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TABLE OF CONTENTS


Exhibit 2.1

EXECUTION VERSION


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

among

AEROFLEX HOLDING CORP.,

COBHAM PLC

and

ARMY ACQUISITION CORP.

Dated as of May 19, 2014



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
  Page  

Article I

 

The Merger; Closing; Effective Time

 

1.1

 

The Merger

   
1
 

1.2

 

Closing

    1  

1.3

 

Effective Time

    1  

Article II

 

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation

 

2.1

 

The Certificate of Incorporation

   
2
 

2.2

 

The Bylaws

    2  

Article III

 

Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation

 

3.1

 

Directors

   
2
 

3.2

 

Officers

    2  

Article IV

 

Effect of the Merger on Capital Stock; Exchange of Certificates

 

4.1

 

Effect on Capital Stock

   
2
 

4.2

 

Payment

    3  

4.3

 

Restricted Stock Units

    6  

4.4

 

Adjustments to Prevent Dilution

    6  

Article V

 

Representations and Warranties

 

5.1

 

Representations and Warranties of the Company

   
6
 

5.2

 

Representations and Warranties of Parent and Merger Sub

    26  

Article VI

 

Covenants

 

6.1

 

Interim Operations

   
29
 

6.2

 

Acquisition Proposals

    32  

6.3

 

Proxy Statement; Parent Shareholder Circular

    36  

6.4

 

Company Stockholders Meeting

    38  

6.5

 

Parent Shareholders Meeting

    38  

6.6

 

Filings; Other Actions; Notification

    39  

6.7

 

Access and Reports

    42  

6.8

 

Stock Exchange De-listing; Exchange Act Deregistration

    43  

6.9

 

Publicity

    43  

6.10

 

Employee Benefits

    43  

6.11

 

Expenses

    45  

6.12

 

Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance

    45  

6.13

 

Takeover Statutes

    46  

6.14

 

Financing Cooperation

    47  

6.15

 

Rule 16b-3

    48  

6.16

 

Stockholder Litigation

    48  

6.17

 

Director Resignations

    48  

 
   
  Page  

6.18

 

Control of Operations

    48  

6.19

 

Further Assurances

    48  

Article VII

 

Conditions

 

7.1

 

Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger

   
49
 

7.2

 

Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub

    50  

7.3

 

Conditions to Obligation of the Company

    51  

7.4

 

Frustration of Closing Conditions

    51  

Article VIII

 

Termination

 

8.1

 

Termination by Mutual Consent

   
51
 

8.2

 

Termination by Either Parent or the Company

    51  

8.3

 

Termination by the Company

    52  

8.4

 

Termination by Parent

    53  

8.5

 

Effect of Termination and Abandonment

    54  

Article IX

 

Miscellaneous and General

 

9.1

 

Survival

   
56
 

9.2

 

Modification or Amendment

    56  

9.3

 

Waiver of Conditions

    56  

9.4

 

Counterparts; Effectiveness

    56  

9.5

 

Governing Law and Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial; Remedies

    56  

9.6

 

Notices

    58  

9.7

 

Entire Agreement

    59  

9.8

 

No Third Party Beneficiaries

    60  

9.9

 

Obligations of Parent and of the Company

    60  

9.10

 

Transfer Taxes

    60  

9.11

 

Definitions

    60  

9.12

 

Severability

    60  

9.13

 

Interpretation; Construction

    60  

9.14

 

Assignment

    61  

9.15

 

No Recourse

    61  

Annex A

 

Table of Defined Terms

       

Annex B

 

Form of Surviving Corporation Certificate of Incorporation

       

Annex C

 

Form of Support Agreement

       

ii



AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

        THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (hereinafter called this "Agreement"), dated as of May 19, 2014, among Aeroflex Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), Cobham plc, a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Parent"), and Army Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub").


RECITALS

        WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company (the "Company Board") and the respective boards of directors of Parent (the "Parent Board") and Merger Sub have approved the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving corporation in the merger (the "Merger") upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and have approved and declared advisable this Agreement.

        WHEREAS, the Company, Parent and Merger Sub desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements specified herein in connection with this Agreement.

        WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and as a condition and inducement to the willingness of Parent and Merger Sub to enter into this Agreement, Parent and VGG Holding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is entering into a voting and support agreement (the "Support Agreement"), the form of which is attached hereto as Annex A.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and of the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:


ARTICLE I

THE MERGER; CLOSING; EFFECTIVE TIME

        1.1    The Merger.     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company, in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (the "DGCL"), and the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall thereupon cease. The Company shall be the surviving corporation in the Merger (sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Surviving Corporation"), and the separate corporate existence of the Company, with all its rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises, shall continue under the DGCL unaffected by the Merger, except as set forth in Article II. The Merger shall have the effects set forth in this Agreement and in the applicable provisions of the DGCL.


        1.2
    Closing.     Unless otherwise mutually agreed in writing between the Company and Parent, the closing of the Merger (the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, 919 Third Avenue, New York, New York, at 9:00 a.m. (New York time) on the third (3rd) business day (the "Closing Date") following the day on which the last to be satisfied or waived (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) of the conditions set forth in Article VII (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied by actions to be taken at the Closing, but subject to the fulfillment or waiver (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) of those conditions) shall be satisfied or waived in accordance with this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "business day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or a day on which banks are required or authorized by Law or executive order to close in New York, New York or London, England.


        1.3
    Effective Time.     Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, at the Closing, the Company shall cause the Merger to be consummated by causing a certificate of merger (the "Certificate of Merger") to be executed, acknowledged and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with Section 251 of the DGCL, and shall make all other filings, recordings or publications required under the DGCL in connection with the Merger. The Merger shall become effective at the time when the Certificate of Merger has been duly filed with, and accepted for record


by, the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the DGCL, or at such later time or date as the Company and Parent shall agree in writing and specify in the Certificate of Merger in accordance with applicable Law (the effective time of the Merger being hereinafter referred to as the "Effective Time").


ARTICLE II

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION

        2.1    The Certificate of Incorporation.     The certificate of incorporation of the Company shall be amended in the Merger to be identical to that set forth on Annex B attached hereto (the "Charter") and, as so amended, shall be the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended as provided therein and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL (subject to Section 6.12).


        2.2
    The Bylaws.     The by-laws of Merger Sub in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the by-laws of the Surviving Corporation (the "Bylaws"), until thereafter amended as provided therein and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL (subject to Section 6.12).


ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION

        3.1    Directors.     The parties hereto shall take, and cause to be taken, all actions necessary so that the directors of Merger Sub at the Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, be the initial directors of the Surviving Corporation, each to hold office until their respective successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, incapacitation, retirement, resignation or removal in accordance with the Charter and the Bylaws.


        3.2
    Officers.     The officers of the Company at the Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, be the initial officers of the Surviving Corporation, each to hold office until their respective successors shall have been duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, incapacitation, retirement, resignation or removal in accordance with the Charter and the Bylaws.


ARTICLE IV

EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON CAPITAL STOCK;
EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES

        4.1    Effect on Capital Stock.     At the Effective Time, as a result of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Company, Merger Sub, the holder of any capital stock of the Company or the sole stockholder of Merger Sub:

2



        4.2
    Payment.     

3


4


5



        4.3
    Restricted Stock Units.     At the Effective Time, each restricted stock unit granted under the Stock Plan (an "RSU") and each performance restricted stock unit granted under the Stock Plan (a "PRSU"), in each case that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall fully vest and be cancelled and shall only entitle the holder thereof to receive, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time (but in any event no later than three (3) business days after the Effective Time), an amount in cash equal to the product of (x) the total number of Shares subject to such RSU or PRSU, as applicable, immediately prior to the Effective Time and (y) the Per Share Merger Consideration, less applicable Taxes required to be withheld with respect to such payment; provided, that, with respect to the PRSUs, the total number of Shares subject thereto for purposes of this sentence shall be equal to the sum of (i) the accrued and "banked" shares plus (ii) the number of shares subject to the current fiscal year and prospective fiscal years assuming achievement of the applicable performance goals at the one-hundred percent (100%) level. At or prior to the Effective Time, the Company, the Company Board and the compensation committee of the Company Board (or another committee duly authorized by the Company Board for such purpose), as applicable, shall (i) adopt any resolutions as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this Section 4.3 and (ii) if requested by Parent, adopt any resolutions as may be necessary to terminate the Stock Plan, effective as of the Effective Time, and (iii) if determined by Parent in good faith to be necessary to effectuate the treatment set forth herein, use reasonable best efforts to obtain the written consent of each holder of a RSU or PRSU to the treatment set forth herein; provided that the Company shall provide Parent with a reasonable advance opportunity to review any resolutions or other documents in respect of the actions described in this sentence and will implement any reasonable comments that are timely provided by Parent in respect hereof.


        4.4
    Adjustments to Prevent Dilution.     In the event that the Company changes the number of Shares issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time, including as a result of a reclassification, stock split (including a reverse stock split), stock dividend or distribution, recapitalization, merger, issuer tender or exchange offer or other similar transaction, the Per Share Merger Consideration shall be equitably adjusted to reflect such change and as so adjusted shall, from and after the date of such event, be the Per Share Merger Consideration. Nothing in this Section 4.4 shall be construed to permit any party to take any action that is otherwise prohibited or restricted by any other provision of this Agreement.


ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

        5.1    Representations and Warranties of the Company.     Except as set forth in the Company Reports (as defined in Section 5.1(e), but excluding any risk factor disclosures contained under the heading "Risk Factors", any disclosure of risks included or referenced in any "forward-looking statements" disclaimer or any other forward-looking or precautionary statements of risk) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on or after July 1, 2011 and prior to the date of this

6


Agreement or in the corresponding sections or subsections of the disclosure letter delivered to Parent by the Company prior to entering into this Agreement (the "Company Disclosure Schedule") (it being agreed that disclosure of any item in any section or subsection of the Company Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed disclosure with respect to any other section or subsection only to the extent the applicability of such disclosure is reasonably apparent on its face), the Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub that:

7


8


9


10


11


12


13


14


15


16


17


18


19


20


21


22


23


24


25



        5.2
    Representations and Warranties of Parent and Merger Sub.     Parent and Merger Sub each hereby represent and warrant to the Company that:

26


27


28



ARTICLE VI

COVENANTS

        6.1    Interim Operations.     

29


30


31



        6.2
    Acquisition Proposals.     

32


33


34


35



        6.3
    Proxy Statement; Parent Shareholder Circular.     

36


37


        6.4    Company Stockholders Meeting.    Unless this Agreement has been terminated pursuant to Article VIII, the Company will take, in accordance with applicable Law and its certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the rules of the NYSE, all action necessary to duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of holders of Shares (the "Company Stockholders Meeting") as promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of mailing of the Proxy Statement for the purpose of obtaining the Requisite Company Vote, with the record date and meeting date of the Company Stockholders Meeting to be selected after reasonable consultation with Parent; provided, however, for the avoidance of doubt, the Company may postpone or adjourn the Company Stockholders Meeting solely (i) with the written consent of Parent; (ii) due to the absence of a quorum; (iii) to allow reasonable additional time for the filing and mailing of any supplemental or amended disclosure which the Company Board has determined in good faith after consultation with outside counsel and Parent is necessary under applicable Law and for such supplemental or amended disclosure to be disseminated and reviewed by the Company's stockholders prior to the Company Stockholders Meeting; or (iv) if the Company has provided a written notice to Parent and Merger Sub pursuant to Section 6.2(d)(A) or the proviso immediately following Section 6.2(d)(C) hereof and the time period contemplated by Section 6.2(d)(A) or such proviso with respect to such notice has not yet expired. Subject to Section 6.2, the Company Board shall recommend such adoption and shall use its reasonable best efforts to solicit the Requisite Company Vote.


        6.5
    Parent Shareholders Meeting.     Unless this Agreement has been terminated pursuant to Article VIII, Parent will take, in accordance with the U.K. Companies Act 2006 and the Listing Rules and its constitution, all action necessary to give notice of and hold a general meeting of its shareholders (the "Parent Shareholders Meeting") as promptly as reasonably practicable after the date of mailing of the Parent Shareholder Circular for the purpose of obtaining the Requisite Parent Vote, with the record date and meeting date of the Parent Shareholders Meeting to be selected after reasonable consultation with the Company; provided, however, for the avoidance of doubt, Parent may postpone or adjourn the Parent Shareholders Meeting only (i) with the written consent of the Company, (ii) due to the absence of a quorum, (iii) if, in the good faith opinion of the chairman of the Parent Shareholders Meeting or the Parent Board, it would reasonably facilitate the conduct of the business of the Parent

38


Shareholders Meeting, (iv) to protect the safety of any person attending the Parent Shareholder Meeting or ensure that its business is conducted in an orderly manner, (v) if directed to do so by the Parent Shareholders Meeting, or (vi) to allow a reasonable additional time for the filing and mailing of any supplemental or amended disclosure which the Parent Board has determined in good faith after consultation with outside legal counsel and the Company is necessary under applicable Law and for such supplemental or amended disclosure to be disseminated and reviewed by Parent's shareholders prior to the Parent Shareholders Meeting. Subject to Section 6.3(g), the Parent Board shall make the Parent Recommendation at the Parent Shareholders Meeting and shall use its reasonable best efforts to solicit the Requisite Parent Vote.


        6.6
    Filings; Other Actions; Notification.     

39


40


41



        6.7
    Access and Reports.     

42



        6.8
    Stock Exchange De-listing; Exchange Act Deregistration.     Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall cooperate with Parent and use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under applicable Laws and rules and policies of the NYSE and SEC to enable the de-listing by the Surviving Corporation of the Common Stock from the NYSE and the deregistration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time.


        6.9
    Publicity.     The Company and Parent each shall consult with each other prior to issuing any press releases or otherwise making public announcements (unless and until a Company Change of Recommendation or a Parent Change of Recommendation has occurred or in connection with Section 6.2(d)) with respect to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and prior to making any filings with any third party and/or any Governmental Entity (including any national securities exchange) with respect thereto, and, to the extent practicable, none of the parties or their Affiliates shall issue any such press release or make any such public announcement or such filing prior to obtaining the other party's written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), except that no such consent shall be required to the extent prohibited by applicable Law or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with or rules of any national securities exchange or by the written request of any Governmental Entity.


        6.10
    Employee Benefits.     

43


44



        6.11
    Expenses.     Except as otherwise provided in Section 8.5, whether or not the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement, the Support Agreement and the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Support Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such expense, except (a) Parent's reimbursement obligations pursuant to Section 6.14 and (b) Parent's indemnification obligations pursuant to Sections 6.14. Any amounts that may be owed by Parent for reimbursement pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) of the preceding sentence shall be payable in one lump-sum following final calculation and documentation (in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Parent) of the total amount of such fees and expenses incurred.


        6.12
    Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance.     

45



        6.13
    Takeover Statutes.     If any Takeover Statute is or may become applicable to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Support Agreement, the Company and the Company Board shall grant such approvals and take such actions as are necessary so that such transactions may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated by this Agreement and the Support Agreement and otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of such statute or regulation on such transactions.

46



        6.14
    Financing Cooperation.     Prior to the Closing, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, use commercially reasonable efforts to provide to Parent and Merger Sub, at Parent's sole expense, all cooperation reasonably requested by Parent in connection with obtaining financing in connection with the Merger (so long as such cooperation does not unreasonably interfere with the ongoing operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries), including

47



        6.15
    Rule 16b-3.     Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall take such steps as may be reasonably requested by any party hereto to cause dispositions of Company equity securities (including derivative securities) pursuant to the transactions contemplated hereby by each individual who is a director or officer of the Company to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.


        6.16
    Stockholder Litigation.     The Company shall give Parent the opportunity to participate in the defense or settlement of any stockholder litigation against the Company and/or its directors arising after the date hereof as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Support Agreement, and unless such settlement is solely for monetary damages entirely paid for with proceeds of insurance (other than the deductible under insurance policy(ies) in effect as of the date hereof), no such settlement shall be agreed to without Parent's prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, it being understood that, in determining whether to consent, Parent is required only to consider its own interests relating to such settlement).


        6.17
    Director Resignations.     Prior to the Closing, the Company shall deliver to Parent written resignations executed by each director of the Company in office immediately prior to the Effective Time, which resignations shall be effective at the Effective Time and which resignations shall not have been revoked.


        6.18
    Control of Operations.     Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Parent or Merger Sub, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the Company's operations prior to the Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over its operations.


        6.19
    Further Assurances.     At and after the Effective Time, the officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the Company or Merger Sub, any deeds, bills of sale, assignments or assurances and to take and do, in the name and on behalf of the Company or Merger Sub, any other actions and things to vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving Corporation any and all right, title and interest in, to and under any of the rights, properties or assets of the Company acquired or to be acquired by the Surviving Corporation as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger.

48



ARTICLE VII

CONDITIONS

        7.1    Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger.     The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (in writing by Parent and the Company) at or prior to the Effective Time of each of the following conditions:

49



        7.2
    Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub.     The obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are also subject to the satisfaction or waiver (in writing by Parent) at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

50



        7.3
    Conditions to Obligation of the Company.     The obligations of the Company to effect the Merger are also subject to the satisfaction or waiver (in writing by the Company) at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:


        7.4
    Frustration of Closing Conditions.     None of the Company, Parent or Merger Sub may rely on the failure of any condition set forth in Section 7.1, 7.2 or 7.3, as the case may be, to be satisfied if such failure was caused by such party's material breach of any provision of this Agreement or breach of the requirement to use efforts, including as required by and subject to Sections 6.6.


ARTICLE VIII

TERMINATION

        8.1    Termination by Mutual Consent.     This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after the time the Requisite Company Vote is obtained, by mutual written consent of the Company and Parent by action of their respective boards of directors.


        8.2
    Termination by Either Parent or the Company.     This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after the time the Requisite Company Vote is obtained, by action of either the Parent board of directors or the Company Board if:

51



        8.3
    Termination by the Company.     This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned by the Company by action of the Company Board:

52



        8.4
    Termination by Parent.     This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by action of the board of directors of Parent:


        8.5
    Effect of Termination and Abandonment.     

53


54


55



ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

        9.1    Survival.     This Article IX and the agreements of the Company, Parent and Merger Sub contained in Article IV and Sections 6.11 (Expenses) and 6.12 (Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance) and the indemnification obligations of Parent pursuant to Section 6.14 (Financing) shall survive the consummation of the Merger. This Article IX and the agreements of the Company, Parent and Merger Sub contained in Section 6.11 (Expenses), the indemnification and reimbursement provisions of Section 6.14 (Financing) and Section 8.5 (Effect of Termination and Abandonment) and the Confidentiality Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement (in the case of the Confidentiality Agreement, subject to the terms thereof). All other representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement shall not survive the consummation of the Merger or the termination of this Agreement.


        9.2
    Modification or Amendment.     Subject to the provisions of the applicable Laws, at any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties hereto may modify or amend this Agreement, by written agreement executed and delivered by duly authorized officers of the respective parties, whether before or after Parent shareholder approval or Company stockholder approval hereof; provided, however, after Parent shareholder approval or Company stockholder approval hereof, no amendment shall be made which by Law requires the further approval of such shareholders or stockholders, as applicable, without such further approval.


        9.3
    Waiver of Conditions.     The conditions to each of the parties' obligations to consummate the Merger are for the sole benefit of such party and may be waived by such party in whole or in part to the extent permitted by applicable Laws.


        9.4
    Counterparts; Effectiveness.     This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (including by facsimile, by electronic mail in "portable document format" (.pdf) form, or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document), each such counterpart being deemed to be an original instrument, and all such counterparts shall together constitute the same agreement. This Agreement shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered (by telecopy, facsimile, electronic mail, .pdf or otherwise as authorized by the prior sentence) to the other parties.


        9.5
    Governing Law and Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial; Remedies.     

56


57



        9.6
    Notices.     Any notice, request, instruction, service of process or other document to be given hereunder by any party to the others shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by registered

58


or certified mail, first-class postage prepaid (with return receipt requested), by facsimile, by reliable overnight courier or by electronic mail (including by .pdf format attachment):

If to Parent or Merger Sub:

 

Cobham plc
Brook Road
Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 2BJ, UK

  Attention:   Company Secretary

  Facsimile:   +44 (0) 1202 840523

  Email:   Lyn.colloff@cobham.com

with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
4 Times Square
New York, New York 10036

  Attention:   Peter Allan Atkins, Esq.
Eric L. Cochran, Esq.

  Facsimile:   (212) 735-2000

  Email:   Peter.Atkins@Skadden.com
Eric.Cochran@Skadden.com

If to the Company:

 

Aeroflex Holding Corp.
35 South Service Road
Plainview, New York 11803

  Attention:   Edward S. Wactlar, Senior Vice President and General Counsel

  Facsimile:   (516) 694-0658

  Email:   edward.wactlar@aeroflex.com

with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

 

Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022

  Attention:   John M. Pollack

  Facsimile:   (212) 593-5955

  Email:   John.Pollack@srz.com

or to such other persons or addresses as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice as provided above. Any notice, request, instruction or other document given as provided above shall be deemed given to the receiving party upon actual receipt, if delivered personally; three (3) business days after deposit in the mail, if sent by registered or certified mail; upon confirmation of successful transmission if sent by facsimile or electronic mail (provided that, if given by facsimile or electronic mail, such notice, request, instruction or other document shall be followed up within one (1) business day by dispatch pursuant to one of the other methods described herein); or on the next business day after deposit with an overnight courier, if sent by an overnight courier.


        9.7
    Entire Agreement.     This Agreement (including any exhibits hereto), the Company Disclosure Schedule and the letter agreement, dated February 4, 2014, as amended to date, between Parent and the Company (the "Confidentiality Agreement"), constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all other prior agreements, understandings, representations and warranties both written and oral, among the parties, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

59



        9.8
    No Third Party Beneficiaries.     This Agreement is not intended to, and shall not, confer upon any other Person any rights or remedies hereunder, except (a) as set forth in or contemplated by the terms and provisions of Section 6.12, and (b) from and after the Effective Time, the rights of Record Holders to receive the Per Share Merger Consideration set forth in Article IV. Except as provided above in this Section 9.8 or as set forth in or contemplated by the terms and provisions of Section 6.12, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company hereby agree that their respective representations, warranties and covenants set forth herein are solely for the benefit of the other party hereto, in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement, and this Agreement is not intended to, and does not, confer upon any Person (including any Person claiming any rights arising from or through the parties hereto) other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder, including the right to rely upon the representations and warranties and covenants set forth herein. The parties hereto further agree that the rights of third party beneficiaries under clause (b) of this Section 9.8 and Section 6.12 shall not arise unless and until the Effective Time occurs. The representations and warranties in this Agreement are the product of negotiations among the parties hereto and are for the sole benefit of the parties hereto. In some instances, the representations and warranties in this Agreement may represent an allocation among the parties hereto of risks associated with particular matters regardless of the knowledge of any of the parties hereto. Consequently, Persons other than the parties hereto may not rely upon the representations and warranties in this Agreement as characterizations of actual facts or circumstances as of the date of this Agreement or as of any other date.


        9.9
    Obligations of Parent and of the Company.     Whenever this Agreement requires a Subsidiary of Parent to take any action, such requirement shall be deemed to include an undertaking on the part of Parent to cause such Subsidiary to take such action. Whenever this Agreement requires a Subsidiary of the Company to take any action, such requirement shall be deemed to include an undertaking on the part of the Company to cause such Subsidiary to take such action and, after the Effective Time, on the part of the Surviving Corporation to cause such Subsidiary to take such action.


        9.10
    Transfer Taxes.     All transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration and other such similar Taxes and fees (including penalties and interest) incurred in connection with the Merger shall be paid by Parent and Merger Sub when due.


        9.11
    Definitions.     For convenience of reference only, each of the terms set forth in Annex C is defined in the Section of this Agreement set forth opposite such term.


        9.12
    Severability.     The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any Person or any circumstance, is invalid or unenforceable, (a) a suitable and equitable provision shall be substituted therefor in order to carry out, so far as may be valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid or unenforceable provision and (b) the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, nor shall such invalidity or unenforceability affect the validity or enforceability of such provision, or the application thereof, in any other jurisdiction.


        9.13
    Interpretation; Construction.     

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        9.14
    Assignment.     Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of Law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other parties, except that Merger Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, any of or all of its rights, interest and obligations under this Agreement to Parent or to any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent and Parent and Merger Sub may so assign to any parties providing debt financing to the Surviving Corporation for purposes of creating a security interest herein or otherwise assigning as collateral in respect of such debt financing, but no such assignment shall relieve the assigning party of its obligations hereunder. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Parent shall cause Merger Sub, and any assignee thereof, to perform its obligations under this Agreement and shall be responsible for any failure of Merger Sub or such assignee to comply with any representation, warranty, covenant or other provision required to be performed on or prior to the Closing, under this Agreement. Any purported assignment in violation of this Agreement is void.


        9.15
    No Recourse.     This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claims or causes of action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement may only be made against the entities that are expressly identified as parties hereto (including any third party beneficiaries hereto) and none of (a) Parent's or any of its Affiliates' stockholders, members, managers, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, financing sources or assignees of any of the foregoing (collectively, the "Parent Related Parties") or (b) the Company's or any of its Affiliates' stockholders, members, managers, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, financing sources or assignees of any of the foregoing (collectively, the "Company Related Parties"), in each case, shall have any liability for any obligations or liabilities of the other parties to this Agreement or for any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) based on, in respect of, or by reason of, the transactions contemplated hereby or in respect of any oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith, except in each case as pursuant to the Support Agreement. Without limiting the rights of the parties hereunder against the other parties to the Agreement, in no event shall (i) the Company or any of its Affiliates, and the Company agrees not to and to cause its Affiliates not to, seek to enforce this Agreement against, make any claims for breach of this Agreement against, or seek to recover monetary damages from, any Parent Related Party, or (ii) Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates, and Parent and Merger Sub agree not to and to cause their respective Affiliates not to, seek to enforce this Agreement against, make any claims for breach of this Agreement against, or seek to recover monetary damages from, any Company Related Party, except pursuant to the Support Agreement.

[Signature page follows]

61


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the parties hereto as of the date first written above.

    AEROFLEX HOLDING CORP.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ LEONARD BOROW

        Name:   Leonard Borow
        Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

COBHAM PLC

 

 

By:

 

/s/ BOB MURPHY

        Name:   Bob Murphy
        Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

 

ARMY ACQUISITION CORP.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ SIMON NICHOLLS

        Name:   Simon Nicholls
        Title:   President


Annex A

DEFINED TERMS

2014 Bonus   6.10(f)
Acquisition Proposal   8.5(b)(i), 6.2(c)
Affiliate   5.1(a)(ii)
Agreement   Preamble
Alternative Acquisition Agreement   6.2(d)(iii)
Anti-Bribery Acts   5.1(j)(i)
Antitrust Law   6.6(a)
Applicable Date   5.1(e)(i)
Bankruptcy and Equity Exception   5.1(c)(i)
Benefit Plans   5.1(h)(i)
Bid   5.1(t)
Bonus Administrator   6.10(f)
business day   1.2
Bylaws   2.2
Certificate   4.1(a)
Certificate of Merger   1.3
CFIUS   6.6(a)
Charter   2.1
Chosen Courts   9.5(a)
Closing   1.2
Closing Date   1.2
Code   4.2(g)
Collective Bargaining Agreement   5.1(i)
Common Stock   4.1(a)
Company   Preamble
Company Adverse Recommendation Change   6.2(d)(ii)
Company Board   Recitals
Company Change of Recommendation   6.2(d)(v)
Company Disclosure Schedule   5.1
Company Group   5.1(h)(i)
Company Material Adverse Effect   5.1(a)(ii)
Company Recommendation   5.1(c)(ii)
Company Related Parties   9.15
Company Reports   5.1(e)(i)
Company Stockholders Meeting   6.4
Company Termination Fee   8.5(b)(iv)
Completion of CFIUS Process   7.1(c)(iii)
Confidentiality Agreement   9.7
Contract   5.1(d)(i)
control   5.1(a)(ii)
Copyrights   5.1(n)(ii)
D&O Insurance   6.12(c)
DGCL   1.1
Dissenting Shares   4.2(f)
Dissenting Stockholders   4.2(f)
DSS   6.6(a)
DTC   4.2(b)(iii)

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DTC Payment   4.2(b)(iii)
Effective Time   1.3
Employees   5.1(h)(i)
Environmental Law   5.1(l)(vi)
Environmental Permits   5.1(l)(ii)
ERISA   5.1(h)(i)
Exchange Act   5.1(d)(ii)
Exchange Fund   4.2(a)
Excluded Share   4.1(a)
Excluded Shares   4.1(a)
Existing Credit Facility   6.14(j)
FCA   5.2(c)(ii)
FCPA   5.1(j)(i)
Fiscal 2015 Bonus Plans   6.10(e)
Foreign Antitrust Laws   5.1(d)(ii)
GAAP   5.1(e)(v)
Government Contract   5.1(t)
Governmental Entity   5.1(d)(ii)
Hazardous Substance   5.1(l)(vi)
HSR Act   5.1(d)(ii)
Indebtedness   5.1(s)(i)
Indemnified Parties   6.12(a)
Insurance Policies   5.1(o)
Intellectual Property   5.1(n)(ii)
IRS   5.1(h)(ii)
Joint Notice   6.6(e)(i)
Knowledge   5.1(g)(iii)
Laws   5.1(j)(i)
Lease   5.1(q)(ii)
Leases   5.1(q)(ii)
Licenses   5.1(j)(i)
Lien   5.1(b)(i)
Listing Rules   6.3(b)
Material Contract   5.1(s)(i)
Merger   Recitals
Merger Sub   Preamble
NISPOM   5.1(j)(i)
Non-U.S. Benefit Plan   5.1(h)(i)
North America SSA   6.6(e)(i)
NYSE   5.1(d)(ii)
OFAC   5.1(j)(iii)
Order   7.1(d)
Other Service Providers   5.1(h)(i)
Owned Real Property   5.1(q)(i)
Parent   Preamble
Parent Board   Recitals
Parent Change of Recommendation   6.3(g)
Parent Change of Recommendation Termination Fee   8.5(c)
Parent Expenses   8.5(f)
Parent Recommendation   5.2(b)(ii)
Parent Related Parties   9.15

2


Parent Shareholder Circular   5.2(c)(ii)
Parent Shareholders Meeting   6.5
Parent Termination Fees   8.5(c)
Parent Vote Termination Fee   8.5(c)
Patents   5.1(n)(ii)
Paying Agent   4.2(a)
Per Share Merger Consideration   4.1(a)
Permitted Liens   5.1(q)(iv)
Person   4.2(d)
Preferred Stock   5.1(b)(i)
Proscribed Information Arrangements   5.1(u)
Proxy Statement   6.3(a)
PRSU   4.3
Qualifying Proposal   8.5(b)(i)
Record Holder   4.1(b)
Registered Intellectual Property   5.1(n)(i)
Representatives   6.2(a)
Requisite Company Vote   5.1(c)(i)
Requisite Merger Sub Vote   5.2(b)(i)
Requisite Parent Vote   5.2(b)(i)
RSU   4.3
Sarbanes-Oxley Act   5.1(e)(i)
SDNs   5.1(j)(iv)
SEC   5.1
Securities Act   5.1(b)(i)
Share   4.1(a)
Shares   4.1(a)
Stock Plan   5.1(b)(i)
Subsidiary   5.1(a)(ii)
Superior Proposal   6.2(c)
Surviving Corporation   1.1
Takeover Statutes   5.1(k)(i)
Tax   5.1(m)(viii)
Tax Authority   5.1(m)(viii)
Tax Law   5.1(m)(viii)
Tax Return   5.1(m)(viii)
Taxes   5.1(m)(viii)
Termination Date   8.2(a)
Trade Secrets   5.1(n)(ii)
Trademarks   5.1(n)(ii)
U.S. Benefit Plans   5.1(h)(ii)
Support Agreement   1

3



Annex B

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
AEROFLEX HOLDING CORP.

        FIRST:    The name of the Corporation is Aeroflex Holding Corp. (the "Corporation").

        SECOND:    The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19808. The name of its registered agent at that address is The 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 "DGCL").

        FOURTH:    The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is One Hundred (100) shares of Common Stock, each having a par value of one cent ($0.01).

        FIFTH:    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:

        SIXTH:    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 DGCL) 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.

        SEVENTH:    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.

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Annex C

SUPPORT AGREEMENT

        This SUPPORT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of May 19, 2014, by and among Cobham plc, a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Parent"), Army Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), VGG Holding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Stockholder"), and each of the Persons listed on Annex I hereto (such Persons listed on Annex I hereto, collectively, the "Significant Holders"). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date of this Agreement (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among Parent, Merger Sub and Aeroflex Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").


RECITALS

        WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, Stockholder is the record and beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of 65,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the "Shares") (all such Shares which are outstanding as of the date hereof and which may hereafter be acquired pursuant to acquisition by purchase, transfer, assignment, stock dividend, distribution, stock split, split-up, combination, merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, combination or similar transaction, being referred to herein as the "Subject Shares"), which shares represent approximately 76.28% of the outstanding voting power in the Company;

        WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Significant Holders collectively own equity interests in Stockholder representing 83.5% of the outstanding ownership interests in Stockholder;

        WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company are entering into the Merger Agreement, a copy of which has been made available to Stockholder and the Significant Holders, which provides for, among other things, the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company (the "Merger"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein; and

        WHEREAS, as a condition to Parent's and Merger Sub's willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, Parent and Merger Sub have required that Stockholder and the Significant Holders, and in order to induce Parent and Merger Sub to enter into the Merger Agreement, Stockholder and the Significant Holders have agreed to, enter into this Agreement.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth below and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:


ARTICLE I

AGREEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER AND SIGNIFICANT HOLDERS

        1.1    Voting of Subject Shares.     Stockholder irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that Stockholder shall, and the Significant Holders shall cause Stockholder to, (x) not call, or cause the Company to call, any special meeting of the holders of Shares (or any adjournment thereof) and (y) at any meeting (whether annual or special and whether or not an adjourned or postponed meeting) or any action by written consent without a meeting of the holders of Shares, however called (each, a "Company Stockholders Meeting"):



        1.2
    No Inconsistent Agreements.     Stockholder and the Significant Holders hereby covenant and agree as follows: Stockholder has not, except for this Agreement, the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2013, between Stockholder and Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch (as successor in interest to Credit Suisse AG, New York Branch (the "Lender") (as in effect as of the date hereof, the "Loan Agreement"), the Amended and Restated Security and Pledge Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2013, between Stockholder and the Lender (as in effect as of the date hereof, the "Security and Pledge Agreement"), and except as may be explicitly permitted by Section 1.8(b) of this Agreement, (a) entered into, and shall not, and the Significant Holders shall cause Stockholder not to, enter into any voting agreement or voting trust with respect to the Subject Shares with respect to any of the matters described in Section 1.1(b) (the "Section 1.1(b) Matters"), (b) granted, and shall not, and the Significant Holders shall cause Stockholder not to, grant, a proxy, consent or power of attorney with respect to the Subject Shares with respect to any of the Section 1.1(b) Matters, or (c) taken, and shall not, and the Significant Holders shall cause Stockholder not to, take any action that would make any representation or warranty of Stockholder contained herein untrue or incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling Stockholder from performing any of its obligations under this Agreement.


        1.3
    No Proxies for, Transfer of or Encumbrances on Subject Shares.     

2



        1.4
    Stock Dividends, etc.     In the event of a stock split, stock dividend or distribution, or any change in the Shares by reason of any split-up, reverse stock split, recapitalization, combination, reclassification, reincorporation, exchange of shares or the like, the term "Subject Shares" shall be deemed to refer to and include such shares as well as all such stock dividends and distributions and any securities into which or for which any or all of such shares may be changed or exchanged or which are received in such transaction.


        1.5
    Disclosure of Information.     The Significant Holders and Stockholder hereby (a) consent to and authorize the publication and disclosure by Parent or the Company of such Person's identity and record or beneficial ownership of Subject Shares, the nature of Stockholder's and the Significant Holders' commitments, arrangements and understandings under this Agreement and any other information, in each case, to the extent it is required to be disclosed by applicable Law in any press release, proxy statement, information statement, shareholder circular or any other disclosure document in connection with the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; and (b) agree promptly to provide Parent and the Company with any information that in the reasonable determination of Parent or the Company is required for inclusion in any such disclosure documents (provided that the foregoing shall not require Stockholder or any Significant Holder, as applicable, to disclose (i) any information, that in its reasonable judgment, would result in the disclosure of any trade secrets of third parties or violate any of its confidentiality obligations owed to third parties; or (ii) any information that would, in its reasonable judgment, waive the protection of attorney-client privilege if Stockholder or such Significant Holder, as applicable, shall have used reasonable best efforts to disclose such information in a way that would not waive such privilege. Parent hereby (x) consents to and authorizes the publication and disclosure by Stockholder, any Significant Holder or the Company of Parent's identity, the nature of Parent's commitments, arrangements and understandings under this Agreement and any other information, in each case, solely to the extent it is required to be disclosed

3


by applicable Law in any press release, proxy statement, information statement, shareholder circular or any other disclosure document in connection with the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (y) agrees promptly to provide Stockholder, any Significant Holder and the Company with any information that in the reasonable determination of such Person is required for inclusion in any such disclosure documents (provided that the foregoing shall not require Parent or Merger Sub to disclose (i) any information, that in the reasonable judgment of Parent, would result in the disclosure of any trade secrets of third parties or violate any of its confidentiality obligations owed to third parties; or (ii) any information that would, in the reasonable judgment of Parent, waive the protection of attorney-client privilege if Parent shall have used reasonable best efforts to disclose such information in a way that would not waive such privilege. Parent agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly notify Stockholder, the Significant Holders and the Company, and Stockholder and each Significant Holder agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly notify Parent and the Company, in writing of any required corrections with respect to any information supplied by such Person specifically for use in any such disclosure document, if and to the extent that any such information shall have become false or misleading in any material respect. Unless and until a Company Change of Recommendation or Parent Change of Recommendation has occurred (in each case, pursuant to the Merger Agreement) or in connection with Section 6.2(d) of the Merger Agreement, Stockholder and the Significant Holders, on the one hand, and Parent and Merger Sub, on the other hand, shall consult with each other prior to making any public announcements with respect to this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, and the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and, to the extent practicable, shall not make any such public announcement prior to obtaining the non-disclosing party's prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), except that no such consent shall be required to the extent prohibited by applicable Law.


        1.6
    Irrevocable Proxy.     Stockholder hereby revokes (or agrees to cause to be revoked), and the Significant Holders shall cause Stockholder to revoke (or agree to revoke, as applicable), any proxies in respect of the Subject Shares given by Stockholder prior to the date hereof. Stockholder hereby irrevocably appoints, and the Significant Holders shall cause Stockholder to irrevocably appoint, Parent, and any individual designated in writing by Parent, and each of them individually, as attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution) and proxy for and on behalf of Stockholder, for and in the name, place and stead of Stockholder, to: (a) attend any and all Company Stockholders Meetings; and (b) vote or issue instructions to the record holder to vote such Subject Shares in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.1 in connection with any such Company Stockholder Meeting; provided, however, that (i) Stockholder's grant of the proxy contemplated hereby shall be effective if, and only if, Stockholder has not delivered to the Secretary of the Company at least ten (10) business days prior to such meeting a duly executed proxy card, previously approved by Parent, voting the Subject Shares in the manner specified in Section 1.1 or in the event such proxy card has been thereafter modified or revoked or otherwise fails to provide evidence of Stockholder's compliance with its obligations under Section 1.1 in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Parent; and (ii) Stockholder and the Significant Holders hereby affirm that (A) the irrevocable proxy set forth in this Section 1.6, if it becomes effective pursuant to clause (i), is given in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, and that such irrevocable proxy is given to secure the performance of the duties of Stockholder under this Agreement; and (B) this irrevocable proxy is coupled with an interest; (C) such irrevocable proxy, if it becomes effective pursuant to clause (i), is executed and intended to be irrevocable in accordance with the provisions of Section 212(e) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware; and (D) the proxy set forth in this Section 1.6 is given in connection with and granted in consideration of and as an inducement to Parent and Merger Sub to enter into the Merger Agreement and that such proxy is given to secure the obligations of the Stockholder under Section 1.1. Parent (or its designee) agrees not to exercise the proxy granted herein for any purpose other than the purposes described in this Agreement. Stockholder authorizes, and the Significant Holders shall cause Stockholder to authorize,

4


such attorney and proxy to substitute any other Person to act hereunder, to revoke any substitution and to file this proxy and any substitution or revocation with the secretary of the Company.


        1.7
    Waiver of Appraisal and Dissenters' Rights; Stockholder Litigation.     Stockholder hereby (i) irrevocably waives and agrees not to, and the Significant Holders agree to cause Stockholder not to, exercise or assert any rights of appraisal or similar rights under Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or other applicable Law in connection with the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and (ii) agrees not to commence or participate in, and agrees to take all actions necessary to opt out of any class in any class action with respect to, any claim, derivative or otherwise, against (A) the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, Affiliates or Representatives, relating to the negotiation, execution or delivery of the Merger Agreement or the consummation of the Merger, including any claim (1) challenging the validity of, or seeking to enjoin the operation of, any provision of the Merger Agreement or (2) alleging a breach of any fiduciary duty of any Person in connection with the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby; or (B) Parent or Merger Sub challenging the validity of, or seeking to enjoin the operation of, any provision of this Agreement.


        1.8
    No Solicitations.     


        1.9
    Notice of Additional Shares and Acquisition Proposals.     Stockholder shall, and the Significant Holders shall cause Stockholder to, promptly (and in any event within thirty-six (36) hours) notify Parent in writing of (a) the number of Shares, if any, as to which Stockholder acquires record or beneficial ownership after the date hereof (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be Subject Shares) and (b) receipt of any Acquisition Proposal (which notice shall include copies of any documents relating to such Acquisition Proposal).


        1.10
    Further Assurances.     Each party agrees to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all further documents and instruments as the other party shall reasonably request and use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all reasonably necessary actions, consistent with applicable Laws and regulations, to perform, in a timely expeditious manner, their respective obligations under this Agreement.


        1.11
    Notices of Certain Events.     Parent shall promptly notify Stockholder and each Significant Holder, and Stockholder and each Significant Holder shall promptly notify Parent, in writing of any development occurring after the date hereof that causes, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, a material breach of any of the representations and warranties or covenants or obligations of such Persons set forth in this Agreement. If an Event of Default (as defined in the Loan Agreement) occurs at any time prior to the receipt of the Requisite Company Vote in accordance with the Merger Agreement, Stockholder agrees, and the Significant Holders shall cause Stockholder, to (1) promptly notify Parent in writing upon receipt of notice from Lender (as defined in the Loan Agreement) of such Event of Default and (2) cure such Event of Default promptly (but in any event before Lender forecloses on any of the Subject Shares).

5



ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF STOCKHOLDER AND THE SIGNIFICANT HOLDERS

        Stockholder and each Significant Holder hereby, severally as to itself only and not jointly, represent and warrant to Parent and Merger Sub as follows:


        2.1
    Organization.     Stockholder and each Significant Holder is a legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions that recognize the concept of good standing) under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization.


        2.2
    Authorization.     Stockholder and each Significant Holder has full power and authority and has taken all action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance by Stockholder and each Significant Holder of this Agreement and the consummation by Stockholder and each Significant Holder of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Stockholder and each Significant Holder.


        2.3
    Due Execution and Delivery; Binding Agreement.     This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Stockholder and each Significant Holder and, assuming the authorization, execution and delivery hereof by Parent, constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Stockholder and each Significant Holder enforceable against Stockholder and each Significant Holder in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles.


        2.4
    No Violation.     


        2.5
    Ownership of Subject Shares.     As of the date hereof, Stockholder is, and at all times during the term of this Agreement will be, the record and beneficial owner of, and has, and at all times during the term of this Agreement will have, good and marketable title to, the Subject Shares with no restrictions on Stockholder's rights of disposition pertaining thereto and free and clear of any Lien and proxy, except for any Liens arising pursuant to the express terms of this Agreement and except for such

6


transfer restrictions of general applicability as may be provided under the Securities Act and the "blue sky" laws of the various states of the United States. Other than as provided in this Agreement, as of the date hereof, Stockholder has, and at all times during the term of this Agreement will have, with respect to the Subject Shares, the sole power, directly or indirectly, to vote, dispose of, exercise and convert, as applicable, such Subject Shares, and to demand or waive any appraisal rights or issue instructions pertaining to such Subject Shares with respect to the matters set forth in this Agreement, in each case with no limitations, qualifications or restrictions on such rights, and, as such, has, and at all times during the term of this Agreement will have, the complete and exclusive power to, directly or indirectly (a) issue (or cause the issuance of) instructions with respect to the matters set forth in Section 1.6 hereof and (b) agree to all matters set forth in this Agreement. Except to the extent of any Subject Shares acquired, directly or indirectly, after the date hereof (which, for clarity, shall become Subject Shares upon that acquisition), the number of Shares owned by Stockholder referenced above are the only Shares owned beneficially or of record by Stockholder as of the date of this Agreement and, the Significant Holders do not, other than as are owned by Stockholder, directly or indirectly, own beneficially or of record any Shares. Other than the Subject Shares held by Stockholder (the number of which is set forth in the recitals to this Agreement), neither Stockholder nor any Significant Holder owns, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, any warrants, calls, options to purchase or rights to subscribe for or otherwise acquire any securities of the Company and has no interest in or voting rights with respect to any securities of the Company. Other than as provided in this Agreement, no Person has any contractual or other right or obligation to purchase or otherwise acquire, and neither Stockholder nor any Significant Holder has any contractual obligation to transfer, any of the Subject Shares.


        2.6
    No Other Proxies.     None of the Subject Shares is subject to any voting trust or other agreement or arrangement with respect to the voting of such Shares, except as provided hereunder. Any and all proxies in respect of the Subject Shares given by such Stockholder prior to the date hereof are revocable.


        2.7
    Absence of Litigation.     As of the date hereof, there are no civil, criminal or administrative actions, suits, claims, hearings, arbitrations, investigations or other proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Stockholder and the Significant Holders, threatened against, or otherwise affecting, Stockholder or any of Stockholder's or the Significant Holders' properties or assets (including the Subject Shares) that would reasonably be expected to impair in any material respect the ability of Stockholder and the Significant Holders to perform Stockholder's and the Significant Holders' obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby on a timely basis.


        2.8
    Opportunity to Review; Reliance.     Stockholder and each of the Significant Holders has had the opportunity to review the Merger Agreement and this Agreement with adequate counsel of such Person's own choosing. Stockholder and each of the Significant Holders understands and acknowledges that Parent and Merger Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon such Person's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement.


        2.9
    Finders' Fees.     Except for the arrangements with Goldman Sachs & Co. and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated disclosed to Parent and Merger Sub pursuant to the Merger Agreement, no broker, finder, financial advisor or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission or expense reimbursement in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by and on behalf of Stockholder or a Significant Holder for which the Company, Parent or Merger Sub has or will have any responsibility.


        2.10
    Loan Agreement and Security and Pledge Agreement.     Stockholder has, prior to the date hereof, made available to Parent complete and correct copies of the Loan Agreement and the Security and Pledge Agreement, and each as so made available is in full force and effect. Stockholder is not in breach or default under the Loan Agreement or the Security and Pledge Agreement, and neither

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Stockholder nor any Significant Holder has taken any action or failed to take any action which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would constitute such a breach or default under the Loan Agreement or the Security and Pledge Agreement.


        2.11
    Reliance by Parent and Merger Sub.     Stockholder and the Significant Holders understand and acknowledge that Parent and Merger Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon Stockholder's and the Significant Holders' execution and delivery of this Agreement and the representations and warranties of Stockholder and the Significant Holders contained herein. Stockholder and the Significant Holders understand and acknowledge that the Merger Agreement governs the terms of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby.


ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB

        Each of Parent and Merger Sub hereby, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to the Stockholder that:


        3.1
    Organization.     Parent and Merger Sub are each a legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions that recognize the concept of good standing) under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization.


        3.2
    Authorization.     Each of Parent and Merger Sub has full power and authority and has taken all action necessary in order to execute, deliver and, insofar as can be taken as of the date hereof, perform its obligations under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance by Parent and Merger Sub of this Agreement and the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Parent and Merger Sub.


        3.3
    Due Execution and Delivery; Binding Agreement.     This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Parent and Merger Sub and, assuming the authorization, execution and delivery hereof by Stockholder and the Significant Holders, constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Parent and Merger Sub enforceable against Parent and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles.


ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

        4.1    Notices.     All notices, requests and other communications to any party hereunder shall be in writing (including facsimile or electronic mail) and shall be given (i) if to Parent or Merger Sub, in accordance with the provisions of the Merger Agreement and (ii) if to Stockholder or the Significant Holders, to Stockholder's and the Significant Holders' address, facsimile number or electronic mail address set forth on a signature page hereto, or to such other address, facsimile number or email address as such party may hereafter specify for such purpose by notice to each other party hereto.


        4.2
    Termination.     This Agreement shall terminate automatically, without any notice or other action by any Person, (a) upon the earlier of (i) termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms and (ii) the Effective Time; (b) by the written agreement of the parties hereto to terminate this Agreement; or (c) at the option of Stockholder or a Significant Holder (but only with respect to Stockholder or such Significant Holder, as applicable), upon written notice by Stockholder or such Significant Holder to Parent from and after the effectiveness of any amendment, waiver or modification to the terms of the Merger Agreement that changes the form of, or decreases the amount of, the Per Share Merger Consideration from what is set forth in the Merger Agreement as in effect as

8


of the date hereof, or that materially delays the timing of payment (from what is set forth in Section 4.2 of the Merger Agreement as in effect as of the date hereof). Upon termination of this Agreement, no party shall have any further obligations or liabilities under this Agreement; provided, however, that (x) nothing set forth in this Section 4.2 shall relieve any party for liability for breach of this Agreement and (y) Section 1.7 the provisions of this Article IV, and any provision hereof related to the enforcement of any surviving rights under this Agreement shall survive any such termination of this Agreement.


        4.3
    Amendments.     Subject to the provisions of applicable Laws, at any time prior to the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, the parties hereto may modify or amend this Agreement, by written agreement executed and delivered by duly authorized officers of the respective parties.


        4.4
    Expenses.     Whether or not the Merger is consummated, and subject to the express terms of this Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring or required to incur such costs or expenses.


        4.5
    Binding Effect; Assignment.     Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of Law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other parties, except that Merger Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, any of or all of its rights, interest and obligations under this Agreement to Parent or to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, but no such assignment shall relieve the assigning party of its obligations hereunder. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Parent shall cause Merger Sub, and the Significant Holders shall cause Stockholder, and any assignee thereof, as applicable, to perform its respective obligations under this Agreement and shall be responsible for any failure of Merger Sub, Stockholder or such applicable assignee, as applicable, to comply with any representation, warranty, covenant or other provision required to be performed under this Agreement. Any purported assignment in violation of this Agreement is void.


        4.6
    GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.     

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        4.7
    Counterparts; Effectiveness.     This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (including by facsimile, by electronic mail in "portable document format" (.pdf) form, or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document), each such counterpart being deemed to be an original instrument, and all such counterparts shall together constitute the same agreement. This Agreement shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered (by telecopy, facsimile, electronic mail, .pdf or otherwise as authorized by the prior sentence) to the other parties.


        4.8
    Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries.     This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement, and supersedes all other prior agreements, understandings, representations and warranties, both written and oral, among the parties, with respect to the subject matter hereof. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any Person other than the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature under or by reason of this Agreement.


        4.9
    Severability.     The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any Person or any circumstance, is invalid or unenforceable, (a) a suitable and equitable provision shall be substituted therefor in order to carry out, so far as may be valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid or unenforceable provision and (b) the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, nor shall such invalidity or unenforceability affect the validity or enforceability of such provision, or the application thereof, in any other jurisdiction.


        4.10
    Specific Performance.     The parties hereto agree that each of Parent and Merger Sub would be irreparably damaged in the event that Stockholder or any Significant Holder fails to perform any of Stockholder's or a Significant Holder's obligations under this Agreement. Accordingly, each of Parent and Merger Sub shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement by Stockholder or a Significant Holder and to specific performance of the terms and provisions hereof in any court of competent jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at Law or in equity.


        4.11
    Several Liability.     The obligations of Stockholder and each Significant Holder under this Agreement shall be several and not joint, and in no event shall a Significant Holder be liable for any breach of this Agreement by any other Significant Holder.


        4.12
    No Ownership Interest.     Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to vest in Parent or Merger Sub any direct or indirect ownership or incidence of ownership of or with respect to any Subject Shares. All rights, ownership and economic benefits of and relating to the Subject Shares shall remain vested in and belong to Stockholder, and Parent and Merger Sub shall have no authority

10


to manage, direct, superintend, restrict, regulate, govern, or administer any of the policies or operations of the Company or exercise any power or authority to direct Stockholder in the voting or disposition of any of the Subject Shares, except as otherwise provided herein. Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted as (a) obligating Stockholder to exercise any warrants, options, conversion of convertible securities or otherwise to acquire Common Stock; or (b) creating or forming a "group" with any other Person, including Parent, for purposes of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) of the Exchange Act or any other similar provision of applicable Law.


        4.13
    No Impairment of Lender Rights.     Each of Parent and Merger Sub agree not to bring any claim, suit, action or any other proceeding seeking to assert that this Agreement impairs or modifies any rights or remedies of the Lender under the Loan Agreement or the Security and Pledge Agreement or otherwise applies to the Lender.


        4.14
    Action by Stockholder Capacity Only.     Each of Parent and Merger Sub acknowledges that Stockholder and the Significant Holders have entered into this Agreement solely in their capacity as the record and/or beneficial owners of the Subject Shares. To the extent that any Stockholder's or any Significant Holder's Affiliate or designee is an officer or director of the Company, nothing herein shall limit or affect any actions taken by any such officer or director in their capacities as such, or require such Affiliate or designee to take any action, in each case, in such Affiliate's or designee's capacity as a director or officer of the Company, including to disclose information acquired solely in such Affiliate's or designee's capacity as a director or officer of the Company, and any actions taken (whatsoever), or failure to take any actions (whatsoever), by such Affiliate or designee in such capacity as a director or officer of the Company shall not be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement.


        4.15
    Interpretation.     Where a reference in this Agreement is made to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. Whenever the words "include," "includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation." The parties have participated jointly in negotiating and drafting this Agreement. In the event that an ambiguity or a question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. The definitions contained in this Agreement (including those incorporated from the Merger Agreement pursuant to the first paragraph of this Agreement) are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such terms.

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Merger Sub, Stockholder and each of the Significant Holders have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.

  COBHAM PLC

 

By:

 

  


      Name:    

      Title:    

  ARMY ACQUISITION CORP.

 

By:

 

  


      Name:    

      Title:    

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


  VGG HOLDING LLC

 

By:

 

  


      Name:    

      Title:    

  VGG Holding LLC
c/o Veritas Capital Fund Management, L.L.C.
590 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022

  Attention:   Ramzi M. Musallam

  Facsimile:   (212) 688-9411

  Email:   rmusallam@veritascapital.com

  THE VERITAS CAPITAL FUND III, L.P.

 

By:

 

  


      Name:    

      Title:    

  The Veritas Capital Fund III, L.P.
c/o Veritas Capital Fund Management, L.L.C.
590 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022

  Attention:   Ramzi M. Musallam

  Facsimile:   (212) 688-9411

  Email:   rmusallam@veritascapital.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


  AX HOLDING LLC

 

By:

 

  


      Name:    

      Title:    

  AX Holding LLC
c/o Veritas Capital Fund Management, L.L.C.
590 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022

  Attention:   Ramzi M. Musallam

  Facsimile:   (212) 688-9411

  Email:   rmusallam@veritascapital.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


  GOLDEN GATE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND II, L.P.

 

By:

 

Golden Gate Capital Management II, LLC, its Authorized Signatory

 

By:

 

  


      Name:    

      Title:    

 

  Golden Gate Capital Investment Fund II, L.P.
c/o Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc.
One Embarcadero Center, 33rd Floor
San Francisco, California 94111

  Attention:   Prescott Ashe
John Knoll

  Facsimile No.:   (415) 627-1338

  E-mail:   pashe@goldengatecap.com
jknoll@goldengatecap.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


  GOLDEN GATE CAPITAL INVESTMENT ANNEX FUND II, L.P.

 

By:

 

Golden Gate Capital Management II, LLC, its Authorized Signatory

 

By:

 

  


      Name:    

      Title:    

 

  Golden Gate Capital Investment Annex Fund II, L.P.
c/o Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc.
One Embarcadero Center, 33rd Floor
San Francisco, California 94111

  Attention:   Prescott Ashe
John Knoll

  Facsimile No.:   (415) 627-1338

  E-mail:   pashe@goldengatecap.com
jknoll@goldengatecap.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


  GOLDEN GATE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND II (AI), L.P

 

By:

 

Golden Gate Capital Management II, LLC, its Authorized Signatory

 

By:

 

  


      Name:    

      Title:    

 

  Golden Gate Capital Investment Fund II (AI), L.P.
c/o Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc.
One Embarcadero Center, 33rd Floor
San Francisco, California 94111

  Attention:   Prescott Ashe
John Knoll

  Facsimile No.:   (415) 627-1338

  E-mail:   pashe@goldengatecap.com
jknoll@goldengatecap.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


  GOLDEN GATE CAPITAL INVESTMENT ANNEX FUND II (AI), L.P.

 

By:

 

Golden Gate Capital Management II, LLC, its Authorized Signatory

 

By:

 

  


      Name:    

      Title:    

 

  Golden Gate Capital Investment Fund II (AI), L.P.
c/o Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc.
One Embarcadero Center, 33rd Floor
San Francisco, California 94111

  Attention:   Prescott Ashe
John Knoll

  Facsimile No.:   (415) 627-1338

  E-mail:   pashe@goldengatecap.com
jknoll@goldengatecap.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


    GOLDEN GATE CAPITAL ASSOCIATES II-QP, LLC

 

 

By:

 

Golden Gate Capital Management II, LLC, its Authorized Signatory

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 
       
 
        Name:    
        Title:    

  Golden Gate Capital Associates II-QP, LLC
c/o Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc.
One Embarcadero Center, 33rd Floor
San Francisco, California 94111

  Attention:   Prescott Ashe
John Knoll

  Facsimile No.:   (415) 627-1338

  E-mail:   pashe@goldengatecap.com
jknoll@goldengatecap.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


    GOLDEN GATE CAPITAL ASSOCIATES II-AI, LLC

 

 

By:

 

Golden Gate Capital Management II, LLC, its Authorized Signatory

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 
       
 
        Name:    
        Title:    

  Golden Gate Capital Associates II-AI, LLC
c/o Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc.
One Embarcadero Center, 33rd Floor
San Francisco, California 94111

  Attention:   Prescott Ashe
John Knoll

  Facsimile No.:   (415) 627-1338

  E-mail:   pashe@goldengatecap.com
jknoll@goldengatecap.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


    CCG AV, LLC—SERIES A

 

 

By:

 

Golden Gate Capital Management, LLC, its Authorized Signatory

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 
       
 
        Name:    
        Title:    

  CCG AV, LLC—Series A
c/o Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc.
One Embarcadero Center, 33rd Floor
San Francisco, California 94111

  Attention:   Prescott Ashe
John Knoll

  Facsimile No.:   (415) 627-1338

  E-mail:   pashe@goldengatecap.com
jknoll@goldengatecap.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


    CCG AV, LLC—SERIES C

 

 

By:

 

Golden Gate Capital Management, LLC, its Authorized Signatory

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 
       
 
        Name:    
        Title:    

  CCG AV, LLC—Series C
c/o Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc.
One Embarcadero Center, 33rd Floor
San Francisco, California 94111

  Attention:   Prescott Ashe
John Knoll

  Facsimile No.:   (415) 627-1338

  E-mail:   pashe@goldengatecap.com
jknoll@goldengatecap.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


  CCG AV, LLC—SERIES I

 

By:

 

Golden Gate Capital Management, LLC, its Authorized Signatory

 

By:

 

  


      Name:    

      Title:    

 

  CCG AV, LLC—Series I
c/o Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc.
One Embarcadero Center, 33rd Floor
San Francisco, California 94111

  Attention:   Prescott Ashe
John Knoll

  Facsimile No.:   (415) 627-1338

  E-mail:   pashe@goldengatecap.com
jknoll@goldengatecap.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


  CCG AV, LLC—SERIES E

 

By:

 

Golden Gate Capital Management, LLC, its Authorized Signatory

 

By:

 

  


      Name:    

      Title:    

 

  CCG AV, LLC—Series E
c/o Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc.
One Embarcadero Center, 33rd Floor
San Francisco, California 94111

  Attention:   Prescott Ashe
John Knoll

  Facsimile No.:   (415) 627-1338

  E-mail:   pashe@goldengatecap.com
jknoll@goldengatecap.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]


    GS DIRECT, L.L.C.

 

 

By:

 

  

        Name:    
        Title:    

 

    GS Direct, L.L.C.
200 West Street
New York, NY 10282
    Attention:   Bradley Gross
    Facsimile No.:   (212) 357-5505
    E-mail:   bradley.gross@gs.com

   

[Support Agreement Signature Page]



Annex I

The Veritas Capital Fund III, L.P.
AX Holding LLC
Golden Gate Capital Investment Fund II, L.P.
Golden Gate Capital Investment Annex Fund II, L.P.
Golden Gate Capital Investment Fund II (AI), L.P.
Golden Gate Capital Investment Annex Fund II (AI), L.P.
Golden Gate Capital Associates II-QP, LLC
Golden Gate Capital Associates II-AI, LLC
CCG AV, LLC-Series A
CCG AV, LLC-Series C
CCG AV, LLC-Series I
CCG AV, LLC-Series E
GS Direct, L.L.C.