-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, C6WpXK2G86ssEVykatT23BJer9hlq1RMnQMltimE6S5whusFAOq5lSDPYL4WeMLl O9pO+RxQ7CThc5xxMLa60g== 0001047469-03-023765.txt : 20030710 0001047469-03-023765.hdr.sgml : 20030710 20030710161755 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001047469-03-023765 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-4 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 24 FILED AS OF DATE: 20030710 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CS TECH FAB HOLDING INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001251410 IRS NUMBER: 571071293 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-106934-02 FILM NUMBER: 03782149 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO STAMFORD PLAZA STREET 2: 281 TRESSER BLVD CITY: STAMFORD STATE: CT ZIP: 06901-3238 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CLARK SCHWEBEL HOLDING CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001251413 IRS NUMBER: 510383398 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-106934-01 FILM NUMBER: 03782148 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO STAMFORD PLAZA STREET 2: 281 TRESSER BLVD CITY: STAMFORD STATE: CT ZIP: 06901-3238 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HEXCEL POTTSVILLE CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001251403 IRS NUMBER: 232827480 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-106934-04 FILM NUMBER: 03782151 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO STAMFORD PLAZA STREET 2: 281 TRESSER BLVD CITY: STAMFORD STATE: CT ZIP: 06901-3238 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CLARK SCHWEBEL CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001251407 IRS NUMBER: 571071290 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-106934-03 FILM NUMBER: 03782150 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO STAMFORD PLAZA STREET 2: 281 TRESSER BLVD CITY: STAMFORD STATE: CT ZIP: 06901-3238 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HEXCEL CORP /DE/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000717605 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ABRASIVE ASBESTOS & MISC NONMETALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS [3290] IRS NUMBER: 941109521 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-106934 FILM NUMBER: 03782147 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO STAMFORD PLAZA STREET 2: 281 TRESSER BLVD., 16TH FLOOR CITY: STAMFORD STATE: CT ZIP: 06901 BUSINESS PHONE: 203-969-0666 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO STAMFORD PLAZA STREET 2: 281 TRESSER BLVD., 16TH FLOOR CITY: STAMFORD STATE: CT ZIP: 06901 S-4 1 a2114440zs-4.htm S-4
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 10, 2003

Registration No. 333-            



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


HEXCEL CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  3290
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  94-1109521
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

Two Stamford Plaza
281 Tresser Boulevard
Stamford, Connecticut 06901-3238

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

Ira J. Krakower, Esq.
Hexcel Corporation
Two Stamford Plaza
281 Tresser Boulevard
Stamford, Connecticut 06901-3238
(203) 969-0666
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)

SEE TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS

Copy to:
Joseph A. Coco, Esq.
Thomas W. Greenberg, Esq.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Four Times Square
New York, New York 10036
(212) 735-3000


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.


        If the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.    o

        If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

        If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered

  Amount to
be Registered

  Proposed Maximum
Offering Price Per Unit

  Proposed Maximum
Offering Price(1)

  Amount of
Registration Fee


9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008   $125,000,000   98.952%   $123,690,000   $10,007

Guarantees of the 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008         (2)

(1)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(2)
Pursuant to Rule 457(n), no separate fee is paid in connection with the guarantees of the 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 by the additional registrants.


        The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.





TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS

Name

  State of Incorporation or
Organization

  Primary Standard
Industrial
Classification Number

  I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number

Clark-Schwebel Corporation
Two Stamford Plaza
281 Tresser Boulevard
Stamford, Connecticut 06901-3238 (203) 969-0666
  Delaware   3290   57-1071290

Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp.
Two Stamford Plaza
281 Tresser Boulevard
Stamford, Connecticut 06901-3238 (203) 969-0666

 

Delaware

 

3290

 

51-0383398

CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc.
Two Stamford Plaza
281 Tresser Boulevard
Stamford, Connecticut 06901-3238 (203) 969-0666

 

Delaware

 

3290

 

57-1071293

Hexcel Pottsville Corporation
Two Stamford Plaza
281 Tresser Boulevard
Stamford, Connecticut 06901-3238 (203) 969-0666

 

Delaware

 

3290

 

23-2827480

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 10, 2003

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

PROSPECTUS

Offer to Exchange 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 Which Have Been
Registered Under the Securities Act of 1933 for All 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 Issued on March 19, 2003

of

Hexcel Corporation

The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on            , 2003, unless extended.


        Terms of the exchange offer:

      We will exchange all original notes that are validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.

      You may withdraw tenders of original notes at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.

      We believe that the exchange of original notes will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but you should see "Certain United States Federal Tax Considerations" on page 108 for more information.

      We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.

      The terms of the exchange notes are identical to the original notes, except that the exchange notes are registered under the Securities Act and the transfer restrictions and registration rights applicable to the original notes do not apply to the exchange notes.


This investment involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 12.


        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


The date of this prospectus is            , 2003.


        No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the Hexcel Corporation notes offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page
AVAILABLE INFORMATION   1
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   2
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY   4
RISK FACTORS   12
USE OF PROCEEDS   19
CAPITALIZATION   20
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION   21
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION   26
THE EXCHANGE OFFER   27
BUSINESS   35
DESCRIPTION OF MATERIAL OUTSTANDING DEBT   40
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES   42
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS   108
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION   111
LEGAL MATTERS   111
EXPERTS   112


AVAILABLE INFORMATION

        We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a Registration Statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, covering the notes to be issued in the exchange offer. This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the Registration Statement.

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. You may read and copy any document Hexcel files at the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-888-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov or from our web site at www.hexcel.com. However, the information on our web site does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

        In this document, we "incorporate by reference" the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to that information. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and later information filed with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on or after the date of this prospectus until the offering is completed:

    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2003;

    Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2003;

    Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 2) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on April 29, 2003;

    Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 3) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on July 10, 2003;

    Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2003;

    Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, filed with the SEC on July 10, 2003; and

    Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 27, 2003, March 10, 2003, March 20, 2003, April 4, 2003 and May 1, 2003.

        You may request a copy of these future filings at no cost after they are filed with the SEC by writing or telephoning Hexcel at: Two Stamford Plaza, 281 Tresser Boulevard, Stamford, Connecticut 06901, (203) 969-0666, Attention: Investor Relations.

        If at any time during the two-year period following the later of the date of original issue of the notes and the date of issue with respect to additional notes, if any, we are not subject to the information requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, we will furnish to holders of notes and prospective purchasers thereof the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act in order to permit compliance with Rule 144A in connection with resales of such notes.

        You should rely only upon the information provided in this prospectus or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different

1



information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus including any information incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of this prospectus.



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements also relate to future prospects, developments and business strategies. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "should," "will," and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Such statements are based on current expectations, are inherently uncertain, and are subject to changing assumptions. These statements are contained in sections entitled "Summary," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Business" and other sections of this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

        Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

    estimates of commercial aerospace production and delivery rates, including those of Airbus Industries ("Airbus") and The Boeing Company ("Boeing");

    expectations regarding growth in sales to regional and business aircraft manufacturers, and to the aircraft aftermarket;

    expectations regarding the growth in the production of military aircraft, helicopters and launch vehicle programs in 2003 and beyond;

    expectations regarding the recovery of demand for electronics fabrics used in printed wiring boards, as well as future business trends in the electronics fabrics industry;

    expectations regarding the demand for soft body armor made of aramid and specialty fabrics;

    expectations regarding growth in sales of composite materials for wind energy, automotive and other industrial applications;

    estimates of changes in net sales by market compared to 2002;

    expectations regarding our equity in the earnings or losses of joint ventures, as well as joint venture investments and loan guarantees;

    expectations regarding working capital trends and capital expenditures;

    the availability and sufficiency of our existing senior credit facility and other financial resources to fund our worldwide operations in 2003 and beyond; and

    the impact of various market risks, including fluctuations in the interest rates underlying our variable-rate debt, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, and fluctuations in the market price of our common stock.

        Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: changes in general economic and business conditions; changes in current pricing and cost levels; changes in political, social and economic conditions and local regulations, particularly in Asia and Europe; foreign currency fluctuations; changes in aerospace delivery rates; reductions in sales to any significant customers, particularly Airbus or Boeing; changes in sales mix; changes in government

2


defense procurement budgets; changes in military aerospace programs technology; industry capacity; competition; disruptions of established supply channels; manufacturing capacity constraints; and the availability, terms and deployment of capital.

        If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. In addition to other factors that affect our operating results and financial position, neither past financial performance nor our expectations should be considered reliable indicators of future performance. Investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods. We do not undertake an obligation to update our forward-looking statements or risk factors to reflect future events or circumstances.

3



PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        The following summary highlights selected information from this prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. This prospectus includes a description of the specific terms of the notes we are offering, information regarding our business and detailed financial data. We encourage you to read this prospectus in its entirety. The terms "Hexcel," "we," "our" and "us" as used in this prospectus refer to Hexcel Corporation, the issuer of the original notes and the exchange notes to be issued in the exchange offer, and its subsidiaries as a combined entity, except where the context makes it clear that such term means only the parent company. We refer to the 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 issued on March 19, 2003, as the "original notes" and to the 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 offered by this prospectus as the "exchange notes." The original notes and the exchange notes are collectively referred to as the "notes." You should pay special attention to the "Risk Factors" section beginning on page 12 of this prospectus.


Summary of The Exchange Offer

        On March 19, 2003, we completed the private offering of $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008. As part of that offering, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the original notes in which we agreed, among other things, to deliver this prospectus to you and to complete an exchange offer for the original notes. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, we are offering to exchange $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008, which have been registered under the Securities Act, for a like principal amount of our original notes. You are entitled to exchange your original notes for exchange notes with substantially identical terms. We urge you to read the discussions under the heading "Summary of the Terms of the Exchange Notes" in this Prospectus Summary for further information regarding the exchange offer and the exchange notes. The following is a summary of the exchange offer.

Securities Offered   We are offering up to $125,000,000 aggregate principal amount of new 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008, which have been registered under the Securities Act. The form and terms of these exchange notes are identical in all material respects to those of the original notes. The exchange notes will not contain transfer restrictions and registration rights applicable to the original notes.

The Exchange Offer

 

We are offering to exchange $1,000 principal amount of our 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008, which have been registered under the Securities Act, for each $1,000 principal amount of our outstanding 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008, which were issued in a private offering on March 19, 2003.

 

 

In order to be exchanged, an original note must be properly tendered and accepted. All original notes that are validly tendered and not withdrawn will be exchanged. As of the date of this prospectus, there are $125.0 million principal amount of original notes outstanding. We will issue exchange notes promptly after the expiration of the exchange offer.

Resales

 

Based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC, as set forth in a series of no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that the exchange notes issued in the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by you without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act provided that:
         

4



 

 


 

you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business;

 

 


 

you are not participating, do not intend to participate and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate, in a distribution of the exchange notes; and

 

 


 

you are not an "affiliate" of ours.

 

 

If you do not meet one or more of the above criteria, you will have to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any reoffer, resale or other disposition of your exchange notes.

 

 

Each broker or dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for original notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities must acknowledge that it will deliver this prospectus in connection with any offer to resell, resale or other transfer of the exchange notes issued in the exchange offer.

Expiration Date

 

5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                        , 2003, unless we extend the expiration date.

Accrued Interest on the Exchange Notes and Original Notes

 

The exchange notes will bear interest from March 19, 2003. If your original notes are accepted for exchange, then you will receive interest on the exchange notes and not on the original notes.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

 

The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions. We may waive these conditions in our sole discretion. If we materially change the terms of the exchange offer, we will resolicit tenders of the original notes. Please read the section "The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer" of this prospectus for more information regarding conditions to the exchange offer.

Procedures for Tendering Original Notes

 

If you wish to tender your original notes, you must complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of it, according to its instructions and transmit the letter of transmittal, together with your original notes and any other required documentation to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association. Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, who is the exchange agent, must receive this documentation at the address set forth in the letter of transmittal by 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on the expiration date. By executing the letter of transmittal, you will represent to us that you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business, that you are not participating, do not intend to participate and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate, in the distribution of exchange notes, and that you are not an "affiliate" of ours. See "The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering."
         

5



Procedures for Beneficial Holders

 

If you are the beneficial holder of original notes that are registered in the name of your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, and you wish to tender in the exchange offer, you should promptly contact the person in whose name your original notes are registered and instruct that person to tender on your behalf. See "The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering."

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

 

If you wish to tender your original notes and you cannot deliver your notes, the letter of transmittal or any other required documents to the exchange agent before the expiration date, you may tender your original notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures."

Withdrawal Rights

 

Tenders may be withdrawn at any time before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

Acceptance of Original Notes and Delivery of Exchange Notes

 

Subject to the conditions set forth in the section "The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer" of this prospectus, we will accept for exchange any and all original notes which are properly tendered in the exchange offer before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. The exchange notes will be delivered promptly after the expiration date. See "The Exchange Offer—Terms of the Exchange Offer."

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

We believe that your exchange of original notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer will not result in any gain or loss to you for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See "Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations" in this prospectus.

Exchange Agent

 

Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association is serving as exchange agent in connection with the exchange offer. The address and telephone number of the exchange agent are set forth in "The Exchange Offer—Exchange Agent" in this prospectus.

Use of Proceeds

 

We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer. We will pay all of our expenses incident to the exchange offer.

6



Summary of Terms of the Exchange Notes

        The form and terms of the exchange notes and the original notes are identical in all respects, except that transfer restrictions and registration rights applicable to the original notes do not apply to the exchange notes. The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the original notes and will be governed by the same indenture. Where we refer to "notes" in this document, we are referring to both original notes and exchange notes.

Issuer   Hexcel Corporation.
Securities Offered   $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008.
Maturity   October 1, 2008.
Interest Rate   9.875% per year.
Interest Payment Dates   April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing October 1, 2003.
Ranking   The notes are our senior secured obligations and will rank senior to all our existing and future Subordinated Obligations. The notes rank equally in right of payment with all our existing and future senior Indebtedness, including Indebtedness under our senior credit facility. The terms "Indebtedness" and "Subordinated Obligations" are defined in the "Description of Notes—Certain Definitions" section of this prospectus.
Guarantees   The notes are guaranteed by our material domestic restricted subsidiaries. Each guarantee is senior in right of payment to any existing or future Indebtedness of such guarantor which is contractually subordinated or junior in right of payment to the guarantee. Each guarantee ranks equally in right of payment with all other senior Indebtedness of the guarantor, including any Indebtedness under our senior credit facility. In addition, under the circumstances described under "Description of Notes—Certain Covenants—Additional Subsidiary Guarantees and Liens," the notes may be guaranteed by additional domestic restricted subsidiaries of ours. Each such guarantee would be senior in right of payment to any existing or future Indebtedness of such guarantor which is contractually subordinated or junior in right of payment to the guarantee. Each guarantee would rank equal in right of payment with all other senior Indebtedness under our senior credit facility.
Security   The notes are secured by first-priority liens in the Collateral. Each guarantee is secured by first-priority liens in the Collateral owned by such guarantor. "Collateral" is defined in the "Description of Notes—Certain Definitions" section of this prospectus.
Optional Redemption   We cannot redeem the notes until April 1, 2006, except as described below. After April 1, 2006, we can redeem some or all of the notes at the redemption prices listed in the "Description of Notes—Optional Redemption" section of this prospectus, plus accrued interest.
         

7


Optional Redemption After Public or Private Equity Offerings   At any time, which may be more than once, before April 1, 2006, we can choose to redeem up to 35% of the original principal amount of the notes, including the original principal amount of any additional notes, with money that we raise in public or private equity offerings, so long as:
      we pay to holders of the notes a redemption price of 109.875% of the face amount of the notes we redeem, plus accrued interest;
      we redeem the notes within 120 days of completing a public or private equity offering; and
      at least 65% of the original aggregate principal amount of notes issued, including the original principal amount of any additional notes, remains outstanding afterwards.
Change of Control Offer   If a Change of Control of our company occurs, we must give holders of the notes the opportunity to sell to us their notes at a purchase price of 101% of their face amount, plus accrued interest. The term "Change of Control" is defined in the "Description of Notes—Repurchase at the Option of the Holders—Change of Control" section of this prospectus.
Covenants   The indenture governing the notes contains covenants that limit our ability and that of our subsidiaries to:
      incur additional debt;
      pay dividends or distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, our capital stock;
      make investments;
      issue or sell capital stock of subsidiaries;
      engage in transactions with affiliates;
      create liens on our assets to secure specified debt;
      transfer or sell assets;
      guarantee debt;
      restrict dividend or other payments to us;
      consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries; and
      engage in unrelated businesses. These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications, which are described in the "Description of Notes" section of this prospectus.
Amendments and Waivers   Except for specific amendments, the indenture may be amended with the consent of the holders of a majority of the principal amount of the notes then outstanding.

8



Overview of Hexcel

        We are the world's leading producer of advanced structural materials. We develop, manufacture and market lightweight, high-performance reinforcement products, composite materials and structures for use in commercial aerospace, space and defense, electronics and general industrial applications. Our materials are used in a wide variety of end products, such as commercial and military aircraft, space launch vehicles and satellites, printed wiring boards, computers, cellular telephones, soft body armor, high-speed trains and ferries, cars and trucks, wind turbine blades, reinforcements for bridges and other structures, window blinds, and a wide variety of recreational equipment.

        We are a vertically integrated manufacturer of products organized around three strategic business segments, presented in order of manufacturing integration from raw materials to finished products.

    Reinforcements: This segment manufactures carbon fiber fabrics, fiberglass fabrics which are the substrate for printed wiring boards, woven industrial fabrics, woven fabrics for ballistics protection and carbon, aramid and glass reinforcement materials, all of which comprise the foundation of many composite materials, parts and structures;

    Composites: This segment manufactures and produces carbon fibers, honeycomb and prepregs, as well as structural adhesives, specially machined honeycomb details and composite panels, that are incorporated into many applications including military and commercial aircraft, wind turbine blades, automobiles and recreation products; and

    Structures: This segment engineers and produces composite parts for structures and interiors of commercial and military aircraft.

        With 18 manufacturing facilities located in six countries around the world and joint ventures in Asia, Europe and the United States, we are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities for growth worldwide. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, 44% of our sales were sales of products manufactured outside the United States. We serve our international markets through manufacturing facilities and sales offices located in the United States and Europe, and through sales offices located in Asia, Australia and South America.

        We believe that we have achieved a degree of vertical integration unmatched by any competitor. This vertical integration enhances our control over the cost, quality and delivery of our products, and enables us to offer a variety of solutions to our customers' mission critical, structural materials needs. We have maintained a longstanding relationship with our key customers for many years, including Boeing and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company ("EADS"), the parent company of Airbus.

        For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, we generated net sales of $850.8 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2003, we generated net sales of $228.6 million.

Competitive Strengths

        We believe that our competitive position is attributable to a number of key strengths, including the following:

    Industry leader for advanced structural materials

    High barriers to entry to manufacture advanced structural materials for use in aerospace applications

    Most vertically integrated manufacturer of advanced structural materials

    Industry and geographic diversity

    Leader in advanced structural materials technology

9


    Experienced and proven management team

Business Strategy

        Key elements of our strategy include the following:

    Expanding our leadership position in the commercial aerospace industry

    Maintaining previously achieved cost reductions to position Hexcel for future commercial aerospace recovery

    Capitalizing on the growing military aerospace markets

    Capturing a share of the growing wind energy industry

    Expanding the applications for our advanced structural materials

Recent Financing Transactions

        On March 19, 2003, we successfully completed the refinancing of our capital structure through the simultaneous closings of three financing transactions:

    the issuance of $125.0 million principal amount of 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008,

    the issuance of two series of mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock for gross proceeds of $125.0 million, and

    the establishment of a new $115.0 million senior secured credit facility due 2008.

        The net proceeds from the sale of the convertible preferred stock were used to redeem $46.9 million principal amount of our 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2003 and to repay outstanding borrowings under our previous senior credit facility. The remaining amounts outstanding under our previous senior credit facility were repaid with the net proceeds from the issuance of our 9.875% Senior Secured Notes and borrowings under our new senior credit facility.

        Our total debt as of March 31, 2003 was approximately $531.9 million.

        Each of the material agreements governing the issuance and terms of the mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock, the issuance and terms of the 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 and the terms of our new senior credit facility is filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1), which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2003.


Risk Factors

        Investing in the notes involves substantial risk. See the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus for a description of certain of the risks you should consider before investing in the notes.


Additional Information

        We are a Delaware corporation. Our principal executive office is located at Two Stamford Plaza, 281 Tresser Blvd., Stamford, Connecticut 06901, and our telephone number is (203) 969-0666.

10



Summary Consolidated Financial Data

        The following table presents summary financial and other data with respect to Hexcel and has been derived from (1) the audited consolidated financial statements of Hexcel as of and for the three years ended December 31, 2002, (2) unaudited consolidated financial statements of Hexcel as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2003 and (3) unaudited pro forma financial statements. The unaudited pro forma financial data give effect to the financing transactions consummated on March 19, 2003. The information set forth should be read together with the other information contained under the captions "Capitalization," "Selected Consolidated Financial Information" and "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information," and with the information contained under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) and with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 
  For the Year Ended December 31,
  For the Quarter
Ended March 31,

 
 
  Historical
  Pro Forma
  Historical
  Pro Forma
 
 
  2000
  2001
  2002
  2002
  2002
  2003
  2003
 
 
  (In millions)

 
Results of Operations Data:                                            
Net sales   $ 1,055.7   $ 1,009.4   $ 850.8   $ 850.8   $ 222.1   $ 228.6   $ 228.6  
Gross margin     231.4     190.8     161.3     161.3     39.6     46.0     46.0  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     123.9     120.9     85.9     85.9     21.6     23.8     23.8  
Research and technology expenses     21.2     18.6     14.7     14.7     4.0     4.3     4.3  
Business consolidation and restructuring expenses     10.9     58.4     0.5     0.5     0.7     0.7     0.7  
Impairment of goodwill and other purchased intangibles         309.1                      
Operating income (loss)     75.4     (316.2 )   60.2     60.2     13.3     17.2     17.2  
Interest expense     68.7     64.8     62.8     59.7     17.6     13.7     13.0  
Litigation gain             9.8     9.8              
Gain on sale of Bellingham aircraft interiors business     68.3                          
Gain (loss) on the early retirement of debt         (2.7 )   0.5     (6.3 )       (4.0 )   (4.2 )
Net income (loss)     54.2     (433.7 )   (13.6 )   (16.5 )   (9.2 )   (3.2 )   (2.5 )
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders     54.2     (433.7 )   (13.6 )   (28.7 )   (9.2 )   (3.7 )   (5.5 )
Other Financial Data:                                            
Depreciation and amortization     58.7     63.2     47.2     47.2     11.8     12.5     12.5  
Capital expenditures     39.6     38.8     14.9     14.9     1.8     2.3     2.3  
 
  December 31,
   
   
   
   
 
 
  2000
  2001
  2002
   
  March 31, 2003
 
Balance Sheet Data:                                      
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 5.1   $ 11.6   $ 8.2           $ 13.1      
Accounts receivable, net     150.3     140.5     117.3             141.0      
Inventories, net     155.4     131.7     113.6             126.6      
Working capital     128.1     80.5     (530.8 )(a)           120.0      
Property, plant and equipment, net     359.7     329.2     309.4             302.2      
Total assets     1,211.4     789.4     708.1             746.1      
Total debt     673.6     685.9     621.7             531.9      
Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock                         96.9      
Stockholders' equity (deficit)     315.7     (132.6 )   (127.4 )           (102.5 )    
Financial Ratios:                                      
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (b)     2.1     N/A     1.1             0.9      

(a)
Reflects the classification of $559.8 million of debt as current as the refinancing of our capital structure was not completed as of February 28, 2003.

(b)
Earnings are inadequate to cover fixed charges for 2001. The deficiency in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2001 is $383.7 million.

11



RISK FACTORS

        You should carefully consider the risks described below as well as other matters described in this prospectus.


Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness and the Notes

You may have difficulty selling the original notes you do not exchange.

        If you do not exchange your original notes for the exchange notes offered in this exchange offer, you will continue to be subject to the restrictions on the transfer of your original notes. Those transfer restrictions are described in the indenture governing the notes and in the legend contained on the original notes, and arose because we originally issued the original notes under exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

        In general, you may offer or sell your original notes only if they are registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or if they are offered and sold under an exemption from those requirements. We do not intend to register the original notes under the Securities Act.

        If a large number of original notes are exchanged for new notes issued in the exchange offer, it may be particularly difficult for you to sell your original notes. This is because potential buyers will likely prefer to purchase exchange notes from a different seller if possible. In addition, if you do not exchange your original notes in the exchange offer, you will not be entitled to have those original notes registered under the Securities Act.

        Please see "The Exchange Offer—Consequences of Failure to Exchange Original Notes" for further discussion of the possible consequences of failing to exchange your original notes.

We have substantial debt that could limit our ability to make payments on the notes and reduce the effectiveness of our operations.

        We have substantial debt and debt service requirements. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain sufficient funding to satisfy our debt service obligations, including the payment of interest and principal at final maturity on the notes. As of March 31, 2003, we had approximately $531.9 million of total debt (of which $125.0 million consisted of the notes and the balance consisted of other debt). This substantial level of debt has important consequences, including:

    making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the notes;

    placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt;

    limiting our ability to borrow additional amounts for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, execution of our growth strategy and research and development costs;

    limiting our ability to use operating cash flow for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, and other areas of our business;

    increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and

    limiting our ability to capitalize on business opportunities and to react to competitive pressures and adverse changes in government regulation.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt service obligations, including payments on the notes.

        Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to make scheduled payments on our debt obligations will depend on our future financial performance, which will be affected by a range of

12



economic, competitive and business factors, many of which are outside of our control. If we do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy our debt obligations, including payments on the notes, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or seeking to raise additional capital. We may not be able to refinance our existing debt or obtain additional financing on acceptable terms. We may not be able to sell assets and if assets are sold, the amount of proceeds or timing of such sales may not be sufficient to satisfy our debt obligations. In addition, the sales of assets or the terms of a refinancing or additional debt may not be permitted under the terms of our various debt instruments then in effect. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms would likely result in an event of default under all of our material debt and impair our ability to satisfy our obligations on the notes.

        We do not expect to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to repay our senior credit facility when it matures or the notes when they mature. We expect that our ability to repay the notes at their scheduled maturity will be dependent in whole or in part on (i) replacing our senior credit facility on or prior to its maturity and (ii) refinancing all or a portion of the notes before they mature.

Despite current indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.

        We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indenture do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing so. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries' current debt levels, the related risks that we and they now face could intensify. See "Description of Material Debt—Senior Credit Facility" and "Description of Notes."

We may not be able to finance future operations and capital needs because of restrictions contained in our debt agreements.

        The operating and financial restrictions and covenants that are contained in our existing debt agreements and that will be contained in any future financing agreements may impair our ability to finance future operations or capital needs. In addition, our senior credit facility requires that we maintain compliance with specified financial ratios. A breach of any of these restrictions or covenants could cause a default under the notes and our other debt. A significant portion of our debt may then become immediately due and payable. We may not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments, including payments on the notes.

Your right to receive payments on these notes could be adversely affected if any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries declare bankruptcy, liquidate, or reorganize.

        Some but not all of our subsidiaries guarantee the notes. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries, holders of their indebtedness and their trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before any assets are made available for distribution to us. Our non-guarantor subsidiaries account for approximately 44% of our consolidated net sales to external customers and approximately 31% of our long-lived assets as of December 31, 2002.

The notes will not be secured by all of our assets. The proceeds from the collateral for the notes may be insufficient to make payments on the notes.

        Our lenders under our existing senior credit facility have a security interest in a substantial portion of our accounts receivable and inventory. The notes are secured by substantially all of our and our

13



domestic subsidiaries' property, plant and equipment, intangibles, intellectual property, certain intercompany notes and other obligations receivable, and 100% of the outstanding voting stock of our Domestic Subsidiaries other than Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., Clark-Schwebel Corporation, CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc. and Hexcel Technologies, Inc. In addition, 65% of the capital stock of each first-tier material foreign subsidiary owned by us, and all intercompany notes representing debt owed from a foreign subsidiary to Hexcel Corporation or a domestic subsidiary, have been pledged to both the lenders under our existing senior credit facility and the notes on an equal basis. The collateral for the notes may be less liquid than the collateral for our existing senior credit facility. We cannot assure you that the liquidation value of the collateral for the notes would be adequate to repay the principal amount of and any accrued and unpaid interest on the notes.

We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to finance the change of control offer required by the indenture.

        Upon the occurrence of specific kinds of change of control events, we will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. However, it is possible that we will not have sufficient funds at the time of the change of control to make the required repurchase of notes or that restrictions in our senior credit facility will not allow such repurchases. In addition, certain important corporate events, such as leveraged recapitalizations that would increase the level of our indebtedness, would not constitute a "Change of Control" under the indenture. See "Description of Notes—Repurchase at the Option of Holders."

If an active trading market does not develop for these notes, you may not be able to resell them.

        You may find it difficult to sell your notes because an active trading market for the notes may not develop. The exchange notes are being offered to the holders of the original notes. The original notes were issued on March 19, 2003 to a limited number of institutional investors and overseas investors and are eligible for trading in the Private Offering, Resale and Trading through Automated Linkages (PORTAL) Market, the National Association of Securities Dealers' screenbased, automated market for trading of securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A. After the exchange offer, the trading market for the remaining untendered original notes could be adversely affected.

        There is no existing trading market for the exchange notes. We do not intend to apply for listing or quotation of the exchange notes on any exchange. Therefore, we do not know the extent to which investor interest will lead to the development of a trading market or how liquid that market might be. Although the initial purchasers of the original notes have informed us that they currently intend to make a market in the exchange notes, they are not obligated to do so, and any market-making may be discontinued at any time without notice. As a result, the market price of the exchange notes could be adversely affected.

        In addition, the market for non-investment grade debt, such as the exchange notes, has been subject to disruptions that have caused substantial volatility in the prices of these securities. These disruptions may have an adverse effect on holders of the exchange notes.

Federal and state statutes allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void guarantees and require note holders to return payments received from guarantors.

        The notes are guaranteed by certain of our wholly owned, domestic subsidiaries. Under the federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer laws, a guarantee could be voided, or claims in respect of a guarantee could be subordinated to all other debts of that guarantor

14



if, among other things, the guarantor, at the time it incurred the indebtedness evidenced by its guarantee:

    received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for the incurrence of such guarantee;

    was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of such incurrence;

    was engaged in a business or transaction for which the guarantor's remaining assets constituted unreasonably small capital; or

    intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature.

        In addition, any payment by that guarantor pursuant to its guarantee could be voided and required to be returned to the guarantor, or to a fund for the benefit of the creditors of the guarantor.

        The measures of insolvency for purposes of these fraudulent transfer laws will vary depending upon the law applied in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent transfer has occurred. Generally, however, a guarantor would be considered insolvent if:

    the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, was greater than the fair saleable value of all of its assets; or

    the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and mature; or

    it could not pay its debts as they become due.

        On the basis of historical financial information, recent operating history and other factors, we believe that each guarantor, after giving effect to its guarantee of these notes, will not be insolvent, will not have unreasonably small capital for the business in which it is engaged and will not have incurred debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature. We cannot assure you, however, as to what standard a court would apply in making these determinations or that a court would agree with our conclusions in this regard.

The collateral securing the notes could be impaired in the event we were to file for bankruptcy.

        The notes are secured by a first-priority lien in substantially all of our domestic fixed assets and will give you the right to foreclose upon and sell the collateral upon the occurrence of an event of default. This right, however, would be subject to limitations under applicable bankruptcy laws if we became subject to a bankruptcy proceeding. To the extent your rights as a secured creditor are limited or set aside in a bankruptcy proceeding, you would lose some or all of the benefit of the security that the collateral was intended to provide.

A trustee in bankruptcy might be able to void a future pledge of collateral.

        A future pledge of collateral made in favor of the Joint Collateral Agent might be voidable by the pledgor (as debtor in possession) or its trustee in bankruptcy in certain circumstances. These circumstances include, among others, the following:

    the pledgor being insolvent at the time of the pledge;

    the pledge permitting the holders of the notes to receive a greater recovery than if the pledge had not been given; and

15


    a bankruptcy proceeding in respect of the pledgor being commenced within 90 days following the pledge, or, in certain circumstances, a longer period.

        If a pledge of future collateral is voided, such collateral will no longer secure the notes.


Risks Relating to Our Business

Decreased demand in the commercial aerospace industry could significantly impair our sales, profit margins and financial condition.

        Further reductions in the demand for new commercial aircraft could result in reduced net sales for our commercial aerospace products and could further reduce our profit margins. Approximately 46% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2002 were derived from sales to the commercial aerospace industry. Reductions in demand for commercial aircraft or a delay in deliveries could result from many factors, including a terrorist event similar to that which occurred on September 11, 2001 and any subsequent military response, changes in the propensity for the general public to travel by air, a rise in the cost of aviation fuel, consolidation of airlines and slower macroeconomic growth.

        In addition, our customers continue to emphasize the need for improved yield in the use of our products and cost reduction throughout the commercial aerospace supply chain. In response to these pressures, we reduced the price of some commercial aerospace products in recent years and are likely to continue to do so in the future. Where possible, we seek to offset or mitigate the impact of such price and cost reductions by productivity improvements and reductions in the costs of the materials and services we procure.

The industries in which we operate are cyclical, and downturns in them may result in significant volatility in our sales, earnings and cash flows.

        The core industries in which we operate are, to varying degrees, cyclical and have historically experienced downturns. We are currently in the midst of cyclical downturns in the commercial aerospace and electronics industries. A further deterioration in these industries may continue and it is uncertain as to whether, when and to what extent these industries will recover. Any further deterioration or a lack of recovery in these industries could lead to further reductions in our operating profitability, increase our net losses, and result in a breach of the financial maintenance covenants under our senior credit facility.

A significant decline in business with Boeing or Airbus could materially impair our business, operating results, prospects and financial condition.

        Approximately 22% and 23% of our sales for the years ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively, were made to Boeing and its related subcontractors. Approximately 15% and 16% of our sales for the years ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively, were made to EADS, including Airbus and its related subcontractors. Accordingly, the loss of, or significant reduction in purchases by, either of these customers from Hexcel could materially impair our operating results and weaken our financial condition.

Reductions in space and defense spending could result in a decline in our net sales.

        The growth in military aircraft production that has occurred in recent years may not be sustained and production may cease to grow. The production of military aircraft depends upon U.S. and European defense budgets and the related demand for defense and related equipment. These defense budgets may decline and sales of defense and related equipment to foreign governments may not continue at expected levels. Approximately 17% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2002

16



were derived from the space and defense industry. The space and defense industry is largely dependent upon government defense budgets, particularly the U.S. defense budget.

A decrease in supply or increase in cost of our raw materials could result in a material decline in our profitability.

        Because we purchase large volumes of raw materials, such as epoxy and phenolic resins, aluminum foil, carbon fiber, fiberglass yarn and aramid paper and fiber, any decrease in the supply or increase in the cost of the our raw materials could significantly reduce our profit margins. We may experience a decrease in the supply or an increase in price of our raw materials. Our profitability depends largely on the price and continuity of supply of these raw materials, which are supplied by a limited number of sources. In addition, qualification to use raw materials in some of our products limits the extent to which we are able to substitute alternative materials for these products. Our ability to pass on these costs to our customers is, to a large extent, dependent on the terms of our contracts with our customers and industry conditions, including the extent to which our customers would switch to alternative materials we do not produce in the event of an increase in the prices of our products.

Our substantial international operations are subject to uncertainties that could affect our operating results.

        We believe that revenue from sales outside the U.S. will continue to account for a material portion of our total revenue for the foreseeable future. Additionally, we have invested significant resources in our international operations and we intend to continue to make such investments in the future. Our international operations are subject to numerous risks, including:

    the difficulty of enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through some foreign legal systems;

    fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

    foreign customers may have longer payment cycles than customers in the U.S.;

    compliance with U.S. Department of Commerce export controls;

    tax rates in some foreign countries may exceed those of the U.S. and foreign earnings may be subject to withholding requirements or the imposition of tariffs, exchange controls or other restrictions;

    general economic and political conditions in the foreign countries where we operate may result in reduced profitability of our foreign operations and increase the need for loans or cash investments from other Hexcel subsidiaries to certain of our foreign subsidiaries;

    foreign governments may adopt regulations, such as tariffs or regulations relating to restrictions on the transfer of capital, or take other actions, such as expropriations, that could increase the costs of operating our business, limit our market opportunities or otherwise harm our business; and

    the potential difficulty in enforcing intellectual property rights in some foreign countries.

        Any one of the above could reduce our net sales, cash flows and profitability, cause us to fail to make scheduled payments of principal of or interest on the notes and reduce the market value and liquidity of the notes.

        During the past several years, some countries in which we operate or plan to operate have been characterized by varying degrees of inflation and uneven growth rates. We currently do not have political risk insurance in the countries in which we conduct business. While we carefully consider these risks when evaluating our international operations and investments, our broad international operations could cause a reduction in our net sales, cash flows or profitability.

17



We could be required to devote substantial financial and personal resources to comply with environmental and safety requirements.

        Our operations, like those of other companies engaged in similar businesses, require the handling, use, storage and disposal of certain regulated materials. As a result, we are subject to various federal, state, regional, local and foreign laws and regulations pertaining to pollution and protection of the environment, health and safety, governing among other things, emissions to air, discharge to waters and the generation, handling, storage, treatment and disposal of waste and other materials, and remediation of contaminated sites. We have made and will continue to make capital and other expenditures in order to comply with these laws and regulations. However, the requirements of these laws and regulations are complex, change frequently, and could become more stringent in the future.

        We have been named as "potentially responsible parties" under the federal Superfund law or similar state laws at several sites requiring clean up based on disposal of wastes they generated. These laws generally impose liability for costs to investigate and remediate contamination without regard to fault and under certain circumstances liability may be joint and several resulting in one responsible party being held responsible for the entire obligation. Liability may also include damages to natural resources. In addition to the foregoing, we have incurred and likely will continue to incur expenses to investigate and clean up several existing and former company-owned or leased properties. We have incurred substantial expenses for all these sites over a number of years, a portion of which has been covered by insurance. Although it is possible that new information could require us to reassess our potential exposure to all pending investigations and remediations, we believe that, based on currently available information, the resolution of these matters will not require the expenditure of material financial resources or require an unduly burdensome devotion of our personnel. See the section entitled "Legal Proceedings" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) for the year ended December 31, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference.

        We believe that our business, operations and facilities are being operated in substantial compliance with applicable environmental and health and safety laws and regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines and criminal sanctions for violations. Based on information presently known to us and existing accrued environmental reserves, we do not expect environmental costs or contingencies to be material. However, potentially material expenditures could be required in the future. For example, we may be required to comply with evolving environmental and health and safety laws, regulations or requirements that may be adopted or imposed in the future or to address newly discovered information or conditions that require a response. The operation of manufacturing plants entails risks in these areas, however, and we may incur material costs or liabilities in the future.

        Most of our properties have been the subject of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. However, not all potential instances of soil and groundwater contamination may have been identified, even at those sites where Environmental Site Assessments have been conducted. Accordingly, we may discover previously unknown environmental conditions and the cost of remediating such conditions may be material.

The interests of our significant shareholders may be different than your interests.

        Investors affiliated with Berkshire Partners LLC and Greenbriar Equity Group LLC (the "Berkshire and Greenbriar investors") and investors affiliated with The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (the "Goldman Sachs investors") each have the ability to influence our affairs so long as each maintains its ownership of respective specified percentages of our outstanding voting securities, and the interests of each of these investors may not in all cases be the same as your interests. As of March 31, 2003, the Goldman Sachs investors owned approximately 38% of our outstanding voting securities and the Berkshire and Greenbriar investors together owned approximately 35% of our outstanding voting securities. Under our governance agreement with the Goldman Sachs investors, the Goldman Sachs

18



investors are entitled to designate up to three people to serve on our ten-member Board of Directors, and are entitled to designate one director to serve on each committee of our Board of Directors. Under our stockholders agreement with the Berkshire and Greenbriar investor group, the Berkshire and Greenbriar investors are entitled to designate up to two people to serve on our Board of Directors, and are entitled to designate one director to serve on each committee of our Board of Directors. In addition, the governance agreement and the stockholders agreement each provide that our Board of Directors will not authorize specified types of significant transactions without the approval of the directors designated by each of the respective investors. The interests of these investors may be different than your interests.


USE OF PROCEEDS

        We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer. In consideration for issuing the exchange notes, we will receive in exchange original notes of like principal amount, the terms of which are identical in all material respects to the exchange notes. The original notes surrendered in exchange for exchange notes will be retired and canceled and cannot be reissued. Accordingly, issuance of the exchange notes will not result in any increase in our indebtedness. We have agreed to bear the expenses of the exchange offer. No underwriter is being used in connection with the exchange offer.

        For a description of the use of proceeds of the offering of original notes, see "Prospectus Summary—Recent Financing Transactions."

19



CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth the cash and capitalization of Hexcel as of March 31, 2003.

 
  Unaudited
(In millions)

 
Cash and cash equivalents:   $ 13.1  
   
 
Senior debt:        
  Senior secured credit facility   $ 12.0  
  European credit and overdraft facilities     2.6  
  9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008, net of unamortized discount of $1.3
as of March 31, 2003
    123.7  
  Capital lease obligations     32.0  
   
 
  Total senior debt     170.3  
   
 
Other debt:        
  93/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009, net of unamortized discount of $1.1
as of March 31, 2003
    338.9  
  7% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2011     22.7  
   
 
  Total other debt     361.6  
   
 
  Total debt     531.9  
   
 
Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock:     96.9  
   
 
Stockholders' equity (deficit):        
  Preferred stock, no par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding      
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 39,912,816 shares
issued and outstanding
    0.4  
  Additional paid-in capital     311.7  
  Accumulated deficit     (384.7 )
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (16.4 )
   
 
      (89.0 )
Less-Treasury stock, at cost, 1,301,196 shares     (13.5 )
   
 
  Total stockholders' equity (deficit)     (102.5 )
   
 
  Total capitalization   $ 526.3  
   
 

20



UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2002 and the three months ended March 31, 2003 have been prepared to illustrate the effect of the financing transactions consummated on March 19, 2003, as if these financing transactions had occurred at January 1, 2002.

        The following unaudited pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial statements of Hexcel and the notes thereto incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma financial information does not purport to be indicative of the results of operations or financial condition that would have been reported had the events assumed therein occurred on the date indicated, nor does it purport to be indicative of results of operations that may be achieved in the future.

21




UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31, 2002
(in millions)

 
  Historical
  Adjustments
  Pro Forma
 
Net sales   $ 850.8   $   $ 850.8  
Cost of sales     689.5         689.5  
   
 
 
 
  Gross margin     161.3         161.3  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

85.9

 

 


 

 

85.9

 
Research and technology expenses     14.7         14.7  
Business consolidation and restructuring expenses     0.5         0.5  
   
 
 
 
  Operating income     60.2         60.2  

Litigation gain

 

 

9.8

 

 


 

 

9.8

 
Interest expense     (62.8 )   3.1 (a)   (59.7 )
Gain/(loss) on early retirement of debt     0.5     (6.8 )(b)   (6.3 )
   
 
 
 
  Income (loss) before income taxes     7.7     (3.7 )   4.0  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

 

11.3

 

 

(0.8

)(c)

 

10.5

 
   
 
 
 
Loss before equity in earnings (losses)     (3.6 )   (2.9 )   (6.5 )
Equity in losses of and write-down of an investment in affiliated companies     (10.0 )       (10.0 )
   
 
 
 
  Net loss     (13.6 )   (2.9 )   (16.5 )
  Deemed preferred dividends and accretion         (12.2 )(d)   (12.2 )
   
 
 
 
  Net loss available to common shareholders   $ (13.6 ) $ (15.1 ) $ (28.7 )
   
 
 
 

Net loss per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Basic   $ (0.35 ) $ (0.40 ) $ (0.75 )
  Diluted   $ (0.35 ) $ (0.40 ) $ (0.75 )

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Basic     38.4         38.4  
  Diluted     38.4         38.4  

Other Financial Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Depreciation   $ 47.2       $ 47.2  
  Capital expenditures     14.9         14.9  

See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information.

22



NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 
   
  For the Year Ended
December 31, 2002

 
 
   
  (in millions)

 
(a)   Net interest expense adjustment results from the decrease in interest expense attributable to repayment of the existing senior credit facility and the 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes due August 1, 2003 and the elimination of amortization of related debt issuance costs totaling $17.4 million offset by the increase in interest expense attributable to notes offered hereby and amortization of debt issuance costs totaling $14.3 million.   $ (3.1 )
       
 

(b)

 

Loss on early retirement of debt related to write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of debt repaid. There is no tax benefit recognized on the loss due to limitations on our ability to realize tax benefits.

 

 

6.8

 

 

 

 

 



 

(c)

 

Tax benefit resulting from the increase in the interest deduction on U.K. debt refinanced with the proceeds of the offering. There is no tax impact of the U.S. portion of the adjustments due to limitations on our ability to realize tax benefits, and due to our policy to establish a non-cash valuation allowance attributable to currently generated U.S. losses until such time as the U.S. operations have returned to consistent profitability.

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

 

 



 

(d)

 

Includes amortization of beneficial conversion feature, discount on issuance and estimated fees and expenses, and accretion of dividends payable on Series A preferred stock. The beneficial conversion feature is the additional implicit discount on the preferred stock computed based upon the conversion to the underlying common stock at $2.93 per share, the price of our common stock on March 19, 2003.

 

 

12.2

 

 

 

 

 



 

23



UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2003

 
  Historical
  Adjustments
  Pro Forma
 
  (in millions)

Net sales   $ 228.6   $   $ 228.6
Cost of sales     182.6         182.6
   
 
 
  Gross margin     46.0         46.0

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

23.8

 

 


 

 

23.8
Research and technology expenses     4.3         4.3
Business consolidation and restructuring expenses     0.7         0.7
   
 
 
  Operating income     17.2         17.2

Interest expense

 

 

(13.7)

 

 

0.7  (a)

 

 

(13.0)
Loss on early retirement of debt     (4.0)     (0.2)(b)     (4.2)
   
 
 
  Income (loss) before income taxes     (0.5)     0.5    

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

 

2.3

 

 

(0.2)(c)

 

 

2.1
   
 
 
Loss before equity in earnings (losses)     (2.8)     0.7     (2.1)
Equity in losses of affiliated companies     (0.4)         (0.4)
   
 
 
  Net loss     (3.2)     0.7     (2.5)
   
 
 
  Deemed preferred dividends and accretion     (0.5)     (2.5)(d)     (3.0)
   
 
 
  Net loss available to common shareholders   $ (3.7)   $ (1.8)   $ (5.5)
   
 
 
Net loss per common share:                  
  Basic   $ (0.10)   $ (0.04)   $ (0.14)
  Diluted   $ (0.10)   $ (0.04)   $ (0.14)

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Basic     38.5         38.5
  Diluted     38.5         38.5

Other Financial Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Depreciation   $ 12.5       $ 12.5
  Capital expenditures     2.3         2.3

See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information.

24



NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 
   
  For the Three Months
Ended March 31, 2003
(in millions)

 
(a)   Net interest expense adjustment results from the decrease in interest expense attributable to repayment of the existing senior credit facility and the 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes due August 1, 2003 and the elimination of amortization of related debt issuance costs totaling $3.7 million offset by the increase in interest expense attributable to notes offered hereby and amortization of debt issuance costs totaling $3.0 million.   $ (0.7 )
       
 
(b)   Incremental loss on early retirement of debt related to write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs of debt repaid. There is no tax benefit recognized on the loss due to limitations on our ability to realize tax benefits.     0.2  
       
 
(c)   Tax benefit resulting from the increase in the interest deduction on U.K. debt refinanced with the proceeds of the offering. There is no tax impact of the U.S. portion of the adjustments due to limitations on our ability to realize tax benefits, and due to our policy to establish a non-cash valuation allowance attributable to currently generated U.S. losses until such time as the U.S. operations have returned to consistent profitability.     0.2  
       
 
(d)   Includes amortization of beneficial conversion feature, discount on issuance and estimated fees and expenses, and accretion of dividends payable on Series A preferred stock. The beneficial conversion feature is the additional implicit discount on the preferred stock computed based upon the conversion to the underlying common stock at $2.93 per share, the price of our common stock on March 19, 2003.     2.5  
       
 

25



SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        The selected historical consolidated financial information of Hexcel set forth below has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Hexcel as of and for the five years ended December 31, 2002 and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Hexcel as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2003. The following selected financial information is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
  Unaudited
Quarter Ended March 31,

 
 
  1998
  1999
  2000
  2001
  2002
  2002
  2003
 
 
  (In millions)

 
Results of Operations (a):                                            
Net sales   $ 1,089.0   $ 1,151.5   $ 1,055.7   $ 1,009.4   $ 850.8   $ 222.1   $ 228.6  
Cost of sales     817.7     909.0     824.3     818.6     689.5     182.5     182.6  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margin     271.3     242.5     231.4     190.8     161.3     39.6     46.0  
Selling, general & administrative expenses     117.9     128.7     123.9     120.9     85.9     21.6     23.8  
Research and technology expenses     23.7     24.8     21.2     18.6     14.7     4.0     4.3  
Business consolidation and restructuring expenses     12.7     20.1     10.9     58.4     0.5     0.7     0.7  
Impairment of goodwill and other purchased intangibles                 309.1              
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)     117.0     68.9     75.4     (316.2 )   60.2     13.3     17.2  
Gain on sale of Bellingham aircraft interiors business             68.3                  
Litigation gain                     9.8          
Interest expense     (38.7 )   (73.9 )   (68.7 )   (64.8 )   (62.8 )   (17.6 )   (13.7 )
Gain (loss) on early retirement of debt                 (2.7 )   0.5         (4.0 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before taxes     78.3     (5.0 )   75.0     (383.7 )   7.7     (4.3 )   (0.5 )
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes     28.4     (1.7 )   26.3     40.5     11.3     2.5     2.3  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) and write-downs of investments in affiliated companies     49.9     (3.3 )   48.7     (424.2 )   (3.6 )   (6.8 )   (2.8 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in earnings (losses) and write-downs of investments in affiliated companies     0.5     (20.0 )   5.5     (9.5 )   (10.0 )   (2.4 )   (0.4 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)     50.4     (23.3 )   54.2     (433.7 )   (13.6 )   (9.2 )   (3.2 )
Deemed preferred dividends and accretion                             (0.5 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders   $ 50.4   $ (23.3 ) $ 54.2   $ (433.7 ) $ (13.6 ) $ (9.2 ) $ (3.7 )

Balance Sheet and Other Data
(for the period or at period end):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Working capital   $ 219.6   $ 117.3   $ 128.1   $ 80.5   $ (530.8 )(b)   93.3   $ 120.0  
Total assets     1,404.2     1,261.9     1,211.4     789.4     708.1     762.5     746.1  
Long-term notes payable and capital lease obligations     838.1     736.6     651.5     668.5         674.1     522.9  
Total debt     865.0     770.9     673.6     685.9     621.7     691.4     531.9  
Stockholders' equity (deficit)(c)     302.4     270.1     315.7     (132.6 )   (127.4 )   (146.8 )   (102.5 )
Depreciation and amortization     47.5     61.3     58.7     63.2     47.2     11.8     12.5  
Capital expenditures     66.5     35.6     39.6     38.8     14.9     1.8     2.3  

(a)
The comparability of the data may be affected by the sale of the Bellingham aircraft interiors business in April 2000 and the acquisition of certain assets of Clark-Schwebel. We acquired certain assets of Clark-Schwebel, a manufacturer of high-quality fiberglass fabrics used to make printed wiring boards and high performance specialty products used in insulation, filtration, wall and façade claddings, soft body armor and reinforcements for composite materials in 1998. This acquisition was recorded using the purchase method of accounting and, as such, the operating results of this acquired business is included in the consolidated results of operations of Hexcel from the date acquired.

(b)
Reflects the classification of $559.8 million of debt as current as the refinancing of our capital structure was not completed as of February 28, 2003.

(c)
No cash dividends were declared per common stock during the five years ended December 31, 2002 and during the three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2003.

26



THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Terms of the Exchange Offer

        Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal, which together constitute the exchange offer, we will accept all original notes which are properly tendered on or before the expiration date and not withdrawn as permitted below. As used in this prospectus, the term "expiration date" means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on            , 2003. However, if we, in our sole discretion, have extended the period of time for which the exchange offer is open, the term "expiration date" means the latest time and date to which we extend the exchange offer.

        As of the date of this prospectus, $125.0 million aggregate principal amount of the original notes is outstanding. This prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is first being sent on or about            , 2003, to all holders of original notes known to us. Our obligation to accept original notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer is subject to the conditions set forth below under "—Conditions to the Exchange Offer."

        We reserve the right to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open. We would then delay acceptance for exchange of any original notes by giving oral or written notice of an extension to the holders of original notes as described below. During any extension period, all original notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer and may be accepted for exchange by us. Any original notes not accepted for exchange will be returned to the tendering holder after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

        Original notes tendered in the exchange offer must be in denominations of principal amount of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000.

        We reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer, and not to accept for exchange any original notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the exchange offer specified below under "—Conditions to the Exchange Offer." We will give oral or written notice of any extension, amendment, non-acceptance or termination to the holders of the original notes as promptly as practicable. If we materially change the terms of the exchange offer, we will resolicit tenders of the original notes. We will notify you of any extension by means of a press release or other public announcement no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the first business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

        Our acceptance of the tender of original notes by a tendering holder will form a binding agreement upon the terms and subject to the conditions provided in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal.

        In the case of either an amendment or termination of, or in the case of an extension of, the exchange offer, we will give written or oral (promptly confirmed in writing) notice thereof to the exchange agent.

Procedures for Tendering

        Except as described below, a tendering holder must transmit a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, including all other documents required by the letter of transmittal, to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, the exchange agent, on or before the expiration date. In addition, the exchange agent must receive, on or before the expiration date:

    certificates for the original notes; or

    a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of the original notes into the exchange agent's account at The Depository Trust Company (which we refer to as "DTC" in this prospectus), the

27


      book-entry transfer facility, in accordance with the procedures for book-entry transfer described below.

        The method of delivery of original notes, letters of transmittal and all other required documents is at your election and risk. If the delivery is by mail, we recommend that you use registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested. In all cases, you should allow sufficient time to assure timely delivery. You should not send letters of transmittal or original notes to us.

        If you are a beneficial owner whose original notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, and wish to tender, you should promptly instruct the registered holder to tender on your behalf. Any registered holder that is a participant in DTC's book-entry transfer facility system may make book-entry delivery of the original notes by causing DTC to transfer the original notes into the exchange agent's account.

        Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed unless the original notes surrendered for exchange are tendered:

    by a registered holder of the original notes who has not completed the box entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on the letter of transmittal, or

    for the account of an "eligible institution."

        If signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal are required to be guaranteed, the guarantees must be by an "eligible institution." An "eligible institution" is a financial institution—including most banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses—that is a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program.

        We will determine in our sole discretion all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility of original notes tendered for exchange. This discretion extends to the determination of all questions concerning the timing of receipts and acceptance of tenders. These determinations will be final and binding.

        We reserve the right to reject any particular original note not properly tendered or any which acceptance might, in our judgment or our counsel's judgment, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any defects or irregularities or conditions of the exchange offer as to any particular original note either before or after the expiration date, including the right to waive the ineligibility of any tendering holder. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer as to any particular original note either before or after the expiration date, including the letter of transmittal and the instructions to the letter of transmittal, shall be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of original notes must be cured within a reasonable period of time. Neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity in any tender of original notes. Nor will we, the exchange agent or any other person incur any liability for failing to give notification of any defect or irregularity.

        If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder of original notes, the letter of transmittal must be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer or exchange in satisfactory form duly executed by the registered holder with the signature guaranteed by an eligible institution. The original notes must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate powers of attorney. In either case, the original notes must be signed exactly as the name of any registered holder appears on the original notes.

        If the letter of transmittal or any original notes or powers of attorney are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing. Unless waived by us, proper evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to so act must be submitted.

28



        By tendering, each holder will represent to us that, among other things,

    the exchange notes are being acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving the exchange notes, whether or not that person is the holder and

    neither the holder nor the other person has any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes.

        In the case of a holder that is not a broker-dealer, that holder, by tendering, will also represent to us that the holder is not engaged in and does not intend to engage in a distribution of the exchange notes.

        If any holder or other person is an "affiliate" of ours, as defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act, or is engaged in, or intends to engage in, or has an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes, that holder or other person can not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.

        Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for original notes, where the original notes were acquired by it as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus that meets the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. See "Plan of Distribution."

Acceptance of Original Notes for Exchange; Delivery of Exchange Notes

        Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the exchange offer, we will accept, promptly after the expiration date, all original notes properly tendered. We will issue the exchange notes promptly after acceptance of the original notes. See "—Conditions to the Exchange Offer" below. For purposes of the exchange offer, we will be deemed to have accepted properly tendered original notes for exchange when, as and if we have given oral or written notice to the exchange agent, with prompt written confirmation of any oral notice.

        For each original note accepted for exchange, the holder of the original note will receive an exchange note having a principal amount equal to that of the surrendered original note. The exchange notes will bear interest from the most recent date to which interest has been paid on the original notes or, if no interest has been paid on the original notes, from March 19, 2003. Accordingly, registered holders of exchange notes on the relevant record date for the first interest payment date following the completion of the exchange offer will receive interest accruing from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from March 19, 2003. Original notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue interest from and after the date of completion of the exchange offer. Holders of original notes whose original notes are accepted for exchange will not receive any payment for accrued interest on the original notes otherwise payable on any interest payment date the record date for which occurs on or after completion of the exchange offer and will be deemed to have waived their rights to receive the accrued interest on the original notes.

        In all cases, issuance of exchange notes for original notes will be made only after timely receipt by the exchange agent of:

    certificates for the original notes, or a timely book-entry confirmation of the original notes into the exchange agent's account at the book-entry transfer facility,

    a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and

    all other required documents.

29


        Unaccepted or non-exchanged original notes will be returned without expense to the tendering holder of the original notes. In the case of original notes tendered by book-entry transfer pursuant to the book-entry procedures described below, the non-exchanged original notes will be credited to an account maintained with the book-entry transfer facility as promptly as practicable after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

Book Entry Transfer

        The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account for the original notes at the book-entry transfer facility for purposes of the exchange offer within two business days after the date of this prospectus. Any financial institution that is a participant in the book-entry transfer facility's systems may make book-entry delivery of original notes by causing the book-entry transfer facility to transfer the original notes into the exchange agent's account at the facility. However, although delivery of the original notes may be made through the book-entry transfer facility, the letter of transmittal or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, with any required signature guarantees and any other required documents, must, in any case, be transmitted to, and received by, the exchange agent on or before the expiration date, unless the holder has strictly complied with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

        If a registered holder of original notes desires to tender the original notes, and the original notes are not immediately available, or time will not permit the holder's original notes or other required documents to reach the exchange agent before the expiration date, or the procedure for book-entry transfer described above cannot be completed on a timely basis, a tender may nonetheless be made if:

    the tender is made through an eligible institution;

    prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent receives from an eligible institution a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, and notice of guaranteed delivery, substantially in the form provided by us, by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery:

    setting forth the name and address of the holder of original notes and the amount of original notes tendered;

    stating that the tender is being made;

    guaranteeing that within three NYSE trading days after the expiration date, the certificates for all physically tendered original notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation, as the case may be, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal will be deposited by the eligible institution with the exchange agent; and

    the certificates for all physically tendered original notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation, as the case may be, and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal, are received by the exchange agent within three NYSE trading days after the expiration date.

Withdrawal Rights

        Tenders of original notes may be withdrawn at any time before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. For a withdrawal to be effective, the exchange agent must receive a written notice of withdrawal at the address or, in the case of eligible institutions, at the facsimile number, set forth

30



below under "—Exchange Agent" before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. Any notice of withdrawal must:

    specify the name of the person, referred to as the depositor, having tendered the original notes to be withdrawn;

    identify the notes to be withdrawn, including the certificate number or numbers and principal amount of the original notes;

    contain a statement that the holder is withdrawing his election to have the original notes exchanged;

    be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on the letter of transmittal by which the original notes were tendered, including any required signature guarantees, or be accompanied by documents of transfer to have the trustee with respect to the original notes register the transfer of the original notes in the name of the person withdrawing the tender; and

    specify the name in which the original notes are registered, if different from that of the depositor.

        If original notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the book-entry transfer facility to be credited with the withdrawn original notes. We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt, of notices of withdrawal. Any original notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange. No exchange notes will be issued unless the original notes so withdrawn are validly retendered. Any original notes that have been tendered for exchange, but which are not exchanged for any reason, will be returned to the tendering holder without cost to the holder. In the case of original notes tendered by book-entry transfer, the original notes will be credited to an account maintained with the book-entry transfer facility for the original notes. Properly withdrawn original notes may be retendered by following the procedures described under "—Procedures for Tendering" above at any time on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

        Notwithstanding any other provision of the exchange offer, we shall not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue exchange notes in exchange for, any original notes, and may terminate or amend the exchange offer, if at any time before the acceptance of the original notes for exchange or the exchange of the exchange notes for the original notes, any of the following events shall occur:

    there shall be threatened, instituted or pending any action or proceeding before, or any injunction, order or decree shall have been issued by, any court or governmental agency or other governmental regulatory or administrative agency or commission:

    (1)
    seeking to restrain or prohibit the making or completion of the exchange offer or any other transaction contemplated by the exchange offer, or assessing or seeking any damages as a result of such transaction or

    (2)
    resulting in a material delay in our ability to accept for exchange or exchange some or all of the original notes pursuant to the exchange offer; or any statute, rule, regulation, order or injunction shall be sought, proposed, introduced, enacted, promulgated or deemed applicable to the exchange offer or any of the transactions contemplated by the exchange offer by any governmental authority, domestic or foreign, or

    (3)
    any action shall have been taken, proposed or threatened, by any governmental authority, domestic or foreign, that in our sole judgment might directly or indirectly result in any of the

31


      consequences referred to in clauses (1) or (2) above or, in our sole judgment, might result in the holders of exchange notes having obligations with respect to resales and transfers of exchange notes which are greater than those described in the interpretation of the SEC referred to above, or would otherwise make it inadvisable to proceed with the exchange offer; or

    there shall have occurred:

    (1)
    any general suspension of or general limitation on prices for, or trading in, securities on any national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market;

    (2)
    any limitation by a governmental authority which may adversely affect our ability to complete the transactions contemplated by the exchange offer;

    (3)
    a declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of banks in the United States or any limitation by any governmental agency or authority which adversely affects the extension of credit; or

    (4)
    a commencement of a war, armed hostilities or other similar international calamity directly or indirectly involving the United States, or, in the case of any of the foregoing existing at the time of the commencement of the exchange offer, a material acceleration or worsening of such calamities; or

    any change, or any development involving a prospective change, shall have occurred or be threatened in our business, financial condition, operations or prospects and those of our subsidiaries taken as a whole that is or may be adverse to us, or we shall have become aware of facts that have or may have an adverse impact on the value of the original notes or the exchange notes; which in our sole judgment in any case makes it inadvisable to proceed with the exchange offer and/or with such acceptance for exchange or with such exchange.

        These conditions to the exchange offer are to our sole benefit and may be asserted by us regardless of the circumstances giving rise to any of these conditions, or may be waived by us in whole or in part in our sole discretion. Our failure at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights will not be deemed a waiver of any right.

        In addition, we will not accept for exchange any original notes tendered, and no exchange notes will be issued in exchange for any original notes, if at such time any stop order is threatened or in effect relating to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

Exchange Agent

        We have appointed Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. You should direct all executed letters of transmittal to the exchange agent at the address set forth below. You should direct questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional

32



copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal and requests for notices of guaranteed delivery to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

Delivery To: Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, Exchange Agent

By Hand or Overnight Delivery:
Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota,
National Association
213 Court St., Suite 703
Middletown, CT 06457
Attention: Joseph P. O'Donnell

 

By Registered or Certified Mail:
Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota,
National Association
213 Court St., Suite 703
Middletown, CT 06457
Attention: Joseph P. O'Donnell

For Information Call:
(860) 704-6217

By Facsimile Transmission (For Eligible Institutions Only):
(860) 704-6219

Confirm By Telephone:
(860) 704-6217

        If you deliver the letter of transmittal to an address other than as set forth above or transmit instructions via facsimile other than as set forth above, then your delivery or transmission will not constitute a valid delivery of the letter of transmittal.

        PLEASE DO NOT DIRECT ANY INQUIRIES, OR SEND ANY MATERIALS, TO HEXCEL. INSTEAD, CONTACT THE EXCHANGE AGENT AS SET FORTH ABOVE.

Fees and Expenses

        We will not make any payment to brokers, dealers, or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. The estimated cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the exchange offer will be paid by us. We estimate these expenses in the aggregate to be approximately $300,000.

Accounting Treatment

        We will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes upon the consummation of the exchange offer. We will amortize the expense of the exchange offer over the term of the exchange notes under generally accepted accounting principles.

Transfer Taxes

        Holders who tender their original notes for exchange will not be obligated to pay any related transfer taxes, except that holders who instruct us to register exchange notes in the name of, or request that original notes not tendered or not accepted in the exchange offer be returned to, a person other than the registered tendering holder will be responsible for the payment of any applicable transfer taxes.

33


Consequences of Exchanging or Failing to Exchange Original Notes

        Holders of original notes who do not exchange their original notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer will continue to be subject to the provisions in the indenture regarding transfer and exchange of the original notes and the restrictions on transfer of the original notes as set forth in the legend on the notes as a consequence of the issuance of the original notes pursuant to exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. In general, the original notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. As discussed in "Exchange Offer; Registration Rights," we do not currently anticipate that we will register original notes under the Securities Act.

        Based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC, as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for original notes may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by holders of the original notes, other than any holder which is an "affiliate" of ours within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that the exchange notes are acquired in the ordinary course of the holders' business and the holders have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes. However, the SEC has not considered the exchange offer in the context of a no-action letter. We cannot assure you that the staff of the SEC would make a similar determination with respect to the exchange offer as in the other circumstances. Each holder, other than a broker-dealer, must acknowledge that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of exchange notes and has no arrangement or understanding to participate in a distribution of exchange notes. If any holder is an affiliate of ours, is engaged in or intends to engage in or has any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes to be acquired in the exchange offer, that holder:

    (1)
    could not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC, and

    (2)
    must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.

        Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for original notes must acknowledge that the original notes were acquired by the broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. See "Plan of Distribution." In addition, to comply with state securities laws, the exchange notes may not be offered or sold in any state unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in such state or an exemption from registration or qualification, with which there has been compliance, is available. The offer and sale of the exchange notes to "qualified institutional buyers," as defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, is generally exempt from registration or qualification under the state securities laws. We currently do not intend to register or qualify the sale of exchange notes in any state where an exemption from registration or qualification is required and not available.

34



BUSINESS

General

        We are the world's leading producer of advanced structural materials. We develop, manufacture and market lightweight, high-performance reinforcement products, composite materials and structures for use in commercial aerospace, space and defense, electronics and general industrial applications. Our materials are used in a wide variety of end products, such as commercial and military aircraft, space launch vehicles and satellites, printed wiring boards, computers, cellular telephones, soft body armor, high-speed trains and ferries, cars and trucks, wind turbine blades, reinforcements for bridges and other structures, window blinds, and a wide variety of recreational equipment.

        We are a vertically integrated manufacturer of products organized around three strategic business segments, presented in order of manufacturing integration from raw materials to finished products.

    Reinforcements: This segment manufactures carbon fiber fabrics, fiberglass fabrics which are the substrate for printed wiring boards, woven industrial fabrics, woven fabrics for ballistics protection and carbon, aramid and glass reinforcement materials, all of which comprise the foundation of many composite materials, parts and structures;

    Composites: This segment manufactures and produces carbon fibers, honeycomb and prepregs, as well as structural adhesives, specially machined honeycomb details and composite panels, that are incorporated into many applications, including military and commercial aircraft, wind turbine blades, automobiles and recreation products; and

    Structures: This segment engineers and produces composite parts for structures and interiors of commercial and military aircraft.

        With 18 manufacturing facilities located in six countries around the world and joint ventures in Asia, Europe and the United States, we are well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities for growth worldwide. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, 44% of our sales were sales of products manufactured outside the United States. We serve our international markets through manufacturing facilities and sales offices located in the United States and Europe, and through sales offices located in Asia, Australia and South America.

        We believe that we have achieved a degree of vertical integration unmatched by any competitor. This vertical integration enhances our control over the cost, quality and delivery of our products, and enables us to offer a variety of solutions to our customers' mission critical structural materials needs. We have maintained a longstanding relationship with our key customers for many years, including Boeing and EADS, the parent company of Airbus Industries.

        For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, we generated net sales of $850.8 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2003, we generated net sales of $228.6 million.


Competitive Strengths

        We believe that our competitive position is attributable to a number of key strengths, including the following:

Industry Leader

        We believe that we are the largest integrated producer of advanced structural materials in the world. We are the largest supplier of advanced structural materials to both the commercial and military aerospace industries. We are the global leader in the manufacture of carbon fibers for military aircraft applications. We believe we are a global leader in the manufacture of prepreg and honeycomb products for commercial and military aircraft applications.

35



High Barriers to Entry

        Generally, before advanced structural materials may be utilized in commercial and military aerospace applications, they must be qualified. The qualification process is typically a time consuming and costly process that requires the product specification and manufacturing processes to be certified and documented. The qualification process is focused on ensuring consistent manufacturing and the traceability of products and is part of the support aircraft manufacturers require to certify an aircraft with governmental agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense. All Airbus and Boeing commercial aircraft use our qualified products, and our carbon fiber is the only qualified carbon fiber on many U.S. and Western European military aircraft programs currently in production. To limit variation, aircraft manufacturers qualify a limited number of suppliers for any given product. Further, they rely upon the database of prior usage of a product in selecting it for use on a new aircraft program. We believe that we have the broadest range of product qualifications of any advanced materials manufacturer in the aerospace industry and have qualified products for use in a significant number of western commercial and military aircraft programs.

Vertical Integration

        We are a vertically integrated manufacturer of advanced structural materials. This vertical integration provides us with a greater ability to control the cost, quality and delivery of our products. In addition, because we develop, manufacture and sell products from various points in the manufacturing process, we are able to provide the broadest possible range of overall materials solutions to our customers. Currently, we consume internally approximately 50% of our carbon fiber production and 25% of our reinforcement fabric production, and sell the balance of these products to our customers.

Industry and Geographic Diversity

        Approximately 46% of our net sales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 were derived from the commercial aerospace industry; 17% from the space and defense industry; 7% from the electronics industry; and 30% from a wide range of industrial applications including wind energy, soft body armor products, automotive and recreation. During the same period, we manufactured 56% of our products in the United States and 44% in Europe. We exported 11% of our U.S. manufactured products. We believe that this industry and geographic diversity provides us with growth platforms that follow different business cycles and allows us to serve the global needs of our customers.

Manufacturing and Technical Expertise

        We have been a leader in advanced structural materials technology for over 50 years. We believe that the range of technologies and products that we have developed over this period gives us a depth of manufacturing expertise and breadth of products and approvals that would be difficult for competition to replicate in our industry. Our technically oriented sales force works with new and existing customers to identify and engineer solutions to meet our customers' needs, particularly by identifying areas where advanced structural materials may beneficially replace traditional materials.

Experienced and Proven Management Team

        We believe that our management team provides broad experience and expertise in the advanced structural materials business and its industries. David E. Berges, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, has over 30 years of experience with manufacturing organizations serving aerospace, automotive and industrial applications. Prior to joining us, Mr. Berges served as President of Honeywell's (formerly AlliedSignal) Automotive Products Group, Vice President of their Aerospace Engine Systems and Accessories groups and served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Barnes Aerospace, Barnes Group Inc. following 15 years of operational and commercial leadership roles at

36



General Electric Company. Our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Stephen C. Forsyth, has been with Hexcel for 22 years in general management and financial positions and has been Chief Financial Officer for six years. Our three business unit presidents have accumulated over 65 years of experience with Hexcel and our predecessor companies. We believe that our current management team has demonstrated its ability to operate Hexcel in down cycles such as the recent difficult business environment. Management responded to the challenges of a downturn in the commercial aerospace and electronics industries by restructuring our business operations and significantly reducing cash fixed costs. For fiscal year 2002, management successfully reduced cash fixed costs by approximately 23%, or $66.4 million, compared to 2001, and through prudent cash management reduced our total debt, net of changes in cash, by $60.8 million.


Business Strategy

        Key elements of our strategy include the following:

Expand Leadership Position in Commercial Aerospace Industry

        Commercial aerospace remains the largest market for advanced structural materials. We are the leading supplier of advanced structural materials to this industry, with strong positions at both Boeing and Airbus. As a result of the events of September 11, 2001 and the resulting negative impact on the commercial aerospace market, Boeing and Airbus significantly reduced their build rate projections for 2002 and 2003 from rates previously expected. These build rate projections are expected to bottom out in 2003 and 2004. As we deliver our products on average six months ahead of our customers' build rates, we have already absorbed most of the impact of reduced production in 2003. We believe that there exist underlying trends in the commercial aerospace market that will drive growth in the future, and with it growth in the corresponding demand for advanced structural materials. Trends that have been identified include the following:

    the existing broad design and qualification baseline for advanced structural materials in existing commercial aircraft;

    increased usage of advanced structural materials in the new generation of commercial aircraft;

    increased aircraft retirement rates as a result of operating costs, government noise regulation and a desire to standardize fleets;

    European aviation deregulation; and

    a move to all new aircraft fleets by low cost carriers.

        We believe that we are well positioned to capitalize on such trends by continuing to produce a wide variety of advanced structural materials for use in the manufacture of commercial aircraft, whether the aircraft is produced by Boeing, Airbus or regional manufacturers. We continue to pursue the increased use of advanced structural materials in each new generation of commercial aircraft. The latest Airbus A340 500/600 models for the first time utilize advanced structural materials to fabricate the keel beam and the rear pressure bulkhead. The Airbus A380 will provide further penetration of advanced structural materials as a proportion of total materials used in the fabrication of the airframe with more than 10 times the composite content of the Boeing 747 with which it will compete.

Maintain Cost Reductions to Position Hexcel for Future Commercial Aerospace Recovery

        During the fourth quarter of 2001, we announced a plan to restructure our business operations in accordance with our revised business outlook following sharp declines in commercial aerospace and electronics industry demand. The plan targeted a 20% reduction in annual cash fixed costs, or $60.0 million, from previous spending rates. The reductions in cash fixed costs are being achieved

37



primarily through company-wide reductions in managerial, professional, indirect manufacturing and administrative employees along with organizational rationalization. We continued the implementation of this program during 2002, further reducing our workforce by over 30% since June 30, 2001 from approximately 6,200 to 4,250 employees as of December 31, 2002. For the 2002 calendar year, management reduced annual cash fixed costs by approximately 23%, or $66.4 million, compared to 2001. We continue to monitor our progress in implementing our restructuring plan, review the outlook for the markets we serve, and make the required adjustments to our cost structure to properly align our cost structure with our forecasted revenue base. Management believes that this significant reduction of fixed costs has enabled us to stabilize our cash flow during the current cyclical downtown in the electronics and commercial aerospace industries and better position us to benefit from the expected increase in commercial aircraft build rates in the coming years. Hexcel intends to maintain the significant cost reductions it has achieved so that when the commercial aerospace industry recovers, the improvement in our operating margins, profitability and cash flow is greater.

Capitalize on Growing Military Aerospace Markets

        Hexcel intends to continue to capitalize on the growth of military aircraft production. Military aircraft generally use a higher percentage of advanced structural materials and higher value products than commercial aircraft. Hexcel is already qualified to supply materials to a broad range of military aircraft and helicopters. After a lull in military aircraft production during the last decade, a new generation of military aircraft has now entered production. Demand for many of these aircraft is driven in part by the need to replace aging fighter and transport aircraft platforms. The new programs include the F-22 (Raptor), the F/A-18E/F (Hornet), the C-17 transport, the European Fighter Aircraft (Typhoon), the V-22 (Osprey) tiltrotor aircraft and the NH90 helicopter. In the longer-term, Hexcel expects to see the benefit of additional programs such as the Joint Strike Fighter ("JSF"), the RAH-66 (Comanche) helicopter and the A400M transport in Europe. While the relative size of each program will be subject to government funding, the requirement to replace existing aircraft is expected to result in military aircraft production this decade being significantly higher than during the last decade.

Capture Share of Growing Wind Energy Industry

        We believe that we are well positioned to capture a share of the growing wind energy industry. Since 1996, newly installed global wind energy capacity (measured by generating capacity in megawatts) has grown at a compound annual growth rate of over 30% per annum. The blades on modern wind turbines are 100% composite construction and with each new generation the sizes of the blades increase, creating the opportunity for greater use of our materials and those of other suppliers. Much of this growth has come initially from Europe. In recent years, the United States and other parts of the world have evidenced renewed interest in wind energy with major new projects announced.

Expand Applications for Advanced Structural Materials

        We are committed to expanding the application of our advanced materials both within existing applications and into new segments. To date, advanced structural materials have found their greatest use in aerospace and recreation applications, where their performance properties have shown the most demonstrable value. Hexcel believes that these materials have potential uses in other engineering applications. Over the last two years, in addition to wind energy, Hexcel has generated growth from automotive and ballistic applications. Examples include:

    U.S. federal motor vehicle safety regulations in recent years have required higher standards of passenger impact protection. Hexcel's honeycomb products have provided cost effective, efficient energy absorption applications now installed on many automobile models used in the United States, regardless of origin.

38


    Hexcel has a thermoplastic prepreg technology that is being utilized to fabricate the fender on BMW M3 automobiles with potential for wider application in the automotive industry.

    A U.S. SUV manufacturer is utilizing custom designed sandwich panels as a load bearing tonneau cover on two of its new models.

    The replacement by the U.S. military of soft body armor used by military personnel, as well as demand from law enforcement agencies for soft body armor, has generated significant growth in sales of Hexcel's ballistic products.


Other Information About our Business

        For further information about our business, we refer you to our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1) for the year ended December 31, 2002, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, each of which is incorporated into this prospectus by reference.

39



DESCRIPTION OF MATERIAL OUTSTANDING DEBT

        The following description summarizes the material terms of our material outstanding debt. Our material outstanding debt includes, in addition to the notes, our senior secured credit facility, our existing 93/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009 and our 7% Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2011. You may request copies of the agreements governing the terms of our different types of debt at our address set forth under "Available Information."

        In this "Description of Material Debt" section, the word "Hexcel" refers only to Hexcel Corporation and not to any of its subsidiaries.

Senior Secured Credit Facility

        On March 19, 2003, Hexcel entered into a $115.0 million asset-backed senior secured credit facility with a new syndicate of lenders led by Fleet Capital Corporation as agent. The credit facility matures on March 31, 2008. Borrowers under the credit facility include, in addition to Hexcel, Hexcel's operating subsidiaries in the U.K., Austria and Spain. The credit facility provides for borrowings of U.S. dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euro currencies, including the issuance of letters of credit, with the amount available to each borrower dependent on the borrowing base of that borrower. For Hexcel and the U.K. borrower, the borrowing base is determined by an agreed percentage of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory, subject to certain reserves. The borrowing base of each of the Austrian and German borrowers is based on an agreed percentage of eligible accounts receivable, subject to certain reserves. In addition, the U.K., Austrian and German borrowers have facility sublimits of $12.5 million, $7.5 million and $5.0 million, respectively. Borrowings under the new facility bear interest at a floating rate based on either the agent's defined "prime rate" plus a margin that can vary from 0.75% to 3.25% or LIBOR plus a margin that can vary from 2.25% to 3.25%. The margin in effect for a borrowing at any given time depends on Hexcel's fixed charge ratio and the currency denomination of such borrowing. The credit facility also provides for the payment of customary fees and expenses.

        All obligations under the credit facility are secured by a first priority security interest in accounts receivable, inventory and cash and cash equivalents of Hexcel and its material domestic subsidiaries. In addition, all obligations under the credit facility are secured by a pledge of 65% of the stock of Hexcel's French and U.K. first-tier holding companies and certain foreign intercompany notes. This pledge of foreign stock and intercompany notes is on an equal basis with a substantially identical pledge of such foreign stock and intercompany notes given to secure the obligations under the senior secured notes. The obligations of the U.K. borrower are secured by the accounts receivable, inventory, and cash and cash equivalents of the U.K. borrower. The obligations of the Austrian and German borrowers are secured by the accounts receivable of the Austrian and German borrowers, respectively.

        Hexcel is required to maintain various financial ratios throughout the term of the credit facility. These financial covenants set maximum values for Hexcel's leverage (the ratios of total and senior debt to EBITDA), fixed charge coverage (the ratio of EBITDA, less capital expenditures and cash taxes, plus cash dividends, to the sum of cash interest and scheduled debt amortization), and capital expenditures (not to exceed specified annual expenditures). The credit facility also contains limitations on, among other things, incurring debt, granting liens, making investments, making restricted payments, entering into transactions with affiliates and prepaying subordinated debt. The credit facility also contains other customary terms, such as representations and warranties, additional covenants and events of default.

        As of March 31, 2003, we had borrowed $12.0 million and issued letters of credit totaling approximately $25.8 million under the credit facility.

40



93/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009

        On January 21, 1999, we issued $240.0 million aggregate principal amount of 93/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009 in a private offering. On June 29, 2001, we issued an additional $100 million aggregate principal amount of such notes. Subsequent to each of the original and additional issuance, we completed an exchange offer in which all of the notes sold in January 1999 and June 2001 were exchanged for 93/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009 identical to the notes issued in January 1999 and June 2001 except that the notes issued in the exchange offers were registered with the SEC and generally are not subject to transfer restrictions. The senior subordinated notes constitute unsecured senior debt of Hexcel and are junior to all of our senior debt, including the notes offered in this prospectus.

7% Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2011

        On August 1, 1986, Hexcel issued $35.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2011, of which $22.7 million aggregate principal amount was outstanding as of December 31, 2002. The convertible debentures are convertible into shares of our common stock prior to maturity, unless previously redeemed, at a conversion price of $30.72 per share. The 2003 annual sinking fund requirement was satisfied in 2002. The convertible debentures are subordinated to all of our present and future senior debt, including the 97/8% senior secured notes described in this prospectus. The convertible debentures contain covenants that limit consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of our assets.

        The convertible subordinated debentures have a sinking fund requirement of $1.75 million annually.

41



DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

        You can find the definitions of certain terms used in this description under the subheading "Certain Definitions." In this description, the word "Hexcel" refers only to Hexcel Corporation and not to any of its Subsidiaries.

        The form and terms of the exchange notes and the original notes are identical in all respects, except that transfer restrictions and registration rights applicable to the original notes do not apply to the exchange notes.

        The original notes are, and the exchange notes will be, issued under an indenture among Hexcel, the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee. References to the notes include the exchange notes unless the context otherwise requires. The terms of the notes include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The Security Documents referred to below under the caption "—Security" defines the terms of the security interests that secure the notes.

        The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the indenture and the Security Documents. It does not restate those agreements in their entirety. We urge you to read the indenture and the Security Documents because they, and not this description, define your rights as holders of the notes. We have filed a copy of the indenture and certain of the Security Documents as exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. Copies of the indenture and certain of the Security Documents are available as set forth below under "—Additional Information." Certain defined terms used in this description but not defined below under "—Certain Definitions" have the meanings assigned to them in the indenture.

        The registered holder of a note is treated as the owner of it for all purposes. Only registered holders have rights under the indenture.

Brief Description of the Notes and the Guarantees

    The Notes

        The notes:

    are general Obligations of Hexcel;

    are pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of Hexcel, including borrowings under the New Senior Credit Facility;

    are senior in right of payment to any existing or future subordinated Indebtedness of Hexcel;

    are unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantors; and

    are secured by first priority security interests (subject to Permitted Prior Liens and sharing agreements in favor of holders of future Parity Lien Debt and, in the case of certain Foreign Subsidiary Collateral only, the Lenders under a Qualified Credit Facility) in the Collateral owned or at any time acquired by Hexcel.

    The Guarantees

        The original notes are, and the exchange notes will be, guaranteed on the issue date by Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., Clark-Schwebel Corporation, CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc. and Hexcel Pottsville Corporation and may in the future be guaranteed by Hexcel's other Domestic Subsidiaries pursuant to the covenant entitled "—Certain Covenants—Additional Subsidiary Guarantees and Liens."

42


        Each guarantee of the notes:

    is a general obligation of the Guarantor;

    is pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of that Guarantor, including Indebtedness under the New Senior Credit Facility;

    is senior in right of payment to any existing or future subordinated Indebtedness of such Guarantor; and

    is secured by first priority security interests (subject to Permitted Prior Liens and sharing agreements in favor of holders of future Parity Lien Debt) in the Collateral owned or at any time acquired by that Guarantor.

        Not all of Hexcel's Subsidiaries guarantee the notes. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any non-guarantor Subsidiaries, such non-guarantor Subsidiaries will pay the holders of their debt and their trade creditors before they will be able to distribute any of their assets to us. Our non-guarantor Subsidiaries generated approximately 44% of our consolidated net sales to external customers and held approximately 31% of our consolidated long-lived assets as of December 31, 2002.

        As of March 31, 2003, all of our Subsidiaries were "Restricted Subsidiaries." However, under certain circumstances, we are permitted to designate certain of our Subsidiaries as "Unrestricted Subsidiaries." Our Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to many of the restrictive covenants in the indenture. Our Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not guarantee the notes.

Principal, Maturity and Interest

        The original notes are, and the exchange notes will be, issued initially in an aggregate principal amount of $125.0 million. Hexcel may issue additional notes from time to time. Any offering of additional notes is subject to the covenant described below under the caption "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness." The notes and any additional notes subsequently issued under the indenture will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the indenture, including, without limitation, waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. Any additional notes subsequently issued under the indenture would be secured by the Collateral on an equal and ratable basis. Hexcel may Incur future Indebtedness, in addition to additional notes, which may be pari passu with the notes offered hereby and also have the benefit of the security interests in the Collateral. See "—Security" and the definition of "Permitted Liens" under the caption "—Certain Definitions." Hexcel will issue notes in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The notes will mature on October 1, 2008.

        Interest on the notes accrues at the rate of 9.875% per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2003. Hexcel will make each interest payment to the holders of record on the immediately preceding March 15 and September 15.

        Interest on the notes accrues from the date of original issuance or, if interest has already been paid, from the date it was most recently paid. Interest on each note accrues from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the original note surrendered for exchange. If no interest has been paid on the original note, interest will be paid from the date of its original issuance. Holders whose original notes are accepted in the exchange offer will waive their right to receive accrued interest on the original notes. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

43



Methods of Receiving Payments on the Notes

        All payments on notes will be made at the office or agency of the paying agent and registrar within the City and State of New York unless Hexcel elects to make interest payments by check mailed to the holders at their address set forth in the register of holders.

Paying Agent and Registrar for the Notes

        The trustee will initially act as paying agent and registrar. Hexcel may change the paying agent or registrar without prior notice to the holders of the notes, and Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries may act as paying agent or registrar.

Transfer and Exchange

        A holder may transfer or exchange notes in accordance with the indenture. The registrar and the trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents in connection with a transfer of notes. Holders will be required to pay all taxes due on transfer. Hexcel is not required to transfer or exchange any note selected for redemption. Also, Hexcel is not required to transfer or exchange any note for a period of 15 days before a selection of notes to be redeemed.

Subsidiary Guarantees

        The original notes are, and the exchange notes on their issue date and any other Secured Obligations will be, guaranteed by Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., Clark-Schwebel Corporation, CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc. and Hexcel Pottsville Corporation and may in the future be guaranteed by certain of Hexcel's other Domestic Subsidiaries pursuant to the covenant entitled "—Certain Covenants—Additional Subsidiary Guarantees and Liens." The Subsidiary Guarantees are joint and several obligations of the Guarantors. The obligations of each Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee are limited as necessary to prevent that Subsidiary Guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. The Subsidiary Guarantees of each Guarantor are secured by all Collateral owned or at any time acquired by that Guarantor and are pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of that Guarantor, including Indebtedness under the New Senior Credit Facility. See "Risk Factors—Federal and State statutes allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void guarantees and liens granted by the guarantors and require holders of notes to return payments received from guarantors or their property."

        A Guarantor may not sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, or consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person), another Person, other than Hexcel or another Guarantor, unless:

(1)
immediately after giving effect to that transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and

(2)
either:

(a)
the Person acquiring the property in any such sale or disposition or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger assumes all the obligations of that Guarantor under (i) the Secured Obligations, the indenture and its Subsidiary Guarantee, pursuant to a supplemental indenture reasonably satisfactory to the Joint Collateral Agent, (ii) the registration rights agreement and (iii) all Security Documents delivered by that Guarantor; or

(b)
the net proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of the indenture.

44


        The Subsidiary Guarantee of a Guarantor and all security interests granted by that Guarantor to the Joint Collateral Agent will be released:

(1)
in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) a Subsidiary of Hexcel, if the sale or other disposition complies with the "Asset Sale" provisions of the indenture;

(2)
in connection with any sale of all of the Capital Stock of a Guarantor to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) a Subsidiary of Hexcel, if the sale complies with the "Asset Sale" provisions of the indenture; or

(3)
if Hexcel designates any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the applicable provisions of the indenture.

See "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales" and "—Collateral and Security—Release of Note Liens."

Security

        The notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees are secured by first priority security interests (subject to Permitted Prior Liens) and subject to Lien sharing in favor of the holders of future Parity Lien Debt, in substantially all of Hexcel's and its Domestic Subsidiaries' property, plant and equipment, patents, trademarks and other intellectual property, customer and supplier contracts (which will not include accounts and related rights that are Credit Facility Collateral) and other general intangibles, intercompany notes and other instruments and obligations receivable, and certain other investment property, 100% of the outstanding voting stock of Hexcel's Domestic Subsidiaries, other than Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc., Hexcel Technologies, Inc. and Clark-Schwebel Corporation, and, as described under the caption "—Intercreditor Provisions Relating to Working Capital Facility Liens—Equal and Ratable Sharing of Liens on Foreign Subsidiary Collateral," the outstanding voting stock of Hexcel's material first-tier Foreign Subsidiaries (but not more than 65% of the voting stock of such Foreign Subsidiaries) and intercompany notes outstanding from Hexcel's Foreign Subsidiaries. Collateral does not include Credit Facility Collateral (which includes inventory, and accounts receivable) and other Excluded Assets.

        The notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees and future Parity Lien Debt are also secured by first priority security interests, subject to Lien sharing provisions in favor of the holders of Obligations under a Qualified Credit Facility, upon Equity Interests issued and intercompany notes owing by Foreign Subsidiaries to Hexcel or a Domestic Subsidiary.

        Hexcel, the Guarantors and the Joint Collateral Agent entered into Security Documents defining the terms of the security interests that secure the notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees. These security interests upon Collateral owned by Hexcel or any Guarantor secure the payment and performance when due of all of the Note Obligations of Hexcel or that Guarantor.

        Pursuant to the Security Documents, Hexcel may Incur future Indebtedness which may be pari passu with the notes and also have the benefit of the security interests in the Collateral. Such Indebtedness will be Senior Indebtedness and may only be Incurred if:

(1)
the condition set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant entitled "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness" is satisfied; or

(2)
such Indebtedness is Permitted Debt permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (11) of the second paragraph of the covenant entitled "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness."

45


Additionally, any such Indebtedness shall have a Stated Maturity no earlier than any Stated Maturity of the notes and the Liens on Collateral securing such Indebtedness must be permitted by clause (2) of the definition of "Permitted Liens." See the definition of "Parity Lien Debt."

        The Collateral will be released with respect to the notes:

(1)
in whole, upon payment in full of the principal of, accrued and unpaid interest and premium and Special Interest, if any, on the notes and payment in full of all other Note Obligations that are due and payable at or prior to the time such principal, accrued and unpaid interest and premium and Special Interest, if any, are paid;

(2)
in whole, upon satisfaction and discharge of the indenture;

(3)
in whole, upon a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance as set forth under the caption "—Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance;"

(4)
in part, as to any property constituting Collateral that (a) is sold or otherwise disposed of by Hexcel or one of its Subsidiaries in a transaction permitted by the indenture, at the time of such sale or disposition, to the extent of the interest sold or disposed of or (b) is owned or at any time acquired by a Subsidiary that has been released from its Subsidiary Guarantee, concurrently with the release of such Subsidiary Guarantee;

(5)
if such Collateral constitutes all or substantially all of the Collateral, with the consent of at least 662/3% in principal amount of the notes (including without limitation, additional notes, if any) then outstanding voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase, of notes); or

(6)
if such Collateral constitutes less than all or substantially all of the Collateral, with the consent of at least a majority in principal amount of the notes (including, without limitation, additional notes, if any) then outstanding voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the notes).

See "—Collateral and Security—Release of Note Liens."

Optional Redemption

        At any time prior to April 1, 2006, Hexcel may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of notes issued under the indenture (including the original principal amount of any Additional Securities) at a redemption price of 109.875% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Special Interest, if any, to the redemption date, with the Net Cash Proceeds of Equity Offerings; provided that:

(1)
at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of notes issued under the indenture (including the original principal amount of any additional notes) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption (excluding notes held by Hexcel and its Subsidiaries); and

(2)
the redemption occurs within 120 days after the date of the related Equity Offering.

        Except pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the notes will not be redeemable at Hexcel's option prior to April 1, 2006.

46


        After April 1, 2006, Hexcel may redeem all or a part of the notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and Special Interest, if any, on the notes redeemed, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of the years indicated below:

Year

  Percentage
 

2006

 

104.938

%

2007

 

102.469

%

2008 and thereafter

 

100.000

%

Mandatory Redemption

        Hexcel is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the notes except as provided below under "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders."

Repurchase at the Option of Holders

    Change of Control

        Upon the occurrence of a "Change of Control," each holder may require Hexcel to purchase its notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and Special Interest, if any, to the date of purchase. The following are "Change of Control" events:

(1)
the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of Hexcel and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any "person" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than a Permitted Holder;

(2)
the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of Hexcel;

(3)
any Person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than one or more Permitted Holders, becomes the Beneficial Owner of more than 40% of the total voting power of Voting Stock of Hexcel; provided, however, that the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the total voting power of Voting Stock of Hexcel than the other Person and do not have the right or ability to elect or designate for election a majority of the Board of Directors;

(4)
during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of that period constituted the Board of Directors, together with any new directors whose election by the Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of Hexcel was approved under the Governance Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement or by a vote of 662/3% of the directors of Hexcel then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of the two-year period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors then in office; or

(5)
the merger or consolidation of Hexcel with or into another Person other than a Permitted Holder, or the merger of another Person other than a Permitted Holder with Hexcel, and in the case of any such merger or consolidation, the securities of Hexcel that are outstanding immediately prior

47


    to the transaction and that represent 100% of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of Hexcel are changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or property, unless pursuant to the transaction, the securities are changed into or exchanged for, in addition to any other consideration, securities of the surviving Person that represent, immediately after the transaction, at least a majority of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of the surviving Person or transferee.

        Within 30 days after any Change of Control, we will mail a notice to each holder of notes, a "Change of Control Offer," stating:

(1)
that a Change of Control has occurred and that the holder has the right to require us to purchase its notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase;

(2)
the circumstances and relevant facts regarding the Change of Control, including a statement of pro forma historical income, cash flow and capitalization after giving effect to the Change of Control;

(3)
the purchase date, which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date the notice is mailed; and

(4)
the instructions determined by us, consistent with the covenant described under this caption, that a holder must follow in order to have its notes purchased.

        The paying agent will promptly mail to each holder of notes properly tendered the Change of Control Payment for such notes, and the trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each holder a new note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the notes surrendered, if any; provided that each new note will be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000.

        Hexcel will publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.

        Hexcel will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by Hexcel and purchases all notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under the Change of Control Offer.

        Hexcel will comply with the requirements of the securities laws in connection with the purchase of notes as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws conflict with the provisions of the covenant described under this caption, we will comply with the applicable securities laws and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the change of control covenant.

        The Change of Control purchase feature of the notes may make more difficult or discourage a sale or takeover of Hexcel and, thus, the removal of incumbent management. The Change of Control purchase feature is a result of negotiations between Hexcel and the Initial Purchasers. It is not the result of our knowledge of any specific effort to accumulate common stock of Hexcel or to obtain control of Hexcel or part of a plan by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover provisions. We have no present intention to engage in a transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is possible that we could decide to do so in the future.

        Subject to the limitations discussed below, we could enter into transactions that would not constitute a Change of Control under the indenture, but that could increase the amount of

48



Indebtedness outstanding at that time or otherwise affect our capital structure or credit ratings. Restrictions on our ability to Incur additional Indebtedness are contained in the covenant described under the caption "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness." These restrictions can only be waived with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding. Except for the limitations contained in this covenant, however, the indenture will not contain any covenants or provisions that may afford holders of the notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.

        The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of "all or substantially all" of the properties or assets of Hexcel and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of notes to require Hexcel to repurchase its notes as a result of a sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of less than all of the assets of Hexcel and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to another Person or group may be uncertain.

        Future Indebtedness that we may Incur may contain prohibitions on the occurrence of events that would constitute a Change of Control or require us to repurchase the Indebtedness upon a Change of Control. Moreover, the exercise by the holders of notes of their right to require us to purchase the notes could cause a default under such other Indebtedness, even if the Change of Control itself does not. Finally, our ability to pay cash to the holders of notes following the occurrence of a Change of Control may be limited by our then existing financial resources. We cannot assure you that sufficient funds will be available when necessary to make any required repurchases.

        Our obligation to purchase the notes as a result of a Change of Control may be waived or modified with the written consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes.

    Asset Sales

        Hexcel will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:

(1)
Hexcel (or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of the Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and

(2)
at least 75% of the consideration received in the Asset Sale by Hexcel or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash. For purposes of this provision, each of the following will be deemed to be cash:

(a)
the assumption of Indebtedness of Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary and the release of Hexcel or the Restricted Subsidiary from all liability with respect to the Indebtedness in connection with the Asset Sale; provided, however, that the amount of the Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be cash for the purpose of the term "Net Available Cash;" and

(b)
securities received by Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary from the transferee that are promptly converted by Hexcel or the Restricted Subsidiary into cash.

49


        Within 360 days after the receipt of the Net Available Cash from the Asset Sale, an amount equal to 100% of the Net Available Cash from the Asset Sale shall be applied by Hexcel or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be:

(1)
to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, or a majority of the Voting Stock of, another Permitted Business which, in the case of an Asset Sale of Equity Interests or assets of a Domestic Subsidiary, must be owned by Hexcel or a Domestic Subsidiary;

(2)
to make a capital expenditure which, in the case of an Asset Sale of Equity Interests or assets of a Domestic Subsidiary, will be a capital expenditure of Hexcel or a Domestic Subsidiary; or

(3)
to acquire other long-term assets that are used or useful in a Permitted Business which, in the case of an Asset Sale of Equity Interests or assets of a Domestic Subsidiary, must be owned by Hexcel or a Domestic Subsidiary.

        Notwithstanding the above, Hexcel and the Restricted Subsidiaries will not be required to apply any Net Available Cash according to the foregoing paragraph except to the extent that the aggregate Net Available Cash from all Asset Sales which are not applied according to the foregoing paragraph exceeds $15.0 million. Pending application of Net Available Cash under this covenant, the Net Available Cash will be invested in Cash Equivalents which, in the case of an Asset Sale of Equity Interests or assets of a Domestic Subsidiary, must be held by the Joint Collateral Agent as part of the Collateral in a segregated account that includes only proceeds of Asset Sales and interest earned thereon (an "Asset Sale Proceeds Account").

        Any Net Available Cash from Asset Sales that is not applied or invested as provided in the preceding paragraph will constitute "Excess Proceeds." When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $10.0 million, Hexcel will make an Asset Sale Offer to all holders of notes and all holders of Parity Lien Debt that contains provisions similar to those set forth in the indenture with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets to purchase the maximum principal amount of notes and such other Parity Lien Debt that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to 100% of principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and Special Interest, if any, to the date of purchase, and will be payable in cash. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, Hexcel may use those Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of notes and Parity Lien Debt tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the notes and the Parity Lien Debt will be purchased on a pro rata basis. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero.

        Hexcel will comply with the requirements of the securities laws in connection with the purchase of the notes under this covenant. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws conflict with provisions of this covenant, Hexcel will comply with the applicable securities laws and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this covenant.

        The agreements governing Hexcel's other Indebtedness contain prohibitions of certain events, including events that would constitute a Change of Control or an Asset Sale. In addition, the exercise by the holders of notes of their right to require Hexcel to repurchase the notes upon a Change of Control or an Asset Sale could cause a default under these other agreements, even if the Change of Control or Asset Sale itself does not, due to the financial effect of such repurchases on Hexcel. Finally, Hexcel's ability to pay cash to the holders of notes upon a repurchase may be limited by Hexcel's then existing financial resources. See "Risk Factors—We may be unable to purchase your notes upon a change of control."

50



Selection and Notice

        If less than all of the notes are to be redeemed at any time, the trustee will select notes for redemption as follows:

(1)
if the notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the notes are listed; or

(2)
if the notes are not listed on any national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the trustee deems fair and appropriate.

        No notes of $1,000 or less can be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption will be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of notes to be redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the indenture. Notices of redemption may not be conditional.

        If any note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that note will state the portion of the principal amount of that note that is to be redeemed. A new note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original note will be issued in the name of the holder of notes upon cancellation of the original note. Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on notes or portions of them called for redemption.

Certain Covenants

    Restricted Payments

        Hexcel will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly make a Restricted Payment. "Restricted Payment," with respect to any Person means:

(1)
the declaration or payment of any dividends or any other distributions of any sort in respect of its Capital Stock (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving such Person) or similar payment to the direct or indirect holders of its Capital Stock (other than dividends or distributions payable solely in its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) and dividends or distributions payable solely to Hexcel or a Restricted Subsidiary, and other than pro rata dividends or other distributions made by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary to minority stockholders (or owners of an equivalent interest in the case of a Subsidiary that is an entity other than a corporation));

(2)
the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Capital Stock of Hexcel held by any Person or of any Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary held by any Affiliate of Hexcel (other than a Restricted Subsidiary), including the exercise of any option to exchange any Capital Stock (other than into Capital Stock of Hexcel that is not Disqualified Stock);

(3)
the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment of any Subordinated Obligations (other than the purchase, repurchase, or other acquisition of Subordinated Obligations purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of acquisition); or

(4)
the making of any Investment (other than a Permitted Investment) in any Person,

51


        unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:

(1)
no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a consequence of such Restricted Payment;

(2)
Hexcel would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Consolidated Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described below under the caption "—Incurrence of Indebtedness;" and

(3)
the aggregate amount of the Restricted Payment and all other Restricted Payments made since the issue date would exceed the sum of, without duplication:

(a)
50% of the Consolidated Net Income accrued during the period, which will be treated as one accounting period, from the beginning of the fiscal quarter in which the issue date occurs to the end of the most recent fiscal quarter ending at least 45 days before the date of the Restricted Payment, or, in case the Consolidated Net Income is a deficit, less 100% of that deficit; plus

(b)
100% of the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received by Hexcel from the issuance or sale of its Capital Stock, other than Disqualified Stock and other than Capital Stock issued in connection with the Financing Transactions, subsequent to the issue date and on or before the date of the Restricted Payment, other than an issuance or sale to a Subsidiary of Hexcel or an issuance or sale to an employee stock ownership plan or to a trust established by Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of their employees; plus

(c)
the amount by which the Indebtedness of Hexcel is reduced on Hexcel's balance sheet upon the conversion or exchange, other than by a Subsidiary of Hexcel, subsequent to the issue date and on or before the date of the Restricted Payment, of any Indebtedness of Hexcel convertible or exchangeable for Capital Stock, other than Disqualified Stock, of Hexcel, less the amount of any cash, or the fair value of any other property, distributed by Hexcel upon the conversion or exchange; plus

(d)
an amount equal to the sum of (x) the net reduction in Investments since the date of the indenture in Unrestricted Subsidiaries resulting from dividends, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets, in each case to Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary from Unrestricted Subsidiaries, and (y) the portion, proportionate to Hexcel's equity interest in the Subsidiary, of the fair market value of the net assets of an Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time the Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that this sum shall not exceed, in the case of any Unrestricted Subsidiary, the amount of Investments previously made and treated as a Restricted Payment by Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary in the Unrestricted Subsidiary.

        The preceding provisions will not prohibit:

(1)
any acquisition of any Capital Stock of Hexcel made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Capital Stock of Hexcel, other than Disqualified Stock and other than Capital Stock issued or sold to a Subsidiary of Hexcel, or options, warrants or other rights to purchase the Capital Stock; provided, however, that:

(a)
the purchase or redemption shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; and

52


    (b)
    the Net Cash Proceeds from the sale shall be excluded from clause (3)(b) of the first paragraph;

(2)
any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or acquisition or retirement for value of Subordinated Obligations made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Capital Stock of Hexcel, other than Disqualified Stock and other than Capital Stock issued or sold to a Subsidiary of Hexcel, or options, warrants or other rights to purchase the Capital Stock; provided, however, that:

(a)
the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or acquisition or retirement for value shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; and

(b)
the Net Cash Proceeds from the sale shall be excluded from clause (3)(b) of the first paragraph;

(3)
any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or acquisition or retirement for value of Subordinated Obligations made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Indebtedness of Hexcel which is permitted to be Incurred under the covenant described under the caption "—Incurrence of Indebtedness;" provided, however, that the Indebtedness:

(a)
shall have a Stated Maturity later than the Stated Maturity of the notes; and

(b)
shall have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity greater than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the notes;

provided, further, however, that the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;

(4)
any purchase or redemption of Subordinated Obligations from Net Available Cash after application according to the covenant described under the caption "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales;" provided, however, that the purchase or redemption shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;

(5)
so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or result therefrom, the repurchase by Hexcel of up to $23.0 million in aggregate principal amount of, and interest on, Subordinated Obligations with the net cash proceeds of the sale by Hexcel of its Equity Interests in Asahi-Schwebel Co., Ltd. (or the net proceeds from the sale of any securities received by Hexcel in connection with the sales of Equity Interests in Asahi-Schwebel Co., Ltd.); provided, however, that such repurchases shall be excluded in the calculation of Restricted Payments;

(6)
so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or result therefrom, the repurchase by Hexcel of its 93/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009; provided that, at the time of and after giving effect to any such repurchases, (a) Hexcel's EBITDA for the prior four-quarter period for which internal financial statements are available shall be no less than $125.0 million and (b) the Consolidated Coverage Ratio shall exceed 2.25 to 1.0, provided, further, however, that any such repurchases shall be included in the calculation of Restricted Payments;

(7)
dividends paid within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof if at the date of declaration the dividend would have complied with this covenant; provided, however, that at the time of payment of the dividend, no other Default shall have occurred and be continuing or result therefrom; provided, further, however, that the declaration, but not the payment, of such dividend shall be included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;

53


(8)
so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or result therefrom, Investments in Joint Ventures or other Persons engaged in a Permitted Business in an aggregate amount which, when added together with the amount of all other Investments made according to this clause (8) which at the time have not been repaid through dividends, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets, does not exceed $60.0 million; provided, however, that the amount of the Investments shall be excluded in the calculation of Restricted Payments;

(9)
so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or result therefrom, payments with respect to employee or director stock options, stock incentive plans or restricted stock plans of Hexcel, including any redemption, repurchase, acquisition, cancellation or other retirement for value of shares of Capital Stock of Hexcel, restricted stock, options on any of these shares or similar securities held by directors, officers or employees or former directors, officers or employees or by any Plans upon death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of any of these Persons under the terms of the Plans or agreement under which the shares or related rights were issued or acquired; provided, however, that the amount of any of these payments shall be included in the calculation of Restricted Payments;

(10)
so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or result therefrom, any purchase or defeasance of Subordinated Obligations or Capital Stock upon a Change of Control to the extent required by the indenture or other agreement or instrument under which the Subordinated Obligations or Capital Stock were issued, but only if Hexcel has first complied with all its obligations under the provisions described under the caption "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control;" provided, however, that the amount of the purchase or defeasance shall be excluded in the calculation of Restricted Payments; or

(11)
so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or result therefrom, Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount which, when added together with the amount of all other Restricted Payments made under, this clause (11) which at that time have not been repaid through dividends, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets, does not exceed $40.0 million; provided, however, that the amount of the Restricted Payments shall be included in the calculation of Restricted Payments.

        The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the fair market value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be transferred or issued by Hexcel or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any assets or securities that are required to be valued by this covenant will be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors whose resolution with respect thereto will be delivered to the trustee. Not later than the date of making any Restricted Payment, Hexcel will deliver to the trustee an officers' certificate stating that such Restricted Payment is permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations required by this "Restricted Payments" covenant were computed.

54


    Incurrence of Indebtedness

        Hexcel will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, Incur, directly or indirectly, any Indebtedness; provided, however, that Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary may Incur Indebtedness if, on the date of the Incurrence and after giving effect to the Incurrence on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), the Consolidated Coverage Ratio exceeds 2.0 to 1.0.

        The first paragraph of this covenant will not prohibit the Incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, "Permitted Debt"):

(1)
the incurrence by Hexcel or any Domestic Subsidiary of additional Indebtedness and letters of credit under Credit Facilities in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding under this clause (1) (with letters of credit being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the maximum potential liability of Hexcel and its Subsidiaries in respect thereof) not to exceed the greater of:

(a)
$200.0 million; or

(b)
the amount of the Borrowing Base as of the date of such incurrence;

(2)
Indebtedness Incurred by Foreign Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries to finance the working capital requirements of such Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness, when added together with the amount of Indebtedness Incurred by all Foreign Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries under this clause (2) and then outstanding, does not exceed the sum of:

(a)
85% of the then most recently reported net book value of all inventory owned by Foreign Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter preceding such date; provided that the amount of this clause (a) shall not exceed 55% of the total of clauses (a) and (b) of this clause (2) on any date of calculation; plus

(b)
85% of the face amount of all accounts receivable owned by Foreign Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter preceding such date that were not more than 180 days past due;

(3)
Indebtedness owed to and held by Hexcel or any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that (a) any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock which results in the Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or any subsequent transfer of the Indebtedness, other than to Hexcel or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute the Incurrence of such Indebtedness and (b) if Hexcel or any Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness, the payment of such Indebtedness is expressly subordinate to the prior payment in full in cash of all obligations with respect to the notes, in the case of Hexcel, or the Subsidiary Guarantee in the case of a Guarantor;

(4)
the Incurrence by Hexcel and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the notes and the related Subsidiary Guarantees to be issued on the date of the indenture and the Exchange Notes and the related Subsidiary Guarantees to be issued pursuant to the registration rights agreement;

(5)
the Incurrence by Hexcel and its Restricted Subsidiaries of the Existing Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness described in clauses (1), (2), (3) or (4) above;

(6)
the Incurrence by Hexcel or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to refund, refinance or replace Indebtedness (other than intercompany Indebtedness) that was permitted by the indenture to be Incurred under the first paragraph of this covenant or clause (4) or (5) or this clause (6);

55


(7)
Hedging Obligations directly related to Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred by Hexcel and Restricted Subsidiaries under the indenture or, in the case of a currency exchange protection agreement, reasonably related to the ordinary course of business of Hexcel and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(8)
Indebtedness, including Capital Lease Obligations and purchase money Indebtedness, Incurred by Hexcel or its Restricted Subsidiaries to finance the acquisition of tangible assets or other capital expenditures, and Indebtedness Incurred by Hexcel or its Restricted Subsidiaries to refinance such Capital Lease Obligations and purchase money Indebtedness, in an aggregate outstanding principal amount which, when added together with the amount of Indebtedness Incurred under this clause (8) and then outstanding, does not exceed $20.0 million;

(9)
Indebtedness in respect of performance, surety or appeal bonds provided in the ordinary course of Hexcel and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(10)
the accrual of interest, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock for purposes of this covenant; provided, in each such case, that the amount thereof is included in Consolidated Interest Expense of Hexcel as accrued; and

(11)
Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount which, together with all other Indebtedness of Hexcel and Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on the date of the Incurrence, other than Indebtedness permitted by clauses (1) through (10) above or the first paragraph of this covenant, does not exceed $40.0 million.

        Hexcel will not Incur:

(1)
any Indebtedness if that Indebtedness is contractually subordinate in right of payment to any Senior Indebtedness, unless the Indebtedness is Senior Subordinated Indebtedness or is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the notes; provided, however, that no Indebtedness of Hexcel will be deemed to be contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of Hexcel solely by virtue of being unsecured, or

(2)
any Secured Indebtedness that is not Senior Indebtedness.

        For purposes of determining compliance with this "Incurrence of Indebtedness" covenant, in the event that an item of proposed Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (1) through (11) above, or is entitled to be Incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant, Hexcel will be permitted to classify such item of Indebtedness on the date of its Incurrence, or later reclassify all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness, in any manner that complies with this covenant. Indebtedness under Credit Facilities outstanding on the date on which notes are first issued and authenticated under the indenture will be deemed to have been Incurred on such date in reliance on the exception provided by clauses (1) or (2) of the definition of Permitted Debt, as applicable.

        In determining amounts of Indebtedness outstanding under this covenant and to avoid duplication, Indebtedness of a Person resulting from the grant by that Person of security interests with respect to, or from the issuance by that Person of guarantees of, or from the assumption of obligations with respect to letters of credit supporting, Indebtedness Incurred by that Person under the indenture, or Indebtedness which that Person is otherwise permitted to Incur under the indenture, shall not be deemed to be a separate Incurrence of Indebtedness by that Person.

56



    Liens

        Hexcel will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, Incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien of any kind on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired, except Permitted Liens. Hexcel will not and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any pledge of or other Lien on the outstanding Equity Interests of Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp. or Clark-Schwebel Corporation.

        Additionally, Hexcel will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien of any kind:

(1)
upon any property as security for any Parity Lien Obligation, unless Hexcel or such Subsidiary causes such Lien (a) to be granted to the Joint Collateral Agent and (b) to extend to and secure the Note Obligations upon substantially the same terms but subject to the provisions of the indenture and causes such Lien to be duly perfected; or

(2)
securing any Parity Lien Debt, unless the indenture or agreement governing such Parity Lien Debt (a) provides (for the enforceable benefit of the trustee and holders of notes) that (x) the holder of such Parity Lien Debt is bound by the terms of the Joint Collateral Agent Undertakings and (y) all obligations in respect of the notes are Equally and Ratably secured by all Liens, guarantees, supporting obligations and loss sharing rights at any time granted by Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries or any other Person as security for such debt, whether or not otherwise constituting Collateral, and (b) authorizes the Joint Collateral Agent to perform its obligations set forth in the indenture and the Joint Collateral Agent Undertakings.

    Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

        Hexcel will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:

(1)
pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock to Hexcel or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or pay any Indebtedness owed to Hexcel or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2)
make loans or advances to Hexcel or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or

(3)
transfer any of its properties or assets to Hexcel or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

        However, the preceding restrictions will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(1)
agreements governing Existing Indebtedness and Credit Facilities as in effect on the date of the indenture and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of those agreements; provided that the amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacement or refinancings are no more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in those agreements on the date of the indenture;

(2)
the indenture, the notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees;

(3)
applicable law;

(4)
any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by Hexcel or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness or Capital Stock was Incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or

57


    assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired; provided that, in the case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of the indenture to be Incurred;

(5)
customary non-assignment provisions in leases, licenses and other agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices;

(6)
purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions on that property of the nature described in clause (3) of the preceding paragraph;

(7)
any agreement for the sale or other disposition of a Restricted Subsidiary that restricts distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition;

(8)
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are no more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced;

(9)
Liens securing Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be Incurred under the provisions of the covenant described above under the caption "—Liens" that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets subject to such Liens;

(10)
any encumbrance or restriction contained in the governing documents of any Joint Venture Subsidiary;

(11)
provisions with respect to the disposition or distribution of assets or property in Joint Venture agreements, assets sale agreements, stock sale agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business; and

(12)
restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business.

    Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

        Hexcel may not, directly or indirectly: (1) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not Hexcel is the surviving corporation); or (2) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of Hexcel and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another Person; unless:

(1)
either: (a) Hexcel is the surviving corporation; or (b) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than Hexcel) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made is a corporation organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia;

(2)
the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than Hexcel) or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made assumes all the obligations of Hexcel under the notes, the indenture, the registration rights agreement and the Security Documents pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to the trustee;

(3)
immediately after such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and

(4)
Hexcel or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than Hexcel), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made will, on the date of such transaction after giving pro forma effect thereto and any related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the

58


    Consolidated Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described above under the caption "—Incurrence of Indebtedness."

        In addition, Hexcel may not, directly or indirectly, lease all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any other Person. This "Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" covenant will not apply to a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of assets between or among Hexcel and any Domestic Restricted Subsidiary of Hexcel or a merger of a Domestic Restricted Subsidiary into Hexcel.

    Transactions with Affiliates

        Hexcel will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate (each, an "Affiliate Transaction"), unless:

(1)
the Affiliate Transaction is made in good faith and on terms which are fair and reasonable to Hexcel or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be; and

(2)
Hexcel delivers to the trustee:

(a)
with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $5.0 million, a resolution of the Board of Directors set forth in an officers' certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with this covenant and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors; and

(b)
with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $10.0 million, an opinion as to the fairness to Hexcel of such Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing.

        The following items will not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, will not be subject to the provisions of the prior paragraph:

(1)
the Financing Transactions;

(2)
any Permitted Investment and any Restricted Payment permitted to be paid under the covenant described under the caption "—Restricted Payments;"

(3)
any issuance of securities, or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise under, or the funding of, employment arrangements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the Board of Directors;

(4)
the payment of reasonable fees to directors of Hexcel and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(5)
transactions between Hexcel or a Restricted Subsidiary and one or more Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that no Affiliate of Hexcel, other than another Restricted Subsidiary, owns, directly or indirectly, any Capital Stock in any of the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(6)
transactions in the ordinary course of business, including loans, expense advances and reimbursements, between Hexcel or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any employee of Hexcel or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, on the other hand;

(7)
transactions with affiliates entered into in the ordinary course of business of Hexcel or its Restricted Subsidiaries, on terms which are, in the opinion of Hexcel's management or the Board of Directors, fair and reasonable to Hexcel or its Restricted Subsidiaries;

59


(8)
the granting and performance of registration rights for shares of Capital Stock of Hexcel under a written registration rights agreement approved by a majority of directors of Hexcel that are disinterested with respect to the transactions;

(9)
transactions with Affiliates solely in their capacity as holders of Indebtedness or Capital Stock of Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries, so long as Indebtedness or Capital Stock of the same class is also held by Persons that are not Affiliates of Hexcel and these Affiliates are treated no more favorably than holders of the Indebtedness or the Capital Stock generally;

(10)
transactions pursuant to the Governance Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement, or either of the Registration Rights Agreements and any amendments to, or waivers of any provision of, any such agreements that are not adverse to the interests of the holders of the notes and which are approved by a majority of the directors of Hexcel disinterested with respect to the amendment or waiver, as applicable; and

(11)
any transaction between Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiaries and any of the Existing Joint Ventures under agreements in effect on the issue date.

    Additional Subsidiary Guarantees and Liens

        If:

(1)
any Domestic Subsidiary has EBITDA for the last four-quarter period for which internal financial statements are available in excess of $2.5 million;

(2)
any group of Domestic Subsidiaries, taken together, have EBITDA in excess of $2.5 million for the last four-quarter period for which internal financial statements are available; or

(3)
any Subsidiary guarantees or otherwise provides direct credit support for any Indebtedness of Hexcel,

(each such event set forth in clauses (1) through (3) above, a "Triggering Event"), then such Subsidiary or group of Subsidiaries will become a Guarantor or Guarantors and execute a supplemental indenture within 10 Business Days of the date on which such Triggering Event occurred; provided, however, this covenant will not apply to all Subsidiaries that have properly been designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries in accordance with the indenture for so long as they continue to constitute Unrestricted Subsidiaries; and provided, further, however, that clause (2) above will not apply to any Domestic Subsidiary with an EBITDA for the last four-quarter period for which internal financial statements are available of less than $250,000.

        If Hexcel or any other Obligor at any time owns or acquires property (except property that is at such time an Excluded Asset) that is not subject to a valid, enforceable and perfected Note Lien held by the Joint Collateral Agent as security for the Note Obligations and any Parity Lien Obligations, or if Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries at any time grants or permits to exist any consensual lien upon any property, except Credit Facility Collateral, constituting an Excluded Asset as security for any Parity Lien Obligation or Credit Facility Obligation, then Hexcel will, or will cause such Subsidiary to, concurrently:

(1)
execute and deliver to the Joint Collateral Agent a Security Document upon substantially the same terms as the Security Documents delivered in connection with the issuance of the notes, granting a Lien upon such property to the Joint Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations;

(2)
cause the Lien granted in such Security Document to be duly perfected in any manner permitted by law; and

60


(3)
deliver to the Joint Collateral Agent an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Joint Collateral Agent, confirming as to such Security Document the matters set forth as to the Security Documents and Liens thereunder in the opinions of counsel delivered on behalf of Hexcel to the Initial Purchasers of the notes in connection with the issuance of the notes and, if the property subject to such Security Document is an interest in real estate, such local counsel opinions, title and flood insurance policies, surveys and other supporting documents as the Joint Collateral Agent may reasonably request, provided, however, that no such opinion will be required if in the reasonable judgment of Hexcel the fair market value of all such collateral is less than $1.0 million.

        If Hexcel or any Subsidiary creates or permits to exist any Lien on any Foreign Subsidiary Collateral as security for any Obligations under any Qualified Credit Facility, then Hexcel will, or will cause such Subsidiary to, concurrently grant the Joint Collateral Agent valid, enforceable and perfected Liens upon such Foreign Subsidiary Collateral as security for Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations.

    Limitation on the Sale or Issuance of Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries

        Hexcel will not sell any shares of Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue or sell shares of its Capital Stock, in each case, other than preferred stock within the meaning of "Qualified Preferred Stock," as defined in the indenture, except:

(1)
to Hexcel or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary;

(2)
directors' qualifying shares;

(3)
if, immediately after giving effect to the issuance or sale, neither Hexcel nor any of its Subsidiaries own any Capital Stock of the Restricted Subsidiary; or

(4)
if, immediately after giving effect to the issuance or sale, the Restricted Subsidiary would no longer constitute a Restricted Subsidiary and any Investment in the Person remaining after giving effect to the issuance or sale would have been permitted to be made under the covenant described under the caption "—Restricted Payments" if made on the date of the issuance or sale.

        The issuance or sale of shares of Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of Hexcel will not violate the provisions above if the shares are issued or sold in connection with:

(1)
the formation or capitalization of a Restricted Subsidiary which, at the time of the issuance or sale or immediately after the issuance or sale, is a Joint Venture Subsidiary; or

(2)
a single transaction or a series of substantially contemporaneous transactions by which the Restricted Subsidiary becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of Hexcel by reason of the acquisition of securities or assets from another Person.

    Business Activities

        Hexcel will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than a Permitted Business.

61


    Advances to Restricted Subsidiaries

        All advances to Restricted Subsidiaries made by Hexcel or any Guarantor after the date of the indenture will be evidenced by intercompany notes in favor of Hexcel or such Guarantor. These intercompany notes will be pledged pursuant to the Security Documents to secure the Note Obligations and any Parity Lien Obligations. Each intercompany note will be payable upon demand and will bear interest at the same rate as the notes. A form of intercompany note will be attached as an exhibit to the indenture.

        Hexcel and any Guarantors will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of which Hexcel or such Guarantor, as applicable, is a creditor by virtue of an intercompany note to Incur any Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary unless the Indebtedness so incurred is also subordinated in right of payment to all intercompany notes of such Restricted Subsidiary.

    Payments for Consent

        Hexcel will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration to or for the benefit of any holder of notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the indenture or the notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all holders of the notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

    Reports

        Whether or not required by the Commission's rules and regulations, so long as any notes are outstanding, Hexcel will furnish to the holders of notes, within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and regulations:

(1)
all quarterly and annual reports that would be required to be filed with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if Hexcel were required to file such reports; and

(2)
all current reports that would be required to be filed with the Commission on Form 8-K if Hexcel were required to file such reports.

        If Hexcel has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then the quarterly and annual financial information required by the preceding paragraph will include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the financial condition and results of operations of Hexcel and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of Hexcel.

        All such reports will be prepared in all material respects in accordance with all of the rules and regulations applicable to such reports. Each annual report on Form 10-K will include a report on Hexcel's consolidated financial statements by Hexcel's certified independent accountants. In addition, following the consummation of the exchange offer contemplated by the registration rights agreement, Hexcel will file a copy of each of the reports referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above with the Commission for public availability within the time periods specified in the rules and regulations applicable to such reports (unless the Commission will not accept such a filing) and make such information available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon request.

        If, at any time after consummation of the exchange offer contemplated by the registration rights agreement, Hexcel is no longer subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for any reason, Hexcel will nevertheless continue filing the reports specified in the preceding paragraph

62



with the Commission within the time periods specified above unless the Commission will not accept such a filing. Hexcel agrees that it will not take any action for the purpose of causing the Commission not to accept any such filings. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission will not accept Hexcel's filings for any reason, Hexcel will post the reports referred to in the preceding paragraph on its website within the time periods that would apply if Hexcel were required to file those reports with the Commission.

        In addition, Hexcel and the Guarantors agree that, for so long as any notes remain outstanding, at any time they are not required to file the reports required by the preceding paragraphs with the Commission, they will furnish to the holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

Collateral and Security

    Security Documents

        The payment of the principal of and interest and premium and Special Interest, if any, on the notes when due, whether on an interest payment date, at maturity, by acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise and whether by Hexcel pursuant to the notes or by any Guarantor pursuant to the Subsidiary Guarantees, the payment of all other Note Obligations and the performance of all other obligations of Hexcel and its Subsidiaries under the Note Documents are secured as provided in the Security Documents and will be secured by all Security Documents delivered as required or permitted by the indenture. Such security interests will also secure any Parity Lien Obligations.

    Further Assurances

        Hexcel will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all acts and things which may be required, or which the Joint Collateral Agent from time to time may reasonably request, to assure and confirm that the Joint Collateral Agent holds, for the benefit of the holders of Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations, duly created, enforceable and perfected Liens upon the Collateral as contemplated by the indenture and the Security Documents, so as to render the same available for the security and benefit of the indenture and of the notes, Subsidiary Guarantees and all other Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations, according to the intent and purposes herein expressed.

        Upon request of the Joint Collateral Agent at any time and from time to time, Hexcel will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, promptly execute, acknowledge and deliver such Security Documents, instruments, certificates, notices and other documents and take such other actions as the Joint Collateral Agent may reasonably request to create, perfect, protect, assure or enforce the Liens and benefits intended to be conferred as contemplated by the indenture for the benefit of the holders of Note Obligations and the holders of Parity Lien Obligations. If Hexcel or such Subsidiary fails to do so, the Joint Collateral Agent is hereby irrevocably authorized and empowered, with full power of substitution, to execute, acknowledge and deliver such Security Documents, instruments, certificates, notices and other documents and, subject to the indenture, take such other actions in the name, place and stead of Hexcel or such Subsidiary, but the Joint Collateral Agent will have no obligation to do so and no liability for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in connection therewith.

        Hexcel will comply with the provisions of TIA §314(b).

        To the extent applicable, Hexcel will cause TIA §313(b), relating to reports, and TIA §314(d), relating to the release of property or securities or relating to the substitution therefore of any property or securities to be subjected to the Lien of the Security Documents, to be complied with. Any certificate or opinion required by TIA §314(d) may be made by an officer of Hexcel except in cases

63



where TIA §314(d) requires that such certificate or opinion be made by an independent Person, which Person will be an independent engineer, appraiser or other expert selected or reasonably satisfactory to the trustee.

        To the extent applicable, Hexcel will furnish to the trustee, prior to each proposed release of Collateral pursuant to the Security Documents:

(1)
all documents required by TIA §314(d); and

(2)
an opinion of counsel to the effect that such accompanying documents constitute all documents required by TIA §314(d).

        If any Collateral is released in accordance with the indenture or any Security Document at a time when the trustee is not itself also the Joint Collateral Agent and if Hexcel has delivered the certificates and documents required by the Security Documents and this covenant, the trustee will determine whether it has received all documentation required by TIA §314(d) in connection with such release and, based on such determination and the opinion of counsel delivered pursuant to the indenture, will deliver a certificate to the Joint Collateral Agent setting forth such determination.

    Joint Collateral Agent

        Hexcel will appoint a bank or trust company to serve as Joint Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the notes and the other Parity Lien Obligations from time to time. The Joint Collateral Agent may, but need not be, the same institution serving at any time as trustee under the indenture.

        The Joint Collateral Agent will be subject to such directions as may be given it by the trustee from time to time as required or permitted by the indenture and by any trustee or other representative of any holder of any Parity Lien Obligations. The relative rights with respect to control of the Joint Collateral Agent will be specified in any Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking. Except as directed by the trustee as required or permitted by the indenture or any Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking, the Joint Collateral Agent will not be obligated:

(1)
to act upon directions purported to be delivered to it by any other Person;

(2)
to foreclose upon or otherwise enforce any Note Lien; or

(3)
to take any other action whatsoever with regard to any or all of the Note Liens, Security Documents or Collateral.

    Release of Note Liens

        The Note Liens will be released with respect to the notes:

(1)
in whole, upon payment in full of the principal of, accrued and unpaid interest and premium and Special Interest, if any, on the notes and payment in full of all other Note Obligations that are due and payable at or prior to the time such principal, accrued and unpaid interest and premium and Special Interest, if any, are paid;

(2)
in whole, upon satisfaction and discharge of the indenture;

(3)
in whole, upon a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance as set forth under the caption "—Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance;"

(4)
in part, as to any property constituting Collateral that (a) is sold or otherwise disposed of by Hexcel or one of its Subsidiaries in a transaction permitted by the indenture, at the time of such sale or disposition, to the extent of the interest sold or disposed of, or (b) is owned or at any time acquired by a Subsidiary that has been released from its Subsidiary Guarantee, concurrently with the release of such Subsidiary Guarantee;

64


(5)
if such Collateral constitutes all or substantially all of the Collateral, with the consent of at least 662/3% in principal amount of the notes (including, without limitation, additional notes, if any) then outstanding notes as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, notes); or

(6)
if such Collateral constitutes less than all or substantially all of the Collateral, with the consent of at least a majority in principal amount of the notes (including, without limitation, additional notes, if any) then outstanding voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the notes), provided, however, that in the case of paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 above any such release will be conditioned upon the holders of any Parity Lien Obligations also releasing their security interest in such property.

Collateral Sharing With Parity Liens

(1)
Prior to incurring any Parity Lien Debt, Hexcel will deliver to the trustee and the Joint Collateral Agent an officer's certificate stating that:

(a)
Hexcel intends to incur, on a date stated therein, Indebtedness that will constitute Parity Lien Debt;

(b)
no Default or Event of Default exists on the date of such officers' certificate or will exist after giving effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness;

(c)
Hexcel has appointed the Joint Collateral Agent to hold the security interest on behalf of such Parity Lien Debt in accordance with the Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking and has taken all steps necessary to make such Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking applicable to the Parity Lien Debt;

(d)
Hexcel will, on the date of such incurrence, execute and deliver such additional Security Documents and take all such action as may be necessary to grant or confirm the grant of Collateral to the Joint Collateral Agent as security for all present and future Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations, and shall take such action to perfect such security interest such that after giving effect thereto the Joint Collateral Agent will hold as security for all present and future Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations, a valid and perfected security interest upon all or substantially all of the Collateral that, immediately prior to giving effect thereto, was subject to the Note Liens;

(e)
the Liens securing such proposed Parity Lien Debt will not be subject or subordinate to any Lien securing Indebtedness other than Liens permitted by clause (9) of the definition of "Permitted Liens;" and

(f)
Hexcel and its Subsidiaries will, on such date, enter into all amendments to the Security Documents then in effect that are necessary to add Parity Lien Obligations to the obligations secured thereby, pursuant to amendments delivered to the Joint Collateral Agent therewith, to be executed on such date by the Joint Collateral Agent and Hexcel or the Subsidiary party to such Security Documents;

(2)
The holders of any Parity Lien Obligations, or a representative on their behalf, shall execute and deliver a contractual undertaking in substantially the form attached to the indenture or the Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking whereby such persons agree to be bound by the lien sharing provisions of the indenture;

65


(3)
Hexcel will deliver to the trustee and Joint Collateral Agent, as the case may be, opinions of counsel confirming on customary terms:

(a)
the validity and enforceability of the Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking and all additional and amended Security Documents delivered to the Joint Collateral Agent;

(b)
the validity, enforceability and perfection of the Liens granted by such Security Documents;

(c)
that the Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations (i) are secured by equal and ratable security interests in the Collateral and (ii) that the holders of any such Parity Lien Obligations or their representative have duly executed and delivered a contractual undertaking in substantially the form attached as an exhibit to the Collateral Agency Agreement whereby such persons agree to be bound by the lien sharing provisions of the indenture and the Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking and that such contractual undertaking is legally binding and enforceable on such holders of Parity Lien Debt; and

(d)
the continued perfection of the Note Liens, without loss of priority as against any Lien other than Parity Liens, upon giving effect to the inclusion of such Parity Lien Obligation by the Joint Collateral Agent and any such amendment of the Security Documents,

then, subject to the terms of the Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking, the trustee will direct the Joint Collateral Agent to execute and deliver such amendment to the Security Documents, if any, as may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing and the Joint Collateral Agent will countersign the Joinder Agreement thereby confirming that it will hold the Note Liens and all such Security Documents and the Liens granted thereby for the benefit of the holders of the Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations on the terms of such Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking.

    Equal and Ratable Lien Sharing by Holders of Notes and Holders of Parity Lien Debt

        Notwithstanding (i) anything to the contrary contained in the Note Documents or any indenture, agreement or instrument governing, evidencing or relating to any Parity Lien Obligations, (ii) the time, order or method of attachment of the Note Liens or the Parity Liens, (iii) the time or order of filing or recording of financing statements or other documents filed or recorded to perfect any Lien upon any Collateral, (iv) the time of taking possession or control over any Collateral or (v) the rules for determining priority under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other law governing relative priorities of secured creditors:

(1)
the Note Liens will rank Equally and Ratably with all valid, enforceable and perfected Parity Liens, whenever granted upon any present or future Collateral, but only to the extent such Parity Liens secure Parity Lien Obligations; and

(2)
all proceeds of the Note Liens and Parity Liens shall be allocated and distributed Equally and Ratably on account of the Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations.

    Amendment

        No amendment or supplement to the provisions of the indenture governing the sharing of Collateral with Parity Liens will:

(1)
be effective unless set forth in a writing signed by the trustee with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the notes (including, without limitation, additional notes) then outstanding voting as a single class, except that any such amendment which increases the obligations or adversely affects the rights of the holders of notes will be effective only with the consent of the holders of at least 662/3% in principal amount of the notes (including, without limitation, additional notes) then outstanding, voting as a single class; or

66


(2)
be effective without the written consent of Hexcel and, if any Parity Lien Debt is then outstanding, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all Parity Lien Debt then outstanding voting as a single class, except that any such amendment which increases the obligations or adversely affects the rights of the holders of Parity Lien Debt will be effective only with the consent of the holders of at least 662/3% in principal amount of all Parity Lien Debt then outstanding, voting as a single class.

Any such amendment or supplement that imposes any obligation upon the Collateral Agent or adversely affects the rights of the Joint Collateral Agent in its individual capacity will become effective only with the consent of the Joint Collateral Agent.

Intercreditor Provisions Relating to Working Capital Facility Liens

    Equal and Ratable Sharing of Liens on Foreign Subsidiary Collateral

        Notwithstanding (i) anything to the contrary contained in the Note Documents, any indenture, agreement or instrument governing, evidencing or relating to any Parity Lien Obligations or any Obligations in respect of any Qualified Credit Facility, (ii) the time, order or method of attachment of Liens securing any Obligations under any Qualified Credit Facility or any Note Liens or Parity Liens, (iii) the time or order of filing or recording of financing statements or other documents filed or recorded to perfect any Lien upon any Foreign Subsidiary Collateral or proceeds thereof, (iv) the time of taking possession or control over any Foreign Subsidiary Collateral or proceeds thereof or (v) the rules for determining priority under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other law governing relative priorities of secured creditors, and regardless of whether Liens upon Foreign Subsidiary Collateral or proceeds thereof are enforced by the Credit Facility Agent or the Joint Collateral Agent or any agent on their behalf:

(1)
to the extent (and only to the extent) attaching to Foreign Subsidiary Collateral and proceeds thereof, all valid, enforceable and perfected Note Liens, all valid, enforceable and perfected Parity Liens and all valid, enforceable and perfected Liens securing Obligations under a Qualified Credit Facility, in each case whenever granted, will rank Equally and Ratably; and

(2)
to the extent (and only extent attributable to Foreign Subsidiary Collateral or the proceeds thereof), the proceeds of all such valid, enforceable and perfected Note Liens, Parity Liens and Liens securing Obligations under a Qualified Credit Facility upon (and only upon) Foreign Subsidiary Collateral and proceeds thereof shall be allocated and distributed Equally and Ratably on account of the Note Obligations, Parity Lien Obligations and Obligations under a Qualified Credit Facility.

        The provisions set forth in clause (1) of the immediately preceding paragraph shall not apply to:

(1)
any Lien upon any property other than Foreign Subsidiary Collateral and proceeds thereof; or

(2)
any payment or distribution to which any Person may become entitled as a creditor of the owner of any Foreign Subsidiary Collateral other than as a result of the enforcement of a Lien upon, or the allowance of a secured claim to the extent predicated solely on a Lien upon, such Foreign Subsidiary Collateral.

67


    Disclaimer of Consensual Liens

        The Joint Collateral Agent will not claim or enforce any consensual lien upon any Credit Facility Collateral.

        The Credit Facility Agent will not claim or enforce any consensual lien upon any Collateral or Excluded Asset other than (a) Credit Facility Collateral and (b) Foreign Subsidiary Collateral and proceeds thereof.

        The holders of Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations shall be entitled to receive and retain, free from any Lien securing Credit Facility Obligations, all payments made in cash by Hexcel or any other Obligor and all amounts received with respect to Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations through the exercise of a set-off or other similar right, even if such cash constitutes proceeds of property subject to a Lien securing Credit Facility Obligations.

        The holders of Credit Facility Obligations shall be entitled to receive and retain, free from any Note Lien or Parity Lien thereon, all payments made in cash by Hexcel or any other Obligor and all amounts received with respect to Credit Facility Obligations through the exercise of a set-off or other similar right, even if such cash constitutes proceeds of property subject to a Note Lien or Parity Lien.

        If any cash proceeds of Credit Facility Collateral or Foreign Subsidiary Collateral are converted into, or invested in property subject to Note Liens or Parity Liens at any time when the Joint Collateral Agent has not received written notice from the Credit Facility Agent or any holder of Indebtedness outstanding under a Qualified Credit Facility stating that such Indebtedness has become due and payable in full (whether at maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise), then all Liens upon such cash proceeds securing Credit Facility Obligations shall be released and discharged concurrently with such conversion or investment.

        If any cash proceeds of Collateral are converted into or invested in property subject to Liens securing Credit Facility Obligations at any time when the Credit Facility Agent has not received written notice from the Joint Collateral Agent or any holder of notes or Parity Lien Debt stating that the notes or Parity Lien Debt has become due and payable in full (whether at maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise), then all Note Liens and Parity Liens upon such cash proceeds shall be released and discharged concurrently with such conversion or investment.

        The provisions of this section do not apply to, restrict or affect any judicial lien, including any attachment or judgment lien.

    Consent to License to Use Intellectual Property; Access to Information; Access to Real Property to Process and Sell Inventory

        If so requested at any time by the Credit Facility Agent, the Joint Collateral Agent shall deliver its written consent (given without any representation, warranty or obligation whatsoever) to any grant by any Obligor to the Credit Facility Agent of a non-exclusive royalty-free license to use any patent, trademark or proprietary information of such Obligor that is subject to a consensual Lien held by the Joint Collateral Agent, in connection with the enforcement of any consensual Lien held by the Credit Facility Agent upon any inventory of Hexcel or any Subsidiary and to the extent the use of such patent, trademark or proprietary information is necessary or appropriate, in the good faith opinion of the Credit Facility Agent, to manufacture, produce, complete, remove or sell any such inventory in any lawful manner. Any consent so delivered by the Joint Collateral Agent shall be binding on its successors and assigns, including a purchaser of the patent, trademark or proprietary information subject to such license at a foreclosure sale conducted in foreclosure of any Note Lien or Parity Lien thereon.

68


        If the Joint Collateral Agent or a purchaser at a foreclosure sale conducted in foreclosure of any Note Lien or Parity Lien takes actual possession of any documentation of Hexcel or a Subsidiary (whether such documentation is in the form of a writing or is stored in any data equipment or data record in the physical possession of the Joint Collateral Agent or the foreclosure purchaser), then upon request of the Credit Facility Agent and reasonable advance notice, the Joint Collateral Agent or such foreclosure purchaser will permit the Credit Facility Agent or its representative to inspect and copy such documentation if and to the extent the Credit Facility Agent certifies to the Joint Collateral Agent that:

(1)
such documentation contains or may contain information necessary or appropriate, in the good faith opinion of the Credit Facility Agent, to the enforcement of the Credit Facility Agent's liens upon any Credit Facility Collateral or Foreign Subsidiary Collateral; and

(2)
the Credit Facility Agent and the lenders under the Credit Facility are entitled to receive and use such information as against Hexcel and the Subsidiaries and their suppliers, customers and contractors and under applicable law and, in doing so, will comply with all obligations imposed by law or contract in respect of the disclosure or use of such information.

        If, upon enforcement of any Note Lien or Parity Lien held by the Joint Collateral Agent, the Joint Collateral Agent or a purchaser at a foreclosure sale conducted in foreclosure of any Note Lien or Parity Lien takes actual possession of any real property, equipment or fixtures of any Obligor, then, if so requested by the Credit Facility Agent and upon reasonable advance notice, the Joint Collateral Agent or such foreclosure purchaser will allow the Credit Facility Agent and its officers, employees and agents (but not any of its transferees) reasonable and non-exclusive access to and use of such real property, equipment and fixtures, for a period not exceeding 180 consecutive calendar days (the "Processing and Sale Period"), as necessary or reasonably appropriate to manufacture, produce, complete, remove or sell, in any lawful manner, any inventory upon which the Credit Facility Agent holds a Lien, subject to the following conditions and limitations:

(1)
the Processing and Sale Period shall commence on the date the Joint Collateral Agent or, if the Joint Collateral Agent has not take possession, the foreclosure purchaser takes possession of such real property and shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the day which is 180 days thereafter and (ii) the day on which all inventory (other than inventory abandoned by the Credit Facility Agent) has been removed from such real property; and

(2)
each of the Joint Collateral Agent and foreclosure purchaser shall be entitled, as a condition of permitting such access and use, to demand and receive assurances reasonably satisfactory to it that the access or use requested and all activities incidental thereto:

(a)
will be permitted, lawful and enforceable as against Hexcel and the Subsidiaries and their suppliers, customers and contractors and under applicable law and will be conducted in accordance with prudent manufacturing practices; and

(b)
will be adequately insured for damage to property and liability to persons, including property and liability insurance for the benefit of the Joint Collateral Agent and the holders of Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations, at no cost to the Joint Collateral Agent or such holders.

        The Joint Collateral Agent and such purchaser (i) shall provide reasonable cooperation, reasonable support and reasonable assistance to the Credit Facility Agent in connection with the manufacture, production, completion, removal and sale of any Credit Facility Collateral by the Credit Facility Agent as provided above and (ii) shall be entitled to receive, from the Credit Facility Agent, fair compensation and reimbursement for their reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with such cooperation, support and assistance to the Credit Facility Agent. The Joint Collateral Agent and such purchaser (or its transferee or successor) shall not otherwise be required to manufacture, produce,

69


complete, remove, insure, protect, store, safeguard, sell or deliver any inventory subject to any Lien held by the Credit Facility Agent or to provide any support, assistance or cooperation to the Credit Facility Agent in respect thereof.

    Amendment; Waiver

        No amendment or supplement to the provisions set forth above under the caption "—Intercreditor Provisions Relating to Working Capital Facility Liens" will:

(1)
be effective unless set forth in a writing signed by the trustee with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the notes (including, without limitation, additional notes) then outstanding voting as a single class, except that any such amendment which increases the obligations or adversely affects the rights of the holders of notes will be effective only with the consent of the holders of at least 66 2¤3% in principal amount of the notes (including, without limitation, additional notes) then outstanding, voting as a single class;

(2)
become effective at any time when any Credit Facility Obligations are outstanding or committed under any Qualified Credit Facility unless such amendment or supplement is consented to in a writing signed by the Credit Facility Agent acting upon the direction or with the consent of the Majority Lenders; or

(3)
be effective at any time when any Parity Lien Debt is outstanding unless such amendment or supplement is consented to in a writing signed by the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all Parity Lien Debt then outstanding voting as a single class, except that any such amendment which increases the obligations or adversely affects the rights of the holders of Parity Lien Debt will be effective only with the consent of the holders of at least 66 2¤3% in principal amount of all Parity Lien Debt then outstanding, voting as a single class.

        Any such amendment or supplement that:

(1)
imposes any obligation upon Hexcel, imposes any additional obligation upon Hexcel or adversely affects the rights or benefits of Hexcel described under "—Collateral Sharing with Parity Liens" will become effective only with the consent of Hexcel; or

(2)
imposes any obligation upon the Joint Collateral Agent or adversely affects the rights of the Joint Collateral Agent in its individual capacity will become effective only with the consent of the Joint Collateral Agent.

    Enforcement

        The rights and obligations set forth in or arising under the indenture and described under the caption "—Intercreditor Provisions Relating to Working Capital Facility Liens" are enforceable only by the Joint Collateral Agent and Credit Facility Agent under a Qualified Credit Facility against each other (and their respective successors, including, but only to the extent expressly provided herein, a purchaser at a foreclosure sale conducted in foreclosure of Note Liens or Parity Liens) and against the Obligors. No other Person (including holders of Note Obligations, Parity Lien Obligations or Credit Facility Obligations) shall be entitled to enforce any such right or shall be obligated to perform any such obligation; however, such provisions will be binding on the holders of Note Obligations, Parity Lien Obligations and Credit Facility Obligations.

70


    Relative Rights

        The provisions set forth under the caption "—Intercreditor Provisions Relating to Working Capital Facility Liens" set forth certain relative rights, as lienholders, of the Collateral Agent and the Credit Facility Agent. Nothing in the indenture will:

(1)
impair, as between Hexcel and holders of notes, the obligation of Hexcel, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal of, premium and interest and Special Interest, if any, on the notes in accordance with their terms or to perform any other obligation of Hexcel or any other Obligor under the Note Documents;

(2)
affect the relative rights of holders of notes and holders of Parity Lien Obligations or Credit Facility Obligations and other creditors of Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries;

(3)
restrict the right of any holder of notes or any holder of Parity Lien Obligations or Credit Facility Obligations to sue for payments that are then due and owing;

(4)
prevent the trustee, the Joint Collateral Agent or the Credit Facility Agent or any holder of notes or holder of Parity Lien Obligations or Credit Facility Obligations from exercising against Hexcel or any other Obligor any of its other available remedies upon a default or event of default; or

(5)
restrict the right of the trustee, the Joint Collateral Agent or the Credit Facility Agent or any holder of notes or holder of Parity Lien Obligations or Credit Facility Obligations to file and prosecute a petition seeking an order for relief in an involuntary bankruptcy case as to any Obligor or otherwise to commence, or seek relief commencing, any insolvency or liquidation proceeding involuntarily against any Obligor or to assert or enforce any claim, Lien, right or remedy in any voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy case or insolvency or liquidation proceeding.

Events of Default and Remedies

        Each of the following is an Event of Default:

(1)
default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Special Interest with respect to, the notes;

(2)
default in payment when due of the principal of, or premium, if any, on the notes;

(3)
failure by Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions described under the captions "—Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" or "—Certain Covenants—Advances to Restricted Subsidiaries;"

(4)
the failure by Hexcel to comply for 30 days after notice with any of its obligations in the covenants described above under the caption "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control," other than a failure to purchase notes, or under the captions "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales," other than a failure to purchase notes, "—Certain Covenants—Restricted Payments," "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness," "—Certain Covenants—Dividend and Other Payment Restricts Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries," "—Certain Covenants—Transactions with Affiliates," "—Certain Covenants—Limitation on the Sale or Issuance of Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries," "—Certain Covenants—Business Activities," "—Certain Covenants—Additional Guarantees and Liens" or "—Certain Covenants—Reports;"

(5)
failure by Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries for 60 days after notice to comply with any of the other agreements in the indenture or the Security Documents;

(6)
Indebtedness of Hexcel or any Significant Subsidiary is not paid within any applicable grace period after final maturity or is accelerated by the holders of the Indebtedness because of a default and the total amount of Indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $10.0 million;

71


(7)
any judgment or decree for the payment of money in excess of $10.0 million is entered against Hexcel or a Significant Subsidiary, remains outstanding for a period of 60 days following the judgment and is not discharged, waived or stayed within 10 days after notice;

(8)
any Security Document or any Lien purported to be granted thereby and having a fair market value in excess of $10.0 million is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid, in whole or in part, or ceases for any reason (other than pursuant to a release that is delivered or becomes effective as set forth in the indenture) to be fully enforceable and perfected;

(9)
Hexcel or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any of them, denies or disaffirms, in writing, any obligation of Hexcel or any Guarantor set forth in or arising under any Security Document;

(10)
except as permitted by the indenture, any Subsidiary Guarantee shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee; and

(11)
certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency described in the indenture with respect to Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries.

        However, a default under clauses (4), (5) or (7) will not constitute an Event of Default until the trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes notify Hexcel of the default and Hexcel does not cure the default within the time specified after receipt of the notice.

        If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest and Special Interest on all the notes to be due and payable. Upon this declaration, the principal, interest and Special Interest, if any, shall be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default relating to events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Hexcel occurs and is continuing, the principal of, interest and Special Interest, if any, on all the notes will become and be immediately due and payable. Under some circumstances, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes may rescind any acceleration with respect to the notes and its consequences.

        Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium, Special Interest, if any, or interest when due, no holder of a note may pursue any remedy with respect to the indenture or the notes unless:

(1)
the holder has previously given the trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing;

(2)
holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes have requested the trustee to pursue the remedy;

(3)
the holders have offered the trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense;

(4)
the trustee has not complied with the request within 60 days; and

(5)
the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes have not given the trustee a direction inconsistent with the request within the 60-day period.

        The indenture provides that if a Default occurs and is continuing and is known to the trustee, the trustee must mail to each holder of the notes notice of the Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal of, interest or Special Interest, on any note, the trustee may withhold notice if a committee of its trust officers in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the holders of the notes. In addition, Hexcel is required to deliver to the trustee, after the end of each fiscal year, a certificate indicating whether the signers of

72



the certificate know of any Default that occurred during the previous year. Hexcel also is required to deliver to the trustee, within 30 days after its occurrence, written notice of any event which would constitute a Default, its status and what action Hexcel is taking or proposes to take in respect to the event.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

        No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of Hexcel or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of Hexcel or the Guarantors under the notes, the indenture, the Subsidiary Guarantees, the Security Documents or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of notes by accepting a note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

        Hexcel may, at its option and at any time, elect to have all of its obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding notes and all obligations of the Guarantors discharged with respect to their Subsidiary Guarantees ("Legal Defeasance") except for:

(1)
the rights of holders of outstanding notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, or interest or premium and Special Interest, if any, on such notes from the trust when such payments are due from the trust referred to below;

(2)
Hexcel's obligations with respect to the notes concerning issuing temporary notes, registration of notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;

(3)
the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the trustee, and Hexcel's and the Guarantor's obligations in connection therewith; and

(4)
the Legal Defeasance provisions of the indenture.

In addition, Hexcel may, at its option and at any time, elect to have the obligations of Hexcel and the Guarantors released with respect to certain covenants that are described in the indenture ("Covenant Defeasance") and thereafter any omission to comply with those covenants will not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to the notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including non-payment, bankruptcy, receivership, rehabilitation and insolvency events) described under "Events of Default and Remedies" will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the notes.

        In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:

(1)
Hexcel must irrevocably deposit with the trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the holders of the notes, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and non-callable Government Securities, in amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, or interest and premium and Special Interest, if any, on the outstanding notes on the Stated Maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and Hexcel must specify whether the notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;

(2)
in the case of Legal Defeasance, Hexcel has delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the trustee confirming that (a) Hexcel has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (b) since the date of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel will confirm that, the holders of the outstanding notes

73


    will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(3)
in the case of Covenant Defeasance, Hexcel has delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the trustee confirming that the holders of the outstanding notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

(4)
no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit);

(5)
such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under any material agreement or instrument (other than the indenture) to which Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

(6)
Hexcel must deliver to the trustee an officers' certificate stating that the deposit was not made by Hexcel with the intent of preferring the holders of notes over the other creditors of Hexcel with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of Hexcel or others; and

(7)
Hexcel must deliver to the trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the trustee, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

        The Collateral will be released in whole as provided above under the caption "—Security" upon a Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance in accordance with the provisions described in this section.

Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

        Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the indenture or the notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, notes), and any existing default or compliance with any provision of the indenture or the notes may be waived with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding notes (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, notes). An amendment or supplement to, or waiver of, the provisions of the indenture described above under the caption "—Intercreditor Provisions Relating to Working Capital Facility Liens" will become effective only as set forth under the caption "—Intercreditor Provisions Relating to Working Capital Facility Liens—Amendment; Waiver."

        Without the consent of each holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not (with respect to any notes held by a non-consenting holder):

(1)
reduce the principal amount of notes whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(2)
reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any note or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the notes (other than provisions relating to the covenants described above under the caption "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders");

(3)
reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any note;

74


(4)
waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, or interest or premium, or Special Interest, if any, on the notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the notes by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

(5)
make any note payable in money other than that stated in the notes;

(6)
make any change in the provisions of the indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of holders of notes to receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium or Special Interest, if any, on the notes;

(7)
waive a redemption payment with respect to any note (other than a payment required by one of the covenants described above under the caption "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders");

(8)
release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee or the indenture, except in accordance with the terms of the indenture; and

(9)
release any Collateral from the obligations created by the Security Documents except as provided in the Security Documents.

        In addition, no amendment or supplement to the provisions of the Security Documents described above under "—Security" will impose any obligation on the trustee or adversely affect the rights of the trustee in its individual capacity without the consent of the trustee.

        Notwithstanding the preceding, without the consent of any holder of notes, Hexcel, the Guarantors and the trustee may amend or supplement the indenture, the Subsidiary Guarantees, the notes or any Security Documents:

(1)
to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

(2)
to provide for uncertificated notes in addition to or in place of certificated notes;

(3)
to provide for the assumption of Hexcel's obligations to holders of notes in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of Hexcel's assets;

(4)
to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the indenture of any such holder;

(5)
to make, complete or confirm any grant of Collateral permitted or required by the indenture or Security Documents or any release of Collateral that becomes effective as set forth in the indenture or Security Documents;

(6)
to conform the text of the indenture, the Subsidiary Guarantees, the Security Documents or the notes to any provision of this description of notes to the extent that such provision in this description of notes was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the indenture, the Subsidiary Guarantees, the Security Documents or the notes;

(7)
to comply with requirements of the Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

(8)
reflect any waiver or termination of any right arising under the provisions of the indenture set forth under "—Collateral Sharing With Parity Liens" that otherwise would be enforceable by any holder of a Parity Lien Obligation or Parity Lien, if such waiver or termination is set forth or provided in the indenture or agreement governing or giving rise to such Parity Lien Obligation or Parity Lien; provided, that no such waiver or amendment pursuant to this clause (8) shall adversely affect the rights of holders of notes; or

75


(9)
to make any amendment or supplement approved in accordance with the description under "—Intercreditor Provisions Relating to Working Capital Facility Liens—Amendment; Waiver".

        The consent of the holders of the notes is not necessary under the indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if the consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment.

        After an amendment under the indenture becomes effective, Hexcel is required to mail to holders of the notes a notice briefly describing the amendment. However, the failure to give notice to all holders of the notes, or any defect in the notice, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.

Satisfaction and Discharge

        The indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all notes issued thereunder, when:

(1)
either:

(a)
all notes that have been authenticated, except lost, stolen or destroyed notes that have been replaced or paid and notes for whose payment money has been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to Hexcel, have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation; or

(b)
all notes that have not been delivered to the trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or otherwise or will become due and payable within one year and Hexcel or any Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and non-callable Government Securities, in amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the notes not delivered to the trustee for cancellation for principal, premium and Special Interest, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

(2)
no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of the deposit or will occur as a result of the deposit and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other instrument to which Hexcel or any Guarantor is a party or by which Hexcel or any Guarantor is bound;

(3)
Hexcel or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under the indenture; and

(4)
Hexcel has delivered irrevocable instructions to the trustee under the indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the notes at maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be.

        In addition, Hexcel must deliver an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.

76


Concerning the Trustee

        If the trustee becomes a creditor of Hexcel or any Guarantor, the indenture limits its right to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue or resign.

        The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee, subject to certain exceptions. The indenture provides that in case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any holder of notes, unless such holder has offered to the trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

Additional Information

        Anyone who receives this prospectus may obtain a copy of the indenture and the Security Documents without charge by writing to Hexcel Corporation, Two Stamford Plaza, 281 Tresser Boulevard, Stamford, Connecticut, 06901, Attention: Investor Relations.

Depository Procedures

        The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by them. Hexcel takes no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urges investors to contact the system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

        DTC has advised Hexcel that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the "Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the Initial Purchasers), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the "Indirect Participants"). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and Indirect Participants.

        DTC has also advised Hexcel that, pursuant to procedures established by it:

(1)
upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the accounts of Participants designated by the Initial Purchasers with portions of the principal amount of the Global Notes; and

(2)
ownership of these interests in the Global Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of these interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the Participants) or by the Participants and the Indirect Participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interest in the Global Notes).

        Investors in the Rule 144A Global Notes who are Participants in DTC's system may hold their interests therein directly through DTC. Investors in the Rule 144A Global Notes who are not

77


Participants may hold their interests therein indirectly through organizations (including Euroclear and Clearstream) which are Participants in such system. Investors in the Regulation S Global Notes must initially hold their interests therein through Euroclear or Clearstream, if they are participants in such systems, or indirectly through organizations that are participants in such systems. After the expiration of the Restricted Period (but not earlier), investors may also hold interests in the Regulation S Global Notes through Participants in the DTC system other than Euroclear and Clearstream. Euroclear and Clearstream will hold interests in the Regulation S Global Notes on behalf of their participants through customers' securities accounts in their respective names on the books of their respective depositories, which are Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of Euroclear, and Citibank, N.A., as operator of Clearstream. All interests in a Global Note, including those held through Euroclear or Clearstream, may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. Those interests held through Euroclear or Clearstream may also be subject to the procedures and requirements of such systems. The laws of some states require that certain Persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Note to such Persons will be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of Participants, which in turn act on behalf of Indirect Participants, the ability of a Person having beneficial interests in a Global Note to pledge such interests to Persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.

        Except as described below, owners of interest in the Global Notes will not have notes registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of notes in certificated form and will not be considered the registered owners or "holders" thereof under the indenture for any purpose.

        Payments in respect of the principal of, and interest and premium and Special Interest, if any, on a Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to DTC in its capacity as the registered holder under the indenture. Under the terms of the indenture, Hexcel and the trustee will treat the Persons in whose names the notes, including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners of the notes for the purpose of receiving payments and for all other purposes. Consequently, neither Hexcel, the trustee nor any agent of Hexcel or the trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for:

(1)
any aspect of DTC's records or any Participant's or Indirect Participant's records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interest in the Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTC's records or any Participant's or Indirect Participant's records relating to the beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes; or

(2)
any other matter relating to the actions and practices of DTC or any of its Participants or Indirect Participants.

        DTC has advised Hexcel that its current practice, upon receipt of any payment in respect of securities such as the notes (including principal and interest), is to credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with the payment on the payment date unless DTC has reason to believe it will not receive payment on such payment date. Each relevant Participant is credited with an amount proportionate to its beneficial ownership of an interest in the principal amount of the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of the Participants or the Indirect Participants and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the trustee or Hexcel. Neither Hexcel nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of its Participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the notes, and Hexcel and the trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.

        Subject to the transfer restrictions set forth under "Notice to Investors," transfers between Participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with DTC's procedures, and will be settled in

78



same-day funds, and transfers between participants in Euroclear and Clearstream will be effected in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.

        Subject to compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the notes described herein, cross-market transfers between the Participants in DTC, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream participants, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC's rules on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by its respective depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the relevant Global Note in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear or Clearstream.

        DTC has advised Hexcel that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes only at the direction of one or more Participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests in the Global Notes and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the notes as to which such Participant or Participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an Event of Default under the notes, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Notes for legended notes in certificated form, and to distribute such notes to its Participants.

        Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the Rule 144A Global Notes and the Regulation S Global Notes among participants in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, they are under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and may discontinue such procedures at any time. Neither Hexcel nor the trustee nor any of their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes

        A Global Note is exchangeable for definitive notes in registered certificated form ("Certificated Notes") if:

(1)
DTC (a) notifies Hexcel that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Notes or (b) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, Hexcel fails to appoint a successor depositary;

(2)
Hexcel, at its option, notifies the trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Certificated Notes; or

(3)
there has occurred and is continuing a Default or Event of Default with respect to the notes.

        In addition, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be exchanged for Certificated Notes upon prior written notice given to the trustee by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with the indenture. In all cases, Certificated Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests in Global Notes will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures) and will bear the applicable restrictive legend referred to in "Notice to Investors," unless that legend is not required by applicable law.

79



Exchange of Certificated Notes for Global Notes

        Certificated Notes may not be exchanged for beneficial interests in any Global Note unless the transferor first delivers to the trustee a written certificate (in the form provided in the indenture) to the effect that such transfer will comply with the appropriate transfer restrictions applicable to such notes. See "Notice to Investors."

Exchanges Between Regulation S Notes and Rule 144A Notes

        Prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Note may be exchanged for beneficial interests in the Rule 144A Global Note only if:

(1)
such exchange occurs in connection with a transfer of the notes pursuant to Rule 144A; and

(2)
the transferor first delivers to the trustee a written certificate (in the form provided in the indenture) to the effect that the notes are being transferred to a Person:

(a)
who the transferor reasonably believes to be a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule 144A;

(b)
purchasing for its own account or the account of a qualified institutional buyer in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A; and

(c)
in accordance with all applicable securities laws of the states of the United States and other jurisdictions.

        Beneficial interest in a Rule 144A Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in the Regulation S Global Note, whether before or after the expiration of the Restricted Period, only if the transferor first delivers to the trustee a written certificate (in the form provided in the indenture) to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with Rule 903 or 904 of Regulation S or Rule 144 (if available) and that, if such transfer occurs prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the interest transferred will be held immediately thereafter through Euroclear or Clearstream.

        Transfers involving exchanges of beneficial interests between the Regulation S Global Notes and the Rule 144A Global Notes will be effected in DTC by means of an instruction originated by the trustee through the DTC Deposit/Withdraw at Custodian system. Accordingly, in connection with any such transfer, appropriate adjustments will be made to reflect a decrease in the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note and a corresponding increase in the principal amount of the Rule 144A Global Note or vice versa, as applicable. Any beneficial interest in one of the Global Notes that is transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in the other Global Note will, upon transfer, cease to be an interest in such Global Note and will become an interest in the other Global Note and, accordingly, will thereafter be subject to all transfer restrictions and other procedures applicable to beneficial interest in such other Global Note for so long as it remains such an interest. The policies and practices of DTC may prohibit transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Note prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period.

80


Same Day Settlement and Payment

        Hexcel will make payments in respect of the notes represented by the Global Notes (including principal, premium, if any, interest and Special Interest, if any) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Global Note holder. Hexcel will make all payments of principal, interest and premium and Special Interest, if any, with respect to Certificated Notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders of the Certificated Notes or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to each such holder's registered address. The notes represented by the Global Notes are expected to be eligible to trade in the PORTAL market and to trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in such notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds. Hexcel expects that secondary trading in any Certificated Notes will also be settled in immediately available funds.

        Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant purchasing an interest in a Global Note from a Participant in DTC will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant, during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and Clearstream) immediately following the settlement date of DTC. DTC has advised Hexcel that cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a Global Note by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a Participant in DTC will be received with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTC's settlement date.

Registration Rights; Special Interest

        As part of the sale of the original notes to Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Fleet Securities, Inc. pursuant to the purchase agreement, dated March 7, 2003, among Hexcel, the Guarantors and the initial purchasers, the holders of the original notes became entitled to the benefits of the registration rights agreement, dated March 19, 2003 by and among Hexcel, the Guarantors and the initial purchasers. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, Hexcel and the Guarantors agreed to file with the Commission the Exchange Offer Registration Statement on the appropriate form under the Securities Act with respect to the Exchange Notes. Upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, Hexcel and the Guarantors will offer to the holders of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer who are able to make certain representations the opportunity to exchange their Transfer Restricted Securities for Exchange Notes.

        The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the registration rights agreement. It does not restate that agreement in its entirety. We urge you to read the proposed form of registration rights agreement in its entirety because it, and not this description, defines the registration rights of the holders of the original notes. See "—Additional Information."

        If:

(1)
Hexcel and the Guarantors are not

(a)
required to file the Exchange Offer Registration Statement; or

(b)
permitted to consummate the Exchange Offer because the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law or Commission policy; or

(2)
any holder of Transfer Restricted Securities notifies Hexcel prior to the 20th day following consummation of the Exchange Offer that:

(a)
it is prohibited by law or Commission policy from participating in the Exchange Offer; or

81


    (b)
    that it may not resell the Exchange Notes acquired by it in the Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a prospectus and the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales; or

    (c)
    that it is a broker-dealer and owns notes acquired directly from Hexcel or an Affiliate of Hexcel,

Hexcel and the Guarantors will file with the Commission a Shelf Registration Statement to cover resales of the notes by the holders of the notes who satisfy certain conditions relating to the provision of information in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement.

        Hexcel and the Guarantors will use their best efforts to cause the applicable registration statement to be declared effective as promptly as possible by the Commission.

        For purposes of the preceding, "Transfer Restricted Securities" means each note until:

(1)
the date on which such note has been exchanged by a Person other than a broker-dealer for an Exchange Note in the Exchange Offer;

(2)
following the exchange by a broker-dealer in the Exchange Offer of a note for an Exchange Note, the date on which such Exchange Note is sold to a purchaser who receives from such broker-dealer on or prior to the date of such sale a copy of the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement;

(3)
the date on which such note has been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with the Shelf Registration Statement; or

(4)
the date on which such note is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

        The registration rights agreement will provide that:

(1)
Hexcel and the Guarantors will file an Exchange Offer Registration Statement with the Commission on or prior to 120 days after the closing of this offering;

(2)
Hexcel and the Guarantors will use their best efforts to have the Exchange Offer Registration Statement declared effective by the Commission on or prior to 210 days after the closing of this offering;

(3)
unless the Exchange Offer would not be permitted by applicable law or Commission policy, Hexcel and the Guarantors will

(a)
commence the Exchange Offer; and

(b)
use their best efforts to issue on or prior to 60 business days, or longer, if required by the federal securities laws, after the date on which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement was declared effective by the Commission, Exchange Notes in exchange for all notes tendered prior thereto in the Exchange Offer; and

(4)
if obligated to file the Shelf Registration Statement, Hexcel and the Guarantors will use their best efforts to file the Shelf Registration Statement with the Commission on or prior to 90 days after such filing obligation arises and to cause the Shelf Registration to be declared effective by the Commission on or prior to 180 days after such obligation arises.

        If:

(1)
Hexcel and the Guarantors fail to file any of the registration statements required by the registration rights agreement on or before the date specified for such filing;

82


(2)
any of such registration statements is not declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the date specified for such effectiveness (the "Effectiveness Target Date");

(3)
Hexcel and the Guarantors fail to consummate the Exchange Offer within 30 business days of the Effectiveness Target Date with respect to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement; or

(4)
the Shelf Registration Statement or the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective but thereafter ceases to be effective or usable in connection with resales of Transfer Restricted Securities during the periods specified in the registration rights agreement (each such event referred to in clauses (1) through (4) above, a "Registration Default"),

then Hexcel and the Guarantors will pay Special Interest to each holder of notes, with respect to the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of the first Registration Default in an amount equal to $.05 per week per $1,000 principal amount of notes (as may be adjusted pursuant to the paragraph below) held by such holder.

        The amount of the Special Interest will increase by an additional $.05 per week per $1,000 principal amount of notes with respect to each subsequent 90-day period until all Registration Defaults have been cured, up to a maximum amount of Special Interest for all Registration Defaults of $.20 per week per $1,000 principal amount of notes.

        All accrued Special Interest will be paid by Hexcel and the Guarantors on each Interest Payment Date to the Global Note holder by wire transfer of immediately available funds or by federal funds check and to holders of Certificated Notes by wire transfer to the accounts specified by them or by mailing checks to their registered addresses if no such accounts have been specified.

        On the date immediately prior to the date of the cure of all Registration Defaults, the accrual of Special Interest will cease.

        Holders of notes will be required to make certain representations to Hexcel (as described in the registration rights agreement) in order to participate in the Exchange Offer and will be required to deliver certain information to be used in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement and to provide comments on the Shelf Registration Statement within the time periods set forth in the registration rights agreement in order to have their notes included in the Shelf Registration Statement and benefit from the provisions regarding Special Interest set forth above. By acquiring Transfer Restricted Securities, a holder will be deemed to have agreed to indemnify Hexcel and the Guarantors against certain losses arising out of information furnished by such holder in writing for inclusion in any Shelf Registration Statement. Holders of notes will also be required to suspend their use of the prospectus included in the Shelf Registration Statement under certain circumstances upon receipt of written notice to that effect from Hexcel.

Certain Definitions

        Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the indenture. Reference is made to the indenture for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.

        "Affiliate" means:

(1)
any other person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified person; or

(2)
any other person who is a director or officer (A) of such specified person, (B) of any Subsidiary of such specified person or (C) of any person described in clause (1).

        For the purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, whether through the

83



ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing. For purposes of the covenants described under the captions "—Repurchase at the Option of the Holders—Asset Sales" and "—Certain Covenants—Affiliate Transactions "only, "affiliate" shall also mean any beneficial owner of capital stock representing 10% or more of the total voting power of the voting stock (on a fully diluted basis) of Hexcel or of rights or warrants to purchase such capital stock (whether or not currently exercisable) and any person who would be an affiliate of any such beneficial owner pursuant to the first sentence hereof.

        "Asset Sale" means any direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (or series of related sales, leases, transfers, conveyances or dispositions) of shares of Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors' qualifying shares), property or other assets (each referred to for the purposes of this definition as a "disposition") by Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary (including any disposition by means of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction) involving an amount in excess of $3.0 million other than:

(1)
a disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary to Hexcel, by Hexcel or a Restricted Subsidiary to a Restricted Subsidiary or between Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2)
a disposition of property or assets at fair market value in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices of Hexcel or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as applicable (including sales of products to customers, disposition of excess inventory and dispositions of used or replaced equipment);

(3)
the disposition or grant of licenses to third parties in respect of intellectual property;

(4)
a sale or disposition of assets for the purpose of forming any Joint Venture, in exchange for an interest in such Joint Venture;

(5)
the sale or other disposition of Equity Interests held by Hexcel on the date of the indenture in Asahi-Schwebel Co., Ltd.;

(6)
the sale of Specified Properties;

(7)
a disposition by Hexcel or any Subsidiary of assets within 24 months after such assets were directly or indirectly acquired as part of an acquisition of other properties or assets (including Capital Stock) (the "Primary Acquisition"), if the assets being disposed of are "non-core" assets (as determined in good faith by a majority of the Board of Directors) or are required to be disposed of pursuant to any law, rule or regulation or any order of or settlement with any court or governmental authority, and the proceeds therefrom are used within 18 months after the date of sale to repay any Indebtedness Incurred in connection with the Primary Acquisition of such assets;

(8)
for purposes of the covenant described under the caption "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales" only, a disposition that constitutes a Restricted Payment permitted by the covenant described under the caption "—Certain Covenants—Restricted Payments;" or

(9)
an Asset Sale that also constitutes a Change of Control; provided, however, that Hexcel complies with all of its obligations described under the caption "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control."

        "Beneficial Owner" has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular "Person" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such "Person" will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such "Person" has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether or not such right is exercisable immediately. The terms "Beneficially Owns" and "Beneficially Owned" have a corresponding meaning.

84



        "Board of Directors" means the board of directors of Hexcel or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf thereof.

        "Borrowing Base" means, as of any date, an amount equal to:

(1)
85% of the face amount of all accounts receivable owned by Hexcel and its Domestic Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter preceding such date that were not more than 180 days past due; plus

(2)
85% of the then most recently reported net book value of all inventory owned by Hexcel and its Domestic Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter preceding such date; provided that the amount of this clause (2) shall not exceed 55% of the Borrowing Base on any date of calculation.

        "Capital Lease Obligation" means an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capitalized lease for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP. The amount of Indebtedness represented by such obligation shall be the capitalized amount of such obligation determined in accordance with GAAP. The Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty.

        "Capital Stock" means:

(1)
in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;

(2)
in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;

(3)
in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and

(4)
any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.

        "Cash Equivalents" means:

(1)
United States dollars;

(2)
investments in U.S. government obligations;

(3)
investments in time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit and money market deposits maturing within 180 days of the date of acquisition thereof issued by a bank or trust company which is organized under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or any foreign country recognized by the United States of America having capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating in excess of $50.0 million (or the U.S. dollar equivalent thereof) and whose long-term debt is rated "A-" or higher (or such equivalent rating), at the time as of which any investment therein is made, by at least one "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" (as defined in Rule 436 under the Securities Act);

(4)
repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (2) above entered into with a bank meeting the qualifications described in clause (3) above, at the time as of which any investment therein is made;

(5)
investments in commercial paper, maturing not more than 90 days after the date of acquisition, issued by a corporation (other than an affiliate of Hexcel) organized and in existence under the laws of the United States of America or any foreign country with a rating at the time as of which any investment therein is made of "P-1" (or higher) according to Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or "A-1" (or higher) according to Standard & Poor's Ratings Group; and

85


(6)
investments in securities with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any State, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, and rated at the time as of which any investment therein is made at least "A" by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or "A" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

        "Clark-Schwebel Lease" means the Lease Agreement dated as of September 15, 1998 between CSI Leasing Trust, William J. Wade and Hexcel CS Corporation.

        "Collateral" means property in which Hexcel or any other Obligor now or hereafter has rights (or the power to transfer a security interest) that is subject to a Note Lien.

        "Collateral Agency Agreement" means the Collateral Agency Agreement dated March 19, 2003 among Hexcel, the Joint Collateral Agent and the representative of Parity Lien Debt.

        "Consolidated Coverage Ratio" as of any date of determination means the ratio of (x) the aggregate amount of EBITDA for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters ending at least 45 days prior to the date of such determination to (y) Consolidated Interest Expense for such four fiscal quarters; provided, however, that:

(1)
if Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary has Incurred any Indebtedness since the beginning of such period that remains outstanding on such date of determination or if the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Coverage Ratio is an Incurrence of Indebtedness, or both, EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis to (a) such Indebtedness as if such Indebtedness had been Incurred on the first day of such period and (b) the discharge of any other Indebtedness repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged with the proceeds of such new Indebtedness as if such discharge had occurred on the first day of such period;

(2)
if Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary has repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged any Indebtedness since the beginning of such period or if any Indebtedness is to be repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged (in each case other than Indebtedness Incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) on the date of the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Coverage Ratio, EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be calculated on a pro forma basis as if such discharge had occurred on the first day of such period and as if Hexcel or such Restricted Subsidiary has not earned the interest income actually earned during such period in respect of cash or Cash Equivalents used to repay, repurchase, defease or otherwise discharge such Indebtedness;

(3)
if since the beginning of such period Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary shall have made any Asset Sale, the EBITDA for such period shall be reduced by an amount equal to the EBITDA (if positive) directly attributable to the assets which are the subject of such Asset Sale for such period or increased by an amount equal to the EBITDA (if negative) directly attributable thereto for such period and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be reduced by an amount equal to the Consolidated Interest Expense directly attributable to any Indebtedness of Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged with respect to Hexcel and its continuing Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such Asset Sale for such period (or, if the Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary is sold, the Consolidated Interest Expense for such period directly attributable to the Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary to the extent Hexcel and its continuing Restricted Subsidiaries are no longer liable for such Indebtedness after such sale);

(4)
if since the beginning of such period Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary (by merger or otherwise) shall have made an Investment in any Restricted Subsidiary (or any Person which becomes a

86


    Restricted Subsidiary) or an acquisition of assets, including any acquisition of assets occurring in connection with a transaction causing a calculation to be made hereunder, EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including the Incurrence of any Indebtedness) as if such Investment or acquisition occurred on the first day of such period; and

(5)
if since the beginning of such period any Person (that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period) shall have made any Asset Sale, any Investment or acquisition of assets requiring an adjustment pursuant to clause (3) or (4) above if made by Hexcel or a Restricted Subsidiary during such period, EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Asset Sale, Investment or acquisition of assets occurred on the first day of such period.

        For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to an acquisition of assets, the amount of income or earnings relating thereto and the amount of Consolidated Interest Expense associated with any Indebtedness Incurred in connection therewith, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of Hexcel. If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest expense on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date of determination had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any interest rate protection agreement applicable to such Indebtedness if such interest rate protection agreement has a remaining term as at the date of determination in excess of 12 months).

        "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, for any period, the sum of, without duplication:

(1)
total interest expense of Hexcel and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, including, to the extent not otherwise included in such interest expense, and to the extent Incurred by Hexcel or its Restricted Subsidiaries in such period, without duplication:

(a)
interest expense attributable to Capital Lease Obligations;

(b)
amortization of debt discount and debt issuance cost;

(c)
amortization of capitalized interest;

(d)
non-cash interest expense;

(e)
accrued interest;

(f)
amortization of commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance financing;

(g)
interest actually paid by Hexcel or any such Restricted Subsidiary under any guarantee of Indebtedness of any other Person; and

(h)
net payments, if any, made pursuant to interest rate protection agreements (including amortization of fees);

(2)
preferred stock dividends paid during such period in respect of all preferred stock of Restricted Subsidiaries of Hexcel held by Persons other than Hexcel; and

(3)
cash contributions made during such period to any employee stock ownership plan or other trust for the benefit of employees to the extent such contributions are used by such plan or trust to pay interest or fees to any Person (other than Hexcel) in connection with Indebtedness Incurred by such plan or trust to purchase Capital Stock of Hexcel.

87


        Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will:

(1)
any non-cash dividends or distributions payable on Hexcel's Convertible Preferred Stock; or

(2)
the accretion or amortization of original issue discount on Hexcel's series B convertible preferred stock,

        be included in the calculation of Consolidated Interest Expense.

        "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, the net income (loss) of Hexcel and its consolidated Subsidiaries; provided, however, that there shall not be included in such Consolidated Net Income:

(1)
any net income (loss) of any Person if such Person is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that:

(a)
Hexcel's equity in the net income of any such Person for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash that could have been distributed by such Person during such period to Hexcel or a Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (3) below); and

(b)
Hexcel's equity in a net loss of any such Person for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income;

(2)
any net income (loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary if such Restricted Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to Hexcel, except that:

(a)
Hexcel's equity in the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash that could have been distributed by such Restricted Subsidiary during such period to Hexcel or another Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation contained in this clause); and

(b)
Hexcel's equity in a net loss of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income;

(3)
any gain (but not loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any assets of Hexcel, its consolidated Subsidiaries or any other Person which is not sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business and any gain (but not loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person;

(4)
any extraordinary gain or loss;

(5)
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles;

(6)
compensation expense related to the issuance of stock incentives pursuant to the Plans;

(7)
gains or losses from the early retirement or extinguishment of Indebtedness; and

(8)
restructuring charges, write-downs and reserves (to the extent not included in clause (4) above) taken by Hexcel or its Restricted Subsidiaries prior to December 31, 2003 pursuant to the Restructuring Plan, provided that, the aggregate amount of any such charges, write-downs or reserves shall not in the aggregate exceed $7.5 million and any charges paid in excess of such amount or after December 31, 2003 shall be included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income for the period when such charges are paid.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purposes of the covenant described under the caption "—Certain Covenants—Restricted Payments" only, there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net

88



Income any dividends, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets from Unrestricted Subsidiaries to Hexcel or a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such dividends, repayments or transfers increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under such covenant pursuant to clause (3)(d) of the first paragraph thereof.

        "Convertible Preferred Stock" means Hexcel's series A and series B convertible preferred stock.

        "Credit Facilities" means:

(1)
one or more credit agreements, loan agreements, indentures or similar agreements providing for working capital advances, term loans, notes, letter of credit facilities or similar advances, loans, notes or facilities to Hexcel, any Restricted Subsidiary, domestic or foreign, or any or all of such persons, including, without limitation, the New Senior Credit Facility, as the same may be amended, modified, restated or supplemented from time to time, or any other indebtedness referred to in clause (1) of the second paragraph of the covenant described under the caption "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness;" and

(2)
any one or more agreements governing advances, notes, loans or facilities provided to refund, refinance, replace or renew (including subsequent or successive refundings, financings, replacements and renewals) Indebtedness under the agreement or agreements referred to in the foregoing clause (1), as the same may be amended, modified, restated or supplemented from time to time.

        "Credit Facility Agent" means, at any time in respect of any Qualified Credit Facility, the administrative agent, collateral agent or collateral trustee for holders of Obligations under such Qualified Credit Facility which holds the Liens securing such Obligations.

        "Credit Facility Collateral" means, at any time in respect of any Qualified Credit Facility:

(1)
inventory (as defined in Article 9 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code), whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and the cash and non-cash proceeds thereof, and all rights under any existing or future policy of property loss or casualty insurance on such inventory, together with the cash proceeds thereof;

(2)
accounts (as defined in Article 9 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code), whether now existing or hereafter arising, but only to the extent that such accounts are:

(a)
rights to payment for goods sold or services rendered (whether or not such goods or services conform to the contract), or

(b)
rights to payment for goods to be sold or services to be rendered, but only, at any time, to the extent inventory (whether consisting of raw materials, work-in-process or finished goods) is then on hand that may, upon completion of manufacture, be delivered for such sale,

in the case of each of paragraphs (1) and (2), together with all rights under the contract for such sale relating to or affecting the creation or collection of such account or the completion or sale of such inventory, together with all Liens, letters of credit, guarantees and other obligations securing or supporting such accounts, together with the cash and non-cash proceeds thereof;

(3)
money, deposit accounts (as defined in Article 9 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) and deposits therein and Cash Equivalents, except (i) the Asset Sale Proceeds Account and deposits therein and (ii) money, deposit accounts, deposits and Cash Equivalents (whether held directly or in securities accounts) constituting identifiable proceeds of Collateral; and

(4)
property of a Foreign Subsidiary owned by a Foreign Subsidiary, whenever held, acquired or arising, but only if and to the extent securing Indebtedness permitted by clause (2) of the second paragraph under the caption "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness."

89


        "Credit Facility Indebtedness" means any and all Indebtedness and other amounts payable under or in respect of the Credit Facilities including principal, premium (if any), interest (including interest accruing at the contract rate specified in the Credit Facilities (including any rate applicable upon default) on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, or the commencement of any similar state, federal or foreign reorganization or liquidation proceeding, relating to Hexcel and interest that would accrue but for the commencement of such proceeding whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceedings), fees, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, guarantees and all other amounts payable thereunder or in respect thereof.

        "Credit Facility Obligations" means Indebtedness under a Qualified Credit Facility permitted to be incurred under clauses (1), (2) or (11) of the second paragraph under the caption "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness" and other Obligations (not constituting Indebtedness) under such Credit Facility (which may, but need not, include Hedging Obligations and obligations under deposit account services agreements and cash management contracts with any lender that is or at any time was party to such Credit Facility or any of its Affiliates).

        "Default" means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

        "Disqualified Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock which by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the option of the holder) or upon the happening of any event (1) matures or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, (2) is convertible or exchangeable at the option of the holder for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or (3) is mandatorily redeemable or must be purchased, upon the occurrence of certain events or otherwise, in whole or in part, in each case on or prior to the first anniversary of the Stated Maturity of the Securities; provided, however, that any Capital Stock that would not constitute Disqualified Stock but for provisions thereof giving holders thereof the right to require such Person to repurchase or redeem such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of an "asset sale" or "change of control" occurring prior to the first anniversary of the Stated Maturity of the Securities shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if (1) the "asset sale" or "change of control" provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are not more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than the terms applicable to the notes described under the caption "—Repurchase at the Option of the Holders" and (2) any such requirement only becomes operative after compliance with such terms applicable to the notes, including the purchase of any notes tendered pursuant thereto; and provided, further, however, that neither of Hexcel's series A preferred stock nor its series B preferred stock shall be deemed to be Disqualified Stock.

        "Domestic Foreign Holding Company" means any Subsidiary that was formed under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia or that owns, directly or indirectly, the stock of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries; provided that the fair market value of the gross assets of such Subsidiary (not including the portion of such fair market value which is attributable to (x) the stock of any Foreign Subsidiary owned, directly or indirectly, by such Subsidiary and (y) any asset held directly by such Subsidiary for less than 31 calendar days) does not exceed $1.0 million.

        "Domestic Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary of Hexcel that was formed under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia or that guarantees or otherwise provides direct credit support for any Indebtedness of Hexcel; provided, however, that a Domestic Foreign Holding Company shall not constitute a Domestic Subsidiary.

        "EBITDA" for any period for any Person means the sum of Consolidated Net Income plus, without duplication, the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income:

(1)
all income tax expense of such Person and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries for such period;

(2)
Consolidated Interest Expense for such period;

90


(3)
depreciation expense and amortization expense of such Person and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (excluding amortization expense attributable to a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); and

(4)
all other non-cash items of such Person and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (including any amounts recorded as compensation expense related to the issuance of stock incentives pursuant to the Plans but excluding any such non-cash charge to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenditures in any future period) reducing Consolidated Net Income less all non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for taxes based on the income or profits of, and the depreciation and amortization of, a Restricted Subsidiary shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute EBITDA only to the extent (and in the same proportion) that the net income of such Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating Consolidated Net Income and only if a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior approval (that has not been obtained), pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to such Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders.

        "Equally and Ratably" means:

(1)
in reference to sharing of Liens upon Foreign Subsidiary Collateral or proceeds thereof as between the holders of Credit Facility Obligations under a Qualified Credit Facility, on the one hand, and holders of Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations, on the other hand, that:

(a)
such Liens and proceeds shall be allocated and distributed first to the Credit Facility Agent for account of the holders of Indebtedness constituting Credit Facility Obligations under the Qualified Credit Facility, on the one hand, and to the Joint Collateral Agent for account of the holders of notes and all Parity Lien Debt (if any), on the other hand, ratably in proportion to the Credit Facility Obligations included in the Credit Facilities Sharing Amount, outstanding on the Sharing Ratio Determination Date, on the one hand, and the principal of and interest and premium (if any) on the notes and all other Parity Lien Debt, outstanding on the Sharing Ratio Determination Date, on the other hand,

(i)
and if, giving effect to payments of any such principal, interest and premium from any other source:

(x)
an amount sufficient to pay in full the Credit Facility Obligations included in the Credit Facility Sharing Amount has been so allocated and distributed to the Credit Facility Agent but any principal, interest or premium remains outstanding on the notes or Parity Lien Debt, then thereafter such Liens and proceeds shall next be allocated and distributed exclusively to the Joint Collateral Agent for account of the holders of notes and Parity Lien Debt in an amount sufficient to pay in full all the remaining principal, interest and premium outstanding on the notes and Parity Lien Debt; and

(y)
an amount sufficient to pay in full the principal, interest and premium of the notes and Parity Lien Debt has been so allocated and distributed to the Joint Collateral Agent but any Credit Facility Obligations included in the Credit Facility Sharing Amount remain outstanding, then thereafter such Liens and proceeds shall next be allocated and distributed exclusively to the Credit Facility Agent for account of the holders of such Credit Facility Obligations included in the Credit Facility Sharing Amount in an amount sufficient to pay in full all remaining principal, interest and premium outstanding on such Credit Facility Obligations; and thereafter;

91


    (b)
    such Liens and proceeds (if any remain after payment in full of all Credit Facility Obligations included in the Credit Facility Sharing Amount and all of the principal of and interest and premium on the notes and all Parity Lien Debt) shall be allocated and distributed to the Credit Facility Agent for account of the holders of any remaining Credit Facility Obligations under the Qualified Credit Facility, on the one hand, and to the Joint Collateral Agent for account of the holders of any remaining Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations, on the other hand, ratably in proportion to the aggregate unpaid amount of such remaining Credit Facility Obligations under the Qualified Credit Facility due and demanded (with written notice to the Credit Facility Agent, the trustee and the Joint Collateral Agent) prior to the date such distribution is made, on the one hand, and the aggregate unpaid amount of such remaining Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations due and demanded (with written notice to the Credit Facility Agent, the trustee and the Joint Collateral Agent) prior to the date such distribution is made, on the other hand; and

(2)
in reference to sharing of any Liens, guarantees, supporting obligations or loss sharing rights or proceeds thereof as between the holders of Note Obligations, on the one hand, and Parity Lien Obligations, on the other hand, that such Liens, guarantees, supporting obligations or loss sharing rights or proceeds:

(a)
shall be allocated and distributed first to the trustee for account of the holders of notes, on the one hand, and to an agent or representative appointed by and acting as paying agent for the holders of Parity Lien Debt, on the other hand, ratably in proportion to the principal of and interest and premium (if any) outstanding on the notes when the allocation or distribution is made, on the one hand, and the principal of and interest and premium (if any) outstanding on the Parity Lien Debt when the allocation or distribution is made, on the other hand; and thereafter

(b)
shall be allocated and distributed (if any remain after payment in full of all of the principal of and interest and premium on the notes and the Parity Lien Debt) to the Trustee for account of the holders of any remaining Note Obligations, on the one hand, and to such paying agent for account of the holders of any remaining Parity Lien Obligations, on the other hand, ratably in proportion to the aggregate unpaid amount of such remaining Note Obligations due and demanded (with written notice to the trustee and the Joint Collateral Agent) prior to the date such distribution is made, on the one hand, and the aggregate unpaid amount of such remaining Parity Lien Obligations due and demanded (with written notice to the trustee and the Joint Collateral Agent) prior to the date such distribution is made, on the other hand.

        For the purposes of clause (1) in this definition, (A) the "Credit Facility Sharing Amount" shall consist solely of reimbursement obligations in respect of letters of credit that are outstanding on the Sharing Rate Determination Date, the principal of and interest and premium (if any) of Indebtedness, including the amount of any unfunded revolver commitments that are funded within 30 calendar days of the Sharing Rate Determination Date, constituting Credit Facility Obligations under a Qualified Credit Facility and Hedging Obligations (included at the termination value thereof) and Obligations under deposit account services agreements and cash management contracts with any lender that is or at any time was party to such Qualified Credit Facility or any of its Affiliates; and (B) the "Sharing Ratio Determination Date" shall be the 30th day following the earliest date on which the Indebtedness under the Qualified Credit Facility has first become due and payable in full, the notes have first become due and payable in full, or any Parity Lien Debt has first become due and payable in full, in each case at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise provided, however, that in the event that any Hedging Obligation is terminated within five business days after the earliest such date, the Sharing Ratio Determination Date for such Hedging Obligation shall be such termination date otherwise it shall be the earliest such date.

92



        "Equity Interests" means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

        "Equity Offering" means an offering of common stock of Hexcel pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or in a valid private placement.

        "Excluded Assets" means:

(1)
Credit Facility Collateral;

(2)
any lease of premises used only as office space or to warehouse inventory;

(3)
an equity interest in a joint venture or any holding company holding such equity interest that is not a Subsidiary of Hexcel, if and for as long as the creation of a lien on such equity interest or the equity interests of such holding company is prohibited by the agreement or agreements governing the joint venture;

(4)
any fee interest in real estate that, in the good faith judgment of Hexcel, has a fair market value of less than $1.0 million;

(5)
the portion of the voting stock of a Foreign Subsidiary that would, if subjected to the Note Liens, cause the aggregate voting stock of such Foreign Subsidiary subject to the Note Liens to exceed 65% of the aggregate outstanding voting stock of such Foreign Subsidiary, but only if, to the extent that and for as long as the amount exceeding 65% of such voting stock is not subject to any Lien securing any Indebtedness or Obligations other than the notes and Note Obligations;

(6)
personal property on which by law a perfected security interest cannot be created;

(7)
personal property (such as copyrights, vessels, vehicles or aircraft) as to which a security interest can be created that must be perfected other than by the filing of a financing statement and which has, in the good faith judgment of Hexcel, an aggregate fair market value, for all such personal property, of less than $1.0 million;

(8)
rights as licensee under any license of patents, trademarks or other intellectual property, if, to the extent that and for as long as the creation of a Note Lien on such rights is prohibited by the agreement granting such license;

(9)
any lease, license, contract, property rights or agreement to which Hexcel or any Domestic Subsidiary is a party or any of its rights or interests thereunder if and for so long as the grant of such security interest shall constitute or result in (i) the abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of any right, title or interest of Hexcel or any Domestic Subsidiary therein or (ii) in a breach or termination pursuant to the terms of, or a default under, any such lease, license, contract, property rights or agreement (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law (including the Bankruptcy Code) or principles of equity); provided, however, that such security interest shall attach immediately at such time as the condition causing such abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability shall be remedied and to the extent severable, shall attach immediately to any portion of such lease, license, contract, property rights or agreement that does not result in any of the consequences specified in (i) or (ii) above;

(10)
any asset subject to a Lien permitted by clause (6), (7) or (9) of the definition of "Permitted Lien;"

(11)
the lease of Hexcel's existing manufacturing facility located in Gilbert, Arizona until such time as such facility is used by Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries in manufacturing operations;

93


(12)
the Clark-Schwebel Lease and assets subject thereto until such time as all Obligations under the Clark-Schwebel Lease have been relieved and released;

(13)
(i) Hexcel's unimproved parcel of land located in Livermore, California unless such parcel is not sold pursuant to the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property and Escrow Instructions dated April 10, 2002, between Hexcel Corporation and Northbrook Homes, LLC, and The DeSilva Group, LLC as amended or as amended and restated and (ii) Hexcel's manufacturing plant located in Kent, Washington unless such property is not sold prior to December 31, 2003;

(14)
Hexcel's manufacturing facilities located in Lancaster, Ohio and Clearwater, Florida, and the portion of Hexcel's manufacturing facility located in Casa Grande, Arizona that is leased by Hexcel;

(15)
any leases of property (a) entered into in connection with or otherwise resulting from an acquisition by Hexcel or any Domestic Subsidiary of any Person or assets or (b) entered into in connection with an expansion or extension of Hexcel's or any Domestic Subsidiary's business and, in the case of clause (a) or (b), that require a landlord's consent to the security interest if despite Hexcel's commercially reasonable efforts Hexcel or such Domestic Subsidiary is unable to obtain such consent; provided, however, that any lease resulting from the transfer of leasehold interests or other assets held by Hexcel or any Domestic Subsidiary that are not Excluded Assets shall not be Excluded Assets by reason of this clause (15);

(16)
the patents and patent applications set forth on Schedule VIII(A) to the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of March 19, 2003, among Hexcel, Clark-Schwebel Holding Co., Clark-Schwebel Corporation, CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc., Hexcel International, Hexcel Pottsville Corporation and HSBC Bank USA;

(17)
the patents and patent applications set forth on Schedule VII(B) to the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of March 19, 2003, among Hexcel, Clark-Schwebel Holding Co., Clark-Schwebel Corporation, CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc., CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc., Hexcel International, Hexcel Pottsville Corporation and HSBC Bank USA (the "Restricted Patents"), if and only for so long as the grant of a security interest in any Restricted Patent shall constitute or result in (i) the abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of any right, title or interest of any grantor therein or (ii) in a breach or termination pursuant to the terms of, or a default under, any agreement relating to such Restricted Patent (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Uniform Commercial Code of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law) then such Restricted Patent shall not constitute Collateral hereunder; provided, however that the security interest shall attach immediately (and such Restricted Patent shall constitute Collateral hereunder) at such time as the condition causing such abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability shall be remedied and, to the extent severable, shall attach immediately to any portion of such Restricted Patent that does not result in any of the consequences specified in (i) or (ii); and

(18)
the outstanding voting stock of Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc., Hexcel Technologies, Inc. and Clark-Schwebel Corporation.

94


        "Existing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of Hexcel and its Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness under the New Senior Credit Facility) in existence on the date of the indenture, until such amounts are repaid.

        "Existing Joint Ventures" means:

(1)
Clark-Schwebel Tech-Fab Company;

(2)
BHA Aero Composite Parts, Co., Ltd.

(3)
Asian Composites Manufacturing Sdn Bhd;

(4)
Hexcel-DIC Partnership;

(5)
CS Interglas AG; and

(6)
Asahi-Schwebel Co., Ltd.

        "Financing Transactions" means:

(1)
the issuance and sale of 77,875 shares of Hexcel's series A convertible preferred stock and 77,875 shares of Hexcel's series B convertible preferred stock to affiliates of Berkshire Partners LLC and Greenbriar Equity Group LLC for approximately $77.9 million in cash (before giving effect to fees and expenses);

(2)
the issuance and sale of 47,125 shares of Hexcel's series A convertible preferred stock and 47,125 shares of Hexcel's series B convertible preferred stock to affiliates of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. for approximately $47.1 million in cash (before giving effect to fees and expenses);

(3)
the execution and delivery of the New Senior Credit Facility and satisfaction of all conditions of effectiveness and funding conditions therein set forth; and

(4)
application of the net proceeds Hexcel receives from the sale of the notes for repayment of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1998, by and among Hexcel and certain of its subsidiaries as borrowers, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, Citibank, N.A. as documentation agent, and Credit Suisse First Boston as lead arranger and as administrative agent for the lenders and repayment of $46.9 principal amount of Hexcel's 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2003.

        "Foreign Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary that is incorporated in a jurisdiction other than, and the majority of the assets of which are located outside of, the United States, a State thereof and the District of Columbia.

        "Foreign Subsidiary Collateral" means

(1)
equity interests in Foreign Subsidiaries and intercompany loans to and other claims against Foreign Subsidiaries, whenever owned, acquired or arising owned by Hexcel or any Domestic Subsidiary, and

(2)
property of any Foreign Subsidiary, whenever owned, acquired or arising, except to the extent the same constitutes Credit Facility Collateral.

        "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as in effect from time to time.

        "Governance Agreement" means the Amended and Restated Governance Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, among Hexcel, LXH, L.L.C., LXH II, L.L.C., GS Capital Partners 2000, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Offshore, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Employee Fund, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG and Stone Street Fund 2000, L.P., as the same may be amended, modified, restated or supplemented from time to time.

95



        "guarantee" means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such person:

(1)
to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness of such other person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise); or

(2)
entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part);

provided, however, that the term "guarantee" shall not include:

(1)
endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business; or

(2)
obligations, warranties and indemnities, not with respect to Indebtedness of any person, that have been or are undertaken or made in the ordinary course of business or in connection with any Asset Sale permitted by the covenant described under the caption "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales" and not for the benefit of or in favor of an affiliate of Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries.

        The term "guarantee" used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

        "Guarantors" means each of:

(1)
Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp.;

(2)
Clark-Schwebel Corporation;

(3)
CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc.

(4)
Hexcel Pottsville Corporation;

(5)
any other Subsidiary that executes a Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of the indenture,

and their respective successors and assigns.

        "Hedging Obligations" of any Person means the obligations of such Person pursuant to any interest rate protection agreement or currency exchange protection agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement involving interest rates, currencies, commodities or otherwise.

        "Incur" means issue, assume, guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, further, that any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of any document pursuant to which Indebtedness was previously Incurred shall not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness as long as such amendment, modification or waiver does not:

(1)
increase the principal or premium thereof or interest rate thereon;

(2)
change to an earlier date the Stated Maturity thereof or the date of any scheduled or required principal payment thereon or the time or circumstances under which such Indebtedness may or shall be redeemed; or

(3)
if such Indebtedness is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees, modify or affect, in any manner adverse to the holders, such subordination.

96


        The term "Incurrence" when used as a noun shall have a correlative meaning.

        "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person on any date of determination (without duplication):

(1)
the principal of and premium (if any such premium is then due and owing) in respect of (a) Indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed; and (b) Indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable;

(2)
all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person;

(3)
all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business);

(4)
all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction (other than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than obligations described in (1) through (3) above) entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than the tenth business day following receipt by such Person of a demand for reimbursement following payment on the letter of credit);

(5)
the amount of all obligations of such Person with respect to the redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Stock of such Person, or with respect to any Subsidiary of such Person, the liquidation preference with respect to any preferred stock (but excluding, in each case, any accrued dividends);

(6)
all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (5) of other Persons and all dividends of other Persons for the payment of which, in either case, such Person is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, including by means of any guarantee;

(7)
all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (6) of other Persons secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such Person (whether or not such obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of such obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the value of such property or assets or the amount of the obligation so secured; and

(8)
to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, Hedging Obligations of such Person.

        For purposes of this definition, the obligation of such Person with respect to the redemption, repayment or repurchase price of any Disqualified Stock that does not have a fixed redemption, repayment or repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such stock as if such stock were redeemed, repaid or repurchased on any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to the indenture; provided, however, that if such stock is not then permitted to be redeemed, repaid or repurchased, the redemption, repayment or repurchase price shall be the book value of such stock as reflected in the most recent financial statements of such Person. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and, with respect to contingent obligations, the amount of liability required by GAAP to be accrued or reflected on the most recently published balance sheet of such Person; provided, however, that:

(1)
the amount outstanding at any time of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount is the face amount of such Indebtedness less the remaining unamortized portion of the original issue discount of such Indebtedness at such time as determined in conformity with GAAP; and

97


(2)
Indebtedness shall not include any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes.

        "Intercreditor Agreement" means the Intercreditor and Agency Agreement, dated March 19, 2003, among the Joint Collateral Agent, the Trustee, Fleet Capital Corporation as the Administrative Agent for the lenders and Fleet Capital Corporation as Intercreditor Agent and Security Trustee (as such agreement may be amended, modified, supplemented or restated).

        "Investment" by any Person in any other Person means any direct or indirect advance, loan (other than advances to customers or suppliers in the ordinary course of business that are recorded as accounts receivable on the balance sheet of such former Person) or other extension of credit (including by way of guarantee or similar arrangement) or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), or any purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness or other similar instruments issued by such latter Person that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet of such former Person prepared in accordance with GAAP. In determining the amount of any Investment in respect of any property or assets other than cash, such property or asset shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such Investment (unless otherwise specified in this definition), as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. For purposes of the definition of "Unrestricted Subsidiary," the definition of "Restricted Payment" and the covenant described under the caption "—Certain Covenants—Restricted Payments,"

(1)
"Investment" shall include the portion (proportionate to Hexcel's equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of any Subsidiary of Hexcel at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, Hexcel shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent "Investment" in an Unrestricted Subsidiary equal to an amount (if positive) equal to (x) Hexcel's "Investment" in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less (y) the portion (proportionate to Hexcel's equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

(2)
any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.

        "Joint Collateral Agent" means a bank or trust company that:

(1)
is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers;

(2)
is reasonably satisfactory to the trustee; and

(3)
has been appointed by Hexcel and has agreed, pursuant to a Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking, to act as collateral agent for the equal and ratable benefit of all present and future holders of notes and Parity Lien Debt, whenever incurred, and also for the benefit of the present and future holders of all other Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations,

in its capacity as such collateral agent, and any successor in such capacity. The Joint Collateral Agent is currently HSBC Bank USA.

        "Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking" means a declaration of trust for a collateral trust, a collateral trust agreement or a collateral agency agreement executed and delivered by Hexcel and the Joint Collateral Agent on customary terms reasonably satisfactory to the trustee, which shall include assumption by the Joint Collateral Agent of all of the obligations of the Joint Collateral Agent set forth in or arising under the indenture.

        "Joint Venture" means the Existing Joint Ventures, and any other joint venture, partnership or other similar arrangement whether in corporate, partnership or other legal form which is formed by

98


Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary and one or more Persons which own, operate or service a Permitted Business.

        "Joint Venture Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary formed by Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary and one or more Persons which own, operate or service a Permitted Business.

        "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction.

        "Majority Lenders" means, at any time in respect of any Qualified Credit Facility, lenders party thereto then holding or committed to provide at least a majority in principal amount of the aggregate loans, letters of credit and other extensions of credit outstanding or committed thereunder.

        "Net Available Cash" from an Asset Sale means the aggregate amount of cash received in respect of an Asset Sale (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness or other obligations relating to such properties or assets or received in any other noncash form) therefrom, in each case net of:

(1)
all legal, accounting, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses Incurred, and all federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be paid or accrued as a liability under GAAP as a consequence of such Asset Sale;

(2)
all payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured by any assets subject to such Asset Sale, in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon such assets, or which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Sale, or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Sale;

(3)
all distributions and other payments required to be made to minority interest holders in Restricted Subsidiaries or Joint Ventures as a result of such Asset Sale;

(4)
any amount of cash required to be placed in escrow by one or more parties to a transaction relating to contingent liabilities associated with an Asset Sale until such cash is released to Hexcel or a Restricted Subsidiary; and

(5)
the deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with the assets disposed of in such Asset Sale, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with such Asset Sales, all as determined in conformity with GAAP, retained by Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary after such Asset Sale.

        "Net Cash Proceeds" with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital Stock, means the cash proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys' fees, accountants' fees, printing costs, underwriters' or placement agents' fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, stock exchange listing fees, consultant and other fees actually Incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a result thereof.

99


        "New Senior Credit Facility" means that certain Credit Agreement, by and among Hexcel and the lenders thereunder, providing for up to $115.0 million of revolving credit borrowings and letters of credit, including any related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case as amended, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from time to time.

        "Non-Recourse Debt" means Indebtedness:

(1)
as to which neither Hexcel nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness), (b) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise, or (c) constitutes the lender;

(2)
no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders of the Indebtedness may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit upon notice, lapse of time or both any holder of any other Indebtedness (other than the notes) of Hexcel or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment of the Indebtedness to be accelerated or payable prior to its Stated Maturity; and

(3)
as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they will not have any recourse to the stock or assets of Hexcel or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

        "Note Documents" means the indenture, the notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees, the Security Documents, the Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking and each Intercreditor Agreement.

        "Note Lien" means, to the extent securing Note Obligations, a Lien granted by a Security Document as security for Note Obligations and any Parity Lien Obligations.

        "Note Obligations" means the notes (including all additional notes), the Subsidiary Guarantees and all other Obligations of any Obligor under the Note Documents.

        "Obligations" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

        "Obligor" means Hexcel, the Guarantors and each other Subsidiary which has granted the Joint Collateral Agent a Lien upon any of its property as security for any Note Obligations.

        "Parity Lien" means, to the extent securing Parity Lien Obligations, a Lien that (a) is granted by a Security Document and held by the Joint Collateral Agent as security for Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations and (b) is not subordinated, by contract or pursuant to a judicial order requiring equitable subordination, to any other Lien.

        "Parity Lien Debt" means the principal of and interest and premium (if any) on Indebtedness of Hexcel (other than additional notes) permitted to be incurred if: (x) the condition set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant entitled "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness" is satisfied; or (y)such Indebtedness is Permitted Debt permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (11) of the second paragraph of the covenant entitled "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness" and such Indebtedness:

(1)
is guaranteed by each Subsidiary which, on the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness, is obligated as a Guarantor under a Subsidiary Guarantee;

(2)
is secured when incurred, Equally and Ratably with the notes and all other Parity Lien Debt, by perfected Liens duly granted to the Joint Collateral Agent (or any agent thereof) by Hexcel and each Guarantor upon all of the Collateral;

(3)
is not subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of Hexcel or any such Guarantor;

100


(4)
matures no earlier than the maturity of the notes and requires no prepayments, sinking fund payments or offer to purchase (except when, as and to the extent an offer to purchase the notes is required by the provisions described under the captions "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control" and "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales");

(5)
is incurred in a principal amount (net of any original issue discount) which, when added to the principal amount of notes (including additional notes) then outstanding and the outstanding principal amount (or accreted value) of all other Parity Lien Debt then outstanding, does not exceed the greatest of:

(a)
$135.0 million;

(b)
65% of the then most recently reported net book value of assets of Hexcel and its Domestic Subsidiaries that are accounted for on its consolidated balance sheet as "Property, plant and equipment," after giving pro forma effect to the use of proceeds from such Incurrence of Indebtedness; and

(c)
65% of the gross orderly liquidation value of the then most recently reported net book value of assets of Hexcel and its Domestic Subsidiaries that are accounted for on its consolidated balance sheet as "Property, plant and equipment," as most recently determined and reported to the Joint Collateral Agent by an independent appraiser of recognized standing selected by Hexcel, after giving pro forma effect to the use of proceeds from such Incurrence of Indebtedness;

(6)
is governed by an indenture or agreement which provides (for the enforceable benefit of the trustee and holders of notes) that all Obligations in respect of the notes and Parity Lien Debt shall be and are secured Equally and Ratably by all liens, guarantees, supporting obligations and loss sharing rights at any time granted by Hexcel or any Subsidiary or any other Person as security for such debt or any Obligations in respect of such Indebtedness, whether or not otherwise constituting Collateral, that all such liens, guarantees, supporting obligations and loss sharing rights are transferred to the Joint Collateral Agent and shall be enforceable by the Joint Collateral Agent, and that the holders of such Indebtedness and Obligations in respect of such Indebtedness consent to and direct the Joint Collateral Agent to perform its obligations as set forth under the captions "—Collateral Sharing With Parity Liens—Equal and Ratable Lien Sharing by Holders of Notes and Holders of Parity Lien Debt" and "—Intercreditor Provisions Relating to Working Capital Facility Liens;" and

(7)
is designated by Hexcel, in an officers' certificate delivered to the trustee on or before the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness, as Parity Lien Debt for the purposes of the indenture.

        "Parity Lien Obligations" means Parity Lien Debt and all other Obligations of any Obligor under each indenture or agreement governing, securing or relating to any Parity Lien Debt.

        "Parity Lien Representatives" means the representatives of the holders of Parity Lien Debt who become a party to the Collateral Agency Agreement.

        "Permitted Business" means any business conducted by Hexcel and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the issue date and any business reasonably related, ancillary or complementary to the business of Hexcel and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the issue date.

        "Permitted Holders" means:

(1)
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.;

(2)
Greenbriar Equity Group, LLC;

(3)
Berkshire Partners, LLC; and

101


(4)
any Affiliate of any Person described in clauses (1)-(3) above.

        "Permitted Investments" means an Investment:

(1)
in Hexcel or a Restricted Subsidiary or a Person which will, upon the making of such Investment, become a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that the primary business of such Restricted Subsidiary is a Permitted Business;

(2)
in another Person, if as a result of such Investment such other Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all its assets to, Hexcel or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Person's primary business is a Permitted Business;

(3)
in Cash Equivalents;

(4)
in receivables owing to Hexcel or any Restricted Subsidiary if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms; provided, however, that such trade terms may include such concessionary trade terms as Hexcel or any such Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances;

(5)
in loans or advances to officers, directors or employees of Hexcel or any of its Subsidiaries for travel, transportation, entertainment, and moving and other relocation expenses and other business expenses that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business;

(6)
in loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices of Hexcel or such Subsidiary, as the case may be;

(7)
in stock, obligations or securities received:

(a)
in settlement of debts created in the ordinary course of business and owing to Hexcel or any Subsidiary;

(b)
in satisfaction of judgments; or

(c)
as consideration in connection with an Asset Sale permitted pursuant to the covenant described under the caption "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales;" and

(8)
deemed to have been made as a result of the acquisition of a Person that at the time of such acquisition held instruments constituting Investments that were not acquired in contemplation of the acquisition of such Person.

        "Permitted Liens" means:

(1)
Note Liens;

(2)
Parity Liens securing Parity Lien Debt;

(3)
Liens on Credit Facility Collateral securing Credit Facility Obligations;

(4)
Liens on any Foreign Subsidiary Collateral securing Credit Facility Obligations, but only if the Joint Collateral Agent has been granted valid, enforceable and perfected Liens upon such Foreign Subsidiary Collateral Equally and Ratably securing the Note Obligations and any Parity Lien Obligations;

(5)
Liens in favor of Hexcel or its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(6)
Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged with or into or consolidated with Hexcel or any Subsidiary of Hexcel; provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with Hexcel or the Subsidiary;

102


(7)
Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition of the property by Hexcel or any Subsidiary of Hexcel; provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such acquisition;

(8)
Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations, leases, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature Incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(9)
Liens to secure Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) permitted by clause (8) of the second paragraph of the covenant entitled "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness" covering only the assets acquired with such Indebtedness;

(10)
Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently concluded; provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as is required in conformity with GAAP has been made therefor;

(11)
Liens granted to the trustee as security for Note Obligations;

(12)
Liens on assets of Unrestricted Subsidiaries that secure Non-Recourse Debt of Unrestricted Subsidiaries; and

(13)
Liens Incurred in the ordinary course of business of Hexcel or any Subsidiary of Hexcel with respect to obligations that do not exceed $5.0 million at any one time outstanding; and

(14)
Liens on property of a Foreign Subsidiary owned by a Foreign Subsidiary, whenever held, acquired or arising, but only if and to the extent securing Indebtedness permitted by clause (2) of the second paragraph under the caption "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness."

        "Permitted Prior Liens" means (a) Liens described in clauses (6), (7) or (9) of the definition of "Permitted Liens" and (b) Liens that arise by operation of law and are not voluntarily granted, to the extent entitled by law to priority over the security interests created by the Security Documents.

        "Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness that refunds, refinances, replaces, renews, repays or extends (including pursuant to any defeasance or discharge mechanism) (collectively, "refinances," and "refinanced" shall have a correlative meaning) any Indebtedness Incurred in compliance with the indenture (including Indebtedness of Hexcel that refinances Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary and Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of another Restricted Subsidiary) including Indebtedness that refinances Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; provided, however, that:

(1)
the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has Stated Maturity no earlier than any Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced;

(2)
the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has an Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred that is equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced; and

(3)
such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred in an aggregate principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, an aggregate issue price) that is equal to or less than the sum of (x) either the aggregate principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, the aggregate accreted value) of the Indebtedness being refinanced (including, with respect to both the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness and the Indebtedness being refinanced, amounts then outstanding and amounts available thereunder) or, if the Indebtedness being refinanced is the Capital Lease Obligation entered into on or about September 15, 1998, the aggregate purchase price of the property subject thereto, plus (y) unpaid interest, prepayment penalties, redemption premiums, defeasance costs, fees, expenses and other amounts owing with respect thereto, plus reasonable financing fees and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses Incurred in connection therewith;

103


provided, further, however, that Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall not include Indebtedness of a Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of Hexcel.

        "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, Joint Venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or other entity.

        "Plans" means any employee benefit plan, retirement plan, deferred compensation plan, restricted stock plan, health, life, disability or other insurance plan or program, employee stock purchase plan, employee stock ownership plan, pension plan, stock option plan or similar plan or arrangement of Hexcel or any Subsidiary, or any successor thereof and "Plan" shall have a correlative meaning.

        "Qualified Credit Facility" means a Credit Facility:

(1)
which is governed by an agreement that provides for the enforceable benefit of the holders of notes, trustee, Joint Collateral Agent and holders of Parity Lien Debt, as third party beneficiaries thereof, that:

(a)
all Liens on property described in clause (1) of the definition of Foreign Subsidiary Collateral and proceeds thereof at any time securing any Obligations under such Credit Facility shall secure Equally and Ratably the Obligations under such Credit Facility and all Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations;

(b)
all Liens on property described in clause (2) of the definition of Foreign Subsidiary Collateral and the proceeds thereof at any time securing any domestic U.S. commitments and borrowings under such Credit Facility shall secure Equally and Ratably the Obligations under such Credit Facility and all Note Obligations and Parity Lien Obligations;

(c)
the agent or representative holding the Liens securing Obligations under such Credit Facility shall be bound by and shall perform each of the obligations of the Credit Facility Agent as set forth under the caption "—Intercreditor Provisions Relating to Working Capital Facility Liens;" and

(2)
in respect of which the agent or representative holding the Liens securing Obligations under such Credit Facility has delivered to the trustee and the Joint Collateral Agent:

(a)
written notice (that has not been withdrawn by such agent or representative) certifying that such Credit Facility is a Qualified Credit Facility and that such agent or representative is bound by and will perform the obligations of the Credit Facility Agent; and

(b)
if any other Credit Facility Agent previously delivered such notice and certification in respect of any predecessor Credit Facility, an instrument reasonably satisfactory to the trustee and the Joint Collateral Agent signed by such previous Credit Facility Agent withdrawing the previous notice and certification and forever renouncing and discharging all rights and benefits under the indenture that otherwise would have been enforceable by such previous Credit Facility Agent or the holders of Obligations under such previous Credit Facility.

        The New Senior Credit Facility shall constitute a Qualified Credit Facility upon due authorization, execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent thereunder of the Intercreditor Agreement. So long as the New Senior Credit Facility remains outstanding, no other Credit Facility shall become a Qualified Credit Facility unless such Credit Facility is permitted under the terms of the New Senior Credit Facility and this Indenture.

104


        "Registration Rights Agreements" means (1) the Registration Rights Agreement among Hexcel, Berkshire Fund V, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Fund VI, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Investors LLC, Greenbriar Co-Investment Partners, L.P. and Greenbriar Equity Fund, L.P. and (2) the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement among Hexcel, LXH, L.L.C., LXH II, L.L.C., GS Capital Partners 2000, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Offshore, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Employee Fund, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG and Stone Street Fund 2000, L.P.

        "Restricted Investment" means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

        "Restricted Subsidiary" of a Person means any Subsidiary of the referent Person that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

        "Restructuring Plan" means the business consolidation and restructuring actions with respect to: (i) the EuroCore rationalization involving the Duxford, England, Welkenraedt, Belgium and Casa Grande, Arizona facilities; (ii) the consolidation and reorganization of carbon weaving and decorative fabric production involving the Decines and Les Avenieres, France facilities; (iii) the consolidation and reorganization of fabric production between the Anderson, South Carolina, Washington, Georgia and Statesville, North Carolina facilities and (iv) equipment relocation to the Salt Lake City, Utah facility.

        "Secured Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness of Hexcel secured by a Lien.

        "Secured Parties" means the Joint Collateral Agent, the trustee, the holders from time to time of the notes, each Parity Lien Representative and each holder from time to time of Parity Lien Debt.

        "Security Documents" means the Joint Collateral Agent Undertaking and one or more security agreements, pledge agreements, collateral assignments, mortgages, deed of trust or other grants or transfers for security executed and delivered by Hexcel or any other Obligor creating (or purporting to create) a Lien upon property (other than Excluded Assets) owned or to be acquired by Hexcel or such other Obligor in favor of the Joint Collateral Agent or the trustee for the benefit of the holders of the notes (or in favor of any agent of the Joint Collateral Agent or the trustee), the Subsidiary Guarantees and any other Obligations in respect of the Note Obligations.

        "Senior Indebtedness" means:

(1)
all Credit Facility Indebtedness;

(2)
Indebtedness represented by the Clark-Schwebel Lease; and

(3)
all other Indebtedness of Hexcel, including interest (including interest accruing at the contract rate specified in the Credit Facilities or the documentation governing such other Indebtedness, as applicable (including any rate applicable upon default) on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, or the commencement of any similar state, federal or foreign reorganization or liquidation proceeding, relating to Hexcel, whether or not allowed as a claim against Hexcel in any such proceeding) and fees thereon, whether outstanding on the issue date or thereafter issued or Incurred, unless in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding it is provided that such obligations are not superior in right of payment to the notes;

        provided, however, that Senior Indebtedness shall not include:

(1)
any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by Hexcel;

(2)
any accounts payable or other liabilities to trade creditors arising in the ordinary course of business (including guarantees thereof or instruments evidencing such liabilities);

(3)
any Indebtedness, guarantee or obligation of Hexcel which is subordinate or junior in right of payment in any respect to any other Indebtedness, guarantee or obligation of Hexcel, including any Subordinated Obligations;

105


(4)
any obligations with respect to any capital stock; and

(5)
any intercompany Indebtedness of Hexcel or any Guarantor to Hexcel or any of its Affiliates.

        "Senior Subordinated Indebtedness" means Hexcel's 93/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009 and any other Indebtedness of Hexcel that specifically provides that such Indebtedness is to rank pari passu with the 93/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009 in right of payment and is not subordinated by its terms in right of payment to any Indebtedness or other obligation of Hexcel which is not Senior Indebtedness.

        "Significant Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary that would be a "significant subsidiary" as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the date hereof.

        "Specified Properties" shall mean Hexcel's manufacturing plants located in Lancaster, Ohio, Livermore, California, Welkenraedt, Belgium and Lodi, New Jersey and the property referred to as "Plant Three" in Kent, Washington.

        "Stated Maturity" means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the original documentation governing such Indebtedness, and will not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.

        "Stockholders Agreement" means the Stockholders Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, among Berkshire Fund V, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Fund VI, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Fund V Investment Corp., Berkshire Fund VI Investment Corp., Berkshire Investors LLC, Greenbriar Co-Investment Partners, L.P., Greenbriar Equity Fund, L.P. and Hexcel.

        "Subordinated Notes" means Hexcel's:

(1)
93/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009; and

(2)
7% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2011.

        "Subordinated Obligation" means any Indebtedness of Hexcel (whether outstanding on the issue date or thereafter Incurred) that is contractually subordinated or junior in right of payment to the notes pursuant to a written agreement, including the Subordinated Notes.

        "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any specified Person:

(1)
any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees of the corporation, association or other business entity is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof); and

(2)
any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b) the only general partners of which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination thereof).

        "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means:

(1)
any Subsidiary of Hexcel that at the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors in the manner provided below; and

(2)
any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

106


        The Board of Directors may designate any Subsidiary of Hexcel (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any capital stock or Indebtedness of, or holds any lien on any property of, Hexcel or any other Subsidiary of Hexcel that is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated; provided, however, that either (A) the Subsidiary to be so designated has total assets of $1,000 or less or (B) if such Subsidiary has assets greater than $1,000, such designation would be permitted under the covenant described under the caption "—Certain Covenants—Restricted Payments."

        The Board of Directors may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that immediately after giving effect to such designation (x) Hexcel could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the first paragraph of the covenant described under the caption "—Certain Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness" and (y) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing. Any such designation by the Board of Directors shall be evidenced to the trustee by promptly filing with the trustee a copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors giving effect to such designation and an officers' certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

        "Voting Stock" of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the board of directors or other similar governing entity of such Person.

        "Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, as of the date of determination, with respect to any Indebtedness, the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the sum of the products of the numbers of years from the date of determination to the date of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or scheduled redemption multiplied by the amount of such payment by (y) the sum of all such payments.

        "Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" of any specified Person means a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors' qualifying shares) will at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person.

107



CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

        The following is a general summary of certain United States federal income tax consequences of the exchange of the original notes for the exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer and the ownership and disposition of the exchange notes. This summary applies only to a beneficial owner of an exchange note who acquired an original note at the initial offering from an initial purchaser for the original offering price thereof and who acquires the exchange note in the exchange offer. The summary is based on laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now in effect, all of which may change, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary deals only with beneficial owners that will hold the exchange notes as capital assets.

        The summary does not address all of the United States federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a beneficial holder of an exchange note. For example, this summary does not address tax considerations applicable to investors to whom special tax rules may apply, including:

    banks or other financial institutions;

    tax-exempt entities;

    insurance companies;

    regulated investment companies;

    common trust funds;

    entities that are treated as partnerships or other pass-throughs for United States federal income tax purposes;

    controlled foreign corporations;

    dealers in securities or currencies;

    persons that hold or will hold the original notes or the exchange notes as a hedge or hedged against currency risk or as a part of an integrated investment, including a "straddle" or "conversion transaction," comprised of a note and one or more other positions;

    persons subject to the alternative minimum tax; or

    United States holders (as defined below) that have a functional currency other than the United States dollar.

        As used in this summary, the term "United States holder" means a beneficial owner of an exchange note that is

    an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

    a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Colombia;

    an estate, if United States federal income taxation is applicable to the income of such estate regardless of its source; or

    a trust if a United States court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust's administration and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of the trust's substantial decisions.

        As used in this summary, the term "non-United States holder" means a beneficial owner of an exchange note who is not a United States holder.

108



        Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors in determining the particular United States federal income tax consequences to them of the exchange of the original notes for the exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer and the ownership and disposition of the exchange notes, as well as the application of state, local, foreign or other tax laws.

United States Holders

        The exchange of an original note for an exchange note pursuant to the exchange offer will not constitute a significant modification of the original note for United States federal income tax purposes. Therefore, the exchange note received will be treated as a continuation of the original note in the hands of the holder. As a result, there will be no United States federal income tax consequences to a United States holder who exchanges an original note for an exchange note pursuant to the exchange offer and that holder will have the same adjusted tax basis and holding period in the exchange note as it had in the original note immediately before the exchange.

        Stated interest payable on an exchange note generally will be taxable to a United States holder as ordinary income at the time it accrues or is received in accordance with such holder's method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes. Although the matter is not free from doubt, any additional interest payable due to a Registration Default (as described in "Description of Notes—Registration Rights; Special Interest) should be taxable in accordance with such holder's method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes.

        Upon the sale, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition (collectively, a "disposition") of an exchange note, a United States holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized by such holder (except to the extent such amount is attributable to accrued interest, which will be treated as ordinary interest income) and such holder's adjusted tax basis in the exchange note. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if such United States holder's holding period for the exchange note exceeds one year at the time of the disposition. Long-term capital gains recognized by an individual investor will generally be subject to reduced rates of taxation. Certain limitations may apply to the holder's use of capital losses.

        Information returns may be required to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") relating to payments made to particular United States holders of exchange notes. In addition, United States holders may be subject to a backup withholding tax on such payments if they do not provide their taxpayer identification numbers to us or our paying agent in the manner required, fail to certify that they are not subject to backup withholding tax or otherwise fail to comply with applicable backup withholding tax rules. United States holders may also be subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax with respect to the proceeds from a disposition of the exchange notes. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a credit against the United States holder's United States federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Non-United States Holders

        Under current United States federal income tax law:

    withholding of United States federal income tax will not apply to a payment on an exchange note to a non-United States holder, provided that:

    (1)
    the non-United States holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote and is not a controlled foreign corporation related to us through stock ownership;

109


      (2)
      the beneficial owner provides a statement signed under penalties of perjury that includes its name and address and certifies that it is a non-United States holder in compliance with applicable requirements; and

      (3)
      neither we nor our paying agent has actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner of the exchange note is a United States holder.

    withholding of United States federal income tax will generally not apply to any gain realized on the disposition (as defined above) of an exchange note.

        Despite the above, if a non-United States holder is engaged in a trade or business in the United States (or, if certain tax treaties apply, if the non-United States holder maintains a permanent establishment within the United States) and the interest on the exchange notes is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business (or, if certain tax treaties apply, attributable to that permanent establishment), such non-United States holder will be subject to United States federal income tax on the interest on a net income basis in the same manner as if such non-United States holder were a United States person. In addition, a non-United States holder that is a foreign corporation may be subject to a 30% (or, if certain tax treaties apply, such lower rates as provided) branch profits tax.

        Any gain realized on a disposition of an exchange note generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax unless:

    that gain is effectively connected with the non-United States holder's conduct of a trade or business in the United States (or, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-United States holder within the United States); or

    the non-United States holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met.

        In general, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to a payment of interest on an exchange note to a non-United States holder, or to proceeds from the disposition of an exchange note by a non-United States holder, in each case, if the holder certifies under penalties of perjury that it is a non-United States holder and neither we nor our paying agent has actual knowledge to the contrary. In certain circumstances, we may be required to report to the IRS (as defined above) the amount of payments made on an exchange note, the name and address of the beneficial owner and the amount, if any, of tax withheld. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a credit against the non-United States holder's United States federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

110



PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for original notes where the original notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. Hexcel has agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the expiration date of the exchange offer, it will make this prospectus, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any resale. In addition, until             , 2003 all dealers effecting transactions in the exchange notes may be required to deliver a prospectus.

        Hexcel will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes by broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for their own account in the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the exchange notes or a combination of these methods of resale. These resales may be made at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to these prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any broker-dealer or the purchasers of any of the exchange notes. Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received by it for its own account in the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of the exchange notes may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on the resale of exchange notes and any commission or concessions received by those persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act.

        For a period of 180 days after the expiration date of the exchange offer, Hexcel will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests these documents in the letter of transmittal. Hexcel has agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer, including the expenses of one counsel for the holders of the notes, other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers. Hexcel will indemnify the holders of the notes, including any broker-dealers, against various liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.


LEGAL MATTERS

        Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York, will pass upon the validity and enforceability of the notes.

111



EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of Hexcel Corporation, Hexcel S.A. and Hexcel Holdings (UK) Limited, incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Hexcel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 3) for the year ended December 31, 2002 have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent auditors, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

        The financial statements of BHA Aero Composite Parts Co., Ltd. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 incorporated in this prospectus by reference from Hexcel Corporation's Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 3) have been audited by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, independent auditors, as stated in their report (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph referring to BHA Aero Composite Parts Co., Ltd.'s ability to continue as a going concern), which is incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

        The consolidated financial statements of Asahi-Schwebel Co., Ltd. as of and for the year ended March 31, 2003 incorporated in this prospectus by reference from Hexcel Corporation's Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 3) have been audited by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, independent auditors, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

112



PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

        Set forth below is a description of certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), the Certificates of Incorporation of the Company, Clark-Schwebel Corporation, Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., Hexcel Pottsville Corporation and CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc. (together with Clark-Schwebel Corporation, Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp. and Hexcel Pottsville Corporation, the "Guarantors") and the Hexcel Corporation 2003 Incentive Stock Plan (the "Incentive Stock Plan"), as such provisions relate to the indemnification of the directors and officers of the Company. This description is intended only as a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, the Bylaws of the Company and the Incentive Stock Plan, which are incorporated herein by reference.

        Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed legal action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at its request in such capacity at another corporation or business organization, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that such person's conduct was unlawful. A Delaware corporation may indemnify officers and directors against expenses (including attorneys' fees) in an action by or in the right of the corporation under the same conditions, except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him against the expenses that such officer or director actually and reasonably incurred.

        Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director of a corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of his fiduciary duty as a director; provided, however, that such clause shall not apply to any liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL (Liability of Directors for Unlawful Payment of Dividend or Unlawful Stock Purchase or Redemption) or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

        Each of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company and each Guarantor provides for the elimination of personal liability of a director for breach of fiduciary duty, to the full extent permitted by the DGCL. Each Certificate of Incorporation also provides that the Company and each Guarantor, as applicable, shall indemnify its respective directors and officers to the full extent permitted by the DGCL; provided, however, that the Company and each Guarantor, as applicable, shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person only if such proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company or the relevant Guarantor, as applicable. Each Certificate of Incorporation further provides that the Company and each Guarantor may, to the extent authorized from time to time by their respective Boards of Directors, provide rights to indemnification similar to those provided to the directors and officers of the Company and each Guarantor, as applicable, and to their respective employees and agents who are not directors or officers of the Company or the relevant Guarantor, as applicable.

II-1



        Pursuant to the Incentive Stock Plan, no member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, or such other committee or committees of the Board of Directors as may be designated by the Board of Directors from time to time to administer the Incentive Stock Plan, shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith, and the members of such committee or committees shall be entitled to indemnification in the manner provided in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation.

II-2


Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Exhibit No.

  Description

2.1

 

Asset Purchase Agreement dated March 31, 2000 between Hexcel Corporation and Britax Cabin Interiors, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Hexcel's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 10, 2000).

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated July 9, 1996, Registration No. 1-08472).

3.2

 

Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

3.3

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

3.4**

 

Certificate of Incorporation of Clark-Schwebel Corporation, as amended.

3.5**

 

Bylaws of Clark-Schwebel Corporation.

3.6**

 

Certificate of Incorporation of Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp.

3.7**

 

Bylaws of Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp.

3.8**

 

Certificate of Incorporation of CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc.

3.9**

 

Bylaws of CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc.

3.10**

 

Certificate of Incorporation of Hexcel Pottsville Corporation.

3.11**

 

Bylaws of Hexcel Pottsville Corporation.

4.1

 

Indenture dated as of January 21, 1999 between Hexcel Corporation and The Bank of New York, as trustee, relating to the issuance of the 93/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-71601), filed on February 2, 1999).

4.2

 

Indenture dated as of August 1, 1986 between Hexcel and the Bank of California, N.A., as trustee, relating to the 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2011 of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).

4.2(a)

 

Instrument of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance, dated as of October 1, 1993 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993).

4.3

 

Indenture, dated as of March 19, 2003 among Hexcel Corporation, the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee, relating to the 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed on March 31, 2003).
     

II-3



4.4

 

Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

4.5

 

Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

5.1**

 

Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, special counsel to the Company.

10.1

 

Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, by and among Hexcel Corporation, Hexcel Composites Limited, Hexcel Composites GmbH (Austria), Hexcel Composites GmbH (Germany), the Guarantors named therein, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Fleet Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent, Fleet National Bank, London U.K. branch, trading as FleetBoston Financial, as Fronting Bank and Issuing Bank, Fleet National Bank, as Issuing Bank, and Fleet Securities Inc., as Lead Arranger (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.2

 

Security Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, by and among Hexcel Corporation, Clark-Schwebel Corporation, Hexcel Pottsville Corporation, Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc. and Fleet Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.3*

 

Hexcel Corporation 2003 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.4*

 

Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan as amended and restated January 30, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-36163).

10.4(a)*

 

Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan as amended and restated January 30, 1997 and further amended December 10, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).

10.4(b)*

 

Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated on January 30, 1997, and further amended on December 10, 1997 and March 25, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on July 26, 1999).

10.4(c)*

 

Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated on January 30, 1997, and further amended on December 10, 1997, March 25, 1999 and December 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(c) of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).

10.4(d)*

 

Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated on February 3, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Annex A of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 31, 2000).

10.4(e)*

 

Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated on December 19, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3(e) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).
     

II-4



10.4(f)*

 

Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated on December 19, 2000 and further amended on January 10, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3(f) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).

10.5*

 

Hexcel Corporation 1998 Broad Based Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Form S-8 filed on June 19, 1998, Registration No. 333-57223).

10.5(a)*

 

Hexcel Corporation 1998 Broad Based Incentive Stock Plan, as amended on February 3, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2000).

10.5(b)*

 

Hexcel Corporation 1998 Broad Based Incentive Stock Plan, as amended on February 3, 2000, and further amended on February 1, 2001 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).

10.5(c)*

 

Hexcel Corporation 1998 Broad Based Incentive Stock Plan, as amended on February 3, 2000, and further amended on February 1, 2001 and January 10, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4(c) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).

10.5(d)*

 

Hexcel Corporation 1998 Broad Based Incentive Stock Plan, as amended on February 3, 2000, and further amended on February 1, 2001, January 10, 2002 and December 12, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4(d) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.6*

 

Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.6(a)*

 

Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan, as amended on March 25, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on July 26, 1999).

10.6(b)*

 

Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan, as amended on March 25, 1999 and December 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(b) of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).

10.6(c)*

 

Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated on February 3, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Annex B of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 31, 2000).

10.6(d)*

 

Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated on December 19, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5(d) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).

10.6(e)*

 

Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated on March 19, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6(e) of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.7*

 

Hexcel Corporation Management Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated on December 19, 2000 and as further amended on February 27, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
     

II-5



10.8*

 

Hexcel Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).

10.9*

 

Form of Employee Option Agreement (2003) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.10*

 

Form of Employee Option Agreement (2002) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).

10.11*

 

Form of Employee Option Agreement (2000) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).

10.12*

 

Form of Employee Option Agreement Special Executive Grant (2000) dated December 20, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).

10.13*

 

Form of Employee Option Agreement Special Executive Grant (1999) dated December 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).

10.14*

 

Form of Employee Option Agreement (1999) dated December 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).

10.15*

 

Form of Employee Option Agreement (1999) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1999).

10.16*

 

Form of Employee Option Agreement (1998) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 1998).

10.17*

 

Form of Employee Option Agreement (1997) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.18*

 

Form of Employee Option Agreement (1996) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).

10.19*

 

Form of Employee Option Agreement (1995) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).

10.20*

 

Form of Retainer Fee Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (2003) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.21*

 

Form of Retainer Fee Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (2000) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).

10.22*

 

Form of Retainer Fee Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (1999) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
     

II-6



10.23*

 

Form of Retainer Fee Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (1998) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998).

10.24*

 

Form of Retainer Fee Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (1997) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).

10.25*

 

Form of Option Agreement (Directors) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).

10.26*

 

Form of Supplemental Compensation Option Agreement (Directors) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).

10.27*

 

Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (December 20, 2000) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).

10.28*

 

Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Special Executive Grant December 2, 1999) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).

10.29*

 

Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (December 2, 1999) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).

10.30*

 

Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (1999) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1999).

10.31*

 

Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (1998) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1998).

10.32*

 

Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (1997) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.33*

 

Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (1996) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).

10.34*

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2003) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.35*

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2002) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).

10.36*

 

Form of Reload Option Agreement (1997) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.37*

 

Form of Reload Option Agreement (1996) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).
     

II-7



10.38*

 

Form of Exchange Performance Accelerated Stock Option Agreement (incorporated Herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 1998).

10.39*

 

Form of Performance Accelerated Stock Option Agreement (Director) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.40*

 

Form of Performance Accelerated Stock Option (Employee) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.41*

 

Form of Grant of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1999).

10.42*

 

Form of Grant of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.43*

 

Hexcel Corporation 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated as of March 19, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.43 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.44*

 

Employment Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.37 to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-66582), filed on August 2, 2001).

10.44(a)*

 

Amendment, dated December 12, 2002, to Employment Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.43(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.44(b)*

 

Employee Option Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.37(a) to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-66582), filed on August 2, 2001).

10.44(c)*

 

Employment Option Agreement (performance-based option) dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.37(b) to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-66582), filed on August 2, 2001).

10.44(d)*

 

Restricted Stock Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.37(c) to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-66582), filed on August 2, 2001).

10.44(e)*

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.37(d) to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-66582), filed on August 2, 2001).

10.44(f)*

 

Letter Agreement dated August 1, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.37(e) to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-66582), filed on August 2, 2001).
     

II-8



10.44(g)*

 

Letter Agreement dated August 28, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001).

10.45*

 

Letter dated December 2, 1999 from Hexcel Corporation to Stephen C. Forsyth, regarding the Company's Management Incentive Compensation Plan for 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).

10.45(a)*

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated as of May 10, 2000 between Hexcel Corporation and Stephen C. Forsyth (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2000).

10.45(b)*

 

Amendment to Agreements, dated as of October 11, 2000 by and between Hexcel Corporation and Stephen C. Forsyth (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000).

10.45(c)*

 

Amendment to Amendments to Agreements, dated as of November 21, 2000, by and between Hexcel Corporation and Stephen C. Forsyth (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.39(c) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).

10.45(d)*

 

First Amendment to Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and Stephen C. Forsyth (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.43(d) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).

10.46*

 

Letter dated December 2, 1999 from Hexcel Corporation to Ira J. Krakower, regarding the Company's Management Incentive Compensation Plan for 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).

10.46(a)*

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated as of May 10, 2000 between Hexcel and Ira J. Krakower (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2000).

10.46(b)*

 

Amendment to Agreements, dated as of October 11, 2000 by and between Hexcel Corporation and Ira J. Krakower (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000).

10.46(c)*

 

First Amendment to Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and Ira J. Krakower (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.44(c) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).

10.47*

 

Form of Executive Severance Agreement between Hexcel and certain executive officers dated as of February 3, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1999).

10.48*

 

Form of Executive Severance Agreement between Hexcel and certain executive officers dated as of February 3, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1999).
     

II-9



10.49*

 

Amendment to Agreements, dated as of October 11, 2000 by and between Hexcel Corporation and William Hunt (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000).

10.49(a)*

 

Amendment to Amendments to Agreements, dated as of November 21, 2000, by and between Hexcel Corporation and William Hunt (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.45(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).

10.50*

 

Amendment to Agreements, dated as of October 11, 2000 by and between Hexcel Corporation and David Tanonis (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000).

10.51*

 

Amendment to Agreements, dated as of October 11, 2000 by and between Hexcel Corporation and Joseph Shaulson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000).

10.51(a)*

 

Amendment to Amendments to Agreements, dated as of November 21, 2000, by and between Hexcel Corporation and Joseph Shaulson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.48(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).

10.52

 

Lease Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1998, by and among Clark-Schwebel Corporation (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hexcel) as lessee, CSI Leasing Trust as lessor, and William J. Wade as co-trustee for CSI Leasing Trust (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 1998).

10.53

 

Amended and Restated Governance Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, among LXH L.L.C., LXH II, L.L.C., GS Capital Partners 2000 L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Offshore, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Employee Fund, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG, Stone Street Fund 2000, L.P. and Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.53 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.54

 

Stockholders Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, among Berkshire Fund V, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Fund VI, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Fund V Investment Corp., Berkshire Fund VI Investment Corp., Berkshire Investors LLC, Greenbriar Co- Investment Partners L.P, Greenbriar Equity Fund, L.P. and Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.54 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.55

 

Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, by and among Hexcel Corporation, LXH, L.L.C., LXH II, L.L.C., GS Capital Partners 2000 L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Offshore, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Employee Fund, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG and Stone Street Fund 2000, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed on March 31, 2003).

10.56

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, among Hexcel Corporation, Berkshire Fund V, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Fund VI, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Investors LLC, Greenbriar Co-Investment Partners L.P. and Greenbriar Equity Fund, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed on March 31, 2003).
     

II-10



10.57

 

Agreement, dated October 11, 2000, by and among Hexcel Corporation, LXH, L.L.C. and LXH II, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 13, 2000).

10.58

 

Consent and Termination Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2000, by and between Hexcel Corporation and Ciba Specialty Chemicals Holding Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 13, 2000).

10.59

 

Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2001, among Hexcel Corporation and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).

10.60

 

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2002, by and among Hexcel Corporation, Berkshire Investors LLC, Berkshire Fund V, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Fund VI, Limited Partnership, Greenbriar Equity Fund, L.P. and Greenbriar Co-Investment Partners, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2002).

10.61

 

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2002, by and among Hexcel Corporation, GS Capital Partners 2000, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Offshore, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Employee Fund, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG and Stone Street Fund 2000, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2002).

10.62

 

Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2003, among Goldman, Sachs & Co., Fleet Securities, Inc. and Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.62 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.63

 

Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 19, 2003 among Hexcel Corporation, Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., Clark-Schwebel Corporation, Hexcel Pottsville Corporation and CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.63 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.64

 

Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, between Hexcel Corporation, Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., Clark-Schwebel Corporation, Hexcel Pottsville Corporation, CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc. and Hexcel International, and HSBC Bank USA, as Joint Collateral Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.64 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

10.65

 

Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, by and among Hexcel Corporation, HSBC Bank USA, as Joint Collateral Agent, Well Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee, and the representatives of the holders of Parity Lien Debt who may become a party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.65 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
     

II-11



10.66

 

Intercreditor and Agency Agreement dated as of March 19, 2003, by and among HSBC Bank USA, as Joint Collateral Agent, Fleet Capital Corporation, as Intercreditor Agent and Security Trustee, Fleet Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent under the Existing Credit Facility, Well Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee, and each other Credit Facility Agent they may become a party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.66 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

12.1**

 

Statement regarding the computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the Company.

21.1

 

Subsidiaries of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).

23.1**

 

Consent of Independent Auditors—PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Hexcel Corporation).

23.2**

 

Consent of Independent Auditors—PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Hexcel S.A. and Hexcel Holdings (UK) Limited).

23.3**

 

Consent of Independent Auditors—PricewaterhouseCoopers (NITTOBO ASCO Glass Fiber Co., Ltd.).

23.4**

 

Consent of Independent Auditors—PricewaterhouseCoopers (Asahi-Schwebel (Taiwan) Co., Ltd.).

23.5**

 

Consent of Independent Auditors—Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (BHA Aero Composite Parts Co. Ltd.).

23.6**

 

Consent of Independent Auditors—Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Asahi-Schwebel Co., Ltd.).

23.7**

 

Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).

24.1**

 

Powers of Attorney (included on the signature pages of the Registration Statement).

25.1**

 

Statement of Eligibility and Qualification on Form T-1 of Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee, under the Indenture relating to the 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008.

99.1**

 

Form of Letter of Transmittal.

99.2**

 

Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

99.3**

 

Form of Letter to Clients.

99.4**

 

Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and other Nominees.

99.5**

 

Form of Exchange Agency Agreement.

99.6**

 

Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number of Substitute Form W-9.

*
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

**
Filed herewith.

II-12


Item 22. Undertakings

    (a)
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

        Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

        The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

            (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

              (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933.

              (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement.

              (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

            (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

            (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

      The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

            (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

            (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement

II-13



    relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

            (3) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

        (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

        (c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

II-14



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Stamford, state of Connecticut, on July 10, 2003.


 

 

HEXCEL CORPORATION

 

 

By:

/s/  
IRA J. KRAKOWER      
Ira J. Krakower
Senior Vice President, General Counsel
    and Secretary

        KNOWN TO ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Stephen C Forsyth and Ira J. Krakower, individually, his attorney-in-fact, with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective amendments), and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  DAVID E. BERGES      
David E. Berges
  Chairman of the Board; Chief Executive Officer; President; Director   July 10, 2003

/s/  
STEPHEN C. FORSYTH      
Stephen C. Forsyth

 

Executive Vice President; Chief Financial Officer

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
WILLIAM J. FAZIO      
William J. Fazio

 

Controller; Principal Accounting Officer

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
H. ARTHUR BELLOWS, JR.      
H. Arthur Bellows, Jr.

 

Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
JOEL S. BECKMAN      
Joel S. Beckman

 

Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
SANDRA L. DERICKSON      
Sandra L. Derickson

 

Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
JAMES J. GAFFNEY      
James J. Gaffney

 

Director

 

July 10, 2003
         

S-1



/s/  
SANJEEV K. MEHRA      
Sanjeev K. Mehra

 

Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
LEWIS RUBIN      
Lewis Rubin

 

Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
PETER M. SACERDOTE      
Peter M. Sacerdote

 

Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
ROBERT J. SMALL      
Robert J. Small

 

Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
MARTIN L. SOLOMON      
Martin L. Solomon

 

Director

 

July 10, 2003

S-2



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Stamford, state of Connecticut, on July 10, 2003.

    CLARK-SCHWEBEL CORPORATION
         
    By:   /s/  IRA J. KRAKOWER      
Ira J. Krakower
Vice President

        KNOWN TO ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Stephen C Forsyth and Ira J. Krakower, individually, his attorney-in-fact, with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective amendments), and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  DAVID E. BERGES      
David E. Berges
  Chief Executive Officer   July 10, 2003

/s/  
STEPHEN C. FORSYTH      
Stephen C. Forsyth

 

Vice President; Principal Financial Officer; Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
WILLAIM J. FAZIO      
William J. Fazio

 

Vice President; Principal Accounting Officer

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
IRA J. KRAKOWER      
Ira J. Krakower

 

Vice President; Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
JOSEPH H. SHAULSON      
Joseph H. Shaulson

 

President; Director

 

July 10, 2003

S-3



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Stamford, state of Connecticut, on July 10, 2003.

    CLARK-SCHWEBEL HOLDING CORP.
         
    By:   /s/  IRA J. KRAKOWER      
Ira J. Krakower
Vice President

        KNOWN TO ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Stephen C Forsyth and Ira J. Krakower, individually, his attorney-in-fact, with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective amendments), and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  DAVID E. BERGES      
David E. Berges
  Chief Executive Officer   July 10, 2003

/s/  
STEPHEN C. FORSYTH      
Stephen C. Forsyth

 

Vice President; Principal
Financial Officer; Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
WILLAIM J. FAZIO      
William J. Fazio

 

Vice President; Principal
Accounting Officer

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
IRA J. KRAKOWER      
Ira J. Krakower

 

Vice President; Director

 

July 10, 2003

S-4



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Stamford, state of Connecticut, on July 10, 2003.

    CS TECH-FAB HOLDING, INC.
         
    By:   /s/  IRA J. KRAKOWER      
Ira J. Krakower
Vice President

        KNOWN TO ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Stephen C Forsyth and Ira J. Krakower, individually, his attorney-in-fact, with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective amendments), and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  DAVID E. BERGES      
David E. Berges
  Chief Executive Officer   July 10, 2003

/s/  
STEPHEN C. FORSYTH      
Stephen C. Forsyth

 

Vice President; Principal
Financial Officer; Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
WILLAIM J. FAZIO      
William J. Fazio

 

Controller

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
IRA J. KRAKOWER      
Ira J. Krakower

 

Vice President; Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
JOSEPH H. SHAULSON      
Joseph H. Shaulson

 

President; Director

 

July 10, 2003

S-5



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Stamford, state of Connecticut, on July 10, 2003.

    HEXCEL POTTSVILLE CORPORATION

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
IRA J. KRAKOWER      
Ira J. Krakower
Vice President and Secretary

        KNOWN TO ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Stephen C Forsyth and Ira J. Krakower, individually, his attorney-in-fact, with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective amendments), and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  DAVID E. BERGES      
David E. Berges
  Chief Executive Officer   July 10, 2003

/s/  
STEPHEN C. FORSYTH      
Stephen C. Forsyth

 

Vice President; Principal
Financial Officer; Director

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
WILLIAM J. FAZIO      
William J. Fazio

 

Controller

 

July 10, 2003

/s/  
IRA J. KRAKOWER      
Ira J. Krakower

 

Vice President; Director

 

July 10, 2003

S-6



EXHIBIT INDEX

2.1   Asset Purchase Agreement dated March 31, 2000 between Hexcel Corporation and Britax Cabin Interiors, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Hexcel's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 10, 2000).
3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated July 9, 1996, Registration No. 1-08472).
3.2   Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
3.3   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
3.4 ** Certificate of Incorporation of Clark-Schwebel Corporation, as amended.
3.5 ** Bylaws of Clark-Schwebel Corporation.
3.6 ** Certificate of Incorporation of Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp.
3.7 ** Bylaws of Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp.
3.8 ** Certificate of Incorporation of CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc.
3.9 ** Bylaws of CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc.
3.10 ** Certificate of Incorporation of Hexcel Pottsville Corporation.
3.11 ** Bylaws of Hexcel Pottsville Corporation.
4.1   Indenture dated as of January 21, 1999 between Hexcel Corporation and The Bank of New York, as trustee, relating to the issuance of the 93/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-71601), filed on February 2, 1999).
4.2   Indenture dated as of August 1, 1986 between Hexcel and the Bank of California, N.A., as trustee, relating to the 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2011 of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).
4.2 (a) Instrument of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance, dated as of October 1, 1993 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993).
4.3   Indenture, dated as of March 19, 2003 among Hexcel Corporation, the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee, relating to the 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed on March 31, 2003).
4.4   Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
4.5   Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
     

5.1 ** Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, special counsel to the Company.
10.1   Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, by and among Hexcel Corporation, Hexcel Composites Limited, Hexcel Composites GmbH (Austria), Hexcel Composites GmbH (Germany), the Guarantors named therein, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Fleet Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent, Fleet National Bank, London U.K. branch, trading as FleetBoston Financial, as Fronting Bank and Issuing Bank, Fleet National Bank, as Issuing Bank, and Fleet Securities Inc., as Lead Arranger (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.2   Security Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, by and among Hexcel Corporation, Clark-Schwebel Corporation, Hexcel Pottsville Corporation, Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc. and Fleet Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.3 * Hexcel Corporation 2003 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.4 * Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan as amended and restated January 30, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-36163).
10.4 (a)* Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan as amended and restated January 30, 1997 and further amended December 10, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).
10.4 (b)* Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated on January 30, 1997, and further amended on December 10, 1997 and March 25, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on July 26, 1999).
10.4 (c)* Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated on January 30, 1997, and further amended on December 10, 1997, March 25, 1999 and December 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(c) of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.4 (d)* Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated on February 3, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Annex A of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 31, 2000).
10.4 (e)* Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated on December 19, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3(e) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).
10.4 (f)* Hexcel Corporation Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated on December 19, 2000 and further amended on January 10, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3(f) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
10.5 * Hexcel Corporation 1998 Broad Based Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Form S-8 filed on June 19, 1998, Registration No. 333-57223).
10.5 (a)* Hexcel Corporation 1998 Broad Based Incentive Stock Plan, as amended on February 3, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2000).
     

10.5 (b)* Hexcel Corporation 1998 Broad Based Incentive Stock Plan, as amended on February 3, 2000, and further amended on February 1, 2001 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).
10.5 (c)* Hexcel Corporation 1998 Broad Based Incentive Stock Plan, as amended on February 3, 2000, and further amended on February 1, 2001 and January 10, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 (c) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
10.5 (d)* Hexcel Corporation 1998 Broad Based Incentive Stock Plan, as amended on February 3, 2000, and further amended on February 1, 2001, January 10, 2002 and December 12, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4(d) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.6 * Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).
10.6 (a)* Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan, as amended on March 25, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on July 26, 1999).
10.6 (b)* Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan, as amended on March 25, 1999 and December 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(b) of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.6 (c)* Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated on February 3, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Annex B of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 31, 2000).
10.6 (d)* Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated on December 19, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5(d) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).
10.6 (e)* Hexcel Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated on March 19, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6(e) of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.7 * Hexcel Corporation Management Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated on December 19, 2000 and as further amended on February 27, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
10.8 * Hexcel Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
10.9 * Form of Employee Option Agreement (2003) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.10 * Form of Employee Option Agreement (2002) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
10.11 * Form of Employee Option Agreement (2000) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).
     

10.12 * Form of Employee Option Agreement Special Executive Grant (2000) dated December 20, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).
10.13 * Form of Employee Option Agreement Special Executive Grant (1999) dated December 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.14 * Form of Employee Option Agreement (1999) dated December 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.15 * Form of Employee Option Agreement (1999) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1999).
10.16 * Form of Employee Option Agreement (1998) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 1998).
10.17 * Form of Employee Option Agreement (1997) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).
10.18 * Form of Employee Option Agreement (1996) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).
10.19 * Form of Employee Option Agreement (1995) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).
10.20 * Form of Retainer Fee Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (2003) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.21 * Form of Retainer Fee Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (2000) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).
10.22 * Form of Retainer Fee Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (1999) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.23 * Form of Retainer Fee Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (1998) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998).
10.24 * Form of Retainer Fee Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (1997) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).
10.25 * Form of Option Agreement (Directors) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).
10.26 * Form of Supplemental Compensation Option Agreement (Directors) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
10.27 * Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (December 20, 2000) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).
     

10.28 * Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Special Executive Grant December 2, 1999) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.29 * Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (December 2, 1999) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.30 * Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (1999) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1999).
10.31 * Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (1998) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1998).
10.32 * Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (1997) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).
10.33 * Form of Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (1996) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).
10.34 * Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2003) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.35 * Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (2002) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Hexcel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
10.36 * Form of Reload Option Agreement (1997) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).
10.37 * Form of Reload Option Agreement (1996) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1996).
10.38 * Form of Exchange Performance Accelerated Stock Option Agreement (incorporated Herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 1998).
10.39 * Form of Performance Accelerated Stock Option Agreement (Director) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).
10.40 * Form of Performance Accelerated Stock Option (Employee) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).
10.41 * Form of Grant of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1999).
10.42 * Form of Grant of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Hexcel's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 1997).
10.43 * Hexcel Corporation 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated as of March 19, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.43 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
     

10.44 * Employment Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.37 to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-66582), filed on August 2, 2001).
10.44 (a)* Amendment, dated December 12, 2002, to Employment Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.43(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.44 (b)* Employee Option Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.37(a) to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-66582), filed on August 2, 2001).
10.44 (c)* Employment Option Agreement (performance-based option) dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.37(b) to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-66582), filed on August 2, 2001).
10.44 (d)* Restricted Stock Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.37(c) to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-66582), filed on August 2, 2001).
10.44 (e)* Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.37(d) to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-66582), filed on August 2, 2001).
10.44 (f)* Letter Agreement dated August 1, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.37(e) to Hexcel's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-66582), filed on August 2, 2001).
10.44 (g)* Letter Agreement dated August 28, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and David E. Berges (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001).
10.45 * Letter dated December 2, 1999 from Hexcel Corporation to Stephen C. Forsyth, regarding the Company's Management Incentive Compensation Plan for 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.45 (a)* Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated as of May 10, 2000 between Hexcel Corporation and Stephen C. Forsyth (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2000).
10.45 (b)* Amendment to Agreements, dated as of October 11, 2000 by and between Hexcel Corporation and Stephen C. Forsyth (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000).
10.45 (c)* Amendment to Amendments to Agreements, dated as of November 21, 2000, by and between Hexcel Corporation and Stephen C. Forsyth (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.39(c) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).
10.45 (d)* First Amendment to Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and Stephen C. Forsyth (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.43(d) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
     

10.46 * Letter dated December 2, 1999 from Hexcel Corporation to Ira J. Krakower, regarding the Company's Management Incentive Compensation Plan for 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).
10.46 (a)* Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated as of May 10, 2000 between Hexcel and Ira J. Krakower (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2000).
10.46 (b)* Amendment to Agreements, dated as of October 11, 2000 by and between Hexcel Corporation and Ira J. Krakower (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000).
10.46 (c)* First Amendment to Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated as of July 30, 2001 between Hexcel Corporation and Ira J. Krakower (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.44(c) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
10.47 * Form of Executive Severance Agreement between Hexcel and certain executive officers dated as of February 3, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1999).
10.48 * Form of Executive Severance Agreement between Hexcel and certain executive officers dated as of February 3, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 1999).
10.49 * Amendment to Agreements, dated as of October 11, 2000 by and between Hexcel Corporation and William Hunt (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000).
10.49 (a)* Amendment to Amendments to Agreements, dated as of November 21, 2000, by and between Hexcel Corporation and William Hunt (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.45(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).
10.50 * Amendment to Agreements, dated as of October 11, 2000 by and between Hexcel Corporation and David Tanonis (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000).
10.51 * Amendment to Agreements, dated as of October 11, 2000 by and between Hexcel Corporation and Joseph Shaulson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000).
10.51 (a)* Amendment to Amendments to Agreements, dated as of November 21, 2000, by and between Hexcel Corporation and Joseph Shaulson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.48(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000).
10.52   Lease Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1998, by and among Clark-Schwebel Corporation (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hexcel) as lessee, CSI Leasing Trust as lessor, and William J. Wade as co-trustee for CSI Leasing Trust (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 1998).
     

10.53   Amended and Restated Governance Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, among LXH L.L.C., LXH II, L.L.C., GS Capital Partners 2000 L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Offshore, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Employee Fund, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG, Stone Street Fund 2000, L.P. and Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.53 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.54   Stockholders Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, among Berkshire Fund V, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Fund VI, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Fund V Investment Corp., Berkshire Fund VI Investment Corp., Berkshire Investors LLC, Greenbriar Co-Investment Partners L.P, Greenbriar Equity Fund, L.P. and Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.54 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.55   Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, by and among Hexcel Corporation, LXH, L.L.C., LXH II, L.L.C., GS Capital Partners 2000 L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Offshore, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Employee Fund, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG and Stone Street Fund 2000, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed on March 31, 2003).
10.56   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, among Hexcel Corporation, Berkshire Fund V, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Fund VI, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Investors LLC, Greenbriar Co-Investment Partners L.P. and Greenbriar Equity Fund, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed on March 31, 2003).
10.57   Agreement, dated October 11, 2000, by and among Hexcel Corporation, LXH, L.L.C. and LXH II, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 13, 2000).
10.58   Consent and Termination Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2000, by and between Hexcel Corporation and Ciba Specialty Chemicals Holding Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 13, 2000).
10.59   Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2001, among Hexcel Corporation and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001).
10.60   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2002, by and among Hexcel Corporation, Berkshire Investors LLC, Berkshire Fund V, Limited Partnership, Berkshire Fund VI, Limited Partnership, Greenbriar Equity Fund, L.P. and Greenbriar Co-Investment Partners, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2002).
10.61   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2002, by and among Hexcel Corporation, GS Capital Partners 2000, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Offshore, L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 Employee Fund,  L.P., GS Capital Partners 2000 GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG and Stone Street Fund 2000, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2002).
     

10.62   Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2003, among Goldman, Sachs & Co., Fleet Securities, Inc. and Hexcel Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.62 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.63   Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 19, 2003 among Hexcel Corporation, Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., Clark-Schwebel Corporation, Hexcel Pottsville Corporation and CS Tech-Fab Holding,  Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.63 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.64   Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, between Hexcel Corporation, Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., Clark-Schwebel Corporation, Hexcel Pottsville Corporation, CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc. and Hexcel International, and HSBC Bank USA, as Joint Collateral Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.64 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.65   Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003, by and among Hexcel Corporation, HSBC Bank USA, as Joint Collateral Agent, Well Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee, and the representatives of the holders of Parity Lien Debt who may become a party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.65 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
10.66   Intercreditor and Agency Agreement dated as of March 19, 2003, by and among HSBC Bank USA, as Joint Collateral Agent, Fleet Capital Corporation, as Intercreditor Agent and Security Trustee, Fleet Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent under the Existing Credit Facility, Well Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee, and each other Credit Facility Agent they may become a party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.66 of Hexcel's Annual Report (Amendment No. 1) on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
12.1 ** Statement regarding the computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the Company.
21.1   Subsidiaries of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
23.1 ** Consent of Independent Auditors—PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Hexcel Corporation).
23.2 ** Consent of Independent Auditors—PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Hexcel S.A. and Hexcel Holdings (UK) Limited).
23.3 ** Consent of Independent Auditors—PricewaterhouseCoopers (NITTOBO ASCO Glass Fiber Co., Ltd.).
23.4 ** Consent of Independent Auditors—PricewaterhouseCoopers (Asahi-Schwebel (Taiwan) Co., Ltd.).
23.5 ** Consent of Independent Auditors—Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (BHA Aero Composite Parts Co. Ltd.).
23.6 ** Consent of Independent Auditors—Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Asahi-Schwebel Co., Ltd.).
23.7 ** Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 ** Powers of Attorney (included on the signature pages of the Registration Statement).
25.1 ** Statement of Eligibility and Qualification on Form T-1 of Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee, under the Indenture relating to the 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008.
99.1 ** Form of Letter of Transmittal.
     

99.2 ** Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
99.3 ** Form of Letter to Clients.
99.4 ** Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and other Nominees.
99.5 ** Form of Exchange Agency Agreement.
99.6 ** Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number of Substitute Form W-9.

*
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

**
Filed herewith.



QuickLinks

TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
Summary of The Exchange Offer
Summary of Terms of the Exchange Notes
Overview of Hexcel
Risk Factors
Additional Information
Summary Consolidated Financial Data
RISK FACTORS
Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness and the Notes
Risks Relating to Our Business
USE OF PROCEEDS
CAPITALIZATION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Year Ended December 31, 2002 (in millions)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended March 31, 2003
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
BUSINESS General
Competitive Strengths
Business Strategy
Other Information About our Business
DESCRIPTION OF MATERIAL OUTSTANDING DEBT
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
LEGAL MATTERS
EXPERTS
PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
SIGNATURES
SIGNATURES
SIGNATURES
SIGNATURES
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
EX-3.4 3 a2114440zex-3_4.htm EX-3.4

Exhibit 3.4

 

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 

OF

 

CLARK-SCHWBEL CORPORATION

 

FIRST:  The name of the Corporation is Clark-Schwebel Corporation (hereinafter the “Corporation”).

 

SECOND:  The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 1013 Centre Road, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle.  The name of its registered agent at that address is Corporation Service Company.

 

THIRD:  The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as set forth in Title 8 of the Delaware Code (the “GCL”).

 

FOURTH:  The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is  1,000 shares of Common Stock, each having a par value of one penny ($.01).

 

FIFTH:  The name and mailing address of the Sole Incorporator is as follows:

 

Deborah M. Reusch

P.O. Box 636

Wilmington, DE  19899

 

SIXTH:  The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:

 

(1)     The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

 

1



 

(2)     The directors shall have concurrent power with the stockholders to make, alter, amend, change, add to or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation.

 

(3)     The number of directors of the Corporation shall be as from time to time fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the By-Laws of the Corporation.  Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the By-Laws so provide.

 

(4)     No director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the GCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.  Any repeal or modification of this Article SIXTH by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.

 

(5)     In addition to the powers and authority hereinbefore or by statute expressly conferred upon them, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the GCL, this Certificate of Incorporation, and any By-Laws adopted by the stockholders; provided, however, that no By-Laws hereafter adopted by the stockholders shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if such By-Laws had not been adopted.

 

2



 

SEVENTH:  Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the By-Laws may provide.  The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any provision contained in the GCL) outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the By-Laws of the Corporation.

 

EIGHTH:  The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.

 

NINTH:  Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between the Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between the Corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of the Corporation or any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under the provisions of Section 291 of the GCL or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under the provisions of Section 279 of the GCL, order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or the stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs.  If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of the Corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders, or class of stockholders, of the Corporation, as the case may be, and also on this Corporation.

 

TENTH:  The Corporation hereby elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the GCL pursuant to Section 203(b) therein.

 

3



 

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, being the Sole Incorporator hereinbefore named, for the purpose of forming a corporation pursuant to the GCL, do make this Certificate, hereby declaring and certifying that this is my act and deed and the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly have hereunto set my hand this 19th day of August, 1998.

 

 

 

 

Deborah M. Reusch

 

Sole Incorporator

 

4



EX-3.5 4 a2114440zex-3_5.htm EX-3.5

Exhibit 3.5

 

BY-LAWS
OF
CLARK-SCHWEBEL CORPORATION
(hereinafter called the “Corporation”)

 

ARTICLE I
OFFICES

 

Section 1Registered Office.  The registered office of the Corporation shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware.

 

Section 2Other Offices.  The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

 

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 1Place of Meetings.  Meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 2Annual Meetings.  The Annual Meetings of Stockholders for the election of directors shall be held on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.  Any other proper business may be transacted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

1



 

Section 3Special Meetings.  Unless otherwise required by law or by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, as amended and restated from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), Special Meetings of Stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, may be called by either (i) the Chairman, if there be one, or (ii) the President, (iii) any Vice President, if there be one, (iv) the Secretary or (v) any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, and shall be called by any such officer at the request in writing of (i) the Board of Directors, (ii) a committee of the Board of Directors that has been duly designated by the Board of Directors and whose powers and authority include the power to call such meetings or (iii) stockholders owning a majority of the capital stock of the Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote.  Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.  At a Special Meeting of Stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall be specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto).

 

Section 4Notice.  Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be given which shall state the place, date and hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.  Unless otherwise required by law, the written notice of any meeting shall be given not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting.

 

2



 

Section 5Adjournments.  Any meeting of the stockholders may be adjourned from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, and notice need not be given of any such adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken.  At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.  If the adjournment is for more than thirty days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

Section 6Quorum.  Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business.  A quorum, once established, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum.  If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, in the manner provided in Section 5, until a quorum shall be present or represented.

 

Section 7Voting.  Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws, any question brought before any meeting of stockholders,

 

3



 

other than the election of directors (which shall be governed by Article III below), shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the total number of votes of the capital stock represented and entitled to vote thereat, voting as a single class.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to Section 5 of Article V hereof, each stockholder represented at a meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to cast one vote for each share of the capital stock entitled to vote thereat held by such stockholder.  Such votes may be cast in person or by proxy but no proxy shall be voted on or after three years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period.  The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at a meeting of stockholders, in such officer’s discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.

 

Section 8Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at any Annual or Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Corporation, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware,

 

4



 

its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded.  Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.  Every written consent shall bear the date of signature of each stockholder who signs the consent and no written consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within sixty days of the earliest dated consent delivered in the manner required by this Section 8 to the Corporation, written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take action are delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the state of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded.  Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take the action were delivered to the Corporation as provided above in this section.

 

Section 9List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote.  The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to

 

5



 

vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder.  Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held.  The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder of the Corporation who is present.

 

Section 10Stock Ledger.  The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by Section 9 of this Article II or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

 

Section 11Conduct of Meetings.  The Board of Directors of the Corporation may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of the stockholders as it shall deem appropriate.  Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of any meeting of the stockholders shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting.  Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether

 

6



 

adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the chairman of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following:  (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) the determination of when the polls shall open and close for any given matter to be voted on at the meeting; (iii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iv) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairman of the meeting shall determine; (v) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (vi) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants.

 

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

 

Section 1Number and Election of Directors.  The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than one nor more than fifteen members, the exact number of which shall initially be fixed by the Incorporator and thereafter from time to time by the Board of Directors.  Except as provided in Section 2 of this Article III, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meetings of Stockholders and each director so elected shall hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.  Any director may

 

7



 

resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation.  Directors need not be stockholders.

 

Section 2Vacancies.  Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, vacancies arising through death, resignation, removal, an increase in the number of directors or otherwise may be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

Section 3Duties and Powers.  The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-Laws required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

 

Section 4Meetings.  The Board of Directors may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware.  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and at such place as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman, if there be one, the President, or by any director.  Notice thereof stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each director either by mail not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the date of the meeting, by telephone or telegram

 

8



 

on twenty-four (24) hours’ notice, or on such shorter notice as the person or persons calling such meeting may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances.

 

Section 5Quorum.  Except as otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, at all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors.  If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting of the time and place of the adjourned meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

 

Section 6Actions by Written Consent.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, or these By-Laws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all the members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.

 

Section 7Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons

 

9



 

participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

Section 8Committees.  The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation.  The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of any such committee.  In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any absent or disqualified member.  Any committee, to the extent permitted by law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.  Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors when required.

 

Section 9Compensation.  The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors

 

10



 

or a stated salary as director, payable in cash or securities.  No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.  Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.

 

Section 10Interested Directors.  No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other organization in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or officers or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because the director or officer’s vote is counted for such purpose if (i) the material facts as to the director or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or (ii) the material facts as to the director or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (iii) the contract

 

11



 

or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders.  Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.

 

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

 

Section 1General.  The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer.  The Board of Directors, in its discretion, also may choose a Chairman of the Board of Directors (who must be a director) and one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and other officers.  Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by law or the Certificate of Incorporation.  The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation nor, except in the case of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, need such officers be directors of the Corporation.

 

Section 2Election.  The Board of Directors, at its first meeting held after each Annual Meeting of Stockholders (or action by written consent of stockholders in lieu of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders), shall elect the officers of the Corporation who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; and all

 

12



 

officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.  Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of the Board of Directors.  Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors.  The salaries of all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation.  Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice President or any other officer authorized to do so by the Board of Directors and any such officer may, in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and power incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present.  The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

 

Section 4Chairman of the Board of Directors.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of

 

13



 

the Board of Directors.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, unless the Board of Directors designates the President as the Chief Executive Officer or determines that there should be an independent Chief Executive Officer, and, except where by law the signature of the President is required, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall possess the same power as the President to sign all contracts, certificates and other instruments of the Corporation which may be authorized by the Board of Directors.  During the absence or disability of the President, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall exercise all the powers and discharge all the duties of the President.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned by these By-Laws or by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5President.  The President shall be subject to the control of the Board of Directors, which control may be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer if that person is not the President, and, if there be one, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect.  The President shall execute all bonds, mortgages, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and execute documents when so authorized by these By-Laws, the

 

14



 

Board of Directors or the President.  In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if there be none, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors.  If there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if the Board of Directors shall otherwise designate, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.  The President shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned to such officer by these By-Laws or by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 6Vice Presidents.  At the request of the President or in the President’s absence or in the event of the President’s inability or refusal to act (and if there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors), the Vice President, or the Vice Presidents if there is more than one (in the order designated by the Board of Directors), shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.  Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe.  If there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors and no Vice President, the Board of Directors shall designate the officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or in the event of the inability or refusal of the President to act, shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.

 

15



 

Section 7Secretary.  The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for committees of the Board of Directors when required.  The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President, under whose supervision the Secretary shall be.  If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then either the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given.  The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary.  The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest to the affixing by such officer’s signature.  The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.

 

16



 

Section 8Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors.  The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.  If required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of the office of the Treasurer and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of the Treasurer’s death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in the Treasurer’s possession or under the Treasurer’s control belonging to the Corporation.

 

Section 9Assistant Secretaries.  Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of the Secretary’s disability or refusal to act, shall perform

 

17



 

the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.

 

Section 10Assistant Treasurers.  Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of the Treasurer’s disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer.  If required by the Board of Directors, an Assistant Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of the office of Assistant Treasurer and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of the Assistant Treasurer’s death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in the Assistant Treasurer’s possession or under the Assistant Treasurer’s control belonging to the Corporation.

 

Section 11Other Officers.  Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.

 

18



 

ARTICLE V

STOCK

 

Section 1Form of Certificates.  Every holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed, in the name of the Corporation (i) by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President or a Vice President and (ii) by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by such stockholder in the Corporation.

 

Section 2Signatures.  Any or all of the signatures on a certificate may be a facsimile.  In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

Section 3Lost Certificates.  The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed.  When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or the owner’s legal representative,

 

19



 

to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed or the issuance of such new certificate.

 

Section 4Transfers.  Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these By-Laws.  Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, which shall be cancelled before a new certificate shall be issued.  No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred.

 

Section 5Record Date.

 

(a)                                  In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting.  If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders

 

20



 

shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.  A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; providing, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

(b)                                 In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors.  If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in this State, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded.  Delivery made to a corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. 

 

21



 

If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors and prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolutions taking such prior action.

 

(c)                                  In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty days prior to such action.  If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

Section 6Record Owners.  The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise required by law.

 

22



 

ARTICLE VI

NOTICES

 

Section 1Notices.  Whenever written notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail, addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at such person’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail.  Written notice may also be given personally or by telegram, telex or cable.

 

Section 2Waivers of Notice.  Whenever any notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed, by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.  Attendance of a person at a meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

23



 

ARTICLE VII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 1Dividends.  Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the requirements of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “GCL”) and the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors (or any action by written consent in lieu thereof in accordance with Section 6 of Article III hereof), and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Corporation’s capital stock.  Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

 

Section 2Disbursements.  All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

 

Section 3Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 4Corporate Seal.  The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware”.  The seal may be used by causing it or a

 

24



 

facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

 

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 1Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than Those by or in the Right of the Corporation.  Subject to Section 3 of this Article VIII, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful.  The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption

 

25



 

that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.

 

Section 2Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation.  Subject to Section 3 of this Article VIII, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability

 

26



 

but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

 

Section 3Authorization of Indemnification.  Any indemnification under this Article VIII (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or Section 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be.  Such determination shall be made (i) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (ii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iii) by the stockholders.  To the extent, however, that a director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding described above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, without the necessity of authorization in the specific case.

 

Section 4Good Faith Defined.  For purposes of any determination under Section 3 of this Article VIII, a person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation,

 

27



 

or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, to have had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful, if such person’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Corporation or another enterprise, or on information supplied to such person by the officers of the Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Corporation or another enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or another enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Corporation or another enterprise.  The term “another enterprise” as used in this Section 4 shall mean any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent.  The provisions of this Section 4 shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be.

 

Section 5Indemnification by a Court.  Notwithstanding any contrary determination in the specific case under Section 3 of this Article VIII, and notwithstanding the absence of any determination thereunder, any director or officer may apply to the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware for indemnification to the extent otherwise permissible under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VIII.  The basis of such indemnification by a

 

28



 

court shall be a determination by such court that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be.  Neither a contrary determination in the specific case under Section 3 of this Article VIII nor the absence of any determination thereunder shall be a defense to such application or create a presumption that the director or officer seeking indemnification has not met any applicable standard of conduct.  Notice of any application for indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 shall be given to the Corporation promptly upon the filing of such application.  If successful, in whole or in part, the director or officer seeking indemnification shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such application.

 

Section 6.  Expenses Payable in Advance.  Expenses incurred by a director or officer in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article VIII.

 

Section 7Nonexclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses.  The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted pursuant to this Article VIII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or

 

29



 

advancement of expenses may be entitled under the Certificate of Incorporation, any By-Law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the Corporation that indemnification of the persons specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VIII shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law.  The provisions of this Article VIII shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of any person who is not specified in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII but whom the Corporation has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the GCL, or otherwise.

 

Section 8Insurance.  The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power or the obligation to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article VIII.

 

Section 9Certain Definitions.  For purposes of this Article VIII, references to “the Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of

 

30



 

a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors or officers, so that any person who is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation, or is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.  For purposes of this Article VIII, references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director or officer with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in this Article VIII.

 

Section 10.  Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses.  The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant

 

31



 

to, this Article VIII shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

Section 11Limitation on Indemnification.  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article VIII to the contrary, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification (which shall be governed by Section 5 hereof), the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or officer in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

 

Section 12Indemnification of Employees and Agents.  The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation similar to those conferred in this Article VIII to directors and officers of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1Amendments.  These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new By-Laws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors, provided, however, that notice of such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption of new By-Laws be contained in the notice of such meeting of stockholders

 

32



 

or Board of Directors as the case may be.  All such amendments must be approved by either the holders of a majority of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote thereon or by a majority of the entire Board of Directors then in office.

 

Section 2Entire Board of Directors.  As used in this Article IX and in these By-Laws generally, the term “entire Board of Directors” means the total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies.

 

* * *

 

 

Adopted as of:  August 31, 1998

 

33



EX-3.6 5 a2114440zex-3_6.htm EX-3.6

Exhibit 3.6

 

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 

OF

 

CLARK-SCHWEBEL HOLDING CORP.

 

FIRST:  The name of the Corporation is Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp. (hereinafter the “Corporation”).

 

SECOND:  The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Room 123, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.  The name of its registered agent at that address is The Corporation Trust Company.

 

THIRD:  The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as set forth in Title 8 of the Delaware Code (the “GCL”).

 

FOURTH:  The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is  1,000 shares of Common Stock, each having a par value of one penny ($.01).

 

FIFTH:  The name and mailing address of the Sole Incorporator is as follows:

 

Deborah M. Reusch

P.O. Box 636

Wilmington, DE  19899

 

SIXTH:  The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:

 

(1)  The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

 

1



 

(2)  The directors shall have concurrent power with the stockholders to make, alter, amend, change, add to or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation.

 

(3)  The number of directors of the Corporation shall be as from time to time fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the By-Laws of the Corporation.  Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the By-Laws so provide.

 

(4)  No director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the GCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.  Any repeal or modification of this Article SIXTH by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.

 

(5)  In addition to the powers and authority hereinbefore or by statute expressly conferred upon them, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the GCL, this Certificate of Incorporation, and any By-Laws adopted by the stockholders; provided, however, that no By-Laws hereafter adopted by the stockholders shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if such By-Laws had not been adopted.

 

2



 

SEVENTH:  Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the By-Laws may provide.  The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any provision contained in the GCL) outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the By-Laws of the Corporation.

 

EIGHTH:  The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.

 

NINTH:  Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between the Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between the Corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of the Corporation or any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under the provisions of Section 291 of the GCL or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under the provisions of Section 279 of the GCL, order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or the stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs.  If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of the Corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders, or class of stockholders, of the Corporation, as the case may be, and also on this Corporation.

 

TENTH:  The Corporation hereby elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the GCL pursuant to Section 203(b) therein.

 

3



 

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, being the Sole Incorporator hereinbefore named, for the purpose of forming a corporation pursuant to the GCL, do make this Certificate, hereby declaring and certifying that this is my act and deed and the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly have hereunto set my hand this 19th day of August, 1998.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deborah M. Reusch

 

 

Sole Incorporator

 

4



EX-3.7 6 a2114440zex-3_7.htm EX-3.7

Exhibit 3.7

 

BY-LAWS
OF
CLARK-SCHWEBEL HOLDING CORP.
(hereinafter called the “Corporation”)

 

ARTICLE I
OFFICES

 

Section 1Registered Office.  The registered office of the Corporation shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware.

 

Section 2Other Offices.  The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

 

ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 1Place of Meetings.  Meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 2Annual Meetings.  The Annual Meetings of Stockholders for the election of directors shall be held on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.  Any other proper business may be transacted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

1



 

Section 3Special Meetings.  Unless otherwise required by law or by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, as amended and restated from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), Special Meetings of Stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, may be called by either (i) the Chairman, if there be one, or (ii) the President, (iii) any Vice President, if there be one, (iv) the Secretary or (v) any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, and shall be called by any such officer at the request in writing of (i) the Board of Directors, (ii) a committee of the Board of Directors that has been duly designated by the Board of Directors and whose powers and authority include the power to call such meetings or (iii) stockholders owning a majority of the capital stock of the Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote.  Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.  At a Special Meeting of Stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall be specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto).

 

Section 4Notice.  Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be given which shall state the place, date and hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.  Unless otherwise required by law, the written notice of any meeting shall be given not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting.

 

2



 

Section 5Adjournments.  Any meeting of the stockholders may be adjourned from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, and notice need not be given of any such adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken.  At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.  If the adjournment is for more than thirty days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

Section 6Quorum.  Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business.  A quorum, once established, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum.  If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, in the manner provided in Section 5, until a quorum shall be present or represented.

 

Section 7Voting.  Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws, any question brought before any meeting of stockholders,

 

3



 

other than the election of directors (which shall be governed by Article III below), shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the total number of votes of the capital stock represented and entitled to vote thereat, voting as a single class.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to Section 5 of Article V hereof, each stockholder represented at a meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to cast one vote for each share of the capital stock entitled to vote thereat held by such stockholder.  Such votes may be cast in person or by proxy but no proxy shall be voted on or after three years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period.  The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at a meeting of stockholders, in such officer’s discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.

 

Section 8Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at any Annual or Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Corporation, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware,

 

4



 

its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded.  Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.  Every written consent shall bear the date of signature of each stockholder who signs the consent and no written consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within sixty days of the earliest dated consent delivered in the manner required by this Section 8 to the Corporation, written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take action are delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the state of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded.  Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take the action were delivered to the Corporation as provided above in this section.

 

Section 9List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote.  The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to

 

5



 

vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder.  Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held.  The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder of the Corporation who is present.

 

Section 10Stock Ledger.  The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by Section 9 of this Article II or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

 

Section 11Conduct of Meetings.  The Board of Directors of the Corporation may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of the stockholders as it shall deem appropriate.  Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of any meeting of the stockholders shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting.  Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether

 

6



 

adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the chairman of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following:  (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) the determination of when the polls shall open and close for any given matter to be voted on at the meeting; (iii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iv) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairman of the meeting shall determine; (v) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (vi) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants.

 

ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS

 

Section 1Number and Election of Directors.  The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than one nor more than fifteen members, the exact number of which shall initially be fixed by the Incorporator and thereafter from time to time by the Board of Directors.  Except as provided in Section 2 of this Article III, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meetings of Stockholders and each director so elected shall hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.  Any director may

 

7



 

resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation.  Directors need not be stockholders.

 

Section 2Vacancies.  Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, vacancies arising through death, resignation, removal, an increase in the number of directors or otherwise may be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

Section 3Duties and Powers.  The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-Laws required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

 

Section 4Meetings.  The Board of Directors may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware.  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and at such place as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman, if there be one, the President, or by any director.  Notice thereof stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each director either by mail not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the date of the meeting, by telephone or telegram

 

8



 

on twenty-four (24) hours’ notice, or on such shorter notice as the person or persons calling such meeting may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances.

 

Section 5Quorum.  Except as otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, at all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors.  If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting of the time and place of the adjourned meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

 

Section 6Actions by Written Consent.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, or these By-Laws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all the members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.

 

Section 7Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons

 

9



 

participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

Section 8Committees.  The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation.  The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of any such committee.  In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any absent or disqualified member.  Any committee, to the extent permitted by law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.  Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors when required.

 

Section 9Compensation.  The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors

 

10



 

or a stated salary as director, payable in cash or securities.  No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.  Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.

 

Section 10Interested Directors.  No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other organization in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or officers or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because the director or officer’s vote is counted for such purpose if (i) the material facts as to the director or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or (ii) the material facts as to the director or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (iii) the contract

 

11



 

or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders.  Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.

 

ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS

 

Section 1General.  The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer.  The Board of Directors, in its discretion, also may choose a Chairman of the Board of Directors (who must be a director) and one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and other officers.  Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by law or the Certificate of Incorporation.  The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation nor, except in the case of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, need such officers be directors of the Corporation.

 

Section 2Election.  The Board of Directors, at its first meeting held after each Annual Meeting of Stockholders (or action by written consent of stockholders in lieu of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders), shall elect the officers of the Corporation who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; and all

 

12



 

officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.  Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of the Board of Directors.  Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors.  The salaries of all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation.  Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice President or any other officer authorized to do so by the Board of Directors and any such officer may, in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and power incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present.  The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

 

Section 4Chairman of the Board of Directors.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of

 

13



 

the Board of Directors.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, unless the Board of Directors designates the President as the Chief Executive Officer or determines that there should be an independent Chief Executive Officer, and, except where by law the signature of the President is required, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall possess the same power as the President to sign all contracts, certificates and other instruments of the Corporation which may be authorized by the Board of Directors.  During the absence or disability of the President, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall exercise all the powers and discharge all the duties of the President.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned by these By-Laws or by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5President.  The President shall be subject to the control of the Board of Directors, which control may be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer if that person is not the President, and, if there be one, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect.  The President shall execute all bonds, mortgages, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and execute documents when so authorized by these By-Laws, the

 

14



 

Board of Directors or the President.  In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if there be none, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors.  If there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if the Board of Directors shall otherwise designate, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.  The President shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned to such officer by these By-Laws or by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 6Vice Presidents.  At the request of the President or in the President’s absence or in the event of the President’s inability or refusal to act (and if there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors), the Vice President, or the Vice Presidents if there is more than one (in the order designated by the Board of Directors), shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.  Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe.  If there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors and no Vice President, the Board of Directors shall designate the officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or in the event of the inability or refusal of the President to act, shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.

 

15



 

Section 7Secretary.  The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for committees of the Board of Directors when required.  The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President, under whose supervision the Secretary shall be.  If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then either the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given.  The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary.  The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest to the affixing by such officer’s signature.  The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.

 

16



 

Section 8Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors.  The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.  If required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of the office of the Treasurer and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of the Treasurer’s death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in the Treasurer’s possession or under the Treasurer’s control belonging to the Corporation.

 

Section 9Assistant Secretaries.  Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of the Secretary’s disability or refusal to act, shall perform

 

17



 

the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.

 

Section 10Assistant Treasurers.  Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of the Treasurer’s disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer.  If required by the Board of Directors, an Assistant Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of the office of Assistant Treasurer and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of the Assistant Treasurer’s death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in the Assistant Treasurer’s possession or under the Assistant Treasurer’s control belonging to the Corporation.

 

Section 11Other Officers.  Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.

 

18



 

ARTICLE V
STOCK

 

Section 1Form of Certificates.  Every holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed, in the name of the Corporation (i) by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President or a Vice President and (ii) by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by such stockholder in the Corporation.

 

Section 2Signatures.  Any or all of the signatures on a certificate may be a facsimile.  In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

Section 3Lost Certificates.  The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed.  When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or the owner’s legal representative,

 

19



 

to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed or the issuance of such new certificate.

 

Section 4Transfers.  Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these By-Laws.  Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, which shall be cancelled before a new certificate shall be issued.  No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred.

 

Section 5Record Date.

 

(a)  In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting.  If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders

 

20



 

shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.  A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; providing, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

(b)  In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors.  If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in this State, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded.  Delivery made to a corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. 

 

21



 

If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors and prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolutions taking such prior action.

 

(c)  In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty days prior to such action.  If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

Section 6Record Owners.  The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise required by law.

 

22



 

ARTICLE VI
NOTICES

 

Section 1Notices.  Whenever written notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail, addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at such person’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail.  Written notice may also be given personally or by telegram, telex or cable.

 

Section 2Waivers of Notice.  Whenever any notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed, by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.  Attendance of a person at a meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

23



 

ARTICLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 1Dividends.  Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the requirements of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “GCL”) and the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors (or any action by written consent in lieu thereof in accordance with Section 6 of Article III hereof), and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Corporation’s capital stock.  Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

 

Section 2Disbursements.  All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

 

Section 3Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 4Corporate Seal.  The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware”.  The seal may be used by causing it or a

 

24



 

facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

 

ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 1Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than Those by or in the Right of the Corporation.  Subject to Section 3 of this Article VIII, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful.  The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption

 

25



 

that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.

 

Section 2Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation.  Subject to Section 3 of this Article VIII, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability

 

26



 

but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

 

Section 3Authorization of Indemnification.  Any indemnification under this Article VIII (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or Section 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be.  Such determination shall be made (i) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (ii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iii) by the stockholders.  To the extent, however, that a director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding described above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, without the necessity of authorization in the specific case.

 

Section 4Good Faith Defined.  For purposes of any determination under Section 3 of this Article VIII, a person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation,

 

27



 

or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, to have had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful, if such person’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Corporation or another enterprise, or on information supplied to such person by the officers of the Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Corporation or another enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or another enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Corporation or another enterprise.  The term “another enterprise” as used in this Section 4 shall mean any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent.  The provisions of this Section 4 shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be.

 

Section 5Indemnification by a Court.  Notwithstanding any contrary determination in the specific case under Section 3 of this Article VIII, and notwithstanding the absence of any determination thereunder, any director or officer may apply to the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware for indemnification to the extent otherwise permissible under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VIII.  The basis of such indemnification by a

 

28



 

court shall be a determination by such court that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be.  Neither a contrary determination in the specific case under Section 3 of this Article VIII nor the absence of any determination thereunder shall be a defense to such application or create a presumption that the director or officer seeking indemnification has not met any applicable standard of conduct.  Notice of any application for indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 shall be given to the Corporation promptly upon the filing of such application.  If successful, in whole or in part, the director or officer seeking indemnification shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such application.

 

Section 6Expenses Payable in Advance.  Expenses incurred by a director or officer in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article VIII.

 

Section 7Nonexclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses.  The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted pursuant to this Article VIII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or

 

29



 

advancement of expenses may be entitled under the Certificate of Incorporation, any By-Law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the Corporation that indemnification of the persons specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VIII shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law.  The provisions of this Article VIII shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of any person who is not specified in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII but whom the Corporation has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the GCL, or otherwise.

 

Section 8Insurance.  The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power or the obligation to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article VIII.

 

Section 9Certain Definitions.  For purposes of this Article VIII, references to “the Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of

 

30



 

a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors or officers, so that any person who is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation, or is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.  For purposes of this Article VIII, references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director or officer with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in this Article VIII.

 

Section 10Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses.  The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant

 

31



 

to, this Article VIII shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

Section 11Limitation on Indemnification.  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article VIII to the contrary, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification (which shall be governed by Section 5 hereof), the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or officer in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

 

Section 12Indemnification of Employees and Agents.  The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation similar to those conferred in this Article VIII to directors and officers of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1Amendments.  These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new By-Laws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors, provided, however, that notice of such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption of new By-Laws be contained in the notice of such meeting of stockholders

 

32



 

or Board of Directors as the case may be.  All such amendments must be approved by either the holders of a majority of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote thereon or by a majority of the entire Board of Directors then in office.

 

Section 2Entire Board of Directors.  As used in this Article IX and in these By-Laws generally, the term “entire Board of Directors” means the total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies.

 

* * *

 

 

Adopted as of:  August 31, 1998

 

33



EX-3.8 7 a2114440zex-3_8.htm EX-3.8

Exhibit 3.8

 

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 

OF

 

CS TECH-FAB HOLDING, INC.

 

FIRST:  The name of the Corporation is CS Tech-Fab Holding, Inc. (hereinafter the “Corporation”).

 

SECOND:  The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 1013 Centre Road, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle.  The name of its registered agent at that address is Corporation Service Company.

 

THIRD:  The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as set forth in Title 8 of the Delaware Code (the “GCL”).

 

FOURTH:  The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 1,000 shares of Common Stock, each having a par value of one penny ($.01).

 

FIFTH:  The name and mailing address of the Sole Incorporator is as follows:

 

Deborah M. Reusch

P.O. Box 636

Wilmington, DE  19899

 

SIXTH:  The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:

 

(1)  The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

 

1



 

(2)  The directors shall have concurrent power with the stockholders to make, alter, amend, change, add to or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation.

 

(3)  The number of directors of the Corporation shall be as from time to time fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the By-Laws of the Corporation.  Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the By-Laws so provide.

 

(4)  No director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the GCL or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.  Any repeal or modification of this Article SIXTH by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.

 

(5)  In addition to the powers and authority hereinbefore or by statute expressly conferred upon them, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the GCL, this Certificate of Incorporation, and any By-Laws adopted by the stockholders; provided, however, that no By-Laws hereafter adopted by the stockholders shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if such By-Laws had not been adopted.

 

2



 

SEVENTH:  Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the By-Laws may provide.  The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any provision contained in the GCL) outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the By-Laws of the Corporation.

 

EIGHTH:  The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.

 

NINTH:  Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between the Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between the Corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of the Corporation or any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under the provisions of Section 291 of the GCL or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for the Corporation under the provisions of Section 279 of the GCL, order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or the stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs.  If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of the Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of the Corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders, or class of stockholders, of the Corporation, as the case may be, and also on this Corporation.

 

TENTH:  The Corporation hereby elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the GCL pursuant to Section 203(b) therein.

 

3



 

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, being the Sole Incorporator hereinbefore named, for the purpose of forming a corporation pursuant to the GCL, do make this Certificate, hereby declaring and certifying that this is my act and deed and the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly have hereunto set my hand this 19th day of August, 1998.

 

 

 

 

Deborah M. Reusch

 

Sole Incorporator

 

4



EX-3.9 8 a2114440zex-3_9.htm EX-3.9

Exhibit 3.9

 

BY-LAWS

OF

CS TECH-FAB HOLDING, INC.

(hereinafter called the “Corporation”)

 

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

 

Section 1Registered Office.  The registered office of the Corporation shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware.

 

Section 2Other Offices.  The Corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

 

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 1Place of Meetings.  Meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 2Annual Meetings.  The Annual Meetings of Stockholders for the election of directors shall be held on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.  Any other proper business may be transacted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

1



 

Section 3Special Meetings.  Unless otherwise required by law or by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, as amended and restated from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), Special Meetings of Stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, may be called by either (i) the Chairman, if there be one, or (ii) the President, (iii) any Vice President, if there be one, (iv) the Secretary or (v) any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, and shall be called by any such officer at the request in writing of (i) the Board of Directors, (ii) a committee of the Board of Directors that has been duly designated by the Board of Directors and whose powers and authority include the power to call such meetings or (iii) stockholders owning a majority of the capital stock of the Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote.  Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.  At a Special Meeting of Stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall be specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto).

 

Section 4Notice.  Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be given which shall state the place, date and hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.  Unless otherwise required by law, the written notice of any meeting shall be given not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting.

 

2



 

Section 5Adjournments.  Any meeting of the stockholders may be adjourned from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, and notice need not be given of any such adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken.  At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.  If the adjournment is for more than thirty days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

Section 6Quorum.  Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business.  A quorum, once established, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum.  If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, in the manner provided in Section 5, until a quorum shall be present or represented.

 

Section 7Voting.  Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws, any question brought before any meeting of stockholders,

 

3



 

other than the election of directors (which shall be governed by Article III below), shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the total number of votes of the capital stock represented and entitled to vote thereat, voting as a single class.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to Section 5 of Article V hereof, each stockholder represented at a meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to cast one vote for each share of the capital stock entitled to vote thereat held by such stockholder.  Such votes may be cast in person or by proxy but no proxy shall be voted on or after three years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period.  The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at a meeting of stockholders, in such officer’s discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.

 

Section 8Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at any Annual or Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Corporation, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware,

 

4



 

its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded.  Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.  Every written consent shall bear the date of signature of each stockholder who signs the consent and no written consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within sixty days of the earliest dated consent delivered in the manner required by this Section 8 to the Corporation, written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take action are delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the state of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded.  Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take the action were delivered to the Corporation as provided above in this section.

 

Section 9List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote.  The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to

 

5



 

vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder.  Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held.  The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder of the Corporation who is present.

 

Section 10Stock Ledger.  The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by Section 9 of this Article II or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

 

Section 11Conduct of Meetings.  The Board of Directors of the Corporation may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of the stockholders as it shall deem appropriate.  Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of any meeting of the stockholders shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting.  Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether

 

6



 

adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the chairman of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following:  (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) the determination of when the polls shall open and close for any given matter to be voted on at the meeting; (iii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iv) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairman of the meeting shall determine; (v) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (vi) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants.

 

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

 

Section 1Number and Election of Directors.  The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than one nor more than fifteen members, the exact number of which shall initially be fixed by the Incorporator and thereafter from time to time by the Board of Directors.  Except as provided in Section 2 of this Article III, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meetings of Stockholders and each director so elected shall hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.  Any director may

 

7



 

resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation.  Directors need not be stockholders.

 

Section 2Vacancies.  Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, vacancies arising through death, resignation, removal, an increase in the number of directors or otherwise may be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

Section 3.  Duties and Powers.  The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-Laws required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

 

Section 4Meetings.  The Board of Directors may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware.  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and at such place as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman, if there be one, the President, or by any director.  Notice thereof stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each director either by mail not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the date of the meeting, by telephone or telegram

 

8



 

on twenty-four (24) hours’ notice, or on such shorter notice as the person or persons calling such meeting may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances.

 

Section 5Quorum.  Except as otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, at all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors.  If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting of the time and place of the adjourned meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

 

Section 6Actions by Written Consent.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, or these By-Laws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all the members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.

 

Section 7Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone.  Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons

 

9



 

participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

Section 8Committees.  The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation.  The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of any such committee.  In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any absent or disqualified member.  Any committee, to the extent permitted by law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.  Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors when required.

 

Section 9Compensation.  The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors

 

10



 

or a stated salary as director, payable in cash or securities.  No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.  Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.

 

Section 10Interested Directors.  No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other organization in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or officers or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because the director or officer’s vote is counted for such purpose if (i) the material facts as to the director or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or (ii) the material facts as to the director or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (iii) the contract

 

11



 

or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders.  Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.

 

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

 

Section 1General.  The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer.  The Board of Directors, in its discretion, also may choose a Chairman of the Board of Directors (who must be a director) and one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and other officers.  Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by law or the Certificate of Incorporation.  The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation nor, except in the case of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, need such officers be directors of the Corporation.

 

Section 2Election.  The Board of Directors, at its first meeting held after each Annual Meeting of Stockholders (or action by written consent of stockholders in lieu of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders), shall elect the officers of the Corporation who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; and all

 

12



 

officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.  Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of the Board of Directors.  Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors.  The salaries of all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation.  Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice President or any other officer authorized to do so by the Board of Directors and any such officer may, in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and power incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present.  The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

 

Section 4Chairman of the Board of Directors.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of

 

13



 

the Board of Directors.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, unless the Board of Directors designates the President as the Chief Executive Officer or determines that there should be an independent Chief Executive Officer, and, except where by law the signature of the President is required, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall possess the same power as the President to sign all contracts, certificates and other instruments of the Corporation which may be authorized by the Board of Directors.  During the absence or disability of the President, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall exercise all the powers and discharge all the duties of the President.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned by these By-Laws or by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5President.  The President shall be subject to the control of the Board of Directors, which control may be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer if that person is not the President, and, if there be one, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect.  The President shall execute all bonds, mortgages, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and execute documents when so authorized by these By-Laws, the

 

14



 

Board of Directors or the President.  In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if there be none, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors.  If there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if the Board of Directors shall otherwise designate, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.  The President shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned to such officer by these By-Laws or by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 6Vice Presidents.  At the request of the President or in the President’s absence or in the event of the President’s inability or refusal to act (and if there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors), the Vice President, or the Vice Presidents if there is more than one (in the order designated by the Board of Directors), shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.  Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe.  If there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors and no Vice President, the Board of Directors shall designate the officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or in the event of the inability or refusal of the President to act, shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.

 

15



 

Section 7Secretary.  The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties for committees of the Board of Directors when required.  The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President, under whose supervision the Secretary shall be.  If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then either the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given.  The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary.  The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest to the affixing by such officer’s signature.  The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.

 

16



 

Section 8Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors.  The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.  If required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of the office of the Treasurer and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of the Treasurer’s death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in the Treasurer’s possession or under the Treasurer’s control belonging to the Corporation.

 

Section 9Assistant Secretaries.  Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of the Secretary’s disability or refusal to act, shall perform

 

17



 

the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.

 

Section 10Assistant Treasurers.  Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of the Treasurer’s disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Treasurer.  If required by the Board of Directors, an Assistant Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of the office of Assistant Treasurer and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of the Assistant Treasurer’s death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in the Assistant Treasurer’s possession or under the Assistant Treasurer’s control belonging to the Corporation.

 

Section 11Other Officers.  Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.

 

18



 

ARTICLE V

STOCK

 

Section 1Form of Certificates.  Every holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed, in the name of the Corporation (i) by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President or a Vice President and (ii) by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by such stockholder in the Corporation.

 

Section 2Signatures.  Any or all of the signatures on a certificate may be a facsimile.  In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

Section 3Lost Certificates.  The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed.  When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or the owner’s legal representative,

 

19



 

to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed or the issuance of such new certificate.

 

Section 4Transfers.  Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these By-Laws.  Transfers of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the certificate therefor, which shall be cancelled before a new certificate shall be issued.  No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred.

 

Section 5Record Date.

(a)  In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the board of directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting.  If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders

 

20



 

shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.  A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; providing, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

(b)  In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors.  If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in this State, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded.  Delivery made to a corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

21



 

If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors and prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolutions taking such prior action.

 

(c)  In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty days prior to such action.  If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

Section 6Record Owners.  The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise required by law.

 

22



 

ARTICLE VI

NOTICES

 

Section 1Notices.  Whenever written notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail, addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at such person’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail.  Written notice may also be given personally or by telegram, telex or cable.

 

Section 2Waivers of Notice.  Whenever any notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed, by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.  Attendance of a person at a meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

23



 

ARTICLE VII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 1Dividends.  Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the requirements of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “GCL”) and the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors (or any action by written consent in lieu thereof in accordance with Section 6 of Article III hereof), and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Corporation’s capital stock.  Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

 

Section 2Disbursements.  All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

 

Section 3Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 4Corporate Seal.  The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware”.  The seal may be used by causing it or a

 

24



 

facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

 

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 1Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than Those by or in the Right of the Corporation.  Subject to Section 3 of this Article VIII, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful.  The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption

 

25



 

that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.

 

Section 2Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation.  Subject to Section 3 of this Article VIII, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability

 

26



 

but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

 

Section 3Authorization of Indemnification.  Any indemnification under this Article VIII (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or Section 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be.  Such determination shall be made (i) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (ii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iii) by the stockholders.  To the extent, however, that a director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding described above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, without the necessity of authorization in the specific case.

 

Section 4Good Faith Defined.  For purposes of any determination under Section 3 of this Article VIII, a person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation,

 

27



 

or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, to have had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful, if such person’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Corporation or another enterprise, or on information supplied to such person by the officers of the Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Corporation or another enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or another enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Corporation or another enterprise.  The term “another enterprise” as used in this Section 4 shall mean any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent.  The provisions of this Section 4 shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be.

 

Section 5Indemnification by a Court.  Notwithstanding any contrary determination in the specific case under Section 3 of this Article VIII, and notwithstanding the absence of any determination thereunder, any director or officer may apply to the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware for indemnification to the extent otherwise permissible under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VIII.  The basis of such indemnification by a

 

28



 

court shall be a determination by such court that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be.  Neither a contrary determination in the specific case under Section 3 of this Article VIII nor the absence of any determination thereunder shall be a defense to such application or create a presumption that the director or officer seeking indemnification has not met any applicable standard of conduct.  Notice of any application for indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 shall be given to the Corporation promptly upon the filing of such application.  If successful, in whole or in part, the director or officer seeking indemnification shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such application.

 

Section 6Expenses Payable in Advance.  Expenses incurred by a director or officer in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article VIII.

 

Section 7Nonexclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses.  The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted pursuant to this Article VIII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or

 

29



 

advancement of expenses may be entitled under the Certificate of Incorporation, any By-Law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the Corporation that indemnification of the persons specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VIII shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law.  The provisions of this Article VIII shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of any person who is not specified in Section 1 or 2 of this Article VIII but whom the Corporation has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the GCL, or otherwise.

 

Section 8Insurance.  The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power or the obligation to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article VIII.

 

Section 9Certain Definitions.  For purposes of this Article VIII, references to “the Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of

 

30



 

a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors or officers, so that any person who is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation, or is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.  For purposes of this Article VIII, references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director or officer with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in this Article VIII.

 

Section 10Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses.  The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant

 

31



 

to, this Article VIII shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

Section 11Limitation on Indemnification.  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article VIII to the contrary, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification (which shall be governed by Section 5 hereof), the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or officer in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

 

Section 12Indemnification of Employees and Agents.  The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation similar to those conferred in this Article VIII to directors and officers of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1Amendments.  These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new By-Laws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors, provided, however, that notice of such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption of new By-Laws be contained in the notice of such meeting of stockholders

 

32



 

or Board of Directors as the case may be.  All such amendments must be approved by either the holders of a majority of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote thereon or by a majority of the entire Board of Directors then in office.

 

Section 2Entire Board of Directors.  As used in this Article IX and in these By-Laws generally, the term “entire Board of Directors” means the total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies.

 

* * *

 

Adopted as of:  August 31, 1998

 

33



EX-3.10 9 a2114440zex-3_10.htm EX-3.10

Exhibit 3.10

 

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 

OF

 

HEXCEL POTTSVILLE CORPORATION

 

FIRST:  The name of the Corporation is Hexcel Pottsville Corporation (hereinafter the “Corporation”).

 

SECOND:  The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is c/o United Corporate Services, Inc., 15 East North Street in the City of Dover, County of Kent.  The name of its registered agent at that address is United Corporate Services, Inc.

 

THIRD:  The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as set forth in Title 8 of the Delaware Code (the “GCL”).

 

FOURTH:  The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 1,000 shares, all of which are to be shares of Common Stock, without par value.

 

FIFTH:  The name and mailing address of the Sole Incorporator is as follows:

 

Name

 

Mailing Address

 

 

 

Jill N. Simon-Reisman

 

c/o Kronish, Lieb, Weiner & Hellman LLP

 

 

1114 Avenue of the Americas

 

 

New York, New York 10036

 

SIXTH:  The Corporation shall to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the GCL, as amended from time to time, indemnify all persons whom it may indemnify pursuant thereto.  Directors of the Corporation shall have no personal liability for monetary damages for breach of a fiduciary duty, or failure to

 

1



 

exercise any applicable standard of care, of a director to the fullest extent permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the GCL.

 

SEVENTH:  Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this Corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of this Corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation under the provisions of section 291 of the GCL or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation under the provisions of Section 279 of the GCL, order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs.  If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this Corporation as consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctified by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this Corporation, as the case may be, and also on this Corporation.

 

EIGHTH:  The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by law, and all rights and powers conferred upon stockholders, directors and officers are subject to this reservation.

 

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, being the sole incorporator hereinbefore named, for the purpose of forming a corporation pursuant to the GCL, do make this Certificate, hereby declaring and certifying that this is my act and deed and the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly have hereunto set my hand this 15th day of November, 1995.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jill Simon-Reisman

 

Sole Incorporator

 

2



EX-3.11 10 a2114440zex-3_11.htm EX-3.11

EXHIBIT 3.11

BYLAWS

 

OF

 

HEXCEL POTTSVILLE CORPORATION

 

(A Delaware corporation)

 

ARTICLE I

 

Offices

 

SECTION 1.  Registered Office.  The registered office of the Corporation within the State of Delaware shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle.

 

SECTION 2.  Other Offices.  The Corporation may also have an office or offices other than said registered office at such place or places, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

 

ARTICLE II

 

Meetings of Stockholders

 

SECTION 1.  Place of Meetings.  All meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at any such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of meeting or in a duly executed waiver thereof.

 

SECTION 2.  Annual Meeting.  The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held at such date and time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.  At such annual meeting, the stockholders shall elect, by a plurality vote, a Board of Directors and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

 

SECTION 3.  Special Meetings.  Special meetings of stockholders, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or the Certificate of Incorporation, may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President, and shall be called by the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, the Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice-President, if there be one, upon the request in writing of a stockholder or stockholders holding of record at least a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting.

 

SECTION 4.  Notice of Meetings.  Except as otherwise expressly required by statute or the Certificate of Incorporation, written notice of each annual and special meeting of

 

1



 

stockholders stating the date, place and hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote thereat not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice. Notice shall be given personally or by mail and, if by mail, shall be sent in a postage prepaid envelope, addressed to the stockholder at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. Notice by mail shall be deemed given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid. Notice of any meeting shall not be required to be given to any person who attends such meeting, except when such person attends the meeting in person or by proxy for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened, or who, either before or after the meeting, shall submit a signed written waiver of notice, in person or by proxy. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, an annual or special meeting of stockholders need be specified in any written waiver of notice.

 

SECTION 5.  List of Stockholders.  The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten days before each meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city, town or village where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of meeting, or, if not specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.

 

SECTION 6.  Quorum, Adjournments.  The holders of a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of stockholders, except as otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented by proxy at any meeting of stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than an announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented by proxy. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented by proxy, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called. If the adjournment is for more than thirty days, or, if after adjournment a new record date is set, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

SECTION 7.  Organization.  At each meeting of stockholders, the Chairman of the Board, if there be one, or in his absence, the President, shall act as chairman of the meeting. The Secretary or, in his absence or inability to act, the person whom the chairman of the meeting shall appoint secretary of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting and keep the minutes thereof.

 

2



 

SECTION 8.  Order of Business.  The order of business at all meetings of the stockholders shall be as determined by the chairman of the meeting.

 

SECTION 9.  Voting.  Except as otherwise provided by statute or the Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder of the Corporation shall be entitled at each meeting of stockholders to one vote for each share of capital stock of the Corporation registered in his name on the record of stockholders of the Corporation:

 

(a)               on the date fixed pursuant to the provisions of Section 7 of Article V of these Bylaws as the record date for the determination of the stockholders who shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting; or

 

(b)              if no such record date shall have been so fixed, then at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice thereof shall be given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the date next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.

 

Each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for him by a proxy signed by such stockholder or his attorney-in-fact, but no proxy shall be voted after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. Any such proxy shall be delivered to the secretary of the meeting at or prior to the time designated in the order of business for so delivering such proxies. When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, present in person or represented by proxy, shall decide any questions brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which by express provision of statute or of the Certificate of Incorporation or of these Bylaws, a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. Unless required by statute, or determined by the chairman of the meeting to be advisable, the vote on any question need not be by ballot. On the vote by ballot, each ballot shall be signed by the stockholder voting, or by his proxy, if there by such proxy, and shall state the number of shares voted.

 

SECTION 10.  Inspectors.  The Board of Directors may, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors to act at such meeting or any adjournment thereof. If any of the inspectors so appointed shall fail to appear or act, the chairman of the meeting shall, or if inspectors shall not have been appointed, the chairman of the meeting may, appoint one or more inspectors. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector at such meeting with strict impartiality and according to the best of his ability. The inspectors shall determine the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation outstanding and the voting power of each, the number of shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, determine the results, and do such acts as are proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders. On request of the chairman of the meeting, the inspectors shall make a report in

 

3



 

writing of any challenge, request or matter determined by them and shall execute a certificate of any fact found by them. No director or candidate for the office of director shall act as an inspector of an election of directors. Inspectors need not be stockholders.

 

SECTION 11.  Action by Consent.  Whenever the vote of stockholders at a meeting thereof is required or permitted to be taken for or in connection with any corporate action, by any provision of statute or of the Certificate of Incorporation or of these Bylaws, the meeting and vote of stockholders may be dispensed with, and the action taken without such meeting and vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Board of Directors

 

SECTION 1.  General Powers.  The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors may exercise all such authority and powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or the Certificate of Incorporation directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

 

SECTION 2.  Number, Qualifications, Election and Term.  The number of Directors constituting the entire Board of Directors shall be set, and may be changed from time to time, by resolution of the Board of Directors.  Except as otherwise provided by statute or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the annual meeting of stockholders.  Directors need not be stockholders.

 

Each director shall hold office until his successor shall have been elected and qualified, or until his death, or until he shall have resigned, or have been removed, as hereinafter provided in these Bylaws.

 

SECTION 3.  Place of Meetings.  Meetings of the Board of Directors, both regular and special, shall be held at such place or places, within or without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or as shall be specified in the notice of any such meeting.

 

SECTION 4.  Annual Meeting.  The Board of Directors shall meet for the purpose of organization, the election of officers and the transaction of other business, as soon as practicable after each annual meeting of stockholders, on the same day and at the same place where such annual meeting shall be held.  Notice of such meeting need not be given.  In the event such annual meeting is not so held, the annual meeting of the Board of Directors may be held at such

 

4



 

other time or place (within or without the State of Delaware) as shall be specified in a notice thereof given as hereinafter provided in Section 7 of this Article III.

 

SECTION 5.  Regular Meetings.  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time and place as the Board of Directors may fix. If any day fixed for a regular meeting shall be a legal holiday at the place where the meeting is to be held, the meeting which would otherwise be held on that day shall be held at the same hour on the next succeeding business day. Notice of regular meetings of the Board of Directors need not be given except as otherwise required by statute or these Bylaws.

 

SECTION 6.  Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board or by two or more directors of the Corporation or by the President.

 

SECTION 7.  Notice of Meetings.  Notice of each special meeting of the Board of Directors (and of each regular meeting for which notice shall be required) shall be given by the Secretary as hereinafter provided in this Section 7, in which notice shall be stated the date, time and place of the meeting. Except as otherwise required by these Bylaws, such notice need not state the purposes of such meeting. Notice of each such meeting shall be mailed, postage prepaid, to each director, addressed to him at his residence or usual place of business, by first class mail, at least two days before the day on which such meeting is to be held, or shall be sent addressed to him at such place by telegraph, cable, telex, telecopier or other similar means, or be delivered to him personally or be given to him by telephone or other similar means, at least twenty-four hours before the time at which such meeting is to be held or on such shorter notice as the person or persons calling such meeting may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances. Notice of any such meeting need not be given to any director who shall, either before or after the meeting, submit a signed waiver of notice or who shall attend such meeting, except when he shall attend for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

SECTION 8.  Quorum and Manner of Acting.  No action may be taken by the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, in the absence of a quorum. A majority of the Board of Directors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.  With respect to each committee of the Board of Directors, a majority of each such committee shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. Except as otherwise expressly required by statute or the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, and the act of a majority of the members of a committee present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of such committee.

 

In the absence of a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, a majority of the directors present thereat may adjourn such meeting to another time and place. Notice of the date, time and place of any such adjourned meeting shall be given to all of the directors unless such date, time and place were announced at the meeting at which the adjournment was taken, in which case such notice shall only be given to the directors who were

 

5



 

not present thereat.  At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.  The directors shall act only as a Board or a committee and the individual directors shall have no power as such.

 

SECTION 9.  Organization.  At each meeting of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board (or, in his absence, another director chosen by a majority of the directors present) shall act as chairman of the meeting and preside thereat. The Secretary or, in his absence, any person appointed by the chairman, shall act as secretary of the meeting and keep the minutes thereof.

 

SECTION 10.  Resignations.  Any director of the Corporation may resign at any time by giving written notice of his resignation to the Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective shall not be specified therein, immediately upon its receipt. Unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

 

SECTION 11.  Vacancies.  In the event of any vacancy on the Board of Directors, however occurring, such vacancy may be filled by the stockholders or by a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

SECTION 12.  Removal of Directors.  The holders of a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at an election of directors may remove any member of the Board of Directors with or without cause.

 

SECTION 13.  Compensation.  The Board of Directors shall have authority to fix the compensation, including fees and reimbursement of expenses, of directors for services to the Corporation in any capacity. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation thereto. Members of committees may be allowed like reimbursement of expenses for attending committee meetings.

 

SECTION 14.  Committees in General.  The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, designate one or more committees, including an executive committee, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.  In addition, in the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.

 

Except to the extent restricted by statute or the Certificate of Incorporation, each such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution creating it, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which require it.  Each such committee shall serve at the pleasure of the

 

6



 

Board of Directors and have such name as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors.  Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 15.  Action by Consent.  Unless restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be.

 

SECTION 16.  Telephonic Meeting.  Unless restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, any one or more members of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other.  Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Officers

 

SECTION 1.  Number and Qualifications.  The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board of Directors and may include a President, the Secretary and the Treasurer. If the Board of Directors wishes, it may also elect as an officer of the Corporation the Chairman of the Board and may elect other officers (including one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Treasurers and Assistant Secretaries) as may be necessary or desirable for the business of the Corporation.  Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.  Each officer shall hold office until his successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified, or until his death, or until he shall have resigned or have been removed, as hereinafter provided in these Bylaws.

 

SECTION 2.  Resignations.  Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by giving written notice of his resignation to the Corporation.  Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective shall not be specified therein, immediately upon receipt.  Unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of any such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

 

SECTION 3.  Removal.  Any officer of the Corporation may be removed, either with or without cause, at any time, by the Board of Directors at any meeting thereof.

 

SECTION 4.  Chairman of the Board.  The Chairman of the Board shall be a member of the Board of Directors.  If present, he shall preside at each meeting of the Board of Directors or the stockholders.  He shall advise and counsel with the President, and in his absence with other executives of the Corporation, and shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.  He shall possess the same power as the President to sign all contracts, certificates and other instruments of the Corporation which may be authorized

 

7



 

by the Board of Directors, except where by law the signature of the President is required.  During the absence or disability of the President, the Chairman of the Board shall exercise all duties of the President.

 

SECTION 5.  The President.  The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation.  He shall preside at each meeting of the Board of Directors or the stockholders if the Chairman of the Board is not present. He shall perform all duties incident to the office of President and chief executive officer and such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 6.  Vice-President.  Each Vice-President shall perform all such duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors or the President.  At the request of the President or in his absence or in the event of his inability or refusal to act, the Vice-President, or if there shall be more than one, the Vice-Presidents in the order determined by the Board of Directors (or if there be no such determination, then the Vice-Presidents in the order of their election), shall perform the duties of the President, and, when so acting, shall have the powers of and be subject to the restrictions placed upon the President in respect of the performance of such duties.

 

SECTION 7.  Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall

 

(a)               have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all the funds and securities of the Corporation;

 

(b)              keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation;

 

(c)               deposit all moneys and other valuables to the credit of the Corporation in such depositaries as may be designated by the Board of Directors or pursuant to its direction;

 

(d)              receive, and give receipts for, moneys due and payable to the Corporation from any source whatsoever;

 

(e)               disburse the funds of the Corporation and supervise the investments of its funds, taking proper vouchers therefor;

 

(f)                 render to the Board of Directors, whenever the Board of Directors may require, an account of the financial condition of the Corporation; and

 

(g)              in general, perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 8.  Secretary.  The Secretary shall

 

8



 

(a)               keep or cause to be kept in one or more books provided for the purpose, the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors, the committees of the Board of Directors and the stockholders;

 

(b)              see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws and as required by law;

 

(c)               be custodian of the records and the seal of the Corporation and affix and attest the seal to all certificates for shares of the Corporation (unless the seal of the Corporation on such certificates shall be a facsimile, as hereinafter provided) and affix and attest the seal to all other documents to be executed on behalf of the Corporation under its seal;

 

(d)              see that the books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept and filed are properly kept and filed; and

 

(e)               in general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 9.  The Assistant Treasurer.  The Assistant Treasurer, or if there shall be more than one, the Assistant Treasurers in the order determined by the Board of Directors (or if there be no such determination, then in the order of their election), shall, in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of his inability or refusal to act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Treasurer and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 10.  The Assistant Secretary.  The Assistant Secretary, or if there be more than one, the Assistant Secretaries in the order determined by the Board of Directors (or if there be no such determination, then in the order of their election), shall, in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his inability or refusal to act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 11.  Compensation.  The compensation of the officers of the Corporation for their services as such officers shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.  An officer of the Corporation shall not be prevented from receiving compensation by reason of the fact that he is also a director of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Stock Certificates and Their Transfer

 

SECTION 1.  Stock Certificates.  Every holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate, signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, the Chairman of the Board or the President or a Vice-President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of shares

 

9



 

owned by him in the Corporation.  If the Corporation shall be authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class, the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restriction of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or summarized on the face or back of the certificate which the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock, provided that, except as otherwise provided in Section 202 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set forth on the face or back of the certificate which the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock, a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

 

SECTION 2.  Facsimile Signatures.  Any or all of the signatures on a certificate may be a facsimile.  In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

SECTION 3.  Lost Certificates.  The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate or certificates, or his legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against the Corporation on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate.

 

SECTION 4.  Transfers of Stock.  Upon surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, it shall be the duty of the Corporation to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its records; provided, however, that the Corporation shall be entitled to recognize and enforce any lawful restriction on transfer.  Whenever any transfer of stock shall be made for collateral security, and not absolutely, it shall be so expressed in the entry of transfer if, when the certificates are presented to the Corporation for transfer, both the transferor and the transferee request the Corporation to do so.

 

SECTION 5.  Transfer Agents and Registrars.  The Board of Directors may appoint, or authorize any officer or officers to appoint, one or more transfer agents and one or more registrars.

 

10



 

SECTION 6.  Regulations.  The Board of Directors may make such additional rules and regulations, not inconsistent with these Bylaws, as it may deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation.

 

SECTION 7.  Fixing the Record Date.  In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any other action. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

SECTION 8.  Registered Stockholders.  The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its records as the owner of shares of stock to receive dividends and to vote as such owner, shall be entitled to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its records as the owner of shares of stock, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares of stock on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

SECTION 1.  General.  The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys, fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.  The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

 

11



 

SECTION 2.  Derivative Actions.  The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, provided that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

 

SECTION 3.  Indemnification in Certain Cases.  To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VI, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith.

 

SECTION 4.  Procedure.  Unless otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, any indemnification under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VI shall be made by the Corporation.  Such indemnification shall be made only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances. With respect to the indemnification under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article VI, such determination shall be made: (a) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (b) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (c) by the stockholders.

 

SECTION 5.  Advances for Expenses.  Reasonable expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid in advance of the final disposition thereof by the Corporation upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amount if it shall be ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that he is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Article VI.

 

SECTION 6.  Rights Not-Exclusive.  The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of this Article VI shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any law, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

 

12



 

SECTION 7.  Insurance.  The Corporation (and, with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses provided to the Outside Directors pursuant to Section 3 of this Article VI, the stockholders) shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him or incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this Article VI.

 

SECTION 8.  Definition of Corporation.  For the purposes of this Article VI, references to “the Corporation” include all constituent corporations absorbed in a consolidation or merger as well as the resulting or surviving corporation so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such a constituent corporation or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VI with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he would if he had served the resulting or surviving corporation in the same capacity.

 

SECTION 9.  Survival of Rights.  The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant top this Article VI shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

General Provisions

 

SECTION 1.  Dividends.  Subject to the provisions of statute and the Certificate of Incorporation, dividends upon the shares of capital stock of the Corporation may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of stock of the Corporation, unless otherwise provided by statute or the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

SECTION 2.  Reserves.  Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, in its absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors may think conducive to the interests of the Corporation. The Board of directors may modify or abolish any such reserves in the manner in which it was created.

 

SECTION 3.  Seal.  The seal of the Corporation shall be in such form as shall be approved by the Board of Directors.

 

13



 

SECTION 4.  Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed, and once fixed, may thereafter be changed, by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 5.  Checks, Notes, Drafts, Etc.  All checks, notes, drafts or other orders for the payment of money of the Corporation shall be signed, endorsed or accepted in the name of the Corporation by such officer, officers, person or persons as from time to time may be designated by the Board of Directors or by an officer or officers authorized by the Board of Directors to make such designation.

 

SECTION 6.  Execution of Contracts, Deeds, Etc.  The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation to enter into or execute and deliver any and all deeds, bonds, mortgages, contracts and other obligations or instruments, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

 

SECTION 7.  Voting of Stock in Other Corporations.  Unless otherwise provided by resolution of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President, from time to time, may (or may appoint one or more attorneys or agents to) cast the votes which the Corporation may be entitled to cast as a shareholder or otherwise in any other corporation, any of whose shares or securities may be held by the Corporation, at meetings of the holders of the shares or other securities of such other corporation.  In the event one or more attorneys or agents are appointed, the Chairman of the Board or the President may instruct the person or persons so appointed as to the manner of casting such votes or giving such consent.  The Chairman of the Board or the President may, or may instruct the attorneys or agents appointed to, execute or cause to be executed in the name and on behalf of the Corporation and under its seal or otherwise, such written proxies, consents, waivers or other instruments as may be necessary or proper in the circumstances.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

Amendments

 

The Bylaws may be amended or repealed or new Bylaws adopted (a) by action of the stockholders entitled to vote thereon at any annual or special meeting of stockholders or (b) by action of the Board of Directors at a regular or special meeting thereof.

 

14



EX-5.1 11 a2114440zex-5_1.htm EX-5.1

Exhibit 5.1

 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Four Times Square

New York, New York 10036-6522

 

 

July 10, 2003

 

Hexcel Corporation

Two Stamford Plaza

281 Tresser Boulevard

Stamford, Connecticut  06901-3238

 

 

Re:                               Hexcel Corporation Registration Statement on Form S-4

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as special counsel to Hexcel Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), of $125,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 (the “Exchange Notes”).  The Exchange Notes are to be issued pursuant to an exchange offer (the “Exchange Offer”) by the Company of the Exchange Notes for a like principal amount of the Company’s issued and outstanding 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 (the “Original Notes”), as contemplated by the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2003 (the “Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement”), by and among the Company, the Guarantors (as defined below), Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Fleet Securities, Inc.  The Original Notes were, and the Exchange Notes will be, issued under the Indenture, dated as of March 19, 2003 (the “Indenture”), between the Company, the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee (the “Trustee”). The Exchange Notes are to be guaranteed pursuant to Notations of Guarantee (the “Guarantees”) executed by Clark-Schwebel Holding Corp., Clark-Schwebel Corporation, CS-Tech Fab Holding, Inc. and Hexcel Pottsville Corporation, each a Delaware corporation (collectively, the “Guarantors”).

 

This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Act.

 

In connection with this opinion, we have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of:

 



 

(i)                                     the Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the Exchange Notes to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on the date hereof under the Act (the “Registration Statement”);

 

(ii)                                  an executed copy of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement;

 

(iii)                               an executed copy of the Indenture;

 

(iv)                              the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended to date and certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;

 

(v)                                 the Certificate of Incorporation of each of the Guarantors, as amended to date and certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;

 

(vi)                              the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, certified by the Assistant Secretary of the Company, as currently in effect;

 

(vii)                           the By-Laws of each of the Guarantors, certified by the respective Assistant Secretaries of the Guarantors, as currently in effect;

 

(viii)                        certain resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), the Pricing Committee of the Board and the Boards of Directors of the Guarantors relating to the Exchange Offer, the issuance of the Original Notes and the Exchange Notes, the Indenture and related matters;

 

(ix)                                the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of the Trustee under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, on Form T-1, filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement;

 

(x)                                   the forms of the Guarantees; and

 

(xi)                                the form of the Exchange Notes.

 

We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Company and the Guarantors and such agreements, certificates and receipts of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company, the Guarantors and others, and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth below.

 

In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as facsimile, electronic, certified, conformed or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such copies.  In making our examination of documents executed or to be executed, we have assumed that the parties thereto, other than the Company and the Guarantors, had or will have the power, corporate or other, to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite

 

2



 

action, corporate or other, and execution and delivery by such parties of such documents and the validity and binding effect thereof on such parties.  As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein that we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company, the Guarantors and others.

 

Our opinion set forth herein is limited to the Delaware corporate law and the laws of the State of New York that, in our experience, are applicable to securities of the type covered by the Registration Statement and to the extent that judicial or regulatory orders or decrees or consents, approvals, licenses, authorizations, validations, filings, recordings or registrations with governmental authorities are relevant, to those required under such laws (all of the foregoing being referred to as “Opined on Law”).  We do not express any opinion with respect to the law of any jurisdiction other than Opined on Law or as to the effect of any such non-opined-on law on the opinions herein stated.

 

Based upon and subject to the foregoing and the limitations, qualifications, exceptions and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that when the Registration Statement becomes effective and the Exchange Notes and related Guarantees (in the forms examined by us) have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and have been delivered upon consummation of the Exchange Offer against receipt of Original Notes surrendered in exchange therefor in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer, (i) the Exchange Notes will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, and (ii) each Guarantee will constitute a valid and binding obligation of the Guarantor that is a party thereto, enforceable against the Guarantor in accordance with its terms, except with respect to clauses (i) and (ii) to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors’ rights generally and (b) general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

 

In rendering the opinion set forth above, we have assumed that the execution and delivery by the Company of the Indenture and the Exchange Notes, the execution and delivery by each of the Guarantors of the Indenture and the Guarantees and the performance by the Company and each of the Guarantors of its respective obligations thereunder do not and will not violate, conflict with or constitute a default under any agreement or instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor or its properties is subject, except we do not make this assumption for those agreements and instruments which have been identified to us by the Company and the Guarantors as being material to them and which are listed as exhibits in Part II of the Registration Statement.

 

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.  We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement.  In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the category of

 

3



 

persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission.

 

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

 

 

4



EX-12.1 12 a2114440zex-12_1.htm EX-12.1

Exhibit 12.1

 

Hexcel Corporation and Subsidiaries

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

(in millions)

 


For the Year Ended December 31,

 

Three
Months
3/31/03

 

1998

 

1999

 

2000

 

2001

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before Income Taxes and Equity in Earnings (Losses)

 

$

78.3

 

$

(5.0

)

$

75.0

 

$

(383.7

)

$

7.7

 

$

(0.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense, Including Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs

 

38.7

 

73.9

 

68.7

 

64.8

 

62.8

 

13.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Portion of Rentals (1)

 

2.7

 

3.1

 

2.3

 

1.8

 

1.3

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS BEFORE PROVISION FOR TAXES AND FIXED CHARGES

 

$

119.7

 

$

72.0

 

$

146.0

 

$

(317.1

)

$

71.8

 

$

13.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense, Including Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs

 

$

38.7

 

$

73.9

 

$

68.7

 

$

64.8

 

$

62.8

 

$

13.7

 

Interest Portion of Rentals (1)

 

2.7

 

3.1

 

2.3

 

1.8

 

1.3

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL FIXED CHARGES

 

$

41.4

 

$

77.0

 

$

71.0

 

$

66.6

 

$

64.1

 

$

14.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (2)

 

2.9

 

N/A

 

2.1

 

N/A

 

1.1

 

0.9

 

 


(1) Calculated as one third of rentals, which is a reasonable approximation of the interest factor.

 

(2) Earnings are inadequate to cover fixed charges for 2001 and 1999.  The deficiency in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2001 and December 31, 1999 is $(383.7) million and $(5.0) million, respectively.

 



EX-23.1 13 a2114440zex-23_1.htm EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Hexcel Corporation of our reports dated February 28, 2003, except for Notes 2 and 8 which are as of March 19, 2003 and Note 25 which is as of July 8, 2003 relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Hexcel Corporation, which appear in the Hexcel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 3) for the year ended December 31, 2002.  We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

Stamford, CT

July 8, 2003

 



EX-23.2 14 a2114440zex-23_2.htm EX-23.2

Exhibit 23.2

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Hexcel Corporation of our reports dated July 8, 2003 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Hexcel S.A. and Hexcel Holdings (UK) Limited, which appear in the Hexcel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 3) for the year ended December 31, 2002.  We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

Stamford, CT

July 8, 2003

 



EX-23.3 15 a2114440zex-23_3.htm EX-23.3

Exhibit 23.3

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Hexcel Corporation of our report dated May 28, 2003, relating to the financial statements of NITTOBO ASCO Glass Fiber Co., Ltd., which appears in the  Hexcel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 3) for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers

 

Taipei, Republic of China

July 8, 2003

 



EX-23.4 16 a2114440zex-23_4.htm EX-23.4

Exhibit 23.4

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Hexcel Corporation of our report dated April 11, 2003, relating to the financial statements of Asahi-Schwebel (Taiwan) Co., Ltd., which appears in the Hexcel Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 3) for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers

 

Taipei, Republic of China

July 8, 2003

 



EX-23.5 17 a2114440zex-23_5.htm EX-23.5

Exhibit 23.5

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ CONSENT

 

We  consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Hexcel Corporation on Form S-4 of our report dated March 2, 2003 relating to the financial statements of BHA Aero Composite Parts Co., Ltd. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph referring to BHA Aero Composite Parts Co., Ltd.’s ability to continue as a going concern), appearing in the Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 3) of Hexcel Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2002 and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

 

/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

 

 

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

 

Beijing, China

July 8, 2003

 



EX-23.6 18 a2114440zex-23_6.htm EX-23.6

Exhibit 23.6

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ CONSENT

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Hexcel Corporation on Form S-4 of our report dated May 29, 2003 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Asahi-Schwebel Co., Ltd. as of and for the year ended March 31, 2003, appearing in the Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 3) of Hexcel Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2002 and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

 

/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

 

 

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

 

Osaka, Japan

July 8, 2003

 



EX-25.1 19 a2114440zex-25_1.htm EX-25.1

Exhibit 25.1

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C.  20549

 


 

FORM T-1

 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 


 

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b) (2)

 

WELLS FARGO BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

A U.S. National Banking Association

 

 

41-1592157

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization if not a U.S. national
bank)

 

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

 

55479

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

(Zip code)

 

 

 

Stanley S. Stroup, General Counsel

WELLS FARGO BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55479
(612) 667-1234

(Agent for Service)

 


 

HEXCEL CORPORATION

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware

 

 

94-1109521

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

Two Stamford Plaza
281 Tresser Boulevard
Stamford, Connecticut

 

 

06901-3238

Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

(Zip code)

 

 

 

9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008

(Title of the indenture securities)

 

 



 

Item 1.             General Information.  Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

 

(a)                                  Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 

Comptroller of the Currency

Treasury Department

Washington, D.C.

 

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Washington, D.C.

 

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Washington, D.C.

 

(b)                                 Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

 

The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

 

Item 2.             Affiliations with Obligor.  If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

 

None with respect to the trustee.

 

No responses are included for Items 3-14 of this Form T-1 because the obligor is not in default as provided under Item 13.

 

 

Item 15.  Foreign Trustee.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

Item 16.  List of Exhibits.

 

List below all exhibits filed as a part of this Statement of Eligibility.  Wells Fargo Bank incorporates by reference into this Form T-1 the exhibits attached hereto.

 

 

 

Exhibit 1.

a.

A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee now in effect.***

 

 

 

Exhibit 2.

a.

A copy of the certificate of authority of the trustee to commence business issued June 28, 1872, by the Comptroller of the Currency to The Northwestern National Bank of Minneapolis.*

 

 

 

 

b.

A copy of the certificate of the Comptroller of the Currency dated January 2, 1934, approving the consolidation of The Northwestern National Bank of Minneapolis and The Minnesota Loan and Trust Company of Minneapolis, with the surviving entity being titled Northwestern National Bank and Trust Company of Minneapolis.*

 

 

 

 

c.

A copy of the certificate of the Acting Comptroller of the Currency dated January 12, 1943, as to change of corporate title of Northwestern National Bank and Trust Company of Minneapolis to Northwestern National Bank of Minneapolis.*

 

 

 

 

d.

A copy of the letter dated May 12, 1983 from the Regional Counsel, Comptroller of the Currency, acknowledging receipt of notice of name

 

 

 

 

2



 

 

 

change effective May 1, 1983 from Northwestern National Bank of Minneapolis to Norwest Bank Minneapolis, National Association.*

 

 

 

 

e.

A copy of the letter dated January 4, 1988 from the Administrator of National Banks for the Comptroller of the Currency certifying approval of consolidation and merger effective January 1, 1988 of Norwest Bank Minneapolis, National Association with various other banks under the title of “Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association.”*

 

 

 

 

f.

A copy of the letter dated July 10, 2000 from the Administrator of National Banks for the Comptroller of the Currency certifying approval of consolidation effective July 8, 2000 of Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association with various other banks under the title of “Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association.”****

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.

A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate trust powers issued January 2, 1934, by the Federal Reserve Board.*

 

 

Exhibit 4.

Copy of By-laws of the trustee as now in effect.***

 

 

Exhibit 5.

Not applicable.

 

 

Exhibit 6.

The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

 

 

Exhibit 7.

Consolidated Report of Condition attached.

 

 

Exhibit 8.

Not applicable.

 

 

Exhibit 9.

Not applicable.

 

 


*                                         Incorporated by reference to exhibit number 25.1(b) filed with registration statement number 333-74872.

 

***                           Incorporated by reference to exhibit T3G filed with registration statement number 022-22473.

 

****                    Incorporated by reference to exhibit number 2f to the trustee’s Form T-1 filed as exhibit 25.1 to the Current Report Form 8-K dated September 8, 2000 of NRG Energy Inc. file   number 001-15891.

 

3



 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Minneapolis and State of Minnesota on the 23rd day of June 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK MINNESOTA,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 /s/ Joseph P. O’Donnell

 

 

 

 

Joseph P. O’Donnell

 

 

 

Corporate Trust Officer

 

4



 

EXHIBIT 6

 

June 23, 2003

 

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

Gentlemen:

 

In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the undersigned hereby consents that reports of examination of the undersigned made by Federal, State, Territorial, or District authorities authorized to make such examination may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.

 

 

 

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK MINNESOTA,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 /s/ Joseph P. O’Donnell

 

 

 

 

Joseph P. O’Donnell

 

 

 

Corporate Trust Officer

 

5



 

EXHIBIT 7

 

Consolidated Report of Condition of

 

Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association
of Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55479
And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
at the close of business March 31, 2003, filed in accordance with 12 U.S.C. §161 for National Banks.

 

 

 

 

 

Dollar Amounts
In Millions

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

 

 

 

$

1,808

 

Interest-bearing balances

 

 

 

62

 

Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

Held-to-maturity securities

 

 

 

0

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

 

 

1,895

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds sold in domestic offices

 

 

 

4,420

 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

 

 

66

 

Loans and lease financing receivables:

 

 

 

 

 

Loans and leases held for sale

 

 

 

21,750

 

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

 

18,479

 

 

 

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

 

283

 

 

 

Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance

 

 

 

18,196

 

Trading Assets

 

 

 

53

 

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

 

 

 

156

 

Other real estate owned

 

 

 

6

 

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

 

 

 

0

 

Customers’ liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding

 

 

 

6

 

Intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

292

 

Other intangible assets

 

 

 

7

 

Other assets

 

 

 

1,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

 

 

$

50,105

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

In domestic offices

 

 

 

$

32,836

 

Noninterest-bearing

 

20,287

 

 

 

Interest-bearing

 

12,549

 

 

 

In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs

 

 

 

4,729

 

Noninterest-bearing

 

1

 

 

 

Interest-bearing

 

4,728

 

 

 

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds purchased in domestic offices

 

 

 

2,035

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 

 

 

323

 

 

6



 

 

 

Dollar Amounts
In Millions

 

 

 

 

 

Trading liabilities

 

49

 

Other borrowed money

 

 

 

(includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

 

5,526

 

Bank’s liability on acceptances executed and outstanding

 

6

 

Subordinated notes and debentures

 

0

 

Other liabilities

 

919

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

$

46,423

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY CAPITAL

 

 

 

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

 

0

 

Common stock

 

100

 

Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)

 

2,134

 

Retained earnings

 

1,397

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

51

 

Other equity capital components

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity capital

 

3,682

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities, minority interest, and equity capital

 

$

50,105

 

 

I, Karen B. Martin, Vice President of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

 

 

Karen B. Martin

Vice President

 

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.

 

 

Jon R. Campbell

 

 

Marilyn A. Dahl

 

Directors

Gerald B. Stenson

 

 

 

7



EX-99.1 20 a2114440zex-99_1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Letter of Transmittal

HEXCEL CORPORATION

Offer for all Outstanding
9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 Issued on March 19, 2003
in Exchange for
9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008
Which Have Been Registered Under
The Securities Act of 1933, as Amended,
Pursuant to the Prospectus, Dated             , 2003



THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON                  , 2003, UNLESS EXTENDED (THE "EXPIRATION DATE"). TENDERS MAY BE WITHDRAWN BEFORE 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THE EXPIRATION DATE.


The Exchange Agent is:
Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association

For Overnight Delivery, Delivery by Hand or Delivery by Registered or Certified Mail:
Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association
213 Court St., Suite 703
Middletown, CT 06457
Attention: Joseph P. O'Donnell

By Facsimile Transmission
(For Eligible Institutions Only):

(860) 704-6219

Confirm Facsimile by Telephone Only:
(860) 704-6217

        Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal to an address other than as set forth above, or transmission of this Letter of Transmittal via facsimile to a number other than as set forth above, does not constitute a valid delivery.

        Your bank or broker can assist you in completing this form. The instructions included with this Letter of Transmittal must be followed. Questions and requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Prospectus and this Letter of Transmittal may be directed to the Exchange Agent.

        Please read the entire Letter of Transmittal and the Prospectus carefully before checking any box below.


        The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Prospectus dated                        , 2003 (the "Prospectus") of Hexcel Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and this Letter of Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), which together constitute the Company's offer (the "Exchange Offer") to exchange an aggregate principal amount of up to $125,000,000 of the Company's 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 (the "Exchange Notes") which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), for an equal aggregate principal amount of its issued and outstanding 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 issued on March 19, 2003 (the "Original Notes") from the registered holders thereof (the "Holders").

        For each Original Note accepted for exchange, the Holder of such Original Note will receive an Exchange Note having a principal amount equal to that of the surrendered Original Note. The Exchange Notes will bear interest from March 19, 2003. Accordingly, registered Holders of Exchange Notes on the relevant record date for the first interest payment date following the consummation of the Exchange Offer will receive interest accruing from March 19, 2003. Original Notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue interest from and after the date of consummation of the Exchange Offer. Holders of Original Notes whose Original Notes are accepted for exchange will not receive any payment in respect of accrued interest on such Original Notes otherwise payable on any interest payment date the record date of which occurs on or after consummation of the Exchange Offer.

        This Letter is to be completed by holders of Original Notes either if certificates are to be forwarded herewith or if a tender of certificates for Original Notes, if available, is to be made by book-entry transfer to the account maintained by the Exchange Agent at the book-entry transfer facility, The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), pursuant to the procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer—Book-Entry Transfer" section of the Prospectus. Holders of Original Notes whose certificates are not immediately available, or who are unable to deliver their certificates or confirmation of the book-entry tender of their Original Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC (a "Book-Entry Confirmation") and all other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date, must tender their Original Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" section of the Prospectus. See Instruction 1. Delivery of documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.

        All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning given them in the Prospectus.

        The undersigned has checked the appropriate boxes below and signed this Letter of Transmittal to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take with respect to the Exchange Offer.

        List below the Original Notes to which this Letter of Transmittal relates. If the space provided below is inadequate, list the certificate numbers and principal amounts on a separately executed schedule and affix the schedule to this Letter of Transmittal. The minimum permitted tender is $1,000 in principal amount. All other tenders must be in integral multiples of $1,000.

2




DESCRIPTION OF ORIGINAL NOTES

  1

  2

  3



Name(s) and Address(es) of Registered Holder(s)
(Please fill in, if blank)

  Certificate Number(s)*
  Aggregate
Principal
Amount of
Original Note(s)

  Principal
Amount
Tendered**



       
       
       
        Total        

*   Need not be completed if Original Notes are being tendered by book-entry transfer.
**   Unless otherwise indicated, a holder will be deemed to have tendered ALL of the Original Notes represented by the Original Notes indicated in column 2. See Instruction 2.

        If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of Exchange Notes. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Original Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering such a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. A broker-dealer may not participate in the Exchange Offer with respect to the Original Notes acquired other than as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. Any Holder who is an "affiliate" of the Company or who has an arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the Exchange Notes to be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer, or any broker-dealer who purchased Original Notes from the Company to resell pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or any other available exemption under the Securities Act must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements under the Securities Act.

o
CHECK HERE IF TENDERED ORIGINAL NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH DTC AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

        Name of Tendering Institution                                                                  

        DTC Account Number                                                                          Transaction Code Number                                                                  

o
CHECK HERE IF TENDERED ORIGINAL NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

        Name(s) of Registered Holder(s)                                                                   

        Window Ticket Number (if any)                                                                   

        Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery                                                                  

        Name of Institution Which Guaranteed Delivery                                                                  

        If Delivered by Book-Entry Transfer, Complete the Following:

        Name of Tendering Institution                                                                  

        DTC Account Number                                                                          Transaction Code Number                                                                  

o
CHECK HERE IF TENDERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER AND NON-EXCHANGED ORIGINAL NOTES ARE TO BE RETURNED BY CREDITING THE DTC ACCOUNT NUMBER SET FORTH ABOVE.

o
CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING.

        Name:                                                                  

        Address:                                                                  

                                                                         

3



    SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS
    (See Instructions 3, 4 and 6)

            To be completed ONLY if certificates for Original Notes not exchanged and/or Exchange Notes are to be issued in the name of someone other than the undersigned, or if Original Notes delivered by book-entry transfer which are not accepted for exchange are to be returned by credit to an account maintained at the book-entry transfer facility other than the account indicated above.

    Issue Exchange Notes and/or Original Notes to:

    Name(s) 


    (Please Type or Print)


    (Please Type or Print)

    Address 



    (Zip Code)


    (Tax Identification or Social Security Number)
    (Complete Substitute Form W-9)

    o    Credit unexchanged Original Notes delivered by book-entry transfer to the Book-Entry Transfer Facility account set forth below.


    (Book-Entry Transfer Facility
    Account Number, if applicable)



    SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
    (See Instructions 3, 4 and 6)

            To be completed ONLY if certificates for Original Notes not exchanged and/or Exchange Notes are to be sent to someone other than the undersigned or to such person or persons at an address other than shown in the box entitled "Description of Original Notes" above.

    Mail Exchange Notes and/or Original Notes to:

    Name(s) 


    (Please Type or Print)


    (Please Type or Print)

    Address 



    (Zip Code)


    (Tax Identification or Social Security Number)


4


NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW.
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Ladies and Gentlemen:

        Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the undersigned hereby tenders to the Company the aggregate principal amount of Original Notes indicated above. Subject to, and effective upon, the acceptance for exchange of the Original Notes tendered with this Letter of Transmittal in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including, if the Exchange Offer is extended or amended, the terms and conditions of any such extension or amendment), the undersigned hereby exchanges, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, the Company all right, title and interest in and to such Original Notes as are being tendered hereby.

        The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as the undersigned's true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact with respect to such tendered Original Notes, with full power of substitution, among other things, to cause the Original Notes to be assigned, transferred and exchanged. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that it has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the Original Notes, and to acquire Exchange Notes issuable upon the exchange of such tendered Original Notes, and that, when the same are accepted for exchange, the Company will acquire good and unencumbered title thereto, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim when the same are accepted by the Company. The undersigned hereby further represents that any Exchange Notes acquired in exchange for Original Notes tendered hereby will have been acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such Exchange Notes, whether or not such person is the undersigned, that neither the Holder of such Original Notes nor any such other person is participating in, intends to participate in or has an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of such Exchange Notes and that neither the Holder of such Original Notes nor any such other person is an "affiliate," as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, of the Company.

        The undersigned acknowledges that this Exchange Offer is being made in reliance on interpretations by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, that the Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for the Original Notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by Holders thereof (other than any such Holder that is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act), without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such Exchange Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such Holders' business and such Holders have no arrangement with any person to participate in the distribution of such Exchange Notes. However, the SEC has not considered the Exchange Offer in the context of a no-action letter and there can be no assurance that the staff of the SEC would make a similar determination with respect to the Exchange Offer as in other circumstances. If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of Exchange Notes and has no arrangement or understanding to participate in a distribution of Exchange Notes. If any Holder is an affiliate of the Company, is engaged in or intends to engage in or has any arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the Exchange Notes to be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer, such Holder (i) could not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC and (ii) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.

        The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the Original Notes tendered hereby. All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred in this Letter of Transmittal and every obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy and legal representatives of the undersigned and shall

5


not be affected by, and shall survive, the death or incapacity of the undersigned. This tender may be withdrawn only in accordance with the procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer—Withdrawal Rights" section of the Prospectus.

        Unless otherwise indicated herein in the box entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" above, please deliver the Exchange Notes (and, if applicable, substitute certificates representing Original Notes for any Original Notes not exchanged) in the name of the undersigned or, in the case of a book-entry delivery of Original Notes, please credit the account indicated above maintained at DTC. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under the box entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" above, please send the Exchange Notes (and, if applicable, substitute certificates representing Original Notes for any Original Notes not exchanged) to the undersigned at the address shown above in the box entitled "Description of Original Notes."

        The undersigned, by completing the box entitled "Description of Original Notes" above and signing this Letter of Transmittal, will be deemed to have tendered the Original Notes as set forth in such box above.

6



    TENDERING HOLDER(S) PLEASE SIGN HERE
    (Complete Accompanying Substitute Form W-9 below)



    (Signature(s) of Registered Holder(s) or Authorized Signatory)

    Date:                                                                  , 2003                                                                                             

    Date:                                                                  , 2003                                                                                             

            (Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on the certificate(s) for the Original Notes hereby tendered or in whose name Original Notes are registered on the books of DTC or one of its participants, or by any person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, officer or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth full title of such person. See Instruction 3.)

    Name(s): 



    (Please Type or Print)

    Capacity:                                                                  

    Address: 


    (Including Zip Code)

    Area Code and Telephone No.:                                                                  

    Taxpayer Identification No. or Social Security No.:                                                                  

    GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)
    (If required by Instruction 3)

    Authorized Signature:                                                                  

    Name: 


    (Please Type or Print)

    Title:                                                                  

    Name of Firm: 


    (Title)

    Address:                                                                  


    (Including Zip Code)

    Area Code and Telephone No.:                                                                  

    Date:                                                                  


7


INSTRUCTIONS

Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions of the Exchange Offer

1.     Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal and Notes; Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.

        This Letter is to be completed by holders of Original Notes either if certificates are to be forwarded herewith or if tenders are to be made pursuant to the procedures for delivery by book-entry transfer set forth in "The Exchange Offer—Book-Entry Transfer" section of the Prospectus. Certificates for all physically tendered Original Notes, or Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be, as well as a properly completed and duly executed Letter (or manually signed facsimile hereof) and any other documents required by this Letter, must be received by the Exchange Agent at the address set forth herein on or prior to the Expiration Date, or the tendering holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below. Original Notes tendered hereby must be in denominations of principal amount of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.

        Holders whose certificates for Original Notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver their certificates and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date, or who cannot complete the procedure for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, may tender their Original Notes pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" section of the Prospectus. Pursuant to such procedures, (i) such tender must be made through an Eligible Institution, (ii) prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent must receive from such Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile thereof) and Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, substantially in the form provided by the Company (by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery), setting forth the name and address of the holder of Original Notes and the amount of Original Notes tendered, stating that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that within three New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") trading days after the Expiration Date, the certificates for all physically tendered Original Notes, in proper form for transfer, or a Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be, and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal will be deposited by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent, and (iii) the certificates for all physically tendered Original Notes, in proper form for transfer, or a Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be, and all other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent within three NYSE trading days after the Expiration Date.

        The method of delivery of this Letter of Transmittal, the Original Notes and all other required documents is at the election and risk of the tendering holders, but the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received or confirmed by the Exchange Agent. If Original Notes are sent by mail, it is suggested that the mailing be registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested, made sufficiently in advance of the Expiration Date to permit delivery to the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

        See "The Exchange Offer" section of the Prospectus.

2.     Partial Tenders (not applicable to noteholders who tender by book-entry transfer); Withdrawals.

        If less than all of the Original Notes evidenced by a submitted certificate are to be tendered, the tendering holder(s) should fill in the aggregate principal amount of Original Notes to be tendered in the box above entitled "Description of Original Notes—Principal Amount Tendered." A reissued certificate representing the balance of nontendered Original Notes will be sent to such tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the appropriate box on this Letter of Transmittal, promptly after the Expiration Date. All of the Original Notes delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.

8



        Tenders of Original Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

        For a withdrawal of a tender of Original Notes to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must be received by the Exchange Agent at the address set forth above prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Any such notice of withdrawal must (i) specify the name of the person having tendered the Original Notes to be withdrawn (the "Depositor"), (ii) identify the Original Notes to be withdrawn (including certificate number or numbers and the principal amount of such Original Notes), (iii) contain a statement that such holder is withdrawing his election to have such Original Notes exchanged, (iv) be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on the Letter by which such Original Notes were tendered (including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by documents of transfer to have the Trustee with respect to the Original Notes register the transfer of such Original Notes in the name of the person withdrawing the tender and (v) specify the name in which such Original Notes are registered, if different from that of the Depositor. If Original Notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer set forth in "The Exchange Offer-Book-Entry Transfer" section of the Prospectus, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be credited with the withdrawn Original Notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of such facility. All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of such notices will be determined by the Company, whose determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Original Notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the Exchange Offer and no Exchange Notes will be issued with respect thereto unless the Original Notes so withdrawn are validly retendered.

        Any Original Notes that have been tendered for exchange but which are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to the Holder thereof without cost to such Holder (or, in the case of Original Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer-Book-Entry Transfer" section of the Prospectus, such Original Notes will be credited to an account maintained with the Book-Entry Transfer Facility for the Original Notes) as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Original Notes may be retendered by following the procedures described above at any time on or prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

3.     Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal; Bond Powers and Endorsements; Guarantee of Signatures.

        If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder of the Original Notes tendered hereby, the signature must correspond exactly with the name as written on the face of the certificates without any change whatsoever.

        If any tendered Original Notes are owned of record by two or more joint owners, all of such owners must sign this Letter of Transmittal. If any tendered Original Notes are registered in different names on several certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate copies of this Letter of Transmittal as there are different registrations of certificates.

        When this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder or holders (which term, for the purposes described herein, shall include the book-entry transfer facility whose name appears on a security listing as the owner of the Original Notes) of the Original Notes specified herein and tendered hereby, no endorsements of certificates or separate bond powers are required, unless Exchange Notes issued in exchange therefor are to be issued, or Original Notes are not tendered or not exchanged are to be returned, in the name of any person other than the registered holder. Signatures on any such certificates or bond powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

9



        If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder or holders of any certificate(s) specified herein, such certificate(s) must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers in form satisfactory to the Company and duly executed by the registered holder, in either case signed exactly as the name or names of the registered holder or holders appear(s) on the certificate(s).

        If this Letter of Transmittal or any certificates or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and, unless waived by the Company, proper evidence satisfactory to the Company of their authority to so act must be submitted with this Letter of Transmittal.

        Endorsements on certificates or signatures on bond powers required by this Instruction 3 must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

        Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution, unless the Original Notes are tendered: (i) by a holder who has not completed the box entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on this Letter of Transmittal, or (ii) for the account of an Eligible Institution (as defined below). In the event that the exhibit signatures in this Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, are required to be guaranteed, such guarantees must be by an eligible guarantor institution which is a member of a firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondence in the United States or another "eligible institutions" within the meaning of Rule 17 Ad-15 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (an "Eligible Institution"). If Original Notes are registered in the name of a person other than the signer of the Letter of Transmittal, the Original Notes surrendered for exchange must be endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer or exchange, in satisfactory form as determined by the Company, in its sole discretion, duly executed by the registered holder with the signature thereon guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

4.     Special Issuance and Delivery Instructions.

        Tendering holders of Original Notes should indicate in the applicable box the name and address to which Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer and or substitute certificates evidencing Original Notes not exchanged are to be issued or sent, if different from the name or address of the person signing this Letter of Transmittal. In the case of issuance in a different name, the employer identification or social security number of the person named must also be indicated. Noteholders tendering Original Notes by book-entry transfer may request that Original Notes not exchanged be credited to such account maintained at DTC as such noteholder may designate hereon. If no such instructions are given, such Original Notes not exchanged will be returned to the name and address of the person signing this Letter of Transmittal.

5.     Taxpayer Identification Number.

        United States federal income tax law generally requires that a holder of Original Notes or Exchange Notes (collectively, "Notes") must provide the Company (as payor) or its agent with (i) such holder's correct taxpayer identification number ("TIN") on Substitute Form W-9, which is provided under "Important Tax Information" below, or (ii) in the case of certain exempt foreign persons, the appropriate Form W-8 as discussed below. If such holder is an individual, the TIN is his or her social security number. If the Company is not provided with the current TIN or an adequate basis for an exemption from backup withholding, such holder may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service the ("IRS"). In addition, backup withholding (currently at the rate of 28%)

10



may apply to any reportable payment made after the exchange to such holder of Notes. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained.

        Exempt holders of Notes (including, among others, all corporations and certain foreign individuals) are not subject to these backup withholding and reporting requirements. See the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 (the "W-9 Guidelines") for additional instructions. Certain foreign persons can qualify for this exemption by submitting a properly completed Form W-8BEN Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding, Form W-8ECI Certificate of Foreign Person's Claim for Exemption from Withholding on Income Effectively Connected with the Conduct of a Trade or Business in the United States, or other applicable Form W-8. A copy of these forms may be obtained from the Exchange Agent.

        To prevent backup withholding, each tendering holder of Original Notes must provide its correct TIN by completing the Substitute Form W-9 set forth below, certifying, under penalties of perjury, that the TIN provided is correct (or that such holder is awaiting a TIN) and that (i) the holder is exempt from backup withholding, (ii) the holder has not been notified by the IRS that such holder is subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends or (iii) the IRS has notified the holder that such holder is no longer subject to backup withholding. If the Original Notes are in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual owner, such holder should consult the W-9 Guidelines for information on which TIN to report. If the tendering holder is a nonresident alien or foreign entity not subject to backup withholding, such holder must give the Exchange Agent a properly completed Form W-8BEN, Form W-8ECI or other applicable Form W-8 as described above. If the tendering holder does not have a TIN, such holder should consult the W-9 Guidelines for instructions on applying for a TIN, write "applied for" in lieu of its TIN in Part 1 of the Substitute Form W-9. Note: Writing "applied for" on the form means that such holder has already applied for a TIN or that such holder intends to apply for one in the near future. In such case, backup withholding will apply to any reportable payment made to a holder during the sixty (60) day period following the date of the Substitute Form W-9. If the holder furnishes the Exchange Agent with its TIN within sixty (60) days of the Substitute Form W-9, the Exchange Agent will remit any such amount retained during such sixty (60) day period to such holder and no further amounts will be retained or withheld from payments made to the holder thereafter. If, however, such holder does not provide its TIN to the Exchange Agent within such sixty (60) day period, the Exchange Agent will remit such previously withheld amounts to the IRS as backup withholding and backup withholding will apply to all reportable payments to the holder thereafter until such holder furnishes its TIN to the Exchange Agent.

6.     Transfer Taxes.

        The Company will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the transfer and exchange of Original Notes to it or its order pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If, however, Exchange Notes and/or substitute Original Notes not exchanged are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Original Notes tendered hereby, or if tendered Original Notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing this Letter, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the transfer of Original Notes to the Company or its order pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other persons) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted herewith, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.

        Except as provided in this Instruction 6, it will not be necessary for transfer tax stamps to be affixed to the Original Notes specified in this Letter of Transmittal.

11



7.     Waiver of Conditions.

        The Company reserves the absolute right to waive satisfaction of any or all conditions enumerated in the Prospectus.

8.     Irregularities

        All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of Letters of Transmittal or Original Notes will be resolved by the Company, whose determination shall be final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any or all Letters of Transmittal or tenders that are not in proper form or the acceptance of which would, in the opinion of the Company's counsel, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the right to waive any irregularities or conditions of tender as to the particular Original Notes covered by any Letter of Transmittal or tendered pursuant to such letter. None of the Company, the Exchange 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 Company's interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer shall be final and binding.

9.     Mutilated, Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Original Notes.

        Any holder whose Original Notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed should contact the Exchange Agent at the address indicated above for further instructions.

10.   Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies.

        Questions relating to the procedure for tendering, as well as requests for additional copies of the Prospectus and this Letter, and requests for Notices of Guaranteed Delivery and other related documents may be directed to the Exchange Agent, at the address and telephone number indicated above.

        IMPORTANT: This Letter of Transmittal or a facsimile or copy thereof (together with the certificates for Original Notes or a book-entry confirmation and all other required documents) or the notice of guaranteed delivery must be received by the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

12


IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION

        The holder is required to give the Exchange Agent the social security number or employer identification number of the holder of the Original Notes. If the Original Notes 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 Form W-9 for additional guidance on which number to report.


PAYER'S NAME: Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association

SUBSTITUTE
Form W-9


Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
  Part 1—Taxpayer Identification Number-For all accounts enter Taxpayer Identification Number in the box at right. (For most individuals, this is your social security number. For sole proprietors or resident aliens, see the W-9 Guidelines. For other entities, it is your Employer Identification Number. If you do not have a number, see Obtaining a Number in the enclosed W-9 Guidelines). Certify by signing and dating below.

Note: If the account is in more than one name, see chart in the enclosed W-9 Guidelines to determine which number to give the payer.
  Social Security Number(s)

                                                                 
or

                                                                 
Employer Identification Number (If awaiting TIN, write "Applied For")
   


Payer's Request for
Taxpayer
Identification Number
("TIN") and
Certification
  Part 2—For payees exempt from backup withholding, see the enclosed W-9 Guidelines and complete as instructed therein.

Certifications—Under the penalties of perjury, I certify that:

(1)    the number shown on this form is my correct TIN (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and.

(2)    I am not subject to backup withholding either because: (i) I am exempt from backup withholding, (ii) 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 (iii) 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) in Part 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding because of underreporting of interest or dividends on your tax returns. However, if after being notified by the IRS that you were subject to backup withholding you received another notification from the IRS that you are not longer subject to backup withholding, do not cross out item (2).

The IRS does not require your consent to any provision of this document other than the certifications required to avoid backup withholding.

 

 

 

 

 


Signature                                                                  

 

Date                                                                    

 

Name (Please Print)

 

 

NOTE:   FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF ANY REPORTABLE PAYMENTS HEREAFTER MADE TO YOU. 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 ARE AWAITING (OR WILL SOON APPLY FOR) A TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

13



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 (a) 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 (b) 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 the exchange, backup withholding (currently at the rate of 28%) will apply to all reportable payments made to me thereafter until I provide a number.

    Signature Date                                                                      Date                                                                   


                                                                                                
    Name (Please Print)                                                                                                                     


14



EX-99.2 21 a2114440zex-99_2.htm EXHIBIT 99.2
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 99.2


NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
FOR
HEXCEL CORPORATION

        This form or one substantially equivalent hereto must be used to accept the Exchange Offer of Hexcel Corporation (the "Company") made pursuant to the Prospectus, dated               , 2003 (the "Prospectus"), if certificates for the outstanding 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 of the Company issued on March 19, 2003 (the "Original Notes") are not immediately available or if the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis or time will not permit all required documents to reach Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as exchange agent (the "Exchange Agent") prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date of the Exchange Offer. Such form may be delivered or transmitted by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery to the Exchange Agent as set forth below. In addition, in order to utilize the guaranteed delivery procedure to tender Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, a completed, signed and dated Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) must also be received by the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Capitalized terms not defined herein are defined in the Prospectus.

Delivery To: Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, Exchange Agent

By Registered or Certified Mail, or by Hand or Overnight Delivery:

Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association
213 Court St., Suite 703
Middletown, CT 06457
Attention: Joseph P. O'Donnell

For Information Call:
(860) 704-6217

By Facsimile Transmission
(for Eligible Institutions only):
(860) 704-6219

Confirm by Telephone:
(860) 704-6217

        Delivery of this instrument to an address other than as set forth above, or transmission of instructions via facsimile other than as set forth above, will not constitute a valid delivery.


Ladies and Gentlemen:

        Upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the accompanying Letter of Transmittal, the undersigned hereby tenders to the Company the principal amount of Original Notes set forth below pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure described in "The Exchange Offer—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" section of the Prospectus.

Principal Amount of Original Notes Tendered:*        

$

 

 

 

 

 

 
   
       
Certificate Nos. (if available):   If Original Notes will be delivered by book-entry transfer to The Depository Trust Company, provide account number

Total Principal Amount Represented by Original Notes Certificate(s):
       
$       Account Number    
   
     

        All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned and every obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned.


PLEASE SIGN HERE

X        
 
 
 

X

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
  Signature(s) of Owner(s)
or Authorized Signatory
  Date  
Area Code and Telephone Number:    
 
 

        Must be signed by the holder(s) of Original Notes as their name(s) appear(s) on certificates for Original Notes or on a security position listing, or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by endorsement and documents transmitted with this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person must set forth his or her full title below.

Please print name(s) and address(es)

Name(s):      
   
 

 

 



 

 

 



 
Capacity:      
   
 
Address(es):      
   
 

 

 



 

 

 



 

*
Must be in denominations of principal amount of $1,000 and by integral multiple thereof.

2


GUARANTEE
(Not to be used for signature guarantee)

        The undersigned, a financial institution (including most banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses) that is a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program, hereby guarantees that the certificates representing the principal amount of Original Notes tendered hereby in proper form for transfer, or timely confirmation of the book-entry transfer of such Original Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at The Depository Trust Company pursuant to the procedures set forth in "The Exchange Offer—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" section of the Prospectus, together with any required signature guarantee and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, will be received by the Exchange Agent at the address set forth above, no later than three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Name of Firm   Authorized Signature



 


Address   Title

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

     
Zip Code   (Please Type or Print)

Area Code and Tel. No.

 

 

 

Dated:

 

 
   
     
NOTE:   DO NOT SEND CERTIFICATES FOR ORIGINAL NOTES WITH THIS FORM. CERTIFICATES FOR ORIGINAL NOTES SHOULD BE SENT ONLY WITH A COPY OF YOUR PREVIOUSLY EXECUTED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

3




QuickLinks

NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY FOR HEXCEL CORPORATION
EX-99.3 22 a2114440zex-99_3.htm EXHIBIT 99.3
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 99.3

HEXCEL CORPORATION

Offer for all Outstanding
9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 Issued on March 19, 2003
in Exchange for
9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008,
Which Have Been Registered Under
the Securities Act of 1933,
as Amended

To Our Clients:

        Enclosed for your consideration is a Prospectus, dated                   , 2003 (the "Prospectus"), and the related Letter of Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), relating to the offer (the "Exchange Offer") of Hexcel Corporation (the "Company") to exchange its 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008, which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Exchange Notes"), for its outstanding 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 issued on March 19, 2003 (the "Original Notes"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal. The Exchange Offer is being made in order to satisfy certain obligations of the Company contained in the Registration Rights Agreement dated March 19, 2003, by and among the Company and the initial purchasers referred to therein.

        This material is being forwarded to you as the beneficial owner of the Original Notes held by us for your account but not registered in your name. A tender of such Original Notes may only be made by us as the holder of record and pursuant to your instructions.

        Accordingly, we request instructions as to whether you wish us to tender on your behalf the Original Notes held by us for your account, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the enclosed Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal.

        Your instructions should be forwarded to us as promptly as possible in order to permit us to tender the Original Notes on your behalf in accordance with the provisions of the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on                        , 2003, unless extended by the Company. Any Original Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time before the Expiration Date.

        Your attention is directed to the following:

            1.     The Exchange Offer is for any and all Original Notes.

            2.     The Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions set forth in the Prospectus in the section captioned "The Exchange Offer—Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer."

            3.     Any transfer taxes incident to the transfer of Original Notes from the holder to the Company will be paid by the Company, except as otherwise provided in the Instructions in the Letter of Transmittal.

            4.     The Exchange Offer expires at 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on                        , 2003, unless extended by the Company.

        If you wish to have us tender your Original Notes, please so instruct us by completing, executing and returning to us the instruction form on the back of this letter. The Letter of Transmittal is furnished to you for information only and may not be used directly by you to tender Original Notes.



INSTRUCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO
THE EXCHANGE OFFER

        The undersigned acknowledge(s) receipt of your letter and the enclosed material referred to therein relating to the Exchange Offer made by Hexcel Corporation with respect to its Original Notes.

        This will instruct you to tender the Original Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned, upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the related Letter of Transmittal.

        Please tender the Original Notes held by you for my account as indicated below:

    9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 $            (Aggregate Principal Amount of Original Notes)

        o        Please do not tender any Original Notes held by you for my account.

        Dated:                        , 2003

Signature(s):  
 
Print Name(s) here:  
 
(Print Address(es)):  
 
(Area Code and Telephone Number(s)):  
 
(Tax Identification or Social Security Number(s)):  
 

        None of the Original Notes held by us for your account will be tendered unless we receive written instructions from you to do so. Unless a specific contrary instruction is given in the space provided, your signature(s) hereon shall constitute an instruction to us to tender all the Original Notes held by us for your account.





QuickLinks

INSTRUCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
EX-99.4 23 a2114440zex-99_4.htm EXHIBIT 99.4

Exhibit 99.4

HEXCEL CORPORATION

Offer for all Outstanding
9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 Issued on March 19, 2003
in Exchange for
9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008,
Which Have Been Registered Under
the Securities Act of 1933,
as Amended

To:
Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks,
Trust Companies and Other Nominees:

        Hexcel Corporation (the "Company") is offering, upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus, dated                        , 2003 (the "Prospectus"), and the enclosed Letter of Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") its 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008, which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for its outstanding 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 issued on March 19, 2003 (the "Original Notes"). The Exchange Offer is being made in order to satisfy certain obligations of the Company contained in the Registration Rights Agreement dated March 19, 2003, by and among the Company and the initial purchasers referred to therein.

        We are requesting that you contact your clients for whom you hold Original Notes regarding the Exchange Offer. For your information and for forwarding to your clients for whom you hold Original Notes registered in your name or in the name of your nominee, or who hold Original Notes registered in their own names, we are enclosing the following documents:

            1.     Prospectus dated                     , 2003;

            2.     The Letter of Transmittal for your use and for the information of your clients;

            3.     A Notice of Guaranteed Delivery to be used to accept the Exchange Offer if certificates for Original Notes are not immediately available or time will not permit all required documents to reach the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date (as defined below) or if the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis;

            4.     A form of letter which may be sent to your clients for whose account you hold Original Notes registered in your name or the name of your nominee, with space provided for obtaining such clients' instructions with regard to the Exchange Offer;

            5.     Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9; and

            6.     Return envelopes addressed to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, the Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer.

        Your prompt action is requested. The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on                        , 2003, unless extended by the Company (the "Expiration Date"). Original Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time before the Expiration Date.

        To participate in the Exchange Offer, a duly executed and properly completed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required signature guarantees and any other required documents, should be sent to the Exchange Agent and certificates representing the Original Notes



should be delivered to the Exchange Agent, all in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Letter of Transmittal and the Prospectus.

        If a registered holder of Original Notes desires to tender, but such Original Notes are not immediately available, or time will not permit such holder's Original Notes or other required documents to reach the Exchange Agent before the Expiration Date, or the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, a tender may be effected by following the guaranteed delivery procedures described in the Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange Offer—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures."

        The Company will, upon request, reimburse brokers, dealers, commercial banks and trust companies for reasonable and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in forwarding the Prospectus and the related documents to the beneficial owners of Original Notes held by them as nominee or in a fiduciary capacity. The Company will pay or cause to be paid all stock transfer taxes applicable to the exchange of Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, except as set forth in Instruction 6 of the Letter of Transmittal.

        Any inquiries you may have with respect to the Exchange Offer, or requests for additional copies of the enclosed materials, should be directed to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, the Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer, at its address and telephone number set forth on the front of the Letter of Transmittal.

    Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

 

HEXCEL CORPORATION

        NOTHING HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE YOU OR ANY PERSON AS AN AGENT OF THE COMPANY OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT, OR AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO USE ANY DOCUMENT OR MAKE ANY STATEMENTS ON BEHALF OF EITHER OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER, EXCEPT FOR STATEMENTS EXPRESSLY MADE IN THE PROSPECTUS OR THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

Enclosures

2



EX-99.5 24 a2114440zex-99_5.htm EXHIBIT 99.5

Exhibit 99.5

 

                  , 2003

 

EXCHANGE AGENCY AGREEMENT

 

 

Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association

213 Court St., Suite 703

Middletown, CT 06457

Attention: Joseph P. O’Donnell

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Hexcel Corporation (the “Company”) proposes to make an offer (the “Exchange Offer”) to exchange its 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 issued on March 19, 2003 (the “Original Notes”) for its 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2008 which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Exchange Notes”).  The terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer as currently contemplated are set forth in a prospectus, dated               , 2003 (the “Prospectus”), to be distributed to all record holders of the Original Notes.  The Original Notes and the Exchange Notes are collectively referred to herein as the “Notes.”

 

The Company hereby appoints Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association to act as exchange agent (the “Exchange Agent”) in connection with the Exchange Offer.  References hereinafter to “you” shall refer to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association.

 

The Exchange Offer is expected to be commenced by the Company on or about              , 2003.  The Letter of Transmittal accompanying the Prospectus is to be used by the holders of the Original Notes to accept the Exchange Offer and contains instructions with respect to the (i) delivery of certificates for Original Notes tendered in connection therewith and (ii) the book-entry transfer of Notes to the Exchange Agent’s account.

 

The Exchange Offer shall expire at 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on              , 2003 or on such later date or time to which the Company may extend the Exchange Offer (the “Expiration Date”).  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus, the Company expressly reserves the right to extend the Exchange Offer from time to time and may extend the Exchange Offer by giving oral (confirmed in writing) or written notice to you before 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the business day following the previously scheduled Expiration Date.

 

The Company expressly reserves the right to amend or terminate the Exchange Offer, and not to accept for exchange any Original Notes upon the occurrence

 



 

of any of the conditions of the Exchange Offer specified in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer.”  The Company will give oral (confirmed in writing) or written notice of any amendment or termination of the Exchange Offer or nonacceptance of Original Notes to you promptly after any amendment, termination or nonacceptance.

 

In carrying out your duties as Exchange Agent, you are to act in accordance with the following instructions:

 

1.                                       You will perform such duties, and have such obligations, and only such duties and obligations, as are specifically set forth in the section of the Prospectus captioned “The Exchange Offer” or as specifically set forth herein or as may be subsequently agreed to in writing by you and the Company; provided, however, that in no way will your general duty to act in good faith be discharged by the foregoing.

 

2.                                       You will establish an account with respect to the Original Notes at The Depository Trust Company (the “Book-Entry Transfer Facility”) for purposes of the Exchange Offer within two business days after the date of the Prospectus, and any financial institution that is a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility’s systems may make book-entry delivery of the Original Notes by causing the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to transfer such Original Notes into your account in accordance with the Book-Entry Transfer Facility’s procedure for such transfer.  You will maintain, during the Exchange Offer, an address in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, in which tenders of the Original Notes may be made.

 

3.                                       You are to examine each of the Letters of Transmittal and certificates for Original Notes (or confirmation of book-entry transfer into the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility) and any other documents delivered or mailed to you by or for holders of the Original Notes to ascertain whether: (i) the Letters of Transmittal and any such other documents are duly executed and properly completed in accordance with instructions set forth therein and (ii) the Original Notes have otherwise been properly tendered.  In each case where the Letter of Transmittal or any other document has been improperly completed or executed or any of the certificates for Original Notes are not in proper form for transfer or some other irregularity in connection with the acceptance of the Exchange Offer exists, you will endeavor to inform the presenters of the need for fulfillment of all requirements and to take any other action as may be necessary or advisable to cause such irregularity to be corrected.

 

4.                                       With the approval of the President, Executive Vice President, Controller or any Vice President (each, a “Designated Officer”) of the Company, or of counsel to the Company (such approval, if given orally, to be confirmed in writing) or any other party designated by any Designated Officer in writing, you are authorized to waive any irregularities in connection with any tender of Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

 

5.                                       Tenders of Original Notes may be made only as set forth in the Letter of Transmittal and in the section of the Prospectus captioned “The Exchange

 

2



 

Offer—Procedures for Tendering,” and Original Notes shall be considered properly tendered to you only when tendered in accordance with the procedures set forth therein.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph 5, Original Notes which a Designated Officer, or of counsel to the Company, shall approve as having been properly tendered shall be considered to be properly tendered (such approval, if given orally, shall be confirmed in writing).

 

6.                                       You shall advise the Company with respect to any Original Notes received subsequent to the Expiration Date and accept its instructions with respect to disposition of such Original Notes.

 

7.                                       You shall accept tenders:

 

(a)                                  in cases where the Original Notes are registered in two or more names only if signed by all named holders;

 

(b)                                 in cases where the signing person (as indicated on the Letter of Transmittal) is acting in a fiduciary or a representative capacity only when proper evidence of his or her authority to so act is submitted; and

 

(c)                                  from persons other than the registered holder of Original Notes provided that customary transfer requirements, including any applicable transfer taxes, are fulfilled.

 

You shall accept partial tenders of Original Notes where so indicated and as permitted in the Letter of Transmittal and deliver certificates for Original Notes to the transfer agent for split-up and return any untendered Original Notes to the holder (or such other person as may be designated in the Letter of Transmittal) as promptly as practicable after expiration or termination of the Exchange Offer.

 

8.                                       Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the Exchange Offer, the Company will notify you (such notice, if given orally, to be confirmed in writing) of its acceptance, promptly after the Expiration Date, of all Original Notes properly tendered and you, on behalf of the Company, will exchange such Original Notes for Exchange Notes and cause such Original Notes to be cancelled.  Delivery of Exchange Notes will be made on behalf of the Company by you at the rate of $1,000 principal amount of Exchange Notes for each $1,000 principal amount of Original Notes tendered promptly after notice (such notice if given orally, to be confirmed in writing) of acceptance of said Original Notes by the Company; provided, however, that in all cases, Original Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be exchanged only after timely receipt by you of certificates for such Original Notes (or confirmation of book-entry transfer into your account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility), a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) with any required signature guarantees and any other required documents.  You shall issue Exchange Notes only in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof.

 

3



 

9.                                       Subject to the terms and upon the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal, Original Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date.

 

10.                                 The Company shall not be required to exchange any Original Notes tendered if any of the conditions set forth in the Exchange Offer are not met.  Notice of any decision by the Company not to exchange any Original Notes tendered shall be given (and confirmed in writing) by the Company to you.

 

11.                                 If, pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the Company does not accept for exchange all or part of the Original Notes tendered because of an invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” or otherwise, you shall as soon as practicable after the expiration or termination of the Exchange Offer return those certificates for unaccepted Original Notes (or effect appropriate book-entry transfer), together with any related required documents and the Letters of Transmittal relating thereto that are in your possession, to the persons who deposited them.

 

12.                                 All certificates for reissued Original Notes, unaccepted Original Notes or for Exchange Notes shall be forwarded by first-class mail or appropriate book-entry transfer.

 

13.                                 You are not authorized to pay or offer to pay any concessions, commissions or solicitation fees to any broker, dealer, bank or other persons or to engage or utilize any person to solicit tenders.

 

14.                                 As Exchange Agent hereunder you:

 

(a)                                  will be regarded as making no representations and having no responsibilities as to the validity, sufficiency, value or genuineness of any of the certificates or the Original Notes represented thereby deposited with you pursuant to the Exchange Offer, and will not be required to and will make no representation as to the validity, value or genuineness of the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that in no way will your general duty to act in good faith be discharged by the foregoing;

 

(b)                                 shall not be obligated to take any legal action hereunder which might in your reasonable judgment involve any expense or liability, unless you shall have been furnished with reasonable indemnity;

 

(c)                                  may reasonably rely on and shall be protected in acting in reliance upon any certificate, instrument, opinion, notice, letter or other document (whether in its original or facsimile form) or security delivered to you and reasonably believed by you to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper party or parties;

 

(d)                                 may reasonably act upon any tender, statement, request, comment, agreement or other instrument whatsoever not only as to its due execution and validity and effectiveness of its provisions, but also as to the truth and accuracy of any

 

4



 

information contained therein, which you shall in good faith believe to be genuine or to have been signed or represented by a proper person or persons;

 

(e)                                  may rely on and shall be protected in acting upon written or oral instructions from any Designated Officer of the Company;

 

(f)                                    may consult with your counsel with respect to any questions relating to your duties and responsibilities and the advice or opinion of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by you hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel; and

 

(g)                                 shall not advise any person tendering Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer as to the wisdom of making such tender or as to the market value or decline or appreciation in market value of any Original Notes.

 

15.                                 You shall take such action as may from time to time be requested by the Company or its counsel or any Designated Officer (and such other action as you may reasonably deem appropriate) to furnish copies of the Prospectus, Letter of Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (as defined in the Prospectus) or such other forms as may be approved from time to time by the Company, to all persons requesting such documents and to accept and comply with telephone requests for information relating to the Exchange Offer, provided that such information shall relate only to the procedures for accepting (or withdrawing from) the Exchange Offer.  The Company will furnish you with copies of such documents at your request.  All other requests for information relating to the Exchange Offer shall be directed to the Company, Attention:  Ira J. Krakower, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.

 

16.                                 You shall advise by facsimile transmission or telephone, and promptly thereafter confirm in writing to Ira J. Krakower, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company and such other person or persons as the Company may request, daily (and more frequently during the week immediately preceding the Expiration Date and if otherwise requested) up to and including the Expiration Date, as to the number of Original Notes which have been tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer and the items received by you pursuant to this Agreement, separately reporting and giving cumulative totals as to items properly received and items improperly received.  In addition, you will also inform, and cooperate in making available to, the Company or any such other person or persons upon oral request made from time to time prior to the Expiration Date of such other information as it or he or she reasonably requests.  Such cooperation shall include, without limitation, the granting by you to the Company and such person as the Company may request of access to those persons on your staff who are responsible for receiving tenders, in order to ensure that immediately prior to the Expiration Date the Company shall have received information in sufficient detail to enable it to decide whether to extend the Exchange Offer.  You shall prepare a final list of all persons whose tenders were accepted, the aggregate principal amount of Original Notes tendered, the aggregate principal amount of Original Notes accepted and deliver said list to the Company.

 

5



 

17.                                 Letters of Transmittal and Notices of Guaranteed Delivery shall be stamped by you as to the date and the time of receipt thereof and shall be preserved by you for a period of time at least equal to the period of time you preserve other records pertaining to the transfer of securities.  You shall dispose of unused Letters of Transmittal and other surplus materials by returning them to the Company.

 

18.                                 You hereby expressly waive any lien, encumbrance or right of set-off whatsoever that you may have with respect to funds deposited with you for the payment of transfer taxes by reasons of amounts, if any, borrowed by the Company, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates pursuant to any loan or credit agreement with you or for compensation owed to you hereunder.

 

19.                                 For services rendered as Exchange Agent hereunder, you shall be entitled to such compensation as set forth on Schedule I attached hereto.

 

20.                                 You hereby acknowledge receipt of the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal and further acknowledge that you have examined each of them.  Any inconsistency between this Agreement, on the one hand, and the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal (as they may be amended from time to time), on the other hand, shall be resolved in favor of the latter two documents, except with respect to the duties, liabilities and indemnification of you as Exchange Agent, which shall be controlled by this Agreement.

 

21.                                 The Company covenants and agrees to indemnify and hold you harmless in your capacity as Exchange Agent hereunder against any loss, liability, cost or expense, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, arising out of or in connection with any act, omission, delay or refusal made by you in reliance upon any signature, endorsement, assignment, certificate, order, request, notice, instruction or other instrument or document (whether in its original or facsimile form) reasonably believed by you to be valid, genuine and sufficient and in accepting any tender or effecting any transfer of Original Notes reasonably believed by you in good faith to be authorized, and in delaying or refusing in good faith to accept any tenders or effect any transfer of Original Notes; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable for indemnification or otherwise for any loss, liability, cost or expense to the extent arising out of your negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith.  You shall give prompt notice to the Company of any third-party claim that may give rise to any indemnification obligation under this Section 21; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the indemnification obligations hereunder in the absence of actual and material prejudice.  The Company shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense of any such claim or other action, and, if the Company so elects, the Company shall assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such claim.  In the event that the Company shall assume the defense of any such suit or threatened action in respect of which indemnification may be sought hereunder, the Company shall not be liable for the fees and expenses of any additional counsel thereafter retained by you so long as the Company shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to you to defend such suit, and so long as you have not determined, in your reasonable judgment, that a conflict of interest exists between you and the Company.

 

6



 

22.                                 You shall arrange to comply with all requirements under the tax laws of the United States, including those relating to backup withholding and missing Tax Identification Numbers, and shall file any appropriate reports with the Internal Revenue Service.  You shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Company in a timely manner copies of all Internal Revenue Service Forms that you have received from holders of Notes or their agents in your capacity as Exchange Agent or as indenture trustee of the Notes, including copies of Forms W-9 or Substitute Form W-9 and copies of Forms W-8BEN, W-8ECI or other applicable Form W-8.   In the event that in the course of your duties as an Exchange Agent hereunder or as an indenture trustee of the Notes you make any reportable payments to holders of Notes, the Company understands that you are required to deduct the applicable backup withholding amount from any reportable payments made to holders of Notes who have not supplied their correct Taxpayer Identification Number or the required certification or who have not otherwise properly demonstrated  their exemption from backup withholding.  Any such funds deducted by you will be turned over to the Internal Revenue Service in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

23.                                 At the Company’s written direction, you shall deliver or cause to be delivered, in a timely manner to each governmental authority to which any transfer taxes are payable, if any, in respect of the exchange of Original Notes, the Company’s check in the amount of all transfer taxes so payable; provided, however, that you shall reimburse the Company for any amounts refunded to you in respect of the payment of any such transfer taxes, at such time as such refund is received by you.

 

24.                                 This Agreement and your appointment as Exchange Agent hereunder shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed entirely within such state, and without regard to conflicts of law principles, and shall inure to the benefit of, and the obligations created hereby shall be binding upon, the successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto.

 

25.                                 This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

26.                                 In case any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

27.                                 This Agreement shall not be deemed or construed to be modified, amended, rescinded, cancelled or waived, in whole or in part, except by a written instrument signed by a duly authorized representative of the party to be charged.  This Agreement may not be modified orally.

 

28.                                 Unless otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests and other communications to any party hereunder shall be in writing (including facsimile or similar

 

7



 

writing) and shall be given to such party, addressed to it, at its address or telecopy number set forth below:

 

If to the Company:

 

Hexcel Corporation

Two Stamford Plaza

281 Tresser Boulevard

Stamford, Connecticut 06901-3238

 

Facsimile:  (203) 358-3993

Attention:  Ira J. Krakower, Esq.

 

If to the Exchange Agent:

 

Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association

213 Court St., Suite 703

Middletown, CT 06457

 

Facsimile:  (860) 704-6219

Attention: Joseph P. O’Donnell

 

29.                                 Unless terminated earlier by the parties hereto, this Agreement shall terminate 90 days following the Expiration Date.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Paragraphs 19, 21 and 23 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.  Upon any termination of this Agreement, you shall promptly deliver to the Company any certificates for Notes, funds or property then held by you as Exchange Agent under this Agreement.

 

30.                                 This Agreement shall be binding and effective as of the date hereof.

 

8



 

Please acknowledge receipt of this Agreement and confirm the arrangements herein provided by signing and returning the enclosed copy.

 

 

HEXCEL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name: Ira J. Krakower

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accepted as of the date
first above written:

 

 

 

 

 

Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Exchange Agent

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

9



 

SCHEDULE I

 

FEES

 

Exchange Agent Fee: $3,000.

 

Out of Pocket Expenses:  The Fee quoted does not include any out-of-pocket expenses including but not limited to facsimile, stationary, postage, telephone, overnight courier and messenger costs.  These expenses will be billed at cost when incurred.

 

10



EX-99.6 25 a2114440zex-99_6.htm EXHIBIT 99.6
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 99.6

GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

        Guidelines for Determining the Proper Identification Number for the Payee (You) 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: 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the number to give the payer. All "Section" references are to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. "IRS" is the Internal Revenue Service.

For this type of account:

  Give the SOCIAL SECURITY number of—

  For this type of account:

  Give the EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION
number of—


 
1.   Individual   The individual   6.   A valid trust, estate, or pension trust   The legal entity(4)

2.

 

Two or more individual (joint or, account)

 

The actual owner of the account or, if combined funds, the first individual on the account(1)

 

7.

 

Corporate

 

The corporation

3.

 

Custodian account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act)

 

The minor(2)

 

8.

 

Association, club, religious, charitable, educational, or other tax-exempt organization account

 

The organization

4.

 

a.  The usual revocable savings trust account (grantor is also trustee)

 

The grantor trustee(1)

 

9.

 

Partnership

 

The partnership

 

 

b.  So-called trust account that is not a legal or valid trust under state law

 

The actual owner(1)

 

10.

 

A broker or registered nominee

 

The broker or nominee

5.

 

Sole proprietorship

 

The owner(3)

 

11.

 

Account with the Department of Agriculture in the name of a public entity (such as a 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 a social security number, that person's number must be furnished.

(2)
Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's social security number.

(3)
You must show your individual name, but you may also enter your business or "doing business as" name. You may use either your social security number or your employer identification number (if you have one).

(4)
List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the taxpayer identification number of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.)

Note:

    (i)
    If no name is circled when there is more than one name, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed.

    (ii)
    If you are an individual, you must generally provide the name shown on your social security card. However, if you have changed your last name, for instance, due to marriage, without informing the Social Security Administration of the name change, please enter your first name, the last name shown on your social security card, and your new last name.

    (iii)
    For a joint account, only the person whose taxpayer identification number is shown on the Substitute Form W-9 should sign the form.

    (iv)
    If you are a resident alien individual and you do not have, and are not eligible to get, a Social Security number, your taxpayer identification number is your individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) as issued by the Internal Revenue Service. Enter it on the portion of the Form W-9 where the Social Security number would otherwise be entered. If you do not have an ITIN, see Obtaining a Number below.

GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

Obtaining a Number

If you do not have a taxpayer identification number, obtain Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, at your local Social Security Administration office, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number (for business and all other entities), by calling 1 (800) TAX-FORM or from your local office of the Internal Revenue Service, and apply for a number. Resident alien individuals who are not eligible to get a Social Security number and need an ITIN should obtain Form W-7, Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, from the IRS.

Payees Exempt from Backup Withholding

The following is a list of payees generally exempt from backup withholding and for which no information reporting generally is required:

    An organization exempted from tax under section 501(a), or an individual retirement plan or a custodial account under Section 403(b)(2),if the account satisfies the requirements of Section 401(f)(2).
    The United States or a state thereof, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or a political subdivision or wholly-owned agency or instrumentality of any one or more of the foregoing.
    An international organization or any agency or instrumentality thereof.
    A foreign government and any political subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof.
    A corporation.
    A financial institution.
    A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a possession of the United States.
    A real estate investment trust.
    A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a).
    An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
    A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian.
    A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
    A foreign central bank of issue.

Payments of dividends and patronage dividends generally exempt from backup withholding include:

    Payments to nonresident aliens subject to withholding under Section 1441.
    Payments to partnerships not engaged in a trade or business in the United States and that have at least one nonresident alien partner.
    Payments of patronage dividends not paid in money.
    Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
    Section 404(k) payments made by an ESOP.


    Payments of interest generally exempt from backup withholding include:
    Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals. Note: You may be subject to backup withholding if this interest is $600 or more 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 nonresident aliens.
    Payments on tax-free covenant bonds under section 1451.
    Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
    Mortgage interest paid to you.

Certain payments, other than payments of interest, dividends, and patronage dividends, that are exempt from information reporting are also exempt from backup withholding. For details, see sections 6041, 6041A, 6042, 6044, 6045, 6049, 6050A and 6050N.

EXEMPT PAYEES DESCRIBED ABOVE MUST FILE FORM W-9 OR A SUBSTITUTE 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 SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9. SIGN AND DATE THE FORM AND RETURN TO THE PAYER.

PRIVACY ACT NOTICE—Section 6109 requires you to provide your correct taxpayer identification number to payers, who must report the payments to the IRS. The IRS uses the number for identification purposes and may also provide this information to various government agencies for tax enforcement or litigation purposes. Payers must be given the numbers whether or not recipients are required to file tax returns. Payers must generally backup withhold on 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) 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 that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500 penalty.

(3) Criminal Penalty for Falsifying Information.—Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TAX CONSULTANT OR THE IRS.




QuickLinks

GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----