UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): | August 15, 2006 |
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
__________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 001-11331 | 43-1698480 |
_____________________ (State or other jurisdiction |
_____________ (Commission |
______________ (I.R.S. Employer |
of incorporation) | File Number) | Identification No.) |
7500 College Blvd., Suite 1000, Overland Park, Kansas | 66210 | |
_________________________________ (Address of principal executive offices) |
___________ (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: | 913-661-1500 |
Not Applicable
______________________________________________
Former name or former address, if changed since last report
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.
__________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 333-06693 | 43-1742520 |
_____________________ (State or other jurisdiction |
_____________ (Commission |
______________ (I.R.S. Employer |
of incorporation) | File Number) | Identification No.) |
7500 College Blvd., Suite 1000, Overland Park, Kansas | 66210 | |
_________________________________ (Address of principal executive offices) |
___________ (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: | 913-661-1500 |
n/a
______________________________________________
Former name or former address, if changed since last report
Ferrellgas, L.P.
__________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 000-50182 | 43-1698481 |
_____________________ (State or other jurisdiction |
_____________ (Commission |
______________ (I.R.S. Employer |
of incorporation) | File Number) | Identification No.) |
7500 College Blvd., Suite 1000, Overland Park, Kansas | 66210 | |
_________________________________ (Address of principal executive offices) |
___________ (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: | 913-661-1500 |
n/a
______________________________________________
Former name or former address, if changed since last report
Ferrellgas Finance Corp.
__________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 000-50183 | 14-1866671 |
_____________________ (State or other jurisdiction |
_____________ (Commission |
______________ (I.R.S. Employer |
of incorporation) | File Number) | Identification No.) |
7500 College Blvd., Suite 1000, Overland Park, Kansas | 66210 | |
_________________________________ (Address of principal executive offices) |
___________ (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: | 913-661-1500 |
n/a
______________________________________________
Former name or former address, if changed since last report
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Agreement and Release
Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrell Companies, Inc., Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P. have entered into an Agreement and Release dated August 15, 2006 with Kenneth A. Heinz, former Senior Vice President, Corporate Development of Ferrellgas, Inc. Under the terms of the Agreement and Release, Mr. Heinz will remain employed by Ferrellgas, Inc. in an advisory role through November 8, 2006. Mr. Heinz will receive payments totaling $365,000 representing severance and compensation for services to be rendered through November 8, 2006, and will be eligible for COBRA reimbursements for one year. The Agreement and Release also contains a general release of claims in favor of the Ferrellgas entities. The foregoing description is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, the Agreement and Release, which is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
Receivables Purchase Agreement
On August 16, 2006, the company entered into an Amendment No. 1 to its S
econd Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated June 6, 2006. The amendment provides for an increase in the allowable percentage of certain aged receivables through December 31, 2006. The foregoing description is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, the Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
The following material is filed as an exhibit to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
Exhibit 99.1 - Agreement and Release dated as of August 15, 2006, by and among Kenneth A. Heinz, Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrell Companies, Inc., Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P.
Exhibit 99.2 - Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated August 16, 2006, by and among Ferrellgas Receivables, L.L.C., as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, Jupiter Securitization Corporation, the financial institutions from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA, as agent.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. | ||||
August 18, 2006 | By: |
/s/ Kevin T. Kelly
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Name: Kevin T. Kelly | ||||
Title: (By Ferrellgas, Inc., the Partnership's general partner) Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. | ||||
August 18, 2006 | By: |
/s/ Kevin T. Kelly
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Name: Kevin T. Kelly | ||||
Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
Ferrellgas, L.P. | ||||
August 18, 2006 | By: |
/s/ Kevin T. Kelly
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|
||||
Name: Kevin T. Kelly | ||||
Title: (By Ferrellgas, Inc., the Partnership's general partner) Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
Ferrellgas Finance Corp. | ||||
August 18, 2006 | By: |
/s/ Kevin T. Kelly
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||
|
||||
Name: Kevin T. Kelly | ||||
Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No. | Description | |
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99.1
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Agreement and Release dated as of August 15, 2006 by and among Kenneth A. Heinz, Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrell Companies, Inc., Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P. | |
99.2
|
Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated August 16, 2006, by and among Ferrellgas Receivables, L.L.C., as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, Jupiter Securitization Corporation, the financial institutions from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA, as agent. |
Exhibit 99.1
August 15, 2006
Kenneth A. Heinz
13208 Delmar
Leawood, KS 66209
Dear Ken:
As we discussed, enclosed are two originals of an Agreement and Release which has been revised with the terms and conditions we discussed.
In order to be eligible for the separation pay, you will be asked to sign the enclosed Agreement and Release. If you choose not to sign the Release, you will be ineligible for this payment. Ferrellgas offer contained in the Agreement and Release expires on September 5, 2006. Please review, sign, and return an original Agreement and Release to me before that date. The second original is for your records.
If you have any questions, please contact me (913) 661-1841.
Very truly yours,
Gene D. Caresia
Vice President, Human Resources
Enclosure
AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
This Agreement and Release is made among Ferrell Companies, Inc. (FCI), Ferrellgas, Inc. of Liberty, Missouri (Ferrellgas), and their affiliates, Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., and/or Ferrellgas, L.P., (all of which will collectively be referred to as Ferrell) and Kenneth A. Heinz (Employee), to set forth the terms of separation of Employees employment relationship with Ferrellgas and for all benefits, rights , and obligations between Ferrellgas and Employee (referred to collectively as the Parties). Thus, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and agreements set forth below, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Parties, the Parties agree as follows:
Employee was employed by Ferrellgas. Employees regular employment ended on June 14, 2006 and began as an advisory role described in Section 2 below. Ferrell and Employee now desire to fully and finally resolve all issues among or between them arising from Employees employment by Ferrell and/or the cessation of such employment. Therefore, intending to be legally bound, Ferrell and Employee agree as follows:
1. | Employee will resign from his position as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development effective November 8, 2006, by submitting the attached letter of resignation, which is attached as Attachment A, concurrently with the signing of this Agreement. Employee is relieved of his duties as the Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, effective June 14, 2006 and will exhaust his accrued paid vacation leave through November 8 2006. Employee will receive a Letter of Reference in the form attached as Attachment B, within twenty-one days of signing this Agreement. |
2. | Ferrellgas agrees to pay to Employee on the eighth (8th) day after Employee signs this Agreement and Release, twelve (12) months of salary, which is the gross amount of Two Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($260,00.00), less all applicable deductions. |
3. | Further, Ferrellgas agrees to retain Employee in an advisory role as a Senior Vice President, Corporate Development through the effective date of termination, November 8, 2006. Employee will be paid the gross sum of $5,000 per week (in total twenty-one weeks or $105,000), subject to withholdings and deductions, during that period. During this period, Ferrellgas shall provide the employer share of any health, vision, dental, life, and AD&D coverage in which Employee and his dependents were enrolled as of June 1, 2006 and Employees cost for these benefits will be consistent with the 2006 rates Employee historically paid. Employee acknowledges that the end of this period constitutes a qualifying event for COBRA purposes, to make clear Employee is entitled to and that COBRA is offered to Employee or to any other qualified beneficiary at this time as a result the end of this period. He will office from his home and all business communications by him shall be directed to Gene Caresia, Vice President of Human Resources. Employee shall be reimbursed for authorized and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of Ferrellgas. He shall not have the authority, apparent or actual, to enter into agreements on behalf of Ferrell or to otherwise bind the company, and he shall not hold himself out to be an officer of Ferrell. He agrees that the confidentiality provisions of his Employee Agreement shall extend to any confidential information (as defined in his Employment Agreement as attached to this Agreement) obtained or developed during this period. He shall not undertake any duties on behalf of Ferrell and shall not be considered to be operating within the course of any duties unless specifically directed in writing by Ferrell to do so. He shall not have access to company |
Kenneth A. Heinz
Page Two
offices, telephone systems, computer or email systems or other Ferrell property unless
specifically authorized in writing by Ferrell. Employee is specifically authorized to
forever keep the computer and cellular telephone he used during his employment at
Ferrellgas.
He agrees to be available to assist and cooperate with Ferrell and to respond in a timely
manner to reasonable inquiries from Ferrell senior management.
4. | Ferrellgas also agrees to promptly reimburse Employee for twelve (12) months of COBRA continuation premiums for Employee and his dependents, provided Employee enrolls in COBRA in accordance with the prescribed enrollment procedures and due date for the continuance of medical benefits. Employee must submit each months COBRA premium payment to Discovery Benefits as outlined in the enrollment information. In addition, Employee must make a copy of the check submitted for each payment and mail it to Ferrellgas, Attention Heather Dumas, Benefits Manager, One Liberty Plaza, Liberty, MO 64068. Ferrellgas will reimburse Employee for the monthly payment at a grossed up amount equal to the monthly premium, after Discovery Benefits has received the premium and after Ms. Dumas or her successor has received a copy of each payment check. If Employee fails to submit premium in a timely manner, Employee will lose the COBRA coverage. The COBRA continuation period will begin December 1, 2006 and COBRA information will be sent to Employee by Discovery Benefits. |
5. | In exchange for the mutual promises made here, Employee agrees to forever RELEASE and DISCHARGE Ferrell, and Ferrells officers, employees, directors and agents from any and all claims arising from his employment and/or cessation of employment and all debts, obligations, claims, demands, or causes of action of any kind whatsoever, known or unknown, in tort, contract, by statute or on any other basis, for equitable relief, compensatory, punitive or other damages, expenses (including attorneys fees), reimbursements or costs of any kind, including, but not limited to, any and all claims, demands, rights and/or causes of action, including those which might arise out of allegations relating to a claimed breach of an alleged oral or written employment contract, or relating to purported employment discrimination or civil rights violations, such as, but not limited to, those arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all amendments thereto, Executive Order 11246, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Equal Pay Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or any other applicable federal, state, or local employment discrimination statute, ordinance or common law doctrine which Employee might assert against Ferrell. Employee waives any right to recover in any lawsuit brought on his behalf by any government agency or other person. This provision does not release any rights or obligations under this Agreement or any rights or Employees interest in the Ferrell Companies, Inc. 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan, the Ferrellgas Unit Option Plan, the Ferrell Companies, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan, the Ferrell Companies, Inc. 401(k) Investment Plan, or the Ferrell Companies, Inc. Supplemental Savings Plan. |
6. | Employee promises to treat as confidential and to disclose to no person (other than a legal or financial advisor or spouse, if any) the terms or conditions of this Agreement and Release. Employee further promises not to make any derogatory, disparaging or false statements to any third parties intended to harm the business or personal reputation of Ferrell, its directors, officers and employees. Ferrell further promises not to make any derogatory, disparaging or false statements to any third parties intended to harm the business or personal reputation of Employee. |
Kenneth A. Heinz
Page Three
7. | Each Party understands and agrees that if either violates any promises, such Party may pursue all permissible remedies to redress such violations including seeking repayment |
of all payments made under this Agreement and Release and recovery of costs and reasonable attorneys fees.
8. | Employee agrees that the Ferrellgas Option Grantee Agreements signed by him on August 26, 2005 and November 25, 1998, copies of which are attached to this Agreement and Release and incorporated herein by reference, and/or any similar agreements, are enforceable agreements by the Parties, that his obligations under these agreements inure to the benefit of Ferrell, and that this Agreement and Release does not release him from any obligations under them or under any other contract which obligates Employee not to reveal the Confidential Information of Ferrellgas. The parties agree that, not withstanding paragraph 5, the FCI Nonqualified Stock Option Agreements entered into between the Employee and Ferrell Companies, Inc., dated August 19, 1998, July 31, 1999, May 1, 2000, December 15, 2000, August 15, 2005 and August 15, 2005, remain in full force and effect and are not terminated or released by this document. |
9. | Employee agrees to remain available (upon reasonable prior notice) to consult with Ferrell in connection with any claims or litigation involving Ferrell and any transitional matters involving Employees prior duties with Ferrell. Ferrell shall reimburse Employee for his reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such consultation. |
Kenneth A. Heinz
Page Four
Additional Statement by Employee
I was given a copy of this Agreement and Release and was notified that I have the right to consult with an attorney before signing. Furthermore, I acknowledge being given at least twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement and Release. I have carefully read and fully understand this Agreement and Release and have had sufficient time and opportunity to consult with my personal tax, financial, and legal advisors prior to signing. By signing this Agreement and Release, I voluntarily indicate my intent to be legally bound by its terms. I understand that I may revoke this Agreement and Release within seven days after signing it but that thereafter it is irrevocable.
THIS IS A RELEASE OF CLAIMS
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING
Kenneth A. Heinz
Date
FERRELLGAS, INC.;
FERRELL COMPANIES, INC.;
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.
FERRELLGAS, L.P.
by FERRELLGAS, INC., a Delaware
Corporation, their General Partner
By Date
Gene Caresia
Vice President, Human Resources
ATTACHMENT A
Via U.S. Mail and Facsimile
Mr. James E. Ferrell
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Ferrellgas
7500 College Blvd., 10th Floor
Overland Park, Kansas 66210
Dear Mr. Ferrell:
I hereby resign my position as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development with Ferrellgas, effective November 8, 2006. I will be taking my accrued paid vacation leave prior to the effective date of my resignation. I appreciate the many courtesies offered by the Company and wish you the best of success in the future.
Sincerely,
Kenneth A. Heinz
[ATTACHMENT B]
To whom it may concern,
It is my pleasure to write this letter of reference for Kenneth Heinz. Mr. Heinz was employed by Ferrellgas, L.P. beginning November 11, 1996. Since November 2001, he has served on the Ferrellgas Executive Committee, most recently as our Senior Vice President, Corporate Development. Mr. Heinz resigned from this position on November 8, 2006.
We enjoyed and appreciated having Mr. Heinz as part of our executive team. I recommend Mr. Heinz for a position within your company. He would be an asset to any organization.
Sincerely,
James E. Ferrell
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 99.2
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of August 16, 2006 (this Amendment), is entered into by Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (Seller), Ferrellgas, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (Ferrellgas), as initial Servicer (the initial Servicer together with Seller, the Seller Parties and each a Seller Party), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMorgan Chase and, together with its successors and assigns hereunder that become Committed Purchasers, the Financial Institutions), Jupiter Securitization Company, LLC (f/k/a Jupiter Securitization Corporation, Jupiter), Fifth Third Bank (Fifth Third), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent for the Purchasers hereunder or any successor agent hereunder (together with its successors and assigns hereunder, the Agent) with respect to the Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of June 6, 2006 among the parties (the Existing Agreement). The Existing Agreement, as amended hereby, is hereinafter referred to as the Agreement. Unless defined elsewhere herein, capitalized terms used in this Amendment shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in Exhibit I to the Existing Agreement.
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Existing Agreement as hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Amendments.
1.1. All references in the Existing Agreement to Jupiter Securitization Corporation are hereby replaced with Jupiter Securitization Company, LLC.
1.2. Section 9.1(k) of the Existing Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
(k) As of the last day of any Measurement Period ending during the periods specified in the table below, the average of the three Measurement Periods then most recently ended for the Outstanding Balance of all Receivables included in the Purchaser Interests (regardless of whether they are Eligible Receivables on the date of determination) as to which any payment, or part thereof, remains unpaid for 91 days or more from the original due date for such payment shall exceed the percentage specified in the table below opposite such period:
Applicable | ||||
Period in Which Measurement Period Ends | Percentage | |||
6/1/06-7/31/06 |
25.00 | % | ||
8/1/06-9/30/06 |
27.00 | % | ||
10/1/06-11/30/06 |
25.00 | % | ||
12/1/06-12/31/06 |
18.50 | % | ||
1/1/07-5/31/07 and 12/1-5/1 of any year
thereafter |
16.50 | % | ||
6/1/07-11/30/07 and 6/1-11/30 of any year
thereafter |
25.00 | % | ||
2. Representations and Warranties. In order to induce the other parties hereto to enter into this Amendment, each of the Buyer and the Originator hereby represents and warrants to each of the other parties hereto as follows:
(a) The execution and delivery by such party of this Amendment, and the performance of its obligations under the Agreement as amended hereby, are within such partys organizational powers and authority and have been duly authorized by all necessary organizational action on its part;
(b) This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by such party, and the Agreement, as amended hereby, constitutes such partys legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws relating to or limiting creditors rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law), and
(c) As of the date hereof, no event has occurred and is continuing that will constitute a Termination Event or a Potential Termination Event.
3. Conditions Precedent. This Amendment shall become effective as of the date first above written upon execution by each of the parties of counterparts hereof and delivery of such executed counterparts to the Agent.
4. Miscellaneous.
(a) CHOICE OF LAW. THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS (AND NOT THE LAW OF CONFLICTS) OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
(b) Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
(c) Ratification of Agreement. Except as expressly amended hereby, the Agreement remains unaltered and in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed.
<Signature pages follow>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date hereof.
FERRELLGAS RECEIVABLES, LLC
By:
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Name: Title: |
Kevin T. Kelly Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
FERRELLGAS, L.P.
By: Ferrellgas, Inc., its General Partner
By:
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Name: Title: |
Kevin T. Kelly Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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JUPITER SECURITIZATION COMPANY, LLC
By: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as attorney-in-fact
By:
Mark J. Connor
Vice President
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
Individually as a Financial Institution and as Agent
By:
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Name: Title: |
Mark J. Connor Vice President |
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FIFTH THIRD BANK
By:
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Name: Title: |
Brian Gardner Vice President |
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