beneficial owners thereof or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the limited partner interests of the class held by unaffiliated persons as of a record date to be selected by our general partner, on at least 10, but not more than 60, days notice. The purchase price in the event of this purchase is the greater of:

 

   

the highest price paid by our general partner or any of its affiliates for any limited partner interests of the class purchased within the 90 days preceding the date on which our general partner first mails notice of its election to purchase those limited partner interests; and

 

   

the average of the daily closing prices of the partnership securities of such class over the 20 trading days preceding the date three days before the date the notice is mailed.

As a result of our general partner’s right to purchase outstanding limited partner interests, a holder of limited partner interests may have his limited partner interests purchased at an undesirable time or a price that may be lower than market prices at various times prior to such purchase or lower than a unitholder may anticipate the market price to be in the future. The tax consequences to a unitholder of the exercise of this call right are the same as a sale by that unitholder of his common units in the market. Please read “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Disposition of Common Units.”

 

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Non-Citizen Assignees; Redemption

If our general partner, with the advice of counsel, determines we are subject to U.S. federal, state or local laws or regulations that, in the reasonable determination of our general partner, create a substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any property that we have an interest in because of the nationality, citizenship or other related status of any limited partner, then our general partner may adopt such amendments to our partnership agreement as it determines necessary or advisable to:

 

   

obtain proof of the nationality, citizenship or other related status of our member (and their owners, to the extent relevant); and

 

   

permit us to redeem the units held by any person whose nationality, citizenship or other related status creates substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any property or who fails to comply with the procedures instituted by our general partner to obtain proof of the nationality, citizenship or other related status. The redemption price in the case of such a redemption will be the average of the daily closing prices per unit for the 20 consecutive trading days immediately prior to the date set for redemption.

Non-Taxpaying Assignees; Redemption

In the event any rates that we charge our customers become regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, to avoid any adverse effect on the maximum applicable rates chargeable to customers by us, or in order to reverse an adverse determination that has occurred regarding such maximum rate, our partnership agreement provides our general partner the power to amend the agreement. If our general partner, with the advice of counsel, determines that our not being treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise taxable as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, coupled with the tax status (or lack of proof thereof) of one or more of our limited partners, has, or is reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect on the maximum applicable rates chargeable to customers by us, then our general partner may adopt such amendments to our partnership agreement as it determines necessary or advisable to:

 

   

obtain proof of the U.S. federal income tax status of our member (and their owners, to the extent relevant); and

 

   

permit us to redeem the units held by any person whose tax status has or is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the maximum applicable rates or who fails to comply with the procedures instituted by our general partner to obtain proof of the U.S. federal income tax status. The redemption price in the case of such a redemption will be the average of the daily closing prices per unit for the 20 consecutive trading days immediately prior to the date set for redemption.

Meetings; Voting

Except as described below regarding certain persons or groups owning 20% or more of any class of units then outstanding, record holders of units on the record date will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, meetings of our limited partners and to act upon matters for which approvals may be solicited.

Our general partner does not anticipate that any meeting of our unitholders will be called in the foreseeable future. Any action that is required or permitted to be taken by the unitholders may be taken either at a meeting of the unitholders or without a meeting, if consents in writing describing the action so taken are signed by holders of the number of units necessary to authorize or take that action at a meeting. Meetings of the unitholders may be called by our general partner or by unitholders owning at least 20% of the outstanding units of the class for which a meeting is proposed. Unitholders may vote either in person or by proxy at meetings. The holders of a majority of the outstanding units of the class or classes for which a meeting has been called, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum, unless any action by the unitholders requires approval by holders of a greater percentage of the units, in which case the quorum will be the greater percentage.

 

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Each record holder of a unit has a vote according to his percentage interest in us, although additional limited partner interests having special voting rights could be issued. Please read “—Issuance of Additional Interests.” However, if at any time any person or group, other than our general partner and its affiliates, or a direct or subsequently approved (at the time of transfer) transferee of our general partner or its affiliates and purchasers specifically approved by our general partner in its sole discretion, acquires, in the aggregate, beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of units then outstanding, that person or group will lose voting rights on all of its units and the units may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes. Common units held in nominee or street name account will be voted by the broker or other nominee in accordance with the instruction of the beneficial owner unless the arrangement between the beneficial owner and his nominee provides otherwise. Except as our partnership agreement otherwise provides, subordinated units will vote together with common units, as a single class.

Any notice, demand, request, report or proxy material required or permitted to be given or made to record holders of common units under our partnership agreement will be delivered to the record holder by us or by the transfer agent.

Status as Limited Partner

By transfer of common units in accordance with our partnership agreement, each transferee of common units shall be admitted as a limited partner with respect to the common units transferred when such transfer and admission are reflected in our books and records. Except as described under “—Limited Liability,” the common units will be fully paid, and unitholders will not be required to make additional contributions.

Indemnification

Under our partnership agreement, in most circumstances, we will indemnify the following persons, to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against all losses, claims, damages or similar events:

 

   

our general partner;

 

   

any departing general partner;

 

   

any person who is or was an affiliate of our general partner or any departing general partner;

 

   

any person who is or was a manager, managing member, director, officer, employee, agent, fiduciary or trustee of our partnership, our subsidiaries, our general partner, any departing general partner or any of their affiliates;

 

   

any person who is or was serving as a manager, managing member, director, officer, employee, agent, fiduciary or trustee of another person owing a fiduciary duty to us or our subsidiaries;

 

   

any person who controls our general partner or any departing general partner; and

 

   

any person designated by our general partner.

Any indemnification under these provisions will only be out of our assets. Unless our general partner otherwise agrees, it will not be personally liable for, or have any obligation to contribute or lend funds or assets to us to enable us to effectuate, indemnification. We may purchase insurance against liabilities asserted against and expenses incurred by persons for our activities, regardless of whether we would have the power to indemnify the person against liabilities under our partnership agreement.

 

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Reimbursement of Expenses

Our partnership agreement requires us to reimburse our general partner and its affiliates for all expenses they incur or payments they make on our behalf. These expenses include salary, bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to persons who perform services for us or on our behalf and expenses allocated to our general partner by its affiliates. Our general partner is entitled to determine in good faith the expenses that are allocable to us.

Books and Reports

Our general partner is required to keep appropriate books of our business at our principal offices. These books will be maintained for both tax and financial reporting purposes on an accrual basis. For tax and fiscal reporting purposes, our fiscal year is the calendar year.

We will furnish or make available to record holders of our common units, within 90 days (or such shorter time as required by SEC rules) after the close of each fiscal year, an annual report containing audited consolidated financial statements and a report on those consolidated financial statements by our independent public accountants. Except for our fourth quarter, we will also furnish or make available summary financial information within 45 days (or such shorter time as required by SEC rules) after the close of each quarter. We will be deemed to have made any such report available if we file such report with the SEC on EDGAR or make the report available on a publicly available website which we maintain.

We will furnish each record holder with information reasonably required for federal and state tax reporting purposes within 90 days after the close of each calendar year. This information is expected to be furnished in summary form so that some complex calculations normally required of partners can be avoided. Our ability to furnish this summary information to our unitholders will depend on their cooperation in supplying us with specific information. Every unitholder will receive information to assist him in determining his federal and state tax liability and in filing his federal and state income tax returns, regardless of whether he supplies us with the necessary information.

Right to Inspect Our Books and Records

Our partnership agreement provides that a limited partner can, for a purpose reasonably related to his interest as a limited partner, upon reasonable written demand stating the purpose of such demand and at his own expense, have furnished to him:

 

   

a current list of the name and last known address of each partner;

 

   

a copy of our tax returns;

 

   

information as to the amount of cash, and a description and statement of the agreed value of any other property or services, contributed or to be contributed by each partner and the date on which each partner became a partner;

 

   

copies of our partnership agreement, our certificate of limited partnership and related amendments and powers of attorney under which they have been executed;

 

   

information regarding the status of our business and our financial condition; and

 

   

any other information regarding our affairs as is just and reasonable.

Our general partner may, and intends to, keep confidential from the limited partners trade secrets or other information the disclosure of which our general partner believes in good faith is not in our best interests or that we are required by law or by agreements with third parties to keep confidential.

 

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Operating Agreement of Access MLP Operating, L.L.C.

We conduct all of our operations through Access MLP Operating, L.L.C. and its subsidiaries. Under the amended and restated limited liability company agreement of Access MLP Operating, L.L.C., the management of Access MLP Operating, L.L.C. is vested in us. As the sole member, we have the authority to cause Access MLP Operating, L.L.C. to make distributions to us, among other things, as required.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

This section is a summary of the material tax considerations that may be relevant to prospective unitholders who are individual citizens or residents of the U.S. and, unless otherwise noted in the following discussion, is the opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel to our general partner and us, insofar as it relates to legal conclusions with respect to matters of U.S. federal income tax law. This section is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), existing and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code (the “Treasury Regulations”) and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change. Later changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences described below. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to “us” or “we” are references to Access Midstream Partners, L.P. and our operating subsidiaries.

The following discussion does not comment on all federal income tax matters affecting us or our unitholders. Moreover, the discussion focuses on unitholders who are individual citizens or residents of the U.S. and has only limited application to corporations, estates, entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, trusts, nonresident aliens, U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States or other unitholders subject to specialized tax treatment, such as banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions, tax-exempt institutions, foreign persons (including, without limitation, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies and non-U.S. persons eligible for the benefits of an applicable income tax treaty with the United States), IRAs, real estate investment trusts (REITs) or mutual funds, dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities, U.S. persons whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar, persons holding their units as part of a “straddle,” “hedge,” “conversion transaction” or other risk reduction transaction, and persons deemed to sell their units under the constructive sale provisions of the Code.

In addition, the discussion only comments to a limited extent on state, local, and foreign tax consequences. Accordingly, we encourage each prospective unitholder to consult his own tax advisor in analyzing the state, local and foreign tax consequences particular to him of the ownership or disposition of common units.

No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding our status as a partnership. Instead, we will rely on opinions of Latham & Watkins LLP. Unlike a ruling, an opinion of counsel represents only that counsel’s best legal judgment and does not bind the IRS or the courts. Accordingly, the opinions and statements made herein may not be sustained by a court if contested by the IRS. Any contest of this sort with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for the common units and the prices at which common units trade. In addition, the costs of any contest with the IRS, principally legal, accounting and related fees, will result in a reduction in cash available for distribution to our unitholders and our general partner and thus will be borne indirectly by our unitholders and our general partner. Furthermore, the tax treatment of us, or of an investment in us, may be significantly modified by future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions. Any modifications may or may not be retroactively applied.

All statements as to matters of federal income tax law and legal conclusions with respect thereto, but not as to factual matters, contained in this section, unless otherwise noted, are the opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP and are based on the accuracy of the representations made by us. For the reasons described below, Latham & Watkins LLP has not rendered an opinion with respect to the following specific federal income tax issues: (i) the treatment of a unitholder whose common units are loaned to a short seller to effect a short sale of common units (please read “— Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership — Treatment of Short Sales”); (ii) whether our monthly convention for allocating taxable income and losses is permitted by existing Treasury Regulations (please read “— Disposition of Common Units — Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees”); and (iii) whether our method for taking into account Section 743 adjustments is sustainable in certain cases (please read “— Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership — Section 754 Election” and “— Uniformity of Units”).

 

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Partnership Status

A partnership is not a taxable entity and incurs no federal income tax liability. Instead, each partner of a partnership is required to take into account his share of items of income, gain, loss and deduction of the partnership in computing his federal income tax liability, regardless of whether cash distributions are made to him by the partnership. Distributions by a partnership to a partner are generally not taxable to the partnership or the partner unless the amount of cash distributed to him is in excess of the partner’s adjusted basis in his partnership interest. Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that publicly traded partnerships will, as a general rule, be taxed as corporations. However, an exception, referred to as the “Qualifying Income Exception,” exists with respect to publicly traded partnerships of which 90% or more of the gross income for every taxable year consists of “qualifying income.” Qualifying income includes income and gains derived from the transportation, processing, storage and marketing of crude oil, natural gas and products thereof. Other types of qualifying income include interest (other than from a financial business), dividends, gains from the sale of real property and gains from the sale or other disposition of capital assets held for the production of income that otherwise constitutes qualifying income. We estimate that less than 2.0% of our current gross income is not qualifying income; however, this estimate could change from time to time. Based upon and subject to this estimate, the factual representations made by us and our general partner and a review of the applicable legal authorities, Latham & Watkins LLP is of the opinion that at least 90% of our current gross income constitutes qualifying income. The portion of our income that is qualifying income may change from time to time. No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS regarding, and the IRS has made no determination as to, our status or the status of our operating subsidiaries for federal income tax purposes. Instead, we will rely on the opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP on such matters. It is the opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP that, based upon the Internal Revenue Code, its regulations, published revenue rulings and court decisions and the representations described below that:

 

   

We will be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes; and

 

   

Each of our operating subsidiaries will be treated as a partnership or will be disregarded as an entity separate from us for federal income tax purposes.

In rendering its opinion, Latham & Watkins LLP has relied on factual representations made by us and our general partner. The representations made by us and our general partner upon which Latham & Watkins LLP has relied include:

 

   

Neither we nor the operating subsidiaries has elected or will elect to be treated as a corporation; and

 

   

For each taxable year, more than 90% of our gross income has been and will be income of the type that Latham & Watkins LLP has opined or will opine is “qualifying income” within the meaning of Section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code.

We believe that these representations have been true in the past and expect that these representations will continue to be true in the future.

If we fail to meet the Qualifying Income Exception, other than a failure that is determined by the IRS to be inadvertent and that is cured within a reasonable time after discovery (in which case the IRS may also require us to make adjustments with respect to our unitholders or pay other amounts), we will be treated as if we had transferred all of our assets, subject to liabilities, to a newly formed corporation, on the first day of the year in which we fail to meet the Qualifying Income Exception, in return for stock in that corporation, and then distributed that stock to the unitholders in liquidation of their interests in us. This deemed contribution and liquidation should be tax-free to unitholders and us so long as we, at that time, do not have liabilities in excess of the tax basis of our assets. Thereafter, we would be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes.

If we were taxed as a corporation in any taxable year, either as a result of a failure to meet the Qualifying Income Exception or otherwise, our items of income, gain, loss and deduction would be reflected only on our tax

 

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return rather than being passed through to our unitholders, and our net income would be taxed to us at corporate rates. In addition, any distribution made to a unitholder would be treated as taxable dividend income, to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, or, in the absence of earnings and profits, a nontaxable return of capital, to the extent of the unitholder’s tax basis in his common units, or taxable capital gain, after the unitholder’s tax basis in his common units is reduced to zero. Accordingly, taxation as a corporation would result in a material reduction in a unitholder’s cash flow and after-tax return and thus would likely result in a substantial reduction of the value of the units. The discussion below is based on Latham & Watkins LLP’s opinion that we will be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.

Limited Partner Status

Unitholders of Access Midstream Partners, L.P. will be treated as partners of Access Midstream Partners, L.P. for federal income tax purposes. Also, unitholders whose common units are held in street name or by a nominee and who have the right to direct the nominee in the exercise of all substantive rights attendant to the ownership of their common units will be treated as partners of Access Midstream Partners, L.P. for federal income tax purposes.

A beneficial owner of common units whose units have been transferred to a short seller to complete a short sale would appear to lose his status as a partner with respect to those units for federal income tax purposes. Please read “— Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership — Treatment of Short Sales.”

Income, gain, deductions or losses would not appear to be reportable by a unitholder who is not a partner for federal income tax purposes, and any cash distributions received by a unitholder who is not a partner for federal income tax purposes would therefore appear to be fully taxable as ordinary income. These holders are urged to consult their tax advisors with respect to their tax consequences of holding common units in Access Midstream Partners, L.P.

The references to “unitholders” in the discussion that follows are to persons who are treated as partners in Access Midstream Partners, L.P. for federal income tax purposes.

Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership

Flow-Through of Taxable Income

Subject to the discussion below under “— Entity-Level Collections.” we will not pay any federal income tax. Instead, each unitholder will be required to report on his income tax return his share of our income, gains, losses and deductions without regard to whether we make cash distributions to him. Consequently, we may allocate income to a unitholder even if he has not received a cash distribution. Each unitholder will be required to include in income his allocable share of our income, gains, losses and deductions for our taxable year ending with or within his taxable year. Our taxable year ends on December 31.

Treatment of Distributions

Distributions by us to a unitholder generally will not be taxable to the unitholder for federal income tax purposes, except to the extent the amount of any such cash distribution exceeds his tax basis in his common units immediately before the distribution. Our cash distributions in excess of a unitholder’s tax basis generally will be considered to be gain from the sale or exchange of the common units, taxable in accordance with the rules described under “— Disposition of Common Units.” Any reduction in a unitholder’s share of our liabilities for which no partner, including the general partner, bears the economic risk of loss, known as “nonrecourse liabilities,” will be treated as a distribution by us of cash to that unitholder. To the extent our distributions cause a unitholder’s “at-risk” amount to be less than zero at the end of any taxable year, he must recapture any losses deducted in previous years. Please read “— Limitations on Deductibility of Losses.”

 

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A decrease in a unitholder’s percentage interest in us because of our issuance of additional common units will decrease his share of our nonrecourse liabilities, and thus will result in a corresponding deemed distribution of cash. This deemed distribution may constitute a non-pro rata distribution. A non-pro rata distribution of money or property may result in ordinary income to a unitholder, regardless of his tax basis in his common units, if the distribution reduces the unitholder’s share of our “unrealized receivables,” including depreciation recapture and/or substantially appreciated “inventory items,” each as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, and collectively, “Section 751 Assets.” To that extent, the unitholder will be treated as having been distributed his proportionate share of the Section 751 Assets and then having exchanged those assets with us in return for the non-pro rata portion of the actual distribution made to him. This latter deemed exchange will generally result in the unitholder’s realization of ordinary income, which will equal the excess of (i) the non-pro rata portion of that distribution over (ii) the unitholder’s tax basis (often zero) for the share of Section 751 Assets deemed relinquished in the exchange.

Basis of Common Units

A unitholder’s initial tax basis for his common units will be the amount he paid for the common units plus his share of our nonrecourse liabilities. That basis will be increased by his share of our income and by any increases in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities. That basis will be decreased, but not below zero, by distributions from us, by the unitholder’s share of our losses, by any decreases in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities and by his share of our expenditures that are not deductible in computing taxable income and are not required to be capitalized. A unitholder will have no share of our debt that is recourse to our general partner to the extent of the general partner’s “net value” as defined in regulations under Section 752 of the Internal Revenue Code, but will have a share, generally based on his share of profits, of our nonrecourse liabilities. Please read “— Disposition of Common Units — Recognition of Gain or Loss.”

Limitations on Deductibility of Losses

The deduction by a unitholder of his share of our losses will be limited to the tax basis in his units and, in the case of an individual unitholder, estate, trust, or corporate unitholder (if more than 50% of the value of the corporate unitholder’s stock is owned directly or indirectly by or for five or fewer individuals or some tax-exempt organizations) to the amount for which the unitholder is considered to be “at risk” with respect to our activities, if that is less than his tax basis. A common unitholder subject to these limitations must recapture losses deducted in previous years to the extent that distributions cause his at-risk amount to be less than zero at the end of any taxable year. Losses disallowed to a unitholder or recaptured as a result of these limitations will carry forward and will be allowable as a deduction to the extent that his at-risk amount is subsequently increased, provided such losses do not exceed such common unitholder’s tax basis in his common units. Upon the taxable disposition of a unit, any gain recognized by a unitholder can be offset by losses that were previously suspended by the at-risk limitation but may not be offset by losses suspended by the basis limitation. Any loss previously suspended by the at-risk limitation in excess of that gain would no longer be utilizable.

In general, a unitholder will be at risk to the extent of the tax basis of his units, excluding any portion of that basis attributable to his share of our nonrecourse liabilities, reduced by (i) any portion of that basis representing amounts otherwise protected against loss because of a guarantee, stop loss agreement or other similar arrangement and (ii) any amount of money he borrows to acquire or hold his units, if the lender of those borrowed funds owns an interest in us, is related to the unitholder or can look only to the units for repayment. A unitholder’s at-risk amount will increase or decrease as the tax basis of the unitholder’s units increases or decreases, other than tax basis increases or decreases attributable to increases or decreases in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities.

In addition to the basis and at-risk limitations on the deductibility of losses, the passive loss limitations generally provide that individuals, estates, trusts and some closely-held corporations and personal service corporations can deduct losses from passive activities, which are generally trade or business activities in which

 

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the taxpayer does not materially participate, only to the extent of the taxpayer’s income from those passive activities. The passive loss limitations are applied separately with respect to each publicly traded partnership. Consequently, any passive losses we generate will only be available to offset our passive income generated in the future and will not be available to offset income from other passive activities or investments, including our investments or a unitholder’s investments in other publicly traded partnerships, or salary or active business income. Passive losses that are not deductible because they exceed a unitholder’s share of income we generate may be deducted in full when he disposes of his entire investment in us in a fully taxable transaction with an unrelated party. The passive loss limitations are applied after other applicable limitations on deductions, including the at-risk rules and the basis limitation.

A unitholder’s share of our net income may be offset by any of our suspended passive losses, but it may not be offset by any other current or carryover losses from other passive activities, including those attributable to other publicly traded partnerships.

Limitations on Interest Deductions

The deductibility of a non-corporate taxpayer’s “investment interest expense” is generally limited to the amount of that taxpayer’s “net investment income.” Investment interest expense includes:

 

   

interest on indebtedness properly allocable to property held for investment;

 

   

our interest expense attributed to portfolio income; and

 

   

the portion of interest expense incurred to purchase or carry an interest in a passive activity to the extent attributable to portfolio income.

The computation of a unitholder’s investment interest expense will take into account interest on any margin account borrowing or other loan incurred to purchase or carry a unit. Net investment income includes gross income from property held for investment and amounts treated as portfolio income under the passive loss rules, less deductible expenses, other than interest, directly connected with the production of investment income, but generally does not include gains attributable to the disposition of property held for investment or (if applicable) qualified dividend income. The IRS has indicated that the net passive income earned by a publicly traded partnership will be treated as investment income to its unitholders. In addition, the unitholder’s share of our portfolio income will be treated as investment income.

Entity-Level Collections

If we are required or elect under applicable law to pay any federal, state, local or foreign income tax on behalf of any unitholder or our general partner or any former unitholder, we are authorized to pay those taxes from our funds. That payment, if made, will be treated as a distribution of cash to the unitholder on whose behalf the payment was made. If the payment is made on behalf of a person whose identity cannot be determined, we are authorized to treat the payment as a distribution to all current unitholders. We are authorized to amend our partnership agreement in the manner necessary to maintain uniformity of intrinsic tax characteristics of units and to adjust later distributions, so that after giving effect to these distributions, the priority and characterization of distributions otherwise applicable under our partnership agreement is maintained as nearly as is practicable. Payments by us as described above could give rise to an overpayment of tax on behalf of an individual unitholder in which event the unitholder would be required to file a claim in order to obtain a credit or refund.

Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction

In general, if we have a net profit, our items of income, gain, loss and deduction will be allocated among our general partner and the unitholders in accordance with their percentage interests in us. At any time that distributions are made to the common units in excess of distributions to the subordinated units, or incentive

 

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distributions are made to our general partner, gross income will be allocated to the recipients to the extent of these distributions. If we have a net loss, that loss will be allocated first to our general partner and the unitholders in accordance with their percentage interests in us to the extent of their positive capital accounts and, second, to our general partner.

Specified items of our income, gain, loss and deduction will be allocated to account for (i) any difference between the tax basis and fair market value of our assets at the time of an offering and (ii) any difference between the tax basis and fair market value of any property contributed to us by the general partner and its affiliates that exists at the time of such contribution, together referred to in this discussion as the “Contributed Property.” The effect of these allocations, referred to as Section 704(c) Allocations, to a unitholder purchasing common units from us in an offering will be essentially the same as if the tax bases of our assets were equal to their fair market values at the time of the offering. In the event we issue additional common units or engage in certain other transactions in the future, “reverse Section 704(c) Allocations,” similar to the Section 704(c) Allocations described above, will be made to the general partner and all of our unitholders immediately prior to such issuance or other transactions to account for the difference between the “book” basis for purposes of maintaining capital accounts and the fair market value of all property held by us at the time of such issuance or future transaction. In addition, items of recapture income will be allocated to the extent possible to the unitholder who was allocated the deduction giving rise to the treatment of that gain as recapture income in order to minimize the recognition of ordinary income by some unitholders. Finally, although we do not expect that our operations will result in the creation of negative capital accounts, if negative capital accounts nevertheless result, items of our income and gain will be allocated in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate the negative balance as quickly as possible.

An allocation of items of our income, gain, loss or deduction, other than an allocation required by the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the difference between a partner’s “book” capital account, credited with the fair market value of Contributed Property, and “tax” capital account, credited with the tax basis of Contributed Property, referred to in this discussion as the “Book-Tax Disparity,” will generally be given effect for federal income tax purposes in determining a partner’s share of an item of income, gain, loss or deduction only if the allocation has “substantial economic effect.” In any other case, a partner’s share of an item will be determined on the basis of his interest in us, which will be determined by taking into account all the facts and circumstances, including:

 

   

his relative contributions to us;

 

   

the interests of all the partners in profits and losses;

 

   

the interest of all the partners in cash flow; and

 

   

the rights of all the partners to distributions of capital upon liquidation.

Latham & Watkins LLP is of the opinion that, with the exception of the issues described in “— Section 754 Election” and “— Disposition of Common Units — Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees,” allocations under our partnership agreement will be given effect for federal income tax purposes in determining a partner’s share of an item of income, gain, loss or deduction.

Treatment of Short Sales

A unitholder whose units are loaned to a “short seller” to effect a short sale of units may be considered as having disposed of those units. If so, he would no longer be treated for tax purposes as a partner with respect to those units during the period of the loan and may recognize gain or loss from the disposition. As a result, during this period:

 

   

any of our income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to those units would not be reportable by the unitholder;

 

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any cash distributions received by the unitholder as to those units would be fully taxable; and

 

   

all of these distributions would appear to be ordinary income.

Because there is no direct or indirect controlling authority on the issue relating to partnership interests, Latham & Watkins LLP has not rendered an opinion regarding the tax treatment of a unitholder whose common units are loaned to a short seller to effect a short sale of common units; therefore, unitholders desiring to assure their status as partners and avoid the risk of gain recognition from a loan to a short seller are urged to consult a tax advisor to discuss whether it is advisable to modify any applicable brokerage account agreements to prohibit their brokers from borrowing and loaning their units. The IRS has previously announced that it is studying issues relating to the tax treatment of short sales of partnership interests. Please also read “— Disposition of Common Units — Recognition of Gain or Loss.”

Alternative Minimum Tax

Each unitholder will be required to take into account his distributive share of any items of our income, gain, loss or deduction for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. The current minimum tax rate for noncorporate taxpayers is 26% on the first $175,000 of alternative minimum taxable income in excess of the exemption amount and 28% on any additional alternative minimum taxable income. Prospective unitholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors as to the impact of an investment in units on their liability for the alternative minimum tax.

Tax Rates

Under current law, the highest marginal U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to ordinary income of individuals is 35% and the highest marginal U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains (generally, capital gains on certain assets held for more than twelve months) of individuals is 15%. These rates are scheduled to sunset after December 31, 2012, and thereafter, absent new legislation, the U.S. federal income tax rates on both ordinary income and long-term capital gains will increase. Further, such rates are subject to change by new legislation at any time.

The recently enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 is scheduled to impose a 3.8% Medicare tax on certain net investment income earned by individuals, estates and trusts for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. For these purposes, net investment income generally includes a unitholder’s allocable share of our income and gain realized by a unitholder from a sale of units. In the case of an individual, the tax will be imposed on the lesser of (i) the unitholder’s net investment income or (ii) the amount by which the unitholder’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds $250,000 (if the unitholder is married and filing jointly or a surviving spouse), $125,000 (if the unitholder is married and filing separately) or $200,000 (in any other case). In the case of an estate or trust, the tax will be imposed on the lesser of (i) undistributed net investment income, or (ii) the excess adjusted gross income over the dollar amount at which the highest income tax bracket applicable to an estate or trust begins.

Section 754 Election

We have made the election permitted by Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code. That election is irrevocable without the consent of the IRS unless there is a constructive termination of the partnership. Please read “— Disposition of Common Units — Constructive Termination.” The election will generally permit us to adjust a common unit purchaser’s tax basis in our assets (“inside basis”) under Section 743(b) of the Internal Revenue Code to reflect his purchase price. This election does not apply with respect to a person who purchases common units directly from us. The Section 743(b) adjustment belongs to the purchaser and not to other unitholders. For purposes of this discussion, the inside basis in our assets with respect to a unitholder will be considered to have two components: (i) his share of our tax basis in our assets (“common basis”) and (ii) his Section 743(b) adjustment to that basis.

 

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We have adopted the remedial allocation method as to all our properties. Where the remedial allocation method is adopted, the Treasury Regulations under Section 743 of the Internal Revenue Code require a portion of the Section 743(b) adjustment that is attributable to recovery property that is subject to depreciation under Section 168 of the Internal Revenue Code and whose book basis is in excess of its tax basis to be depreciated over the remaining cost recovery period for the property’s unamortized Book-Tax Disparity. Under Treasury Regulation Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6), a Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to property subject to depreciation under Section 167 of the Internal Revenue Code, rather than cost recovery deductions under Section 168, is generally required to be depreciated using either the straight-line method or the 150% declining balance method.

Under our partnership agreement, our general partner is authorized to take a position to preserve the uniformity of units even if that position is not consistent with these and any other Treasury Regulations. Please read “— Uniformity of Units.” We intend to take into account the portion of a Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to unrealized appreciation in the value of Contributed Property, to the extent of any unamortized Book-Tax Disparity, using a rate of depreciation or amortization derived from the depreciation or amortization method and useful life applied to the property’s unamortized Book-Tax Disparity, or treat that portion as non-amortizable to the extent attributable to property which is not amortizable. This method is consistent with the methods employed by other publicly traded partnerships but is arguably inconsistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6), which is not expected to directly apply to a material portion of our assets. To the extent this Section 743(b) adjustment is attributable to appreciation in value in excess of the unamortized Book-Tax Disparity, we will apply the rules described in the Treasury Regulations and legislative history. If we determine that this position cannot reasonably be taken, we may take a depreciation or amortization position under which all purchasers acquiring units in the same month would receive depreciation or amortization, whether attributable to common basis or a Section 743(b) adjustment, based upon the same applicable rate as if they had purchased a direct interest in our assets. This kind of aggregate approach may result in lower annual depreciation or amortization deductions than would otherwise be allowable to some unitholders. Please read “— Uniformity of Units.” A unitholder’s tax basis for his common units is reduced by his share of our deductions (whether or not such deductions were claimed on an individual’s income tax return) so that any position we take that understates deductions will overstate the common unitholder’s basis in his common units, which may cause the unitholder to understate gain or overstate loss on any sale of such units. Please read “— Disposition of Common Units — Recognition of Gain or Loss.” Latham & Watkins LLP is unable to opine as to whether our method for taking into account Section 743 adjustments is sustainable for property subject to depreciation under Section 167 of the Internal Revenue Code or if we use an aggregate approach as described above, as there is no direct or indirect controlling authority addressing the validity of these positions. Moreover, the IRS may challenge our position with respect to depreciating or amortizing the Section 743(b) adjustment we take to preserve the uniformity of the units. If such a challenge were sustained, the gain from the sale of units might be increased without the benefit of additional deductions.

A Section 754 election is advantageous if the transferee’s tax basis in his units is higher than the units’ share of the aggregate tax basis of our assets immediately prior to the transfer. In that case, as a result of the election, the transferee would have, among other items, a greater amount of depreciation deductions and his share of any gain or loss on a sale of our assets would be less. Conversely, a Section 754 election is disadvantageous if the transferee’s tax basis in his units is lower than those units’ share of the aggregate tax basis of our assets immediately prior to the transfer. Thus, the fair market value of the units may be affected either favorably or unfavorably by the election. A basis adjustment is required regardless of whether a Section 754 election is made in the case of a transfer of an interest in us if we have a substantial built-in loss immediately after the transfer, or if we distribute property and have a substantial basis reduction. Generally, a built-in loss or a basis reduction is substantial if it exceeds $250,000.

The calculations involved in the Section 754 election are complex and will be made on the basis of assumptions as to the value of our assets and other matters. For example, the allocation of the Section 743(b) adjustment among our assets must be made in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code. The IRS could seek to reallocate some or all of any Section 743(b) adjustment allocated by us to our tangible assets to goodwill instead.

 

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Goodwill, as an intangible asset, is generally nonamortizable or amortizable over a longer period of time or under a less accelerated method than our tangible assets. We cannot assure you that the determinations we make will not be successfully challenged by the IRS and that the deductions resulting from them will not be reduced or disallowed altogether. Should the IRS require a different basis adjustment to be made, and should, in our opinion, the expense of compliance exceed the benefit of the election, we may seek permission from the IRS to revoke our Section 754 election. If permission is granted, a subsequent purchaser of units may be allocated more income than he would have been allocated had the election not been revoked.

Tax Treatment of Operations

Accounting Method and Taxable Year

We use the year ending December 31 as our taxable year and the accrual method of accounting for federal income tax purposes. Each unitholder will be required to include in income his share of our income, gain, loss and deduction for our taxable year ending within or with his taxable year. In addition, a unitholder who has a taxable year ending on a date other than December 31 and who disposes of all of his units following the close of our taxable year but before the close of his taxable year must include his share of our income, gain, loss and deduction in income for his taxable year, with the result that he will be required to include in income for his taxable year his share of more than twelve months of our income, gain, loss and deduction. Please read “— Disposition of Common Units — Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees.”

Tax Basis, Depreciation and Amortization

The tax basis of our assets will be used for purposes of computing depreciation and cost recovery deductions and, ultimately, gain or loss on the disposition of these assets. The federal income tax burden associated with the difference between the fair market value of our assets and their tax basis immediately prior to an offering will be borne by our unitholders holding interests in us prior to any such offering. Please read “— Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership — Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction.”

To the extent allowable, we may elect to use the depreciation and cost recovery methods, including bonus depreciation to the extent available, that will result in the largest deductions being taken in the early years after assets subject to these allowances are placed in service. Please read “— Uniformity of Units.” Property we subsequently acquire or construct may be depreciated using accelerated methods permitted by the Internal Revenue Code.

If we dispose of depreciable property by sale, foreclosure or otherwise, all or a portion of any gain, determined by reference to the amount of depreciation previously deducted and the nature of the property, may be subject to the recapture rules and taxed as ordinary income rather than capital gain. Similarly, a unitholder who has taken cost recovery or depreciation deductions with respect to property we own will likely be required to recapture some or all of those deductions as ordinary income upon a sale of his interest in us. Please read “— Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership — Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction” and “— Disposition of Common Units — Recognition of Gain or Loss.”

The costs we incur in selling our units (called “syndication expenses”) must be capitalized and cannot be deducted currently, ratably or upon our termination. There are uncertainties regarding the classification of costs as organization expenses, which may be amortized by us, and as syndication expenses, which may not be amortized by us. The underwriting discounts and commissions we incur will be treated as syndication expenses.

Valuation and Tax Basis of Our Properties

The federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of units will depend in part on our estimates of the relative fair market values, and the initial tax bases, of our assets. Although we may from time to

 

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time consult with professional appraisers regarding valuation matters, we will make many of the relative fair market value estimates ourselves. These estimates and determinations of basis are subject to challenge and will not be binding on the IRS or the courts. If the estimates of fair market value or basis are later found to be incorrect, the character and amount of items of income, gain, loss or deductions previously reported by unitholders might change, and unitholders might be required to adjust their tax liability for prior years and incur interest and penalties with respect to those adjustments.

Disposition of Common Units

Recognition of Gain or Loss

Gain or loss will be recognized on a sale of units equal to the difference between the amount realized and the unitholder’s tax basis for the units sold. A unitholder’s amount realized will be measured by the sum of the cash or the fair market value of other property received by him plus his share of our nonrecourse liabilities. Because the amount realized includes a unitholder’s share of our nonrecourse liabilities, the gain recognized on the sale of units could result in a tax liability in excess of any cash received from the sale.

Prior distributions from us that in the aggregate were in excess of cumulative net taxable income for a common unit and, therefore, decreased a unitholder’s tax basis in that common unit will, in effect, become taxable income if the common unit is sold at a price greater than the unitholder’s tax basis in that common unit, even if the price received is less than his original cost.

Except as noted below, gain or loss recognized by a unitholder, other than a “dealer” in units, on the sale or exchange of a unit will generally be taxable as capital gain or loss. Capital gain recognized by an individual on the sale of units held for more than twelve months will generally be taxed at favorable rates. However, a portion of this gain or loss, which will likely be substantial, will be separately computed and taxed as ordinary income or loss under Section 751 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent attributable to assets giving rise to depreciation recapture or other “unrealized receivables” or to “inventory items” we own. The term “unrealized receivables” includes potential recapture items, including depreciation recapture. Ordinary income attributable to unrealized receivables, inventory items and depreciation recapture may exceed net taxable gain realized upon the sale of a unit and may be recognized even if there is a net taxable loss realized on the sale of a unit. Thus, a unitholder may recognize both ordinary income and a capital loss upon a sale of units. Capital losses may offset capital gains and no more than $3,000 of ordinary income, in the case of individuals, and may only be used to offset capital gains in the case of corporations.

The IRS has ruled that a partner who acquires interests in a partnership in separate transactions must combine those interests and maintain a single adjusted tax basis for all those interests. Upon a sale or other disposition of less than all of those interests, a portion of that tax basis must be allocated to the interests sold using an “equitable apportionment” method, which generally means that the tax basis allocated to the interest sold equals an amount that bears the same relation to the partner’s tax basis in his entire interest in the partnership as the value of the interest sold bears to the value of the partner’s entire interest in the partnership. Treasury Regulations under Section 1223 of the Internal Revenue Code allow a selling unitholder who can identify common units transferred with an ascertainable holding period to elect to use the actual holding period of the common units transferred. Thus, according to the ruling discussed above, a common unitholder will be unable to select high or low basis common units to sell as would be the case with corporate stock, but, according to the Treasury Regulations, he may designate specific common units sold for purposes of determining the holding period of units transferred. A unitholder electing to use the actual holding period of common units transferred must consistently use that identification method for all subsequent sales or exchanges of common units. A unitholder considering the purchase of additional units or a sale of common units purchased in separate transactions is urged to consult his tax advisor as to the possible consequences of this ruling and application of the Treasury Regulations.

 

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Specific provisions of the Internal Revenue Code affect the taxation of some financial products and securities, including partnership interests, by treating a taxpayer as having sold an “appreciated” partnership interest, one in which gain would be recognized if it were sold, assigned or terminated at its fair market value, if the taxpayer or related persons enter(s) into:

 

   

a short sale;

 

   

an offsetting notional principal contract; or

 

   

a futures or forward contract;

in each case, with respect to the partnership interest or substantially identical property. Moreover, if a taxpayer has previously entered into a short sale, an offsetting notional principal contract or a futures or forward contract with respect to the partnership interest, the taxpayer will be treated as having sold that position if the taxpayer or a related person then acquires the partnership interest or substantially identical property. The Secretary of the Treasury is also authorized to issue regulations that treat a taxpayer that enters into transactions or positions that have substantially the same effect as the preceding transactions as having constructively sold the financial position.

Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees

In general, our taxable income and losses will be determined annually, will be prorated on a monthly basis and will be subsequently apportioned among the unitholders in proportion to the number of units owned by each of them as of the opening of the applicable exchange on the first business day of the month, which we refer to in this prospectus as the “Allocation Date.” However, gain or loss realized on a sale or other disposition of our assets other than in the ordinary course of business will be allocated among the unitholders on the Allocation Date in the month in which that gain or loss is recognized. As a result, a unitholder transferring units may be allocated income, gain, loss and deduction realized after the date of transfer.

Although simplifying conventions are contemplated by the Internal Revenue Code and most publicly traded partnerships use similar simplifying conventions, the use of this method may not be permitted under existing Treasury Regulations as there is no direct or indirect controlling authority on this issue. Recently, the Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued proposed Treasury Regulations that provide a safe harbor pursuant to which a publicly traded partnership may use a similar monthly simplifying convention to allocate tax items among transferor and transferee unitholders, although such tax items must be prorated on a daily basis. Existing publicly traded partnerships are entitled to rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations; however, they are not binding on the IRS and are subject to change until final Treasury Regulations are issued. Accordingly, Latham & Watkins LLP is unable to opine on the validity of this method of allocating income and deductions between transferor and transferee unitholders because the issue has not been finally resolved by the IRS or the courts. If this method is not allowed under the Treasury Regulations, or only applies to transfers of less than all of the unitholder’s interest, our taxable income or losses might be reallocated among the unitholders. We are authorized to revise our method of allocation between transferor and transferee unitholders, as well as unitholders whose interests vary during a taxable year, to conform to a method permitted under future Treasury Regulations. A unitholder who owns units at any time during a quarter and who disposes of them prior to the record date set for a cash distribution for that quarter will be allocated items of our income, gain, loss and deductions attributable to that quarter but will not be entitled to receive that cash distribution.

Notification Requirements

A unitholder who sells any of his units is generally required to notify us in writing of that sale within 30 days after the sale (or, if earlier, January 15 of the year following the sale). A purchaser of units who purchases units from another unitholder is also generally required to notify us in writing of that purchase within 30 days after the purchase. Upon receiving such notifications, we are required to notify the IRS of that transaction and to

 

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furnish specified information to the transferor and transferee. Failure to notify us of a purchase may, in some cases, lead to the imposition of penalties. However, these reporting requirements do not apply to a sale by an individual who is a citizen of the U.S. and who effects the sale or exchange through a broker who will satisfy such requirements.

Constructive Termination

We will be considered to have been terminated for tax purposes if there are sales or exchanges which, in the aggregate, constitute 50% or more of the total interests in our capital and profits within a twelve-month period. For purposes of measuring whether the 50% threshold is reached, multiple sales of the same interest are counted only once. A constructive termination results in the closing of our taxable year for all unitholders. In the case of a unitholder reporting on a taxable year other than a fiscal year ending December 31, the closing of our taxable year may result in more than twelve months of our taxable income or loss being includable in his taxable income for the year of termination. A constructive termination occurring on a date other than December 31 will result in us filing two tax returns (and unitholders could receive two Schedules K-1 if the relief discussed below is not available) for one fiscal year and the cost of the preparation of these returns will be borne by all common unitholders. We would be required to make new tax elections after a termination, including a new election under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code, and a termination would result in a deferral of our deductions for depreciation. A termination could also result in penalties if we were unable to determine that the termination had occurred. Moreover, a termination might either accelerate the application of, or subject us to, any tax legislation enacted before the termination. The IRS has recently announced a publicly traded partnership technical termination relief procedure whereby if a publicly traded partnership that has technically terminated requests publicly traded partnership technical termination relief and the IRS grants such relief, among other things, the partnership will only have to provide one Schedule K-1 to unitholders for the year notwithstanding two partnership tax years.

Uniformity of Units

Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of units, we must maintain uniformity of the economic and tax characteristics of the units to a purchaser of these units. In the absence of uniformity, we may be unable to completely comply with a number of federal income tax requirements, both statutory and regulatory. A lack of uniformity can result from a literal application of Treasury Regulation Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6). Any non-uniformity could have a negative impact on the value of the units. Please read “— Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership — Section 754 Election.” We intend to take into account the portion of a Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to unrealized appreciation in the value of Contributed Property, to the extent of any unamortized Book-Tax Disparity, using a rate of depreciation or amortization derived from the depreciation or amortization method and useful life applied to the property’s unamortized Book-Tax Disparity, or treat that portion as nonamortizable, to the extent attributable to property the common basis of which is not amortizable, consistent with the regulations under Section 743 of the Internal Revenue Code, even though that position may be inconsistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6), which is not expected to directly apply to a material portion of our assets. Please read “— Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership — Section 754 Election.”

To the extent that the Section 743(b) adjustment is attributable to appreciation in value in excess of the unamortized Book-Tax Disparity, we will apply the rules described in the Treasury Regulations and legislative history. If we determine that this position cannot reasonably be taken, we may adopt a depreciation and amortization position under which all purchasers acquiring units in the same month would receive depreciation and amortization deductions, whether attributable to common basis or a Section 743(b) adjustment, based upon the same applicable rate as if they had purchased a direct interest in our assets. If this position is adopted, it may result in lower annual depreciation and amortization deductions than would otherwise be allowable to some unitholders and risk the loss of depreciation and amortization deductions not taken in the year that these deductions are otherwise allowable. This position will not be adopted if we determine that the loss of depreciation and amortization deductions will have a material adverse effect on the unitholders. If we choose not to utilize this aggregate method, we may use any other reasonable depreciation and amortization method to

 

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preserve the uniformity of the intrinsic tax characteristics of any units that would not have a material adverse effect on the unitholders. In either case, and as stated above under “— Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership — Section 754 Election,” Latham & Watkins LLP has not rendered an opinion with respect to these methods. Moreover, the IRS may challenge any method of taking into account the Section 743(b) adjustment described in this paragraph. If this challenge were sustained, the uniformity of units might be affected, and the gain from the sale of units might be increased without the benefit of additional deductions. Please read “— Disposition of Common Units — Recognition of Gain or Loss.”

Tax-Exempt Organizations and Other Investors

Ownership of units by employee benefit plans, other tax-exempt organizations, non-resident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign persons raises issues unique to those investors and, as described below to a limited extent, may have substantially adverse tax consequences to them. If you are a tax-exempt entity or a non-U.S. person, you should consult your tax advisor before investing in our common units. Employee benefit plans and most other organizations exempt from federal income tax, including individual retirement accounts and other retirement plans, are subject to federal income tax on unrelated business taxable income. Virtually all of our income allocated to a unitholder that is a tax-exempt organization will be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to it.

Non-resident aliens and foreign corporations, trusts or estates that own units will be considered to be engaged in business in the U.S. because of the ownership of units. As a consequence, they will be required to file federal tax returns to report their share of our income, gain, loss or deduction and pay federal income tax at regular rates on their share of our net income or gain. Moreover, under rules applicable to publicly traded partnerships, our quarterly distribution to foreign unitholders will be subject to withholding at the highest applicable effective tax rate. Each foreign unitholder must obtain a taxpayer identification number from the IRS and submit that number to our transfer agent on a Form W-8BEN or applicable substitute form in order to obtain credit for these withholding taxes. A change in applicable law may require us to change these procedures. In addition, because a foreign corporation that owns units will be treated as engaged in a U.S. trade or business, that corporation may be subject to the U.S. branch profits tax at a rate of 30%, in addition to regular federal income tax, on its share of our earnings and profits, as adjusted for changes in the foreign corporation’s “U.S. net equity,” that is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business. That tax may be reduced or eliminated by an income tax treaty between the U.S. and the country in which the foreign corporate unitholder is a “qualified resident.” In addition, this type of unitholder is subject to special information reporting requirements under Section 6038C of the Internal Revenue Code.

A foreign unitholder who sells or otherwise disposes of a common unit will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain realized from the sale or disposition of that unit to the extent the gain is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the foreign unitholder. Under a ruling published by the IRS, interpreting the scope of “effectively connected income,” a foreign unitholder would be considered to be engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. by virtue of the U.S. activities of the partnership, and part or all of that unitholder’s gain would be effectively connected with that unitholder’s indirect U.S. trade or business. Moreover, under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, a foreign common unitholder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax upon the sale or disposition of a common unit if (i) he owned (directly or constructively applying certain attribution rules) more than 5% of our common units at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of such disposition and (ii) 50% or more of the fair market value of all of our assets consisted of U.S. real property interests at any time during the shorter of the period during which such unitholder held the common units or the five-year period ending on the date of disposition.

Administrative Matters

Information Returns and Audit Procedures

We intend to furnish to each unitholder, within 90 days after the close of each calendar year, specific tax information, including a Schedule K-1, which describes his share of our income, gain, loss and deduction for our

 

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preceding taxable year. In preparing this information, which will not be reviewed by counsel, we will take various accounting and reporting positions, some of which have been mentioned earlier, to determine each unitholder’s share of income, gain, loss and deduction. We cannot assure you that those positions will yield a result that conforms to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations or administrative interpretations of the IRS. Neither we nor Latham & Watkins LLP can assure prospective unitholders that the IRS will not successfully contend in court that those positions are impermissible. Any challenge by the IRS could negatively affect the value of the units.

The IRS may audit our federal income tax information returns. Adjustments resulting from an IRS audit may require each unitholder to adjust a prior year’s tax liability, and possibly may result in an audit of his return. Any audit of a unitholder’s return could result in adjustments not related to our returns as well as those related to our returns.

Partnerships generally are treated as separate entities for purposes of federal tax audits, judicial review of administrative adjustments by the IRS and tax settlement proceedings. The tax treatment of partnership items of income, gain, loss and deduction are determined in a partnership proceeding rather than in separate proceedings with the partners. The Internal Revenue Code requires that one partner be designated as the “Tax Matters Partner” for these purposes. Our partnership agreement names our general partner as our Tax Matters Partner. The Tax Matters Partner has made and will make some elections on our behalf and on behalf of unitholders. In addition, the Tax Matters Partner can extend the statute of limitations for assessment of tax deficiencies against unitholders for items in our returns. The Tax Matters Partner may bind a unitholder with less than a 1% profits interest in us to a settlement with the IRS unless that unitholder elects, by filing a statement with the IRS, not to give that authority to the Tax Matters Partner. The Tax Matters Partner may seek judicial review, by which all the unitholders are bound, of a final partnership administrative adjustment and, if the Tax Matters Partner fails to seek judicial review, judicial review may be sought by any unitholder having at least a 1% interest in profits or by any group of unitholders having in the aggregate at least a 5% interest in profits. However, only one action for judicial review will go forward, and each unitholder with an interest in the outcome may participate.

A unitholder must file a statement with the IRS identifying the treatment of any item on his federal income tax return that is not consistent with the treatment of the item on our return. Intentional or negligent disregard of this consistency requirement may subject a unitholder to substantial penalties.

Additional Withholding Requirements

Withholding taxes may apply to certain types of payments made to “foreign financial institutions” (as specially defined in the Internal Revenue Code) and certain other non-United States entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding tax may be imposed on dividends on, and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our common units paid to a foreign financial institution or to a non-financial foreign entity, unless (i) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting, (ii) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any substantial United States owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner or (iii) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements in clause (i) above, it must enter into an agreement with the United States Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain United States persons or United States-owned foreign entities, annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders.

Although these rules currently apply to applicable payments made after December 31, 2012, proposed Treasury Regulations and subsequent IRS guidance provide that such rules will apply to payments of dividends made on or after January 1, 2014 and to payments of gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of common units on or after January 1, 2017. Because we may not know the extent to which a distribution is a dividend for United States federal income tax purposes at the time it is made, for purposes of these withholding rules we may treat the entire distribution as a dividend.

 

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The proposed Treasury Regulations described above will not be effective until they are issued in their final form, and as of the date of this prospectus, it is not possible to determine whether the proposed regulations will be finalized in their current form or at all. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding these withholding provisions.

Nominee Reporting

Persons who hold an interest in us as a nominee for another person are required to furnish to us:

 

   

the name, address and taxpayer identification number of the beneficial owner and the nominee;

 

   

whether the beneficial owner is:

 

   

a person that is not a U.S. person;

 

   

a foreign government, an international organization or any wholly owned agency or instrumentality of either of the foregoing; or

 

   

a tax-exempt entity;

 

   

the amount and description of units held, acquired or transferred for the beneficial owner; and

 

   

specific information including the dates of acquisitions and transfers, means of acquisitions and transfers, and acquisition cost for purchases, as well as the amount of net proceeds from dispositions.

Brokers and financial institutions are required to furnish additional information, including whether they are U.S. persons and specific information on units they acquire, hold or transfer for their own account. A penalty of $100 per failure, up to a maximum of $1,500,000 per calendar year, is imposed by the Internal Revenue Code for failure to report that information to us. The nominee is required to supply the beneficial owner of the units with the information furnished to us.

Accuracy-Related Penalties

An additional tax equal to 20% of the amount of any portion of an underpayment of tax that is attributable to one or more specified causes, including negligence or disregard of rules or regulations, substantial understatements of income tax and substantial valuation misstatements, is imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. No penalty will be imposed, however, for any portion of an underpayment if it is shown that there was a reasonable cause for that portion and that the taxpayer acted in good faith regarding that portion.

For individuals, a substantial understatement of income tax in any taxable year exists if the amount of the understatement exceeds the greater of 10% of the tax required to be shown on the return for the taxable year or $5,000 ($10,000 for most corporations). The amount of any understatement subject to penalty generally is reduced if any portion is attributable to a position adopted on the return:

 

   

for which there is, or was, “substantial authority”; or

 

   

as to which there is a reasonable basis and the pertinent facts of that position are disclosed on the return.

If any item of income, gain, loss or deduction included in the distributive shares of unitholders might result in that kind of an “understatement” of income for which no “substantial authority” exists, we must disclose the pertinent facts on our return. In addition, we will make a reasonable effort to furnish sufficient information for unitholders to make adequate disclosure on their returns and to take other actions as may be appropriate to permit unitholders to avoid liability for this penalty. More stringent rules apply to “tax shelters,” which we do not believe includes us, or any of our investments, plans or arrangements.

A substantial valuation misstatement exists if (a) the value of any property, or the adjusted basis of any property, claimed on a tax return is 150% or more of the amount determined to be the correct amount of the

 

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valuation or adjusted basis, (b) the price for any property or services (or for the use of property) claimed on any such return with respect to any transaction between persons described in Internal Revenue Code Section 482 is 200% or more (or 50% or less) of the amount determined under Section 482 to be the correct amount of such price, or (c) the net Internal Revenue Code Section 482 transfer price adjustment for the taxable year exceeds the lesser of $5 million or 10% of the taxpayer’s gross receipts. No penalty is imposed unless the portion of the underpayment attributable to a substantial valuation misstatement exceeds $5,000 ($10,000 for most corporations). If the valuation claimed on a return is 200% or more than the correct valuation or certain other thresholds are met, the penalty imposed increases to 40%. We do not anticipate making any valuation misstatements.

In addition, the 20% accuracy-related penalty also applies to any portion of an underpayment of tax that is attributable to transactions lacking economic substance. To the extent that such transactions are not disclosed, the penalty imposed is increased to 40%. Additionally, there is no reasonable cause defense to the imposition of this penalty to such transactions.

Reportable Transactions.

If we were to engage in a “reportable transaction,” we (and possibly you and others) would be required to make a detailed disclosure of the transaction to the IRS. A transaction may be a reportable transaction based upon any of several factors, including the fact that it is a type of tax avoidance transaction publicly identified by the IRS as a “listed transaction” or that it produces certain kinds of losses for partnerships, individuals, S corporations, and trusts in excess of $2 million in any single year, or $4 million in any combination of six successive tax years. Our participation in a reportable transaction could increase the likelihood that our federal income tax information return (and possibly your tax return) would be audited by the IRS. Please read “— Information Returns and Audit Procedures.”

Moreover, if we were to participate in a reportable transaction with a significant purpose to avoid or evade tax, or in any listed transaction, you may be subject to the following additional consequences:

 

   

accuracy-related penalties with a broader scope, significantly narrower exceptions, and potentially greater amounts than described above at “— Accuracy-Related Penalties”;

 

   

for those persons otherwise entitled to deduct interest on federal tax deficiencies, nondeductibility of interest on any resulting tax liability; and

 

   

in the case of a listed transaction, an extended statute of limitations.

We do not expect to engage in any “reportable transactions.”

Recent Legislative Developments

The present federal income tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships, including us, or an investment in our common units may be modified by administrative, legislative or judicial interpretation at any time. For example, from time to time, members of the U.S. Congress propose and consider substantive changes to the existing federal income tax laws that affect publicly traded partnerships. Currently, one such legislative proposal would eliminate the qualifying income exception upon which we rely for our treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Please read “— Partnership Status.” We are unable to predict whether any such changes will ultimately be enacted. However, it is possible that a change in law could affect us and may be applied retroactively. Any such changes could negatively impact the value of an investment in our units.

State, Local, Foreign and Other Tax Considerations

In addition to federal income taxes, you likely will be subject to other taxes, such as state, local and foreign income taxes, unincorporated business taxes, and estate, inheritance or intangible taxes that may be imposed by

 

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the various jurisdictions in which we do business or own property or in which you are a resident. Although an analysis of those various taxes is not presented here, each prospective unitholder should consider their potential impact on his investment in us. We currently own property or do business in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia. Many of these states impose a personal income tax on individuals; certain of these states also impose an income tax on corporations and other entities. We may also own property or do business in other jurisdictions in the future. Although you may not be required to file a return and pay taxes in some jurisdictions because your income from that jurisdiction falls below the filing and payment requirement, you will be required to file income tax returns and to pay income taxes in many of these jurisdictions in which we do business or own property and may be subject to penalties for failure to comply with those requirements. In some jurisdictions, tax losses may not produce a tax benefit in the year incurred and may not be available to offset income in subsequent taxable years. Some of the jurisdictions may require us, or we may elect, to withhold a percentage of income from amounts to be distributed to a unitholder who is not a resident of the jurisdiction. Withholding, the amount of which may be greater or less than a particular unitholder’s income tax liability to the jurisdiction, generally does not relieve a nonresident unitholder from the obligation to file an income tax return. Amounts withheld will be treated as if distributed to unitholders for purposes of determining the amounts distributed by us. Please read “— Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership —Entity-Level Collections.” Based on current law and our estimate of our future operations, our general partner anticipates that any amounts required to be withheld will not be material.

It is the responsibility of each unitholder to investigate the legal and tax consequences, under the laws of pertinent states, localities and foreign jurisdictions, of his investment in us. Accordingly, each prospective unitholder is urged to consult his own tax counsel or other advisor with regard to those matters. Further, it is the responsibility of each unitholder to file all state, local and foreign, as well as U.S. federal tax returns, that may be required of him. Latham & Watkins LLP has not rendered an opinion on the state, local or foreign tax consequences of an investment in us.

TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OWNERSHIP OF DEBT SECURITIES

A description of the material federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of debt securities will be set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to the offering of debt securities.

 

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INVESTMENT IN ACCESS MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P. BY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

An investment in us by certain employee benefit plans may be subject to additional considerations because the investments of these plans are subject to the fiduciary responsibility and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the restrictions imposed by Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code, and provisions under any federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws or regulations that are similar to such provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or ERISA (collectively, “Similar Laws”). For these purposes the term “employee benefit plan” includes, but is not limited to, qualified pension, profit-sharing and stock bonus plans, Keogh plans, simplified employee pension plans and tax deferred annuities or individual retirement accounts or annuities (“IRAs”) established or maintained by an employer or employee organization, and entities whose underlying assets are considered to include “plan assets” of such plans, accounts and arrangements.

General Fiduciary Matters

ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries of an employee benefit plan and prohibit certain transactions involving the assets of an employee benefit plan and its fiduciaries or other interested parties. Under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, any person who exercises any discretionary authority or control over the administration of an employee benefit plan or the management or disposition of the assets of such a plan, or who renders investment advice for a fee or other compensation to an employee benefit plan, is generally considered to be a fiduciary of the employee benefit plan. In considering an investment in us, among other things, consideration should be given to:

 

   

whether the investment satisfies the prudence requirements under Section 404(a)(1)(B) of ERISA;

 

   

whether in making the investment, the plan will satisfy the diversification requirements of Section 404(a)(1)(C) of ERISA;

 

   

whether the investment will result in recognition of unrelated business taxable income by the plan and, if so, the potential after-tax investment return. Please read “Material U.S. Federal Tax Consequences—Tax-Exempt Organizations and Other Investors”;

 

   

whether the investment is permitted under the terms of the applicable documents governing the plan;

 

   

whether in making the investment, the plan will be considered to hold as plan assets (1) only the investment in us or (2) an undivided interest in our underlying assets; and

 

   

whether making such an investment will comply with the delegation of control and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and any other applicable Similar Laws.

Prohibited Transaction Issues

Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code prohibit employee benefit plans from engaging in specified transactions involving “plan assets” with parties that, with respect to the plan, are “parties in interest” under ERISA or “disqualified persons” under the Internal Revenue Code unless an exemption is available. A party in interest or disqualified person who engages in a non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to excise taxes and other penalties and liabilities under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, the fiduciary of the employee benefit plan that engaged in such a non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to excise taxes, penalties and liabilities under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code.

The prohibited transaction rules are complex, and persons involved in prohibited transactions are subject to penalties. For that reason, potential employee benefit plan investors should consult with their counsel to determine the consequences under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of their acquisition and ownership of us.

Plan Asset Issues

In addition to considering whether the purchase of our units is a prohibited transaction, a fiduciary should consider whether the plan will, by investing in us, be deemed to own an undivided interest in our assets, with the

 

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result that our general partner would also be a fiduciary of such plan and our operations would be subject to the regulatory restrictions of ERISA, including its prohibited transaction rules, as well as the prohibited transaction rules of the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA and any other Similar Laws.

The Department of Labor regulations provide guidance with respect to whether, in certain circumstances, the assets of an entity in which employee benefit plans acquire equity interests would be deemed “plan assets.” Under these regulations, an entity’s assets would not be considered to be “plan assets” if, among other things:

(a) the equity interests acquired by the employee benefit plan are publicly offered securities—i.e., the equity interests are widely held by 100 or more investors independent of the issuer and each other, are “freely transferable” (as defined in the regulations) and are either part of a class registered under certain provisions of the federal securities laws or sold to the plan as part of a public offering under certain conditions;

(b) the entity is an “operating company,”—i.e., it is primarily engaged in the production or sale of a product or service, other than the investment of capital, either directly or through a majority-owned subsidiary or subsidiaries; or

(c) there is no significant investment by benefit plan investors, which is defined to mean that less than 25% of the value of each class of equity interest, disregarding certain interests held by our general partner, its affiliates and certain other persons, is held by the employee benefit plans that are subject to part 4 of Title I of ERISA (which excludes governmental plans and certain non-electing church plans) and IRAs and other similar vehicles that are subject to Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code.

With respect to an investment in us, we believe that our assets should not be considered “plan assets” under these regulations because it is expected that the investment will satisfy the requirements in (a) and (b) above and may also satisfy the requirement in (c) above (although we do not monitor the level of benefit plan investors as required for compliance with (c)).

The foregoing discussion of issues arising for employee benefit plan investments under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code is general in nature and is not intended to be all inclusive, nor should it be construed as legal advice. In light of the complexity of these rules and the excise taxes, penalties and liabilities that may be imposed on persons who engage in prohibited transactions or other violations, plan fiduciaries contemplating a purchase of our units should consult with their own counsel regarding the consequences under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code and other Similar Laws.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement may be sold in any of the following ways:

 

   

directly to one or more purchasers;

 

   

through agents;

 

   

through underwriters, brokers or dealers; or

 

   

through a combination of any of these methods of sale.

In addition, we may from time to time sell securities in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, if available, or pursuant to other available exemptions from the registration requirements under the Securities Act, rather than pursuant to this prospectus. In such event, we may be required by the securities laws of certain states to offer and sell Securities only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.

We will fix a price or prices of our securities at:

 

   

market prices prevailing at the time of any sale under this registration statement;

 

   

prices related to market prices; or

 

   

negotiated prices.

We may change the price of the securities offered from time to time.

Offers to purchase securities may be solicited directly by us and the sale thereof may be made by us directly to institutional investors or others. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We may use electronic media, including the Internet, to sell offered securities directly.

We, or agents designated by us, may directly solicit, from time to time, offers to purchase the securities. Any such agent may be deemed to be an underwriter as that term is defined in the Securities Act. We will name any agents involved in the offer or sale of the securities and describe any commissions payable by us to these agents in the prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, these agents will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of their appointment. The agents may be entitled under agreements which may be entered into with us to indemnification by us against specific civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The agents may also be our customers or may engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

If we utilize any underwriters in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will enter into an underwriting agreement with those underwriters at the time of sale to them. We will set forth the names of these underwriters and the terms of the transaction in the prospectus supplement, which will be used by the underwriters to make resales of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered to the public. We may indemnify the underwriters under the relevant underwriting agreement against specific liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The underwriters or their affiliates may be customers of, may engage in transactions with and may perform services for us or our affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

If we utilize a dealer in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will sell those securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell those securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale. We may indemnify the dealers against specific liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The dealers or their affiliates may also be our customers or may engage in transactions with, or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

 

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We may offer the common units covered by this prospectus into an existing trading market on the terms described in the prospectus supplement relating thereto. Underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in any at–the–market offerings will be described in the prospectus supplement relating thereto.

A prospectus and accompanying prospectus supplement in electronic form may be made available on the web sites maintained by the underwriters. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of securities for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Such allocations of securities for internet distributions will be made on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, securities may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell securities to online brokerage account holders.

Because the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, views our common units as interests in a direct participation program, any offering of common units under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part will be made in compliance with Rule 2310 of the FINRA Conduct Rules.

The maximum commission or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker/dealer may not be greater than 8% of the gross proceeds received by us for the sale of any securities being registered pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act.

To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time to describe a specific plan of distribution. The place and time of delivery for the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered will be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

In connection with offerings of securities under the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and in compliance with applicable law, underwriters, brokers or dealers may engage in transactions that stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at levels above those that might otherwise prevail in the open market. Specifically, underwriters, brokers or dealers may over–allot in connection with offerings, creating a short position in the securities for their own accounts. For the purpose of covering a syndicate short position or stabilizing the price of the securities, the underwriters, brokers or dealers may place bids for the securities or effect purchases of the securities in the open market. Finally, the underwriters may impose a penalty whereby selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other brokers or dealers for distribution of the securities in offerings may be reclaimed by the syndicate if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed securities in transactions to cover short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. These activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the securities, which may be higher than the price that might otherwise prevail in the open market, and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

 

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VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES

In connection with particular offerings of the securities offered in this prospectus in the future, and if stated in the applicable prospectus supplements, the validity of the issuance of certain of the securities and certain other legal matters will be passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP, Houston, Texas. The validity of certain guarantees with respect to the debt securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Hall, Estill, Hardwick, Gable, Golden & Nelson, P.C. Legal counsel to any underwriters may pass upon legal matters for such underwriters.

EXPERTS

The financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports (which each contain an explanatory paragraph stating the Partnership and Chesapeake Midstream Development, L.P. earned substantially all of its revenues and has other significant transactions with affiliated entities) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The audited historical financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 of Appalachia Midstream Services, L.L.C. included as Exhibit 99.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated February 14, 2012 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph stating that Appalachia Midstream Services, L.L.C. earned a significant amount of its revenues from an affiliate and has other significant transactions with affiliated entities) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

The audited historical financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 of Chesapeake Midstream Operating, L.L.C. included as Exhibit 99.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 12, 2012 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph stating that Chesapeake Midstream Operating, L.L.C earned a significant portion of its revenues and has other significant transactions with affiliated entities) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

LOGO

 

6,000,000 Common Units

Representing Limited Partner Interests

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

December 3, 2013

 

 

 

Citigroup