EXECUTION COPY

(Operation Number 41663)

LOAN AGREEMENT

between

CHS INC.

and

EUROPEAN BANK
FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

Dated 5 January, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

LOAN AGREEMENT

LOAN AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated 5 January, 2011 between CHS Inc., a cooperative corporation organised and existing under the laws of the State of Minnesota, the United States of America (the “Borrower”), and the EUROPEAN BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT, an international organisation formed by treaty (“EBRD”).

Wherever used in this Agreement (including the Exhibits and any Schedules), unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms have the following meanings:

(a)  In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, words denoting the singular include the plural and vice versa.

(b)  In this Agreement, a reference to a specified Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit shall be construed as a reference to that specified Article or Section of, or Schedule or Exhibit to, this Agreement.

(c)  In this Agreement, a reference (i) to an amendment or to an agreement being amended includes a supplement, variation, assignment, novation, restatement or re-enactment, and (ii) to an agreement shall be construed as a reference to such agreement as it may be amended from time to time.

(d)  In this Agreement, the headings and the Table of Contents are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

(e)  In this Agreement, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract or otherwise.

(f)  In this Agreement, a Default or a Prepayment Trigger Event is outstanding or continuing until it has been remedied or waived by EBRD in writing.

(g)  In this Agreement, a reference to a document being “in the Agreed Form” means that the form of such document has been agreed by the parties hereto and that a copy thereof has been initialled for the purpose of identification by EBRD and the Borrower.

(h)  In this Agreement, any reference to “law” means any law (including, any common or customary law) and any treaty, constitution, statute, legislation, decree, normative act, rule, regulation, judgement, order, writ, injunction, determination, award or other legislative or administrative measure or judicial or arbitral decision in any jurisdiction which has the force of law or the compliance with which is in accordance with general practice in such jurisdiction.

(i)  In this Agreement, any reference to a provision of law, is a reference to that provision as from time to time amended or re-enacted.

(j)  In this Agreement, a reference to a “person” includes any person, natural or juridical entity, firm, company, corporation, government, state or agency of a state or any association, trust or partnership (whether or not having separate legal personality) or two or more of the foregoing and references to a “person” include its successors in title, permitted transferees and permitted assigns.

(k)  In this Agreement, “including” and “include” shall be deemed to be followed by “without limitation” where not so followed.

ARTICLE II — REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

(a) Estimated Project Costs. As of the date of this Agreement, the total estimated cost of the Project is EUR 45,000,000 as follows:

(b) Financing Plan. The anticipated sources of financing of the Project are as follows:

(a) Incorporation. The Borrower is a cooperative corporation, duly organised, validly existing, and, if applicable, in good standing under the laws of the State of Minnesota, the United States of America and registered, to the extent required in accordance with applicable law, with all relevant registration bodies in any jurisdiction in which it carries on business or owns assets and has full power to own the properties which it owns or will own for the purposes of the Project and to carry out the businesses which it carries out or will carry out for the purposes of the Project.

(b) Subsidiaries. The Borrower has no Subsidiaries other than the Subsidiaries listed in Schedule 2. The Borrower, CHS Europe and each of the other Subsidiaries of the Borrower is duly organised, validly existing, and, if applicable, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organised and registered, to the extent required in accordance with applicable law, with all relevant registration bodies in any jurisdiction in which it carries on business or owns assets and has full power to own the properties which it owns or will own for the purposes of the Project and to carry out the businesses which it carries out or will carry out for the purposes of the Project, except to the extent that failure to be in good standing and be registered could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Directors and Officers. As of the date of this Agreement, the Directors of the Borrower are: Bruce Anderson, Donald Anthony, Robert Bass, David Bielenberg, C.J. Blew, Dennis Carlson, Curt Eischens, Steven Fritel, Jerry Hasnedl, David Kayser, Randy Knecht, Greg Kruger, Michael Mulcahey, Richard Owen, Steve Riegel, Daniel Schurr, Michael Toelle, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Borrower is Carl Casale, and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower is David Kastelic.

(d) Financial Statements. The consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower as at 31 August 2010 and the related consolidated income statement, statement of changes in equity, cash flow statement and notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes, of the Borrower for the Financial Year ending on that date, certified by the Auditors, present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position, financial performance and cash flows of the Borrower as of the date of such balance sheet and for the period covered by such income statement, statement of changes in equity and cash flow statement and were prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The Borrower had, as of the date of such balance sheet, no material contingent obligations, liabilities for Taxes or unusual forward or long term commitments not disclosed by, or reserved against in, such balance sheet or the notes thereto. Since the date of such balance sheet, the Borrower has not suffered any Material Adverse Effect, incurred any substantial or unusual loss or liability or undertaken or agreed to undertake any substantial or unusual obligation except under the Financing Agreements.

(e) Title to Assets. The Borrower owns and has good and marketable title to all of the assets, the ownership of which is reflected in its most recent balance sheet referred to in Section 2.02(d) or which are necessary for the implementation of the Project except for defects in title which could not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(f) Compliance with Law. The Borrower is not in violation of any law applicable to it and presently in effect, except to the extent that any violation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the best of the Borrower’s knowledge, no law has been proposed or is expected which may have a Material Adverse Effect. All tax returns and reports of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries required by law to be filed have been duly filed and all Taxes upon the Borrower, each of its Subsidiaries, its properties and its income, which are due and payable, have been paid, other than those currently payable without penalty or interest, except to the extent that any failure to pay such Taxes could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower is in compliance with all applicable laws concerning money laundering. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any officers, directors, authorised employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives of the Borrower or any its Subsidiaries has committed or engaged in, with respect to the Project, or any transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any Prohibited Practice.

(g) No Default. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under any agreement, obligation or duty to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets is bound which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and there exists no Default or a Prepayment Trigger Event.

(h) Environmental and Social Compliance. The Borrower and its businesses, operations, assets, equipment, property, leaseholds and other facilities are in compliance with the provisions of all applicable Environmental and Social Laws relating to the Project, except to the extent that any violation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower has been issued all required Authorisations which are material for the Project and relating to, and has received no complaint, order, directive, claim, citation or notice from any Governmental Authority or other person with respect to the Project involving: (1) air emissions, (2) discharges to surface water or ground water, (3) noise emissions, (4) solid or liquid waste disposal, (5) the use, generation, storage, transportation or disposal of toxic or hazardous substances, (6) labour and employment conditions, (7) occupational health and safety and (8) public health, safety and security.

(i) Litigation. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged in, or, to the best of its knowledge, threatened by, any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding, the outcome of which might have a Material Adverse Effect.

(a) Corporate Power. Each of the Borrower and CHS Europe has the corporate power to enter into, and perform its obligations under, the Financing Agreements and the Acquisition Agreement to which it is a party.

(b) Due Authorisation; Enforceability; No Conflict. The Financing Agreements to which the Borrower is a party and the Acquisition Agreement to which CHS Europe is a party have been duly authorised by the Borrower and CHS Europe, as applicable. This Agreement has been duly executed by the Borrower and this Agreement constitutes, and the other Financing Agreements and the Acquisition Agreement to which CHS Europe is a party, when executed and delivered, will constitute, valid and legally binding obligations of the Borrower and CHS Europe (as applicable), enforceable in accordance with their respective terms subject only to limitations on enforceability imposed by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganisation, moratorium, or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity. The making of the Financing Agreements and the Acquisition Agreement and the compliance with the terms thereof:

(1) will not result in violation of the Borrower’s or, as applicable, CHS Europe’s Charter or any provision contained in any law applicable to the Borrower;

(2) will not conflict with or result in the breach of any provision of, or require any consent under, or result in the imposition of any Lien under, any agreement or instrument to which any of the Borrower and CHS Europe is a party or by which the Borrower and CHS Europe or any of their assets are bound; and

(3) will not constitute a default or an event which, with the giving of notice, the passage of time or the making of any determination (or any combination thereof), would constitute a default under any such agreement or instrument.

(c) Governmental Authorisations. No Authorisations from any Governmental Authority are required for the due execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of any Financing Agreement or by CHS Europe of the Acquisition Agreement, or the validity or enforceability thereof, or for the carrying out of the Project or the carrying on of the business of each of the Borrower and CHS Europe as it is carried on or is contemplated to be carried on.

(d) Pari Passu Ranking. The Borrower’s payment obligations under the Financing Agreements rank at least pari passu with claims of all of its other unsecured and unsubordinated creditors, except for claims mandatorily preferred by laws applicable to companies generally.

(e) Acquisition Agreement. The Acquisition Agreement contain all the terms of the acquisition of the entire share capital of the Company. To the best of its knowledge no representation or warranty given by any party to the Acquisition Agreement is untrue or misleading in any material respect. There has occurred no breach, and no event which with the giving of notice, the passage of time or the making of any determination, or any combination thereof, would constitute a breach, of the Acquisition Agreement.

(f) Taxes. There is no Tax of any Governmental Authority of the United States of America to be imposed on or by virtue of the execution, delivery or performance of any Financing Agreement or the Acquisition Agreement or necessary to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence thereof in the United States of America.

(a) The Borrower acknowledges that it has made the representations and warranties contained in Sections 2.01, 2.02 and 2.03 with the intention of inducing EBRD to enter into this Agreement and that EBRD has entered into this Agreement on the basis of, and in full reliance on, each of such representations and warranties. The Borrower warrants that it has no knowledge of any additional facts or matters the omission of which makes any of such representations and warranties misleading or which would or might reasonably be expected to affect the judgement of a prospective lender regarding lending to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries.

(b) Any representation or warranty given hereunder which specifies that such representation and warranty is provided hereunder “as of the date of this Agreement” shall only be given on the date of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to be repeated hereafter in connection with any Disbursement made pursuant to this Agreement. In respect of all other representations and warranties provided in this Article II, such representations and warranties shall be deemed to be repeated on submission of each Disbursement request and on each Disbursement date by reference to the facts and circumstances then existing.

ARTICLE III — LOAN

On and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, EBRD agrees to lend to the Borrower an amount not to exceed USD 32,642,400.

(a) Subject to Section 3.03 and Article IV, the Loan shall be disbursed by EBRD in Dollars from time to time on any Business Day during the Commitment Period in one or more Disbursements upon request of the Borrower. The Borrower may request a Disbursement by submitting to EBRD an original application for such Disbursement, in the form of Exhibit A and in substance satisfactory to EBRD, at least ten Business Days prior to the proposed date of such Disbursement. Such application shall, unless EBRD otherwise agrees, be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower.

(b) Disbursements (other than a Disbursement of the entire undisbursed amount of the Loan) shall be made in amounts of not less than USD 5,000,000.

(a) From time to time, EBRD may, by notice to the Borrower, suspend or cancel the right of the Borrower to all or any portion of any further Disbursements:

(1) if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(2) if a Prepayment Trigger Event has occurred and is continuing; or

(3) if the Board of Governors of EBRD has decided in accordance with Article 8, paragraph 3, of the Agreement Establishing the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development that access by the Country of Operation to EBRD Resources should be suspended or otherwise modified.

Upon the issuance of such notice by EBRD, the right of the Borrower to further Disbursements shall be suspended or cancelled as indicated in the notice. The exercise by EBRD of the right of suspension shall not preclude EBRD from exercising its right of cancellation as provided in this Section 3.03, either for the same or another reason, and shall not limit any other rights of EBRD under the Financing Agreements.

(b) The Borrower shall have the right, if it gives EBRD not less than five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice, to cancel this Agreement at any time on or before 10 February 2011 if the EPH Closing does not occur on or before 31 January 2011 without further liability or obligation of the Borrower to EBRD but subject to the payment of any amounts due and payable to EBRD under this Agreement.

(c) Unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement, the Borrower shall have the right at any time, on not less than 30 days’ notice to EBRD, to cancel in whole or in part the then unutilised portion of the commitment of EBRD to make a Disbursement under this Agreement (the “Commitment”); provided that:

(1) the Borrower shall pay to EBRD on the date of cancellation all accrued commitment charges on the cancelled portion of the Commitment and all other amounts due and payable hereunder; and

(2) in the case of a partial cancellation of the Commitment, such cancellation shall be in an amount of not less than USD 5,000,000.

Any such notice of cancellation shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. On termination of the Commitment Period, the Borrower shall be deemed to have cancelled any then undisbursed portion of the Commitment. No portion of the Commitment which is cancelled by the Borrower may be reinstated.

(a) The Borrower shall pay to EBRD during the Commitment Period a commitment charge at the rate of 0.5% per annum on so much of the Loan as has not, from time to time, been disbursed to the Borrower or cancelled. The commitment charge shall accrue from day to day, from the date which is 30 days after the date of this Agreement. The commitment charge shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in the relevant period and a 360-day year and shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date (even though no interest may be payable on such date).

(b) The charges, commissions and fees referred to in this Section 3.04 are non-refundable and are exclusive of any Tax which might be chargeable in connection with such charges, commissions or fees. If any such Tax becomes chargeable, the Borrower shall pay such Tax to EBRD at the same time that the relevant charge, commission or fee becomes due and payable.

(a) Except as provided in Section 3.06 the Borrower shall pay interest on the principal amount of each Disbursement of the Loan from time to time outstanding during each Interest Period for such Disbursement at a rate equal to the sum of the Margin for the Loan and, subject to Section 3.07, the Interbank Rate for such Interest Period.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may, as an alternative to paying interest at a variable interest rate on all or any portion of the Loan then outstanding, elect to pay interest at a fixed interest rate on such portion of the Loan, as follows:

(1) The Borrower may only exercise such option if:

(A) at the time of exercise no Default, no Prepayment Trigger Event and no Market Disruption Event has occurred and is continuing; and

(B) the principal amount of the Loan which is being converted from a variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate is not less than USD 5,000,000.

(2) The Borrower shall exercise such option by notice in the form of Exhibit E to EBRD not less than five Business Days prior to the proposed Interest Fixing Date. Such notice shall, unless EBRD otherwise agrees, be irrevocable, shall specify the Interest Fixing Date and the Interest Conversion Period selected by the Borrower and the principal amount of the Loan to be converted to a fixed interest rate and shall be accompanied by such documents as may be necessary to satisfy EBRD that all necessary governmental and other approvals (including exchange control approvals) have been obtained or will be available for conversion of the Loan to a fixed interest rate and that the rights of EBRD will not be prejudiced thereby.

(3) If EBRD is satisfied with the matters referred to in Section 3.05(b)(2):

(A) EBRD shall, on such Interest Fixing Date, determine, in accordance with Section 3.05(b)(3)(B), the fixed interest rate applicable to the portion of the Loan being converted and promptly give notice thereof to the Borrower;

(B) during such Interest Conversion Period, interest shall accrue on the principal amount outstanding from time to time of the portion of the Loan being converted at a rate equal to the sum of the Margin for the Loan and the forward fixed interest rate for the Loan Currency which is available to EBRD in the interest rate swap market on such Interest Fixing Date for such Interest Conversion Period, taking into account the principal repayment and interest payment schedules for the Loan, as such sum may be adjusted to take into account the creditworthiness of the Borrower.

(4) If EBRD is not satisfied with the matters referred to in Section 3.05(b)(2), interest on the portion of the Loan specified in the Borrower’s notice shall continue to accrue at the rate determined in accordance with Section 3.05(a).

(5) EBRD may at any time elect to consolidate all fixed interest rates then applicable to portions of the Loan into a single fixed interest rate equal to the weighted average of the fixed interest rates then applicable to portions of the Loan. EBRD shall determine such consolidated fixed interest rate and promptly give notice thereof to the Borrower. Such consolidated fixed interest rate shall be applicable to all portions of the Loan then bearing interest at fixed interest rates commencing on the Interest Payment Date immediately following the notice from EBRD to the Borrower.

(c) Interest shall:

(1) accrue from and including the first day of an Interest Period to but excluding the last day of such Interest Period;

(2) be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a 360-day year in the case of interest accruing at a rate specified in Section 3.05(a);

(3) be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a 365-day year in the case of interest accruing at a rate specified in Section 3.05(b); and

(4) be due and payable on the Interest Payment Date which is the last day of the relevant Interest Period.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.07, on each Interest Determination Date, EBRD shall determine the interest rates applicable during the relevant Interest Period and promptly give notice thereof to the Borrower. Each determination by EBRD of the interest rate applicable to any portion of the Loan shall be final, conclusive and binding upon the Borrower unless shown by the Borrower to the satisfaction of EBRD that any such determination has involved manifest error.

(a) If the Borrower fails to pay when due any amount payable by it under this Agreement, the overdue amount shall bear interest at a rate equal to the sum of:

(1) 2.0% per annum;

(2) the Margin for the Loan; and

(3) the interest rate per annum offered in the London interbank market on the Default Interest Determination Date for a deposit in the Loan Currency of an amount comparable to the overdue amount for a period equal to the relevant Default Interest Period or, if a Market Disruption Event has occurred, the rate which expresses as a percentage rate per annum the cost to EBRD and each Participant of funding its respective portion of the Loan from whatever source EBRD or such Participant(s) may reasonably select (or at the option of EBRD and such Participant(s), the relevant Interbank Rate, if available).

(b) Default interest shall:

(1) accrue from day to day from the due date to the date of actual payment, after as well as before judgement, if any;

(2) be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a 360-day year;

(3) be compounded at the end of each Default Interest Period; and

(4) be due and payable forthwith upon demand.

(c) Each determination by EBRD of the interest rates applicable to overdue amounts and of Default Interest Periods shall be final, conclusive and binding upon the Borrower unless shown by the Borrower to the satisfaction of EBRD that any such determination has involved manifest error.

(a) If a Market Disruption Event occurs, EBRD shall promptly notify the Borrower. If EBRD notifies the Borrower of the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event,

(1) interest shall accrue on any portion of the Loan that is subject to a variable interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(a) at a rate equal to the sum of:

(A) the Margin for the Loan; and

(B) the rate which expresses as a percentage rate per annum the cost to EBRD and each Participant of funding its respective portion of the Loan from whatever source EBRD or such Participant(s) may reasonably select (or, at the option of EBRD and such Participant(s), the relevant Interbank Rate, if available), as notified by EBRD to the Borrower as soon as practicable and in any event before interest is due to be paid in respect of the relevant Interest Period;

(2) interest shall accrue on any portion of the Loan that is subject to a fixed interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(b) and that is not subject to a Participation at a rate equal to the fixed interest rate determined in accordance with Section 3.05(b), including the Margin; and

(3) interest shall accrue on any portion of the Loan that is subject to a fixed interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(b) and that is subject to a Participation at a rate equal to the sum of:

(A) the fixed interest rate determined in accordance with Section 3.05(b), including the Margin; and

(B) an amount, expressed as a rate per annum, equal to the excess, if any, of (x) the cost to each Participant of funding its respective portion of the Loan or Participation from whatever source such Participant(s) may reasonably select over (y) the Interbank Rate (or in the absence of such rate, a rate determined by EBRD), in each case as notified by EBRD to the Borrower as soon as practicable and in any event before interest is due to be paid in respect of the relevant Interest Period,

in each case until EBRD has given notice to the Borrower that the Market Disruption Event has ceased to exist.

(b) If a Market Disruption Event has occurred, EBRD shall have the right, in its discretion, to change the duration of any relevant Interest Period by sending to the Borrower a written notice thereof. Any such change to an Interest Period shall take effect on the date specified by EBRD in such notice.

(c) Notwithstanding Section 3.07(a), if a Market Disruption Event occurs and EBRD or the Borrower so requires, within five Business Days of the notification by EBRD pursuant to Section 3.07(a) above, EBRD and the Borrower shall enter into negotiations (for a period of not more than thirty days) with a view to agreeing a substitute basis for determining the rate of interest applicable to the Loan. Any alternative basis so agreed shall take effect in accordance with its terms and replace the interest rate then in effect pursuant to Section 3.07(a) above. If agreement cannot be reached, the Borrower may prepay the Loan on the next Interest Payment Date in accordance with Section 3.09(a).

The Borrower shall repay the Loan on the Final Maturity Date. Amounts of the Loan repaid may not be reborrowed.

(a) The Borrower shall have the right at any time, on not less than ten (10) Business Days’ prior notice to EBRD, to prepay on any Interest Payment Date all or any part of the principal amount of the Loan then outstanding; provided that:

(1) the Borrower shall pay to EBRD at the same time all accrued interest and other amounts payable on the principal amount of the Loan to be prepaid and all other amounts due and payable hereunder; and

(2) in the case of a partial prepayment, such prepayment shall be in an amount of not less than USD 5,000,000; and

Any such notice of prepayment by the Borrower shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower and, upon delivery of such notice, the Borrower shall be obligated to prepay the Loan in accordance with the terms thereof. Amounts of the Loan prepaid by the Borrower may not be reborrowed. The Borrower may not deliver more than one (1) notice per month under this Section 3.09(a).

(b) If any of the following events or circumstances occurs (each a “Prepayment Trigger Event”):

(1) covenants: the Borrower or any other party (other than EBRD) fails to perform in a timely manner any of its obligations under any Financing Agreement or any other agreement between the Borrower and EBRD, the failure to perform such obligation is not referred to elsewhere in this Section 3.09(b) and, if capable of remedy, such failure to perform has continued for a period of 30 days after written notice thereof has been given to the Borrower by EBRD;

(2) representations: any representation or warranty made or confirmed by the Borrower in any Financing Agreement was false or misleading in any material respect when made or repeated and, if capable of remedy, such false or misleading representation or warranty remains unremedied for a period of 30 days after written notice thereof has been given to the Borrower by EBRD;

(3) nationalisation: any Governmental Authority condemns, nationalises, seizes or otherwise expropriates all or any substantial part of the property or other assets of the Borrower, CHS Europe or the Company or of its share capital, or assumes custody or control of such property or other assets or of the business or operations of the Borrower, CHS Europe, the Company or of its share capital, or acquires majority ownership of the Borrower or the Company, or takes any action for the dissolution or disestablishment of the Borrower, CHS Europe or the Company or any action that would prevent the Borrower, CHS Europe, the Company or its officers from carrying on its business or operations or a substantial part thereof;

(4) financial debt: the failure of Borrower to pay when due, or failure to perform or observe any other obligation or condition with respect to any of the following obligations to any Person, beyond any period of grace under the instrument creating such obligation: (i) any indebtedness for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services, (ii) any obligations under leases which have or should have been characterised as Capital Leases, or (iii) any contingent liabilities, such as guaranties, for the obligations of others relating to indebtedness for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services or relating to obligations under leases which have or should have been characterised as Capital Leases; provided that no such failure will be deemed to be an Prepayment Trigger Event hereunder unless and until the aggregate amount owing under obligations with respect to which such failures have occurred and are continuing is at least USD 25,000,000;

(5) ineligibility for EBRD financing: in accordance with EBRD’s Enforcement Policy and Procedures, EBRD shall have determined that the Borrower, CHS Europe, the Company or an Affiliate of the Borrower, CHS Europe or the Company has engaged in a Prohibited Practice in relation to an EBRD Project and the Borrower shall be included on EBRD’s list of persons or entities ineligible to be awarded an EBRD-financed contract or for EBRD funding, as such list may be found at http://www.ebrd.org/pages/about/principles/integrity.shtml (or any successor website or location);

(6) cross default: the Borrower is in default (however described) under any other financing agreement with EBRD;

(7) Material Adverse Effect: any circumstance or event occurs which, in the reasonable opinion of EBRD, is likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(8) ownership of the Company: after the EPH Closing, the Borrower, CHS Europe or any other Subsidiary of the Borrower, ceases to control the Company. For the purpose of this paragraph (8), “control” of a person by another means that the other (whether alone or acting in concert with others, whether directly or indirectly and whether by the ownership of share capital, possession of voting power, contract or otherwise (a) has the power to appoint and/or remove all or the majority of the members of the board of directors or other governing body of that person or of any other person which controls that person, or (b) otherwise controls or has the power to control the affairs and policies of that person or of any other person which controls that person;

(9) repudiation and rescission of the Acquisition Agreement: any party to the Acquisition Agreement rescinds or purports to rescind or repudiates or purports to repudiate the Acquisition Agreement in whole or in part where to do so has or is, in the reasonable opinion of EBRD, likely to have a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on the interests of EBRD under the Financing Agreements,

then (1) the Borrower shall promptly notify EBRD upon becoming aware of the event(s) or circumstance(s) referred to above, (2) EBRD shall not be obliged to fund a Disbursement, (3) EBRD or the Borrower may send a prepayment and cancellation notice to the other and the Borrower shall be entitled, within five (5) Business Days of the delivery of such notice, to prepay the Loan together with such other amounts that are due and payable and which are outstanding as at such date, and (4) upon delivery of such prepayment and cancellation notice pursuant to this Section 3.09(b), the rights of the Borrower to any Disbursement shall be immediately cancelled.

(a) All payments of principal, interest, charges, commissions, fees, expenses and any other amounts due to EBRD under this Agreement shall be made, without set-off or counterclaim, in the Loan Currency (or, in the case of costs and expenses of EBRD, in the currency in which such costs and expenses were incurred), for value on the due date, to such account in New York City, the United States of America or such other place as EBRD may from time to time designate by notice to the Borrower.

(b) The sums to be disbursed by EBRD to the Borrower hereunder shall be payable in the Loan Currency for value, unless otherwise agreed by the Borrower and EBRD, on the value date requested by the Borrower in its Disbursement application and to such correspondent account in New York City, the United States of America as the Borrower may designate in its Disbursement application (with instructions to transfer such sums, at the Borrower’s risk and expense, to such account as the Borrower may designate in its Disbursement application).

(c) If the due date for any payment under this Agreement would otherwise fall on a day which is not a Business Day, then such payment shall instead be due on the next succeeding Business Day in the same calendar month or, if there is no succeeding Business Day in the same calendar month, the immediately preceding Business Day.

(d) EBRD shall have the right, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off any amount owed by EBRD to the Borrower, whether or not matured, against any amount then due and payable by the Borrower under any Financing Agreement, whether or not EBRD has demanded payment by the Borrower of such amount and regardless of the currency or place of payment of either such amount. EBRD shall have the right, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to deduct from the proceeds of any Disbursement any charges, commissions, fees, expenses and other amounts then due and payable by the Borrower to EBRD under any Financing Agreement.

(a) If EBRD at any time receives less than the full amount then due and payable to it under this Agreement, EBRD shall have the right to allocate and apply the amount received in any way or manner and for such purpose or purposes under this Agreement as EBRD in its sole discretion determines, notwithstanding any instruction that the Borrower may give to the contrary.

(b) The Borrower shall indemnify EBRD against any losses resulting from a payment being received, or a claim being filed or an order or judgement being given, hereunder in a currency or place other than the currency and place specified in Section 3.10(a). The Borrower shall pay such additional amount as is necessary to enable EBRD to receive, after conversion to such currency at a market rate and transfer to such place, the full amount due to EBRD hereunder in the currency and at the place specified in Section 3.10(a).

(a) The Borrower shall pay or cause to be paid, or reimburse EBRD on demand for, all present and future Taxes, now or at any time hereafter levied or imposed by any Governmental Authority of any jurisdiction out of which or through which payments hereunder are made, on or in connection with the payment of any amounts due to EBRD under this Agreement.

(b) All payments of principal, interest and other amounts due to EBRD under this Agreement shall be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for or on account of, any Taxes; provided, however, that, in the event that the Borrower is prevented by operation of law or otherwise from making such payments free and clear of such deductions or withholdings, the principal, interest or other amount (as the case may be) due under this Agreement shall be increased to such amount as may be necessary to remit to EBRD the full amount it would have received had such payment been made without such deductions or withholdings.

(c) The provisions of Sections 3.12(a) and 3.12(b) shall not apply to Taxes, to the extent that such Taxes arise as a direct consequence of a Participation having been acquired by a Participant whose principal office is located in the Country of Operation or by the permanent office or establishment in the Country of Operation of a Participant.

(a) If, for any reason (including, without limitation, an acceleration pursuant to Section 7.02), any portion of the Loan which is subject to a variable interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(a) becomes due and payable on a date other than the last day of an Interest Period, the Borrower shall pay to EBRD on demand the amount, if any, by which:

(1) the interest which would have accrued on such portion of the Loan from the date on which such portion of the Loan has become due and payable to the last day of the then current Interest Period at a rate equal to the Interbank Rate for such Interest Period;

exceeds:

(2) the interest which EBRD would be able to obtain if it were to place an amount equal to such portion of the Loan on deposit with a leading bank in the London interbank market for the period commencing on the date on which such portion of the Loan has become due and payable and ending on the last day of the then current Interest Period.

(b) If, at any time:

(1) the Borrower gives a notice, pursuant to Section 3.09 of prepayment of any portion of the Loan which is subject to a fixed interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(b), the Borrower is required, pursuant to Section 3.09 or 3.15, to prepay any such portion of the Loan or the Borrower otherwise prepays any such portion of the Loan;

(2) any portion of the Loan which is subject to a fixed interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(b) is accelerated pursuant to Section 7.02 or otherwise becomes due prior to its stated maturity; or

(3) any portion of the Loan which is subject to a fixed interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(b) is cancelled pursuant to Section 3.03 or 3.15 or is otherwise cancelled,

the Borrower shall, in addition to any prepayment fee, cancellation fee or other amounts payable in connection therewith, pay to EBRD on demand the amount, if any, by which the Original Income Stream (as defined below) exceeds the Substitute Income Stream (as defined below); provided that, if the Substitute Income Stream exceeds the Original Income Stream, EBRD shall, on the next Interest Payment Date, credit to the Borrower, in the Loan Currency, the amount by which the Substitute Income Stream exceeds the Original Income Stream.

(c) For purposes of Section 3.13(b):

(1) “Original Income Stream” means the aggregate of the present values of the payments of principal and interest which would have become due to EBRD during the Calculation Period (as defined below) on the portion of the Loan which is subject to a fixed interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(b) if such prepayment, acceleration or cancellation had not occurred and if interest accrued on such portion of the Loan at the Fixed Rate (as defined below) during the periods in which the fixed interest rate is in effect in accordance with Section 3.05(b) and applying the applicable Floating Rate (as defined below) for all other periods.

(2) “Substitute Income Stream” means the sum of:

(A) the aggregate of the present values of any remaining payments of principal and interest which, after taking into account such prepayment, cancellation or acceleration, would become due to EBRD during the Calculation Period on the portion of the Loan which is subject to a fixed interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(b) if interest accrued on such portion of the Loan at the Fixed Rate during the periods in which the fixed interest rate is in effect in accordance with Section 3.05(b) and applying the applicable Floating Rate for all other periods; and

(B) as applicable:

(i) in the case of a prepayment pursuant to Section 3.09 or 3.15, the present value of the amount of the Loan which is subject to a fixed interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(b) and which is to be prepaid, determined by discounting such amount from the date such prepayment becomes due to the Calculation Date (as defined below) at the Discount Rate (as defined below); and/or

(ii) in the case of any other prepayment, the amount of the Loan which is subject to a fixed interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(b) and which has been prepaid; and/or

(iii) in the case of an acceleration, the present value of the amount of the Loan which is subject to a fixed interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(b) and which has been accelerated, determined by discounting such amount from the date such acceleration becomes effective to the Calculation Date at the Discount Rate; and/or

(iv) in the case of a cancellation, the present value of the amount of the Loan which is subject to a fixed interest rate in accordance with Section 3.05(b) and which has been cancelled, determined by discounting such amount from the last day of the Commitment Period to the Calculation Date at the Discount Rate.

(3) “Fixed Rate” means the fixed interest rate applicable to the relevant portion of the Loan, as specified in Section 3.05(b), less the Margin.

(4) For purposes of Sections 3.13(c)(1) and 3.13(c)(2)(A), the present value of each payment of principal and interest shall be determined by discounting the amount of such payment from its due date to the Calculation Date using the Discount Rate.

(5) “Calculation Date” means:

(A) in the case of a prepayment pursuant to Section 3.09 or 3.15, the date two Business Days prior to the date such prepayment becomes due or, at EBRD’s option, the date such prepayment becomes due;

(B) in the case of any other prepayment, the date such prepayment is made or such later date as EBRD may select in its discretion; and

(C) in the case of an acceleration or cancellation, the date two Business Days prior to the date such acceleration or cancellation becomes effective or, at EBRD’s option, the date such acceleration or cancellation becomes effective.

(6) “Calculation Period” means:

(A) in the case of a prepayment pursuant to Section 3.09 or 3.15, the period commencing on the date such prepayment becomes due and ending on the scheduled final maturity date of the Loan;

(B) in the case of any other prepayment, the period commencing on the date such prepayment is made, or such later date as EBRD may select in its discretion, and ending on the scheduled final maturity date of the Loan; and

(C) in the case of an acceleration or cancellation, the period commencing on the date such acceleration or cancellation becomes effective and ending on the scheduled final maturity date of the Loan.

(7) “Discount Rate” means the discount factor for the relevant maturity derived from the par swap curve for the Loan Currency which is available to EBRD in the interest rate swap and options market on the Calculation Date.

(8) “Floating Rate” means the forward rates for Dollars for the relevant maturities available to EBRD in the interest rate swap and options market on the Calculation Date.

(d) If any overdue amount is paid on a date other than the last day of a Default Interest Period, the Borrower shall pay to EBRD on demand the amount, if any, by which:

(1) the interest which would have accrued on such overdue amount from the date of receipt of such overdue amount to the last day of the then current Default Interest Period at a rate equal to the rate specified in Section 3.06(a)(3) for such Default Interest Period;

exceeds:

(2) the interest which EBRD would be able to obtain if it were to place an amount equal to such overdue amount on deposit with a leading bank in the London interbank market for the period commencing on the Business Day immediately following the date of receipt of such overdue amount and ending on the last day of the then current Default Interest Period.

(e) The Borrower shall forthwith upon notice from EBRD reimburse EBRD for any costs, expenses and losses incurred by EBRD or any Participant, and not otherwise recovered by EBRD under Sections 3.13(a), 3.13(b), 3.13(c) and 3.13(d) as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, a change in the duration of any relevant Interest Period pursuant to Section 3.07(b), a change in the basis for determining the rate of interest pursuant to Section 3.07(c), prepayment of any portion of the Loan on a date other than the last day of an Interest Period, failure by the Borrower to pay any amount when due hereunder, failure by the Borrower to borrow in accordance with a Disbursement application submitted pursuant to Section 3.02 or failure by the Borrower to make any prepayment in accordance with a notice of prepayment delivered pursuant to Section 3.09.

(f) A certificate of EBRD as to any amount payable under this Section 3.13 shall be final, conclusive and binding on the Borrower unless shown by the Borrower to the satisfaction of EBRD to contain manifest error.

The Borrower shall, from time to time on demand of EBRD, reimburse EBRD for any net incremental costs to EBRD of making or maintaining, or committing to make, the Loan or to any Participant of acquiring or maintaining its Participation which result from the introduction of, or any change in, any applicable law or any applicable guideline or policy (whether or not having the force of law), or any change in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the administration thereof, subsequent to the date of this Agreement. A certificate of EBRD or such Participant as to the amount of such net incremental costs shall be final, conclusive and binding on the Borrower unless shown by the Borrower to the satisfaction of EBRD to contain manifest error. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall not be obligated to reimburse EBRD for any such net incremental costs which are a direct consequence of a Participation having been acquired by a Participant whose principal office is located in the Country of Operation or by the permanent office or establishment of a Participant in the Country of Operation.

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, if it is or becomes unlawful in any jurisdiction for EBRD to make, maintain or fund the Loan or perform any of its obligations under this Agreement or for any Participant to maintain or fund its Participation, then:

(1) upon request by EBRD, the Borrower shall, on the next Interest Payment Date or such earlier date as EBRD may specify, prepay that portion of the principal amount of the Loan which EBRD notifies to the Borrower as being affected by such change, together with all accrued interest and other amounts payable thereon; and

(2) upon notice from EBRD, any portion of the Loan which EBRD notifies to the Borrower as being affected by such change and which has not theretofore been disbursed shall be cancelled immediately.

(a) If, in respect of EBRD or a Participant, circumstances arise which would, or with the giving of notice would, result in:

(1) any Taxes, duties and fees or other charges becoming payable under Section 3.12, or

(2) any increased cost becoming payable under Section 3.14, or

(3) any prepayment or cancellation under Section 3.15,

then EBRD will take (and request a Participant to take) such reasonable steps as may be practicable to mitigate the effects of such circumstances provided always that EBRD will be under no obligation to take (or request that such Participant take) such reasonable steps if such action would be materially adverse to the interests of EBRD or that Participant.

(b) Section 3.16(a) above, does not in any way limit the obligations of the Borrower or any other party to any Financing Agreement.

EBRD shall open and maintain on its books an account in the Borrower’s name showing the Disbursements and repayments thereof and the computation and payment of interest, charges, commissions, fees and other amounts due and sums paid hereunder. Such account shall be final, conclusive and binding on the Borrower as to the amount at any time due from the Borrower hereunder, absent manifest error.

ARTICLE IV — CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

The obligation of EBRD to make the first Disbursement shall be subject to the prior fulfilment, in form and substance satisfactory to EBRD, or at the sole discretion of EBRD the waiver, whether in whole or part and whether subject to conditions or unconditional, of the following conditions precedent:

(a) Financing Agreements. EBRD shall have received duly executed originals of all the Financing Agreements.

(b) Acquisition Agreement. EBRD shall have received a certified copy of the duly executed Acquisition Agreement and a certificate from an authorised officer of the Borrower certifying that all conditions precedent set out in clause 3 (Conditions Precedent to Closing) of the Acquisition Agreement have been fulfilled.

(c) Equity Contribution. EBRD shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that the Borrower, or any of its Subsidiaries, have paid or will pay not less than 50% of the purchase price for the Company in accordance with the Acquisition Agreement on or prior to the date of the first Disbursement.

(d) Charters. EBRD shall have received certified copies of the Charters (and, if relevant, certificates of registration and good standing) of the Borrower and any other parties to the Financing Agreements, each as amended to date.

(e) Corporate Authorisations. EBRD shall have received certified copies of all corporate (including, if required, shareholder) Authorisations necessary for the due execution, delivery and performance of the Financing Agreements, and any other documents in implementation thereof, by the Borrower and, at the request of EBRD, any other parties thereto and for the transactions contemplated thereby, including the authorisations of the persons signing the Financing Agreements to sign such documents and to bind the respective parties thereby.

(f) Specimen Signatures. EBRD shall have received a certificate of incumbency and authority of the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit B.

(g) Governmental and Other Authorisations. EBRD shall have received certified copies of all Authorisations, including creditors’ consents, necessary for the execution, delivery and performance of the Financing Agreements by the Borrower and, at the request of EBRD, any other parties thereto and for the transactions contemplated thereby, including:

(1) the borrowing by the Borrower under this Agreement;

(2) the carrying out of the Project and the Financing Plan;

(3) the remittance to EBRD of all monies payable in respect of the Financing Agreements; and

(4) the carrying on of the Project as it is presently carried on and is contemplated to be carried on;

other than any Authorisation of a routine or minor nature which is not necessary for the implementation of the Project at the time of the proposed Disbursement or which may only be obtained as the Project progresses or after construction is completed and in each case which is customarily granted in due course after timely application, and in respect of which the Borrower is not aware of any reason for it being unable to obtain in due course such Authorisation.

(h) Insurance. EBRD shall have received an original insurance certificate from the Borrower’s insurer or insurance broker showing that all insurance policies and endorsements required pursuant to Section 5.04 are in full force and effect.

(i) Process Agent Appointments. EBRD shall have received written confirmation from the agents for service of process appointed by the Borrower pursuant to the Financing Agreements of their acceptances of such appointments.

(j) Legal Opinions. EBRD shall have received the following legal opinions regarding such matters incident to the transactions contemplated by the Financing Agreements as EBRD reasonably requests:

(1) the in-house opinion of the Borrower;

(2) the opinion of Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, P.A., special United States counsel to EBRD; and

(3) the opinion of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP, special English counsel to EBRD.

The obligation of EBRD to make any Disbursement shall also be subject to the fulfilment, in form and substance satisfactory to EBRD, or at the sole discretion of EBRD the waiver, whether in whole or part and whether subject to conditions or unconditional, of the conditions that, on the date of the Borrower’s application for such Disbursement and on the date of such Disbursement:

(a) Continuing Validity of Documents. All agreements, documents and instruments delivered to EBRD pursuant to Section 4.01 shall be in full force and effect and unconditional (except for this Agreement having become unconditional, if that is a condition of any such agreement, document or instrument).

(b) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties made or confirmed by the Borrower in the Financing Agreements shall be true on and as of such dates with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such dates.

(c) No Default or Prepayment Trigger Event. No Default or Prepayment Trigger Event shall have occurred and be continuing or shall, in the reasonable opinion of EBRD, be imminent and the Borrower shall not, as a result of such Disbursement, be in violation of its Charter, any provision contained in any agreement or instrument to which the Borrower is a party (including this Agreement) or by which the Borrower is bound or any law applicable to the Borrower.

(d) No Material Adverse Change. Nothing shall have occurred which, in the reasonable opinion of EBRD, might have a Material Adverse Effect.

(e) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of such Disbursement shall be needed by the Borrower for the purposes of the Project and EBRD shall have received such evidence as to the proposed utilisation of the proceeds of such Disbursement and the utilisation of the proceeds of any prior Disbursement as EBRD reasonably requests.

(f) Fees and Expenses. EBRD shall have received payment of all amounts due and owing to it under the Financing Agreements, including all fees and expenses described in Section 3.04 and Section 5.11.

(g) Disbursement Application. EBRD shall have received an original of the Borrower’s timely application for such Disbursement substantially in the form of Exhibit A.

(h) Other. EBRD shall have received such other documents and legal opinions as EBRD may reasonably request.

ARTICLE V — AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

The Borrower shall apply the proceeds of the Loan only for purposes of the Project.

(a) The Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, maintain its corporate existence in good standing under the laws of its state of organisation. The Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, qualify and remain qualified as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is necessary in view of its business, operations and properties, except to the extent that failure to so qualify could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) The Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, conduct its business in compliance with all applicable laws, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the interests of EBRD as a lender.

(c) The Borrower shall, at all times, comply with all money laundering laws.

The Borrower shall, and shall cause any contractor to, carry out the Project in accordance with the applicable Environmental and Social Laws, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

The Borrower shall maintain, and cause each Subsidiary of the Borrower to maintain, insurance with one or more financially sound and reputable insurance carrier or carriers reasonably acceptable to EBRD, in such amounts (including deductibles and self insurance retention levels) and covering such risks (including fidelity coverage) as are usually carried by companies engaged in the same or a similar business and similarly situated, provided, however, that the Borrower may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, provide for appropriate self-insurance with respect to workers’ compensation. The Borrower shall provide EBRD with certificates of insurance (or other evidence of insurance acceptable to EBRD) evidencing the continuation or renewal of insurance coverage required by this Section, within ten (10) days following the scheduled date of expiration thereof (before giving effect to such continuation or renewal). At the request of EBRD, copies of all policies (or such other proof of compliance with this Section as may be reasonably satisfactory) shall be delivered to EBRD. The Borrower agrees to pay all premiums on such insurance as they become due (including grace periods), and will not permit any condition to exist which would wholly or partially invalidate any insurance thereon.

(a) The Borrower shall maintain books of account and other records adequate to present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position, financial performance and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the results of its operations (including the progress of the Project) in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

(b) The Borrower shall maintain as auditors of the Borrower a firm of independent public accountants of nationally recognised standing in its country of incorporation selected by the Borrower and reasonably acceptable to EBRD.

The Borrower shall obtain and maintain in force (or, where appropriate, renew) all Authorisations required for the purposes described in Sections 4.01(e) and 4.01(g), subject, however, to the exceptions set forth therein. The Borrower shall perform and observe all the conditions and restrictions contained in, or imposed on the Borrower by, such Authorisations, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the interests of EBRD as a lender.

The Borrower shall comply with all material agreements to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets is bound except where failure to do so could not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(a) The Borrower shall pay when due all of its Taxes, including any Taxes against any of its properties, other than Taxes which are being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been set aside for the payment thereof, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower shall make timely filings of all Tax returns and governmental reports required to be filed or submitted under any applicable law, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) The Borrower shall pay all Taxes payable on, or in connection with, the execution, issue, delivery, registration or notarisation of any Financing Agreement or any other document related to this Agreement . Upon notice from EBRD, the Borrower shall pay to EBRD, or reimburse EBRD for, an amount equal to any such Taxes levied on or paid by EBRD.

(a) Minimum Consolidated Net Worth. The Borrower shall at all times and measured as of the end of each Fiscal Quarter, a Consolidated Net Worth equal to or greater than USD 2,500,000,000.

(b) Consolidated Funded Debt to Consolidated Cash Flow. Borrower shall have at all times and measured as at the end of each Fiscal Quarter, a ratio of Consolidated Funded Debt divided by Consolidated Cash Flow, as measured on the previous consecutive four Fiscal Quarters, of no greater than 3.00 to 1.00.

(c) Adjusted Consolidated Funded Debt to Adjusted Consolidated Equity. Borrower shall not permit the ratio of Adjusted Consolidated Funded Debt to Adjusted Consolidated Equity to exceed at any time 0.80 to 1.00.

Section 5.10. Further Documents

The Borrower shall execute all such other documents and instruments and do all such other acts and things as EBRD may determine are necessary or desirable to give effect to the provisions of the Financing Agreements and to cause the Financing Agreements to be duly registered, notarised and stamped in any applicable jurisdiction. The Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints and constitutes EBRD as the Borrower’s true and lawful attorney with right of substitution (in the name of the Borrower or otherwise) to execute such documents and instruments and to do such acts and things in the name of and on behalf of the Borrower in order to carry out the provisions hereof .

(a) The Borrower shall, whether or not any Disbursement is made, pay to EBRD or as EBRD may direct, within 30 days of EBRD furnishing to the Borrower the invoice therefor (but, in any event, on or prior to the first Disbursement in the case of costs and expenses incurred and invoiced to the Borrower prior to the date of the first Disbursement), all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including, travel expenses and the fees and expenses of outside counsel to EBRD and all other financial, accounting, engineering, environmental and social, insurance and other consulting fees and expenses) incurred by EBRD in connection with:

(1) the assessment, preparation, negotiation and arrangement of the Loan by EBRD;

(2) the preparation, review, negotiation, execution and, where appropriate, registration and notarisation of the Financing Agreements and any other documents related thereto;

(3) the giving of any legal opinions hereunder; and

(4) the administration and monitoring of the Financing Agreements, including visits by EBRD’s environmental and social staff.

(b) The Borrower shall pay to EBRD or as EBRD may direct, on demand, all fees, costs and expenses (including, legal fees and expenses) incurred by EBRD:

(1) in the determination of whether there has occurred a Default or a Prepayment Trigger Event;

(2) in respect of the preservation or enforcement of any of its rights under any Financing Agreement and the collection of any amount owing to EBRD; and

(3) in connection with the assessment, preparation, review, negotiation, execution and, where appropriate, registration and notarisation of any amendment to or waiver of any Financing Agreement or any other document related thereto.

(a) As soon as available but, in any event, within 55 days after the end of each quarter of each Financial Year (except the last Fiscal Quarter of the Borrower’s Financial Year), the Borrower shall furnish to EBRD the following financial statements or other information concerning the operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Quarter, the Financial Year to date, and for the corresponding periods of the preceding Financing Year, all prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles consistently applied: (a) a consolidated balance sheet, (b) a consolidated summary of earnings, (c) a consolidated statement of cash flows, (d) such other statements as EBRD may reasonably request, and (e) a statement from an authorised officer of the Borrower confirming compliance with the financial ratios set out in Section 5.09. Delivery to EBRD within the time period specified above of copies of the Borrower’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as prepared and filed in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this Subsection other than clause (d) hereof. The Borrower shall be deemed to have complied with this Section if such financial statements are delivered to EBRD by electronic mail, or in the case of the Form 10-Q EBRD is advised by electronic mail from the Borrower that the Form 10-Q is available on the EDGAR system.

(b) As soon as available but, in any event, within 130 days after the end of each Financial Year, the Borrower shall furnish to EBRD one copy of the audit report for such year and accompanying consolidated financial statements (including all footnotes thereto), including a consolidated balance sheet, a consolidated statement of earnings, a consolidated statement of capital, and a consolidated statement of cash flow for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, showing in comparative form the figures for the previous Financial Year, all in reasonable detail, prepared in conformance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles consistently applied and certified without qualification by PricewaterhouseCoopers, or other independent public accountants of nationally recognised standing selected by the Borrower and satisfactory to the EBRD. Delivery to EBRD within the time period specified above of copies of the Borrower’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as prepared and filed in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this Subsection if accompanied by the required unqualified accountant’s certification. The Borrower shall be deemed to have complied with this Section if such financial statements are delivered to EBRD by electronic mail, or in the case of the Form 10-K EBRD is advised by electronic mail from the Borrower that the Form 10-K is available on the EDGAR system, in each case accompanied by an electronic copy of the signed Compliance Certificate.

(c) As soon as available but, in any event, within 130 days after the end of each Financial Year, the Borrower shall furnish to EBRD, in the form of the reporting template attached hereto as Exhibit C, information on compliance by the Borrower with Environmental and Social Laws in relation to the Project.

(d) The Borrower shall promptly notify EBRD of:

(1) any proposed material change in the nature or scope of the Project or the business or operations of the Borrower;

(2) any claim made by the Borrower under any insurance policy; and

(3) any event or condition (including, any pending or threatened litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding and any damage to or destruction of Project facilities) which might have a Material Adverse Effect.

(e) Immediately upon the occurrence of any Default or a Prepayment Trigger Event, the Borrower shall give EBRD notice thereof by facsimile transmission specifying the nature of such Default or Prepayment Trigger Event and any steps the Borrower is taking to remedy the same.

(f) Immediately upon the occurrence of any incident or accident relating to the Borrower or the Project which has or is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the environment, or on public or occupational health or safety, the Borrower shall inform EBRD and promptly thereafter give EBRD notice thereof specifying the nature of such incident or accident and any steps the Borrower is taking to remedy the same. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,

(1) an incident or accident relates to the Project if it occurs on any site used for the Project or, if it is caused by facilities, equipment, vehicles or vessels used for or relating to the Project (whether or not being used on any site of the Project and whether or not being used by authorised or unauthorised persons);

(2) an incident or accident is considered to have a significant adverse effect on the environment or on public or occupational health or safety if:

(A) any applicable law requires notification of such incident or accident to any Governmental Authority,

(B) such incident or accident involves fatality of any person (whether or not such person is employed by the Borrower),

(C) more than one person (whether or not such persons are employed by the Borrower) has received serious injury requiring hospitalisation, or

(D) such incident or accident has become, or is likely to become, public knowledge whether through media coverage or otherwise.

(g) The Borrower shall promptly notify EBRD of any significant protest or petition by workers or members of the public directed at or relating to the Project which might have a Material Adverse Effect or which has become, or is likely to become, public knowledge through media coverage or otherwise. Within ten days following any such notification, the Borrower shall submit a report satisfactory to EBRD specifying the outcome of the Borrower’s investigation into such protest or petition, and any steps taken, or proposed to be taken, by the Borrower to resolve the issues raised in the protest or petition.

(h) The Borrower shall promptly notify EBRD if the Borrower obtains any information regarding a violation of Section 2.02(f) or Section 6.04 or if any international financial institution has imposed any sanction on the Borrower for any Prohibited Practice. If EBRD notifies the Borrower of its concern that there has been a violation of such Section 2.02(f) or such Section 6.04, the Borrower shall cooperate in good faith with EBRD and its representatives in determining whether such a violation has occurred and shall respond promptly and in reasonable detail to any such notice from EBRD and shall furnish documentary support for such response upon EBRD’s request.

(i) The Borrower shall furnish promptly to EBRD such other information as EBRD may from time to time reasonably request (including, in order to facilitate EBRD’s evaluation of the Project). The Borrower shall permit representatives of EBRD (including, any consultants engaged by EBRD) to visit the Project or any of the other premises where the business of the Borrower is conducted or where the Project is being carried out and to have access to the books of account and records of the Borrower.

ARTICLE VI — NEGATIVE COVENANTS

The Borrower shall not purchase, acquire, provide, or sell any equipment, other personal property, real property or services from or to any Subsidiary or Affiliate (except for Consolidated Subsidiaries), except in the ordinary course and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the Borrower’s business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favourable than would be obtained by the Borrower in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with an unrelated Person.

(a) The Borrower shall not (nor shall it permit any of its Consolidated Subsidiaries to) engage in any material respects in any business activity or operations other than operations or activities (a) in the agriculture industry, (b) in the food industry, (c) in the energy industry, (d) in the financial services industry consisting of the financing of member cooperatives, producers and other commercial businesses, insurance and bonding services, and hedging brokerage, in each case conducted in the ordinary course of business or (e) which are not substantially different from or are related to its present business activities or operations. The Borrower shall not make changes, or permit changes to be made, to the nature or scope of the Project.

(b) The Borrower shall not make changes, or permit changes to be made, to its Charter in any manner which might have a Material Adverse Effect or would be inconsistent with the provisions of any Financing Agreement or any other financing agreement between the Borrower and EBRD.

(a) The Borrower shall not (nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to) sell, convey, assign, lease or otherwise transfer or dispose of, voluntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, any material part of its now owned or hereafter acquired assets during any twelve month (12) period commencing 1 September 2010 and each 1 September thereafter, except: (a) the sale of the inventory, equipment and fixtures disposed of in the ordinary course of business, (b) the sale or other disposition of assets no longer necessary or useful for the conduct of its business, (c) leases of assets to an entity which the Borrower has at least a fifty-percent (50%) interest in ownership, profits, and governance and (d) the sale by Cofina of loans and commitments originated by it in the ordinary course of business. For the purposes of this Section, “material part” shall mean ten percent (10%) or more of the lesser of the book value or the market value of the assets of the Borrower as shown on the balance sheets of the Financial Statements thereof as of 31 August immediately preceding each such twelve (12) month measurement period.

(b) The Borrower shall not (nor shall it permit any of its Consolidated Subsidiaries to) merge or consolidate with any entity, or acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any person or entity, or acquire the controlling interest in any Person, change its business form from a cooperative corporation, or commence operations under any other name, organisation or entity, including any joint venture; provided, however, the foregoing shall not prevent any consolidation, acquisition, or merger if after giving effect thereto:

(1) the book value of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries does not increase due to all such mergers, consolidations or acquisitions by an aggregate amount in excess of USD 1,000,000,000 during the term of this Agreement;

(2) the Borrower is the surviving entity; and

(3) no Event of Default or Potential Default of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

The Borrower shall not, and shall not authorise or permit any of its officers, directors, authorised employees, Affiliates, agents or representatives to, engage in with respect to the Project or any transactions contemplated by this Agreement any Prohibited Practice.

ARTICLE VII — EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Each of the following events and occurrences shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement:

(a) Payments. The Borrower fails to pay any principal of, or interest on, the Loan within three (3) Business Days after the due date in accordance with this Agreement.

(b) Bankruptcy. A decree or order by a court is entered against the Borrower adjudging the Borrower bankrupt or insolvent or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs; or a petition is filed seeking reorganisation, administration, arrangement, adjustment, composition or liquidation of or in respect of the Borrower under any applicable law; or a receiver, administrator, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator, secured creditor or other similar official is appointed over or in respect of the Borrower or any substantial part of its property or assets; or the Borrower institutes proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, or consents to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or files a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganisation, administration, relief or liquidation under any applicable law, or consents to the filing of any such petition or to the appointment of a receiver, administrator, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator, secured creditor or other similar official of the Borrower or of any substantial part of its property, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due; or any other event occurs which under any applicable law would have an effect analogous to any of the events listed in this paragraph.

(c) Breach of Section 3.09(b). The Borrower fails, after EBRD has issued a prepayment and cancellation notice pursuant to Section 3.09(b), to prepay the Loan together with such other amounts that are due and payable and which are outstanding as at such date within five (5) Business Days or as otherwise specified in the notice.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then EBRD may at its option, by notice to the Borrower, declare all or any portion of the principal of, and accrued interest on, the Loan (together with any other amounts accrued or payable under this Agreement) to be, and the same shall thereupon become (anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding), either:

(1) due and payable on demand; or

(2) immediately due and payable without any further notice and without any presentment, demand or protest of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower.

ARTICLE VIII — MISCELLANEOUS

This Agreement shall continue in force until the date that the obligation of EBRD to make Disbursements hereunder has terminated, or the Borrower has cancelled this Agreement, in accordance with the terms hereof or, if later, until all moneys payable hereunder have been fully paid in accordance with the provisions hereof; provided that the indemnities and warranties of the Borrower and the provisions of Sections 3.10(a), 3.10(d), 8.04, 8.05, 8.08, 8.09, 8.10 and 8.11 shall survive repayment of the Loan and termination of this Agreement.

This Agreement and the documents referred to herein constitute the entire obligation of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede any prior expressions of intent or understandings with respect to this transaction. Any amendment to, waiver by EBRD of any of the terms or conditions of, or consent given by EBRD under, this Agreement (including, this Section 8.02) shall be in writing, signed by EBRD and, in the case of an amendment, by the Borrower. The parties to this Agreement may by agreement rescind or vary this Agreement without the consent of any person that is not a party to this Agreement. In the event that EBRD waives a condition to any Disbursement, the Borrower shall, by receiving the proceeds of such Disbursement, be deemed to have agreed to all of the terms and conditions of such waiver.

Any notice, application or other communication to be given or made under this Agreement to EBRD or to the Borrower shall be in writing. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, such notice, application or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when it is delivered by hand, airmail, electronic mail or facsimile transmission to the party to which it is required or permitted to be given or made at such party’s address specified below or at such other address as such party designates by notice to the party giving or making such notice, application or other communication.

For the Borrower:

CHS Inc.
5500 Cenex Drive
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077

with copies to:

CHS Inc.
5500 Cenex Drive
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077

and:

CHS EUROPE S.A.
Avenue des Morgines 12
1213 Petit-Lancy / Switzerland

Attn. Pascal Caillat
Pascal.caillat@chsinc.com
Fax + 41 22 709 01 12

For EBRD:

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
One Exchange Square
London EC2A 2JN
United Kingdom

All Financing Agreements shall be in the English language. All other documents to be furnished or communications to be given or made under this Agreement shall be in the English language or, if in another language, shall be accompanied by a translation into English certified by the Borrower, which translation shall be the governing version between the Borrower and EBRD

All financial calculations to be made under, or for the purposes of, this Agreement shall be made in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and, except as otherwise required to conform to the definitions contained in Article I or any other provisions of this Agreement, shall be made using the then most recently issued quarterly Financial Statements which the Borrower is required to furnish to EBRD from time to time under Section 5.12(a); provided, however, that:

(1) if the relevant quarterly Financial Statements should be in respect of the last quarter of a Financial Year then, at EBRD’s option, such calculations may instead be made from the audited Financial Statements for the relevant Financial Year; and

(2) if there should occur any material adverse change in the financial condition of the Borrower after the end of the period covered by the relevant Financial Statements, then such material adverse change shall also be taken into account in calculating the relevant figures.

(a) The rights and remedies of EBRD in relation to any misrepresentations or breach of warranty on the part of the Borrower shall not be prejudiced by any investigation by or on behalf of EBRD into the affairs of the Borrower, by the execution or the performance of this Agreement or by any other act or thing which may be done by or on behalf of EBRD in connection with this Agreement and which might, apart from this Section, prejudice such rights or remedies.

(b) No course of dealing or waiver by EBRD in connection with any condition of Disbursement under this Agreement shall impair any right, power or remedy of EBRD with respect to any other condition of Disbursement or be construed to be a waiver thereof.

(c) No action of EBRD in respect of any Disbursement shall affect or impair any right, power or remedy of EBRD in respect of any other Disbursement. Without limiting the foregoing, the right of EBRD to require compliance with any condition under this Agreement which may be waived by EBRD in respect of any Disbursement is, unless otherwise notified to the Borrower by EBRD, expressly preserved for the purposes of any subsequent Disbursement.

(d) No course of dealing and no delay in exercising, or omission to exercise, any right, power or remedy accruing to EBRD upon any default under this Agreement or any other agreement shall impair any such right, power or remedy or be construed to be a waiver thereof or an acquiescence therein. No single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No action of EBRD in respect of any such default, or acquiescence by it therein, shall affect or impair any right, power or remedy of EBRD in respect of any other default.

(e) The rights and remedies provided in this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies, whether provided by applicable law or otherwise.

(a) The Borrower assumes full liability for, and agrees to and shall indemnify and hold harmless EBRD and its officers, directors, employees, agents and servants against and from, any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages (compensatory, punitive or otherwise), penalties, claims, actions, Taxes, suits, costs and expenses (including, reasonable legal counsel’s fees and expenses and costs of investigation) of whatsoever kind and nature, including, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, those arising in contract or tort (including, negligence) or by strict liability or otherwise, which are imposed on, incurred by or asserted against EBRD or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents or servants (whether or not also indemnified by any other person under any other document) and which in any way relate to or arise out of, whether directly or indirectly:

(1) any of the transactions contemplated by any Financing Agreement or the execution, delivery or performance thereof;

(2) the operation or maintenance of the Borrower’s facilities or the ownership, control or possession thereof by the Borrower; or

(3) the exercise by EBRD of any of its rights and remedies under any of the Financing Agreements;

provided that EBRD shall not have any right to be indemnified hereunder for its own gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

(b) The Borrower acknowledges that EBRD is entering into this Agreement, and has acted, solely as a lender, and not as an advisor, to the Borrower. The Borrower represents and warrants that, in entering into the Financing Agreements, it has engaged, and relied upon advice given to it by, its own legal, financial and other professional advisors and it has not relied on and will not hereafter rely on any advice given to it by EBRD.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law. Any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.

(a) Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to (1) this Agreement, (2) the breach, termination or invalidity hereof or (3) any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules as at present in force. There shall be one arbitrator and the appointing authority shall be LCIA (London Court of International Arbitration). The seat and place of arbitration shall be London, England and the English language shall be used throughout the arbitral proceedings. The parties hereby waive any rights under the Arbitration Act 1996 or otherwise to appeal any arbitration award to, or to seek determination of a preliminary point of law by, the courts of England. The arbitral tribunal shall not be authorised to grant, and the Borrower agrees that it shall not seek from any judicial authority, any interim measures or pre-award relief against EBRD, any provisions of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules notwithstanding. The arbitral tribunal shall have authority to consider and include in any proceeding, decision or award any further dispute properly brought before it by EBRD (but no other party) insofar as such dispute arises out of any Financing Agreement, but, subject to the foregoing, no other parties or other disputes shall be included in, or consolidated with, the arbitral proceedings. In any arbitral proceeding, the certificate of EBRD as to any amount due to EBRD under any Financing Agreement shall be prima facie evidence of such amount.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 8.09(a), this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements, and any rights of EBRD arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Financing Agreement, may, at the option of EBRD, be enforced by EBRD in the courts of England and Wales or in any other courts having jurisdiction. For the benefit of EBRD, the Borrower hereby irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England with respect to any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Financing Agreement, or the breach, termination or invalidity hereof or thereof. The Borrower hereby irrevocably designates, appoints and empowers Trident Company Services (UK) Limited at its registered office (being, on the date hereof, at 7 Welbeck Street, London W1G 9YE, England) to act as its authorised agent to receive service of process and any other legal summons in England for purposes of any legal action or proceeding brought by EBRD in respect of any Financing Agreement. Failure by a process agent to notify the Borrower of the process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned. The Borrower hereby irrevocably consents to the service of process or any other legal summons out of such courts by mailing copies thereof by registered airmail postage prepaid to its address specified herein. The Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as it has any obligations under this Agreement, it shall maintain a duly appointed agent to receive service of process and any other legal summons in England for purposes of any legal action or proceeding brought by EBRD in respect of any Financing Agreement and shall keep EBRD advised of the identity and location of such agent. Nothing herein shall affect the right of EBRD to commence legal actions or proceedings against the Borrower in any manner authorised by the laws of any relevant jurisdiction. The commencement by EBRD of legal actions or proceedings in one or more jurisdictions shall not preclude EBRD from commencing legal actions or proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not. The Borrower irrevocably waives any objection it may now or hereafter have on any grounds whatsoever to the laying of venue of any legal action or proceeding and any claim it may now or hereafter have that any such legal action or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver, renunciation or other modification of any immunities, privileges or exemptions of EBRD accorded under the Agreement Establishing the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, international convention or any applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, EBRD has made an express submission to arbitration under Section 8.09(a) and accordingly, and without prejudice to its other privileges and immunities (including, without limitation, the inviolability of its archives), it acknowledges that it does not have immunity from suit and legal process under Article 5(2) of Statutory Instrument 1991, No. 757 (The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (Immunities and Privileges) Order 1991), or any similar provision under English law, in respect of the enforcement of an arbitration award duly made against it as a result of its express submission to arbitration pursuant to Section 8.09(a).

The Borrower represents and warrants that this Agreement and the incurring by the Borrower of the Loan are commercial rather than public or governmental acts and that the Borrower is not entitled to claim immunity from legal proceedings with respect to itself or any of its assets on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise under any law or in any jurisdiction where an action may be brought for the enforcement of any of the obligations arising under or relating to this Agreement. To the extent that the Borrower or any of its assets has or hereafter may acquire any right to immunity from set-off, legal proceedings, attachment prior to judgement, other attachment or execution of judgement on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise, the Borrower hereby irrevocably waives such rights to immunity in respect of its obligations arising under or relating to this Agreement.

(a) This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer all or any part of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of EBRD.

(b) EBRD may sell, transfer, assign, novate or otherwise dispose of all or part of its rights or obligations under this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements (including, by granting of Participations or otherwise) upon the consent of the Borrower provided that such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and provided further that no such consent shall be required (i) for granting Participations or the sale of any interest in the Loan whereby EBRD would continue to be the lender of record under this Agreement; or (ii) if a Default or a Prepayment Trigger Event has occurred and is continuing.

(c) Except as provided in Section 8.12(a) or 8.12(b), none of the terms of this Agreement are intended to be enforceable by any third party.

EBRD may disclose such documents, information and records regarding the Borrower and this transaction (including, copies of any Financing Agreements) as EBRD deems appropriate in connection with any dispute involving the Borrower or any other party to a Financing Agreement, for the purpose of preserving or enforcing any of EBRD’s rights under any Financing Agreement or collecting any amount owing to EBRD or in connection with any proposed Participation or any other proposed sale, transfer, assignment, novation or other disposal contemplated by Section 8.12.

This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

2

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, acting through their duly authorised representatives, have caused this Agreement to be signed in their respective names as of the date first above written.

CHS INC.

EUROPEAN BANK
FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

The purpose of these Guidelines is to clarify the meaning of the terms “Corrupt Practices”, “Fraudulent Practices”, “Coercive Practices,” and “Collusive Practices” in the context of the EBRD’s non-sovereign operations in favour of private sector projects.

1. Corrupt Practices

“Corrupt Practice” means the offering, giving, receiving or soliciting, directly or indirectly, of anything of value to influence improperly the actions of another party. In implementing this definition, the EBRD will be guided by the following principles:

(a) The conduct in question must involve the use of improper means (such as bribery or kickbacks) by someone to induce another person to act or to refrain from acting in the exercise of his duties, in order to obtain or retain business, or to obtain an undue advantage. Antitrust, securities and other violations of law that are not of this nature fall outside of the definition of Corrupt Practices but may still be scrutinised under alternative procedures.

(b) It is acknowledged that foreign investment agreements, concessions and other types of contracts commonly require investors to make contributions for bona fide social development purposes or to provide funding for infrastructure unrelated to the project. Similarly, investors are often required or expected to make contributions to bona fide local charities. These practices are not viewed as Corrupt Practices for purposes of these definitions, so long as they are permitted under local law and fully disclosed in the payer’s books and records. Similarly, an investor will not be held liable for corrupt or fraudulent practices committed by entities that administer bona fide social development funds or charitable contributions.

(c) In the context of conduct between private parties, the offering, giving, receiving or soliciting of corporate hospitality and gifts that are customary by internationally-accepted industry standards shall not constitute Corrupt Practices unless the action violates applicable law.

(d) Payment by private sector persons of the reasonable travel and entertainment expenses of public officials that are consistent with existing practice under relevant law and international conventions will not be viewed as Corrupt Practices.

(e) The EBRD does not condone facilitation payments whether they are criminalised or not. Such payments, which are illegal in most countries, are dealt with in accordance with relevant local laws and international conventions.

2. Fraudulent Practices

“Fraudulent Practice” means any action or omission, including misrepresentation, that knowingly or recklessly misleads, or attempts to mislead, a party to obtain a financial benefit or to avoid an obligation. In implementing this definition, the EBRD will be guided by the following principles:

(a) An action, omission, or misrepresentation will be regarded as made recklessly if it is made with reckless indifference as to whether it is true or false. Mere inaccuracy in such information, committed through simple negligence, is not enough to constitute a “Fraudulent Practice”.

(b) Fraudulent Practices are intended to cover actions or omissions that are directed to or against the EBRD. The expression also covers Fraudulent Practices directed to or against an EBRD member country in connection with the award or implementation of a government contract or concession in a project financed by the EBRD. Frauds on, or other illegal behaviour directed against, other third parties are not condoned. Such behaviour may represent an impediment to doing business with EBRD.

3. Coercive Practices

“Coercive Practice” means impairing or harming, or threatening to impair or harm directly or indirectly, any party or the property of the party to influence improperly the actions of a party. In implementing this definition, the EBRD will be guided by the following principles:

(a) Coercive Practices are actions undertaken for the purpose of bid rigging or in connection with public procurement or government contracting or in furtherance of a Corrupt Practice or a Fraudulent Practice.

(b) Coercive Practices are threatened or actual illegal actions such as personal injury or abduction, damage to property, or injury to legally recognizable interests, in order to obtain an undue advantage or to avoid an obligation. It is not intended to cover hard bargaining, the exercise of legal or contractual remedies or litigation in such implementation.

4. Collusive Practices

“Collusive Practice” means an arrangement between two or more parties designed to achieve an improper purpose, including influencing improperly the actions of another party. In implementing this definition, the EBRD will be guided by the principle that Collusive Practices are actions undertaken for the purpose of bid rigging or in connection with public procurement or government contracting or in furtherance of a Corrupt Practice or a Fraudulent Practice.

5. General

In implementing the foregoing definitions, the EBRD will be guided by the principle that a person should not be liable for actions taken by unrelated third parties unless that person has participated in the prohibited act in question.