EX-99.A.1.B 3 c58940exv99waw1wb.htm EX-99.(A)(1)(B) exv99waw1wb
 
Exhibit (a)(1)(B)
 
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
To Tender Shares of Common Stock
of

ARGON ST, INC.
at
$34.50 NET PER SHARE
Pursuant to the Offer to Purchase dated July 8, 2010
by
VORTEX MERGER SUB, INC.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of
THE BOEING COMPANY
 
 
THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK CITY TIME, AT THE END OF THE DAY ON AUGUST 4, 2010, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED (SUCH DATE AND TIME AS IT MAY BE EXTENDED, THE “EXPIRATION DATE”) OR EARLIER TERMINATED.
 
 
The Depositary for the Offer is:
 
(LINK GROUP NETWORK LOGO)
 
         
By Mail:
  By Facsimile Transmission:   By Hand or Courier:
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
Operations Center
Attn: Reorganization Department P.O. Box 2042
New York, New York 10272-2042
  (718) 234 - 5001   American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, LLC
Operations Center
Attn: Reorganization Department
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11219
 
For assistance call (877) 248 - 6417 or (718) 921 - 8317
 
DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY TO THE DEPOSITARY. YOU MUST SIGN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IN THE APPROPRIATE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW WITH SIGNATURE GUARANTEED IF REQUIRED, AND COMPLETE THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 OR THE APPROPRIATE IRS FORM W-8, AS APPLICABLE. THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED IN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS COMPLETED.


 

THE TENDER OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE TO (NOR WILL TENDER OF SHARES BE ACCEPTED FROM OR ON BEHALF OF) STOCKHOLDERS IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT WOULD BE ILLEGAL TO DO SO.
 
                               
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES TENDERED
      Shares Tendered
Name(s) and Address(es) of Registered Holder(s)
          Total Number
    Total
(Please fill in, if blank, exactly as name(s)
          of Shares
    Number of
appear(s) on certificate(s))
    Certificate
    Represented by
    Shares
(Attach additional signed list if necessary)     Number(s)(1)     Certificate(s)(1)     Tendered(2)
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
        Total Shares                      
                               
 
(1) Need not be completed by stockholders tendering by book-entry transfer.
 
(2) Unless otherwise indicated, it will be assumed that all Shares described above are being tendered. See Instruction 4.
 
This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by stockholders of Argon ST, Inc. (“Argon”), if certificates for Shares (the “Share Certificates”) are to be forwarded herewith or, unless an Agent’s Message (as defined in Section 2 of the Offer to Purchase, dated July 8, 2010 (the “Offer to Purchase”)) is utilized, if delivery of Shares is to be made by book-entry transfer to an account maintained by the Depositary at The Depositary Trust Company (“DTC”) pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase.
 
Stockholders of Argon whose Share Certificates are not immediately available or who cannot deliver their Share Certificates and all other required documents to the Depositary on or prior to the Expiration Date or who cannot complete the procedure for book-entry transfer prior to the Expiration Date may tender their Shares according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth under Section 3 — “Procedures for Accepting the Offer and Tendering Shares” of the Offer to Purchase. See Instruction 2 below.
 
Additional Information if Shares Have Been Lost
 
If Share Certificates you are tendering with this Letter of Transmittal have been lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated, you should contact American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, Argon’s Transfer Agent, at (877) 248-6417 or (718) 921-8317, regarding the requirements for replacement. You may be required to post a bond to secure against the risk that the Share Certificates may be subsequently recirculated. You are urged to contact the Transfer Agent immediately in order to receive further instructions, including a determination of whether you will need to post a bond, and to permit timely processing of this documentation. See Instruction 11.


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o  CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE DEPOSITARY WITH DTC AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING (ONLY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE PARTICIPANTS IN DTC MAY DELIVER SHARES BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER):
 
  Name of Tendering Institution: 
 
 
  DTC Participant Number: 
 
 
  Transaction Code Number: 
 
o  CHECK HERE IF TENDERED SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE DEPOSITARY AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING (PLEASE ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF SUCH NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY):
 
  Name(s) of Registered Owner(s): 
 
 
  Window Ticket Number (if any) or DTC Participant Number: 
 
 
  Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery: 
 
 
  Name of Institution which Guaranteed Delivery: 
 
NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW.
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.


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Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
The undersigned hereby tenders to Vortex Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Purchaser”), the above described shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Shares”), of Argon ST, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Argon”), pursuant to the Purchaser’s offer to purchase (the “Offer”) all of the outstanding Shares, at a purchase price of $34.50 per Share (the “Offer Price”), net to the seller in cash, without interest thereon and less any applicable withholding taxes, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated July 8, 2010 (the “Offer to Purchase”), and in this Letter of Transmittal.
 
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (and if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms of any such extension or amendment), and effective upon acceptance for payment of the Shares tendered herewith in accordance with the terms of the Offer, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to or upon the order of the Purchaser all right, title and interest in and to all of the Shares that are being tendered hereby (and any and all dividends, distributions, rights, other Shares or other securities issued or issuable in respect thereof on or after the date hereof (collectively, “Distributions”)) and irrevocably constitutes and appoints American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the “Depositary”) the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned with respect to such Shares (and any and all Distributions), with full power of substitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest), to (i) deliver certificates for such Shares (and any and all Distributions) or transfer ownership of such Shares (and any and all Distributions) on the account books maintained by DTC, together, in any such case, with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity, to or upon the order of the Purchaser, (ii) present such Shares (and any and all Distributions) for transfer on the books of Argon and (iii) receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Shares (and any and all Distributions), all in accordance with the terms of the Offer.
 
By executing this Letter of Transmittal, the undersigned hereby irrevocably appoints each of the designees of the Purchaser the attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the undersigned, each with full power of substitution, (i) to vote at any annual or special meeting of Argon’s stockholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof or otherwise in such manner as each such attorney-in-fact and proxy or its, his or her substitute shall in its, his or her sole discretion deem proper with respect to, (ii) to execute any written consent concerning any matter as each such attorney-in-fact and proxy or its, his or her substitute shall in its, his or her sole discretion deem proper with respect to and (iii) to otherwise act as each such attorney-in-fact and proxy or its, his or her substitute shall in its, his or her sole discretion deem proper with respect to all of the Shares (and any and all Distributions) tendered hereby and accepted for payment by the Purchaser. This appointment will be effective if and when, and only to the extent that, the Purchaser accepts such Shares for payment pursuant to the Offer. This power of attorney and proxy are irrevocable and are granted in consideration of the acceptance for payment of such Shares in accordance with the terms of the Offer. Such acceptance for payment shall, without further action, revoke any prior powers of attorney and proxies granted by the undersigned at any time with respect to such Shares (and any and all Distributions), and no subsequent powers of attorney, proxies, consents or revocations may be given by the undersigned with respect thereto (and, if given, will not be deemed effective). The Purchaser reserves the right to require that, in order for the Shares to be deemed validly tendered, immediately upon the Purchaser’s acceptance for payment of such Shares, the Purchaser must be able to exercise full voting, consent and other rights with respect to such Shares (and any and all Distributions), including voting at any meeting of Argon’s stockholders.
 
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the Shares tendered hereby (and any and all Distributions) and that, when the same are accepted for payment by the Purchaser, the Purchaser will acquire good, marketable and unencumbered title to such Shares (and any and all Distributions), free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and the same will not be subject to any adverse claims. The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Depositary or the Purchaser to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the Shares tendered hereby (and any and all Distributions). In addition, the undersigned shall remit and transfer promptly to the Depositary for the account of the Purchaser all Distributions in respect of the Shares tendered hereby, accompanied by appropriate


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documentation of transfer, and, pending such remittance and transfer or appropriate assurance thereof, the Purchaser shall be entitled to all rights and privileges as owner of each such Distribution and may withhold the entire purchase price of the Shares tendered hereby or deduct from such purchase price the amount or value of such Distribution as determined by the Purchaser in its sole discretion.
 
All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned, and any obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, trustees in bankruptcy, successors and assigns of the undersigned. Except as stated in the Offer to Purchase, this tender is irrevocable.
 
The undersigned understands that the Purchaser’s acceptance for payment of Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and the Purchaser upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (and if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms of or the conditions to any such extension or amendment).
 
Unless otherwise indicated under “Special Payment Instructions,” please issue the check for the purchase price of all of the Shares purchased and, if appropriate, return any certificates for the Shares not tendered or accepted for payment in the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appearing under “Description of Shares Tendered” above. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under “Special Delivery Instructions,” please mail the check for the purchase price of all of the Shares purchased and, if appropriate, return any certificates for the Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment (and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) to the address(es) of the registered holder(s) appearing under “Description of Shares Tendered” above. In the event that the boxes entitled “Special Payment Instructions” and “Special Delivery Instructions” are both completed, please issue the check for the purchase price of all Shares purchased and, if appropriate, return any certificates evidencing Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment (and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) in the name(s) of, and deliver such check and, if appropriate, return any such certificates (and any accompanying documents, as appropriate) to, the person(s) so indicated. Unless otherwise indicated herein in the box entitled “Special Payment Instructions,” please credit any Shares tendered herewith by book-entry transfer that are not accepted for payment by crediting the account at DTC designated above. The undersigned recognizes that the Purchaser has no obligation, pursuant to the “Special Payment Instructions,” to transfer any Shares from the name of the registered holder thereof if the Purchaser does not accept for payment any of the Shares so tendered.


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SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instructions 1, 5, 6 and 7)
 
 
To be completed ONLY if the check for the purchase price of Shares accepted for payment and/or certificates for Shares not tendered or not accepted are to be issued in the name of someone other than the undersigned.
 
Issue check and/or certificates to:
 
Name: 
(Please Print)
 
Address: 
 
 
(Include Zip Code)
 
(Taxpayer Identification or Social Security No.)
 
(Also Complete Substitute W-9 Below)
 
o  Credit unpurchased Shares delivered by book-entry transfer to DTC account set forth below. Account Number:
 
 
 
SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instructions 1, 5, 6 and 7)
 
To be completed ONLY if the check for the purchase price of Shares accepted for payment and/or certificates for Shares not tendered or not accepted are to be mailed to someone other than the undersigned or to the undersigned at an address other than that shown above.
 
Mail check and/or certificates to:
 
Name: 
(Please Print)
 
Address: 
 
 
(Include Zip Code)
 
(Taxpayer Identification or Social Security No.)
 
(Also Complete Substitute W-9 Below)
 
 


 


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IMPORTANT — SIGN HERE
(U.S. Holders Please Also Complete the Enclosed IRS Form W-9)
(Non-U.S. Holders Please Obtain and Complete IRS Form W-8BEN or Other Applicable IRS Form W-8)
 
(Signature(s) of Stockholder(s))
 
Dated: 
 
(Must be signed by registered owner(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on Share Certificate(s) or on a security position listing or by person(s) authorized to become registered owner(s) by certificates and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth full title and see Instruction 5. For information concerning signature guarantees, see Instruction 1.)
 
Name(s): 
(Please Print)
 
Capacity (full title): 
 
Address: 
 
 
(Include Zip Code)
 
Area Code and Telephone Number: 
 
Tax Identification or Social Security No.: 
 
GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)
(For use by Eligible Institutions only;
see Instructions 1 and 5)
 
Name of Firm: 
 
(Include Zip Code)
 
Authorized Signature: 
 
Name: 
 
(Please Type or Print)
 
Area Code and Telephone Number: 
 
Dated: 
 
Place medallion guarantee in space below:

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INSTRUCTIONS
FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
 
1. Guarantee of Signatures.  No signature guarantee is required on this Letter of Transmittal (a) if this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) (which term, for purposes of this Instruction, includes any participant in DTC’s system whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the Shares) of Shares tendered herewith, unless such holder has completed either the box entitled “Special Payment Instructions” or the box entitled “Special Delivery Instructions” on this Letter of Transmittal or (b) if such Shares are tendered for the account of a financial institution (including most commercial banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses) that is a member in good standing in the Security Transfer Agents Medallion Program or any other “eligible guarantor institution,” as such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act (each, an “Eligible Institution”). In all other cases, all signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 5.
 
2. Requirements of Tender.  In order for a stockholder to validly tender Shares pursuant to the Offer, this Letter of Transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile thereof), properly completed and duly executed, together with any required signature guarantees (or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an Agent’s Message in lieu of the Letter of Transmittal) and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal must be received by the Depositary at one of the addresses on the cover page of this Letter of Transmittal and either (A) the Share Certificates evidencing tendered Shares must be received by the Depositary at such address or (B) such Shares must be tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase and confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such Shares (a “Book-Entry Confirmation”) must be received by the Depositary, in each case prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in Section 1 of the Offer to Purchase).
 
Stockholders whose Share Certificates are not immediately available, who cannot deliver their Share Certificates and all other required documents to the Depositary on or prior to the Expiration Date or who cannot complete the procedure for delivery by book-entry transfer on or prior to the Expiration Date may tender their Shares pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure described under Section 3 — “Procedures for Accepting the Offer and Tendering Shares” in the Offer to Purchase. Pursuant to such procedure: (i) such tender must be made by or through an Eligible Institution; (ii) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, substantially in the form made available by the Purchaser, must be received by the Depositary at one of the addresses on the cover page of this Letter of Transmittal on or prior to the Expiration Date; and (iii) the Share Certificates representing all physically delivered Shares in proper form for transfer by delivery, or Book-Entry Confirmation of all Shares delivered by book-entry transfer, in each case together with a Letter of Transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile thereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees (or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an Agent’s Message), and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Depositary at such address within three Nasdaq Global Select Market trading days after the date of execution of such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, all as described under Section 3 — “Procedures for Accepting the Offer and Tendering Shares” in the Offer to Purchase.
 
The term “Agent’s Message” means a message, transmitted by DTC to and received by the Depositary and forming a part of a Book-Entry Confirmation, that states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in DTC tendering the Shares that are the subject of such Book-Entry Confirmation, that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the Letter of Transmittal and that the Purchaser may enforce such agreement against such participant.
 
The method of delivery of Shares, the Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents, including delivery through DTC, is at the option and risk of the tendering stockholder, and the delivery of all such documents will be deemed made only when actually received by the Depositary (including, in the case of a book-entry transfer, receipt of a Book-Entry Confirmation). If delivery is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested, properly insured, is recommended. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to ensure timely delivery.
 
The Purchaser will not accept any alternative, conditional or contingent tenders, and no fractional Shares will be purchased. By executing this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), the tendering stockholder waives any right to receive any notice of the acceptance for payment of the Shares.
 
3. Inadequate Space.  If the space provided herein is inadequate, the Share Certificate numbers and/or the number of Shares should be listed on a separate schedule attached hereto.


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4. Partial Tenders.  If fewer than all the Shares represented by any Share Certificate delivered to the Depositary are to be tendered, fill in the number of Shares which are to be tendered in the box entitled “Total Number of Shares Tendered.” In such case, a new certificate for the remainder of the Shares represented by the old certificate will be sent to the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, unless otherwise provided in the appropriate box on this Letter of Transmittal, as promptly as practicable following the expiration or termination of the Offer. All Shares represented by certificates delivered to the Depositary will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.
 
5. Signatures on Letter of Transmittal; Stock Powers and Endorsements.
 
(a) Exact Signatures.  If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Shares tendered hereby, the signature(s) must correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of the Share Certificates without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.
 
(b) Joint Holders.  If any of the Shares tendered hereby are held of record by two or more persons, all such persons must sign this Letter of Transmittal.
 
(c) Different Names on Certificates.  If any of the Shares tendered hereby are registered in different names on different certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate Letters of Transmittal as there are different registrations of certificates.
 
(d) Endorsements.  If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Shares tendered hereby, no endorsements of certificates or separate stock powers are required unless payment of the purchase price is to be made, or Shares not tendered or not purchased are to be returned, in the name of any person other than the registered holder(s). Signatures on any such certificates or stock powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
 
(e) Stock Powers.  If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder(s) of the Shares tendered hereby, certificates must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case, signed exactly as the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appear(s) on the certificates for such Shares. Signature(s) on any such certificates or stock powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 1.
 
(f) Evidence of Fiduciary or Representative Capacity.  If this Letter of Transmittal or any certificate or stock power is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to the Depositary of the authority of such person so to act must be submitted.
 
6. Stock Transfer Taxes.  Except as otherwise provided in this Instruction 6, the Purchaser or any successor entity thereto will pay all stock transfer taxes with respect to the transfer and sale of any Shares to it or its order pursuant to the Offer. If, however, payment of the purchase price is to be made to, or if Share Certificate(s) for Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment are to be registered in the name of, any person(s) other than the registered holder(s), or if tendered Share Certificate(s) are registered in the name of any person(s) other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal, the amount of any stock transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder(s) or such other person(s)) payable on account of the transfer to such other person(s) will be deducted from the purchase price of such Shares purchased unless evidence satisfactory to the Purchaser of the payment of such taxes, or exemption therefrom, is submitted.
 
Except as provided in this Instruction 6, it will not be necessary for transfer tax stamps to be affixed to the Share Certificate(s) evidencing the Shares tendered hereby.
 
7. Special Payment and Delivery Instructions.  If a check is to be issued in the name of, and, if appropriate, Share Certificates for Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment are to be issued or returned to, any person(s) other than the signer of this Letter of Transmittal or if a check and, if appropriate, such Share Certificates are to be returned to any person(s) other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal or to an address other than that shown in this Letter of Transmittal, the appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal must be completed.
 
8. Substitute Form W-9.  To avoid backup withholding, a tendering stockholder is required to provide the Depositary with a correct Taxpayer Identification Number (“TIN”) on Substitute Form W-9, which is provided under “Important Tax Information” below, and to certify, under penalties of perjury, that such number is correct and that such stockholder is not subject to backup withholding of federal income tax, and that such stockholder is a U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes). If a tendering stockholder has been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) that such


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stockholder is subject to backup withholding, such stockholder must cross out item (2) of the Certification box of the Substitute Form W-9, unless such stockholder has since been notified by the IRS that such stockholder is no longer subject to backup withholding. Failure to provide the information on the Substitute Form W-9 may subject the tendering stockholder to federal income tax withholding on the payment of the purchase price of all Shares purchased from such stockholder. If the tendering stockholder has not been issued a TIN and has applied for one or intends to apply for one in the near future, such stockholder should check the box in Part 3 of the Substitute Form W-9, and sign and date the Substitute Form W-9. If the box in Part 3 is checked and the Depositary is not provided with a TIN by the time of payment, the Depositary will withhold a portion of all payments of the purchase price to such stockholder until a TIN is provided to the Depositary.
 
Certain stockholders (including, among others, all corporations and certain foreign individuals and entities) may not be subject to backup withholding. Foreign stockholders should submit an appropriate and properly completed IRS Form W-8, a copy of which may be obtained from the Depositary, in order to avoid backup withholding. Such stockholders should consult a tax advisor to determine which Form W-8 is appropriate. See the enclosed “Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9” for more instructions.
 
9. Irregularities.  All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance for payment of any tender of Shares will be determined by the Purchaser, in its sole discretion, which determination shall be final and binding on all parties. The Purchaser reserves the absolute right to reject any and all tenders determined by us not to be in proper form or the acceptance for payment of which may, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. The Purchaser also reserves the absolute right to waive any defect or irregularity in the tender of any Shares of any particular stockholder, whether or not similar defects or irregularities are waived in the case of other stockholders. No tender of Shares will be deemed to have been validly made until all defects and irregularities have been cured or waived to the Purchaser’s satisfaction. None of the Purchaser, Parent, the Depositary, the Information Agent or any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in tenders or incur any liability for failure to give any such notification. The Purchaser’s interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Offer (including this Letter of Transmittal and these instructions thereto) will be final and binding.
 
10. Requests for Additional Copies.  Questions and requests for assistance or additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery should be directed to the Information Agent at its telephone numbers and address set forth below.
 
11. Lost, Destroyed or Stolen Certificates.  If any certificate representing Shares has been lost, destroyed or stolen, the stockholder should promptly notify American Stock Transfer & Trust Company as Transfer Agent at (877) 248-6417 or (718) 921-8317. The stockholder will then be instructed as to the steps that must be taken in order to replace the certificate(s). This Letter of Transmittal and related documents cannot be processed until the procedures for replacing lost or destroyed certificates have been followed.
 
IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (OR FACSIMILE THEREOF), TOGETHER WITH ANY REQUIRED SIGNATURE GUARANTEES, OR, IN THE CASE OF A BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER, AN AGENT’S MESSAGE, AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPOSITARY ON OR PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE, AND EITHER CERTIFICATES FOR TENDERED SHARES MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DEPOSITARY OR SHARES MUST BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO THE PROCEDURES FOR BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER, IN EACH CASE ON OR PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE, OR THE TENDERING STOCKHOLDER MUST COMPLY WITH THE PROCEDURES FOR GUARANTEED DELIVERY.
 
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION
 
Under federal income tax law, a stockholder who is a U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) surrendering Shares must, unless an exemption applies, provide the Depositary (as payer) with the stockholder’s correct TIN on IRS Form W-9 or on the Substitute Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal. If the stockholder is an individual, the stockholder’s TIN is such stockholder’s Social Security number. If the correct TIN is not provided, the stockholder may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the IRS and payments of cash to the stockholder (or other payee) pursuant to the Offer may be subject to backup withholding of a portion of all payments of the purchase price.


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Certain stockholders (including, among others, corporations and certain foreign individuals and entities) may not be subject to backup withholding and reporting requirements. In order for an exempt foreign stockholder to avoid backup withholding, such person should complete, sign and submit an appropriate Form W-8 signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to his or her exempt status. A Form W-8 can be obtained from the Depositary. Such stockholders should consult a tax advisor to determine which Form W-8 is appropriate. Exempt stockholders, other than foreign stockholders, should furnish their TIN, check the box in Part 4 of the Substitute Form W-9 and sign, date and return the Substitute Form W-9 to the Depositary in order to avoid erroneous backup withholding. See the enclosed “Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9” for additional instructions.
 
If backup withholding applies, the Depositary is required to withhold and pay over to the IRS a portion of any payment made to a stockholder. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the federal income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If backup withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained from the IRS.
 
Purpose of Substitute Form W-9
 
To prevent backup withholding on payments that are made to a stockholder with respect to Shares purchased pursuant to the Offer, the stockholder is required to notify the Depositary of the stockholder’s correct TIN by completing the Substitute Form W-9 included in this Letter of Transmittal certifying (1) that the TIN provided on the Substitute Form W-9 is correct (or that such stockholder is awaiting a TIN), (2) that the stockholder is not subject to backup withholding because (i) the stockholder is exempt from backup withholding, (ii) the stockholder has not been notified by the IRS that the stockholder is subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest and dividends or (iii) the IRS has notified the stockholder that the stockholder is no longer subject to backup withholding and (3) the stockholder is a U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes).
 
What Number to Give the Depositary
 
The tendering stockholder is required to give the Depositary the TIN, generally the Social Security number or Employer Identification Number, of the record holder of the Shares tendered hereby. If the Shares are in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual owner, consult the enclosed “Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute W-9” for additional guidance on which number to report. If the tendering stockholder has not been issued a TIN and has applied for a number or intends to apply for a number in the near future, such stockholder should check the box in Part 3 of the Substitute Form W-9, sign and date the Substitute Form W-9 and sign and date the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number, which appears in a separate box below the Substitute Form W-9. If the box in Part 3 of the Substitute Form W-9 is checked and the Depositary is not provided with a TIN by the time of payment, the Depositary will withhold a portion of all payments of the purchase price until a TIN is provided to the Depositary. If the Depositary is provided with an incorrect TIN in connection with such payments, the stockholder may be subject to a $50.00 penalty imposed by the IRS.


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PAYER’S NAME: AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY, LLC
 
SUBSTITUTE

FORM  
W-9
    Part 1 — PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN IN THE BOX AT RIGHT AND CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND DATING BELOW.     Social Security Number or
Employer Identification Number
             
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Payer’s Request for Taxpayer
Identification Number (“TIN”)

   
CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX:

o  Individual/Sole Proprietor

o  Corporation

o  Partnership

o  Other
   
Part 3 —

Awaiting TIN  o

Part 4 —

Exempt  o
             
Please fill in your name and
address below.

Name

Address (Number and Street)

City, State and Zip Code
    Part 2 — Certification —
Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:

(1) The number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer Identification Number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me);
(2) I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding; and

(3) I am a U.S. Person (including a U.S. resident alien).

Certification Instructions — You must cross out Item (2) above if you have been notified by the IRS
             
     
Signature ­ ­
   
Date ­ ­
 
 
NOTE:   FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF A PORTION OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
 
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU CHECKED THE BOX IN PART 3 OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9.
 
CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
 
I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has not been issued to me, and either (1) I have mailed or delivered an application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office, or (2) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number by the time of payment, a portion of all reportable payments made to me will be withheld, but that such amounts will be refunded to me if I then provide a Taxpayer Identification Number within sixty (60) days.
 
Signature ­ ­  Date ­ ­


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GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
 
GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO GIVE THE PAYER. — Social Security numbers have nine digits separated by two hyphens: i.e., 000-00-0000. Employer identification numbers have nine digits separated by only one hyphen: i.e., 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the number to give the payer.
 
WHAT NAME AND NUMBER TO GIVE THE PAYER
 
           
For this type of account:   Give name and SSN of:
 1.
    Individual   The individual
 2.
    Two or more individuals (joint account)   The actual owner of the account or, if combined funds, the first individual on the account(1)
 3.
    Custodian account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act)   The minor(2)
 4.
   
a. The usual revocable savings trust (grantor is also trustee)
  The grantor-trustee(1)
 
   
b. So-called trust account that is not a legal or valid trust under state law
  The actual owner(1)
 5.
    Sole proprietorship or single-owner LLC   The owner(3)
 6.
    Sole proprietorship or single-owner LLC   The owner(3)
 7.
    A valid trust, estate, or pension trust   Legal entity(4)
           
 
           
For this type of account:   Give name and EIN of:
 8.
    Corporate or LLC electing corporate status on Form 8832   The corporation
 9.
    Association, club, religious, charitable, educational, or other tax-exempt organization   The organization
 10.
    Partnership or multi-member LLC   The partnership
 11.
    A broker or registered nominee   The broker or nominee
 12.
    Account with the Department of Agriculture in the name of a public entity (such as state or local government, school district, or prison) that receives agricultural program payments   The public entity
           
(1) List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has an SSN, that person’s number must be furnished.
 
(2) Circle the minor’s name and furnish the minor’s SSN.
 
(3) You must show your individual name and you may also enter your business or “DBA” name on the second name line. You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one). If you are a sole proprietor, IRS encourages you to use your SSN.
 
(4) List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the TIN of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.)
 
NOTE.   If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed.


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GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
PAGE 2
 
OBTAINING A NUMBER
 
If you don’t have a taxpayer identification number or you don’t know your number, obtain Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Number Card, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, at the local office of the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service and apply for a number.
 
PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
Payees specifically exempted from backup withholding on ALL payments include the following:
 
  •  A corporation.
 
  •  A financial institution.
 
  •  An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), or an individual retirement plan or a custodial account under Section 403(b)(7).
 
  •  The United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof.
 
  •  A State, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof.
 
  •  A foreign government, a political subdivision of a foreign government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof.
 
  •  An international organization or any agency, or instrumentality thereof.
 
  •  A registered dealer in securities or commodities registered in the U.S. or a possession of the U.S.
 
  •  A real estate investment trust.
 
  •  A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a).
 
  •  An exempt charitable remainder trust, or a non-exempt trust described in section 4947(a)(1).
 
  •  An entity registered at all times under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
 
  •  A foreign central bank of issue.
 
  •  A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
 
  •  A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or listed in the most recent publication of the American Society of Corporate Secretaries, Inc. Nominee List.
 
Payments of dividends and patronage dividends not generally subject to backup withholding include the following:
 
  •  Payments to nonresident aliens subject to withholding under section 1441.
 
  •  Payments to partnerships not engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. and which have at least one nonresident partner.
 
  •  Payments of patronage dividends where the amount received is not paid in money.
 
  •  Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
 
Payments of interest not generally subject to backup withholding include the following:
 
  •  Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals. Note: You may be subject to backup withholding if this interest is $600 or more and is paid in the course of the payer’s trade or business and you have not provided your correct taxpayer identification number to the payer.
 
  •  Payments of tax-exempt interest (including exempt-interest dividends under section 852).
 
  •  Payments described in section 6049(b)(5) to non-resident aliens.


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  •  Payments on tax-free covenant bonds under section 1451.
 
  •  Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
 
  •  Mortgage interest paid to an individual.
 
Exempt payees described above should file Form W-9 to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding. FILE THIS FORM WITH THE PAYER, FURNISH YOUR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, WRITE “EXEMPT” ON THE FACE OF THE FORM, AND RETURN IT TO THE PAYER. IF THE PAYMENTS ARE INTEREST, DIVIDENDS, OR PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS, ALSO SIGN AND DATE THE FORM.
 
Certain payments, other than interest, dividends, and patronage dividends, that are not subject to information reporting, are also not subject to backup withholding. For details, see the regulations under sections 6041, 6041A(a), 6045, and 6050A.
 
PRIVACY ACT NOTICE — Section 6109 requires most recipients of dividend, interest, or other payments to give taxpayer identification numbers to payers who must report the payments to IRS. IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes. Payers must be given the numbers whether or not recipients are required to file tax returns. Payers must generally withhold a portion of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not furnish a taxpayer identification number to a payer. Certain penalties may also apply.
 
PENALTIES
 
(1) PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FURNISH TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER — If you fail to furnish your taxpayer identification number to a payer, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.
 
(2) CIVIL PENALTY FOR FALSE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO WITHHOLDING — If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis which results in no imposition of backup withholding, you are subject to a penalty of $500.
 
(3) CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSIFYING INFORMATION — Falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.
 
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TAX CONSULTANT OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.


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The Depositary for the Offer is:
 
(AST LOGO)
 
         
By Mail:   By Facsimile Transmission:   By Hand or Courier:
 American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
Operations Center
Attn: Reorganization Department
P.O. Box 2042
New York, New York 10272-2042
  (718) 234 - 5001   American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
Operations Center
Attn: Reorganization Department
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11219
 
For assistance call (877) 248 - 6417 or (718) 921 - 8317
 
Questions or requests for assistance or additional copies of the Offer to Purchase, this Letter of Transmittal and other related documents may be directed to the Information Agent at the address and telephone numbers set forth below. Stockholders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank or trust company for assistance concerning the tender offer.
 
The Information Agent for the Offer is:
 
(INNISFREE LOGO)
 
501 Madison Avenue, 20th floor
New York, New York 10022
Stockholders may call toll free (888) 750-5834
Banks and Brokers may call collect (212) 750-5833


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