pre14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Under Rule §240.14a-12 |
ATLAS PIPELINE PARTNERS, L.P.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and
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ATLAS PIPELINE PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTICE OF CONSENT SOLICITATION
To our Unitholders:
We are soliciting your consent to approve the 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Plan) of
ATLAS PIPELINE PARTNERS, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (we, us, or the Partnership).
The Managing Board (the Board) of Atlas Pipeline Partners GP, LLC (the General Partner),
the general partner of the Partnership, unanimously approved the Plan subject to obtaining the
approval of the holders of a majority of our common units representing limited partner interests
(Unitholders), and is recommending that Unitholders approve the Plan. The Plan will provide for
the grant of options, phantom units, unit awards, unit appreciation rights and other unit-based
awards to officers, employees and Board members of the General Partner, as well as other
individuals who perform services for us or in furtherance of our business. The Plan is described
in more detail in the accompanying Consent Solicitation Statement.
Unitholders of record at the close of business on April 20, 2010 are entitled to receive
notice of and to vote in the Consent Solicitation. Unitholders holding a majority of our common
units outstanding as of the close of business on the record date must vote in favor of the Plan for
it to be approved. THE BOARD HAS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO RECOMMEND THAT THE UNITHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
PLAN.
We are providing you with these Consent Solicitation materials both by sending you this full
set of materials and by notifying you of the availability of the materials on the Internet. This
Consent Solicitation Statement is available at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=113240&p=irol-reportsannual.
The Plan can only be adopted following the approval of Unitholders holding a majority of our
common units outstanding as of the close of business on the record date. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
Failure to vote will have the same effect as a vote against the Plan. We encourage you, therefore,
to review the enclosed Consent Solicitation Statement and to vote as soon as possible by
completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed consent card by mail, facsimile or
electronically, as further described on the consent card. If you hold your units through an
account with a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, please follow the instructions you receive
from them to vote your units.
The Consent Solicitation will expire at, and your consent must be received by, 11:59 p.m.,
eastern standard time, on , 2010 (the Expiration Date). The Consent Solicitation may be extended
by the General Partner for a specified period of time or on a daily basis until the consents
necessary to adopt the Plan have been received.
By order of the Managing Board of
Atlas Pipeline Partners GP, LLC,
General Partner
Moon Township, Pennsylvania
, 2010
ATLAS PIPELINE PARTNERS, L.P.
Westpointe Corporate Center One
1550 Coraopolis Heights Road
Moon Township, PA 15108
CONSENT SOLICITATION STATEMENT
This Consent Solicitation Statement is being furnished to the holders of common units
representing limited partner interests (Units) of Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P. (we, us, or
the Partnership) as of the close of business on April 20, 2010 (the Record Date) in connection
with the solicitation (the Solicitation) of consents of the holders of Units (Unitholders) to
approve the Partnerships 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Plan). This Consent Solicitation
Statement and the enclosed form of Consent are being mailed to Unitholders on or about , 2010.
The consent is being solicited on behalf of the Managing Board (the Board) of Atlas Pipeline
Partners GP, LLC, the general partner of the Partnership (the General Partner). The Plan will be
voted on by Unitholders. A copy of the Plan is attached to this Consent Solicitation Statement as
Appendix A.
Only Unitholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote on
the Plan. Adoption of the Plan requires the receipt of affirmative consents of Unitholders holding
a majority of the Units outstanding.
The Plan has been approved unanimously by the Board of the General Partner as being in the
best interests of the Partnership and the Unitholders. The Board unanimously recommends that you
vote FOR the Plan.
This Solicitation will expire at, and your consent must be received by, 11:59 p.m., eastern
standard time, on , 2010 (the Expiration Date). The General Partner may extend this Solicitation
for a specified period of time or on a daily basis until the consents necessary to adopt the Plan
have been received. You may revoke your consent at any time before 11:59 p.m., eastern standard
time, on the Expiration Date.
If you have any questions about this Consent Solicitation Statement, please call Georgeson
Inc. toll-free at 888-264-7054. Banks and brokers can call 212-440-9800. Alternatively,
Unitholders can call Brian Begley, the Partnerships Vice President of Investor Relations, at
215-832-4123.
This Consent Solicitation Statement is dated , 2010.
1
THE PLAN
Adoption of the Plan
On
February 9, 2010, the Board unanimously adopted, subject to the approval of the Unitholders, the 2010
Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Purpose
The purpose of the Plan is to assist the General Partner, in its capacity as general partner
of the Partnership, in securing and retaining employees of outstanding ability who are in a
position to participate significantly in the development and implementation of the strategic plans
of the Partnership and thereby to contribute materially to the long-term growth, development and
profitability of the Partnership by affording them an opportunity to acquire units. The Plan is
designed to align directly long-term executive compensation with tangible, direct and identifiable
benefits realized by Unitholders.
Description of the Plan
The following is a brief description of the principal features of the Plan. A copy of the
Plan is attached hereto as Appendix A. The statements made in this Solicitation with
respect to the Plan should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by
reference to, the full text of the Plan.
Plan Provisions
Administration. Grants made under the Plan will be determined by the Board or a committee of
the Board, or the board of an affiliate of the Partnership that is appointed by the Board to
administer the Plan, except that grants made to members of the Board may not be determined by a
committee of the Board. We refer to the board or committee that
administers the Plan as the
Committee.
Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee is authorized to administer and interpret
the Plan, to make factual determinations and to adopt or amend its rules, regulations, agreements
and instruments for implementing the Plan. The Committee will also have the full power and
authority to determine the recipients of grants under the Plan as well as the terms and provisions
of restrictions relating to grants.
Subject to any applicable law, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may delegate any or all
of its powers and duties under the Plan, including the power to award grants under the Plan, to the
Chief Executive Officer of the General Partner, subject to such limitations as the Committee may
impose, if any. However, the Chief Executive Officer many not make awards to, or take any action
with respect to any grant previously awarded to, himself or a person who is subject to Rule 16b-3
under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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Eligibility. Persons eligible to receive grants under the Plan are employees of the General
Partner or its affiliates (including officers or members of the Board who are also employees) who
perform services for the Partnership or in furtherance of the Partnerships business, consultants
or advisors who perform services for the Partnership or in furtherance of the Partnerships
business and members of the Board.
Units Available for Grants. The total number of Units that may be issued under the Plan is
3,000,000. This amount is subject to adjustment as provided in the Plan for events such as unit
distributions, unit splits, recapitalizations, mergers, reorganization, reclassification and other
extraordinary events affecting the outstanding Units as a class. Units issued under the Plan may
be authorized but unissued Units or reacquired Units, including Units purchased by the General
Partner on the open market for purposes of the Plan.
Grant of Units. Grants under the Plan may consist of options, phantom units, unit awards,
unit appreciation rights or other unit-based awards. All grants are subject to such terms and
conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. The awards are described more fully below.
Options. An option is the right to purchase one Unit in the future at a predetermined
price (the exercise price). The exercise price of each option is determined by the Committee and
may be equal to or greater than the fair market value of a Unit on the date the option is granted.
The Committee will determine the circumstances under which an option is exercisable, the methods by
which the exercise price may be paid and the form of payment (which may include cash, Units or
other methods approved by the Committee). Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, an option
may be exercised only while the participant is employed by the General Partner, the Partnership or
their affiliates, or while providing services to the Partnership or in furtherance of the
Partnerships business as a consultant or member of the Board.
Phantom Units. Phantom units represent rights to receive a Unit or a cash amount
based on the value of a Unit, or a combination of the two. Phantom units are subject to terms and
conditions determined by the Committee, which may include a vesting period, achievement of
performance goals or deferred payment. In addition, the Committee may grant distribution
equivalents in connection with phantom units. Distribution equivalents represent the right to
receive cash or Units, or a combination of the two, in an amount per phantom unit that is equal to
distributions paid by the Partnership on each of the outstanding Units. Distribution equivalents
may be paid by the Partnership currently or may be deferred and, if deferred, may accrue interest.
The Committee may provide that distribution equivalents shall be payable based on the achievement
of specific goals.
Unit Awards. The Plan permits Units to be issued for cash consideration or for no
cash consideration, and subject to restrictions or no restrictions, as determined by the Committee.
Restricted units are Units that are subject to terms and conditions determined by the Committee,
which may include to restrictions on transferability, voting, receipt of distributions, risk of
forfeiture and/or other restrictions. The Committee may determine to withhold distributions while
the unit awards are subject to restrictions. Distributions that are not paid currently will be
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credited to bookkeeping accounts on the General Partners records and may accrue interest, as
determined by the Committee, which shall be paid in cash, Units or such other form as distributions
are paid on Units, as determined by the Committee.
Unit Appreciation Rights. Unit appreciation rights (UAR) may also be awarded under
the Plan separately or in tandem (granted with option rights to provide an alternative to exercise
of the option). Tandem UARs may be granted at the time an option is granted or at any time while
the option is outstanding. Tandem UARs may only be exercised at a time when the related option is
exercisable, and requires that the related option be surrendered for cancellation.
A UAR is the right to receive, upon exercise, an amount in cash or Units equal to (i) the fair
market value of one Unit on the date of exercise minus (ii) the UARs grant price. The Committee
will determine at the date of grant the circumstances under which a UAR may be exercised, the
method of exercise, the method and form of settlement, the method by or forms in which Units, cash
or both will be delivered, and any other terms and conditions of any UAR. The Committee may grant
UARs that are subject to the achievement of performance goals or other achievements.
Other Unit-Based Awards. The Committee may grant other awards not specified in the
Plan on such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. Other unit-based awards may
be granted subject to achievement of performance goals or other conditions and may be payable in
Units or cash, or in a combination of the two, as determined by the Committee.
Change of Control. Upon a change of control, unless the Committee determines otherwise at the
time of grant, all awards will automatically vest and become payable or exercisable in full. A
change of control is defined as follows:
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the General Partner (or an affiliate of the Partnership) ceases to be the
Partnerships general partner; |
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consummation of a merger, consolidation, share exchange, division or other
reorganization or transaction of the Partnership, the General Partner or an affiliate
that is a direct or indirect parent of the General Partner with any entity, other than
a transaction which would result in the voting securities of the Partnership or the
General Partner, as appropriate, outstanding immediately prior thereto, continuing to
represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities
of the surviving entity) at least 60% of the combined voting power immediately after
such transaction of the surviving entitys outstanding securities or, in the case of a
division, the outstanding securities of each entity resulting from the division; |
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the equity holders of the Partnership, the General Partner or an affiliate that is a
direct or indirect parent of the General Partner approve a plan of complete,
liquidation or winding-up of the Partnership; |
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consummation of a sale or disposition (in one transaction or a series of
transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership or an
affiliate that is a direct |
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or indirect parent of the General Partner to an entity that is not an affiliate of the
Partnership or the General Partner; or |
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during any period of 24 consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of
such period constituted the Board or the Board of an affiliate that is a direct or
indirect parent of the General Partner (including for this purpose any new director
whose election or nomination for election or appointment was approved by a vote of at
least 2/3 of the directors then still in office who were directors at the beginning of
such period) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board or
other board of directors, as applicable. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may specify a more limited definition of Change in
Control, or a definition conforming to requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the Code), for a particular Grant, as the Committee deems appropriate.
Amendments and Termination. The Board may amend or terminate the Plan at any time, provided,
however, that the Board shall not amend the Plan without approval of the Unitholders if such
approval is required in order to comply with applicable stock exchange requirements. No amendment
or termination of the Plan may materially impair any rights or obligations of participants under
any previously made awards, unless the participant has consented or such amendment or termination
was reserved in the grant documentation. The Board may amend the Plan in such manner as it deems
appropriate in the event of a change in applicable law or regulations. The Committee may not
reprice options or UARs, nor may the Plan be amended to permit option or UAR repricing, unless the
Unitholders approve.
The Plan shall terminate on the day immediately preceding the tenth (10th)
anniversary of its effective date, unless it is earlier terminated or extended by the Board with
approval of the Unitholders.
Transfer Restrictions. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, no award will be
assignable or transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. When a
participant dies, the personal representative or other person entitled to succeed to the rights of
the participant may exercise such rights.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general description of the federal income tax consequences of options,
phantom units, units awards and UARs granted under the Plan. It provides only a general
description of the application of federal income tax laws to grants under the Plan. This discussion
is intended for the information of unitholders considering how to vote and not as tax guidance to
participants in the Plan. The summary does not address the effects of other federal taxes or taxes
imposed under state, local, or foreign tax laws and does not purport to be complete.
The Plan is not eligible for treatment as a qualified plan under the Code, therefore, all
options granted pursuant to the Plan will be non-qualified options. A grantee will not recognize
income at the time of the grant of an option. Upon exercise of an option, the grantee will
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recognize ordinary compensation income equal to the difference, if any, between the option price
paid and the fair market value, as of the date of the option exercise, of the Units purchased. The
tax basis to a grantee of Units obtained by the exercise of an option equals the option price paid
plus ordinary compensation income recognized. The grantees capital holding period for the Units
acquired begins on the option exercise date.
The recipient of a phantom unit or unit award will not recognize income at the time of the
grant of his or her award. Rather, upon delivery of the Units, the participant will have taxable
compensation equal to the fair market value of the number of Units the participant actually
receives with respect to the award. In addition, there will be no federal income tax consequences
as a result of an award of UARs. When UARs are paid in cash or Units, the participant generally
will recognize ordinary income. Upon the sale of Units, a participant generally will have gain or
loss (which may consist of both ordinary and capital gain and loss elements depending upon the
Partnerships taxable income and loss during the period in which the Units were held). Since the
Partnership is not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes, the amount of taxable
compensation to the participant will be treated as deductions allocated among the partners of the
Partnership in accordance with the partnership agreement.
NEW PLAN BENEFITS
SEC rules require us to disclose in tabular format any amounts that we currently are able to
determine will be allocated to our NEOs, directors and other employees following approval of the
Plan. While determinations of amounts that participants will be eligible to receive will not be
made until after the Expiration Date for the Solicitation, we intend to offer Plan awards to
participants in the Atlas Pipeline Mid-Continent, LLC 2009 Equity-Indexed Bonus Plan (the APLMC
Plan), and that certain Phantom Unit Grant Agreement dated
September 14, 2009 with Eric T.
Kalamaras, the Partnerships Chief Financial Officer (the
Grant Agreement), each discussed below.
Atlas Pipeline Mid-Continent, LLC (Mid-Con), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ours,
maintains the APLMC Plan, dated June 1, 2009. Under the APLMC Plan, employees of Mid-Con and its
affiliates are eligible to receive equity-indexed bonus units, which entitle the holder, upon vesting, to receive in
cash the fair market value equivalent to a Unit. All outstanding bonus units vest 1/3 per year for
three years. Under the Grant Agreement, Mid-Con issued 50,000 bonus
units to Mr. Kalamaras on substantially the same terms as the bonus
units issued under the APLMC Plan, other than vesting dates.
The Board has determined that it is in our best interest to exchange 375,000 phantom units
under the Plan for the bonus units outstanding under the APLMC Plan
and the Grant Agreement. This exchange offer is
contingent upon both the approval of the Plan as set forth in this Solicitation and
acceptance of the offer by the APLMC Plan participants and Mr.
Kalamaras. If the Plan is approved by a majority of
our Units and the exchange offer is accepted by each participant in
the APLMC Plan and under the Grant Agreement, up to 375,000 phantom
units will be issued under the Plan (depending on the number of
participants that accept the exchange offer). Each phantom unit will be granted with distribution
equivalent rights to be paid concurrently with distributions on Units and will vest 1/3 over three
years, with the first vesting of awards originally granted under the
APLMC Plan to occur on June 1, 2010, and the first vesting of awards
originally granted under the Grant Agreement to occur on September
14, 2010. Upon vesting, the participant will receive
Units on a one-for-one basis. The following table sets forth information with respect to the
maximum amount of phantom units that may be issued under the Plan to the holders of bonus units
under the APLMC Plan and the Grant Agreement:
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2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P.
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Name and Position |
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Dollar Value ($)* |
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Number of Units |
Eric T. Kalamaras
Chief Financial Officer |
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$ |
721,000 |
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50,000 |
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Gerald R. Shrader
Chief Legal Officer |
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$ |
721,000 |
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50,000 |
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Robert W. Karlovich III
Chief Accounting Officer |
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$ |
360,500 |
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25,000 |
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Executive Group |
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$ |
1,802,500 |
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125,000 |
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Non-Executive Officer Employee Group |
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$ |
3,605,000 |
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250,000 |
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* |
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Estimated using a Unit price of $14.42, which was the closing price of the Units on April 9, 2010. |
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THE CONSENT SOLICITATION
Voting Securities, Record Date and Outstanding LP Units
This Solicitation is being made pursuant to the provisions of Section 13.11 of the Second
Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership and is subject to the
conditions in this Consent Solicitation Statement and the accompanying form of Consent. No meeting
of the Unitholders is contemplated to be held for the purpose of considering the Plan. Only record
holders of Units at the close of business on April 20, 2010 will be taken into account for the
purpose of determining whether the requisite approval of the Plan has been obtained. Each
Unitholder entitled to vote has one vote for each Unit outstanding in such Unitholders name.
On the Record Date, there were a total of Units outstanding, which were held by approximately
Unitholders.
Consent and Revocation of Consent
The General Partner will accept forms of Consent at any time before 11:59 p.m., eastern
standard time, on the Expiration Date, which is , 2010. The enclosed form of Consent, when
properly completed and returned, will constitute a Unitholders consent, or the withholding of
consent, to the approval of the Plan in accordance with the instructions contained therein. If a
Unitholder executes and returns a form of Consent and does not specify otherwise, the Units
represented by such form of Consent will be voted for approval of the Plan in accordance with the
recommendation of the General Partner.
A Unitholder who has executed and returned a form of Consent may revoke it at any time before
11:59 p.m., eastern standard time, on the Expiration Date by (i) executing and returning a form of
Consent bearing a later date, or (ii) filing written notice of such revocation with the Secretary
of the General Partner stating that the form of Consent is revoked. Any such written notice or
later dated form of Consent should be sent to Atlas Pipeline
Partners, Attn: Gerald Shrader, 110 W
7th St.,
Suite 2300, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119.
Required Vote
The Plan requires the approval of holders of a majority of the outstanding Units as of the
close of business on the Record Date.
Because the approval of holders of a majority of the outstanding Units is required to approve
the Plan, not returning the form of Consent will have the same effect as a vote against the Plan.
Atlas Pipeline Holdings, L.P. (AHD), the parent of the General Partner, owned Units as of
the Record Date (approximately % of the Units outstanding), and Atlas Energy, Inc.
(ATLS), which is the parent of AHDs general partner, owned Units as of the Record Date
(approximately % of the Units outstanding). The executive officers and directors
of the General Partner owned Units (approximately %
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of the Units outstanding) as of the Record Date. Each of AHD, ATLS, and each executive officer
and director of the General Partner who holds Units has advised the General Partner that he, she
or it intends to consent, as to the Units he, she or it owns, to the Plan. Therefore, in addition
to the Units held by AHD, ATLS and the executive officers and directors of the General Partner, the
consent of holders of an additional Units is required to approve the Plan. For further information
concerning the ownership of Units by the General Partners affiliates, executive officers and
directors, see Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management beginning on page 38.
Solicitation of Consents
The cost of soliciting consents will be borne by the Partnership. To assist in the
solicitation of consents, the Partnership has engaged Georgeson Inc. for a fee of approximately
$ , plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, the Partnership will
reimburse brokers, banks and other persons holding Units in their names, or in the names of
nominees, for their expenses in sending these solicitation materials to beneficial holders.
Other than as discussed above, the Partnership has made no arrangements and has no
understanding with any independent dealer, salesman or other person regarding the solicitation of
consents hereunder, and no person has been authorized by the Partnership to give any information or
to make any representation in connection with the solicitation of consents, other than those
contained herein and, if given or made, such other information or representations must not be
relied upon as having been authorized. In addition to solicitations by mail, consents may be
solicited by directors, officers and other employees of the General Partner, who will receive no
additional compensation therefor.
No Appraisal Rights
Unitholders who object to the adoption of the Plan will have no appraisal, dissenters or
similar rights (i.e., the right to seek a judicial determination of the fair value of their Units
and to compel the purchase of their Units for cash in that amount) under Delaware law or the
Partnership Agreement, nor will such rights be voluntarily accorded to holders of Units by the
Partnership. Thus, approval of the Plan by holders of a majority of the outstanding Units will be
binding on all holders of Units, and objecting holders will have no alternative other than selling
their Units prior to the effective date of the adoption of the Plan.
Householding Matters
Unitholders
who share a single address will receive only one Solicitation at that address,
unless we have received instructions to the contrary from any Unitholder at that address. This
practice, known as householding, is designed to reduce our printing and postage costs. However,
if a Unitholder of record residing at such an address wishes to receive a separate copy of this
Solicitation or of future consent solicitations (as applicable), he or she may write to us at:
Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P., Westpointe Corporate Center, 1550 Coraopolis Heights Road, Moon
Township, Pennsylvania 15108, Attention: Secretary. We will deliver separate copies of this
Solicitation promptly upon written request. If you are a Unitholder of record receiving
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multiple copies of our Solicitation, you can request householding by contacting us in the same
manner. If you own your Units through a bank, broker or other Unitholder of record, you can
request additional copies of this Solicitation or request householding by contacting the Unitholder
of record.
Notice to Unitholders
The General Partner will notify Unitholders of the results of this Solicitation promptly after
the Expiration Date.
Your Consent is important, regardless of the number of Units you own. Accordingly,
please complete, sign and return your Consent promptly.
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INTEREST OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS IN THE PLAN
Members of the Board and executive officers of the General Partner will be eligible to receive
grants under the terms of the Plan. Accordingly, members of the Board and the executive officers
of the General Partner have a substantial interest in the passage of the Plan.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In connection with our solicitation of your consent to implement the Plan, Securities and
Exchange Commission rules require us to provide executive compensation information for our most
recently completed fiscal year similar to the information we provide annually in our Annual Report
on Form 10-K. Because the year ended December 31, 2009 is our most recently completed fiscal year,
the Executive Compensation section of this Consent Solicitation Statement substantially mirrors the
Executive Compensation section set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2010.
Neither we nor the Board has a compensation committee. Compensation of the personnel of ATLS
and its affiliates who provide us with services is set by ATLS and such affiliates. The independent
members of the Board, however, do review the allocation of the salaries of such personnel for
purposes of reimbursement, discussed below.
One member of the Board, Tony C. Banks, was the Chairman of the Board of Optiron Corporation,
which was a subsidiary of ATLS until 2002. At our October 2006 managing board meeting, the Board
determined Mr. Banks to be an independent board member pursuant to NYSE listing standards and Rule
10A-3(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. None of the other independent Board
members is an employee or former employee of ours or of our General Partner. No executive officer
of our General Partner is a director or executive officer of any entity in which an independent
managing board member is a director or executive officer.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
We are required to provide information regarding the compensation program in place as of
December 31, 2009, for our General Partners CEO, CFO and the three other most highly-compensated
executive officers. In this Solicitation, we refer to our General Partners CEO, CFO and the other
three most highly-compensated executive officers as our named executive officers or NEOs. This
section should be read in conjunction with the detailed tables and narrative descriptions below.
Except
for the APLMC Plan and the Grant Agreement, we do not directly compensate our named executive officers. Rather,
ATLS allocates the compensation of our executive officers between activities on behalf of us and
activities on behalf of itself and its affiliates based upon an estimate of the time spent by such
persons on activities for us and for ATLS and its affiliates. Because Messrs. Dubay, Kalamaras,
Shrader and Karlovich devote all of their time to us and AHD, all of their compensation costs are
allocated to us. We reimburse ATLS for the compensation allocated to us. Because ATLS employs our
NEOs, its compensation committee, comprised solely of
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independent directors, has been responsible for formulating and presenting recommendations to
its board of directors with respect to the compensation of our NEOs. The ATLS compensation
committee has also been responsible for administering our employee benefit plans, including our
incentive plans.
Compensation Objectives
We believe that our compensation program must support our business strategy, be competitive,
and provide both significant rewards for outstanding performance and clear financial consequences
for underperformance. We also believe that a significant portion of the NEOs compensation should
be at risk in the form of annual and long-term incentive awards that are paid, if at all, based
on individual and company accomplishment. Accounting and cost implications of compensation programs
are considered in program design; however, the essential consideration is that a program is
consistent with our business needs.
Compensation Methodology
The ATLS compensation committee generally makes recommendations to the ATLS board on
compensation amounts shortly after the close of its (and our) fiscal year. In the case of base
salaries, it recommends the amounts to be paid for the new fiscal year. In the case of annual bonus
and long-term incentive compensation, the committee recommends the amount of awards based on the
then concluded fiscal year. ATLS and we typically pay cash awards and issue equity awards in
February, although the ATLS compensation committee has the discretion to recommend salary
adjustments and the issuance of equity awards at other times during the fiscal year. In addition,
some of our NEOs who also perform services for ATLS and its subsidiaries may receive stock-based
awards from ATLS and these subsidiaries, each of which have delegated compensation decisions to the
ATLS compensation committee because they, like us, do not have their own employees.
Each year, our Chairman, who also serves as the ATLS Chief Executive Officer and Chairman,
provides the ATLS compensation committee with key elements of ATLSs, our and our NEOs performance
during the year. Our Chairman makes recommendations to the compensation committee regarding the
salary, bonus, and incentive compensation component of each NEOs total compensation. Our Chairman,
at the compensation committees request, may attend committee meetings; however, his role during
the meetings is to provide insight into ATLS and our companys performance, as well as the
performance of other comparable companies in the same industry.
Compensation Consultant
The ATLS compensation committee has retained Mercer (US) Inc. on an annual basis to provide
information, analyses, and advice regarding executive compensation. In June 2009, the compensation
committee engaged Mercer to conduct a competitive review of its then current NEO compensation
program. This review included three of our NEOs: Messrs. E. Cohen, J. Cohen and M. Jones. Mercer
provided a proxy analysis based on a peer group of 14 energy companies, which we refer to as the
full peer group, against which ATLS competes for executive
12
talent, land and mineral rights, oil and gas services, pipeline and takeaway capacity, and/ or
water disposal capacity. The peer group consists of: Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Chesapeake
Energy Corporation, Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, CONSOL Energy Inc., EQT Corporation, Exco
Resources, Inc., Linn Energy, LLC, MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P., Quicksilver Resources Inc.,
Pioneer Natural Resources Company, Range Resources Corporation, Southwestern Energy Company, The
Williams Companies, Inc., and XTO Energy Inc. In our business, we compete against some of the
members of the peer group for takeaway capacity, processing services and/or water disposal
capacity.
Mercer also analyzed a 10-company subset of the full peer group, which we refer to as the
size-adjusted peer group, that included companies 2008 revenues of between $750 million to $3
billion, that is, approximately one-half to twice ATLSs revenues. The size-adjusted peer group
excluded Anadarko Petroleum, Chesapeake Energy, Williams, and XTO Energy. In addition, Mercer
provided a survey analysis of competitive data gathered from published surveys.
The compensation committee does not set a specific percentile range for NEO compensation
amounts. Rather, it uses the comparative information as part of the total mix of information it
considers.
In addition to the competitive analysis of the NEO compensation program, at the compensation
committees direction, Mercer provided the following services for the committee during fiscal 2009:
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provided advice with respect to ATLSs new long-term incentive plan; |
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advised the committee with respect to awards for 2009 under ATLSs Senior
Executive Plan, discussed below, and established performance measures and performance
targets for 2010; and |
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provided advice on the employment agreement for Mr. Jones. |
In the course of conducting its activities for fiscal 2009, Mercer attended five meetings of
the compensation committee and presented its findings and recommendations for discussion.
The compensation committee has established procedures that it considers adequate to ensure
that Mercers advice remains objective and is not unduly influenced by ATLSs management. These
procedures include: a direct reporting relationship of the Mercer consultant to the chairman of the
compensation committee; provisions in the engagement letter with Mercer specifying the information,
data, and recommendations that can and cannot be shared with management; an annual update to the
compensation committee on Mercers financial relationship with ATLS, including a summary of the
work performed for ATLS during the preceding 12 months; and written assurances from Mercer that,
within the Mercer organization, the Mercer consultant who performs services for the compensation
committee has a reporting relationship and compensation determined separately from Mercers other
lines of business and from its other work for ATLS. In fact, Mercer did not perform non-executive
compensation consulting services for ATLS during the last fiscal year or during any other year.
With the
13
consent of the compensation committee chair, Mercer may contact ATLSs executive officers for
information necessary to fulfill its assignment and may make reports and presentations to and on
behalf of the compensation committee that the executive officers also receive.
In making its compensation decisions, the compensation committee meets in executive session,
without management, both with and without Mercer. Ultimately, the decisions regarding executive
compensation are made by the compensation committee after extensive discussion regarding
appropriate compensation and may reflect factors and considerations other than the information and
advice provided by Mercer and our Chairman. The compensation committees decisions are then
submitted to the Board.
Elements of our Compensation Program
Our executive officer compensation package includes a combination of annual cash and long-term
incentive compensation. Annual cash compensation is comprised of an allocation of base salary plus
cash bonus awarded by ATLS. Long-term incentives consist of a variety of equity awards. Both the
annual cash incentives and long-term incentives may be performance-based.
Base Salary
Base salary is intended to provide fixed compensation to the NEOs for their performance of
core duties that contributed to the success of ATLS and us. Base salaries are not intended to
compensate individuals for extraordinary performance or for above average company performance.
Annual Incentives
Annual incentives are intended to tie a significant portion of each of the NEOs compensation
to ATLSs annual performance and /or that of one of ATLSs subsidiaries or divisions for which the
officer is responsible. Generally, the higher the level of responsibility of the executive within
ATLS, the greater is the incentive component of that executives target total cash compensation.
The ATLS compensation committee may recommend awards of performance-based bonuses and discretionary
bonuses.
Performance-Based BonusesThe ATLS Annual Incentive Plan for Senior Executives, which we refer
to as the Senior Executive Plan, provides awards for the achievement of predetermined, objective
performance measures over a specified 12-month performance period, generally ATLSs fiscal year.
Awards under the Senior Executive Plan may be paid in cash or in shares of ATLS common stock under
its stock incentive plan. The Senior Executive Plan is designed to permit ATLS to qualify for an
exemption from the $1,000,000 deduction limit under Section 162(m) of the Code for compensation
paid to the NEOs. Notwithstanding the existence of the Senior Executive Plan, the ATLS compensation
committee believes that the interests of ATLSs stockholders and our unitholders are best served by
not restricting its discretion and flexibility in crafting compensation, even if the compensation
amounts result in
14
non-deductible compensation expense. Therefore, the committee reserves the right to approve
compensation that is not fully deductible.
In March 2009, the compensation committee approved 2009 target bonus awards to be paid from a
bonus pool. The bonus pool is equal to 18.3% of ATLSs adjusted distributable cash flow unless the
adjusted distributable cash flow includes any capital transaction gains in excess of $50 million,
in which case only 10% of that excess will be included in the bonus pool. If the adjusted
distributable cash flow does not equal at least 75% of the average adjusted distributable cash flow
for the previous 3 years, no bonuses will be paid. Adjusted distributable cash flow means the sum
of (i) cash available for distribution to ATLS by any of its subsidiaries (regardless of whether
such cash is actually distributed), plus (ii) interest income during the year, plus (iii) to the
extent not otherwise included in adjusted distributable cash flow, any realized gain on the sale of
securities, including securities of a subsidiary, less (iv) ATLSs stand-alone general and
administrative expenses for the year excluding any bonus expense (other than non-cash bonus
compensation included in general and administrative expenses), and less (v) to the extent not
otherwise included in adjusted distributable cash flow, any loss on the sale of securities,
including securities of a subsidiary. A return of ATLSs capital investment in a subsidiary is not
intended to be included and, accordingly, if adjusted distributable cash flow includes proceeds
from the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of a subsidiary, the amount of such
proceeds to be included in adjusted distributable cash flow will be reduced by its basis in the
subsidiary. The maximum award payable, expressed as a percentage of ATLSs estimated 2009 adjusted
distributable cash flow, for its NEO participants was as follows: Edward E. Cohen, 6.14%; Jonathan
Z. Cohen, 4.37% and Matthew A. Jones, 3.46%. Pursuant to the terms of the Senior Executive Plan,
the compensation committee has the discretion to recommend reductions, but not increases, in awards
under the plan. As set forth below, actual awards for 2009 were substantially less than the maximum
award permitted under the plan. In February 2010, the compensation committee approved target bonus
awards identical to the 2009 target bonus awards.
Discretionary BonusesDiscretionary bonuses may be awarded to recognize individual and group
performance. Mr. Shrader received a cash bonus of $50,000 in recognition of his performance in
connection with the disposition of our NOARK assets.
Long-Term Incentives
We believe that our long-term success depends upon aligning our executives and unitholders
interests. To support this objective, ATLS provides our executives with various means to become
significant equity holders, including awards under our Long-Term Incentive Plan, which we refer to
as our Plan. Our NEOs are also eligible to receive awards under the ATLS Stock Incentive Plans,
which we refer to as the Atlas Plans, and the AHD Long-Term Incentive Plan, which we refer to as
the AHD Plan, as appropriate.
Grants under our Plan: The ATLS compensation committee may recommend grants of equity awards
in the form of options and/or phantom units. Other than the unit options that were granted to Mr.
Dubay in connection with the execution of his employment agreement, only phantom units have been
granted under our Plan through December 31, 2009. The unit options and phantom units vest over four
years.
15
Grants under Other Plans: As described above, our NEOs who perform services for us and one or
more of ATLSs subsidiaries may receive stock-based awards under the Atlas Plan or the AHD Plan.
Supplemental Benefits, Deferred Compensation and Perquisites
We do not provide supplemental benefits for executives and perquisites are discouraged. ATLS
does provide a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Messrs. E. Cohen and J. Cohen pursuant to
their employment agreements, but none of those benefits or related costs are allocated to us. None
of our NEOs have deferred any portion of their compensation.
Employment Agreements
Generally, ATLS does not favor employment agreements unless they are required to attract or to
retain executives to the organization. It entered into employment agreements Messrs. E. Cohen, J.
Cohen, E. Dubay, M. Jones and E. Kalamaras. See Employment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon
Termination or Change of Control. The ATLS compensation committee takes termination compensation
payable under these agreements into account in determining annual compensation awards, but
ultimately its focus is on recognizing each individuals contribution to ATLS and our performance
during the year.
Determination of 2009 Compensation Amounts
As described above, after the end of ATLSs 2009 fiscal year, the ATLS compensation committee
set the base salaries of our NEOs for the 2010 fiscal year and recommended incentive awards based
on the prior years performance. In carrying out its function, the ATLS compensation committee
acted in consultation with Mercer.
In determining the actual amounts to be paid to the NEOs, the ATLS compensation committee
considered both individual and company performance. Our CEO makes recommendations of award amounts
based upon the NEOs individual performances as well as the performance of ATLSs subsidiaries for
which each NEO provides service; however, the ATLS compensation committee has the discretion to
approve, reject, or modify the recommendations. The ATLS compensation committee noted that our
management team had repositioned us through renegotiation of bank arrangements, strengthened
hedging, increased volumes, effectuated a joint venture with Williams, and restructured the
Mid-Continent division. In addition, the compensation committee reviewed the calculations of ATLSs
adjusted distributable cash flow and determined that 2009 adjusted distributable cash flow exceeded
the pre-determined minimum threshold of 75% of the average adjusted distributable cash flow for the
previous three years by more than 50%.
Base Salary. Following a review of the analysis conducted by Mercer in June 2009 of the ATLS
NEOs compensation, the compensation committee determined to increase base salaries by $100,000
effective July 1, 2009 for each of its NEOs, including those of Messrs. E. Cohen, J. Cohen and M.
Jones, and for Mr. Dubay. In light of these interim increases, the
16
compensation committee determined at the end of the 2009 fiscal year that the adjusted base
salaries for those individuals were appropriate for the 2010 fiscal year. In addition, the
compensation committee set 2010 salaries for our other NEOs as follows: Mr. Kalamaras-$275,000 Mr.
Karlovich-$180,000; and Mr. Shrader-$275,000. These amounts represent a 10% increase from the 2009
base salaries for each of Messrs. Kalamaras and Shrader. Mr. Karlovichs base salary was increased
by 22% as a result of an internal company survey which indicated that his previous salary was not
commensurate with his position and responsibilities.
Annual Incentives.
Performance-Based Bonuses. As described above, ATLS substantially outperformed the
incentive goals that had been set under the Senior Executive Plan. Based upon this performance, the
compensation committee recommended that ATLS award cash incentive bonuses to its NEOs as follows:
Edward E. Cohen, $2,500,000; Jonathan Z. Cohen, $2,000,000; and Matthew A. Jones, $800,000. The
compensation committee also recommended that each of the NEOs receive an amount of ATLS restricted
stock units equivalent to their cash bonuses. The restricted stock units will vest 25% per annum.
The aggregate annual incentive awards were less than the maximum amount payable to each of the NEOs
pursuant to the predetermined percentages established under the Senior Executive Plan, which were
as follows: Edward E. Cohen, $8,639,000; Jonathan Z. Cohen, $6,148,000; and Matthew A. Jones,
$4,878,000.
Discretionary Bonuses. Messrs. Dubay, Kalamaras, Karlovich and Shrader are not
participants in the Senior Executive Plan. Therefore, the compensation committee awarded them
discretionary bonuses as follows: Mr. Dubay-$500,000 in cash and $500,000 in ATLS restricted stock
units that vest over four years, Mr. Kalamaras-$72,917, Mr. Karlovich-$73,308; and Mr.
Shrader-$250,000. Because the ATLS restricted stock unit award was made after our fiscal year end,
it is not included, under new SEC rules, in our Summary Compensation Table for 2009, but will be
included in our table for 2010.
Long-Term Incentives. In order to retain management and in recognition of company and
individual accomplishments in 2009 as set forth above, the compensation committee determined to
award ATLS stock options to Messrs. Dubay and Kalamaras which vest 25% per year on the anniversary
of the grant date as follows: Mr. Dubay-70,000 and Mr. Kalamaras-19,000. Because the ATLS stock
option awards were made after our fiscal year end, it is not included, under new SEC rules, in our
Summary Compensation Table for 2009, but will be included in our table for 2010.
Dubay Employment Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement in
January 2009 (see below), Mr. Dubay was granted the following awards:
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options to purchase 100,000 shares of ATLS common stock, which vest 25% per year
on each anniversary of the effective date of the agreement; |
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options to purchase 100,000 of our Units, which vest 25% per year on each
anniversary of the effective date of the agreement; and |
17
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options to purchase 100,000 AHD common units, which vest 25% on the third
anniversary, and 75% on the fourth anniversary, of the effective date of the
agreement. |
APLMC Plan Awards. The APLMC Plan specifically prohibits awards to anyone who is a
named executive officer at the time of the grant. Messrs. Shrader and Karlovich received awards
under the APLMC Plan, but were granted those awards prior to becoming named executive officers. No
additional grants to our named executive officers can be made under the APLMC Plan. In addition,
upon execution of his employment agreement in September 2009, Mr. Kalamaras was awarded 50,000
bonus units.
Summary Compensation Table
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Non-Equity |
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Stock |
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Option |
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Incentive Plan |
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All Other |
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Name and Principal |
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Awards |
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Awards |
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Compensation |
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Compensation |
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Total |
Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary ($) |
|
Bonus ($) |
|
($) (1) |
|
($) (2) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Eugene N. Dubay, Chief |
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2009 |
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|
$ |
438,847 |
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$ |
500,000 |
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$ |
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|
$ |
564,000 |
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$ |
|
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|
$ |
555,805 |
(3) |
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$ |
2,058,652 |
|
Executive Officer and
President(4) |
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Eric T. Kalamaras,(5) |
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2009 |
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157,000 |
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152,917 |
(6) |
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66,620 |
(7) |
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376,537 |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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Edward E. Cohen, Chairman |
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2009 |
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147,577 |
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375,000 |
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12,600 |
(9) |
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535,177 |
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of the Board and Former |
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2008 |
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135,000 |
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3,507,000 |
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257,938 |
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3,899,938 |
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Chief Executive Officer and |
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2007 |
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405,000 |
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4,612,160 |
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1,205,000 |
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2,250,000 |
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253,212 |
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8,725,372 |
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President(8) |
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Matthew A. Jones, Former |
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2009 |
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126,270 |
|
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280,000 |
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|
|
3,950 |
(10) |
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410,220 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
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2008 |
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135,000 |
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1,402,800 |
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67,713 |
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1,605,513 |
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2007 |
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135,000 |
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461,216 |
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120,500 |
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900,000 |
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75,062 |
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1,691,778 |
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Jonathan Z. Cohen, |
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2009 |
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101,539 |
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300,000 |
|
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7,863 |
(11) |
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409,402 |
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Vice Chairman |
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2008 |
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90,000 |
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2,805,600 |
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113,488 |
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3,009,088 |
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2007 |
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215,217 |
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2,306,080 |
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482,000 |
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1,434,783 |
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153,906 |
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4,591,986 |
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Gerald R. Shrader, |
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2009 |
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224,616 |
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300,000 |
(12) |
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96,000 |
(7) |
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620,616 |
|
Chief Legal Officer |
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Robert W. Karlovich, III |
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2009 |
|
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152,255 |
|
|
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73,308 |
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48,000 |
(7) |
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273,563 |
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Chief Accounting Officer |
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(1) |
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Represents the fair value on the date of grant of the (i)
phantom units granted under the AHD Plan and (ii) phantom
units granted under our Plan as well as under our APLMC
Plan, all in accordance with prevailing accounting
literature. |
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(2) |
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Represents the fair value on the date of grant of the (i)
options granted under the AHD Plan; (ii) options granted
under our Plan; and, with respect to Mr. Dubay, (iii)
options granted under the ATLS Plan, all in accordance
with prevailing accounting literature. |
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(3) |
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Includes our net cost of $526,768 related to the purchase
and subsequent sale of Mr. Dubays home, calculated by
subtracting the sale price and related legal and
maintenance expenses from the purchase price and moving
expenses of |
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$28,772. Also includes payments of $265
with respect to the phantom units awarded under our Plan. |
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(4) |
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On January 15, 2009, Eugene N. Dubay was appointed serve
in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer and President
of Atlas Pipeline GP. |
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(5) |
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On September 7, 2009, Eric T. Kalamaras was appointed
Chief Financial Officer of our general partner and of
Atlas Pipeline Holdings GP. |
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(6) |
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Includes a signing bonus of $80,000. |
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(7) |
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Includes for Messrs. Shrader and Karlovich bonus unit
awards made in 2009 under our APLMC Plan and for Mr.
Kalamaras an award agreement which, in each case, vest
ratably over a three-year period from the date of grant.
Consistent with FASB ASC Topic 718 and the assumptions
disclosed in Item 8: Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data Note 17 of our Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2009, amounts shown include only
the amount allocated for the first year of the vesting
period; the total amount of the awards is reflected in
the Stock awards columns of the Outstanding Equity
Awards a Fiscal-Year End Table. These awards are valued
based on the closing price of our common units on the
grant date. For financial statement purposes, the value
of these awards is re-measured as of the end of each
reporting period until they vest or are otherwise
settled. The value of these awards reflected in Item 8:
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Note 17
Employee Incentive Compensation Plan and Agreement of
our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, based
on the closing price of our common units on December 31,
2009 is as follows: Mr. Kalamaras-$490,500; Mr.
Shrader-$490,500; and Mr. Karlovich-$245,250. |
|
(8) |
|
On January 15, 2009, Edward E. Cohen resigned as Chief
Executive Officer when Eugene N. Dubay was appointed to
serve in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer and
President of Atlas Pipeline GP. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes payments on DERs of $7,200 with respect to the
phantom units awarded under our Plan and $5,400 with
respect to phantom units awarded under the AHD Plan. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes payments on DERs of $2,750 with respect to the
phantom units awarded under our Plan and $1,200 with
respect to phantom units awarded under the AHD Plan. |
|
(11) |
|
Represents payments on DERs of $5,163 with respect to the
phantom units awarded under our Plan and $2,700 with
respect to phantom units awarded under the AHD Plan. |
|
(12) |
|
Includes a $50,000 bonus granted to Mr. Shrader in
recognition of his performance in connection with the
disposition of our NOARK assets. |
Employment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control
Edward E. Cohen
In May 2004, ATLS entered into an employment agreement with Edward E. Cohen, who currently
serves as our Chairman and, from 1999 until January 2009, served as our Chief Executive Officer.
The agreement was amended as of December 31, 2008 to comply with requirements under Section 409A of
the Code relating to deferred compensation. As discussed above, ATLS allocates a portion of Mr.
Cohens compensation cost based on an estimate of the time spent by Mr. Cohen on our activities.
ATLS adds 50% to the compensation amount allocated to us to cover the costs of health insurance and
similar benefits. The following discussion of Mr. Cohens employment agreement summarizes those
elements of Mr. Cohens compensation that are allocated in part to us.
Mr. Cohens employment agreement requires him to devote such time to ATLS as is reasonably
necessary to the fulfillment of his duties, although it permits him to invest and participate in
outside business endeavors. The agreement provided for initial base compensation of $350,000 per
year, which may be increased by the ATLS compensation committee based upon its evaluation of Mr.
Cohens performance. Mr. Cohen is eligible to receive incentive bonuses and stock option grants and
to participate in all employee benefit plans in effect during his period of employment.
19
The agreement has a term of three years and, until notice to the contrary, the term is
automatically extended so that on any day on which the agreement is in effect it has a then-current
three-year term. Mr. Cohens employment agreement was entered into in 2004, around the time that
ATLS was preparing to launch its initial public offering in connection with its spin-off from
Resource America, Inc. At that time, it was important to establish a long-term commitment to and
from Mr. Cohen as the Chief Executive Officer and the then-current President of ATLS. The rolling
three-year term was determined to be an appropriate amount of time to reflect that commitment and
was deemed a term that was commensurate with Mr. Cohens position. The multiples of the
compensation components upon termination or a change of control, discussed below, were generally
aligned with competitive market practice for similar executives at the time that the agreement was
negotiated.
The agreement provides the following regarding termination and termination benefits:
|
|
|
Upon termination of employment due to death, Mr. Cohens estate will receive
(a) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to three times his final base salary and (b)
automatic vesting of all stock and option awards. |
|
|
|
|
ATLS may terminate Mr. Cohens employment if he is disabled for 180 consecutive
days during any 12-month period. If his employment is terminated due to disability, Mr.
Cohen will receive (a) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to three times his final
base salary, (b) a lump sum amount equal to the COBRA premium cost for continued health
coverage, less the premium charge that is paid by ATLSs employees, during the three
years following his termination, (c) a lump sum amount equal to the cost ATLS would
incur for life, disability and accident insurance coverage during the three-year
period, less the premium charge that is paid by our employees, (d) automatic vesting of
all stock and option awards and (e) any amounts payable under ATLSs long-term
disability plan. |
|
|
|
|
ATLS may terminate Mr. Cohens employment without cause, including upon or
after a change of control, upon 30 days prior written notice. He may terminate his
employment for good reason. Good reason is defined as a reduction in his base pay, a
demotion, a material reduction in his duties, relocation, his failure to be elected to
ATLSs Board of Directors or ATLSs material breach of the agreement. Mr. Cohen must
provide ATLS with 30 days notice of a termination by him for good reason within 60
days of the event constituting good reason. ATLS then would have 30 days in which to
cure and, if it does not do so, Mr. Cohens employment will terminate 30 days after the
end of the cure period. If employment is terminated by ATLS without cause, by Mr. Cohen
for good reason or by either party in connection with a change of control, he will be
entitled to either (a) if Mr. Cohen does not sign a release, severance benefits under
ATLSs then-current severance policy, if any, or (b) if Mr. Cohen signs a release, (i)
a lump sum payment in an amount equal to three times his average compensation (defined
as the average of the three highest years of total compensation), (ii) a lump sum
amount equal to the COBRA premium cost for continued health coverage, less the premium
charge that is paid by ATLSs employees, during the three years following his
termination, (iii) a lump sum amount equal to the cost ATLS would incur for life,
disability and accident insurance |
20
|
|
|
coverage during the three-year period, less the premium charge that is paid by ATLSs
employees, and (iv) automatic vesting of all stock and option awards. |
|
|
|
Mr. Cohen may terminate the agreement without cause with 60 days notice to
ATLS, and if he signs a release, he will receive (a) a lump sum payment equal to
one-half of one years base salary then in effect and (b) automatic vesting of all
stock and option awards. |
Change of control is defined as:
|
|
|
the acquisition of beneficial ownership, as defined in the Securities Exchange
Act of 1933, of 25% or more of ATLSs voting securities or all or substantially all of
ATLSs assets by a single person or entity or group of affiliated persons or entities,
other than an entity affiliated with Mr. Cohen or any member of his immediate family; |
|
|
|
|
ATLS consummates a merger, consolidation, combination, share exchange, division
or other reorganization or transaction with an unaffiliated entity in which either (a)
ATLSs directors immediately before the transaction constitute less than a majority of
the board of the surviving entity, unless 1/2 of the surviving entitys board were ATLSs
directors immediately before the transaction and ATLSs chief executive officer
immediately before the transaction continues as the chief executive officer of the
surviving entity; or (b) ATLSs voting securities immediately prior to the transaction
represent less than 60% of the combined voting power immediately after the transaction
of ATLS, the surviving entity or, in the case of a division, each entity resulting from
the division; |
|
|
|
|
during any period of 24 consecutive months, individuals who were ATLS Board
members at the beginning of the period cease for any reason to constitute a majority of
the ATLS Board, unless the election or nomination for election by ATLSs stockholders
of each new director was approved by a vote of at least 2/3 of the directors then still
in office who were directors at the beginning of the period; or |
|
|
|
|
ATLSs stockholders approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding up of
ATLS, or agreement of sale of all or substantially all of ATLSs assets or all or
substantially all of the assets of ATLSs primary subsidiaries to an unaffiliated
entity. |
Termination amounts will not be paid until 6 months after the termination date, if such delay
is required by Section 409A. In the event that any amounts payable to Mr. Cohen upon termination
become subject to any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, ATLS must pay Mr. Cohen an
additional sum such that the net amounts retained by Mr. Cohen, after payment of excise, income and
withholding taxes, equals the termination amounts payable, unless Mr. Cohens employment terminates
because of his death or disability.
We anticipate that lump sum termination amounts paid to Mr. Cohen would be allocated to us
consistent with past practice and, with respect to payments based on three years of compensation,
would be allocated to us based on the average amount of time Mr. Cohen devoted to our activities
during the prior three-year period. The following table provides an estimate of
21
the value of the benefits to Mr. Cohen if a termination event had occurred as of December 31,
2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lump sum |
|
|
|
|
|
Accelerated vesting |
|
|
|
|
severance |
|
|
|
|
|
of unit awards and |
|
|
Reason for termination |
|
payment |
|
Benefits(1) |
|
option awards(2) |
|
Tax gross- up(3) |
Death |
|
$ |
442,731 |
(4) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
506,700 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disability |
|
|
442,731 |
(4) |
|
|
5,702 |
|
|
|
506,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination by us without cause |
|
|
2,210,077 |
(5) |
|
|
5,702 |
|
|
|
506,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
Termination by Mr. Cohen for
good reason |
|
|
2,210,077 |
(5) |
|
|
5,702 |
|
|
|
506,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change of control |
|
|
2,210,077 |
(5) |
|
|
5,702 |
|
|
|
506,700 |
|
|
|
926,455 |
|
Termination by Mr. Cohen
without cause |
|
|
73,789 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
506,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents rates currently in effect for COBRA insurance benefits for 36 months. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the value of unexercisable option and unvested unit
awards disclosed in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal
Year-End Table. The payments relating to option awards are
calculated by multiplying the number of accelerated options by the
difference between the exercise price and the closing price of the
applicable units on December 31, 2009. The payments relating to
awards are calculated by multiplying the number of accelerated
units by the closing price of the applicable unit on December 31,
2009. |
|
(3) |
|
Calculated after deduction of any excise tax imposed under section
4999 of the Code, and any federal, state and local income tax,
FICA and Medicare withholding taxes, taking into account the 20%
excess parachute payment rate and a 36.45% combined effective tax
rate. |
|
(4) |
|
Calculated based on Mr. Cohens 2009 base salary. |
|
(5) |
|
Calculated based on Mr. Cohens average 2009, 2008 and 2007 base salary and bonus. |
Jonathan Z. Cohen
In January 2009, ATLS entered into an employment agreement with Jonathan Z. Cohen, who
currently serves as our Vice-Chairman. As discussed above under Compensation Discussion and
Analysis, ATLS allocates a portion of Mr. Cohens compensation cost based on an estimate of the
time spent by Mr. Cohen on our activities. The following discussion of Mr. Cohens employment
agreement summarizes those elements of Mr. Cohens compensation that are allocated in part to us.
Mr. Cohens employment agreement requires him to devote such time to ATLS as is reasonably
necessary to the fulfillment of his duties, although it permits him to invest and participate in
outside business endeavors. The agreement provided for initial base compensation of $600,000 per
year, which may be increased by the ATLS board based upon its evaluation of Mr. Cohens
performance. Mr. Cohen is eligible to receive incentive bonuses and stock option grants and to
participate in all employee benefit plans in effect during his period of employment. The agreement
has a term of three years and, until notice to the contrary, the term is automatically extended so
that on any day on which the agreement is in effect it has a then-current three-year term. The
rolling three-year term and the multiples of the compensation components upon termination or a
change of control, discussed below, were generally aligned
22
with competitive market practice for similar executives at the time that the employment
agreement was negotiated.
The agreement provides the following regarding termination and termination benefits:
|
|
|
Upon termination of employment due to death, Mr. Cohens estate will receive
(a) accrued but unpaid bonus and vacation pay and (b) automatic vesting of all
equity-based awards. |
|
|
|
|
ATLS may terminate Mr. Cohens employment without cause upon 90 days prior
notice or if he is physically or mentally disabled for 180 days in the aggregate or 90
consecutive days during any 365-day period and ATLSs board determines, in good faith
based upon medical evidence, that he is unable to perform his duties. Upon termination
by ATLS other than for cause, including disability, or by Mr. Cohen for good reason
(defined as any action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by ATLS of the
employment agreement or a change of control), Mr. Cohen will receive either (a) if Mr.
Cohen does not sign a release, severance benefits under our then-current severance
policy, if any, or (b) if Mr. Cohen signs a release, (i) a lump sum payment in an
amount equal to three years of his average compensation (which is defined as his base
salary in effect immediately before termination plus the average of the cash bonuses
earned for the three calendar years preceding the year in which the termination
occurred), less, in the case of termination by reason of disability, any amounts paid
under disability insurance provided by us, (ii) monthly reimbursement of any COBRA
premium paid by Mr. Cohen, less the amount Mr. Cohen would be required to contribute
for health and dental coverage if he were an active employee and (iv) automatic vesting
of all equity-based awards. |
|
|
|
|
ATLS may terminate Mr. Cohens employment for cause (defined as a felony
conviction or conviction of a crime involving fraud, deceit or misrepresentation,
failure by Mr. Cohen to materially perform his duties after notice other than as a
result of physical or mental illness, or violation of confidentiality obligations or
representations contained in the employment agreement). Upon termination by ATLS for
cause or by Mr. Cohen for other than good reason, Mr. Cohens vested equity-based
awards will not be subject to forfeiture. |
Change of control is defined as:
|
|
|
the acquisition of beneficial ownership, as defined in the Securities
Exchange Act, of 25% or more of ATLSs voting securities or all or substantially all of
ATLSs assets by a single person or entity or group of affiliated persons or entities,
other than an entity affiliated with Mr. Cohen or any member of his immediate family; |
|
|
|
|
ATLS consummates a merger, consolidation, combination, share exchange,
division or other reorganization or transaction with an unaffiliated entity in which
either (a) ATLSs directors immediately before the transaction constitute less than a
majority of the board of the surviving entity, unless 1/2 of the surviving entitys |
23
|
|
|
board were our directors immediately before the transaction and ATLSs Chief
Executive Officer immediately before the transaction continues as the Chief
Executive Officer of the surviving entity; or (b) ATLSs voting securities
immediately prior to the transaction represent less than 60% of the combined voting
power immediately after the transaction of ATLS, the surviving entity or, in the
case of a division, each entity resulting from the division; |
|
|
|
during any period of 24 consecutive months, individuals who were ATLS
board members at the beginning of the period cease for any reason to constitute a
majority of ATLSs board, unless the election or nomination for election by ATLSs
stockholders of each new director was approved by a vote of at least 2/3 of the
directors then still in office who were directors at the beginning of the period; or |
|
|
|
|
ATLSs stockholders approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding up,
or agreement of sale of all or substantially all of ATLSs assets or all or
substantially all of the assets of its primary subsidiaries to an unaffiliated entity. |
Termination amounts will not be paid until 6 months after the termination date, if such delay
is required by Section 409A. We anticipate that lump sum termination amounts paid to Mr. Cohen
would be allocated to us consistent with past practice and, with respect to payments based on three
years of compensation, would be allocated to us based on the average amount of time Mr. Cohen
devoted to our activities during the prior three-year period. The following table provides an
estimate of the value of the benefits to Mr. Cohen if a termination event had occurred as of
December 31, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accelerated |
|
|
Lump sum |
|
|
|
|
|
vesting of unit |
|
|
severance |
|
|
|
|
|
awards and |
Reason for termination |
|
payment |
|
Benefits(1) |
|
option awards(2) |
Death |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
233,850 |
|
Termination by us other
than for cause (including
disability) or by Mr.
Cohen for good reason
(including a change of
control) |
|
|
1,738,616 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
233,850 |
|
Termination by us for
cause or by Mr. Cohen for
other than good reason |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. J. Cohen does not currently receive benefits from ATLS. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the value of unexercisable option and unvested unit awards disclosed in
the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table. The payments relating to option
awards are calculated by multiplying the number of accelerated options by the difference
between the exercise price and the closing price of the applicable unit on December 31, 2009.
The payments relating to unit awards are calculated by multiplying the number of accelerated
units by the closing price of the applicable unit on December 31, 2009. |
|
(3) |
|
Calculated based on Mr. J. Cohens average 2009, 2008 and 2007 base salary and bonus. |
24
Eugene N. Dubay
In January 2009, ATLS entered into an employment agreement with Eugene N. Dubay, who currently
serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer. As discussed above, ATLS allocates all of Mr.
Dubays compensation cost to us and Atlas Pipeline Holdings.
The agreement provides for an initial base salary of $400,000 per year and a bonus of not less
than $300,000 for the period ending December 31, 2009. After that, bonuses will be awarded solely
at the discretion of ATLSs compensation committee. In addition to reimbursement of reasonable and
necessary expenses incurred in carrying out his duties, Mr. Dubay was entitled to reimbursement of
up to $40,000 for relocation costs and ATLS agreed to purchase his residence in Michigan for
$1,000,000. If Mr. Dubays employment is terminated before June 30, 2011 by him without good
reason or by ATLS for cause, Mr. Dubay must repay an amount equal to the difference between the
amount ATLS paid for his residence and its fair market value on the date acquired by ATLS. Upon
execution of the agreement, Mr. Dubay was granted the following equity compensation:
|
|
|
Options to purchase 100,000 shares of ATLSs common stock, which vest 25% per year
on each anniversary of the effective date of the agreement; |
|
|
|
|
Options to purchase 100,000 of our common units, which vest 25% per year on each
anniversary of the effective date of the agreement; and |
|
|
|
|
Options to purchase 100,000 AHD common units, which vest 25% on the third
anniversary, and 75% on the fourth anniversary, of the effective date of the
agreement. |
The agreement has a term of two years period and, until notice to the contrary, his term is
automatically renewed for one year renewal terms. ATLS may terminate the agreement:
|
|
|
at any time for cause; |
|
|
|
|
without cause upon 45 days prior written notice; |
|
|
|
|
if he is physically or mentally disabled for 180 days in the aggregate or 90
consecutive days during any 365-day period and our and Atlas Pipeline Holdings board
of directors determine, in good faith based upon medical evidence, that he is unable
to perform his duties; |
|
|
|
|
in the event of Mr. Dubays death. |
Mr. Dubay has the right to terminate the agreement for good reason, including a change of
control. Mr. Dubay must provide notice of a termination by him for good reason within 30 days of
the event constituting good reason. Termination by Mr. Dubay for good reason is only effective if
such failure has not been cured within 90 days after notice is given to ATLS. Mr.
Dubay may also terminate the agreement without good reason upon 60 days notice.
25
Termination amounts will not be paid until six months after the termination date, if such delay is required by
Section 409A of the Code.
Cause is defined as (a) the commitment of a material act of fraud, (b) illegal or gross
misconduct that is willful and results in damage to our business or reputation, (c) being charged
with a felony, (d) continued failure by Mr. Dubay to perform his duties after notice other than as
a result of physical or mental illness, or (e) Mr. Dubays failure to follow ATLSs reasonable
written directions consistent with his duties. Good reason is defined as any action or inaction
that constitutes a material breach by ATLS of the agreement or a change of control. Change of
control is defined as:
|
|
|
the acquisition of beneficial ownership, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act, of
50% or more of ATLSs voting securities or all or substantially all of ATLSs assets by a
single person or entity or group of affiliated persons or entities, other than an entity
affiliated with ATLS or Mr. Dubay or any member of his immediate family; |
|
|
|
|
ATLS consummates a merger, consolidation, combination, share exchange, division or other
reorganization or transaction of ATLS other than with a related entity, in which either (a)
ATLSs directors immediately before the transaction constitute less than a majority of the
board of directors of the surviving entity, unless 1/2 of the surviving entitys board were
ATLS directors immediately before the transaction and ATLSs Chief Executive Officer
immediately before the transaction continues as the Chief Executive Officer of the
surviving entity; or (b) ATLSs voting securities immediately before the transaction
represent less than 60% of the combined voting power immediately after the transaction of
ATLS, the surviving entity or, in the case of a division, each entity resulting from the
division; |
|
|
|
|
during any period of 24 consecutive calendar months, individuals who were ATLS board
members at the beginning of the period cease for any reason to constitute a majority of
ATLSs board, unless the election or nomination for the election by ATLSs stockholders of
each new director was approved by a vote of at least 2/3 of the directors then still in
office who were directors at the beginning of the period; or |
|
|
|
|
ATLSs shareholders approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding-up, or agreement
of sale of all or substantially all of ATLSs assets or all or substantially all of the
assets of its primary subsidiaries other than to a related entity. |
The agreement provides the following regarding termination and termination benefits:
|
|
|
Upon termination of employment due to death, Mr. Dubays designated beneficiaries will
receive a lump sum cash payment within 60 days of the date of death of (a) any unpaid
portion of his annual salary earned and not yet paid, (b) an amount representing the
incentive compensation earned for the period up to the date of termination computed by
assuming that all such incentive compensation would be equal to the amount of incentive
compensation Mr. Dubay earned during the prior fiscal year, pro-rated through the date of
termination; and (c) any accrued but unpaid incentive compensation and vacation pay. |
26
|
|
|
Upon termination of employment by ATLS other than for cause, including disability, or by
Mr. Dubay for good reason, if Mr. Dubay executes and does not revoke a release, Mr. Dubay
will receive (a) pro-rated cash incentive compensation for the year of termination, based
on actual performance for the year; and (b) monthly severance pay for the remainder of the
employment term in an amount equal to 1/12 of (x) his annual base salary and (y) the annual
amount of cash incentive compensation paid to Mr. Dubay for the fiscal year prior to his
year of termination; (c) monthly reimbursements of any COBRA premium paid by Mr. Dubay,
less the monthly premium charge paid by employees for such coverage; and (d) automatic
vesting of all equity awards. |
|
|
|
|
Upon Mr. Dubays termination from employment by ATLS for cause or by Mr. Dubay for any
reason other than good reason, Mr. Dubay will receive his accrued but unpaid base salary. |
Mr. Dubay is also subject to a non-solicitation covenant for two years after any termination
of employment and, in the event his employment is terminated by ATLS for cause, or terminated by
him for any reason other than good reason, a non-competition covenant not to engage in any natural
gas pipeline and/or processing business in the continental United States for 18 months.
Termination amounts will not be paid until 6 months after the termination date, if such delay
is required by Section 409A. We anticipate that lump sum termination amounts paid to Mr. Dubay
would be allocated to us consistent with past practice. The following table provides an estimate
of the value of the benefits to Mr. Dubay if a termination event had occurred as of December 31,
2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accelerated |
|
|
Lump sum |
|
|
|
|
|
vesting of unit |
|
|
severance |
|
|
|
|
|
awards and |
Reason for termination |
|
payment |
|
Benefits |
|
option awards(1) |
Death |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
38,906 |
|
|
$ |
1,408,291 |
|
Termination by ATLS
other than for cause
(including
disability) or by Mr.
Dubay for good reason
(including a change
of control) |
|
$ |
938,847 |
(2) |
|
$ |
38,906 |
|
|
$ |
1,408,291 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the value of unexercisable option and unvested unit awards
disclosed in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table. The payments relating
to option awards are calculated by multiplying the number of accelerated options by the
difference between the exercise price and the closing price of the applicable unit on December
31, 2009. The payments relating to unit awards are calculated by multiplying the number of
accelerated shares by the closing price of the applicable stock on December 31, 2009. |
|
(2) |
|
Calculated based on Mr. Dubays 2009 base salary and cash bonus. |
Eric T. Kalamaras
In September 2009, ATLS entered into a letter agreement with Eric Kalamaras, who currently
serves as our Chief Financial Officer. As discussed above under Compensation Discussion and
Analysis, ATLS allocates all of Mr. Kalamaras compensation cost to us and Atlas Pipeline
Holdings.
27
The agreement provides for an annual base salary of $250,000, a one-time cash signing
bonus of $80,000 and a one-time award of 50,000 equity-indexed bonus units which entitle Mr.
Kalamaras, upon vesting, to receive a cash payment equal to the fair market value of our common
units. These bonus units vest 1/3 per year over three years, but will vest immediately upon a
change of control, Mr. Kalamaras death or if Mr. Kalamaras employment is terminated without cause.
If such an event had occurred as of December 31, 2009, the value of the accelerated bonus award
would be $490,500 based on the closing price of our common units on that date.
Mr. Kalamaras is also eligible for discretionary annual bonus compensation in an amount not to
exceed 100% of his annual base salary and participation in all employee benefit plans in effect
during his employment. The agreement provides that Mr. Kalamaras will serve as an at-will
employee.
The agreement provides the following regarding termination and termination benefits:
|
|
|
ATLS may terminate Mr. Kalamaras employment for any reason upon 30 days prior
written notice, or immediately for cause. |
|
|
|
|
Mr. Kalamaras may terminate his employment for any reason upon 60 days prior written
notice. |
|
|
|
|
Upon termination of employment for any reason, Mr. Kalamaras will receive his accrued
but unpaid annual base salary through his date of termination and any accrued and unpaid
vacation pay. |
Cause is defined as having (a) committed an act of malfeasance or wrongdoing affecting
the company or its affiliates, (ii) breached any confidentiality, non-solicitation or
non-competition covenant or employment agreement or (iii) otherwise engaged in conduct that would
warrant discharge from employment or service because of his negative effect on the company or its
affiliates. Change of control means the acquisition by a person or group of (i) more than 50% of
the total value of ownership interests or voting interests in Atlas Pipeline Mid-Continent, LLC or
APL or (ii) during any 12 month period, assets of either company having a total gross fair market
value equal to more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of the assets of the affected
company.
Mr. Kalamaras is also subject to a confidentiality and non-solicitation agreement for 12
months after any termination of employment. Termination amounts will not be paid until six months
after the termination date, if such delay is required by Section 409A of the Code.
Matthew A. Jones
In July 2009, ATLS entered into an employment agreement with Matthew A. Jones, who
currently serves as its Chief Financial Officer and, from January 2006 until September 2009, served
as our Chief Financial Officer. As discussed above, ATLS allocated a portion of Mr. Joness
compensation cost to us based on an estimate of the time spent by Mr. Jones on our activities.
ATLS adds 50% to the compensation amount allocated to us to cover the costs of health insurance and
similar benefits. The following discussion of Mr. Joness employment agreement summarizes those
elements of Mr. Joness compensation that were allocated in part to us.
28
The agreement provides for initial base compensation of $300,000 per year, which may be
increased at the discretion of ATLSs board of directors. Mr. Jones is eligible to
receive incentive bonuses and stock option grants and to participate in all employee benefit plans
in effect during his period of employment. The agreement has a term of two years with the option
of renewal at the end of the term.
ATLS may terminate the agreement:
|
|
|
at any time for cause; |
|
|
|
|
without cause upon 90 days prior written notice; |
|
|
|
|
if Mr. Jones is physically or mentally disabled for 180 days in the aggregate or 90
consecutive days during any 365-day period and our Board of Directors determines, in good
faith based upon medical evidence, that he is unable to perform his duties; |
|
|
|
|
in the event of Mr. Joness death. |
Mr. Jones has the right to terminate the agreement for good reason, defined as material
breach by ATLS of the agreement or a change of control. Mr. Jones must provide notice of a
termination by him for good reason within 30 days of the event constituting good reason. ATLS then
would have 30 days in which to cure and, if it does not do so, Mr. Joness employment will
terminate 30 days after the end of the cure period. Mr. Jones may also terminate the agreement
without good reason upon 30 days notice. Termination amounts will not be paid until six months
after the termination date, if such delay is required by Section 409A of the Code.
Cause is defined as (a) Mr. Jones having committed a demonstrable and material act of
fraud, (b) illegal or gross misconduct that is willful and results in damage to the business or
reputation of the ATLS or any of its affiliates, (c) being charged with a felony, (d) continued
failure by Mr. Jones to perform his duties after notice other than as a result of physical or
mental illness, or (e) Mr. Joness failure to follow ATLSs reasonable written directions
consistent with his duties. Good reason is defined as any action or inaction that constitutes a
material breach by us of the agreement or a change of control. Change of control is defined as:
|
|
|
the acquisition of beneficial ownership, as defined in the Securities Exchange
Act, of 50% or more of our voting securities or all or substantially all of our assets by a
single person or entity or group of affiliated persons or entities, other than by a
related entity, defined as ATLS or any of its affiliates or affiliate of Mr. Jones or any
member of his immediate family; |
|
|
|
|
ATLSs consummation of a merger, consolidation, combination, share exchange,
division or other reorganization or transaction with an unaffiliated entity, other than a
related entity, in which either (a) its directors immediately before the transaction
constitute less than a majority of the board of directors of the surviving entity, unless 1/2
of the surviving entitys board were ATLSs directors immediately before the transaction
and its Chief Executive Officer immediately before the transaction continues as the Chief
Executive Officer of the surviving entity; or (b) its voting securities immediately before
the |
29
|
|
|
transaction represent less than 60% of the combined voting power immediately after the
transaction of ATLS, the surviving entity or, in the case of a division, each entity
resulting from the division; |
|
|
|
during any period of 24 consecutive calendar months, individuals who were
Board members at the beginning of the period cease for any reason to constitute a majority
of the Board, unless the election or nomination for the election by our stockholders of
each new director was approved by a vote of at least 2/3 of the directors then still in
office who were directors at the beginning of the period; or |
|
|
|
|
ATLSs stockholders approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding-up, or
agreement of sale of all or substantially all of ATLSs assets or all or substantially all
of the assets of its primary subsidiaries other than to a related entity. |
The agreement provides the following regarding termination and termination benefits:
|
|
|
Upon termination of employment due to death, Mr. Joness designated
beneficiaries will receive, a lump sum cash payment within 60 days of the date of
death of (a) any unpaid portion of his annual salary earned and not yet paid, (b) an
amount representing the incentive compensation earned for the period up to the date
of termination, computed by assuming that the amount of all such incentive
compensation would be equal to amount that Mr. Jones earned the prior fiscal
year, pro rated through the date of termination; (c) any accrued but unpaid
incentive compensation and vacation pay ; and (d) all equity compensation awards
will immediately vest. |
|
|
|
Upon termination by ATLS for cause or by Mr. Jones for other than good reason,
Mr. Jones will receive only base salary and vacation pay to the extent earned and not
paid. Mr. Joness equity awards that have vested as of the date of termination will
not be subject to forfeiture. |
|
|
|
Upon termination by ATLS other than for cause, including disability, or by Mr.
Jones for good reason, he will be entitled to either (a) if Mr. Jones does not sign
a release, severance benefits under our then current severance policy, if any, or
(b) if Mr. Jones signs a release, (i) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to two
years of his average compensation (which is defined as his base salary in effect
immediately before termination plus the average of the cash bonuses earned for the
three calendar years preceding the year in which the date of terminated
occurred), less, in the case of termination by reason of disability, any amounts
paid under disability insurance provided by ATLS; (ii) monthly reimbursement of any
COBRA premium paid Mr. Jones, less the amount Mr. Jones would be required to
contribute for health and dental coverage if he were an active employee, for the
24 months following the date of termination , and (iii) automatic vesting of
Mr. Joness equity awards. |
Termination amounts will not be paid until 6 months after the termination date, if such delay
is required by Section 409A. We anticipate that lump sum termination amounts paid to Mr.
30
Jones would be allocated to us consistent with past practice and, with respect to payments
based on two years of compensation, would be allocated to us based on the average amount of time
Mr. Jones devoted to our activities during the prior three-year period. The following table
provides an estimate of the value of the benefits to Mr. Jones if a termination event had occurred
as of December 31, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accelerated |
|
|
Lump sum |
|
|
|
|
|
vesting of unit |
|
|
severance |
|
|
|
|
|
awards and |
Reason for termination |
|
payment |
|
Benefits |
|
option awards(1) |
Death |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
113,963 |
|
Termination by ATLS other
than for cause (including
disability) or by Mr. Jones
for good reason (including
a change of control) |
|
$ |
1,255,873 |
(2) |
|
$ |
13,617 |
|
|
$ |
113,963 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the value of unexercisable option and unvested unit awards
disclosed in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table. The payments relating
to option awards are calculated by multiplying the number of accelerated options by the
difference between the exercise price and the closing price of the applicable unit on
December 31, 2009. The payments relating to unit awards are calculated by multiplying the
number of accelerated shares by the closing price of the applicable units on December 31,
2009. |
|
(2) |
|
Calculated based on Mr. Joness 2009 base salary and the average of his
2009, 2008 and 2007 cash bonuses. |
Pursuant to their bonus unit awards under the APLMC Plan, Messrs. Shrader and Karlovich
are entitled to accelerated vesting of the awards upon a change in control. Change in control means
a change in the ownership of APLMC or us, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of
the assets of either company, provided that:
|
|
|
no event will be a change in control event unless it is a change in control event as
defined in Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the Treasury regulations under Section 409A; |
|
|
|
|
a change in ownership will occur only if ownership interests in either company are
acquired by any one person or more than one person acting as a group and, after the
acquisition, the acquiring person or persons own more than 50% of the total value or total
voting power of such ownership interests; and |
|
|
|
|
a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of either company will
occur only if one person or more than one person acting as a group acquire during the
12-month period ending on the date of the last such acquisition assets that have a total
gross fair market value equal to more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all
the assets of such company. |
If such an event had occurred as of December 31, 2009, the value of Mr. Shraders accelerated bonus
units would be $490,500 and the value of Mr. Karlovichs would be $245,250 based on the closing
price of our common units on that date.
Our Current Long-Term Incentive Plan
In 2004 our Board and Unitholders approved and adopted a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2004
Plan) for officers, employees and non-employee managers of our General Partner and officers and
employees of our General Partners affiliates, consultants and joint venture partners who perform
services for us or in furtherance of our business. Our 2004 Plan is administered by the ATLS
compensation committee, under delegation from the Board. Under the
31
2004 Plan, the compensation committee may make awards of either phantom units or options
covering an aggregate of 435,000 Units.
|
|
|
A phantom unit entitles the grantee to receive a common unit upon the vesting of the
phantom unit. In addition, the compensation committee may grant a participant the
right, which we refer to as a DER, to receive cash per phantom unit in an amount equal
to, and at the same time as, the cash distributions we make on a common unit during the
period the phantom unit is outstanding. |
|
|
|
|
An option entitles the grantee to purchase our common units at an exercise price
determined by the compensation committee, which may be less than, equal to or more than
the fair market value of our common units on the date of grant. The compensation
committee will also have discretion to determine how the exercise price may be paid. |
Each non-employee manager of our General Partner receives an annual grant of a maximum of 500
phantom units which, upon vesting, entitles the grantee to receive the equivalent number of common
units or the cash equivalent to the fair market value of the units. The 2004 Plan was amended in
February 2010 to increase the pool of phantom units that may be awarded to non-employee managers
from 10,000 to 15,000. The total amount of Units that can be awarded under the 2004 Plan was not
amended. Except for phantom units awarded to non-employee managers of our General Partner, the
compensation committee will determine the vesting period for phantom units and the exercise period
for options. Phantom units awarded to non-employee managers will generally vest over a 4-year
period at the rate of 25% per year. Both types of awards will automatically vest upon a change of
control, defined as follows:
|
|
|
Atlas Pipeline Partners GP (or an affiliate of ATLS) ceasing to be our General
Partner; |
|
|
|
|
a merger, consolidation, share exchange, division or other reorganization or
transaction of us, our General Partner or a direct or indirect parent of our General
Partner with any entity, other than a transaction which would result in the voting
securities of the us, our General Partner or its parent, as appropriate, outstanding
immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or
by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 60% of the
combined voting power immediately after such transaction of the surviving entitys
outstanding securities or, in the case of a division, the outstanding securities of
each entity resulting from the division; |
|
|
|
|
the equity holders of us or a direct or indirect parent of our General Partner
approve a plan of complete, liquidation or winding-up or an agreement for the sale or
disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially
all of our or such parents assets; or |
|
|
|
|
during any period of 24 consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of such
period constituted the Board or a direct or indirect parent of our General Partner |
32
|
|
|
(including for this purpose any new director whose election or nomination for election
or appointment was approved by a vote of at least 2/3 of the directors then still in
office who were directors at the beginning of such period) cease for any reason to
constitute at least a majority of the Board or, in the case of a spinoff of the parent,
if Edward E. Cohen and Jonathan Z. Cohen cease to be directors of the parent. |
If a grantee terminates employment, the grantees award will be automatically forfeited unless
the compensation committee provides otherwise. However, the award will automatically vest if the
reason for the termination is the participants death or disability. Units to be delivered upon
vesting of phantom units or upon exercise of options may be newly issued units, units acquired in
the open market or from any of our affiliates, or any combination of these sources at the
discretion of the compensation committee. If we issue new Units upon vesting of the phantom units
or upon the exercise of options, the total number of Units outstanding will increase. We filed a
registration statement with the SEC in order to permit participants to publicly re-sell any common
units received by them under the 2004 Plan.
The compensation committee may terminate the 2004 Plan at any time with respect to any of the
Units for which it has not made a grant. In addition, the compensation committee may amend the 2004
Plan from time to time, including, subject to applicable law or the rules of the principal
securities exchange on which our common units are traded, increasing the number of Units with
respect to which it may grant awards, provided that, without the participants consent, no change
may be made in any outstanding grant that would materially impair the rights of the participant.
NYSE rules would require us to obtain Unitholder approval for all material amendments to the 2004
Plan, including amendments to increase the number of Units issuable under it.
The following table contains information about the 2004 Plan as of December 31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
|
Number of |
|
Weighted- |
|
Number of securities |
|
|
securities to be |
|
average exercise |
|
remaining available for |
|
|
issued upon |
|
price of |
|
future issuance under |
|
|
exercise of |
|
outstanding |
|
equity compensation plans |
|
|
equity |
|
equity |
|
(excluding securities |
Plan category |
|
instruments |
|
instruments |
|
reflected in column (a)) |
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders phantom units |
|
|
52,233 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders unit options |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
6.24 |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders Total |
|
|
152,233 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,584 |
|
Executive Group Incentive Program
We had incentive compensation agreements which granted awards to certain key employees
retained from previously consummated acquisitions. These individuals were entitled to receive our
common units upon the vesting of the awards, which was dependent upon the
33
achievement of certain predetermined performance targets through September 30, 2007. At
September 30, 2007, the predetermined performance targets were achieved and all of the awards under
the incentive compensation agreements vested. Of the total Units issued under the incentive
compensation agreements, 58,822 Units were issued during the year ended December 31, 2007. The
ultimate number of Units issued under the incentive compensation agreements was determined
principally by the financial performance of certain of our assets during the year ended
December 31, 2008 and the market value of our Units at December 31, 2008. The incentive
compensation agreements also dictated that no individual covered under the agreements would receive
an amount of Units in excess of one percent of our outstanding Units at the date of issuance. Unit
amounts due to any individual covered under the agreements in excess of one percent of the
outstanding Units would have been paid in cash.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we issued 348,620 Units to the certain key employees
covered under the incentive compensation agreements. No additional Units will be issued with regard
to these agreements.
Employee Incentive Compensation Plan and Agreement
The APLMC Plan, adopted in June 2009, allows for equity-indexed cash incentive awards to
personnel who perform services for us, but expressly excludes as an eligible participant any of our
Named Executive Officers (as such term is defined under the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission) at the time of the award. The APLMC Plan is administered by a committee appointed by
our Chief Executive Officer. Under the APLMC Plan, cash bonus units may be awarded at the
discretion of the committee and bonus units totaling 325,000 were awarded under the plan during the
year ended December 31, 2009. In September 2009, Mr. Kalamaras was separately awarded 50,000 bonus
units on substantially the same terms as the bonus units available under the APLMC Plan. A bonus
unit entitles the employee to receive the cash equivalent of the then-fair market value of a Unit,
without payment of an exercise price, upon vesting of the bonus unit. Bonus units vest ratably
over a three year period from the date of grant and will automatically vest upon a change of
control, death, or termination without cause, each as defined in the governing document. Vesting
will terminate upon termination of employment with cause. During the year ended December 31, 2009,
we granted 375,000 bonus units.
AHD Plan
The AHD Plan provides equity incentive awards to officers, employees and board members and
employees of its affiliates, consultants and joint-venture partners who perform services for AHD.
The AHD Plan is administered by ATLSs compensation committee under delegation from the AHD board.
The compensation committee may grant awards of either phantom units or unit options for an
aggregate of 2,100,000 common limited partner units of AHD.
Partnership Phantom Units. A phantom unit entitles a participant to receive an AHD common
unit upon vesting of the phantom unit. Non-employee directors receive an annual grant of a maximum
of 500 phantom units which, upon vesting, entitle the grantee to receive the
34
equivalent number of common units or the cash equivalent to the fair market value of the units. In
tandem with phantom unit grants, the compensation committee may grant a DER. The compensation
committee determines the vesting period for phantom units. Phantom units granted under the AHD
Plan generally vest 25% on the third anniversary of the date of grant and 75% on the fourth
anniversary of the date of grant, except non-employee director grants vest 25% per year.
Partnership Unit Options. A unit option entitles a participant to receive a common unit upon
payment of the exercise price for the option after completion of vesting of the unit option. The
exercise price of the unit option may be equal to or more than the fair market value of a common
unit as determined by the compensation committee on the date of grant of the option. The
compensation committee determines the vesting and exercise period for unit options. Unit option
awards expire 10 years from the date of grant. Unit options generally will vest 25% on the third
anniversary of the date of grant and 75% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. Awards
will automatically vest upon a change of control, as defined in the AHD Plan.
The following table contains information about the AHD Plan as of December 31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
Number of securities |
|
|
Number of |
|
average exercise |
|
remaining available for |
|
|
securities to be |
|
price of |
|
future issuance under |
|
|
issued upon |
|
outstanding |
|
equity compensation plans |
|
|
exercise of |
|
equity |
|
(excluding securities |
Plan category |
|
equity instruments |
|
instruments |
|
reflected in column (a)) |
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders phantom units |
|
|
138,875 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders unit options |
|
|
955,000 |
|
|
$ |
20,54 |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders Total |
|
|
1,093,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
960,650 |
|
ATLS Plans
ATLSs Stock Incentive Plan (the ATLS 2004 Plan) authorizes the granting of up to 4.5
million shares of its common stock to its employees, affiliates, consultants and directors in the
form of incentive stock options (ISOs), non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights
(SARs), restricted stock and deferred units. ATLS also has a 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the ATLS
2009 Plan) which authorizes the granting of up to 4.8 million shares of its common stock to its
employees, affiliates, consultants and directors in the form of ISOs, non-qualified stock options,
SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred units. SARs represent a right to
receive cash in the amount of the difference between the fair market value of a share of ATLS
common stock on the exercise date and the exercise price, and may be free-standing or tied to
grants of options. A deferred unit or a restricted stock unit represents the right to receive one
share of ATLS common stock upon vesting. Generally, awards under the ATLS 2004 Plan and ATLS 2009
Plan become exercisable 25% on each anniversary after the date of grant except that deferred units
awarded to ATLSs non-executive board members vest 33 1/3% on each of
35
the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant, and expire not later than ten years
after the date of grant.
The following table contains information about the ATLS Plans as of December 31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
Number of |
|
Weighted- |
|
remaining available for |
|
|
securities to be |
|
average |
|
future issuance under |
|
|
issued upon |
|
exercise price |
|
equity compensation |
|
|
exercise of |
|
of outstanding |
|
plans (excluding |
|
|
equity |
|
equity |
|
securities reflected in |
Plan category |
|
instruments |
|
instruments |
|
column (a)) |
Equity
compensation plans
approved by
security holders
restricted units |
|
|
46,999 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
compensation plans
approved by
security holders
options |
|
|
3,509,554 |
|
|
$ |
16.82 |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
compensation plans
approved by
security holders
Total |
|
|
3,556,553 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,544,137 |
|
As required by SEC guidelines, the following table disclosed awards under our 2004 Plan
as well as under the AHD Plan and ATLSs Plans.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Value of |
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or |
|
Shares or |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units of |
|
Units of |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
Stock That |
|
Stock That |
|
|
Options |
|
Options |
|
Exercise |
|
Option |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
|
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
Price |
|
Expiration |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
($) |
|
Date |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
Eugene N. Dubay |
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
(1) |
|
$ |
13.35 |
|
|
|
01/15/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
(2) |
|
|
6.24 |
|
|
|
01/15/2019 |
|
|
|
375 |
(3) |
|
$ |
3,679 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
(5) |
|
|
3.24 |
|
|
|
01/15/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eric Kalamaras |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
(6) |
|
|
490,500 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edward E. Cohen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
(7) |
|
|
49,050 |
(4) |
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
375,000 |
(8) |
|
|
22.56 |
|
|
|
11/10/2016 |
|
|
|
67,500 |
(9) |
|
|
457,650 |
(10) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Matthew A. Jones |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,250 |
(7) |
|
|
12,263 |
(4) |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
75,000 |
(8) |
|
|
22.56 |
|
|
|
11/10/2016 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
(9) |
|
|
101,700 |
(10) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jonathan Z. Cohen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,750 |
(7) |
|
|
36,788 |
(4) |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
(8) |
|
|
22.56 |
|
|
|
11/10/2016 |
|
|
|
11,250 |
(9) |
|
|
76,275 |
(10) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gerald R. Shrader |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
750 |
(11) |
|
|
7,358 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
(12) |
|
|
490,500 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert W. Karlovich
III |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
750 |
(11) |
|
|
7,358 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
(13) |
|
|
245,250 |
(4) |
36
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents options to purchase ATLS common stock, which vests as follows:
01/15/201025,000; 01/15/2011 25,000; 01/15/2012 25,000 and 01/15/2013 25,000. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents options to purchase our common units, which vest as follows:
01/15/201025,000; 01/15/2011 25,000; 01/15/2012 25,000 and 01/15/2013 25,000. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents our phantom units, which vest as follows: 10/14/2010 125; 10/14/2011 -
125 and 10/14/2012 125. |
|
(4) |
|
Based on closing market price of our common units on December 31, 2009 of $9.81. |
|
(5) |
|
Represents options to purchase Atlas Pipeline Holdings units, which vest as follows:
01/15/2012 25,000 and 01/15/2013 75,000. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes our bonus units which vest as follows: 9/14/2010-16,667; 9/14/2011-16,667
and 9/14/2012-16,666. See Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Note 17 -
Employee Incentive Compensation Plan and Agreement of our Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2009. |
|
(7) |
|
Represents our phantom units, which vest on 11/01/2010. |
|
(8) |
|
Represents Atlas Pipeline Holdings options, which vest on 11/10/2010. |
|
(9) |
|
Represents Atlas Pipeline Holdings phantom units, which vest on 11/10/2010. |
|
(10) |
|
Based on closing market price of Atlas Pipeline Holdings common units on
December 31, 2009 of $6.78. |
|
(11) |
|
Represents our phantom units, which vest as follows: 03/03/2010 250;
03/03/2011250 and 03/03/12250. |
|
(12) |
|
Includes our bonus units which vest as follows: 6/1/2010-16,667; 6/1/2011-16,667
and 6/1/2012-16,666. See Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Note 17 -
Employee Incentive Compensation Plan and Agreement of our Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2009. |
|
(13) |
|
Includes our bonus units which vest as follows: 6/1/2010-8,333;
6/1/2011-8,333 and 6/1/2012-8,333. See Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Note 17 Employee Incentive Compensation Plan and Agreement of our Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2009. |
2009 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
Number of Units |
|
Realized |
|
|
Acquired |
|
on Vesting |
Name |
|
on Vesting |
|
($) |
Eugene E. Dubay |
|
|
125 |
(1) |
|
$ |
2,708 |
|
Edward E. Cohen |
|
|
32,500 |
(2) |
|
|
802,850 |
|
Matthew A. Jones |
|
|
10,000 |
(3) |
|
|
289,363 |
|
Jonathan Z. Cohen |
|
|
18,125 |
(4) |
|
|
449,550 |
|
Gerald R. Shrader |
|
|
250 |
(1) |
|
|
11,128 |
|
Robert W. Karlovich, III |
|
|
250 |
(1) |
|
|
11,128 |
|
37
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents Units. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents 10,000 Units and 22,500 common units of AHD. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents 5,000 Units and 5,000 common units of AHD. |
|
(4) |
|
Represents 6,875 Units and 11,250 common units of AHD. |
Director Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or |
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
Paid in Cash |
|
Stock Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($)(1) |
|
($) |
Tony C. Banks |
|
$ |
35,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,435 |
(2) |
|
$ |
471 |
|
|
$ |
38,906 |
|
Curtis D. Clifford |
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
2,600 |
(3) |
|
|
532 |
|
|
|
38,132 |
|
Martin Rudolph |
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
2,600 |
(4) |
|
|
490 |
|
|
|
37,220 |
|
Gayle P.W. Jackson |
|
|
18,736 |
|
|
|
2,600 |
(4) |
|
|
490 |
|
|
|
20,956 |
|
Michael Staines(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents payments on DERs for phantom units. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents 500 phantom units granted under the 2004
Plan, having a grant date fair value of $6.87. The
phantom units vest 25% on each anniversary of the date
of grant as follows: 2/11/10125, 2/11/11125,
2/11/12125 and 2/11/13125. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents 500 phantom units granted under the 2004
Plan, having a grant date fair value of $5.20. The
phantom units vest 25% on each anniversary of the date
of grant as follows: 5/10/10125, 5/10/11125,
5/10/12125 and 5/10/13125. |
|
(4) |
|
Represents 500 phantom units granted to Mr. Rudolph and
Dr. Jackson under the 2004 Plan, having a grant date
fair value of $5.20. The phantom units vest 25% on
each anniversary of the date of grant as follows:
5/10/10125, 5/10/11125, 5/10/12125 and 5/10/13125.
The vesting of Dr. Jacksons phantom units were
accelerated in connection with her election to the ATLS
board and her resignation from our Board. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Staines resigned from employment with ATLS as of
July 2009, but remains a managing board member. As a
part of his separation arrangement, he will not receive
a directors fee until July 2010. |
Our General Partner does not pay additional remuneration to officers or employees of ATLS
who also serve as Board members. In fiscal year 2009, each non-employee Board member received an
annual retainer of $35,000 in cash and an annual grant of phantom units with DERs in an amount
equal to the lesser of 500 Units or $15,000 worth of Units (based upon the market price of our
Units) pursuant to the 2004 Plan. In addition, our General Partner reimburses each non-employee
Board member for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with attending meetings of the Board or
committees. We reimburse our General Partner for these expenses and indemnify the Board members for
actions associated with serving as Board members to the extent permitted under Delaware law.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the number and percentage of Units owned, as of March 2, 2010,
by (a) each person who, to our knowledge, is the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
outstanding Units, (b) each of the members of the Board, (c) each of the executive officers named
in the Summary Compensation Table above, and (d) all of the named executive officers and Board
38
members as a group. This information is reported in accordance with the beneficial ownership
rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission under which a person is deemed to be the beneficial
owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power or investment power with respect to
such security or has the right to acquire such ownership within 60 days. Unless otherwise
indicated in footnotes to the table, each person listed has sole voting and dispositive power with
respect to the securities owned by such person.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Common Units |
|
Percent of Class |
Executive officers and Members
of the Managing Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edward E. Cohen |
|
|
84,200 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Jonathan Z. Cohen |
|
|
49,727 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Eugene N. Dubay |
|
|
27,125 |
(1) |
|
|
* |
|
Matthew A. Jones |
|
|
18,750 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Eric T. Kalamaras |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Tony C. Banks |
|
|
1,374 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Robert W. Karlovich |
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Gerald R. Shrader |
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Curtis D. Clifford |
|
|
2,081 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Martin Rudolph |
|
|
1,721 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Michael L. Staines |
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive officers and Managing
Board Members as a
group (11 persons) |
|
|
197,978 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Owners of More than 5% of
Outstanding Units |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Atlas Pipeline Holdings, L.P. |
|
|
4,113,227 |
|
|
|
8.14 |
% |
Leon Cooperman |
|
|
4,757,418 |
(2) |
|
|
9.4 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1%. |
|
(1) |
|
Includes 25,000 vested options |
|
(2) |
|
This information is based upon a Schedule 13G
which was filed with the SEC on February 4, 2009.
The address for Mr. Cooperman is 88 Pine Street, Wall
Street Plaza31st Floor, New York, NY
10005. |
39
Appendix A
ATLAS PIPELINE PARTNERS, L.P.
2010 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
ATLAS PIPELINE PARTNERS, L.P.
2010 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
1. Purpose
The purpose of the Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Plan) is
to assist Atlas Pipeline Partners GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (defined below as
the Company) in its capacity as general partner of Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership (defined below as APL) in securing and retaining employees of outstanding
ability who are in a position to participate significantly in the development and implementation of
the strategic plans of APL and thereby to contribute materially to the long-term growth,
development, and profitability of APL by affording them an opportunity to acquire Units (as defined
below). The Plan is designed to align directly long-term executive compensation with tangible,
direct and identifiable benefits realized by APL Unit holders.
2. Definitions
Whenever used in this Plan, the following terms will have the respective meanings set forth
below:
(a) Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control
with, the Person in question. As used herein, the term control means the possession, direct or
indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person,
whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
(b) APL means Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
(c) APL Partnership Agreement means the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited
Partnership of Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P., dated as of March 9, 2004, as amended from time to
time.
(d) Board means the Managing Board of the Company.
(e) Change of Control means the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) the Company or an Affiliate ceases to be the general partner of APL;
(ii) consummation of a merger, consolidation, share exchange, division or other
reorganization or transaction of APL, the Company or any Affiliate that is a direct or indirect
parent of the Company with any entity, other than a transaction which would result in the
voting securities of APL or the Company, as appropriate, outstanding immediately prior thereto
continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting
securities of the surviving entity) at least 60% of the combined voting power
immediately after such transaction of the surviving entitys outstanding securities or, in
the case of a division, the outstanding securities of each entity resulting from the division;
(iii) the equity holders of APL, the Company or any Affiliate that is a direct or indirect
parent of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding-up of APL;
(iv) consummation of a sale or disposition (in one transaction or a series of
transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of APL or any Affiliate that is a
direct or indirect parent of the Company to an entity that is not an Affiliate of the Company
or APL; or
(v) during any period of 24 consecutive months, individuals who at the beginning of such
period constituted the Board or the board of directors of an Affiliate that is a direct or
indirect parent of the Company (including for this purpose any new director whose election or
nomination for election or appointment was approved by a vote of at least 2/3 of the directors
then still in office who were directors at the beginning of such period) cease for any reason
to constitute at least a majority of the Board or other board of directors, as applicable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may specify a more limited definition of
Change in Control, or a definition conforming to requirements of section 409A of the Code, for a
particular Grant, as the Committee deems appropriate.
(f) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(g) Committee means (i) with respect to Grants to Employees or Consultants, the Board or
such committee of the Board, or the board of an Affiliate of APL, that is appointed by the Board to
administer the Plan, and (ii) with respect to Managers, the Board, or the board of an Affiliate of
APL, that is appointed by the Board to administer the Plan.
(h) Company means Atlas Pipeline Partners GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
(i) Consultant means a consultant or advisor who performs services for APL or in furtherance
of APLs business.
(j) Disability or Disabled means a long-term disability as determined under the long-term
disability plan of the Company, APL or one of their Affiliates, which is applicable to the
Participant.
(k) Distribution Equivalent means an amount calculated with respect to a Phantom Unit, which
is determined by multiplying the number of Units subject to the Phantom Unit by the per-Unit cash
distribution, or the per-Unit fair market value (as determined by the Committee) of any
distribution in consideration other than cash, paid by APL on its Units. If interest is credited
on accumulated distribution equivalents, the term Distribution Equivalent shall include the
accrued interest.
A-2
(l)
Effective Date of the Plan means June 1, 2010, subject to approval of the Plan by
the Unit holders of APL.
(m) Employee means an employee of the Employer (including an officer or director who is also
an employee) who performs services for APL or in furtherance of APLs business, but excluding any
person who is classified by the Company as a contractor or consultant, no matter how
characterized by the Internal Revenue Service, other governmental agency or a court. Any change of
characterization of an individual by the Internal Revenue Service or any court or government agency
shall have no effect upon the classification of an individual as an Employee for purposes of this
Plan, unless the Committee determines otherwise.
(n) Employer means the Company, APL or their Affiliates.
(o) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(p) Exercise Price means the per Unit price at which Units may be purchased under an Option,
as designated by the Committee.
(q) Fair Market Value means the closing sales price of a Unit on the applicable date on the
public market on which Units are traded (or if there is no trading in the Units on such date, the
closing sales price on the last date Units were traded). In the event Units are not publicly
traded at the time a determination of Fair Market Value is required to be made hereunder, the
determination of Fair Market Value shall be made in good faith by the Committee.
(r) Grant means an Option, Phantom Unit, Unit Award, UAR or Other Unit-Based Award granted
under the Plan.
(s) Grant Letter means the written instrument that sets forth the terms and conditions of a
Grant, including all amendments thereto.
(t) Manager means a member of the Board who is not an employee of the Employer.
(u) Option means an option to purchase Units, as described in Section 7.
(v) Other Unit-Based Award means any Grant based on, measured by or payable in Units (other
than an Option, Phantom Unit, Unit Award or UAR), as described in Section 10.
(w) Participant means an Employee or Manager designated by the Committee to participate in
the Plan.
(x) Person means an individual or a corporation, limited liability company, partnership,
joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, government agency or political
subdivision thereof or other entity.
(y) Plan means this Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as in
effect from time to time.
A-3
(z) Phantom Unit means an award of a phantom unit representing a Unit, as described in
Section 8.
(aa) UAR means a Unit appreciation right as described in Section 10.
(bb) Unit means a common unit of APL as described in the APL Partnership Agreement.
(cc) Unit Award means an award of Units as described in Section 9.
3. Administration
(a) Committee. The Plan shall be administered and interpreted by the Committee.
Ministerial functions may be performed by an administrative committee comprised of Company
employees appointed by the Committee.
(b) Committee Authority. The Committee shall have the full power and authority to (i)
determine the Participants to whom Grants shall be made under the Plan, (ii) determine the type,
size and terms and conditions of the Grants to be made to each such Participant, (iii) determine
the time when the Grants will be made and the duration of any applicable exercise or restriction
period, including the criteria for exercisability and the acceleration of exercisability, (iv)
amend the terms and conditions of any previously issued Grant, subject to the provisions of Section
17(b) below, and (v) deal with any other matters arising under the Plan. Subject to the following
and any applicable law, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may delegate any or all of its
powers and duties under the Plan, including the power to award Grants under the Plan, to the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, subject to such limitations on such delegated powers and duties
as the Committee may impose, if any; provided, however, that such delegation shall not limit the
Chief Executive Officers right to receive Grants under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Chief Executive Officer may not award Grants to, or take any action with respect to any Grant
previously awarded to, himself or a person who is an Employee or Manager subject to Rule 16b-3
under the Exchange Act.
(c) Committee Determinations. The Committee shall have full power and express
discretionary authority to administer and interpret the Plan, to make factual determinations and to
adopt or amend such rules, regulations, agreements and instruments for implementing the Plan and
for the conduct of its business as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion. The
Committees interpretations of the Plan and all determinations made by the Committee pursuant to
the powers vested in it hereunder shall be conclusive and binding on all persons having any
interest in the Plan or in any awards granted hereunder. All powers of the Committee shall be
executed in its sole discretion, in the best interest of the Company, not as a fiduciary, and in
keeping with the objectives of the Plan and need not be uniform as to similarly situated
Participants.
4. Grants
(a) Grants under the Plan may consist of Options as described in Section 7, Phantom Units as
described in Section 8, Unit Awards as described in Section 9, and UARs or Other Unit-Based Awards
as described in Section 10. All Grants shall be subject to such terms and
A-4
conditions as the Committee deems appropriate and as are specified in writing by the Committee
to the Participant in the Grant Letter.
(b) All Grants shall be made conditional upon the Participants acknowledgement, in writing or
by acceptance of the Grant, that all decisions and determinations of the Committee shall be final
and binding on the Participant, his or her beneficiaries and any other person having or claiming an
interest under such Grant. Grants under a particular Section of the Plan need not be uniform as
among the Participants.
5. Units Subject to the Plan
(a) Units Authorized. The total aggregate number of Units that may be issued under
the Plan is 3,000,000 Units, subject to adjustment as described in subsection (d) below.
(b) Limit on Unit Awards, Phantom Units and Other Unit-Based Awards. Within the
aggregate limit described in subsection (a), the maximum number of Units that may be issued under
the Plan pursuant to Unit Awards, Phantom Units and Other Unit-Based Awards during the term of the
Plan is 3,000,000 Units, subject to adjustment as described in subsection (d) below.
(c) Source of Units; Unit Counting. Units issued under the Plan may be authorized but
unissued Units or reacquired Units, including Units purchased by the Company on the open market for
purposes of the Plan. If and to the extent Options or UARs granted under the Plan terminate,
expire, or are canceled, forfeited, exchanged or surrendered without having been exercised, and if
and to the extent that any Unit Awards, Phantom Units, or Other Unit-Based Awards are forfeited or
terminated, or otherwise are not paid in full, the Units reserved for such Grants shall again be
available for purposes of the Plan. Units surrendered in payment of the Exercise Price of an
Option, and Units withheld or surrendered for payment of taxes, shall not be available for
re-issuance under the Plan. If UARs are granted, the full number of Units subject to the UARs
shall be considered issued under the Plan, without regard to the number of Units issued upon
exercise of the UARs and without regard to any cash settlement of the UARs. To the extent that a
Grant of Phantom Units is designated in the Grant Letter to be paid in cash, and not in Units, such
Grants shall not count against the Unit limits in subsection (a).
(d) Adjustments. If there is any change in the number or kind of Units outstanding
(i) by reason of a distribution in Units, spinoff, recapitalization, Unit split, or combination or
exchange of Units, (ii) by reason of a merger, reorganization or consolidation, (iii) by reason of
a reclassification, or (iv) by reason of any other extraordinary or unusual event affecting the
outstanding Units as a class without the Companys receipt of consideration, or if the value of
outstanding Units is substantially reduced as a result of a spinoff or the Companys payment of an
extraordinary dividend or distribution, the maximum number of Units available for issuance under
the Plan, the kind and number of Units covered by outstanding Grants, the kind and number of Units
issued and to be issued under the Plan, and the price per Unit or the applicable market value of
such Grants shall be equitably adjusted by the Committee to reflect any increase or decrease in the
number of, or change in the kind or value of, the issued Units to preclude, to the extent
practicable, the enlargement or dilution of rights and benefits under the Plan and such outstanding
Grants; provided, however, that any fractional Units resulting from such adjustment
A-5
shall be eliminated. In addition, in the event of a Change of Control of the Company, the
provisions of Section 15 of the Plan shall apply. Any adjustments to outstanding Grants shall be
consistent with section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable. Any adjustments determined by
the Committee shall be final, binding and conclusive.
6. Eligibility for Participation
(a) Eligible Persons. All Employees, including Employees who are officers or members
of the Board, Consultants, and all Managers shall be eligible to participate in the Plan.
(b) Selection of Participants. The Committee shall select the Employees, Consultants
and Managers to receive Grants and shall determine the number of Units subject to each Grant.
7. Options
(a) General Requirements. The Committee may grant Options to an Employee, Consultant
or Manager upon such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate under this Section 7,
if and to the extent permitted by section 409A of the Code. The Committee shall determine the
number of Units that will be subject to each Grant of Options to Employees, Consultants and
Managers.
(b) Option Price and Term.
(i) The Exercise Price of a Unit subject to an Option shall be determined by the Committee and
may be equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value of a Unit on the date the Option is granted.
(ii) The Committee shall determine the term of each Option, which shall not exceed ten years
from the date of grant.
(c) Exercisability of Options. Options shall become exercisable in accordance with
such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Committee and specified in the Grant Letter.
The Committee may grant Options that are subject to achievement of performance goals or other
conditions. The Committee may accelerate the exercisability of any or all outstanding Options at
any time for any reason.
(d) Termination of Employment or Service. Except as provided in the Grant Letter, an
Option may only be exercised while the Participant is employed by the Employer, or providing
service as a Consultant or Manager. The Committee shall determine in the Grant Letter under what
circumstances and during what time periods a Participant may exercise an Option after termination
of employment or service.
(e) Exercise of Options. A Participant may exercise an Option that has become
exercisable, in whole or in part, by delivering a notice of exercise to the Company. The
Participant shall pay the Exercise Price for the Option (i) in cash, (ii) if permitted by the
Committee, by delivering Units owned by the Participant and having a Fair Market Value on the date
of exercise equal to the Exercise Price or by attestation to ownership of Units having an aggregate
Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the Exercise Price, (iii) by payment
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through a broker in accordance with procedures permitted by Regulation T of the Federal
Reserve Board, (iv) if permitted by the Committee, by surrender of Units subject to the Option, or
(v) by such other method as the Committee may approve. Payment for the Units pursuant to the
Option, and any required withholding taxes, must be received by the time specified by the Committee
depending on the type of payment being made, but in all cases prior to the issuance of the Unit.
8. Phantom Units
(a) General Requirements. The Committee may grant Phantom Units to an Employee,
Consultant or Manager, upon such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate under this
Section 8. Each Phantom Unit shall represent the right of the Participant to receive a Unit or an
amount based on the value of a Unit. All Phantom Units shall be credited to bookkeeping accounts
on the Companys records for purposes of the Plan.
(b) Terms of Phantom Units. The Committee may grant Phantom Units that are payable on
terms and conditions determined by the Committee, which may include payment based on achievement of
performance goals. Phantom Units may be paid at the end of a specified vesting or performance
period, or payment may be deferred to a date authorized by the Committee. The Committee shall
determine the number of Phantom Units to be granted and the requirements applicable to such Phantom
Units.
(c) Payment With Respect to Phantom Units. Payment with respect to Phantom Units
shall be made in cash, in Units, or in a combination of the two, as determined by the Committee.
The Grant Letter shall specify the maximum number of Units that can be issued under the Phantom
Units.
(d) Requirement of Employment or Service. The Committee shall determine in the Grant
Letter under what circumstances a Participant may retain Phantom Units after termination of the
Participants employment or service, and the circumstances under which Phantom Units may be
forfeited.
(e) Distribution Equivalents. The Committee may grant Distribution Equivalents in
connection with Phantom Units, under such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate.
Distribution Equivalents may be paid to Participants currently or may be deferred. All
Distribution Equivalents that are not paid currently shall be credited to bookkeeping accounts on
the Companys records for purposes of the Plan. Distribution Equivalents may be accrued as a cash
obligation, or may converted to additional Phantom Units for the Participant, and deferred
Distribution Equivalents may accrue interest, all as determined by the Committee. The Committee
may provide that Distribution Equivalents shall be payable based on the achievement of specific
performance goals. Distribution Equivalents may be payable in cash or Units or in a combination of
the two, as determined by the Committee.
9. Unit Awards
(a) General Requirements. The Committee may issue Units to an Employee, Consultant or
Manager under a Unit Award, upon such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate under
this Section 9. Units issued pursuant to Unit Awards may be issued for
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cash consideration or for no cash consideration, and subject to restrictions or no
restrictions, as determined by the Committee. The Committee may establish conditions under which
restrictions on Unit Awards shall lapse over a period of time or according to such other criteria
as the Committee deems appropriate, including restrictions based upon the achievement of specific
performance goals. The Committee shall determine the number of Units to be issued pursuant to a
Unit Award.
(b) Requirement of Employment or Service. The Committee shall determine in the Grant
Letter under what circumstances a Participant may retain Unit Awards after termination of the
Participants employment or service, and the circumstances under which Unit Awards may be
forfeited.
(c) Restrictions on Transfer. While Unit Awards are subject to restrictions, a
Participant may not sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of the Units of a Unit
Award except upon death as described in Section 14(a). If certificates are issued, each
certificate for a Unit Award shall contain a legend giving appropriate notice of the restrictions
in the Grant. The Participant shall be entitled to have the legend removed when all restrictions
on such Units have lapsed. The Company may retain possession of any certificates for Unit Awards
until all restrictions on such Units have lapsed.
(d) Right to Vote and to Receive Distributions. The Committee shall determine to what
extent, and under what conditions, the Participant shall have the right to vote Units subject to
Unit Awards and to receive any distributions paid on such Units during the restriction period. The
Committee may determine that distributions on Unit Awards shall be withheld while the Unit Awards
are subject to restrictions and that the distributions shall be payable only upon the lapse of the
restrictions on the Unit Awards, or on such other terms as the Committee determines. Distributions
that are not paid currently shall be credited to bookkeeping accounts on the Companys records for
purposes of the Plan. Accumulated distributions may accrue interest, as determined by the
Committee, and shall be paid in cash, Units, or in such other form as distributions are paid on
Units, as determined by the Committee.
10. Unit Appreciation Rights and Other Unit-Based Awards
(a) UARs. The Committee may grant UARs to an Employee, Consultant or Manager
separately or in tandem with an Option, if and to the extent permitted by section 409A of the Code.
The following provisions are applicable to UARs:
(i) General Requirements. The Committee shall establish the number of Units, the
terms and the base amount of the UAR at the time the UAR is granted. The base amount of each UAR
shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of a Unit as of the date of Grant of the UAR.
(ii) Tandem UARs. The Committee may grant tandem UARs either at the time the Option
is granted or at any time thereafter while the Option remains outstanding. In the case of tandem
UARs, the number of UARs granted to a Participant that shall be exercisable during a specified
period shall not exceed the number of Units that the Participant may purchase upon the exercise of
the related Option during such period. Upon the exercise of an Option, the
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UARs relating to the Unit covered by such Option shall terminate. Upon the exercise of UARs,
the related Option shall terminate to the extent of an equal number of Units.
(iii) Exercisability. A UAR shall become exercisable in accordance with such terms
and conditions as may be specified. The Committee may grant UARs that are subject to achievement
of performance goals or other conditions. The Committee may accelerate the exercisability of any
or all outstanding UARs at any time for any reason. The Committee shall determine in the Grant
Letter under what circumstances and during what periods a Participant may exercise an UAR after
termination of employment or service. A tandem UAR shall be exercisable only while the Option to
which it is related is exercisable.
(iv) Exercise of UARs. When a Participant exercises UARs, the Participant shall
receive in settlement of such UARs an amount equal to the value of the Unit appreciation for the
number of UARs exercised. The Unit appreciation for a UAR is the amount by which the Fair Market
Value of the underlying Unit on the date of exercise of the UAR exceeds the base amount of the UAR
as specified in the Grant Letter.
(v) Form of Payment. The Committee shall determine whether the Unit appreciation for
an UAR shall be paid in the form of Units, cash or a combination of the two. For purposes of
calculating the number of Units to be received, Units shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on
the date of exercise of the UAR. If Units are to be received upon exercise of an UAR, cash shall
be delivered in lieu of any fractional Unit.
(b) Other Unit-Based Awards. The Committee may grant other awards not specified in
Sections 7, 8 or 9 above that are based on or measured by Units to Employees, Consultants and
Managers, on such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. Other Unit-Based Awards
may be granted subject to achievement of performance goals or other conditions and may be payable
in Units or cash, or in a combination of the two, as determined by the Committee in the Grant
Letter.
11. Performance-Based Compensation
(a) Performance Goals. When performance-based Grants are made, the Committee shall
establish in writing (i) the performance goals that must be met, (ii) the period during which
performance will be measured, (iii) the maximum amounts that may be paid if the performance goals
are met, and (iv) any other conditions that the Committee deems appropriate.
(b) Criteria Used for Performance Goals. The Committee shall use performance goals
based on any criteria that the Committee deems appropriate, including the following criteria with
respect to APL: Unit price, earnings per Unit, price-earnings multiples, net earnings, operating
earnings, revenue, number of days sales outstanding in accounts receivable, productivity, margin,
EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), net capital employed,
return on assets, Unit holder return, return on equity, return on capital employed, growth in
assets, Unit volume, sales, cash flow, market share, relative performance to a comparison group
designated by the Committee, or strategic business criteria consisting of one or more objectives
based on meeting specified revenue goals, market penetration goals, customer growth, geographic
business expansion goals, cost targets or goals relating to acquisitions or
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divestitures. The performance goals may relate to one or more business units or the
performance of APL and its subsidiaries as a whole, or any combination of the foregoing.
Performance goals need not be uniform as among Participants.
(c) Certification of Results. The Committee shall certify the performance results for
the performance period specified in the Grant Letter after the performance period ends. The
Committee shall determine the amount, if any, to be paid pursuant to each Grant based on the
achievement of the performance goals and the satisfaction of all other terms of the Grant Letter.
(d) Death, Disability or Other Circumstances. The Committee may provide in the Grant
Letter that performance-based Grants shall be payable, in whole or in part, in the event of the
Participants death or disability, a Change of Control or under other circumstances determined by
the Committee.
12. Deferrals
The Committee may permit or require a Participant to defer receipt of the payment of cash or
the delivery of Units that would otherwise be due to the Participant in connection with any Grant.
The Committee shall establish rules and procedures for any such deferrals, consistent with
applicable requirements of section 409A of the Code.
13. Withholding of Taxes
(a) Required Withholding. All Grants under the Plan shall be subject to applicable
federal (including FICA), state and local tax withholding requirements. The Company may require
that the Participant or other person receiving or exercising Grants pay to the Company the amount
of any federal, state or local taxes that the Company is required to withhold with respect to such
Grants, or the Company may deduct from other wages paid by the Company the amount of any
withholding taxes due with respect to such Grants. The Company may require forfeiture of any Grant
for which the Grantee does not timely pay the applicable withholding taxes.
(b) Election to Withhold Units. If the Committee so permits, Units may be withheld to
satisfy the Companys tax withholding obligation with respect to Grants paid in Units, at the time
such Grants become taxable, up to an amount that does not exceed the minimum applicable withholding
tax rate for federal (including FICA), state and local tax liabilities.
14. Transferability of Grants
(a) Restrictions on Transfer. Except as described in subsection (b) below, only the
Participant may exercise rights under a Grant during the Participants lifetime, and a Participant
may not transfer those rights except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. When a
Participant dies, the personal representative or other person entitled to succeed to the rights of
the Participant may exercise such rights. Any such successor must furnish proof satisfactory to
the Company of his or her right to receive the Grant under the Participants will or under the
applicable laws of descent and distribution.
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(b) Transfer of Options to or for Family Members. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Committee may provide, in a Grant Letter, that a Participant may transfer Options to family
members, or one or more trusts or other entities for the benefit of or owned by family members,
consistent with the applicable securities laws, according to such terms as the Committee may
determine; provided that the Participant receives no consideration for the transfer of an Option
and the transferred Option shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were
applicable to the Option immediately before the transfer.
15. Consequences of a Change of Control
(a) Upon a Change of Control, unless the Committee determines otherwise in the Grant Letter,
all Grants shall automatically vest and become payable or exercisable, as the case may be, in full.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Change of Control, the Committee may take any one
or more of the following actions with respect to any or all outstanding Grants, without the consent
of any Participant: (i) the Committee may require that Participants surrender their outstanding
Options and UARs for cancellation in exchange for one or more payments by the Company, in cash or
Units as determined by the Committee, in an amount equal to the amount, if any, by which the then
Fair Market Value of the Units subject to the Participants unexercised Options and UARs exceeds
the Exercise Price or base amount, as applicable, and on such terms as the Committee determines,
(ii) after giving Participants an opportunity to exercise their outstanding Options and UARs, the
Committee may terminate any or all unexercised Options and UARs at such time as the Committee deems
appropriate, (iii) with respect to Participants holding Phantom Units, Other Unit-Based Awards or
Distribution Equivalents, the Committee may determine that such Participants shall receive one or
more payments in settlement of such Phantom Units, Other Unit-Based Awards or Distribution
Equivalents, in such amount and form and on such terms as may be determined by the Committee, or
(iv) the Committee may determine that Grants that remain outstanding after the Change of Control
shall be converted to similar grants of the surviving entity (or a parent or subsidiary of the
surviving entity). Without limiting the foregoing, if the per Unit Fair Market Value of the Units
does not exceed the per Unit Exercise Price or base price of an Option or UAR, the Company shall
not be required to make any payment to the Grantee upon surrender of the Option or UAR. Any
acceleration, surrender, termination, settlement or conversion shall take place as of the date of
the Change of Control or such other date as the Committee may specify.
(b) Other Transactions. The Committee may provide in a Grant Letter that a sale or
other transaction involving a subsidiary or other business unit shall be considered a Change of
Control for purposes of a Grant, or the Committee may establish other provisions that shall be
applicable in the event of a specified transaction, including provisions to comply with section
409A of the Code, if applicable.
16. Requirements for Issuance of Units
No Units shall be issued in connection with any Grant hereunder unless and until all legal
requirements applicable to the issuance of such Units have been complied with to the satisfaction
of the Committee. The Committee shall have the right to condition any Grant made to any
Participant hereunder on such Participants undertaking in writing to comply with such
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restrictions on his or her subsequent disposition of such Units as the Committee shall deem
necessary or advisable, and certificates representing such Units may be legended to reflect any
such restrictions. Certificates representing Units issued under the Plan will be subject to such
stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as may be required by applicable laws, regulations and
interpretations, including any requirement that a legend be placed thereon. No Participant shall
have any right as a Unit holder with respect to Units covered by a Grant until Units have been
issued to the Participant.
17. Amendment and Termination of the Plan
(a) Amendment. The Board may amend or terminate the Plan at any time; provided,
however, that the Board shall not amend the Plan without approval of the Unit holders if such
approval is required in order to comply with applicable stock exchange requirements. No amendment
or termination of this Plan shall, without the consent of the Participant, materially impair any
rights or obligations under any Grant previously made to the Participant under the Plan, unless
such right has been reserved in the Plan or the Grant Letter, or except as provided in Section
18(b) below. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Board may amend the Plan in
such manner as it deems appropriate in the event of a change in applicable law or regulations.
(b) No Repricing. Except in connection with a transaction involving APL (including
without limitation, any distribution of Units, Unit split, APLs payment of an extraordinary
distribution, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off,
combination or exchange of Units), the terms of outstanding Grants may not be amended to reduce the
Exercise Price or base amount, as applicable, of outstanding Options or UARs or cancel outstanding
Options or UARs in exchange for cash, other Grants or Options or UARs with an Exercise Price or
base amount that is less than the Exercise Price or base amount of the original Options or UARs
without Unit holder approval.
(c) Termination of Plan. The Plan shall terminate on the day immediately preceding
the tenth anniversary of its Effective Date, unless the Plan is terminated earlier by the Board or
is extended by the Board with the approval of the Unit holders. The termination of the Plan shall
not impair the power and authority of the Committee with respect to an outstanding Grant.
18. Miscellaneous
(a) Grants in Connection with Corporate Transactions and Otherwise. Nothing contained
in this Plan shall be construed to (i) limit the right of the Committee to make Grants under this
Plan in connection with the acquisition, by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of
the business or assets of any corporation, firm or association, including Grants to employees
thereof who become Employees, or for other proper corporate purposes, or (ii) limit the right of
the Company to grant options or make other Unit-based awards outside of this Plan. Without
limiting the foregoing, the Committee may make a Grant to an employee of another corporation who
becomes an Employee by reason of a corporate merger, consolidation, acquisition of stock or
property, reorganization or liquidation involving APL in substitution for a grant made by such
corporation. The terms and conditions of the Grants may vary from the
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terms and conditions required by the Plan and from those of the substituted grants, as
determined by the Committee
(b) Compliance with Law. The Plan, the exercise of Options and the obligations of the
Company to issue or transfer Units under Grants shall be subject to all applicable laws and to
approvals by any governmental or regulatory agency as may be required. With respect to persons
subject to section 16 of the Exchange Act, it is the intent of the Company that the Plan and all
transactions under the Plan comply with all applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 or its successors
under the Exchange Act. It is the intent of the Company, to the extent applicable, that Grants
comply with the requirements of section 409A of the Code or an exception from such requirements.
To the extent that any legal requirement of section 16 of the Exchange Act or section 409A of the
Code as set forth in the Plan ceases to be required under section 16 of the Exchange Act or section
409A of the Code, that Plan provision shall cease to apply. The Committee may revoke any Grant if
it is contrary to law or modify a Grant to bring it into compliance with any valid and mandatory
government regulation. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, agree to limit its authority
under this Section.
(c) Section 409A. The Plan and Grants under the Plan are intended to comply with
section 409A of the Code and its corresponding regulations, or an exemption, and payments may only
be made upon an event and in a manner permitted by section 409A, to the extent applicable.
Notwithstanding anything in a Grant Letter to the contrary, if required by section 409A, if a
Participant is considered a specified employee for purposes of section 409A and if payment of any
amounts under the Grant Letter is required to be delayed for a period of six months after
separation from service pursuant to section 409A, payment of such amounts shall be delayed as
required by section 409A, and the accumulated amounts shall be paid in a lump sum payment within
ten days after the end of the six-month period (or within 60 days after the death of the
Participant, if the Participant dies during the postponement period). Under a Grant that is
subject to 409A, all payments to be made upon a termination of employment may only be made upon a
separation from service under section 409A and, unless the Grant Letter provides otherwise, the
right to a series of installment payments shall be treated as a right to a series of separate
payments. In no event may a Participant, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of a
payment other than in accordance with section 409A.
(d) Enforceability. The Plan shall be binding upon and enforceable against the
Company and its successors and assigns.
(e) Funding of the Plan; Limitation on Rights. This Plan shall be unfunded. The
Company shall not be required to establish any special or separate fund or to make any other
segregation of assets to assure the payment of any Grants under this Plan. Nothing contained in
the Plan and no action taken pursuant hereto shall create or be construed to create a fiduciary
relationship between the Company and any Participant or any other person. No Participant or any
other person shall under any circumstances acquire any property interest in any specific assets of
the Company. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payment from the Company
hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the
Company.
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(f) Rights of Participants. Nothing in this Plan shall entitle any Employee, Manager
or other person to any claim or right to receive a Grant under this Plan. Neither this Plan nor
any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving any individual any rights to be retained by
or in the employment or service of the Employer.
(g) No Fractional Units. No fractional Units shall be issued or delivered pursuant to
the Plan or any Grant. The Committee shall determine whether cash, other awards or other property
shall be issued or paid in lieu of such fractional Units or whether such fractional Units or any
rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.
(h) Employees Subject to Taxation Outside the United States. With respect to
Participants who are subject to taxation in countries other than the United States, the Committee
may make Grants on such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate to comply with the
laws of the applicable countries, and the Committee may create such procedures, addenda and
subplans and make such modifications as may be necessary or advisable to comply with such laws.
(i) Governing Law. The validity, construction, interpretation and effect of the Plan
and Grant Letters issued under the Plan shall be governed and construed by and determined in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws
provisions thereof.
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APPENDIX B
FORM OF CONSENT
There are three ways to vote your Consent:
VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of
information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on , 2010. Have this
card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your
records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials,
you can consent to receiving all future consent solicitation statements, proxy statements,
proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for
electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and,
when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access materials electronically in
future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M.
Eastern Time on , 2010. Have this card in hand when you call and then
follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date this consent card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have
provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY
11717. Your consent must be received by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on , 2010.
If you vote over the Internet or by telephone, you do NOT need to return this consent card.
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
THIS CONSENT CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY
ATLAS PIPELINE PARTNERS, L.P.
THE GENERAL PARTNER RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL.
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Proposal: To approve the terms of the Atlas Pipeline Partners,
L.P. 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as described in the Consent Solicitation
Statement. A copy of the 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan is included in the
accompanying Consent Solicitation Statement as Appendix A.
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If no box is marked above, but this Consent is otherwise properly completed
and signed, the limited partnership units will be voted FOR the Proposal. |
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Signature (PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX)
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Signature (Joint Owners)
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FOLD AND DETACH HERE
ATLAS PIPELINE PARTNERS, L.P.
Westpointe Corporate Center One
1550 Coraopolis Heights Road
Moon Township, PA 15108
CONSENT AND VOTE FOR ADOPTION
OF THE ATLAS PIPELINE PARTNERS, L.P. 2010 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
The undersigned Unitholder of Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership, hereby revokes all prior consents
given with respect to the matters covered hereunder, and
acknowledges receipt of the Consent Solicitation Statement dated , 2010.
THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP UNITS REPRESENTED BY THIS SIGNED CONSENT
WILL BE TREATED AS HAVING CAST A VOTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOX YOU
MARK ON THE REVERSE SIDE.
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS CONSENT USING THE ENVELOPE
PROVIDED, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.