Neither this Agreement, nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of Law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other parties, provided , however , that (a) the Initial Investors may assign its rights, interests and obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in party, to one or more Affiliates that are “United States persons” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code in accordance with this Agreement, and in order for such assignment to be effective, the assignee shall agree in writing to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, provided , that no such assignment shall relieve the Initial Investor of its obligations hereunder prior to the Closing.