FTC Docket C-3996
elpasodo
001 0086
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
BEFORE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
COMMISSIONERS:
Robert Pitofsky, Chairman
Sheila F. Anthony
Mozelle W. Thompson
Orson Swindle
Thomas B. Leary
____________________________________
)
In the matter of
)
)
El Paso Energy Corporation,
)
Docket No. C-3996
a corporation, and
)
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The Coastal Corporation,
)
a corporation.
)
____________________________________)
DECISION AND ORDER
The Federal Trade Commission (“Commission”) having initiated an investigation of the
proposed acquisition by Respondent El Paso Energy Corporation of certain voting securities of
Respondent The Coastal Corporation and Respondents having been furnished thereafter with a
copy of a draft of Complaint that the Bureau of Competition proposed to present to the Commis-
sion for its consideration and that, if issued by the Commission, would charge Respondents with
violations of Section 7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 18, and Section 5 of the
Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 45; and
Respondents and Dominion Resources, their attorneys, and counsel for the Commission
having thereafter executed an Agreement Containing Consent Orders (“Consent Agreement”), an
admission by Respondents of all the jurisdictional facts set forth in the aforesaid draft of Com-
plaint, a statement that the signing of the Consent Agreement is for settlement purposes only and
does not constitute an admission by Respondents that the law has been violated as alleged in such
Complaint, or that the facts as alleged in such Complaint, other than jurisdictional facts, are true,
and waivers and other provisions as required by the Commission’s Rules; and
The Commission having thereafter considered the matter and having determined that it had
reason to believe that Respondents have violated the said Acts and that a Complaint should issue
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stating its charges in that respect, and having thereupon issued its Complaint and its Order to
Maintain Assets and having accepted the executed Consent Agreement and placed such Consent
Agreement on the public record for a period of thirty (30) days for the receipt and consideration
of public comments, now in further conformity with the procedure described in Commission Rule
2.34, 16 C.F.R. § 2.34, the Commission hereby makes the following jurisdictional findings and
issues the following Decision and Order (“Order”):
1. Respondent El Paso Energy Corporation is a corporation organized, existing and doing
business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware with its office and principal
place of business located at 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002.
2. Respondent The Coastal Corporation is a corporation organized, existing and doing
business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Delaware with its office and principal
place of business located at Nine Greenway Plaza, Houston, Texas 77046.
3. Dominion Resources is a corporation organized, existing and doing business under and
by virtue of the laws of the State of Virginia with its office and principal place of business located
at 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
4. The Federal Trade Commission has jurisdiction of the subject matter of this proceeding
and of the Respondents and the proceeding is in the public interest.
ORDER
I.
IT IS ORDERED that, as used in this Order, the following definitions shall apply:
A.
“El Paso” means El Paso Energy Corporation, its directors, officers, employees, agents,
representatives, successors, and assigns; its subsidiaries, divisions, groups, and affiliates
controlled by El Paso, and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents, represen-
tatives, successors, and assigns of each.
B.
“Coastal” means The Coastal Corporation, its directors, officers, employees, agents,
representatives, successors, and assigns; its subsidiaries, divisions, groups, and affiliates
controlled by Coastal, and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents, represen-
tatives, successors, and assigns of each.
C.
“Dominion Resources” means Dominion Resources, Inc., its directors, officers, employ-
ees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns; its subsidiaries, divisions, groups, and
affiliates controlled by Dominion Resources, and the respective directors, officers,
employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns of each.
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D.
“Acquisition” means the transaction described in the Agreement and Plan of Merger
between El Paso and Coastal, dated January 17, 2000, pursuant to which El Paso agreed
to acquire certain voting securities of Coastal.
E.
“Commission” means the Federal Trade Commission.
F.
“Development Area” means South Marsh Island Blocks 57 through 70, South Marsh
Island South Addition Blocks 71 through 81 and 92 through 97, Eugene Island Blocks
201 through 266, Eugene Island South Addition Blocks 267 through 311, 315 through
330, 338 through 353, 361 through 374, and 384 through 389, Ewing Bank Blocks 937
through 940 and 978 through 985, Green Canyon Blocks 8 through 15 and 54 through 59,
Ship Shoal Blocks 149 through 154, 172 through179, and 196 through 203, and Ship
Shoal South Addition Blocks 248, 249, 270 through 273, 294 through 297, 318 through
321, 341 through 346, and 362 through 365.
G.
“Duke Energy” means Duke Energy Gas Transmission Corporation, a corporation
organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of Delaware, with
its office and principal place of business located at 5400 East Heimer Court, Houston,
Texas 77056.
H.
“East Breaks Gathering Company” means East Breaks Gathering Company, L.L.C., a
limited liability company organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the
laws of Delaware, with its office and principal place of business located at 1001 Louisiana
Street, Houston, Texas 77002.
I.
“Eligible Facility” means any natural gas pipeline or related facility serving producers in
the Development Area and extending from any pipeline owned by the Green
Canyon/Tarpon Acquirer or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Green Canyon/Tarpon
Acquirer; provided, however, that “Eligible Facility” excludes (1) natural gas pipelines
extending less than two miles from any pipeline owned by the Green Canyon/Tarpon
Acquirer, or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Green Canyon/Tarpon Acquirer, immediately
after it acquires the Green Canyon/Tarpon assets and (2) facilities relating solely to such
excluded pipelines.
J.
“Empire Acquirer” means the Person that acquires the Empire Assets.
K.
“Empire Assets” means all of Coastal’s rights, title, and interest in the Empire State
Pipeline and Empire State Pipeline Company.
L.
“Empire State Pipeline” means the natural gas pipeline known as the Empire State Pipeline
that originates near Niagara, New York, and extends approximately 157 miles to its
interconnection with the facilities of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, 15 miles
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northwest of Syracuse, New York.
M.
“Empire State Pipeline Company” means the Empire State Pipeline Company, Inc., a
corporation organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of New
York, with its office and principal place of business located at 500 Renaissance Center,
Detroit, Michigan 48243.
N.
“Empire Purchase Agreement” means the Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement between
American Natural Resources Company and Westcoast Energy Enterprises (U.S.), Inc.,
dated November 6, 2000, including all related amendments, agreements, schedules,
exhibits, and appendices.
O.
“Enterprise Products” means Enterprise Products Operating L.P., a limited partnership
organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of Delaware, with
its office and principal place of business located at 2727 North Loop West, Suite 700,
Houston, Texas 77008.
P.
“Green Canyon Gathering System” means the natural gas gathering system located in the
central Gulf of Mexico consisting of approximately 68 miles of 10-inch to 20-inch
diameter pipeline that transports natural gas from South Marsh Island, Eugene Island,
Garden Banks, and Green Canyon areas to Transcontinental Gas Pipeline’s South Lateral
in South Marsh Island Block 106, and related facilities.
Q.
“Green Canyon/Tarpon Acquirer” means the Person that acquires the Green Canyon/
Tarpon Assets.
R.
“Green Canyon/Tarpon Assets” means (1) the assets listed on Exhibit A to the Green
Canyon/Tarpon Purchase Agreement, and (2) all of El Paso’s rights, title, and interest in
the Green Canyon Gathering System, Tarpon Pipeline, and Tarpon Transmission
Company.
S.
“Green Canyon/Tarpon Purchase Agreement” means the Purchase and Sale Agreement by
and among El Paso Energy Partners, L.P., Green Canyon Pipeline Company, L.P. and
Williams Field Services - Gulf Coast Company, L.P., dated December 8, 2000, including
all related amendments, agreements, schedules, exhibits, and appendices.
T.
“Guardian Pipeline” means the natural gas pipeline (with a planned initial capacity of
approximately 750 million cubic feet per day) to be constructed at a point near Joliet,
Illinois, and extending to a point near Ixonia, Wisconsin, as described in the Application of
Guardian Pipeline, L.L.C. for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity, FERC
Docket Nos. CP00-36-000, CP00-37-000, and CP00-38-000.
U.
“Guardian Interconnection” means a pipeline interconnection between MGT Pipeline and
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Guardian Pipeline at or near Joliet, Illinois, with capacity of at least 450 million cubic feet
per day of natural gas, to be constructed on commercially reasonable terms agreed to
between the MGT Acquirer and the owner or representative of the Guardian Pipeline.
V.
“Gulfstream Acquirer” means the Person that acquires the Gulfstream Assets.
W.
“Gulfstream Assets” means all of Coastal’s rights, title, and interests in the Gulfstream
Pipeline and Gulfstream Natural Gas System.
X.
“Gulfstream Confidential Information” means any information relating to the Gulfstream
Assets obtained by Respondent El Paso in the course of evaluating the Acquisition or
obtained from any Coastal employee, agent, or representative who remains or becomes
employed by Respondents, provided, however, that Gulfstream Confidential Information
shall not include information already within the public domain.
Y.
“Gulfstream Natural Gas System” means Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C., a
limited liability company organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the
laws of Delaware, with its office and principal place of business located at Nine Greenway
Plaza, Houston, Texas 77046.
Z.
“Gulfstream Pipeline” means the natural gas pipeline (with a planned initial capacity of
approximately 1.1 billion cubic feet per day) to be constructed at a point near Mobile Bay,
Alabama, and extending across the Gulf of Mexico to a point south of Tampa, Florida,
and extending on land in an easterly direction branching out to serve markets across
central and southern Florida, as described in the Application of Gulfstream Natural Gas
System, L.L.C. for Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, FERC Docket Nos.
CP00-6-000, CP00-7-000, and CP00-8-000.
AA.
“Gulfstream Purchase Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Acquisition
Agreement by and among Duke Energy Gas Transmission Corporation, Williams Gas
Pipeline Company, ANR Gulfstream, L.L.C. and Coastal Southern Pipeline Company,
dated December 8, 2000, including all related amendments, agreements, schedules,
exhibits, and appendices.
BB.
“Iroquois Assets” means all of Coastal’s rights, title, and interest in the Iroquois Gas
Transmission System.
CC.
“Iroquois Gas Transmission System” means Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P., a
limited partnership organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws
of Delaware, with its office and principal place of business located at One Corporate
Drive, Suite 600, Shelton, Connecticut 06484.
DD.
“Iroquois Pipeline” means the natural gas pipeline that originates near the United
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States/Canadian border at Waddington, New York, and extends approximately 375 miles
to Long Island, New York.
EE.
“Johnson Bayou Plant” means the production handling facility that provides liquids
separation and gas dehydration services for UTOS Pipeline System that is located at the
onshore terminus of UTOS Pipeline System in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
FF.
“Long Term Firm Transportation” means the provision of natural gas pipeline
transportation for a period greater than one year that is not subject to a prior claim by
another pipeline customer or another class of transportation service and cannot be
interrupted except in a situation of force majeure.
GG.
“Manta Ray Acquirer” means the Person that acquires the Manta Ray Assets.
HH.
“Manta Ray Assets” means all of El Paso’s rights, title, and interest in the Manta Ray
Pipeline System, Nautilus Pipeline, Nemo Pipeline System, Sailfish Pipeline Company, and
Moray Pipeline Company.
II.
“Moray Pipeline Company” means Moray Pipeline Company, L.L.C., a limited liability
company organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of
Delaware, with its office and principal place of business located at 1001 Louisiana Street,
Houston, Texas 77002.
JJ.
“Manta Ray Pipeline System” means the natural gas pipeline system known as Manta Ray
Pipeline System located in the east central Gulf of Mexico, including but not limited to,
approximately 237 miles of 12-inch to 24-inch diameter pipeline that transports natural gas
within the areas of Green Canyon, Ewing Bank, Ship Shoal, Grand Isle, and South
Timbalier areas to ANR Pipeline Company and Nautilus Pipeline Company in Ship Shoal
Block 207 and CMS Trunkline in South Timbalier Block 280 and Transcontinental Gas
Pipeline’s Southeast Louisiana lateral in Ship Shoal Block 332.
KK.
“Manta Ray Purchase Agreement” means the Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among
El Paso Energy Partners, L.P. and El Paso Energy Partners Company and Enterprise
Products Operating L.P., dated December 8, 2000, including all related amendments,
agreements, schedules, exhibits, and appendices.
LL.
“MGT Acquirer” means the Person that acquires the MGT Assets.
MM.
“MGT Assets” means all of El Paso’s rights, title, and interest in the MGT Pipeline, Mid-
western Gas Transmission Company, and Midwestern Gas Marketing Company.
NN.
“MGT Pipeline” means the natural gas pipeline known as the Midwestern Gas Transmis-
sion pipeline that originates near Portland, Tennessee, and extends approximately 350
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miles to a point near Joliet, Illinois.
OO.
“Midwestern Gas Transmission Company” means Midwestern Gas Transmission
Company, a corporation organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the
laws of Delaware, with its office and principal place of business located at 1001 Louisiana
Street, Houston, Texas 77002.
PP.
“Midwestern Gas Marketing Company” means Midwestern Gas Marketing Company, a
corporation organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of
Delaware, with its office and principal place of business located at 1001 Louisiana Street,
Houston, Texas 77002.
QQ.
“Monitor Trustee” means the Monitor Trustee appointed pursuant to Paragraph XI of this
Order.
RR.
“Nautilus Pipeline System” means the natural gas pipeline system known as Nautilus
Pipeline System located in the east central Gulf of Mexico, including but not limited to,
approximately 101 miles of 30-inch diameter pipeline that transports natural gas from the
Manta Ray junction platform in Ship Shoal Block 207 to delivery point interconnections
downstream of the outlet of the Garden City Gas Processing Plant in St. Mary Parish,
Louisiana and delivery point interconnects downstream at the outlet of the Neptune Gas
Processing Plant.
SS.
“Nemo Pipeline” means the natural gas gathering system known as Nemo Pipeline under
construction in the east central Gulf of Mexico, including but not limited to, approximately
24 miles of 20-inch diameter pipeline that will transport natural gas from the Brutus and
Glider deepwater development properties to Manta Ray Pipeline System.
TT.
“Newco” means Starfish Pipeline Company, L.L.C., a limited liability company to be
owned by Enterprise Products and Shell Gas Transmission and organized and doing
business under and by virtue of the laws of Delaware, with its office and principal place of
business located at 1301 McKinney, Suite 700, Houston, Texas 77010.
UU.
“Order to Maintain Assets” means the Order to Maintain Assets incorporated into and
made a part of the Consent Agreement.
VV.
“Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, trust,
unincorporated organization or other entity.
WW.
“Pipeline Assets” means the assets to be divested pursuant to Paragraphs II and III of this
Order.
XX.
“Respondents” means El Paso and Coastal, individually and collectively.
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YY.
“Restricted Development Area” means those portions of the Development Area to the
south or southwest of Tarpon, including areas to the south or southwest of Tarpon in the
following blocks: Ewing Bank Blocks 937 through 940, and 978 through 985, Green
Canyon Blocks 8 through 15, and 54 through 59, Ship Shoal South Addition Blocks 273,
294 through 297, 318 through 321, 341 through 346, and 362 through 365, and Eugene
Island South Addition Blocks 323, 324, 343 through 345, 346 through 350, 361 through
374, and 384 through 389.
ZZ.
“Sailfish Pipeline Company” means Sailfish Pipeline Company, L.L.C., a limited liability
company organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of
Delaware, with its office and principal place of business located at 1001 Louisiana Street,
Houston, Texas 77002.
AAA.
“Shell Gas Transmission” means Shell Gas Transmission, L.L.C., a limited liability
company organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of
Delaware, with its office and principal place of business located at 1301 McKinney, Suite
700, Houston, Texas 77010.
BBB. “Stingray Acquirer” means the Person that acquires the Stingray Assets.
CCC.
“Stingray Assets” means all of El Paso’s rights, title, and interest in the Stingray Pipeline
System, West Cameron Dehydration Facility, Stingray Pipeline Company, West Cameron
Dehydration Company, and East Breaks Gathering Company.
DDD. “Stingray Pipeline Company” means Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C., a limited liability
company organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of
Delaware, with its office and principal place of business located at 1001 Louisiana Street,
Houston, Texas 77002.
EEE.
“Stingray Pipeline System” means the natural gas pipeline system known as Stingray
Pipeline located in the central Gulf of Mexico, including but not limited to, approximately
325 miles of 6-inch to 36-inch diameter pipeline that transports natural gas from the High
Island, West Cameron, East Cameron, Vermilion, and Garden Banks areas to onshore
transmission systems at Holly Beach and Cameron Parish, Louisiana, and eighteen former
NGPL laterals connected to the Stingray Pipeline and located in the East Cameron,
Vermilion, and West Cameron areas.
FFF.
“Stingray Purchase Agreement” means the Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among
Deepwater Holdings, L.L.C, and Enterprise Products Operating L.P., Shell Gas Trans-
mission, L.L.C., and Newco, L.L.C., dated December 8, 2000, including all related
amendments, agreements, schedules, exhibits, and appendices.
GGG. “Tarpon Pipeline” means the natural gas gathering system known as Tarpon located in the
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central Gulf of Mexico, including but not limited to, approximately 40 miles of 16-inch
diameter pipeline that extends from Trunkline at Ship Shoal Block 274 to the Eugene
Island area of the Gulf.
HHH. “Tarpon Transmission Company” means the Tarpon Transmission Company, a
corporation organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of
Texas, with its office and principal place of business located at 1001 Louisiana Street,
Houston, Texas 77002.
III.
“Transitional Pipelines” means the Empire State Pipeline, MGT Pipeline, Stingray Pipeline
System, and UTOS Pipeline, individually and collectively.
JJJ.
“UTOS Acquirer” means the Person that acquires the UTOS Assets.
KKK. “UTOS Assets” means all of El Paso’s rights, title, and interest in the UTOS Pipeline,
Johnson Bayou Plant, and U-T Offshore System.
LLL.
“U-T Offshore System” means U-T Offshore System, L.L.C., a limited liability company
organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of Delaware, with
its office and principal place of business located at 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas
77002.
MMM. “UTOS Pipeline” means the system known as the U-T Offshore System located in the
Gulf of Mexico, including but not limited to, approximately 30 miles of 42-inch diameter
pipeline that transports natural gas from an interconnection with the HIOS system at West
Cameron Block 167 to the Johnson Bayou Plant.
NNN. “West Cameron Dehydration Facility” means the dehydration facility located at Holly
Beach, Cameron Parish, Louisiana, and connected to the onshore terminus of Stingray
Pipeline System at Holly Beach, and related facilities.
OOO. “West Cameron Dehydration Company” means West Cameron Dehydration Company,
L.L.C., a limited liability company organized, existing and doing business under and by
virtue of the laws of Delaware, with its office and principal place of business located at
1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002.
PPP.
“Westcoast Energy” means Westcoast Energy, Inc., a corporation organized, existing and
doing business under and by virtue of the laws of Canada, with its office and principal
place of business located at 1333 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada V8E 3K0.
QQQ. “Williams Field Services” means Williams Field Services - Gulf Coast Company LP, a
Delaware limited partnership organized, existing and doing business under and by virtue of
the laws of Delaware, with its office and principal place of business located at 1800 South
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Baltimore, Tulsa, OK 74119.
RRR.
“Williams Gas Pipeline” means Williams Gas Pipeline Company, a corporation organized,
existing and doing business under and by virtue of the laws of Delaware, with its office
and principal place of business located at 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, Texas
77056.
II.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
Respondents shall divest, absolutely and in good faith:
1.
The Gulfstream Assets to Williams Gas Pipeline and Duke Energy, in accordance
with the Gulfstream Purchase Agreement (which agreement shall not be construed
to vary from or contradict the terms of this Order), no later than twenty days from
the date the Commission accepts the Consent Agreement for public comment;
2.
The Empire Assets to Westcoast Energy, in accordance with the Empire Purchase
Agreement (which agreement shall not be construed to vary from or contradict the
terms of this Order). If, at the time the Commission determines to make this Order
final, the Commission determines that Westcoast Energy is not acceptable as the
Empire Acquirer or that the Empire Purchase Agreement is not an acceptable
manner of divestiture, and so notifies Respondents, Respondents shall immediately
terminate the Empire Purchase Agreement and divest the Empire Assets, at no
minimum price, to another Person that receives the prior approval of the
Commission and in a manner that receives the prior approval of the Commission.
Respondents shall divest to Westcoast or such Person no earlier than the date this
Order becomes final and no later than ten days after the later of (1) the date this
Order becomes final or (2) the date Respondents receive approval from the New
York Public Service Commission, and in any event, no later than 150 days from
the date this Order becomes final;
3.
The Green Canyon/Tarpon Assets to Williams Field Services, in accordance with
the Green Canyon/Tarpon Purchase Agreement (which agreement shall not be
construed to vary from or contradict the terms of this Order), no later than twenty
days from the date the Commission accepts the Consent Agreement for public
comment;
4.
The Manta Ray Assets to Enterprise Products, in accordance with the Manta Ray
Purchase Agreement (which agreement shall not be construed to vary from or
contradict the terms of this Order), no later than twenty days from the date the
Commission accepts the Consent Agreement for public comment;
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5.
The Stingray Assets to Enterprise Products, Shell Gas Transmission, and Newco,
in accordance with the Stingray Purchase Agreement (which agreement shall not
be construed to vary from or contradict the terms of this Order), no later than
twenty days from the date the Commission accepts the Consent Agreement for
public comment; and
6.
Each of the assets described in Paragraph II.A. of this Order shall be divested
pursuant to and in accordance with the corresponding purchase agreement, which
agreement shall be incorporated by reference into this Order and made a part
hereof. Any failure by Respondents to comply with any term of any such purchase
agreement shall constitute a failure to comply with this Order;
Provided, however, that if Respondents have divested any of the assets described in
Paragraphs II.A.1., II.A.3., II.A.4., and II.A.5. prior to the date this Order becomes final,
and if, at the time the Commission determines to make this Order final, the Commission
determines that any acquirer identified in Paragraphs II.A.1., II.A.3., II.A.4., and II.A.5. is
not acceptable as the acquirer of the corresponding assets or that the corresponding
purchase agreement is not an acceptable manner of divestiture, and so notifies
Respondents, Respondents shall immediately rescind the applicable purchase agreement
and divest the assets, at no minimum price, to another Person that receives the prior
approval of the Commission and in a manner that receives the prior approval of the
Commission, no later than 120 days from the date this Order becomes final.
B.
The purpose of the divestiture of the assets described in Paragraph II.A. of this Order is to
ensure the continued use of the assets in the same businesses in which such assets were
engaged at the time of the announcement of the proposed Acquisition by Respondents and
to remedy the lessening of competition alleged in the Commission’s complaint.
III.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
1.
Respondents shall divest at no minimum price, absolutely and in good faith the
Iroquois Assets only to an acquirer or acquirers that receive the prior approval of
the Commission and only in a manner that receives the prior approval of the
Commission, no later than ninety days from the date the Commission accepts the
Consent Agreement for public comment; provided, however, that Respondents
shall not divest more than an 8.72% partnership interest in Iroquois Gas
Transmission System to Dominion Resources;
2.
If Dominion Resources acquires a partnership interest in Iroquois Gas Transmis-
sion System pursuant to this Order, Dominion Resources shall not, for a period of
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ten years following such acquisition, acquire any additional interest, in whole or in
part, in Iroquois Gas Transmission System, without providing advance written
notification to the Commission.
B.
Respondents shall divest at no minimum price, absolutely and in good faith the MGT
Assets only to an acquirer that receives the prior approval of the Commission and only in a
manner that receives the prior approval of the Commission, no later than 120 days from
the date the Commission accepts the Consent Agreement for public comment; provided,
however, that Respondents shall include and enforce a provision in the purchase
agreement between Respondents and the MGT Acquirer requiring the MGT Acquirer to
complete the Guardian Interconnection no later than the in-service date of the Guardian
Pipeline.
C.
Respondents shall divest at no minimum price, absolutely and in good faith the UTOS
Assets only to an acquirer that receives the prior approval of the Commission and only in a
manner that receives the prior approval of the Commission, no later than April 1, 2001.
D.
The purpose of the divestiture of the assets described in Paragraph III of this Order is to
ensure the continued use of the assets in the same businesses in which such assets were
engaged at the time of the announcement of the proposed Acquisition by Respondents and
to remedy the lessening of competition alleged in the Commission’s complaint.
IV.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that between the date Respondents sign the Consent
Agreement and the date the Pipeline Assets are completely divested pursuant to Paragraphs II and
III of this Order, Respondents shall:
A.
Maintain the Pipeline Assets in substantially the same condition (except for normal wear
and tear) existing on the date Respondents sign the Consent Agreement and shall continue
to take such action that is consistent with the past practices of Respondents and is taken in
the ordinary course of the normal day-to-day operations of Respondents.
B.
Use their best efforts to keep available the services of the current officers, employees, and
agents relating to the Pipeline Assets; and maintain the relations and goodwill with
suppliers, customers, landlords, creditors, employees, agents, and others having business
relationships with the Pipeline Assets.
C.
Preserve the Pipeline Assets intact as ongoing businesses and not take any affirmative
action, or fail to take any action within their control, as a result of which the viability,
competitiveness, and marketability of the Pipeline Assets would be diminished.
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V.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
In connection with the divestitures required by Paragraphs II.A.2, II.A.5., III.B. and
III.C. of this Order, Respondents shall provide services at the request of the applicable
acquirer sufficient to operate the Transitional Pipelines pursuant to the following terms
and conditions:
1.
Respondents shall operate the Transitional Pipelines and provide related services
on behalf of each pipeline’s respective acquirer in a manner consistent with
Respondents’ past practices for a period up to nine months for each pipeline from
the date Respondents divest such pipeline;
2.
Respondents shall use their best efforts to transfer the operation of the Transitional
Pipelines from Respondents to each applicable acquirer no later than nine months
from the date Respondents divest each pipeline;
3.
From the date they divest each of the Transitional Pipelines, Respondents shall
have no role in negotiating or setting rates, terms or conditions of service, making
expansion or interconnection decisions, or marketing any services relating to the
transportation of natural gas (or related products) through each of the Transitional
Pipelines; provided, however, that Respondents, in providing transitional services
may assist in submitting any necessary regulatory filings and facilitating expansions
or interconnections;
4.
Respondents shall (i) use all information obtained in the course of operating the
Transitional Pipelines solely to fulfill Respondents’ obligations under this
Paragraph V.A., and (ii) make available such information only to those persons
employed by Respondents having a need to know and who agree in writing to
maintain the confidentiality of such information; and
5.
Respondents shall provide the services required by this Paragraph V.A. to any
applicable acquirer for a fee agreed to by Respondents and acquirer and included in
the applicable purchase agreement.
B.
In connection with the divestitures required by Paragraphs II and III of this Order,
Respondents shall provide each acquirer of the Pipeline Assets an opportunity to transfer
employment relationships from Respondents to the acquirer, pursuant to the following
terms and conditions:
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1.
Respondents shall provide each acquirer an opportunity to enter into an
employment contract with each individual identified in the purchase agreement
between Respondents and the acquirer (hereinafter “Key Employee”);
2.
Respondents shall allow the acquirer to inspect the personnel files and other
documentation relating to each Key Employee, to the extent permissible under
applicable laws, no later than ten days before the date the applicable assets are
divested;
3.
Respondents shall take steps to cause each Key Employee to accept an offer of
employment from the acquirer (such as payment of all current and accrued benefits
and pensions, to which the employees are entitled). To incentivize each Key
Employee to accept such an offer, Respondents shall pay a bonus to each Key
Employee who accepts an offer of employment on or prior to the date of
divestiture of the applicable assets and remains employed by the applicable
acquirer for a period of twelve months (eighteen months if employed by the
Gulfstream Acquirer), equal to 25% of the Key Employee’s current annual salary
and commissions (including any annual bonuses) as of November 1, 2000;
4.
Respondents shall not interfere with the employment by the acquirer of any Key
Employee; not offer any incentive to any Key Employee to decline employment
with the acquirer; and shall remove any contractual impediments with Respondents
that may deter any Key Employee from accepting employment with the acquirer,
including, but not limited to, any non-compete or confidentiality provisions of
employment or other contracts with Respondents that would affect the ability of
the Key Employee to be employed by the acquirer; and
5.
For a period of one year from the date this Order becomes final, Respondents shall
not, without the consent of the acquirer, directly or indirectly, hire or enter into
any arrangement for the services of any Key Employee employed by the acquirer,
unless the Key Employee’s employment has been terminated by the acquirer
without the Key Employee’s consent.
C.
1.
Respondents shall provide consulting services at the request of the Gulfstream
Acquirer, for a fee not to exceed Respondents’ costs of direct material and labor,
for a period beginning from the date Respondents sign the Consent Agreement to
the in-service date of the Gulfstream Pipeline, relating to any aspect of the Gulf-
stream Pipeline and furnished by any one or more individuals identified in the
Gulfstream Purchase Agreement;
2.
Unless otherwise compelled by law, Respondents shall not provide, disclose or
otherwise make available any Gulfstream Confidential Information to any Person
(including any of Respondents’ employees, agents, or representatives) and shall
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not use any Gulfstream Confidential Information for any reason or purpose (except
in the course of providing consulting services to the Gulfstream Acquirer), and
shall enforce the terms of this Paragraph V.C.2. as to any Person and take such
action to the extent necessary to cause each such Person to comply with the terms
of this Paragraph V.C.2., including all actions that Respondents would take to
protect their own trade secrets and confidential information; and
3.
Respondents shall not enter into any agreement to acquire any rights to Long Term
Firm Transportation on the Gulfstream Pipeline except that nothing in this
Paragraph V.C.3. shall preclude Respondents from acquiring Long Term Firm
Transportation to serve the peak day needs of any planned or existing power plant
of Respondent El Paso, or any other Long Term Firm Transportation where
Respondent El Paso is the end user of the natural gas, and Respondent El Paso
may release capacity so obtained so long as the term of the release is less than one
year.
D.
In connection with the divestiture required by Paragraph II.A.3. of this Order,
Respondents shall pay to the Commission the sum of $40 million, no later then ten days
from the date Respondents divest the Green Canyon/Tarpon Assets, pursuant to the
following terms and conditions:
1.
The funds paid to the Commission shall be deposited into an interest-bearing
account (“Development Fund”) administered by the Commission (which may
designate an agent to administer the Development Fund) to be used in a manner
consistent with this Paragraph V.D.;
2.
Funds from the Development Fund (including earnings, but excluding costs of
administration which shall be paid from the Development Fund) shall be made
available to reimburse the Green Canyon/Tarpon Acquirer for the direct costs of
constructing any Eligible Facility; provided, however, that no more than $15
million shall be made available for construction in the Restricted Development
Area;
3.
The Green Canyon/Tarpon Acquirer may seek reimbursement for no more than the
total direct costs of constructing, extending or expanding any Eligible Facility;
4.
For each construction project for which the Green Canyon/Tarpon Acquirer may
seek reimbursement from the Development Fund, the Green Canyon/Tarpon
Acquirer shall (i) maintain records relating to the design and cost of the project
and sufficient to identify all project expenditures and recipients of expenditures,
and (ii) make available such records upon request to the Monitor Trustee or to
representatives of the Commission;
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5.
To obtain reimbursement from the Development Fund, the Green Canyon/ Tarpon
Acquirer shall make a written request to the Monitor Trustee, state the amount of
reimbursement requested, provide a description of how the expenditures for which
reimbursement is sought were made, and include an attestation that the
reimbursement will not be inconsistent with the use of the Development Fund
permitted by this Paragraph;
6.
The Monitor Trustee shall have full authority to review the written request
submitted by the Green Canyon/Tarpon Acquirer, request any additional
information that may be necessary to determine whether the conditions imposed by
this Paragraph V.D. for reimbursement has been met (to which the Green Can-
yon/Tarpon Acquirer shall promptly respond), and report to the Commission,
provided, however, that no funds from the Development Fund shall be paid
without approval by a duly authorized representative of the Commission;
7.
The Monitor Trustee shall (i) not disclose any information received from the Green
Canyon/Tarpon Acquirer to Respondents, (ii) maintain records of all information
submitted by the Green Canyon/Tarpon Acquirer, and (iii) make available such
records upon request to representatives of the Commission;
8.
Funds for reimbursement of the Green Canyon/Tarpon Acquirer shall be made
available from the Development Fund for a period of up to twenty years from the
time the Development Fund is created at the end of which all funds remaining in
the Development Fund shall be paid to Respondent El Paso; and
9.
The Commission may on its own initiative or at the request of the Monitor Trustee
issue such additional orders or directions as may be necessary or appropriate to
assure compliance with this Paragraph.
For purposes of this Paragraph V., “direct costs” means costs of direct material and labor,
and variable overhead incurred in construction, but excluding administrative and general
costs allocable to the Green Canyon/Tarpon Acquirer.
E.
In connection with any of the divestitures required by Paragraphs II.A.1., II.A.2., and
III.B. of this Order, from the date Respondents sign the Consent Agreement until
Respondents have divested the applicable pipeline, Respondents shall not enter into any
agreement to acquire any rights to Long Term Firm Transportation on the Gulfstream
Pipeline, Empire State Pipeline, or MGT Pipeline.
VI.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that between the date Respondents sign the Consent
Agreement and the date the Iroquois Assets are divested, Respondents shall not serve on any
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committee of Iroquois Gas Transmission System, attend any meeting of any such committee,
exercise any vote as a partner in Iroquois Gas Transmission System or receive any information
from Iroquois Gas Transmission System not made available to all shippers or to the public at
large; provided, however, that Respondents shall vote (i) in favor of any expansion of the Iroquois
Pipeline, (ii) in favor of the divestiture of the Iroquois Assets, and (iii) to create unanimity when
unanimous action by all partners of a block within Iroquois Gas Transmission System is required
and Respondents’ vote is necessary to create unanimity; provided, further, that a representative of
Respondents may observe meetings of any management committee and may receive and use
nonpublic information of Iroquois Gas Transmission System solely for the purpose of effectuating
the divestiture of the Iroquois Assets pursuant to this Order. Said representative shall be
identified to the Commission, shall not divulge any nonpublic Iroquois Gas Transmission System
information to Respondents (other than employees of Respondents whose sole responsibility is to
effectuate the divestiture, and agents of Respondents specifically retained for the purpose of
effectuating the divestiture), and shall acknowledge these obligations in writing to the
Commission.
VII.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that for a period of ten years from the date this Order
becomes final, Respondents shall not, without providing advance written notification to the
Commission:
A.
Acquire, directly or indirectly, through subsidiaries or otherwise, any leasehold, ownership
interest, or any other interest, in whole or in part, in any of the Pipeline Assets.
B.
Enter into any agreement that would result in Respondents holding any rights to Long
Term Firm Transportation greater than 100,000 dekatherms per day on the Empire
Pipeline or 100,000 dekatherms per day on the MGT Pipeline, except that any amount
acquired to serve the peak day needs of any planned or existing power plant of
Respondent El Paso, or any other Long Term Firm Transportation where Respondent El
Paso is the end user of the natural gas shall not be included in calculating the 100,000
dekatherms per day limitation.
VIII.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
The prior notification required by Paragraphs III.A.2. and VII.A. of this Order shall be
given on the Notification and Report Form set forth in the Appendix to Part 803 of Title
16 of the Code of Federal Regulations as amended (hereinafter referred to as “the
Notification”), and shall be prepared and transmitted in accordance with the requirements
of that part, except that no filing fee will be required for any such notification, notification
shall be filed with the Secretary of the Commission, notification need not be made to the
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United States Department of Justice, and notification is required only of the acquiring
party and not of any other party to the transaction. The acquiring party shall provide the
Notification to the Commission at least thirty (30) days prior to consummating the
transaction (hereinafter referred to as the “first waiting period”). If, within the first
waiting period, representatives of the Commission make a written request for additional
information or documentary material (within the meaning of 16 C.F.R. § 803.20), the
acquiring party shall not consummate the transaction until twenty days (or such other
duration that may hereinafter be determined by amendment to Section 7A of the Clayton
Act, 15 U.S.C. 18a, as the second waiting period) after submitting such additional
information or documentary material. Early termination of the waiting periods in this
Paragraph may be requested and, where appropriate, granted by letter from the Bureau of
Competition. Provided, however, that prior notification shall not be required by this
Paragraph for a transaction for which notification is required to be made, and has been
made, pursuant to Section 7A of the Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. 18a.
B.
The prior notification required by Paragraph VII.B. of this Order shall be provided in
writing to the Commission at least twenty days prior to consummating the transaction and
shall set forth the principal terms of the agreement, including the name of the pipeline on
which the Long Term Firm Transportation rights are being acquired, identity of the seller,
the volume to be acquired, the length of the contract, the date of expected execution, the
receipt and delivery points, and the price.
IX.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondents shall not:
A.
Engage in any unfair or deceptive act or practice that would prevent, hinder, or delay the
construction or approval of the Guardian Pipeline;
B.
Take any affirmative action, directly or indirectly, or fail to take any action the result of
which would prevent, hinder, or delay completion of the Guardian Interconnection; or
C.
Fail to publicly disclose to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Public
Service Commission of Wisconsin funding by Respondents of third-party efforts to oppose
the Guardian Pipeline.
X.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondents shall provide a copy of this Order (i) to
each of Respondent’s officers, employees, or agents having managerial responsibility for any of
Respondent’s obligations under Paragraphs II through XIV of this Order, no later than ten days
after Respondents sign the Consent Agreement, and (ii) subsequent to the date the Commission
accepts the Consent Agreement for public comment, to any Person who Respondents propose to
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acquire any of the assets to be divested pursuant to Paragraph III of this Order, prior to executing
a purchase agreement with such proposed acquirer.
XI.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
At any time after Respondents sign the Consent Agreement, the Commission may appoint
one or more Persons to serve as Monitor Trustee to ensure that Respondents
expeditiously perform their obligations as required by this Order and the Order to
Maintain Assets.
B.
If a Monitor Trustee is appointed pursuant to this Paragraph XI, Respondents shall
consent to the following terms and conditions regarding the powers, duties, authorities,
and responsibilities of the Monitor Trustee:
1.
The Commission shall select the Monitor Trustee, subject to the consent of
Respondents, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. If Respondents
have not opposed in writing, including the reasons for opposing, the selection of
any proposed trustee within ten business days after notice by the staff of the
Commission to Respondents of the identity of any proposed trustee, Respondents
shall be deemed to have consented to the selection of the proposed trustee.
2.
The Monitor Trustee shall have the power and authority (i) to monitor
Respondents’ compliance with the terms of this Order and the Order to Maintain
Assets and (ii) to perform the responsibilities required by Paragraph V.D. of this
Order, and shall exercise such power and authority and carry out the duties and
responsibilities of the Monitor Trustee in a manner consistent with the purposes of
this Order and the Order to Maintain Assets and in consultation with the
Commission.
3.
Within ten business days after appointment of the Monitor Trustee, Respondents
shall execute a trust agreement that, subject to the approval of the Commission,
confers on the Monitor Trustee all the rights and powers necessary to permit the
Monitor Trustee to monitor Respondents’ compliance with the terms of this Order
and the Order to Maintain Assets in a manner consistent with the purposes of these
orders. Respondents may require the Monitor Trustee to sign a confidentiality
agreement prohibiting the use, or disclosure to anyone other than the Commission,
of any competitively sensitive or proprietary information gained as a result of his
or her role as Monitor Trustee.
4.
The Monitor Trustee shall serve until Respondents have completed all obligations
under this Order and the Order to Maintain Assets.
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5.
The Monitor Trustee shall have full and complete access to Respondents’ books,
records, documents, personnel, facilities and technical information relating to
compliance with this Order and Order to Maintain Assets, or to any other relevant
information, as the Monitor Trustee may reasonably request. Respondents shall
cooperate with any reasonable request of the Monitor Trustee. Respondents shall
take no action to interfere with or impede the Monitor Trustee's ability to monitor
Respondents’ compliance with this Order and Order to Maintain Assets.
6.
The Monitor Trustee shall serve, without bond or other security, at the expense of
Respondents, on such reasonable and customary terms and conditions as the
Commission may set. The Monitor Trustee shall have authority to employ, at the
expense of Respondents, such consultants, accountants, attorneys and other
representatives and assistants as are reasonably necessary to carry out the Monitor
Trustee's duties and responsibilities. The Monitor Trustee shall account for all
expenses incurred, including fees for his or her services, subject to the approval of
the Commission.
7.
Respondents shall indemnify the Monitor Trustee and hold the Monitor Trustee
harmless against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arising out of,
or in connection with, the performance of the Monitor Trustee's duties (including
the duties of the Monitor Trustee’s employees), including all reasonable fees of
counsel and other expenses incurred in connection with the preparation for, or
defense of, any claim whether or not resulting in any liability, except to the extent
that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses result from gross
negligence, willful or wanton acts, or bad faith by the Monitor Trustee.
8.
If at any time the Commission determines that the Monitor Trustee has ceased to
act or failed to act diligently, or is unwilling or unable to continue to serve, the
Commission may appoint a substitute to serve as Monitor Trustee in the same
manner as provided in this Paragraph XI.
9.
The Commission may on its own initiative or at the request of the Monitor Trustee
issue such additional orders or directions as may be necessary or appropriate to
assure compliance with the requirements of this Order and Order to Maintain
Assets.
10.
The Monitor Trustee shall report in writing to the Commission concerning
Respondents’ compliance with this Order and Order to Maintain Assets every sixty
days for a period of six months from the date Respondents sign the Consent
Agreement and annually thereafter on the anniversary of the date this Order
becomes final during the remainder of the Monitor Trustee’s period of
appointment, and at such other time as representatives of the Commission may
21
request.
XII.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:
A.
If Respondents have not divested, absolutely and in good faith any of the Pipeline Assets
within the time and manner required by Paragraphs II and III of this Order, the
Commission may at any time appoint one or more persons as trustee to divest such assets.
B.
In the event that the Commission or the Attorney General brings an action pursuant to
§ 5(l) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45(l), or any other statute
enforced by the Commission, Respondents shall consent to the appointment of a trustee in
such action. Neither the appointment of a trustee nor a decision not to appoint a trustee
under this Paragraph XII shall preclude the Commission or the Attorney General from
seeking civil penalties or any other relief available to it, including a court-appointed
trustee, pursuant to § 5(l) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, or any other statute
enforced by the Commission, for any failure by the Respondents to comply with this
Order.
C.
If a trustee is appointed by the Commission or a court pursuant to this Paragraph XII,
Respondents shall consent to the following terms and conditions regarding the trustee's
powers, duties, authority, and responsibilities:
1.
The Commission shall select the trustee, subject to the consent of the Respondents,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The trustee shall be a person
with experience and expertise in acquisitions and divestitures and may be the same
person as the Monitor Trustee appointed pursuant to Paragraph XI of this Order.
If Respondents have not opposed, in writing, including the reasons for opposing,
the selection of any proposed trustee within ten business days after receipt of
written notice by the staff of the Commission to Respondents of the identity of any
proposed trustee, Respondents shall be deemed to have consented to the selection
of the proposed trustee.
2.
Subject to the prior approval of the Commission, the trustee shall have the
exclusive power and authority to effect the divestiture for which he or she has been
appointed.
3.
Within ten business days after appointment of the trustee, Respondents shall
execute a trust agreement that, subject to the prior approval of the Commission
22
and, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, of the court, transfers to the trustee
all rights and powers necessary to permit the trustee to effect the divestiture for
which he or she has been appointed.
4.
The trustee shall have twelve months from the date the Commission approves the
trust agreement described in Paragraph XII.C. to accomplish the divestiture, which
shall be subject to the prior approval of the Commission. If, however, at the end
of the twelve-month period the trustee has submitted a plan of divestiture or
believes that divestiture can be achieved within a reasonable time, the divestiture
period may be extended by the Commission, or, in the case of a court appointed
trustee, by the court; provided, however, the Commission may extend this period
only two times.
5.
The trustee shall have full and complete access to the personnel, books, records
and facilities related to the assets to be divested, or to any other relevant
information, as the trustee may request. Respondents shall develop such financial
or other information as such trustee may reasonably request and shall cooperate
with the trustee. Respondents shall take no action to interfere with or impede the
trustee's accomplishment of the divestiture. Any delays in divestiture caused by
Respondents shall extend the time for divestiture under this Paragraph in an
amount equal to the delay, as determined by the Commission or, for a
court-appointed trustee, by the court.
6.
The trustee shall use his or her best efforts to negotiate the most favorable price
and terms available in each contract that is submitted to the Commission, but shall
divest expeditiously at no minimum price. The divestiture shall be made only to an
acquirer that receives the prior approval of the Commission, and the divestiture
shall be accomplished only in a manner that receives the prior approval of the
Commission; provided, however, if the trustee receives bona fide offers from more
than one acquiring entity, and if the Commission determines to approve more than
one such acquiring entity, the trustee shall divest to the acquiring entity or entities
selected by Respondents from among those approved by the Commission;
provided, further, that Respondents shall select such entity within five business
days of receiving written notification of the Commission’s approval.
7.
The trustee shall serve, without bond or other security, at the cost and expense of
Respondents, on such reasonable and customary terms and conditions as the
Commission or a court may set. The trustee shall have the authority to employ, at
the cost and expense of Respondents such consultants, accountants, attorneys,
investment bankers, business brokers, appraisers, and other representatives and
assistants as are necessary to carry out the trustee's duties and responsibilities. The
trustee shall account for all monies derived from the divestiture and all expenses
incurred. After approval by the Commission and, in the case of a court-appointed
23
trustee, by the court, of the account of the trustee, including fees for his or her
services, all remaining monies shall be paid at the direction of the Respondents,
and the trustee's power shall be terminated. The trustee's compensation shall be
based at least in significant part on a commission arrangement contingent on the
trustee's divesting the assets.
8.
Respondents shall indemnify the trustee and hold the trustee harmless against any
losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising out of, or in connection
with, the performance of the trustee's duties (including the duties of the trustee’s
employees), including all reasonable fees of counsel and other expenses incurred in
connection with the preparation for, or defense of any claim, whether or not
resulting in any liability, except to the extent that such liabilities, losses, damages,
claims, or expenses result from misfeasance, gross negligence, willful or wanton
acts, or bad faith by the trustee.
9.
If the trustee ceases to act or fails to act diligently, a substitute trustee shall be
appointed in the same manner as provided in this Paragraph XII.
10.
The Commission or, in the case of a court-appointed trustee, the court, may on its
own initiative or at the request of the trustee issue such additional orders or
directions as may be necessary or appropriate to accomplish the divestitures
required by this Order.
11.
The trustee shall have no obligation or authority to operate or maintain the assets
to be divested.
12.
The trustee shall report in writing to the Commission every sixty days concerning
the trustee's efforts to accomplish the divestiture.
XIII.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that no later than sixty days from the date this Order
becomes final and annually thereafter, on the anniversary of the date this Order becomes final,
until the Order terminates, and at other times as the Commission may require, Respondents shall
file a verified written report with the Commission setting forth in detail the manner and form in
which it intends to comply, is complying, and has complied with this Order; provided, however,
that if, at the time this Order becomes final, Respondents are required to file one or more written
reports pursuant to the Order to Maintain Assets, Respondents shall file the first report required
by this Paragraph no later than sixty days from the date Respondents file their final report
pursuant to the Order to Maintain Assets.
XIV.
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IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondents shall notify the Commission at least
thirty days prior to any proposed change in the corporate Respondents such as dissolution,
assignment, or sale resulting in the emergence of a successor corporation, or the creation or
dissolution of subsidiaries or any other change in the corporation that may affect compliance
obligations arising out of this Order.
XV.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that for the purposes of determining or securing
compliance with this Order, and subject to any legally recognized privilege, and upon written
request with reasonable notice to Respondents made to its principal United States offices,
Respondents shall permit any duly authorized representatives of the Commission:
A.
Access, during office hours of Respondents and in the presence of counsel, to all facilities,
and access to inspect and copy all books, ledgers, accounts, correspondence, memoranda,
and all other records and documents in the possession or under the control of Respondents
relating to compliance with this Order; and
B.
Upon five days' notice to Respondents and without restraint or interference from
Respondents, to interview officers, directors, or employees of Respondents, who may
have counsel present, regarding such matters.
XVI.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Order shall terminate twenty years from the date
this Order becomes final.
By the Commission.
Donald S. Clark
Secretary
SEAL
ISSUED:
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