Other than as expressly provided herein (including the permitted assignments described in this Article XVII ), User shall not, without Owner’s prior written consent (which, except as specifically set forth herein, may be withheld in Owner’s sole and absolute discretion), voluntarily or by operation of law assign (which term includes any transfer, sale, encumbering, pledge or other transfer or hypothecation), directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, this Agreement. Any Change of Control of User (or, subject to Section 17.2 below, any transfer of direct or indirect interests in User that results in a Change of Control) shall constitute an assignment of User’s interest in this Agreement within the meaning of this Article XVII and the provisions requiring consent contained herein shall apply thereto. Any assignment or transfer under this Article XVII shall be subject to all applicable Legal Requirements, and no such assignment or transfer shall be effective until any applicable approvals, if applicable, are obtained.