This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of each of the parties; provided , however , that Borrowers may not assign this Agreement or any rights or duties hereunder without Lender’s prior written consent and any prohibited assignment shall be absolutely void ab initio . No consent to assignment by Lender shall, unless otherwise provided in such consent, release Borrowers from its Obligations. Lender may assign this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and its rights and duties hereunder and thereunder or assign any Advances or Commitment (in whole or in part) to an affiliate without notice to or consent of Borrowers.